2018 Annual Dinner Program

2018 Recognition Dinner - Wednesday, March 14, Chevy Chase Country Club

Northeast Illinois Council

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Prayer
‘Neath these tall green trees we stand,

Asking blessings from your hand.
Thanks we give to you above

For your help and strength and love;
For these waters crystal blue;

For all Scouts strong, brave, and true.
Guide us well from morn to night
With Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan’s pure light.
Grant that all we see and do
Is a living prayer to you.
Amen

Northeast Illinois Council
2745 Skokie Valley Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.433.1813
neic.org

Northeast Illinois Council
2018 Recognition Dinner

6:00 p.m. 6:50 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Social Hour Assembly Program

Masters of Ceremonies
Kevin Baldwin & Brian Buesing

Program

Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome and Introductions

Opening Remarks Greg Lawless, Council President

Invocation

Dinner

Scouting Veteran Awards Dale Thomas, VP Membership

Unit Milestones Beth Micksch, Council Commissioner

Commissioner Service Award Beth Micksch, Council Commissioner

& John Duncan, 2017 Council Commissioner

James E. West Award Ron Peterson, Past President

Silver Beaver Awards Chip Smith, Silver Beaver Chair

Scout Executive Minute Doug Nelson, Scout Executive

Closing Slide Show

NNortheast Illinois Council
Veteran’s Awards

Each year the National Council of the Boy
Scouts of America recognizes volunteers who
have dedicated many years of service to our
organization. We are recognizing those who have
served the BSA for 25 years and beyond. We would
like to thank them for their continued service and
for making a difference in the lives of our youth.

Rick Ryan - 25 Years Ian Hopkins - 40 Years
Mark Dunn - 30 Years Bert Tucker - 60 Years
John Klise - 30 Years Robert Dunn - 80 Years
Dennis Byrd - 40 Years

Unit Milestones

When the Boy Scouts of America was established, our founders decided
to partner with worthy community organizations who would enrich the
quality of our programs, provide shelter and support, and who would
experience a mutually beneficial relationship with their partnered units.
We’d like to recognize the following special milestone anniversaries:

Toop 95, Wilmette - 95 Years Trinity United Methodist Church
Troop 601, Waukegan - 90 Years Shiloh Baptist Church
Pack 13, Kewnilworth - 85 Years
Pack 1, Wilmette - 85 Years Church of the Holy Comfortor
Troop 28, Glencoe - 80 Years Wilmette Community Church
Pack 42, Lake Bluff - 75 Years St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
Pack 17, Northfield - 75 Years Grace United Methodist Church

Sunset Ridge School PTA

NNortheast Illinois Council
Distinguished Commissioner

Service Award

The Distinguished Commissioner
Service Award is the highest
recognition that can be given to a
commissioner who has consistently
engaged in distinguished and
exceptional commissioner service
resulting in significant, positive impact to youth, units, and a district
and/or council.

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James E. West Awards

The James E. West Fellowship Award is a
national recognition for individuals who
contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities
to their local council endowment trust fund.
This contribution is in addition to, and does
not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual
gift to the council’s sustaining membership
enrollment or Friends of Scouting campaign.

Michael Dashnaw Matthew Koch
Chris Fardoux Doug Nelson
Charlotte Haak Andrew “Rusty” Singleton
Lee Haak Lawrence Young

NNortheast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver Award

David Bogetz
Theresa Calabrese

Ian Hopkins
Jody Hultman
John Lillstrom
Scott Smith
Betsy Uzzell
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished
service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this
award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact
on the lives of youth through service to the council.
The Silver Beaver is the highest award a council can bestow
upon a volunteer. The volunteers being awarded with the
Silver Beaver have implemented the Scouting program and
perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice,
dedication, and many years of service. This honor is awarded
to those who do not actively seek it.
Congratulations to our new Silver Beaver recipients.

