NOW VOL. 52, NO. 1 Spring 2019 &Then

Scouts BSA Program Launched for All Youth

The National Executive Board of the authorized the launch of Scouts BSA beginning Feb. 1, 2019. This launch marks a new and exciting era for the iconic program and opens the door for young women to experience the growth and leadership development benefits of the BSA. The overall organization name is not changing and will continue to be the Boy Scouts of America. The program under the new name of Scouts BSA is the same as it has always been except that we now offer Scouting to single-gender boy troops and girl troops. Scouts in all troops, ages 11 through 17, can work to earn the Eagle rank. The launch date has been timed to coincide with our program year. This will permit girls who joined a single-gender den in 2018 and earned their Arrow of Light to cross over to a single-gender Scouts BSA troop as they Must the leaders of a boy troop be men and the continue their Scouting journey. leaders of the girl troop be women? No. Adult Both male and female participants in the Scouts leadership in a troop may be men, women, BSA program will be referred to as “Scouts,” or both men and women together. All BSA just as throughout our history boys in the Boy youth protection guidelines are to be followed Scout program have often simply been referred regardless of the makeup of the adult leadership. to as “Scouts.” Each chartered organization can decide if they Friends and family may ask you about this want the same committee or separate committees change. Here are answers to the five most for boy troops and girl troops. frequent questions. Will the Scoutmaster position change in the Has the program content been changed to program for girls? No. The Scoutmaster is still accommodate girls? No. Educational experts responsible for training and guiding youth have confirmed that our existing programs in leaders in the operation of the troop and for single-gender troops are relevant for young men training and supporting assistant Scoutmasters. and young women. The program for girls ages Chartered organizations should have separate 11 to 17 is the same curriculum offered in the Scoutmasters for their boy troops and girl troops. traditional Boy Scout program. Will all chartered organizations that currently have Can a boy troop and girl troop meet as one troop? Boy Scout troops be required to offer a program No. Troops must be all male or all female youth for girls? No. The chartered organizations can members. They may meet at the same time decide which programs best serve the needs of and location, and the opening and closing of their community. A chartered organization can the meetings can be together or separate— continue to offer Scouting for one gender, or they depending on space and the desire of the may choose to have units for both boys and girls. chartered organization and unit leadership. The Parents and young people across the nation have other components of the Scout meeting should expressed significant interest and excitement be run separately. A boy troop and girl troop about Scouts BSA. You can find more can plan events together, as troops currently do. information at www.scouting.org/scoutsbsa. Proud Moments

BSA Veteran Membership Milestone Achievement Salute The Boy Scouts of America takes distinct pride in recognizing the following retirees for 50 years of continuous registration and each subsequent five-year milestone anniversary with the Scouting movement. Their steadfast life commitment and service to sustaining and maintaining the values expressed in the Scout Oath and are exemplary.

