Category Archives: Troop News

Troop Activities Update – Veterans Day Parade and More

Troop 216,

Here is an update on the latest troop activities.

Veterans Day Parade – Tonight. Meet at the Mark Twain Building across the
street from Jerry’s Tires and Walgreens at 615pm. Will the scouts who took
the troop flag, american flag, and troop banner please ensure they bring
those items tonight.

Silver Lake Campout this weekend – Unfortunately this event was Canceled
due to lack of adult leadership presences. We had only one adult that
could commit to both nights of camping to ensure two-deep leadership.

Scouting For Food – This saturday. Meet at Edisons. See email from Tim
Valley for more details.

PLC Monday 16 November – There will be a PLC meeting at 630pm before the
troop meeting this coming monday night. Any scout wanting a say in the
upcoming troop activities for winter/spring 2022 is welcome to attend.

Troop Unit Renewal – It’s that time of year again to register with the BSA
for the upcoming year. Look for an email within the week from Mrs Khune
and Mr Joelenbeck for details on how to complete this process.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at the parade.

YIS,
Mike OKoniewski
Troop Committee Chairman

Fwd: Scouting for Food – Bag Drop-off – This Saturday, Nov 13th at 9:00 AM

———- Forwarded message ———
From: Tim Valley <t_valley@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 9:06 AM
Subject: Scouting for Food – Bag Drop-off – This Saturday, Nov 13th at 9:00
AM
To: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>
Cc: Mime Okonewski <okie135@yahoo.com>, MICHAEL J. Lt Col USAF ANG 126
OG/OSK <michael.okoniewski.1@us.af.mil>

Please email the following message to the Troop regarding Scouting for
Food. Thanks!

——

Hello Troop 216!

*Scouting for Food* *Bag Drop-Off *is this Saturday, 11/13/20 at 9:00 AM.
We will meet at Edison’s (Edison’s Entertainment Complex) at 2477 Illinois
Route 157 in Edwardsville. Hot chocolate and donuts will be provided 🙂

Our Troop is covering a different, and larger area, than we have in the
past so we can use as many people as possible.

Once everyone assembles Mr. Valley will hand out the bags as well as maps
of our designated area. We hope everyone can help…and especially need
adults to help transport given the large area to cover.

We will send out another email next week regarding *Bag Pick-Up *the
following Saturday 11/20/20 (also meeting at Edison’s).

Please wear your Class A uniform and appropriate footwear. In addition to
taking part in this great cause, your participation will count for service
hours and as an activity for rank advancement.

Mr. Valley can be reached by cell phone at (314) 378-8140, or at
T_Valley@yahoo.com at any time for questions, updates, etc.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday morning.

-Tim Valley

Reminder – Cardinals Calendars Fundraiser – Orders due November 15th (Next Monday)

Just a reminder that order forms and corresponding money for Cardinals
Calendars are due at our next meeting – Monday 11/15/21 in order to
guarantee your calendars are received in early December. You can still
place orders after 11/15/21, there just will not be a guarantee you will
have the calendars before Christmas.

————————-

Troop 216 is again selling Cardinals Calendars as a fundraiser (funds go to
individual scout accounts, not the Troop). These calendars are beautifully
done and make great Christmas gifts…especially after the Cardinals late
season winning streak and playoff appearance!

Tim Valley has brought some calendars from previous years to Troop
meetings, and will do so again for the next couple of meetings. Feel free
to take one of these prior year calendars if you would like to use it in
conjunction with your selling efforts.

If you were not at a meeting, but would still like additional information
or a prior year calendar, Mr. Valley’s contact info is: t_valley@yahoo.com,
or cell phone (314) 378-8140 (text or call)

Here is what you need to know:

1. Calendars sell for $16 each.
2. Of the $16 sales price…$7.00 goes into your individual scout account.
3. Checks should be made payable to Troop 216.
4. Orders must be turned in on the order form (attached, and paper
copies available from Mr. Valley)
5. Money must be collected with the orders. Orders turned in without
payment will not be processed.
6. Order forms and payment due date: Monday, November 15th. Mr. Valley
will be happy to stop by your house, or meet somewhere, to collect the
order forms and money if you are not able to make it to the meeting on
November 15th.
7. Calendars will be delivered in early December.