Northeast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

David Bogetz

As a youth in the scouting program, he may have never
thought that it would be a life-time commitment.
Dave volunteers and provides passionate leadership
for the good of the boys. He does not seek personal
recognition but enjoys his involvement as he
watches the boys through their Scouting journey into
adulthood. Dave was Scoutmaster for 2 years, Assistant
Scoutmaster, awarded the Unit Leader Award of Merit, Roundtable
Commissioner where he kept open communications between his staff
and the district committee, completed Wood Badge and served on
staff, active in Order of the Arrow and Vigil honor, and currently serves
as District Chairman for Aptakisic. Dave encourages feedback from the
volunteers whether it be positive or negative. Only with this feedback
can we move forward and improve our weaknesses or keep building on
our successes. It is part of David’s natural ability to communicate with
others. His latest accomplishment is learning to play the ukulele. He has
become good enough to perform in public and brings it to meetings
to add some “light-hearted” moments. He works hard to encourage
growth and improve attendance at our Roundtable meetings. We’re not
saying that the ukulele is the reason for the increase in attendance, but
we wouldn’t say “no” either. You will have to attend a Roundtable and
judge for yourself. Until then, we are proud to present David Bogetz
with the Silver Beaver.

Northeast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

Theresa Calabrese

As so many of women in Scouting, Theresa became
involved when her son joined Pack 273. The pack
was not very active – 2 or 3 activities a year and no
camping program. So Theresa took over the Activities
Chair and instituted a regular camping program and
increased non-camping activities to 2 per month. As
we have all learned, to keep a boy involved you need
to have an active program. She has been Committee Chair since 2012
for Troop 273 to present time. She has guided the unit to be a Gold
Unit since 2012. On the Aptakisic District level she has been the Cub
Scout Activities Chairman and promoting the Cubmobile, Fishing Derby,
and Ice Skating. Now as the District Membership Committee Chairman,
she has trained unit recruitment chairs and leaders to participate in
spring and fall membership drives. Theresa develops and shares best
practices and execute marketing plans that will result in increased
youth membership in packs, troops, and crews along with finding new
ways of recruiting and engaging units in the process. With the council
she is the chairman of the NEIC Traditional Recruiting Committee,
website committee, Training Day, a merit badge counselor and served
on Wood Badge staff. Theresa was elected to the Hawthorn School
District serving for four years. During her tenure, the District 73 Board
was one of only seven to earn Illinois Association of School Board’s
School Board Governance Recognition Designation in 2012. At her
current employer, ARxIUM, Theresa has organized and participated in
community involvement projects such as Toys for Tots that has raised
more than $1,000/year to purchase 200+ toys for the past 4 years. She
has coordinated food and clothing drives and other initiative organized
throughout the year. At her previous employer, Allstate, she organized
and participated in community projects each year including Adopt-A-
Family and Earth Day. She earned Allstate’s Helping Hands award for
100+ hours of community service in one year. At Christ Lutheran Church
you will find her at Project Warmth, Soup Supper and food drives. We
are privileged to award Theresa Calabrese with the Silver Beaver award.

NNortheast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

Ian Hopkins

Ian started his Scouting years at an early age and
culminating in earning his Eagle Scout award on
January 1, 1977. Then continuing as a Professional
Scouter (1984 – 1990) in Southwest Michigan Council
and Crossroads of America Council. As his family
expanded, he was a natural to again become active
in Scouting with his sons. And before he knew what
happened, he was a Tiger Den Leader, Cub Scout Committee Chairman
and soon moving on to being active in Troop 663. The troop was
growing smaller rapidly. Ian’s goal was to develop an active 20-scout
troop. He helps the scouts with their Eagle Scout projects giving
guidance. During the summer of 2015, Ian created a program for in-
school Cub Scouts to become full-on Cub Scouts by pairing them with
a local Pack. Another activity was to create interest in boys and girls for
the scouting experience within the scouting family: Cub, Boy, Girl and
Venture. The event featured archery, BB guns, a monkey rope bridge,
the infamous climbing wall while promoting the local units in Winthrop
Harbor, Zion, Beach Park and some areas in Waukegan. Even with all
his success with our youth which is our foundation of Scouting, you
can’t think of the Remembrance Area at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan without putting
Ian’s name front and center. About 10 years ago he was asked by the
properties committee to consider a project that would recognize long-
time scouters who have moved on to the “Great Camp” above. He spoke
with many and formed a diverse committee of scouters with different
views. The conclusion was to establish this area near the Chapel at
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan. His committee continues to work and remember those
passed on at the annual memorial service the middle of July each year.
This area is now looking at expanding. On a 12-year project, Ian wrote
with Matt Horbal the history of Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan in a book entitled
“Images of America”. As our past Scout Executive said, “That is the thing
about Ian, the seemingly small acts of kindness he does add up over
time. Always willing to put his best forward to benefit our movement. I
certainly recommend Ian for the Silver Beaver.”

