August 11, 2017 // Diocese

ATD: August 13, 2017

Boy Scout Troop 451, chartered by St. Jude Catholic Church, Fort Wayne, earned first place at the Inaugural Little Turtle Cup Competition at Camp Chief Little Turtle in July. Eighteen troops participated in the weeklong competition, which was styled after the “Amazing Race.” From left are Andrew Zink, Ben Krebs, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Miles Fedders, Senior Patrol Leader David LaMaster and Charlie Reddinger. Scout troops from the parishes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Charles Borromeo, all of Fort Wayne, also competed in the event.

Reception for new principal. The school and parish community of St. John the Baptist, New Haven, welcomed their new principal, Zachary Coyle, on Monday, July 24, with an ice cream social. The meet-and-greet was planned by the St. John the Baptist School Board. Parents, students, staff and others exercised the opportunity to introduce themselves, while enjoying approximately 350 cups of ice cream.

Forever Learning offers fall schedule

SOUTH BEND — Michiana’s Forever Learning Institute is offering senior adults over 110 classes this fall on topics like health and fitness, creative arts, music, history, literature and technology.

Classes are held at the main campus in the Parish Center of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, as well as the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley; and new this semester, on Mondays at Southfield Village.

Registration for all classes will be held Aug. 29, 30 and 31. All course offerings are online at www.foreverlearninginstitute.org. Students may register for classes online, by mail, or in person at the Forever Learning Institute, 54191 Ironwood Road, South Bend. Classes will begin Monday, Sept. 11.

Franciscan Center receives $10,000 grant

FORT WAYNE — The Franciscan Center announces a grant award of $10,000 from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation to support its St. Joseph Medicine Cabinet Program.

“This funding allows us to continue to serve those who come to us in need of nonfood items, including toiletry, hygiene, baby, health and wellness, and cleaning supplies,” explained Tony Ley, executive director. “This support from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation will help us keep the Medicine Cabinet open for months to come, and we are grateful for their trust in our program.”

Contact the Franciscan Center at 260-744-3977; checks can be sent to 1015 E. Maple Grove Ave., Fort Wayne, 46806; or visit www.thefranciscancenter.org to make an online donation.

The Franciscan Center, founded in 1989, is a local nonprofit serving the impoverished in the Fort Wayne community through its food bank, medicine cabinet and sack lunch programs. Last year it served 74,000 families through three relief programs. The center also operates the Franciscan Center Family Thrift Store at 925 E. Coliseum Blvd. Contact the Franciscan Center at 260-744-3977 for information or visit www.thefranciscancenter.org.

Matthew Taylor earns Eagle Scout rank

Matthew Taylor

SOUTH BEND — Incoming Saint Joseph High School senior Matthew Taylor has earned the Eagle Scout award. Eagle Scout is the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve.

“I built seven birdhouses and a raised flower bed for Hannah and Friends, as well as repainting the fence for their horses,” said Taylor, about the service project he conceived of to benefit his community. “The raised flower bed was built so that it is wheelchair accessible. I did my Eagle project for Hannah and Friends Neighborhood because I volunteer there, and I believe that it’s a great organization: I’d love to do anything I can to help with the wonderful work that they do.”
He joined Cub Scout Pack 451 in second grade because he loved camping with his dad, and decided Boy Scouts would be a great fit for someone with that interest.

“When I reached the end of Cub Scouts in fifth grade, I moved on to join Troop 572, officially becoming a Boy Scout. I moved up the ranks throughout middle school, which was also when I attended National Youth Leadership Training — a weeklong camp dedicated to teaching Scouts how to become strong leaders. Last summer I went on to (join) the staff at NYLT, putting my leadership skills into practice. Also last summer, I planned and executed my Eagle Scout project. After completing all the requirements and achieving 32 merit badges, I was ready to receive the rank of Eagle Scout,” recalled Taylor.

Scouting has had a big influence on his life. It taught him how to survive in the wilderness and how to perform first aid. Most importantly, it has taught him how to be a strong leader.

“I have had several memorable moments. Thanks to Scouting, I’ve had the opportunity to go rock climbing, kayak through raging rapids, zip line through the treetops and explore dark caves. Not to mention, I’ve made many friends through Scouting who have made these moments even more memorable.”

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