Flintlocks Celebrate 100th Birthday of Member
Dr. D. Michael Hart
Not many centenarians get to celebrate their 100thbirthday surrounded by friends. On Thursday, February 17, the Flintlocks celebrated Fanwood resident Joe Schott’s 100th birthday. Joe has been active in this volunteer group for 33 years since retiring from Bells Labs. He recruited many of his friends to join, and even a few relatives. Joe has a wry sense of humor, so they presented him with a parking plaque which reads: “Reserved Parking Only for Flintlocks Over 100 Years Old.”
The Flintlocks are a group of retired scouters who devote every Thursday all year round to helping the Scout Camps. They build cabins, make picnic tables, paint the dining hall, do maintenance and build craft kits for the Scout shops. The Flintlocks represent a wide range of skills, including: two electricians, a millwright, carpenters, plumbers, diesel mechanics, police officers, heavy equipment operators, but also many professionals such as a dentist, two college professors, computer experts, financial advisors, salesmen, etc.
The most popular craft kits sold at the Cedar Knolls and Mountainside Scout Shops are the bird houses, bird feeders, benches and handy boxes. The men also volunteer at many of the Patriot Path Council activities for the scouts. Since they are a 501c3, they do not need to pay sales tax, and they provide skilled labor for free. The Council has 3 camps and the volunteers are important to keep things running smoothly. Many of the scouters had children or have grandchildren in the scouts. More than half of the volunteers have been awarded the Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest National Honor offered by the Boy Scouts of America. They are an outstanding group of volunteers.
The Flintlocks meet every Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm at Camp Winnebago in Rockaway. Guests are always welcome. For information, contact Secretary Dr. D. Michael Hart by email drmhart@yahoo.com.