Northeast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

Jody Hultman

As all of our recipients here tonight, Jodine has spent
hours, days, and years serving and promoting the
Scouting program. Eighteen years with Pack 199,
8 years with Venture Crew 275, 19 years with Troop
275, 5 years with Venture Crew 1170, 2 years with
Explorer 116, Commissioner Service, District activities,
Woodbadge, and STEM program. Believe her one
hour a week for scouting is used for sleeping. In other recognitions for
Jody’s work in Scouting, she has been awarded the Whitney M. Young, Jr.
award, District Award of Merit, numerous training awards, and Doctorate
of Commissioner Science from Lord Baden-Powell University. She has
mentored 14 young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and gives a
week each year at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan as a merit badge counselor. Over the
course of eight months, Jody brought together community members
and subject matter experts that guided the theories of aviation and STEM
principles. At the conclusion, Explorer Post 116 placed first in the poster
and presentation portion of the competition and second overall. Jody is
a strong supporter of bringing Scouting to the Hispanic communities in
the Round Lake Area. She has driven many scouts, parents and leaders to
meetings, events and training. She also believes in Scouting as a Family
program and encourages her units to include sisters and other family
members at their weekly meetings. Outside of Scouting she has found
time to serve as president of the Round Lake Area School Education
Foundation for 2 years. For 20 years Jody has been an instructor for the
Junior Achievement Elementary school level. She was instrumental in
having the program expanded to the high school and currently impacts
over 715 students. In competitions with other schools, two Round Lake
students finished in first place. Because of her involvement with the
schools in her area and including other school districts in the activities,
the Illinois State Board of Education awarded Jody with the 2016-17
Award of Excellence – Those Who Excel. As her nominator said, “When
one seeks a true definition of community service and volunteerism, they
need not look further than Jodine Hultman, a selfless and dedicated
community volunteer who provides endless support to the Round Lake
Area community.” It is because of her many hours of service, we are
proud to award Jodine Hultman with the Northeast Illinois Council Silver
Beaver award.

Northeast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

John Lillstrom

John was active in scouting as a youth, rising through
the ranks. At age 21 he became a staff member at
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan and remained employed there for 8
years. This started his 42 years as an adult in scouting.
He also served as caretaker at Camp Dan Beard and
Camp Jackson. But his love of Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan has
been shown through his continuing wanting to make
improvements. John was largely responsible, under the guidance of
Bob King, for establishing a high adventure program in the late 70’s. The
program had lapsed over decades and in 2004, John was instrumental
in bringing the program back to camp, developing the Buckskin Area,
and further development of the ranch equestrian program. Under
John’s leadership and direction, the program has flourished to the point
of making Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan a premier summer camp that out of council
troops want to attend. Today’s high adventure program includes back
packing in the UP, overnight canoe trips, kayak trips, overnight sailing
on Lake Superior and Boundary Waters Expeditions. John was directly
involved in the initial setup and organization of the Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Alumni
Association (MAA) in 2012 and became chairman of the organization in
2016 and continues to serve currently. Since his retirement from the
work world, he hasn’t let grass grow under his feet. In the summer you
will see him at camp, in the winter he may be repairing a war canoe in his
garage, and he is always at the Wilderness Engineers (WES) weekends
each year since his staff member days. John was instrumental in raising
over $30,000 in donations for the dedication of the Bob King Memorial
Maintenance Center and equipment. John and his family are very active
with the Voyager Reenactors, a group that become 17th century French
trappers and explorers at an event called the Bloody Lake Rendezvous.
Not only does John participates in the annual weekend event, but he
is very active in the planning and organization for the event. To quote
his nominator, “John is a shining example of what a Silver Beaver should
be to a council – his impact to the youth and scouts who come to our
council camps and are able to experience the spirit and magic that can
make a difference in their lives and development to young adults.” We
are proud to present John Lillstrom the Silver Beaver Award.

