->>> John <<<-

Hi Everyone -

As John said in his last email, the Museum of Science camp in has
been rescheduled for the night of Feb 26th. I know this might not be
the best night due to the vacation week, but it seems to be the only
night that has space to fit us.

I just talked to the council office, and we have a few choices:

1) For those of you who can make it on Feb 26th , great!
2) If you can't make it on the 26th, but want to attend at a later
date, they are offering April 21st as an alternative night. They
don't have a lot of space for that night, so we can only accommodate
a small group.
3) If you can't make either night, I have a small waiting list of
folks who want to attend who may be able to take your spots.
4) If all of the above fails, there may be a chance to get a refund
of your money. The council office was not sure if this was going to
be possible, and they would really like to get everyone to attend on
one of the alternative nights if possible.

So, I need to hear back from everyone who signed up with your
preference. The choices are:

1) Feb 26th is OK with me.
2) Feb 26th is bad, but I'd still like to attend on April 21st (keep
in mind that there may not be many others from Pack 731 in attendance
on this night).
3) Neither night is good for us. Please try to get me a refund.

I need to hear from these people:

Martino (2 spots)
Tamlyn-Hayden (2 spots)
Ward (3 spots)
Schaefer (3 spots)
Intorcio (2 spots)
Spicer (3 spots)
Gould (2 spots)
Wise (2 spots)
Larsen (2 spots)
Spinelli (2 spots)
Nitzsche (2 spots)
Trulli (3 spots)
Landy (2 spots)
Glenn (2 spots)
Mesmer (2 spots)
Enright (2 spots)
Hill (3 spots)

I also have the following people on the waiting list. Can you please
let me know if Feb 26th will work for you?

McGrath (2 spots)
Spurr (2 spots)
Belmonte (2 spots)

Den leaders, please help out by passing the word to anyone who isn't
on this list. I promised the council office that we would get new
attendance numbers to them in the next few days, so I appreciate your
help!

And lastly, if you missed signing up entirely, but would like to
attend after all, please let me know, and I will put you on the
waiting list.

Thanks,

Gary

The folks at the Museum of Science, concerned about the blizzard, have cancelled the camp-in for tonight. The re-scheduled date is 2/26.  We'll work out what happens if you can't make that date - no details available yet.

But don't go tonight!  Stay home, build a fire, and enjoy the snow! Maybe roast some marshmallows?

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Here's an updated copy of the Derby rules including an up-to-date entry list.

Siblings/parents/friends can still enter and can get a number right up through tech inspection - just let me know if you plan to enter a car and I'll assign a number!

And don't forget - the first workshop is tomorrow (Wednesday) night!!!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

<<Pack 731 Pinewood Derby 2005.doc>>

Hey Cubs!!!!

Its that time of year again!  Time to start planning those summer camp weeks and we KNOW you'll want to include scout camping in your plans! General information about Council camping programs are here: http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/2129_cub_scout_summer_camping_programs.cfm 

We'll have a special guest at our January Pack Meeting, Linn Kulis, who will be giving a brief presentation about summer camp opportunities. Be sure to be there to learn all about the fun to be had! We should have complete sign-up details at that event - but get those calendars marked!

Boys from our pack can attend any of the camping sessions but we designate a few as "Pack Weeks" so that boys can be more confident about seeing other friends from their own Pack. These dates are now indicated on our pack calendar at http://pack731.tripod.com/calendar.htm

Cub Day Camps (see: http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/2131_cub_scout_day_camps.cfm) are suitable for all cubs from Tiger on up. We're promoting two weeks of Cub Day Camp this year: June 27 - July 1 at Hansom Air Force Base and July 11 - July 15 at Camp Nihan in Saugus. We've been at Nihan the last couple of years. This is a traditional day camp program with a lake for swimming and a great campfire area. Last year was the first year at Hanscom and it got enthusiastic reviews too. This year, they've promised to add swimming to the program there.