85 years 70 years 60 years George Etier Derrald Watkins Glenn Alexander Paul Beames Antonio Huie 80 years William Banta Marlowe Bennett Christopher Klenk Richard Bentley Ronald Palmer William Downs Daniel Fleetham Ted (Theodore) Hanley Paul Parker Graham Howard Peter Hausman William Henderson Larry Pritchard G. Allen Mossman Jr. Wendel Lathrop John McDonough E. (Ernest) Peterson Michael Lo Vecchio 50 years Lawrence Thibault Delbert Raby Paul Nemeck Keith Ashby Lee Tripp Joseph Paulson 75 years Thomas Dintaman 65 years Charles Wetter Clifford “Cliff” Eng Nelson Carter Nolan Flachs Ernest Doclar Ronald Courtemanche 55 years John Hunt Kenneth Hesterberg Leon Kraut Richard Keith Christopher Frank Keegan Richard McNeely Kendall (Ken) Shanes Pat Curd Robert Kenyon Lucien Rice Jerry Spencer John Daniels Edward Weisshaar Floyd Siebert Richard Trier Isaiah Easterling G. (Glenn) Williamson Alfred Vasey Veteran status recognition requires each is registered and paid in a different capacity retiree to have a Retiree Veteran Registration (i.e., unit, district, local council, national), Application on file at the Boy Scouts of a retiree application must still be completed America National Service Center and to and submitted to the BSA National Service maintain continuous paid membership Center and no additional fee is required. in the Boy Scouts of America. Note: A Requests for a Veteran Registration veteran application need only be submitted Application or inquiries related to your one time. After the first submission, retiree veteran registration status should be made veteran recognition status will be automatically to Ismael Gomez, Member Care Contact processed in five-year increments. Center, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West This exemplary milestone veteran status Walnut Hill Lane, PO Box 152079, Irving, is bestowed to those who have completed TX 75015-2079; telephone: 972-580-2554; their 2019 registration requirements and email: [email protected]. are in good standing at the printing of Youth Protection training to safeguard this publication. members of the Boy Scouts of America is All retirees are encouraged to pridefully mandatory for all adult members, every two keep their BSA registration current. years. Training is conveniently available Online 2019 registration is now available online at https://my.scouting.org or by at www.scouting.org/retiree. Those with a contacting your local council office. lapse in registration status may back register Requests for information regarding your to restore veteran status by contacting the annual BSA registration should be made to Council Registration Shared Services Team Council Registration Shared Services Team at the National Service Center. S270, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West It is recommended that retired career Walnut Hill Lane, PO Box 152079, Irving, Scouters register directly with the National TX 75015-2079; 972-580-2089; email: Service Center as “Retired Professional” for [email protected]. the primary registration position. If a person page 2 Scouting Update

Special Attention, All BSA Retirees

Save the date, Plans Underway for 2019 Aug. 13–15, 2019, Regional Reunions for a great national Now is the time to get your reservations and get-together of travel plans together for attending one of the BSA retirees fun-filled regional reunions this year. and guests. There are a lot of great chances to enjoy some Chief Scout once-in-a-lifetime experiences, ranging from a Executive Mike spring visit to a quaint village in the mountains Surbaugh and of North Carolina to an after-hours special National Director of Field Service Patrick dinner at the historic Alamo in San Antonio, Sterrett have issued a special invitation to all Texas. Or maybe you would like to enjoy some BSA retirees for a special gathering as part of “shoo-fly pie” in the fall and visit an Amish the 2019 National Top Hands Conference to farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. be held Aug. 13–15 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas. How about experiencing a visit to the West Coast’s oldest continuously operating Allen Mossman, editor of Now & Then and a lighthouse in beautiful Pacific Grove, fellow retiree and volunteer, has been asked to California? Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with its steer a group of retirees to plan and coordinate interesting Mays Island on the Cedar River, the event, which will include special activities will be a gathering spot for retirees in the fall. and occasions for our retiree family. Here is a list of where each region will hold Allen has formed a steering committee that its 2019 reunion, and who to contact for includes past Chief Scout Executive Wayne information on hotel and reunion costs. Brock, retired Scout Executive Pat Currie, and retired national staff members Bob Mersereau Southern Region Southeast and Ray Morrell. April 23–26, 2019, Black Mountain, North Carolina This exciting and unique national gathering Montreat Conference Center will give every retiree a chance to renew old Jim and Mary Louise Sawyer, 704-986-6320 friendships and make new friends. You will also have an opportunity to meet with the Southern Region Southwest “top hands” of the Scouting movement, those April 30–May 3, 2019, San Antonio, Texas who have assumed our former roles in daily Marriott Residence Inn, leadership, growing and guiding the destiny Downtown Alamo Plaza of the Boy Scouts of America. Your trip to Don Townsend, 210-834-7717, Dallas in August 2019 will send you home [email protected] updated on current BSA issues and Scouting Northeast Region program delivery, and with a positive vision Sept. 8–10, 2019, Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the future. Marriott Hotel, Lancaster A special email list is being developed to keep Bob Myers, 972-358-3898, interested retirees informed as details of the [email protected] gathering become available. If you would like Central Region to be on the email list to join us at Top Hands, Sept. 10–12, 2019, Cedar Rapids, Iowa please let us know and indicate your interest Best Western Plus–Longbranch by sending your name and email address to Tom Stoeber, 231-360-3594, [email protected]. [email protected] We are looking forward to hearing from you! Western Region Sept. 22–25, 2019, Pacific Grove, California Asilomar Conference Grounds Lee Martin, 562-787-9437, [email protected] page 3 Your Questions and Comments