Rewards:

– If we sell at least 50 calendars as a Troop then the Troop receives 10
tickets to a 2022 Cardinals home game.
– If we sell at least 100 calendars as a Troop the Troop received 10
tickets to a 2022 Cardinals home game, The Troop will also receive a
Premium Prize: (details on page 1 of the sales incentive attachment) A
Cardinals goodie bag filled with Cardinals memorabilia; a Cardinals gift
Card, five additional tickets; or an autographed item.
– If we sell at least 150 calendars as a Troop, the Troop receives 15
additional tickets + one of the Premium Prizes listed above.
– If we sell 200 or more as a Troop, the Troop receives 15 additional
tickets, and
– A Premium Prize: (details on page 1 of the attachment) A Cardinals
goodie bag filled with Cardinals memorabilia; a Cardinals gift Card, five
additional tickets; or an autographed item. AND
– A VIP Experience: (details on page 2 of the attachment) a Q&A
session with Cardinals broadcasters + four tickets to the game; a
first-pitch VIP experience + four all-inclusive tickets to the game; a
private tour experience + four tickets to the game; a pre-game meal at
Sports & Social experience + two tickets to the game; a $200 gift
certificate at Cardinals Authentics; or a Q&A session with a former
Cardinal + two tickets to the game. Please see the attachment
for details.

Allocation of prizes to scouts selling calendars TBD.

Please contact Mr. Valley via email (T_Valley@yahoo.com) for cell phone
(314) 378-8140 if you have any questions (if a scout is emailing, please cc
a parent or another Troop leader as well).

Fwd: Cardinals Calendars Fundraiser – Orders due November 15th

———- Forwarded message ———
From: Tim Valley <t_valley@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 2:58 PM
Subject: Cardinals Calendars Fundraiser – Orders due November 15th
To: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>

Would you please send out the following Cardinals Calendar fundraising
email from the Troop account:

Thanks!

——–

Troop 216 is again selling Cardinals Calendars as a fundraiser (funds go to
individual scout accounts, not the Troop). These calendars are beautifully
done and make great Christmas gifts…especially after the Cardinals late
season winning streak and playoff appearance!

Tim Valley has brought some calendars from previous years to Troop
meetings, and will do so again for the next couple of meetings. Feel free
to take one of these prior year calendars if you would like to use it in
conjunction with your selling efforts.

If you were not at a meeting, but would still like additional information
or a prior year calendar, Mr. Valley’s contact info is: t_valley@yahoo.com,
or cell phone (314) 378-8140 (text or call)

Here is what you need to know:

* Calendars sell for $16 each.

* Of the $16 sales price…$7.00 goes into your individual scout account.

* Checks should be made payable to Troop 216.

* Orders must be turned in on the order form (attached, and paper copies
available from Mr. Valley)

* Money must be collected with the orders. Orders turned in without
payment will not be processed.

* Order forms and payment due date: Monday, November 15th. Mr. Valley
will be happy to stop by your house, or meet somewhere, to collect the
order forms and money if you are not able to make it to the meeting on
November 15th.

* Calendars will be delivered in early December.

* If we sell at least 50 calendars as a Troop then the Troop receives 10
tickets to a 2022 Cardinals home game.

* If we sell at least 100 calendars as a Troop the Troop received 10
tickets to a 2022 Cardinals home game, The Troop will also receive a
Premium Prize: (details on page 1 of the sales incentive attachment) A
Cardinals goodie bag filled with Cardinals memorabilia; a Cardinals gift
Card, five additional tickets; or an autographed item.

* If we sell at least 150 calendars as a Troop, the Troop receives 15
additional tickets + one of the Premium Prizes listed above.

