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Three young men from Batavia become Eagle Scouts

By Howard B. Owens

Three members of Boy Scout Troop 6006 in Batavia became Eagle Scouts today in a ceremony at First United Methodist Church.

Luke Geiger: Eagle Scout project was a one-mile prayer trail behind Northgate Methodist Church Batavia, that included a 12 ft wooden cross, birdhouses, and gardens on the ground with sundial, and benches. The monetary value of the project is $18,000 with 500-man hours invested.   He gave his mentor pins to each of his Cub and Boy Scout leaders Tracy and Nick Grover.  Also, a mentor pin to Steve Ognibene.

Nicholas Grover: Eagle Scout project was in the Town of Batavia at Galloway Park on Galloway Road. He designed and built a trail through a wooded area that is 8-feet wide, adding one new bench and refurbishing another bench.  He also made trail markers to mark the path. He gave his mentor pin to Steve Ognibene.

Aidan Clark: Eagle Scout project was at St. Joseph Cemetery. He refurbished seven pillars made of concrete He also cleaned, repaired, and painted the front-facing raw black iron fence on Harvester Avenue.  He gave his mentor pin to adult leader Dan Geiger and Steve Ognibene

Congressman Chris Jacobs presented congressional awards to each of the boys during the ceremony.  Assemblyman Steve Hawley was absent due to a state budget session and will present his awards at a later date.

Top photo: Luke Geiger, Nicholas Grover, Aidan Clark, take the Eagle Scout oath, administered by Eagle Scout Thomas Ognibene.

Photos by Howard Owens except bottom photo.

Photo by Steve Ognibene.  Jess Markel former scout executive, Ron Bernard Scoutmaster of Troop 6, newly Eagle Scouts Nicholas Grover, Aidan Clark, Luke Geiger, Ron Schmidt troop commissioner and Erik Volk, Eagle board of review panel.

Newly minted Eagle Scout shares his journey and thanks all those who helped him

By Billie Owens

Photo: Thomas Ognibene, right, of Batavia Boy Scout Troop 6006, lights the Eagle Candle during his Eagle Scout initiation ceremony on Sunday. His father, Steve Ognibene is standing behind him. Photos courtesy of Rick Franclemont.

 

Here's the text of the speech that Thomas Ognibene, of Batavia, gave after being designated an Eagle Scout on Sunday:

"Wow, this is great. It is amazing how much support (I get) from family and friends that are here today. I’d like to go over some highlights of my Boy Scout journey.

First of all, I’d like to give thanks to the First United Methodist Church for supporting our troop and two years ago when we had our 100 year celebration. That was a milestone that not many troops accomplish.

Starting six years ago, back in March of 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Bartz introduced me to Scouting at a Cub Scout meeting by the invite of Shane Moak and Pack 69. And with the help of Mr. Crowley, those leaders gave me a base foundation, to get me quickly to cross over to become a Boy Scout within one month while I was in fifth grade.

When I came into Troop 69, I met Evan Bartz who became my friend and today this friendship continued through Scouts and school. We went to Brown Sea, which is a great experience, which every incoming Scout should attend right away their first summer camp. Along my journey I had to make a transition from Troop 69 to Troop 6. I felt like I needed to get a new direction in Scouting and when I did it was the help of the leaders that are here today.

When I came to Troop 6006, Dylan Scroger was the Senior Patrol Leader, under his leadership along with the new boys who welcomed me in, I began my next phase of Scouting. With there teaching and direction, I earned Second Class.

The biggest challenge I had to overcome in Scouting was one of the requirements for my next upcoming rank, First Class, and that was to successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. I had many challenges leading up to this and with the help of Mr. Mountain, Mr Geiger, and Mr. Jess Markel who came to my assistance, after many months of training going back and forth in the pool, practicing the breaststroke and resting backstroke, I was able to complete the BSA swimmer test and since then I have been a great swimmer ever since and achieved First Class Scout.

As a Star Scout, one of my memorable moments was when Mr. Gaus had this great steak that he cooked and little did I know later on, when eating a third serving, that it was deer meat. Another moment was when my dad got real excited when Mr. Grover offered him a Paula’s Donut, and when he opened the box there was nothing in there! There are many humorous moments in Scouting that I will always cherish. Along these campouts, Mr. Gaus helped me with different merit badge requirements that later on helped me achieve Star Scout.

Over the years, I was heavily involved in the popcorn sales that benefited the counsel and helped raise money toward summer camps, going to the National Jamboree, and other activities. I’d like to thank my customers who supported me over the years and my dad, 'the popcorn kernel,' who took me door-to-door to sell popcorn.

As a Life Scout, three other boys from this troop and I attended the 2017 National Scout Jamboree held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

In Scouting, as in life, adventure takes on many meanings: high adventure, learning, camaraderie, and simply being part of something bigger. 'Live Scouting’s Adventure' was the theme for the jamboree that year. The four of us met people from all over the country, activities we did consisted of patch trading, zip lining, mountain biking, shooting sports, scuba diving, and so much more.