Personal Commentary Question Last month, following comments Allen, the article on health and well- in the Wall Street Journal and being was very well done. The only other news stories, I received thing I would add to hiking, biking, many emails and phone calls from and walking is “pickleball”! Pickleball retirees expressing concern for has a huge following with retirees. the status of our pension plan. It’s an absolutely perfect sport/social To address news stories, Chief event for retirees and has become Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh very popular across the country but on Dec. 26 sent a letter as well as an email especially in the warm climates! I play five to six message to all BSA retirees with a current email days a week!—Dennis K. Boehme on file. His communication clearly addressed retiree concerns, putting the issue to rest. Answer If you did not receive the email message or Thanks for your comment, Dennis. I the letter from the chief and would like a copy, understand pickleball is the fastest-growing please let me know at [email protected] sport. Also, new research suggests that taking and I will forward a copy to you. I also up pickleball as a serious form of leisure can encourage you to update your email enhance mental health and well-being in address with our BSA Benefits Center older adults. at http://bsabenefits.mercerhrs.com. You Question can make changes to your benefits personal data file online at your convenience. Hey, Allen—Got the new retiree directory. They have my new address correct but still have the old Here are some key excerpts of what Mike phone number. ... I can’t get the correct phone had to say: number added. Around and around we go. “While hearing the term ‘bankruptcy’ is jarring, —Barc Bollas let me be clear that we are not considering any option that would involve interrupting or ceasing Answer the mission and programming of the BSA.” Thanks for sharing your information, Barc. I am sorry for the difficulty and your frustrating “Understandably, we’ve received questions asking experience with updating your personal about what this all means for our pensions. Please information (address, telephone number, and know that we are all employees, myself included, email) for the retiree directory through the and we share your same concerns as we are in BSA Benefits Center. I shared this with BSA the same pension plan, too. I want to assure Director of Benefits and Retirement Mark you that your pension today is as secure as it Parsons, who was grateful for the input and was yesterday.” will address the issues. Thanks for the heads- “Let me be very clear: pension dollars are up, Barc! not comingled with any other assets of the A quick and easy way to update your contact organization. Every penny collected in the information anytime it’s convenient for Retirement Plan is used to support the obligations you is to get on your computer and go to to participants and the administration of the http://bsabenefits.mercerhrs.com. You will be Plan. These monies are not and cannot be used able to make needed changes 24 hours a day. for anything else. Our pension is governed by federal ERISA laws, and those laws exist to protect individual pensioners.”

Have a question? Have a concern? Want information? Allen Mossman is a retired Send your comments to ASK ALLEN BSA professional with more than 75 years of Scouting in c/o HR Compensation and Benefits, Boy Scouts of America his background. He retired 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane with 30 years of active service P.O. Box 152079 on the national executive staff Irving, Texas 75015-2079 and serves as the volunteer Email: [email protected] editor of Now & Then.

