Silver Beaver Reception

As most of you know and who had been following my blog, I was presented with the coveted Silver Beaver Award last year in March. Since I was the award recipient, I was invited to the 2008 Silver Beaver Review Board in December. We sat down and pounded out on reading and review Silver Beaver Applications, and resumes.

There were many applications, but we were told to select only 10 applicants. It was a difficult process as every candidate was worthy to receive the Silver Beaver Award. I had some disagreement with some of the selection and some that were not selected. I guess, I didn't know these applicants personally as I can only read their proud achievements through their tenure in scouting for the past 2-3 decades. In the end, we were all proud and satisfied with our selection. I think we all slept soundly that night. :-)

Tonight was the Silver Beaver Reception at the Smiser Scout Center in Pasadena. I remember my reception vividly of last year as if it was yesterday. I remember walking in on time, but to my surprise everyone was in the room and had their portrait photographed already. I felt bad because I was holding up the photographer from packing up his equipment. Anyway, this year, everyone was very happy and excited about having their portraits taken. They all borrowed a Silver Beaver Award and had it temporarily around their neck for the picture. Everyone was posed perfectly albeit they all look so uncomfortably like a robot. "Chin up, look here, tilt head, move arm and lift elbow, etc.". Belle n' Beau are famous for their classic portrait, and I guess that's what it takes to look perfect and be capture in time with a still photograph. It was an important moment and event. I guess it was all worth it in the end.

I think I'll contact Belle n' Beau and have a copy purchased so that I can keep it for prosperity. :-)

Silver Beaver Award: San Gabriel Valley Council Dinner

I was kinda anxious all day while at work thinking about tonight's Silver Beaver Award Dinner. I've been waiting for this moment for quite some time now... in fact 17 years! Since I didn't get a chance to earn my Eagle Scout Award as a child, I was determined to some day earn my ranks as an adult scouter. The Silver Beaver is the highest honor bestowed to a scouter in the Council level. I had the distinct honor of earning the District Award of Merit back in 1996... yes, 11 years ago! I was just a young pub learning the ropes of being a Scoutmaster. That was a pleasant surprise as I was not informed prior to attending the district dinner.

All week I've been running around trying to get my new uniform in order... with all the patches and knots all in place. Lan helped me get some of my ribbons from the LA Scout Shop which is temporarily relocated to the basement of her building at Squire Sanders and Dempsy.

I reserved 2 tables and prepaid it with my own money as I want to share this special moment with not only Lan, but my whole family. My mom and dad will attend my first scouting event and that is the biggest night of my scouting career. My business partners, Brian and Allen, were also there to support me and photograph the event. Chris also came but his girlfriend couldn't make it. Also, one of my scout from my Rose Parade Troop 2005 came as well. Incidentally, I included him in my montage photos.

Although, I wish they didn't dim the lights so much to show the PowerPoint slideshow, because it was difficult to photograph and videotape the actual ceremony of award presentation and wearing the ribbon. I was also mis-informed that I could only take one person on stage with me during the presentation. I of course chose my mom as she did more for me than anyone on this earth. Unfortunately, I had to do it without my father. Actually, he could've come up with us but he couldn't sit on stage.

Here are some of the photos of the even tonight. Thanks for sharing my special evening. It really means a lot to me to have all my family, business partners and friends there.

The Silver Beaver Award! Finally!

I just got a call from Huber who sits in the Silver Beaver Award review committee. He gave me the good news that I'll be one of the 2007 Silver Beaver Award Recipient. Wow, that's really good news because I've been working hard as BSA leader for the past 17 years, and finally I being recognized by the San Gabriel Valley Council.