The April Troop Committee Meeting was held at the home of Catherine and Ed Yesayan on April 14, 2003. Those attending were: Brant Reed, Scoutmaster; Debbie Izumi, Treasurer; Jim McKenna, Equipment Coordinator; Brad Nelson, Assistant Scoutmaster;  Karen Saunders, Board of Review Chair; Fred Stifter, Assistant Scoutmaster; Peter Thompson, Troop Committee Chair; Jo Van Amburg, Secretary; Steve Webber, Assistant Scoutmaster;  Kim Kunitake, Sepou Ohanian, and Catherine and Ed Yesayan.

Mr. Thompson called the meeting to order at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Life Scout Jeff Webber appeared before the committee to review his Eagle Scout application. He answered questions about his Eagle project, the merit badges he has earned, his leadership positions in the troop, and offered his thoughts and suggestions on modifying or improving certain aspects of the program. Committee members made several suggestions before approving his application for Eagle Scout which will be forwarded to the Verdugo Hills Council for the Eagle Scout Board of Review.

Senior Patrol Leader’s Report - Jeff Thompson reports that patrols still need to make their patrol flags and come up with a patrol yell before Camporee on April 25th.

Committee Chair’s Report - Mr. Thompson urged Scouts to support their patrol by attending Camporee April 25-27 and taking part in Camporee activities and competitions. He praised Steven Nelson for helping to coordinate the Scout’s Own service on Sunday morning at the Eagle Rock Trek. Mr. Thompson also recognized Matt McKenna, who was top popcorn seller this year for the Verdugo Hills Council. Matt sold $2,100 in popcorn products this year.

Board of Review Chair’s Report - Mrs. Saunders reported that an April Board of Review has been requested by a Scout seeking to advance to Star rank. Scouts who are seeking advancement to Star or Life ranks and have had a successful Scoutmaster conference should call Mrs. Saunders at (818) 244-1376 to schedule their Board of Review. The next Board of Review will be Wednesday, May 21, beginning at 7 PM.

Scoutmaster’s Report - Mr. Reed reported that 120 Scouts from troops and packs 125, 188 and 199 took part in Eagle Rock Trek X, a pre-Camporee outing the weekend of March 28-30. Troop 125 ran two events - one on knots and one on lashings. Mr. Reed reminds Scouts planning to go to Camp Whitsett this summer that the final payment of $115 will be due at the troop meeting on May 21. Planning for summer camp 2004 is underway - reservations have already been made at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island for our Summer Adventure!

Treasurer’s Report - Mrs. Izumi reported that there is $2,941.16 in the troop’s checking account.

Social Activities Committee Report - Mrs. Kunitake and Mrs. Manasserian will look into possible catering options for the annual Mother/Son Banquet, set for Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., in the community building at Glenoaks Park. The next and last Court of Honor is set for Wednesday, June 11th, beginning at 7 p.m. Social committee members will coordinate light refreshments for the event.

Training Coordinator’s Report - For information on adult leader training sessions that will be offered in the next few months, check the council website.

Advancement Chair’s Report - Mr. Reed reported for Mr. Sanchez that two rank advancements and one merit badge have been earned since the last Court of Honor. Scouts seeking merit badges at the summer Court of Honor should turn in their signed blue cards as soon as possible.

Venture Crew Report - Mr. Webber reported that Venture Scouts are beginning to make plans for another mountain bike ride in Big Sycamore Canyon on Saturday, May 17. They may also attend the Malibu Grand Prix event later in the month.

Old Business - Efforts to come up with a meaningful way to mark the 65th anniversary of Troop 125 and to purchase another plaque for recognition of additional Eagle Scouts continue. Mrs. Saunders emphasized how motivating it is for younger Scouts when they see these plaques with the names of boys from the troop who have persevered to the top.

New Business - Mr. Reed said that candy bar sales to raise money for Scout Expo 2003 (Scout-O-Rama) will begin soon. The event will be held at Santa Anita Racetrack on Saturday, June 7th. Scouts may be able to set aside their candy bar proceeds in some type of designated account they can draw from in future months to help defray the cost of special Scout trips and events.

Mrs. Rogers reported that the Council is having a fund raiser on Saturday, April 26th. Moms, sisters and other supporters of Scouts can purchase designer label fashions at up to 90% off with a portion of all sales going to Boy Scouts of America. (See box below.)

The next committee meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, beginning at 7 p.m., at the home of Greg and Elizabeth Manasserian. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.