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With the Mitchell Family and Friends

Dinner

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Honoring Lynn Mitchell at Boy Scouts dinner– May 7, 2015

It was a real compliment to be asked to introduce Lynn. Lynn and David were the first couple I met when we moved to Palo Alto in 1968.

Lynn and I are New Englanders by birth; Lynn from Conn. and I from Vt. This heritage may be a factor in why we have enjoyed each other’s friendship over the years.

With the careers we’ve had, we didn’t see very much of each other for several years. It’s been a real pleasure to get re-acquainted in the last few years.

Lynn is one of those special people who make a community better than it would be without her. She’s touched many lives and they become enriched because of her caring.

Back to the 1970’s – Lynn was Campfire leader for our daughters, Sarah and Mary, classmates at Ross Road elementary school – a Palo Alto school that was the last built and first to close as the student population declined by almost 50% in the 1980’s. Lynn’s talent in helping the girls develop values, camping skills and cooking skills was wonderful and very much appreciated by people like me. It’s wonderful to see Lynn and Dave’s daughters, Sarah and Betsy here tonight.

During this time Lynn was also director of the educational program at the First Congregational Church in Palo Alto. This was a time when classes were full and she was

recruiting Sunday School teachers and assuring an excellent program. I know she was excellent at this job because my husband was one of the teachers recruited.Lynn and I are of the generation of “re-entry women”. We earned our undergraduate degrees, married, had and raised children and then realized that we could do more. We both returned to graduate school.

Having earned a Masters degree at Harvard where she met David in the in 1960, she again earned a Masters in Educational Counseling from San Jose State in 1980. This degree and her creative skills led to employment at Raychem - a former Redwood City company where she worked in human relations to the benefit of people looking to reach their potential and, as she has said, teaching employees how to “state a problem without creating a problem”.

I’m going to get personal and let you know that I also benefited from Lynn’s counseling skills when I worked with her to figure out how to survive in a very male environment during my state Senate days in Sacramento.

Lynn has had a varied career as a teacher, a leader, and a counselor with a capital “C”. She also has been a committed wife and mother.

The Boy Scouts are honoring a woman of integrity, warmth, intelligence, and creativity whom I’m pleased to call my friend.

My husband Jim and I congratulate both Lynn and David.

Speakers

Becky Morgan

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I’m not sure I know all that Dave did to achieve his Eagle, but I do know that no one is more an Eagle Scout than Dave Mitchell.

After achieving his Eagle, he attended Stanford, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, went on to receive a JD, cum laude, from Harvard and entered the law profession in tax, estate planning, and real estate.

He’s been on the boards of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, San Jose Chamber of Commerce, United Way Santa Clara County – which he also chaired. Served on the Peninsula Open Space Trust board for 24 years until we finally established term limits. He also chaired our board and now sits on its beloved Audit Committee. Dave is now President of the Palo Alto Community Fund.

And, he is still working at his law practice – perhaps avoiding retirement as he confuses it with summers he spent as a teenager digging swimming pools for wealthy Pasadenians.

Oh, and he plays the piano, goes to church, loves the out of doors, loves his family, has raised 2 wonderful daughters, and no doubt reads the Sunday paper.

Dave you already are an Eagle Scout. Please, you don’t have to keep trying.

Now, if you were one of the many David W. Mitchells I found on the internet, for example, the one who REALLY likes the YouTube video Barbie’s Bad Hair Day, we might understand. But, just because you are a tax attorney really isn’t a reason to keep proving you are actually a good guy.

I’m retired after 24 years at POST. Really, I swore I wouldn’t have to do this kind of thing again, or wear pointy high heeled shoes, but how could I say NO about Dave who was such an important part of POST’s success? He lightened both my load and my day. He’d come to the office to help with some deal we were putting together or a donor problem or a Board matter. OK, this is Dave – first look at him: straight, sincere, responsible, maybe at first glance a little staid. But he comes into the office with a twinkle in his eye, a grin he

is trying so hard to suppress; he’s almost bouncing on the balls of his feet, just about bursting. He tells a great joke and my day is made.

Probably my favorite recollection is of a very complex and sensitive negotiation we were undertaking for the purchase of the Phleger Estate in Woodside, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. At our first formal negotiation meeting Dave and I arrive only to be faced with a whole phalanx of attorneys, all men, all in grey suits, headed by the “dean” of the delegation, Whit Budge. Mr. Budge was 6’5”, built like a college football player who has kept in shape. He’s handsome and has a big head of white hair. I was immediately completely intimidated. Budge looked like my childhood pictures of God.