The experiences we had will stick with us forever and we were able to share this with our troop at the end of the summer that year, and told the boys that It is worthwhile to attend if they wish to do so when the next jamboree is taking place.

About a year after the jamboree, I continued to work on requirements and merit badges for the rank of Eagle Scout, I had to plan, develop, and give leadership, to a service project. That’s when I first met with Mr. Jacobs, the buildings and grounds manager at John Kennedy School here in Batavia.

I came to him with a plan to expand the present memorial garden, which is behind the school where the bus loop is, that had two trees and a shrub already planted there. The garden was originally created in memory of Mike Houseknecht and the Raines teachers. In this current project, I expanded and enhanced the garden which included adding dirt, mulch, flowers, another shrub, a stone wall, a brickwork of pavers on the outside borders of the garden, and a small square paver area in front of the stone wall, which has a plaque in the middle of that area.

The garden is a symbol of remembrance to the people who have played an important role and dedicated their time to help the students at John Kennedy School. I’d like to thank my fellow scouts, adult leaders, and members of the community who came to donate their time, on that day of the project.

Before I conclude my speech, I would like to talk about someone who had a major impact on me through the scouting journey. During my time as Senior Patrol Leader, Webmaster, and other leadership positions that I held, this adult leader has given me the instruction, guidance, and advice throughout my time in the Boy Scouts.

What I have learned from him, has shaped me into becoming a better individual, scout, friend, and family member and will continue to throughout the rest of my life. This adult leader is most deserving of the mentor pin. I would now like to give the mentor pin to my Scoutmaster, Mr. Ron Bernard.

Once again, I would like to thank each and everyone of you for coming out today, and I hope your all enjoy the rest of today's ceremony."

From left, Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Thomas Ognibene and Steve Ognibene.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 6006.

Photos: 2018 John Kennedy School Pasta Night

By Steve Ognibene

Photos from last evening's 27th annual Pasta Night fundraiser at John Kennedy Intermediate School, Batavia. Many local businesses contributed to raffles, door prizes and fun for all who attended. 

Principal Amanda Cook thanked all the supporters including teachers, parent volunteers, Batavia Middle School eighth-grade mentors and scouts from Troop 6006.

Boy Scout seeking community volunteers for Saturday

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Boy Scout Troop 6006 Joe Marchese is posing with one of 18 fire hydrants he plans to refurbish the outside of them this Saturday, Aug. 26th. He is looking for people willing to donate their time to help with his Eagle project.

It will benefit the Town of Batavia on Edgewood Drive, Woodland Drive, Valle Drive and Fairway Drive. Supplies suggested to bring, if possible if you have on hand, are wire brushes and paint brushes but this is not mandatory.

Please meet at 29 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, at 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday.

For more information please contact Joe at 585-343-3784. Refreshments will be provided during the day and food afterward.

Local Boy Scouts fundraising drive this Sunday

By Steve Ognibene

Some scouts and Committee Chair Paul Marchese, from Troop 6006 from the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, are pictured above preparing for their fundraising drive this Sunday.  

The troop will be going door-to-door locally in Batavia this Sunday, Dec. 4th, in the afternoon between 1-4 p.m. collecting bottles and pop cans to help support their troop efforts to purchase new gear for future camping trips.

If you would like to make a donation of returnables, you can directly make a donation at Eastown Beverage during normal business hours under the Troop 6006 account or contact Steve Ognibene at 585-409-8358 to arrange a pickup in the city anytime.

Troop 6006 marks 3rd Eagle Ceremony for 2014

By Steve Ognibene

Dylan Scroger shared his long journey to making the highest rank of Eagle Scout this past weekend at the First United Methodist Church in Batavia. This marks the third scout to achieve the highest rank this year for Troop 6006.

Sharing this day with family and friends, he thanked all who have helped him on his journey. A speech was read by Ron Schmidt, Boy Scouts commisioner, which gave a much-detailed history behind Dylan's path to Eagle:

" Dylan Scroger's path to Eagle began in this room. He was a youth member of our church, and both Mr. McAllister and I invited him to join the boys of our troop. He joined the troop in the Fall of 2007. The first merit badge he earned was fishing, which he completed on a campout held at the McAllister pond. Since then he has completed 26 more Merit Badges of which 13 were required and two were historical badges.

During his membership in Troop 6, he has held many leadership positions. He has been an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, the assistant senior patrol leader, and served a year as the senior patrol leader, and finally he served as junior assistant scoutmaster. He currently is registered with the troop as an assistant scoutmaster. He has gone to summer camp with the troop for five years, as well as going on their High Adventure trip this past summer. He has gone with the group two times to the Cooperstown area camping.

