By Mary O’KEEFE

oy Scout troops, leaders and local organizations were honored at the Verdugo Hills Council, Foothill District Leader Recognition Dinner on Saturday. The event was a time to celebrate the Boy Scout life and to thank those who volunteer their time to scouting.

Several awards and recognitions were handed out including the Extra Miler Award presented to Dan Gold of Boy Scout Troop 118, Marcus Smythe, of Troop 288 and Joanne Pingry also from Troop 288.

The District Award of Merit was given to Cheryl Turner. Unit Leader Award of Merit was given to Greg Schowengerdt of Troop 118, Nate Brown of  Troop 319 and Pack 360, Leslie Dickson of Pack 360, Catherine Stockinger of Pack 314 and John Kruse of Pack 314.

Bob Bauer who has been with scouting for 30 years and Maryann Bauer, who marked her 25th year in scouting, were given the Veteran Award pins. Chris Bodden from Pack 176 was presented with the Unit Leader Award of Merit. The Boy Scout of America Emergency Preparedness Award went to Dede Mueller.

The evening was not just about Boy Scouts but those individuals and organizations in the community that live life in accordance to Boy Scout laws, said organizer Bob Fletcher.

Stacy Dunlap and Bent Hanson from Los Gringos Locos were given the Scout Slogan Award, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” Los Gringos supplied the food for the evening and has supported the Boy Scout troops in the area for “a very long time.”

The Scout Oath Award, “…to help other people at all times” went to Crescenta Valley CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Prom Plus Club and Cub Scout Pack 304.

Leonard Coutin, Committee chair for Cub Scout Pack 304, received the Foothill District Oath Award.

  Mary Okeefe