Our Blue Grass Council is at a crossroads. As an organization of volunteers, Chartered Organizations, youth members, parents, and everyone else who supports Scouting from 55 counties here in Kentucky, we currently have 12 adult volunteers who serve as our Executive Committee.
1. Dr. Bill Greisner, III
2. Ernie Sammons
3. Dan Miller
4. Mary Quinn Ramer
5. Alex Waldrop
6. Buzz Carmichael
7. Don Combs, III
8. John Gilbert
9. Larry Lowe
10. Steve Ritter
11. Russ Tucker
12. Dr. Billy Forbess
To put a very long and tangled story short, there are 2 sides. One side has formed an alliance and wants to merge with the Lincoln Heritage Council in Louisville, the other side does not want to do that. Both sides have valid points and strong arguments. Both sides want to do what is best for our youth.
Currently, it seems our Executive Committee members 1-6 want to merge. Members 7-12 do not. That is a tie and it will take a majority to pass. If it passes, then there will be a vote by the Executive Board to finally determine whether the Blue Grass council stays "Blue" or not.
I would like to remind everyone that when the Lonesome Pine Council merged with the Blue Grass Council in 1979, there were many promises made to us. #1 that they wouldn't sell Camp Shawnee and #2 that we would be provided a District Executive as soon as the merger was approved. We did not get a D.E. until 1982 and they sold Camp Shawnee in 1984. The point is that promises are like good intentions.
If we do merge into 1 Council, there will only be 1 O.A. lodge and will end the great history of Kawida Lodge #480. The future of Camp McKee is very cloudy. The other side of the coin, would provide us with a better organization and debt reduction.
"May the Great Scoutmaster of All Scouts" be with these 12 adult volunteers this week, for they are the first step in the future of what we all do and love.