Cub Resident Camp is a four day/three night program suitable for all age cubs held at Camp Massasoit in Plymouth, MA (see: http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/2132_cub_resident.cfm or http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/31_camp_massasoit.cfm). Cubs sleep in cabin bunks and dine in the mess hall with ample adult supervision. The program includes swimming, boating, fishing, BB and archery ranges, plenty of games and fun, and great campfire programs! We're promoting the July 24 - 27 dates for Pack 731 this year, and your Cubmaster is planning to be in residence this week!

Webelos Resident Camp is a six day/five night program also held at Camp Massasoit (see: http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/2133_webelos_resident_camp.cfm) for cubs continuing in or entering Webelos in the fall (current 3rd and 4th graders). Similar to the Cub Resident camp above, this week adds a couple of nights and steps the program challenge up one notch for the older cubs. We're promoting the August 7 - 12 dates for Pack 731.

Finally, Family Camp weekends (see: http://www.bsaboston.org/pages/2130_family_camping.cfm) are a great chance for parents and kids to spend time together having outdoor fun. We're promoting the July 22-24 and August 5-7 weekends this year. Both are the weekends before the longer residential weeks and make a nice way to ease kids into camp!

If you have questions about any of these camps, bring them to the January Pack Meeting or contact Tony O'Brien or myself. Cub Camping is a blast!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Hey Cubbies!

Sunday, February 6 is Scout Sunday!  Saturday, February 12, is Scout Sabbath!

On February 6, St. Theresa's will celebrate Scout Sunday at the 9:00 AM mass and Union Congregational Church at the 10:00 AM worship service. Cubs are encouraged to attend these services in their uniforms. Guests would be welcome at either church.

There may be celebrations at other locations as well - let us know if you hear of one!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Hey Cubbies!!!!  Here's some derby news!!!!

• First, and maybe most important, the location for the Weigh-In and Tech inspection has been changed. We were not able to book the library for that night so we'll be holding this in the hall at Union Congregational Church. Other details remain the same. It's still mandatory. It's still February 8. It's still 7:00 - 9:00. It's just in a different place.


• Some exciting news - we'll have a brand new track for this year's race!!! No more bumps! Fancy timing!  All the bells and whistles!  We've teamed up with Pack 729 to share the purchase cost of a brand new set up and it's due just in time for our race. There may be a glitch or two as we figure out the new equipment but it should make for some great racing excitement!


• Don't forget the upcoming workshops hosted by Kevin Spicer and Chris Hayden! If you need some tools and help using them to get your pinewood derby car done, this is the place to be!  January 19 and February 2 at Spicer's Garage, 13 Swan pond Road!!!


• I have plenty more car kits available at $3 each for siblings or parents that would like to enter the race. I'll try to have these available at the clinics and at the January pack meeting for anyone who'd like one. You can also buy car kits at the Scout Store.


• Be ready to sign up for the baked goods table!!  As always, we'll have a bake sale table at the derby to provide a little sugar for those low energy cubs. We'll be looking for volunteers to bring cookies, brownies, etc. to supply the table. Stay tuned for more info!

Here's the key date summary:

(Optional) Construction Clinics
5:30-8:30 PM, Spicers’ Garage, 13 Swan Pond Rd.
Wednesday, January 19 – Shaping and Smoothing
Wednesday, February 2 – Finishing and Tuning

(Mandatory) Weigh-In and Tech Inspection
Tuesday, February 8, 7:00-9:00 PM, Union Congregational Church

Race Night
February 11, 7:00 PM
Union Congregational Church

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Just realized I hadn't sent this out… Sorry.

Yes!!! It's Lock Monsters Sunday! The game is SOLD OUT so it promises to be a GREAT event!

We'll meet at the seats for the 4:00 PM game! If you need them, directions are here: http://www.lockmonsters.com/arena/

Cubs should wear uniforms!

There's a free skating session after the game for those who'd like to get out on the ice. Ice skates are available or you can bring your own. (If you bring your own, you need to leave them in the car until after the game - they won't let you bring them to the seats.)