But not so Dave. He was sizing up the situation. The Boy Scout was getting ready to “Be Prepared.” At our next meeting he told me to bring a male staff member dressed in a coat and tie. He arrived with a beautiful, poised woman attorney, dressed in a red suit and two enormous valises filled with paper. Of course all of these were props – he was just leveling the playing field! And, it worked.

At one point at POST we were looking ahead at some very big challenges. Dave presented me with this lovely little frog telling me it was to help me leap over anything in our way! I’m sure it’s charmed.

Dave, although you‘ve already successfully surmounted more challenges that we can count, I know you and Lynn are preparing to move from your house on Center, eventually on to Channing House. I know you’ve solved one problem – donating your family grand piano to Channing House. Of course you’ve figured out it could be located near your apartment, you’ll be able to continue to play, and you’ll get a tax deduction! (ah, lawyers!).

However, between today and when you are finally settled in, figuring out what to keep and what to do with all that great stuff acumulated over the years, old family heirlooms no one seems to want, you and Lynn are definitely going to need this frog.

Love you Dave.

Audrey Rust

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Good evening everyone! My name is Jose Martinez, and I am program coordinator for the St. Francis of Assisi Youth Club. I immigrated to the U.S. when I was 11 years old without speaking a single word of English, and I grew up in East Palo Alto.

Many people would consider growing up in the notorious city of East Palo Alto a bad thing due to the violence and crime, but for better or for worse I grew up there, as I didn’t really have any other choice. Yes, the violence and crime were bad growing up, yet I learned many positive attributes including how to be resilient in a harsh environment.

While growing up I experienced first-hand the disparities in East Palo Alto, in comparison to its neighbor city across the bridge. When juxtaposing the two, the inequalities between them are simply abysmal. Fortunately, with the guidance of positive mentors and role models I enrolled in academically challenging programs, which provided me the resources I needed to succeed academically.

I attended Cesar Chavez academy, which is where the majority of the students I work with go to school, and against all odds I got accepted to, and graduated from Eastside College Prep and UC Davis, and I am currently applying to MBA programs. My education and leadership skills have allowed me to co- direct the St. Francis of Assisi Youth Club, and during thistime I have begun several successful initiatives. But what I want to talk about tonight is the Scoutreach program.

Through a strategic partnership with Scoutreach, I have become a scouting leader and served as Troop 600’s Scoutmaster for the last year.

You might have already heard about the great things that Troop 600 did during this time through our newsletters and e-mails: About all the guest speakers in different fields of STEM, the science activities that our scouts participated in, the week-long camping trip with Troop 1 at Camp Oljato, the fishing trips, the weekend camping trips to Camp Cutter and Boulder

Creek, as well as the 10-mile hike to the top of Mission Peak with Troop 57. But what you might not know is that all of these activities have been provided to our youth at no cost, all thanks to Scoutreach and your generous support.In the last year, Scoutreach has been able to offer over 50 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in East Palo Alto the opportunity to be a scout and to be prepared for life; through all the positive skills and values that scouting teaches them.

From my personal experience, I can honestly say that if it were not for the strong support of dedicated educators and mentors, I would not have been able to accomplish everything I have done. And that is exactly what the Scoutreach program is doing for youth in Troop 600 and other Scoutreach troops; providing young men the opportunity to live by the scout oath and law, embrace quality values and skills, and experience the outdoors; all this while building a fraternal bond between the troop members, and scouts in other troops.

In closing, I would like to stress the importance of Scoutreach, by saying that in the last year of working with Troop 600 I have seen a tremendous development in character and integrity among all scouts, as well as an improvement in their grades. Now, I will leave you with two quotes from two of the scouts during weekend-long camping trips.

One of the Cub Scouts said this to me right after trying archery for the first time. With a really big smile in his face, he looked at me and said: “Jose thank you for bringing me here! This is the best day of my life!”

The other is from a Boy Scout in a single-mother family. He said: “Jose, my dad never took me fishing and my uncle is always busy. This is my first time fishing. Thank you for teaching me how to fish!”

Thank You!

Jose Martinez, ScoutmasterScoutReach Troop 600

Program Coordinator, St. Francis of Assisi Youth Club

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Ladies and gentlemen, shocking as it may seem, that out of the more than 2.7million youth members involved in Boy Scouts, only 5% will make it to the rank of Eagle Scout, that’s 1 out of every 20 scouts. To what do we owe this ridiculously low success rate? Well, the reality is, it’s hard. Scouting pushes you to your personal limits, it makes you go outside of your comfort zone, and it makes you take advantage of your weaknesses; all of this, to help us grow. That’s what I love about it.

