MARCH
3 2023
Fredonia Cub Scout Pack 267 Members Cross Over to Troop
Photo Submitted Left to Right: Milo Wille, Tyler Field, Bryce Gustafson, Tanner Damon, Eli Williams, and Ben Siebert advanced from Cub Scouts to the Troop.
Fredonia, NY, February 24, 2023 - Fredonia Cub Scout Pack 267’s Arrow of Light den recently completed their time with the Pack and crossed over to Troop 267. The Pack held a crossing over ceremony and celebrated the Cubs’ accomplishments during the Blue and Gold Ceremony on January 31st. The event was held at the American Legion Post 59 in Fredonia, and was attended by Cubs and their families, as well as Scouts and Leaders from Troop 267. Cub Scouts can begin as early as Kindergarten in the Lion Den. They then progress through the ranks, including Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Weeblo, before reaching the rank of Arrow of Light and crossing over to the Troop. As the Cubs crossed the bridge with their parents
walking alongside them, Scouts from the Troop waited at the other end to welcome them into their ranks. Each slat of the bridge bears one of the twelve points of the Scout law; a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. The Cubs’ parents were each presented with the Arrow of Light pin, recognizing that parents work alongside their children throughout their Cub Scout journey to achieve goals and progress through the ranks. Following the ceremony, everyone celebrated with a beautiful custom cake made by Holly Field that featured a miniature bridge with each of the Cubs’ photos standing on it, joining two cakes, one displaying the Cub Scouts logo, and the other with the
The HOPE Chautauqua Coalition Receives $2,500 from M&T Bank in Support of Youth Engagement Initiatives
The HOPE Chautauqua Coalition, an initiative of Prevention Works, is pleased to announce they received a $2,500 donation from M&T Bank in support of their youth engagement initiatives in Chautauqua County! This donation will be used to build advocacy skills within the youth of the Falconer comPhoto Submitted munity while educating the youth on the environmental factors that influence subA custom cake was made by Den Leader Holly Field, stance use. featuring a miniature bridge with the Cubs' likenesses. The Coalition Coordinator has been working with youth in Falconer’s 8th grade health BSA logo. Wille, Bears, and Erik and class teaching the students Caitlin Barkley, Webelos. about the effects of alcohol Arrow of Light Cubs who The committee is: Nate and other drugs on the teencrossed over to the Troop Kropp, Cubmaster, Max Al- age brain as well as environare: Tanner Damon, son of guire, Committee President, mental factors that influence Kyle and Kristina Damon, Jessica Berdyck, Treasurer, youth to use. This education Tyler Field, son of Damion Leslie Wille, Secretary and led the students to create and Holly Field, Bryce Popcorn Kernel, Andrea their own billboards that Gustafson, son of Brian Spengler, Advancement are displayed in the Falconer and Jaimee Gustafson, Ben Chair and Troop Liaison, community to increase the Siebert, son of Bill and Nicki and Cathy Derucher, Activi- amount of positive messagSiebert, Milo Wille, son of ties Chair. ing in the community while Toby and Leslie Wille, and recognizing the students’ Eli Williams, son of Nick Cub Scouts is a 100% hard work. and Alison Williams. Holly volunteer led nonprofit Not only does the Coalition Field served as their Den organization. Pack 267 is provide educational opportuLeader throughout their Cub always accepting new Cubs nities and projects for youth Scout careers. Field served at any level on an ongoing to be involved in, but the Coaas a committee member basis. Membership in the lition has also partnered with and leader in the Pack for Pack is open to boys and girls Falconer Middle School imple14 years, and the commitin Kindergarten through menting their Middle School tee wishes to express their 5th grade. If you are interVideo Game Club. This club sincere gratitude for her ested in learning more or is a healthy prosocial space dedication and helping the joining Cub Scouts, please where middle school students Cubs succeed! email CubScoutsPack267@ are able to play video games gmail.com or send a message with their peers in a healthy, Pack 267’s Den Leaders through our Facebook page, substance free environment are: Dawn Rudyk, Lions, Facebook.com/Fredoniaafter school. The goal of the Courtney McIntyre, Tigers, Pack267. Video Game Club is to prepare Dave Kelly, Wolves, Toby the middle school students for the High School Esports team
by developing the students' teamwork, communication, patience and other social emotional skills, so students can grow into successful, healthy competitors when they are able to compete in tournaments against other schools in their high school years. With the funding from M&T bank, the Coalition will be able to further the education of Falconer’s youth by providing training opportunities through the national organization, CADCA (Community based, Advocacy focused, Data driven, Coalition building Academy), the WNY Prevention Resource Center and other local leadership opportunities. Thank you so much, M&T Bank, for supporting the HOPE Chautauqua Coalition in its efforts to reduce youth substance use in our community! If you have any questions or would like more information about the HOPE Chautauqua Coalition, please contact Prevention Works at (716) 664-3608 or email info@ preventionworks.us. Since 1974, Prevention Works, a United Way partner agency, has been providing prevention education and community awareness on social emotional learning and substance use. Prevention Works is the only New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) approved and supported alcohol and other drug prevention agency in Chautauqua County.