Killbuck District Scout recognition dinner
The premier night for recognizing Killbuck District Scouters was not short on accolades at the 55th annual Recognition Dinner recently held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Wooster for scouts in Wayne and Holmes counties. Awards and genuine words of appreciation flowed from both the official podium and among the approximately 60 people in attendance.
When Gene O’Loughlin, chairman of the awards dinner, raised his hand with the scout sign, the crowd quieted and immediately followed suit, raising their hands in respect for the official start to the night’s program. When this volunteer organization needed an almost last minute replacement for the master of ceremonies, a competent replacement could easily be found within the ranks of talented, giving individuals. Ned Lauver, a former Seven Ranges camp director, stepped up to the podium to welcome a crowd largely adorned with badges, ribbons and other symbols of their scouting accomplishments. Father Steven Moran, pastor from St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, performed the invocation and also noted the crowds’ attire and joked that “it was nice to be among others in uniform.”
After a hearty dinner and time for fellowship, John Tope, Killbuck District chairman, took to the podium expressing formal thanks to individuals who organize the many yearly events like the Cub Scout Family Campout and Klondike Derby. Tope’s wife, Vanessa, said that, “I always enjoy coming...it’s a wonderful time to celebrate accomplishments of all the volunteers who give their time.”
While most volunteers wouldn’t say how much time they commit to scouting, Jim Butzer, trained commissioner, who has been a registered scout for 59 years, spoke of his volunteer time as his “second full-time job.”
Both cub scouts and boy scouts are known in the area for their popcorn sales. This past year $150,000 worth of popcorn was sold and the unit with the top per scout sales in Wayne County was Pack #68, selling $580 per scout. In Holmes County, Troop #350 had the highest per scout sales amount of $512. Each unit received a traveling trophy known as the “Kernel Cup.”
In memory and honor of longtime Killbuck District Scouter and former Buckeye Council Commissioner, Don Brown, the Wreath of Service award was created. It is presented to a “commissioner who puts service to units first and foremost and who truly believes that boys vote with their feet.” This year’s award was presented by Lauren Playl to Joe Leeper.
Playl went on to explain the Akela Award, which “is presented annually to a cub scout leader that gives exceptional service... making a complete program for the scouts.” Gretchen Foran of Pack 68 at Church of the Cross was this year’s recipient.
The Ray Ziegman Award is a memorial to Ray Ziegman, who was an active Orrville industrialist, noted for his quiet, behind-the-scenes work in the community and in scouting. Joe Ziegman, the grandson of Ray, took the stage to present the award to Barry Rawson on the basis of his community service. Rawson noted, “It is all about the boys.”
The District Award of Merit is the highest honor that can be awarded to a District scouter. The award is available to scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the District level. Recipients this year were Kurt Holmes and Darcy Becker.
While many of the night’s awards have been bestowed on individuals for decades, a new award was created this year. Tim Frye received the first Killbuck Award for his demonstrated ability and willingness over time to advance the ideals of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, Venture Oath and for helping the Killbuck District achieve the mission of the Boy Scouts of America through his efforts and commitment to the scouting program.
The final and much anticipated award presented was the Scouter of the Year award, which since 1959 has given recognition to a scouter who has shown continued dedication and service to the youth of the Killbuck District and the Buckeye Council. The award was sponsored this year by Commercial and Savings Bank and presented by Bud Stebbins, first vice president and senior loan officer, and a scouter himself. A very humbled Scott Becker, current assistant scoutmaster for Troop 68, accepted the award and asked, “Why do we do what we do?” In answering his own question, he said, “To make the world a better place. Well guess what? It makes us better too.” Becker cited a line from the story “It’s a Wonderful Life,” when Clarence, George Bailey’s guardian angel, said, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. You have no idea the reach you have by volunteering.”
Becker noted, “We get paid big time.” It is not monetary payment, but something like “a smile when a younger scout ties a new knot. Sometimes payment isn’t realized until much further down the road when you see a former scout getting an award in an accomplishment and knowing you had a hand in making a difference.” He concluded to the audience, “I’m certainly having fun. Thanks for playing along.”
A fellow scouter who has “played along” with Becker is Mark Waggoner. The two met 20 years ago when Becker first got involved with scouting. Waggoner’s son, David, and Becker’s son, Alex, were at least part of the reason for the two men’s involvement in scouts. Waggoner thought that Becker’s recognition was well deserved and said, “When you are doing volunteer work, you learn who you can go to for help” and that person was Becker. “Scott was always willing to give 100 percent all the time. When he was involved, things always went smoothly….taking care of details and making everyone else’s job easier. He always had your back.”