page 4 Retiree Adventure Retiree Receives 2018 Heroes for Children Award Michael Deming was one of only 15 volunteers who recently received the 2018 Heroes for Children Award from the Texas State Board of Education, after collectively donating 223 hours of service to Texas public schools. When Michael retired from the Boy Scouts of America, he didn’t stop working with young people. After moving a decade ago to Boerne, Texas, he called the nearest elementary school and volunteered. He has helped many children at the school with their reading and math skills for more than five years. He also assisted one of the life skills/inclusion teachers working with students who have academic issues. In addition, he became the school district’s first mentor matched with a student, a young man with whom he worked for five years. Since then he has mentored “Mr. Deming has served above and beyond two other students and is helping the district his commitment and pledge to the Boerne recruit more male mentors. Independent School District since 2008. He is Only one outstanding school volunteer can a pure example of and consistently demonstrates be nominated from each school district the goal and mission of our district and Mentor in Texas. The state board recognized the Program, striving to build character in students honorees in a ceremony conducted last fall providing support, guidance, and assistance. He at the William B. Travis State Office Building is a friend, role model, and advocate to students in Austin. and the Boerne school district. He builds authentic relationship based upon trust, support, Michael received an individual plaque and encouragement. recognizing his outstanding service, a copy of the state board resolution and approval, “Mr. Deming came to us after retiring from and photographs commemorating the Boy Scouts of America and relocating to presentation ceremony. His name will also Boerne, coinciding with implementation of be engraved on a plaque that is permanently the district’s Mentor Program. Shortly after he displayed at the Texas Education Agency. began volunteering at Curington Elementary, he The Texas State Board of Education has expressed an ardent desire to work with children recognized 450 Texans with this prestigious one-to-one through the Program, ‘to make a award since the program was created in 1994. difference in the life of a child, especially those that have challenges in their lives, drawing on One of the goals of the Texas State Board of my experience.’” Education is to increase family involvement with the schools. “We couldn’t have better Michael’s principal, Tanya Tate, said, “Mr. examples of people who stay actively involved Deming has a heart to serve our school and our with their schools, often long after their own community. What I appreciate most about him is children and grandchildren have graduated. his ability to connect with our students, especially We are in awe of their commitment and are the students who have academic or behavioral so grateful for the assistance the Heroes for challenges. He is a Hero for children!” Children award recipients are providing,” said Congratulations, Michael, on receiving this State Board Chair Donna Bahorich. esteemed and well-earned award. We salute Boerne ISA Mentoring Coordinator Elizabeth your continuing commitment and living Nolen, in her nomination, stated: example of service beyond self.

page 5 Health and Well-Being Entrusting Your Eyes to the Internet Is Not Wise ophthalmologists. They cannot test vision or write prescriptions and aren’t permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases. Your eyes are critical to your health and well- being. Take proper care of them, and they will take care of you. Enough said! Here are some other issues to keep in mind: Eye drops (all types) will sting less if you store them in the refrigerator. Keeping your glasses in Photo courtesy Shutterstock.com, ©Lucky Business good condition is a more We often take our eyes for granted until we intricate process than you may think. Don’t start to have trouble seeing as clearly as we use a piece of tissue or paper towel to clean once did. Too many people, as they grow them because paper is made of wood, and it older, wait until there is something wrong will scratch your lenses. Instead, always use with their eyes to make an appointment with silky material, or buy special cleaning cloths for an eye doctor. However, we need to be aware this purpose. that some blinding eye diseases have few If you wear contacts, NEVER sleep with them warning signs before they’ve taken away our in your eyes. When cleaning them, use only vision. That is why a yearly exam by an eye fresh contact solution; reusing solution or using doctor is the only way to catch things early. tap water or saliva to clean contacts could lead Understanding the difference between an to an infection. optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and an Your eye doctor isn’t a nutritionist but does optician will help you find the type of eye know that eating has an effect on eyesight and care you need. goes beyond the age-old belief that carrots are Optometrists are medical professionals, but best for your eyes. Dark, leafy greens are the they haven’t gone to medical school. After big winner, as well as salmon, eggs, citrus, college, they spend four years in a professional and berries. program and receive a doctor of optometry Wearing sunglasses that lack adequate UV (DO) degree. They focus on regular vision protection can actually be worse than wearing care and can prescribe eyeglasses and no sunglasses at all. That’s because they cause contact lenses. the eye’s pupil to dilate, which increases retinal Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who exposure to unfiltered UV light. Always use have completed college and at least eight years sunglasses that offer proper protection. of additional medical training. They, too, can Also, ordering eyeglasses online is a bad idea. provide eye exams and write prescriptions for Obviously, you can’t try them on first, so glasses and contacts, but they are also licensed there is a strong chance something will go to diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe wrong. And finally, although it’s OK to search medications, and perform eye surgery. Google about your symptoms before consulting Opticians are technicians trained to a licensed professional, never use the internet design and fit glasses or contacts based for eye-care advice. That’s a job for your eye on prescriptions from optometrists and doctor, not a website.