Northeast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

Scott Smith

Scott stands here tonight as part of three-generations
of Eagle Scouts. His father earned his award in 1939,
Scott earned his in 1972 and they are joined by Scott’s
two brothers and Scott’s two sons. Scott moved to the
Midwest/Chicago area from California when American
Airlines hired him as a Flight Attendant in 1979. In
2013 he was chosen as Flight Service Ambassador
during the merger and in 2015 was honored as one of the top 1% of
flight attendants. He was been awarded this honor three years in a row.
He got back into Scouting as a Tiger Den leader in 2000. He is currently
an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 273 in Vernon Hills where he has
mentored many Eagle Scouts through their life to eagle progression. He
sees the culmination of all the hard work when he sits on Eagle Boards for
Aptakisic District. Even though his boys have aged out, he makes time to
teach our future leaders from his vast experiences at Philmont, on staff
at Wood Badge and OPKIK. He teaches the boys and then has them give
presentations to their peers. After attending Betchel Summit, he was so
juiced that on his flights he will show his video of him skateboarding to
any boy that will watch. Don’t believe that there isn’t a training that Scott
hasn’t done and he has volunteered at all District and Council events. He
has been on staff for NYLT and Wood Badge. Scott’s love of backpacking
has been fed as an adult advisor on five Philmont treks and will be going
back this year. When another troop didn’t have enough adults to do the
trek, guess what? Scott jumped right in. In 2016 not only did he hike
Philmont, but also attended Sea Base and The Summit. Scott attends The
Chapel in Libertyville and has been part of the First Impressions Team.
As such, he leads a service team of 11 bi-weekly volunteers; driving the
culture of hospitality with the greeting team, usher and café. He inspires
his team through written communication and pre-service huddles. It is
because of his unselfish giving of his time and talent that we are pleased
to present the Silver Beaver Award to Scott Smith.

NNortheast Illinois Council

Silver Beaver

Betsy Uzzell

We became familiar with Betsy in 2000 when she
started in scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster for
Troop 916, Evanston. She spread her wings becoming
a Merit Badge Counselor, Troop Committee Chair and
member, Charter Organization Representative for
Pack 932 and Committee Member for Pack 932. She
has been an eloquent spokesperson for Scouting.
When the Evanston School District 65 was considering denying access
to Scouting, Betsy effectively defended the Scouting program before the
School Board, pointing out Scouting’s commitment to diversity such as
her family demonstrates. The District softened its stance and Scouting
could continue in Evanston Schools. Trying to help her son become
more comfortable with Scouting, Betsy developed and implemented a
three-step process to train him to become a Scout. 1 – Demonstrate
what to do; 2 – do the task with supervision; 3 – do the task without
help or assistance. These 3 steps proved so helpful with her son that
the troop applied them to all the Scouts when dealing with activities,
advancement, leadership, etc. Betsy shares her enthusiasm by serving
on the council of the Evanston’s Vineyard Christian Church, active
member of Evanston’s Dawes School, taught sign language to students
at Dawes, is a “Bridge Builder” with the Center for Independent Futures,
charter member of the Evanston sunrise Lion’s Club, and was a presenter
of Disabilities Awareness at the Lions District 1-F’s annual convention. As
in recognition of her efforts for those with disabilities, she was awarded
the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and Service
Pennant. As her nominator says, “Betsy is strong, resilient, especially
determined and forever compassionate. She has struggled through
the challenges, the pains, and the frustrations of her own disabilities
and of building a life confronted by a family with a whole new set of
disabilities and limitations of one kind or another. In the end . . . they are
all survivors! They’ve made their disabilities and limitations their ‘best
friend’ and are making a life worthy of others to follow.” It is because of
her unselfish giving of her time and talent that we are pleased to present
the Silver Beaver Award to Betsy Kipp Uzzell.

2018 EAGLE DINNER
Tuesday, April 24
6:00 - 9:00 PM

2018 EAGLE DINNER CHEVY CHASE
COUNTRY CLUB
Frank TsuruSPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
1000 N Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling, Illinois

TICKETS

Eagle & Scoutmaster
complimentary

Additional tickets $40

RSVP

neic.org/EagleDinner18

Accept the challenge! neic.org/EagleChallenge18

Eagle Challenge 2018

Coming Soon Kasperson Center
for Scouting

850 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, Illinois

The Vision

Named in recognition of the vision that Richard and Lucinda
Kasperson had for Scouting, the Kasperson Center for
Scouting will serve as the cornerstone for the delivery of
Scouting in Northeast Illinois. Just as the Scouting program
has developed over the years, the need to support it in a
robust way has also changed. After 38 years at our Highland
Park location, this new and larger space will allow us to add
more programs and provide better customer service to our
members.