* If we sell 200 or more as a Troop, the Troop receives 15 additional
tickets, and
– A Premium Prize: (details on page 1 of the attachment) A Cardinals
goodie bag filled with Cardinals memorabilia; a Cardinals gift Card, five
additional tickets; or an autographed item. AND
– A VIP Experience: (details on page 2 of the attachment) a Q&A session
with Cardinals broadcasters + four tickets to the game; a first-pitch VIP
experience + four all-inclusive tickets to the game; a private tour
experience + four tickets to the game; a pre-game meal at Sports & Social
experience + two tickets to the game; a $200 gift certificate at Cardinals
Authentics; or a Q&A session with a former Cardinal + two tickets to the
game. Please see the attachment for details.

Allocation of prizes to scouts selling calendars TBD.

Please contact Mr. Valley via email (T_Valley@yahoo.com) for cell phone
(314) 378-8140 if you have any questions (if a scout is emailing, please cc
a parent or another Troop leader as well).

Troop 216 Silver Lake Camp out Nov 12-14/Permission due Nov 8

Hello Scout Families! Our next camp out is scheduled for Nov 12-14 at
beautiful Silver Lake Park in Highland at the Jaycees’ Pavilion. Scouts
will return to Edwardsville for Scouting for Food bag distribution on
Saturday morning and then back to camp for lunch. Watch for more
information on the Nov 13 and 20 Scouting for Food activities in a later
email.

Due to these days of early sunset, we are proposing an optional earlier
departure on Friday the 12th. Those Scouts that can arrive at the church
at 3pm will go set up camp in the daylight while others may meet up at the
traditional time of 5pm at the church. We will need minimum 2-deep
adult coverage for each group, someone to pull the trailer at the
earlier time, and drivers for there and back, including on Saturday
morning, so parents, please consider signing up to camp the weekend or
drive.

The permission form is attached and may be turned in along with payment at
the next two Monday meetings. Turning in no later than the start of the
Monday Nov 8 meeting is very helpful for those planning transportation,
food and activities for the camp out.

If any questions or concerns please contact Scoutmaster Mark Mason
302.256.8597 or Diane Gill 618.616.6774.

Note for calendar:

– March in Edwardsville’s Veterans’ Day evening parade Thursday Nov 11
– Fall Fellowship for Scout parents/adults at the OKoniewski Home Nov 20
6:30pm
– Lock-In at Eden Church in Edwardsville Friday Dec 3 8:30pm to 8:30am
Saturday
– Klondike Campout Jan 7-9 at Camp Warren Levis
– University of Scouting Jan 29 at SIUE