See you at the Tsongas!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Apparently there has been some confusion about the date for the camp
in. For those of you attending, it's scheduled for the evening of Sat
Jan 22nd. Please plan on getting to the science museum around 5:00 -
6:00PM on that evening. We will be sleeping over, and will leave the
museum late in the morning Sunday.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Gary

Hey Cubbies!

January's theme is Spread the News!! So… Here's the news!

Lock monsters - January 9th at 4:00 PM. If you've got tickets, be there!

Pack Meeting - January 21, 7:00 PM. Come help spread the news!

MOS Sleep-In - January 22. You should have all the details if you've signed up!

Cub Olympics - February 6, 12:30 - 3:30 at Shriner's Auditorium. Always a great event (and always over in time for the Super Bowl!) - don't miss it this year!  Get $5 per cub to you den leader before or at the January Pack Meeting!

Pack Calendar - Updated at: http://pack731.tripod.com/calendar.htm

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

      ->>> John <<<-

All,

There is a virus circulating.  The Subject line reads Happy  (two happy
faces "interacting") Hollydays
   - it represents itself as a Christmas card that needs to be opened.  A
Worm then takes over.

It's been on the radio - many of you may have already heard. I just
heard now, I'm not infected and
I won't be.  There is a fix, but you don't want to have to go there.

Yours,  Jan

Sunbridge Nursing home just contacted me and regretfully informed me
that they can't have us in on Thursday for our traditional caroling
date.

However, carolers need not cry, I've worked out a new date - Monday
December 20th at 6:00 PM.

It is understandable, some of you may not be able to attend because
of holiday obligations, but for the rest of us, let's change our
calendars and keep up the tradition!

Again, no caroling this Thursday
Lot's o caroling Monday Dec 20th at 6:00 PM at Sunbridge Nursing
home, across from Hillview country club!

See you there,

Andy

Here's the official rules packet for this year. Hardcopy will be distributed at Friday's pack meeting along with car kits for the cubs.

While there are no substantial changes from last year, please take a moment to read through to avoid disappointment later. In particular, I'd call your attention to the fact that last year's cars are not eligible to run again this year - car's must be newly built. Also, our pack prohibits the pre-shaped car bodies available via the internet and elsewhere - if you need help shaping your car, please consider one of our awesome workshops up at Spicer's Garage! As always, weight and size limitations will be strictly enforced - make sure your car fits within the rules!

Note that at the end of the document are this year's pre-assigned racing numbers. Also, we be offering the siblings and parents class again this year - I'll have extra car kits available for purchase at the pack meeting for $3 each.

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

<<Pack 731 Pinewood Derby 2005.doc>>

Holiday Greetings Pack 731 !

As you scurry about preparing for/enjoying the holiday season, please don't
forget our traditionally fun and rewarding December/Holiday Pack Meeting coming
up.  Here are some details:

Friday, December 17th, 7:00 p.m. at the Congo

Pack Meeting Activities:
  ... Ornament-Making!  Different ornaments are sponsored by each den.  We have
some great ideas planned!  Each child makes one ornament at each den's table. 
Ornaments are used to decorate 4 trees we will be preparing to deliver to 4
needy North Reading families.

... Tree Decorating! Again, we are planning to decorate 4 trees.  We need your
help, though!  We are looking for DONATIONS of the following:  8 sets of lights
and 4 tree stands.  CALL ME at 978/664-6998 if you can help us out.  Needless to
say, your donations are for such a worthy cause and will be greatly appreciated!

... Family Cookie Swap! This is a new event for us but promises to be great fun
for kids and adults alike.  Plan on bringing 3 dozen holiday cookies to the pack
meeting.  Have your Cubs help you make them if at all possible.  Bring an extra
plate or cookie tin with you and plan on selecting 2 1/2 dozen assorted cookies
to take home with you.  The remaining cookies (1/2 dozen per family) will be
used to make up some festive cookie trays to deliver to the police & fire
stations and possibly others.  LOOKING FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS to don some latex
gloves and man the cookie stations so we can pull this off with minimal germs!!!
Call me if you're interested in this "sweet" job!