I joined Scouting about two years ago, just before I started high school at Eastside College Prep. I am a sophomore now, and a Patrol Leader from Troop 1. I’ve got to say, it really helped with the “getting-to-know-people” process, having come from a different school environment. I think that my favorite experience that helped promote a feeling of community among our troop was my first year to Camp Oljato back in 2013. I was young and very reserved. Showing up there, I realized that many of the other troops present had known each other for years, and we, the new scouts along with the older ones, had known each other for a maximum of about 6 weeks. The next week for me was enlightening, both for my attitude and my intellect. After many bruises from the kick of a shotgun and climbing the same mountain every day for about thirty minutes with the same people, I began to make relationships with my fellow troop mates. By the end of the week, it was no longer a troop of unfamiliar people, but a group of companions, working together to demonstrate their ability to cooperate and collaborate in the Oljato Olympics. Spoiler alert: we won thetournament. But the most memorable part of the event is the brotherhood that we demonstrated, that we showed that a short trip could bring us together for a common goal that displayed our accomplishment.

While working with others has allowed me to grow relationships with others, it has also allowed me to overcome fears and get out of my comfort zone. Take heights for example, I’m afraid of them (I’m trying really hard not to look down right now), but I’ve learned to embrace it in some ways. Scouting has made them seem inevitable for me. Climbing ranks is similar to climbing a mountain, the higher you go, the more difficult it gets; for scouts, it means more responsibility, more obligations to the troop and community, and lastly, more accomplishment. Be ambitious, when you get to the top, you can look back and say that it is possible.

This leads me into what scouting has changed my mind about: leadership. Leadership is not about just giving orders and watching because you have earned a title of power. Leading others is about getting done what needs to be done while cooperating with others with efficiency, because in the words of Mr. Warren Bennis, an American scholar, “Leadership is the

capacity to translate vision into reality”. I have learned the true definition of leading, and that is hearing others, and coming to a point of compromise that still completes the essence of everyone’s wishes. Boy Scouts is the medium in which you practice that skill; you get one simple order, transform these guys into responsible young men and make it fun. In itself, the order is simple yet complicated, but only in the sense that one does not go “poof, I am a man”, it is a process of maturity and personalgrowth. So yes, in these past two years, I have learned something, and it is that I do want to go through with this journey, it’s that despite the struggle, I want to be able to say “I did it. Sí se puede”, it is that I am dedicated to the growth and success of every one of the Scouts in our troop.

I don’t know whether many of you follow soccer too much, so I’ll try to explain as much as possible. About two years ago, my favorite club, FC Barcelona, played versus the new and improved Bayern Munich in Champions League semifinals. In the first game, Barcelona was frustrated and lost the game with a 4-0. The second game, another 3-0 loss, Barcelona went out with their heads hung low. What was their problem in both games? How did a world class team, dominating in every aspect of the game, go to lose suddenly? Their area of fault, cooperation. The team failed to cooperate in their worst times and therefore let the other team take advantage of their weaknesses. I was surprised to find this out through activities and planning sessions for troop events. It became evident that this cooperation was necessary when events started to not happen and when certain aspects of events were missing.

Cooperation is important to get things done, that’s the reality of it; things can get done without cooperation, but 1. it is much easier with cooperation and 2. it sets us up with better habits. So when we work as a troop, we make sure that we all work together. Now, I know that I, as well as many of my companions, are in a strong position to becoming Eagle Scouts soon.

Remember the statistic I mentioned earlier? What if we increased that statistic of 5% of the Boy Scout population earning an Eagle to more than 50%? That would be a tremendous increase that would benefit our community with both experience and responsibility. That is what Troop 1 aims to do: to provide our community with able young men who will serve the community in a way that will better our society as a whole. So we, the members of Troop 1 commit our efforts to become a part of that 5% Eagle population, to raise that percentage and to serve to our community.

Thank you.

Alan Caleron, Patrol LeaderScoutReach Troop 1

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Good evening everyone, I would like to thank you all for the amazing opportunity allowing me to be here and and allowing my troop to attend. I have been part of Troop 1 since I was a freshman in High School. Boy Scouts was never the dream or plan, because when you're a freshman in High School and someone comes up to you and say, “Hey want to be a Boy Scout,” One does not quickly say “Yes I’ve wanted to be a Boy Scout my whole life!” So I was hesitant of joining right away. Probably my only regret in boy scouting.