In the summer of 2010, he attended the weeklong junior leader training held at Camp Dittmer. His performance there earned him an invitation to be on the training staff for future years, which he did. In July of 2013, Dylan chose to attend the Firstr National Jamboree to be held at the Summit Bechtel Reservation, the new permanent Jamboree site. Our council sent two troops of 36 boys each. Dylan was elected to serve as senior patrol leader for his troop. Dylan was also elected to be a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow, which is considered the Honor Society of Boy Scouts. He completed his Ordeal and became a member in 2013.

This past year, Dylan planned his Eagle Scout project, worked with the troop leadership and committee to get it approved, and then got the help of the boys in the troop to help him complete the project. His project involved building a kiosk for the disc golf course at Darien Lake State Park.  He used my barn and workshop for some of his construction work, and it was fun to stand there and listen to the boys as they visited will they worked. They seemed to forget I was sitting there.  There were some hitches along the way, but he completed the project as he had planned it."

Scout Commisioner Ron Schmidt (far left) pictured below received the mentor pin. Also next to him is Troop 6006 Scoutmaster Ron Bernard and Dylan's family. Lots of church supporters came to the ceremony.

2nd Eagle Ceremony for Troop 6006

By Steve Ognibene

 

Doug Gaus assistant leader for Troop 6006 introduced the Eagle Ceremony honoring Nicholas Johnson along with his parents today at the First United Methodist Church. Little did Doug know he would be receiving the Mentor Pin, earned for his help and encourgment to Nick along his trail to Eagle. This marks the troops second Eagle for 2014 and in less than 30 days from when Dennis Alton received his award.  Many prayers were made from Rev. Pamela S. Klotzbach, who led the worship mass along with friends and family who gave their best wishes to Nick before the ceremony started. (Pictured below, Nicholas Johnson)

After Nick recited the Scout Oath, he recognized his dad Tim, pictured below, and fellow scout Tyler, who was there for him as a good friend on his journey through scouting.

He spoke highly of both of them being important roles that kept him motivated and willing to succeed.

A reception followed the ceremony where more than 30 people attended to celebrate the occasion. Many scouts and leaders from the Troop attended also. Pictured below is Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Assistant Leader Doug Gaus (who received the Mentor Pin), Nicholas, mom Lisa and dad Tim Johnson.

2nd Eagle Ceremony for Troop 6006

By Steve Ognibene

 

Doug Gaus assistant leader for Troop 6006 introduced the Eagle ceremony honoring Nicholas Johnson along with his parents today at the First United Methodist Church.  Little did Doug know he would be receiving the mentor pin which he helped or encourged Nick along his trail to Eagle.  This marks the troops second Eagle for 2014 & in less than 30 days from when Dennis Alton received his award.   Many prayers were made from Rev. Pamela S. Klotzbach who lead the worship mass along with friends & family who gave thier best wishes to Nick before the ceremony started.  (Pictured below Nicholas Johnson)

After Nick recited the scout oath he recognized his dad Tim pictured below and a fellow scout Tyler who helped him be there as a good friend on his journey through scouting.

He spoke highly of both of them being important roles that kept him motivated and willing to succeed.

A reception followed the ceremony where more than 30 people attended to celebrate the occasion.  Many scouts and leaders from the Troop attended also.  Pictured below is Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Assistant Leader Doug Gaus (who received the mentor pin) Nicholas, mom Lisa & dad Tim Johnson.

2nd Eagle Ceremony for Troop 6006

By Steve Ognibene

 

Doug Gaus assistant leader for Troop 6006 introduced the 2nd Boy Scout Eagle ceremony honoring Nicholas Johnson along with his parents today at the First United Methodist Church.  Little did Doug know he would be receiving the mentor pin which he has helped or encourged Nick along his trail to Eagle.  This marks the troops second Eagle for 2014 & in less than 30 days from when Dennis Alton received his award.   Many prayers were made from Rev. Pamela S. Klotzbach who lead the worship mass along with friends & family who gave thier best wishes to Nick before the ceremony started.  (Pictured below Nicholas Johnson)

After Nick recited the scout oath he recognized his dad Tim pictured below and a fellow scout Tyler who helped him be there as a good friend on his journey through scouting.

He spoke highly of both of them being important roles that kept him motivated and willing to succeed.

A reception followed the ceremony where more than 30 people attended to celebrate the occasion.  Many scouts and leaders from the Troop attended also.  Pictured below is Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Assistant Leader Doug Gaus (who received the mentor pin) Nicholas, mom Lisa & dad Tim Johnson.

Photos: Troop 6006 Eagle Ceremony

By Steve Ognibene

Boy Scout Troop 6006 had its first Eagle Ceremony of 2014 Sunday afternoon at the First United Methodist Church on Route 63, Batavia. Dennis Alton received the highest Boy Scout award he could achieve. Pictured above from left are Brian Mcallister who received the "Mentor Pin," Troop Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Dennis and his parents.

Dennis held off his special day so brother Ken who just returned from the service in Afghanistan could be there. Pictured below are Dennis and Ken. The last photo is with his family who celebrated the event. Many scouts and assistant leaders came today to show support for Dennis.

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