"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" By Heather McCrae Special to the Star Three scouts from the ° Port Perry and Green- bank/Seagrave troops re- ceived the highest award in scouting Saturday af- ternoon (Nov. 30). From the 1st Port Perry Troop, Matthew Rankin and Greg Manns received the Chief Scout Award, while Chris Vincent was the sole recipient from the Greenbank/Seagrave del- egation. In a ceremony held in Pickering Village United Church, complete with a procession led by the town crier and a bagpiper, Mat- thew, Greg and Chris were among 55 scouts within the Lakeridge Region to receive the highest level of recognition given to scouts between 11 and 14 years of age. Regional Commissioner Ron Turner, said "it's an honor to recogmize the cream of the crop today in the scouting movement." Special guest was mete- orologist Dave Devall of CFTO-TV. The well- known personality enter- tained the crowded sanc- tuary as he presented the awards. "It's quite an accom- plishment for these 55 young men and women. Today we see the results of their hard work" Mr. De- vall said. The Chief Scout Awards are only given out once a year, and the prerequi- sites are strict. "It takes three years of ongoing commitment of time, ef- fort and diligence to re- ceive the Chief Scout Award," Scouter Gary Manns of the 1st Port Perry Troop said. . He thinks its been over seven years since the award was given to a member of his troop, while , Scouter Paul Longergan of the Greenbank/Seagrave Ceremony's held in Pickering Three local scouts received the highest award in scouting on Saturday (Nov. 30) at a ceremony in Pickering Village United Church. In photo (L-R) are Chris Vincent of the Greenbank/Seagrave Scouts, Matthew Rankin, Greg Manns, both of the 1st Port Perry troop. CFTO - TV presented the Chief Scout 3 award to 55 scouts within the Lakeridge Region. delegation says Chris Vin- cent is the sixth person in 11 years to capture the honor. A broad list of prerequi- sites must be met before the Chief Scout Award can be earned. Recipients must know all regimes of government at the municipal, provin- cial and federal levels. Every recipient must be skilled in all outdoor pur- suits, including camping, hiking and canoeing. "I've seen many adults shy away from some of the camping and hiking treks I've taken my troops on," Scouting Longergan said. Doing 30 hours of volun- teer service work is also an imperative part of the Chief Scout Award. For his part, Matthew worked on several events with lo- cal Branch 419 of the Roy- al Canadian Legion, while Greg was prefect at S.A. Cawker P.S. Chris worked as an instructor with the Lindsay Boys and Girls Club. Matthew and Greg are now in Venturers, the scouting program for teen- agers 14 to 17 years of age. Their former Scouter Gary Manns followed them a is currently a Venturer Advisor. But another member of his family is in- volved now, too. Because Mr. Manns' job entails a lot of night shifts, Brenda Manns has joined her hus- band in the Venturers pro- gram. Matthew Rankin's mother, Jacquie, feels the Manns should be com- mended for their volun- teer work in the scouting program. "Ifit wasn't for Gary and Brenda, there wouldn't be a Venturer's group in Port Perry," she said. But the area to the - north wasn't as fortunate. . 'After serving as a scouter for 31 years, 11 of those with the Seagrave Scouts, Paul Longergan retired last spring. Unfortunately, when Mr. Longergan re- tired, so did the unit,asno one volunteered their time and service. - " Chris Vincent was ac- companied by Scouter Longergan at the ceremo- nies Saturday afternoon as he had been the leader during the three years Chris worked on his Chief Scout Award. "These three deserve to be recognized today," Mr. Longergan said after the ceremony. "I feel a great deal of pride, knowing they are "capable in so many facets of life." "These boys did all the work -- they deserve it." Farm computer course offered by OMAFRA You've decided to take the plunge and purchase a computer for your farm business. Now where do you go from here? Agricultural training courses offered in Durham lonemoor Li ot Non-profit organization Stonemoor Day Care Port Perry Limited Openings for §SS0800 Pre-Schoolers Ixbridge J ; oh 852-3510 and Nursery Schoal C ontact Dianne 985-0800 Region may be the an- swer. A new listing for 1996-97 has been com- piled, (land course bro- chures should be arriving in your mailbox soon.) An Introduction to \ Nd Farm Computing course is scheduled for next Tues- day (Dec. 10) from 7 to 10 p.m. at Durham College, Uxbridge. Fee for this course which includes in- struction, handouts and the opportunity to work at areal computeris $35. Preregister through the Ontario grr imihinh of culture, Food A Rural Affairs office, Port Perry at 985-2003 The Kitchen Scoop Bulk & Health Foods \ Christmas Baking Supplies Pasta, Beans, Cereals, Candies, Snacks, Nuts, Vitamins, Chocolate Molds, Icing Colours etc. 12 Spruce St., Uxbridge {Behind Shell Station at West End of Town) 1852-9303 HEATHER McCRAE/PORT PERRY STAR Greenbank/ ~