Fwd: Troop 216 W Levis Haunted Hayride Campout this SAT Oct 23; sign up by Thurs

> From: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>
> Date: October 18, 2021 at 1:05:25 PM CDT
> To: Albert Middeke <atmiddeke@aol.com>, Alex Rigoni <alex.rigoni@gmail.com>, Alicia Alexander <aalexan@siue.edu>, Allyson Mason <aammem@yahoo.com>, Amber Koester <askoester@gmail.com>, Ann Taylor <anntaylor7762234@yahoo.com>, Brent Hall <brentshall21@gmail.com>, Brian Heil <big_b_heil@yahoo.com>, Carrie Kistner <Carrie.kistner@hotmail.com>, Carrie Smith <CarrieSueSmith77@gmail.com>, Christin Rigoni <christin.rigoni@gmail.com>, Colin Listner <colinlistner@gmail.com>, Craig Alexander <craig.alexander@charter.net>, David Kistner <Davidkistner180@yahoo.com>, Emily Joellenbeck <ejnj2002@gmail.com>, Emily Klingensmith <emklingensmith@gmail.com>, Erika Hall <rikirae79@yahoo.com>, Erika Kennett <erikakennett@gmail.com>, Erika Kohoutek <erika.kohoutek@gmail.com>, Jamie Maurer <1jmaur@gmail.com>, Jennifer Lewis <jenniferkaylewis@gmail.com>, Jon Klingensmith <jonklingensmith@gmail.com>, Katie Buckingham <cschickkt@yahoo.com>, Kevin Buckingham <blake112309@gmail.com>, Kevin Buckingham <kbuckingham2002@yahoo.com>, Kevin Rayman <kcrayman@sbcglobal.net>, Kirsten Wilkerson <kipotter@yahoo.com>, Kyle Kennett <kylekennett@gmail.com>, Mark Koester <mrkoester@gmail.com>, “Mr. Wang” <huibin0609@gmail.com>, Nathan Payne <payne.nalc155@gmail.com>, Neil Joellenbeck <jo_enbe@yahoo.com>, Peggy Emling <pemling@sbcglobal.net>, Pete Wilkerson <brundlfly@gmail.com>, Shane Smith <ShanedSmith@outlook.com>, William Lewis <williamdlewis@gmail.com>
> Cc: Gary Gill <Gillorang@gmail.com>, Steve Kupsky <skupsky1@charter.net>, Tim Valley <T_Valley@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Troop 216 W Levis Haunted Hayride Campout this SAT Oct 23; sign up by Thurs
>
> 
> WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME SPOOKY SCOUTS FOR SATURDAY!!
>
> Troop 216 will be camping overnight and participating as haunters in the annual Camp Warren Levis Haunted Hayrides on Saturday October 23. Scouts will meet up at the church Saturday at 12:30pm for a 1pm departure. Scouts will bring costumes and have their haunting area decorated and set up for the rides which begin at 7pm. In case of any later arrivals, please note entrance gates will be closed and locked by 6:30pm. Campsite to be determined.
>
> Scouts that are not able to sign up at tonight’s meeting may contact Ms. Gill no later than Thursday 5pm to be added. Please text: 618 616 6774 or email: diane.gill67@gmail.com
>
> Permission slip is attached. Copies will be available at tonight’s meeting.
>
>
> —
>
> Additional information available on our webpage: www.troop216bsa.com – check the site often for Troop news, resources, calendar updates, etc.
>
> Please note that this email account is not monitored 24/7. If you have a question for a specific adult leader, please contact them privately.
> Troop Committee Chair – Mike O’Koniewski okie135@yahoo.com
> Scoutmaster – Mark Mason matlsguy00@gmail.com
> Advancements – Barb Kane barbek618@yahoo.com
> New Member Coordinator – Tara Kuhne teeku2002@yahoo.com

Fwd: Troop 216 Fall Rendezvous Oct 1-3 — permission due MONDAY 9/27

> From: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>
> Date: September 20, 2021 at 10:32:38 PM CDT
> To: undisclosed-recipients:;
> Subject: Troop 216 Fall Rendezvous Oct 1-3 — permission due MONDAY 9/27
>
> 
> Rendezvous is back! Get ready to go back to the time of the fur traders and trappers on October 1-3 at Camp Warren Levis. Scouts will have the opportunity to participate in period-authentic activities including black powder rifle shooting, blacksmithing, tomahawk and spear throwing, and much more.
>
> The permission slip is attached. This should be turned in by your Scout to Mrs. Gill or Ms. Bishopp at the beginning of next Monday’s meeting.
>
> If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Martina Bishopp at parzivalxf@yahoo.com.
>
> —
>
> Additional information available on our webpage: www.troop216bsa.com – check the site often for Troop news, resources, calendar updates, etc.
>
> Please note that this email account is not monitored 24/7. If you have a question for a specific adult leader, please contact them privately.
> Troop Committee Chair – Mike O’Koniewski okie135@yahoo.com
> Scoutmaster – Mark Mason matlsguy00@gmail.com
> Advancements – Barb Kane barbek618@yahoo.com
> New Member Coordinator – Tara Kuhne teeku2002@yahoo.com

Fwd: Troop 216 Camp Illinek Campout 9/17, sign up due Mon 9/13; Other calendar notices

