The following 16 parents were present: Tim Ryan, Jill Golrick, Hank Slesinski, Paul Viggiano, Greg Bohnsack, Bob Pescatore, Frank Chudy, Mark Carpenter, Rob Miller, Geri Sloat, Alice Card, Cynthia Heher, Rich Alesevich, Frank Katona, Rich Johnson, Mike Abrahamson.

Meeting called to order by Frank Katona at 7:30 pm.

1. Paul Viggiano presented the Treasurers Report- there were no financial transactions since the last report was issued. Dues letter was submitted for approval to the body, and was approved to be mailed. Scouts wishing to apply a portion of their account balance against the dues should see Mr. Chin for the available amounts.

2. Mr. Pescatore presented the Scoutmaster's Report- First campout of the season was at Beaches Park last week, this Friday's meeting is also at Beaches Park. October campout the weekend of October 23-25 is the camporee at Deer Lake. The November campout is scheduled for Old Mine Park for the 13th, 14th, and 15th. The December campout is tentatively scheduled for Webb Mountain.

The status of Camp Pomperaug was discussed- it has been leased to the Connecticut Burn Foundation that is willing to let Scouts use the camp; there must be clarification from the Council as to what the procedure will be to request use of the property.

3. Michael Card presented the Senior Patrol Leader's report- there was a correction noted to a weekly meeting noted on the last schedule- the meeting will be held on October 29th, NOT October 30th. The next PLC will be October 18th at 4:00pm at the Scoutmaster's house. Mr. Card also requested that adult leaders not interrupt presentations made by the scouts, but let them teach the classes.

Mrs. Heher and Mr. Miller made the observation that several of the boys are bored at the Friday meetings, and it would be beneficial to make them more interesting. They offered their services, and mentioned other parents would gladly participate, especially if they knew ahead of time what the scheduled program was. Mr. Abrahamson cautioned that it was important to retain the "boy-lead" character of the meeting. Mr. Pescatore pointed out that we have had adult presentation in the past, such as the Civil War soldier presentation, and we have had woodworking merit badge work, and other merit badge work, done at the Friday meeting. He indicated more parent involvement at the Friday meeting could be beneficial. Mr. Alesevich suggested we recirculate the "Parent Survey" form to see if there are parent willing to donate their time and skills in certain areas.

Michael Card described how the themes and programs for this year's meetings were established at the Annual Planning Meeting held last June, and read off the programs for the next several months' meetings. The next opportunity for a Friday meeting themed for merit badge work was in February. Michael Card indicated that he would draft up a list of the meeting programs and make it available at the next meeting for parents.

4. Other Business:

As a follow-up to the letter sent by the Troop protesting the policy of providing camperships only to Camp Sequassen, a response from Steve Grove was read to the group. The response indicated:

-The policy was approved by the board last May and would not be rescinded

-Only a portion of the Friends of Scouting Funds go to support camperships

-He is willing to visit our group at any time to discuss our intent not to allow a FOS presentation to our Troop

The consensus of the parents present seems to favor self-funding of scholarships for our members in need so that they can attend Camp Yawgoog with the rest of their Troop. The amount needed or how the funding would occur has not been decided. Also not decided: whether we would follow through with the Troop's remarks in our protest letter, and not allow a FOS presentation next Spring.

Mr. Card indicated that the PLC wants to go to West Point this April, and Mr. Pescatore thought we had a contact, and we will follow-up with Geri Sloat.

5. Mr. Bohnsack had two requests: (1) he would like a list of "Star" scouts so he can do a presentation at a future meeting regarding Eagle projects and (2) Father Tom is in charge of the altar boys, and he needs a list of the scouts that are altar boys, and our camping calendar for his scheduling. This was delivered to Fr. Tom as requested by Tim Ryan, Jr.

6. Mr. Alesevich presented a Quartermaster's report- 2 tents are out for repair; there is a new signoff sheet for tent inspection to be posted in the storage room. We need ice packs, and we need 6 mil poly for tent floors- he was instructed to obtain the needed supplies.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.