Please plan on joining us Friday night.  Siblings are welcome as always!

Yours in Scouting,
Eileen Larsen
978/664-6998
eileenlarsen@...

Hey Cubbers!

I got a call today from a Richard Engvaldsen. His wife (who sometimes still uses maiden name Stasium) ordered some popcorn and wrote a check to Pack 731. They're wondering what's up with their popcorn! They live at 2223 Pouliot Place in Wilmington. Could the folks who were selling over there let me know when Richard might expect delivery?

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

All,

Please note the following list and add as appropriate.  Email your Den
leader, who in
turn can contact Mrs. Schaefer!

Thanks, Jan
>

> > The following is a list of the Scouts who "signed in" for Scouting
> for
> > Food. If you find any
> > omissions from your Den, can you please email your Den leader?

> >
> > Thanks, Jan
> >
> > Joey Wise
> > Andrew Cabral
> > Michael Foley
> > Scott Vinchesi
> > Ned Madden
> > Andrew Tenney
> > Andy Granese
> > Joshua Intorcio
> > Jacob Intorcio
> > Daniel Enright
> > Chuckie Martino
> > Cam Hastings
> > Oliver Mesmer
> > Christopher McAneney
> > Trevor O'Brien
> > Blake Tamlyn-Hayden
> > Jeremy Schaefer
> > Alec Schaefer
> > Scott McGrath
> > Jason Glenn
> > Evan Wade
> > Peter Spinelli
> > John Landy
> > Erik Larsen
> > Walter Nitzsche
> > Connor Trulli
> > Mitchell Trulli
> > Richard Ward
> > Derek DeChristopher
>

All,

The library is hosting an event:

EVERY TREE TELLS A STORY!!!

As a Friend of the Library, I am proud to say that this is an exhibit
that our community embraced and has successfully pulled together.
You will see Scouting represented, both Girls and Boys at all levels,
local businesses and non-profit organizations in town.

There are some exquisite exhibits (I would include Bear Cub Dens 5 and 6
from Pack 731 among the many.... )  Come by and see!

You can even enter a raffle and win the exhibit of your choice - Open
house
is next Saturday - check your Transcript this Thursday for final hours.

Hope to see you there,

Jan

There has been a date and time change for the caroling event at
Sunbridge Nursing home. We will be there on:

Thursday December 16th @ 6:00 PM.

We'll meet at the front door of the Nursing home as quietly as
possible, stow our coats, pass out song books and start caroling.
This has been a great event for several years running.  Come on and
join the fun!

      ->>> John <<<-

Hey Cubbies!

We've got 60+ Cubs and family members signed on to watch the Lowell Lock Monsters play at 4:00 PM on January 9th.  I'm extending the deadline a bit before I place the final ticket order. So… If you want to join the fun, get me a check no later than Saturday and we'll get you in. $10/person. Checks payable to Pack 731, please.

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Joshua, Jacob and I had the privilege of delivering a van-load of food to the North Reading Food Pantry Sunday afternoon!  You should know that your gifts were badly needed and most graciously received. Thanks to everyone who participated!!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Great meeting last night Cubbies!!!

Thanks to all those who participated in the Scouting for Food drive! We collected a mound of food that the Food Pantry will be most grateful for! Great job!

A few items to mention…

• Re-registration is due by December 1 to you Den Leader! Make sure you stay up to date!


• Lowell Lock Monsters - Sunday, January 9, 4:00 PM, $10/person. A great pack outing!  Sign up and pay by December 1 with your Den Leader!


• Christmas Caroling - December 14 at Sunbridge nursing home. A chance to bring some cheer to some folks who need a little this time of year!