> From: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>
> Date: September 2, 2021 at 7:07:38 PM CDT
> To: undisclosed-recipients:;
> Subject: Troop 216 Camp Illinek Campout 9/17, sign up due Mon 9/13; Other calendar notices
>
> 
> Hello, Troop 216 families! Our next campout will be at Camp Illinek at the Indian Village campsite on Lake Springfield the weekend of September 17-19, 2021. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing will be available. Please find the permission form and camp map attached. The signed permission form should be turned in with $28 per camper BEFORE 7:30 pm on Monday September 13.
>
> As always, we appreciate any and all parental support and can only offer these events to your Scouts with plenty of it. Please mark your calendars with the above and the following activities and consider joining in!
> No Monday meeting Sept 6, Oct 11
> Campout Oct 1-3 Rendezvous, Camp Warren Levis
> Court of Honor Monday Oct 4, 7 pm
> Campout Nov 12-14 Silver Lake Park, Highland
> Scouting for Food Nov 13 & 20
> Overnight lock-in event December 4 or 11. Unable to book the YMCA. Please contact Diane or Martina if you have a connection to a possible location
> Campout Jan 7-9 Klondike
> Campout May 6-8 Camporee
>
> If any questions, please contact Diane Gill 618 616 6774 diane.gill67@gmail.com
>
> If your question is how to pronounce this camp : ), the Abraham Lincoln council rep I spoke to said it as: Ill-eye-nigh-eck
>
> —
>
> Additional information available on our webpage: www.troop216bsa.com – check the site often for Troop news, resources, calendar updates, etc.
>
> Please note that this email account is not monitored 24/7. If you have a question for a specific adult leader, please contact them privately.
> Troop Committee Chair – Mike O’Koniewski okie135@yahoo.com
> Scoutmaster – Mark Mason matlsguy00@gmail.com
> Advancements – Barb Kane barbek618@yahoo.com
> New Member Coordinator – Tara Kuhne teeku2002@yahoo.com

Upcoming Troop Events

Troop 216,

Just want to make sure everyone is aware of some upcoming activities.

28 AUG -picnic at Airplane Park: 1200 – 700pm – The boys will be
demonstrating their cooking skills as well as playing some games, fun for
the whole family
17-19 SEP – Campout – Location TBD – save the date !
1-3 OCT – Campout – Annual Boy Scout Rendezvous – Warren Levis

Look for more details about these events soon. Enjoy what’s left of the
summer everyone.

