Boy Scouts Honor Community Leader

Boy Scouts honor community leader

By: Mitchell Trinka, Staff Reporter

11/08/2007

Living his entire life in Duchess County, Tim Bontecou is known to many residents, but under a variety of services to the community.

To some he is known as the president of Tamarack Preserve since its inception in 1991, still others know him for his dedication to preserving open space and maintaining the rural character of the community.
To recognize his leadership and commitment to preserving the Millbrook Community, the Hudson Valley Boy Scout Council (HVBSC) has chosen to bestow on Bontecou the 2007 Millbrook "Good Scout Award."
He will receive the award on Nov. 10 at Tamarack Preserve.
According to Diego Aviles, of the HCBSC, the prestigious award is presented to a person who exemplifies, in his or her daily life, the ideals of the Boy Scout oath and law.
"In a quiet way, he personifies all those qualities," said Aviles.
Aviles said Bontecou was selected after the HVBSC talked to past winners of the award.
He said Bontecou is known for his quiet nature and perseverance in preserving open space, noting that past winners took that into account, but also selected him for his assistance in raising money for the HVBSC.
This was done last year, when the first-ever HVBSC sporting clays tournament was held at Tamarack Preserve.
"I think it's a great thing (Bontecou receiving the award)," said Aviles.
At the award reception, Bontecou will receive a Good Scout statue and the capacity to be part of future Good Scout selections.
According to Aviles, more than 60 people will attend the event, including Bontecou's father, Jesse Bontecou, past honorees, members from Tamarack, and a mix of local, county, and state elected officials.
"We're excited," said Aviles.
According to Aviles, the fundraiser will be a welcome influx of capital into the HVBSC that hopes to raise more than $10,000.
The money will benefit more than 3,000 Scouts, buying camping supplies, paying for trips, and providing outreach to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be a Scout.
He said everyone might not want to be a Scout, but the important thing is that the opportunity is there.
He said the money will also go to preserving the HVBSC's camp, Nooteeming, a 300-acre campground founded in 1929. He said the camp is a great way for young people to experience nature.
Aviles said many youngsters are disconnected from nature because of television and video games, adding that the camp helps them learn to appreciate the outdoors.
"Our kids are growing up with a nature deficit disorder," said Aviles.
He said there will be no cap on the number who want to attend the event, but according to Aviles, those interested should call for tickets as soon as possible.
The reception tickets are $75 individually, but can be purchased with four different sponsorship packages that can cost up to $5,000 and will give the buyer recognition on printed materials, a commemorative plaque, and multiple guest tickets.
The event will be held at Tamarack Preserve on Nov. 10, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Aviles at 497-7337, extension 318, or e-mail at .