OK, it’s not as dramatic as it sounds, but, according to Jerry Ostergaard, Oak Park’s Boy Scout Troop 16 is celebrating its 100th anniversary on June 11, 2016, so they’re looking for alums. Here’s their letter:
“Since its founding in March 1916, several thousand Oak Park area boys have been part of the troop during the last 100 years.
“Troop 16 is planning its 100th anniversary celebration and wants to invite all of these former members, their families and friends to attend the event. Exact details are still being worked out, but to get on the email list, alumni should visit the troop website, www.oakparktroop16.com, and click on the “100th Anniversary Reunion” tab.
“Sponsored by First United Church of Oak Park, Troop 16 still meets in the church basement every Friday night, except for once-a-month camping excursions in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. Several of its scouts have grown up to become scoutmasters, including Terry Dutton, the current leader of the troop.
“You can see the impact of Troop 16 all around Oak Park — from the thousands of Christmas wreaths hanging on homes (sold as part of the troop’s annual fundraiser), landscaping projects at local churches and Austin Gardens, bird houses in Taylor and other parks, assistance at the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry and more, all are part of Troop 16 community projects and individual Eagle Scout service projects.”