page 6 Financial Well-Being Tips for Managing Your Finances in Retirement

Photo courtesy Shutterstock.com, ©AVAVA Adjusting to a retirement lifestyle can be transportation costs (since you won’t be driving challenging, both socially and financially. Here to work each day), and you will no longer are a few important rules to follow that will be funding an IRA or 401(k). But make no help you make the most of your golden years. mistake about it: The bulk of your costs will still Understand that regular expenses won’t go be there in retirement. down after retirement. Many people expect Count on Social Security for no more than their spending to drop substantially once they about half of your retirement income. It does retire from a life of working. In reality, most make sense to factor those benefits into your expenses are likely to remain the same in budgeting in retirement, but they will only go retirement. Some might even increase. so far. Social Security isn’t designed to sustain You’ll still be spending money on a lot of a life in retirement all by itself. In order to live essentials—such as housing, food, and a comfortable retirement, we need to replace utilities—and often on want-to-haves like cable about 40 percent of our previous working service. There’s no reason to expect that they income with our pension plus money we have will cost any less. One exception: If you have saved and our investments. paid off a mortgage and can expect to be free Know the real value of investments and of home loans in retirement, your housing costs the money you have saved for retirement. might drop. Even without a mortgage, however, People often start retirement with a false you may encounter rising property taxes and an sense of confidence because they’ve amassed increased need for maintenance and repairs. a substantial sum in an IRA or 401(k). Don’t You also need to consider health-care and focus only on the ending balance you see on leisure expenses. As we age, we tend to face your account statement. Rather, be sure you a greater number of health concerns so that understand what that balance actually gives you even with Medicare, our medical expenses will in terms of annual income. probably be higher. Likewise, being retired Retirees can probably expect to withdraw about means you have more free time on your hands, 4 percent of their savings and investments so it’s easy to see how retirees wind up spending value each year without having to worry about more to keep themselves entertained. depleting it prematurely. However, that figure All of the above is why people are usually told isn’t a guarantee, especially if you retired early. they’ll need a lot more than 50 percent of their You may need to be more conservative. former employment earnings to pay the bills in With a plan in place and following some basic retirement—more like 80 percent. Spending financial management rules, we can reduce in some areas may indeed go down, such as stress and, hopefully, enjoy retirement to the fullest. page 7 Cub Scout–age YouthCub Boy Scout–age YouthBoy HR Compensation,Benefits, and Retirement Department oftheBoyDepartment Scouts of America, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, 75015-2079.TX Coed YoungAdults New MarketNew Youth Grand Total Youth Learning forLife Now &Thenispublishedby the Associate Editor: John Erickson Webelos Scouts National Membership Membership National Staff Advisor: Mark Parsons Participation Report Participation STEM Scouts Varsity Scouts December 31,December 2018 Wolves/Bears Editor: AllenMossman Total Adults Total Units Boy Scouts Sea Scouts Venturers Explorers Subtotal Tigers Lions

1,231,831 2,186,329 2,389,736 789,784 159,359 808,740 529,830 155,842 104,258 789,707 465,299 203,407

80,743 80,860 51,815

5,355 5,355 3,286

77

Boy Scouts of America NONPROFIT ORG. Compensation and Benefits Department Is Philmont calling you? calling Philmont Is you. help will museum atthe folks 1136,extension friendly the and 575-376-2281, switchboard, Philmont the for ask call computer, the not use rather you would If you started. get menu left-side (at of of the bottom choices).will the That Program on Docent click then scoutranch.org/museums, to www.philmont online Go How started? do you get uniform. afield and training, Youth current Protection exam, aphysical having and registration BSA as such staff summer seasonal as requirements same the meet must Docents provided. is housing— cabin available, if tents—or, Center Training Philmont in housing and Meals period. to-seven-day now Apply for afour- Museum. Scouting National the at adocent as words, familiar those singing summer at Philmont Museum DocentsNeeded U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 152079 Irving, TX 75015-2079 PAID PERMIT NO. 616 You can find it at http://scoutingwire.org/ it find You can Address Service Requested IRVING, TX Now &Then newsletters/now-then/ is now online! is Philmont this at be You might …”tonight. God’s country out in paradise, Scouting … above skies starlit sage, on“Silver the