The Kasperson Center for Scouting will house a Scout Shop
three times larger than our current store. The additional space
will allow us to stock more supplies to support every Scouts’
needs. With five times as much conference and meeting
space, we will now be able to accommodate regular program
offerings for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers as
well as more hands-on training opportunities to improve the
delivery of the Scouting program.

Situated on a 2-acre, wooded lot, the Kasperson Center for
Scouting will have a camp-like feel with all the amenities and
services that Vernon Hills has to offer, allowing the Northeast
Illinois Council to serve Scouting with more impact and
support than we ever have.

At a Glance
12,500 sq ft total 1 large conference room
1,800 sq ft Scout Shop 2 mid-size conference rooms
2-acre wooded lot 4 small conference rooms
55 parking spaces Kitchen and patio area
Five executive offices Outdoor education area

BFrooymScGoiurltSSciolvuetr pBoesatveerrcAhwildartdo!

TheresaCONGRATULATIONS

Your family and
friends coul not
be prouder of you!

“Congrats
John Lillstrom.
Old Scouters never
retire, they just go
to the Porkies with
Brian, Paul and Kim”

Northeast Illinois Council
Special Thanks

We depend on over 3,000 adult volunteers each year to do
everything from flipping pancakes to producing professional
videos and literature. Our adult volunteers move hundreds
of pounds of popcorn, build shelters, and provide photos to
commemorate our events and add to our history. Companies
and organizations help us by donating time, products and
services. Here are a few of the people who helped us tonight.

Official NEIC Photographers
William E. Gregory and Frank Martinek

Silver Beaver Videos
Rob Orr - Rob Orr Productions

Silver Beaver Bios
Eva Bair

NNortheast Illinois Council

Board of Directors 2018 Executive Board
David Bogetz
2018 Northeast Illinois Council Officers Felicia S. Brandt
President Greg Lawless
Commissioner Beth Micksch William B. Covington
Treasurer William Ratzer Alison Davies
Secretary G. Douglas Nelson Robert Dold
Mark Dunn
VP Development Ken Morrison
VP Learning For Life Roycealee J. Wood H. Clark Federer III, M.D.
VP Legal Rick Gallagher
VP Membership Steven Hunter Armin Gerhardt
VP Operations Dale Thomas Hans Geyer
VP Program Lee Haak
Curt C. Nerenberg
Alison Davies Patrick J. Heneghan
Steven Hunter
Immediate Past President D. Keith Ross Matt Hutchings
Member-At-Large Ron Peterson Rick Jeffries
Member-At-Large John Wolfson David Kemp
Pat Klemens
2018 Advisory Council
J. Andrew Langan
Pete Armstrong Don Martin Gregory Lawless
LeRoy Bair Frank Martinek Thomas W. Macfadden
Tom McILwee Larry Marshall
Kevin Baldwin Stephen R. Murrill Bethany Micksch
Brian Buesing Joanne Osmond
Steve Chodash Ken Morrison
Bruce Chudacoff Richard J. G. Douglas Nelson
Anne B. Fay Schneider Curt C. Nerenberg
Scott Fleming Reed Snyder Michael Nerheim
Jon Stevens
John S. Fox William P. Stewart David Northern
William E. Gregory George Sullivan Bill Parthun
Don Swanson Dan Peterson
Chief Guenther Albert B. Tucker
John Landgraf Larry Young Ronald R. Peterson
Robert G. Markoff Greg Pinter
G. John Marmet
William B. Ratzer
Leon Rockingham, Jr.

D. Keith Ross, Jr.
R. Michael Rubison
S. Michael Rummel
Kevin Rupprecht

Ayal Sharvit
William Sholten

Chip Smith
Dale Thomas
John Wolfson
Roycealee J. Wood

Northeast Illinois Council

Thank You!

We would like to thank those who came here tonight to recognize
the people who have made a difference, in the ofrefront or behind
the scenes, and those who will continue to serve because it makes a

difference to the youth in our communities every day.

Northeast Illinois Council
2745 Skokie Valley Road

Highland Park, Illinois 60035
847.433.1813
neic.org