• Our next Pack Meeting is December 17 at Union Congregational. The December theme is Holiday Food Fare and we'll be decorating trees!

      ->>> John <<<-

All,

Congratulations on a job well done to all!!!  Between the door to door
sales and the Show and Sell, Pack 731 sold $10,030.00 worth of popcorn
-a good $2200 more than last year.

The Pack will see $3610.80 (36%) come back to us and an additional
percentage will help support our Council.  Thanks for all the hard
work!!!

Yours, Jan

It was GREAT to see all those new uniforms at last night's meeting!  A couple of you asked about where all those patches go… The answers are here: http://www.scoutstuff.org/misc/isheets/index.html 

Note also that patches for camping trips, Olympic events, and such are called "Temporary Insignia". They can be worn on the right chest pocket - one at a time. (Some come with a button loop sew you don't even have to sew them on.) They can also be collected on a "brag vest" - the red felt vests you may see some scouts wearing. Other scouts collect them on a blanket or other material displayed as a wall hanging. Still others sew them on backpacks, jackets, or sweatshirts. Personally, mine seem to end up in a pile in a drawer. ;)

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

And the announcer said…

Batting first and playing second base, #3 Marcos Agramonte and his buddies Joey Wise and Cam Hastings.

Batting second and playing right field, #23 Nelson Teilon and his buddies Peter Spinelli, Jason Glenn and Tommy Dingman.

Batting third and playing center field, #33 Rob Fischer and his buddies Michael Foley, Blake Tamlyn-Hayden and Chuckie Martino.

Batting fourth and playing first base, #38 Travis Oglesby and his buddies Max Carlson, Andrew Tenney and Brent Schaefer.

Batting fifth, the designated hitter, #21 Frank Charles and his buddies Alec Schaefer, Jeremy Schaefer and Ian Furst.

Batting sixth and playing left field, #16 Joe Hastings and his buddies Nathan Furst, Christopher McAneny and Ryan McAneny.

Batting seventh and playing third base, #7 Mike Granger and his buddies Joshua Intorcio and Jacob Intorcio.

Batting eighth and catching, #2 Onix Mercado and his buddies Eli Spicer and Noah Spicer.

Batting ninth and playing shortstop, #29 Yuri Sanchez and his buddies Chaz Hill and Zack Hill.

And what a great time we had!  The weather was perfect!! The infield grass was (a little too) perfect! There were hot dogs, peanuts, crackerjack, silly games, a big bird, Patriots cheerleaders, the North Reading baseball team… What a night!!!  And for $5 we got seats behind home plate, a T-shirt, a kid's meal at Fuddruckers, and an awesome night of baseball!!

A big thanks to Mrs. Wise for coordinating tonight's outing!!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

Ranger Richard Scott called me today to invite all the Scouts to a
series of movie events thaty will be holding at Berry pond over the
course of this month. Here are the details:

What: Harold Parker Movies at Berry Pond
Where: Berry Pond
When: July 12th, 19th & 26th. Starts at dusk ( a little after 8:00 PM)
Cost:  Free!

Bring a blanket, bug spray, snacks, and watch a movie.  I was told
the movie titles were top secret!? Please pass this on to anyone
interested, this is not just a scout event.

Seems like a lot of folks needed another copy… Here's the final plan!

Den Leaders - please get copies to those in your den not on the mailing list!

      ->>> John <<<-

John Intorcio
Cub Scout Pack 731
North Reading, MA
http://pack731.tripod.com/
978-664-9422 / 978-387-7164 (Cell)
John@...
AIM: JMIntorcio

<<Sudden Pond Spring 04.doc>>

At Friday's Pack meeting, folks were asking about the requirements for the
Academics and Sports Program.

In addition to being able to obtain them at the scout store, you can find them
on-line here: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/9152/academics-sports.html

Just a reminder, the pack does not sponsor these awards. Parents interested in
working with their children on them may do so and the Pack will make
presentations of parent-purchased awards if requested.

       ->>> John <<<-