YIS,

Mike

Fwd: Troop 216 Airplane Park Family Picnic – Sat. Aug. 28

> From: Troop 216 <troop216.bsa@gmail.com>
> Date: Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 8:57 PM
> Subject: Troop 216 Airplane Park Family Picnic – Sat. Aug. 28
> To: Albert Middeke <atmiddeke@aol.com>, Alicia Alexander <aalexan@siue.edu>, Amber Koester <askoester@gmail.com>, Ann Sheehan-Busse <ams2397@bjc.org>, Ann Taylor <anntaylor7762234@yahoo.com>, Barb Kane <barbek618@yahoo.com>, Brent Hall <brentshall21@gmail.com>, Brian Heil <big_b_heil@yahoo.com>, Carrie Kistner <Carrie.kistner@hotmail.com>, Carrie Smith <CarrieSueSmith77@gmail.com>, Cheryl Seehausen <cseehau@siue.edu>, Christin Rigoni <christin.rigoni@gmail.com>, Collin Listner <colinlistner@gmail.com>, Craig Alexander <craig.alexander@charter.net>, David Kistner <Davidkistner180@yahoo.com>, Diane Gill <diane.gill67@gmail.com>, Dustin Hampton <hampton357@gmail.com>, Emily Joellenbeck <ejnj2002@gmail.com>, Emily Klingensmith <emklingensmith@gmail.com>, Erika Hall <rikirae79@yahoo.com>, Erika Kennett <erikakennett@gmail.com>, Erika Kohoutek <erika.kohoutek@gmail.com>, Jamie Maurer <1jmaur@gmail.com>, Jen Zuercher <jzuercher2007@gmail.com>, Jennifer Lewis <jenniferkaylewis@gmail.com>, Jessica Listner <nerner75@yahoo.com>, Jon Klingensmith <jonklingensmith@gmail.com>, Karen Joachimsthaler <rassow57@hotmail.com>, Karen O’Koniewski <karen.okoniewski@gmail.com>, Katie Buckingham <cschickkt@yahoo.com>, Kevin Buckingham <kbuckingham2002@yahoo.com>, Kevin Busse <kb62mo@charter.net>, Kevin Rayman <kcrayman@sbcglobal.net>, Kirsten Wilkerson <kipotter@yahoo.com>, Kristy Fairburn <kristyfairburn@gmail.com>, Kyle Kennett <kylekennett@gmail.com>, Larry Miller <eljayem@gmail.com>, Mark Koester <mrkoester@gmail.com>, Mark Mason <matlsguy00@gmail.com>, Martina Bishopp <parzivalxf@yahoo.com>, Matt Zuercher <mzuerch@gmail.com>, Michele Meckfessel <Michele@titanstables.com>, Mike O’Koniewski <okie135@yahoo.com>, Mike Sanders <ggg.ss.dd@gmail.com>, Mr. Wang <huibin0609@gmail.com>, Natasha & Joe McClintock <mcclintock57@charter.net>, Nathan Payne <payne.nalc155@gmail.com>, Neil Joellenbeck <jo_enbe@yahoo.com>, Peggy Emling <pemling@sbcglobal.net>, Pete Wilkerson <brundlfly@gmail.com>, Richard Coolbaugh <recoolbaugh@yahoo.com>, Scott Seehausen <sseehau@yahoo.com>, Sean Wellhausen <swell1975@yahoo.com>, Shane Smith <ShanedSmith@outlook.com>, Tara Kuhne <teeku2002@yahoo.com>, Tara Kuhne <tlkuhne@tarahc.com>, Tom Kuhne <tjk1us@yahoo.com>, William Lewis <williamdlewis@gmail.com>
>
>
> Mark your calendars for a fun time at Edwardsville Township “Airplane” Park on Saturday August 28!
>
> Scouts will meet up at the park at Pavilion 3 (near the entrance on the airplane side) at 1pm to work on cooking skills and enjoy some fun in the sun. Final plans for the day’s activities will be made by Scouts at next Monday’s meeting. The highlight however will be an evening meal for everyone prepared by our Scouts. The cost is $5 a person or a family rate of $15. You may sign up through Mrs. Gill at Monday night’s meeting or by text or email; sign-up deadline is 7 pm Thursday August 26.
>
> You may want to bring picnic blankets or chairs. There are 8 picnic tables at the pavilion.
>
>
> The Quick Details
> When: Saturday August 28 at 1 pm for Scouts, 5 pm for families. Park closes at 8:30pm
> Where: Airplane Park Pavilion 3, 6368 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
> Meal cost: $5 per person or $15 per family
> Menu: to be determined by Scouts at Monday’s meeting
> Sign up: see Mrs. Gill at Monday’s meeting or send her a text/email by 7 pm Thursday August 26
>
> Questions? Please contact:
>
> Diane Gill
> 618 616 6774
> diane.gill67@gmail.com
>
> Mark Mason
> 302 256 8597
>
> —
>
> Additional information available on our webpage: www.troop216bsa.com – check the site often for Troop news, resources, calendar updates, etc.
>
> Please note that this email account is not monitored 24/7. If you have a question for a specific adult leader, please contact them privately.
> Troop Committee Chair – Mike O’Koniewski okie135@yahoo.com
> Scoutmaster – Mark Mason matlsguy00@gmail.com
> Advancements – Barb Kane barbek618@yahoo.com
> New Member Coordinator – Tara Kuhne teeku2002@yahoo.com