My friends who have joined before me were going on these amazing hikes and always talking about how much fun it was. I would listen to their stories of their experiences and it left me with the common statement, “Wish I was there.” Boy Scout isn’t the stereotypical stamp collecting, getting badges, and campfire songs. Rather it was about grit, attitude, and loyalty.

Our Assistant Scout Master Troy Smith always told us, “Mind over matter.” Though it has become cliche considering he constantly repeats this statement it always has the same effect. It is these three words that inspires and keeps us going. It was when we were hiking and someone is tired and he tells them, “Mind over Matter.” It’s when he dared me to walk into the waterfall at Berry Creek Falls, where every muscle in my body was feeling a sharp pain from the coldness of the water, and he still says to stay in the waterfall for 30 seconds and yells “Mind over Matter.” Boy Scouts is where I learned about grit and pushing the limits to feel pride and self achievement.Attitude , I’m not talking about being angry all the time, but the opposite, I’m talking about the positivity. Always looking at the positive sides of things. For me, the most memorable experiences are when we struggle or stuck in a situation. One of the most memorable

experience is when we struggle the most. I remember going to a camp out after a Volleyball game, and hungry. This was working all day dropped my sandwich so I didn’t eat lunch can’t wait to get home kind of hungry. We get to our camp, set up the tents, and cook up some spaghetti. Anyways food is ready and we are ready to slam, when everyone is looking for the plates. Short story short, we didn’t find the plates. So we used paper towels as our plates and ate our spaghetti off of our hands. Yet we had to remember to be positive still. It is the times that the weather channel says clear skies and yet it still rained it was from being with each other that we found positivity.

The last thing that I learned from Boy Scouts was loyalty. Loyalty is what keeps us together. Living together with everyone let’s us see each other outside of school and camp outs. I learned loyalty from not only pushing myself but pushing others with me. This bond that we all create are not just from troop mates, but as a family now. I love these guys and they have had a huge impact on who I am today. I don’t think that I would have had the same Boy Scout experience without them.

Boy Scouts is an experience and part of my life that I will cherish and have for the rest of my life. I thank Pacific Skyline for giving me the opportunity to be a Boy Scout. Thank you Darren for leading and striving to keep this troop going. I mostly thank Troop 1, all of you are the ones that led to me being up here today.

Thank you.

Jose Rivera, Patrol Leader ScoutReach Troop 1

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Presentations79

Thank you Becky and Audrey. This is an honor tonight. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. I will not name everyone, all the long time friends, new friends, and staff who have helped. I will name a volunteer, a devoted and determined Eagle, Larry Christianson, I am here because of Larry and my favorite Eagle, David. First, I want to introduce our family. They all had to leave work and fly to be here with us tonight. We are grateful they are here. Sarah, our oldest daughter is a woman’s health educator and midwife, in Texas and New Mexico. Her daughter, Andrea, would be here except she is completing her semester in Vietnam. Our daughter, Betsy Kinney, a teacher in Taos, NM is here with her husband, Donal, a CPA, and their sons, Rowan and Nialo. Rowan is a Life Scout; Nialo is a First Class Scout. We are grateful for cousins here tonight, Pat and Dick Dawson and Carroll and john Hirsch. We are grateful and honored by all of you coming tonight. This is an HONOR.

You may wonder why I am here because I am not an Eagle. Dave and I have been married for almost 54 years; and we have partnered on many community projects, bringing our different skills to the cause on which we focus. Early in our marriage we teamed up to help defeat a state initiative that would have fostered housing discrimination. We knew then we were together to be of service in our community.I grew up seeing that being involved in the community was a natural part of being an adult. Both of my parents were active volunteers. My mother was a Girl Scout leader; she was the Cub Scout leader, and she volunteered 10 hours a week in the Scout office. My father worked to insure that 148 acres of shore front land on Long Island Sound was made into a

public park, open to everyone in the town. My father believed that everyone should have access to the woods, hiking, and the beach for swimming.I loved being a Campfire Leader. While joining with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to cut the hiking trail to the coast, I learned that cutting the roots of a plant without leaves in early spring was how to catch poison oak despite long sleeves and gloves.

My volunteer work reflects what makes my heart sing. What motivates me is to learn new things and share that learning. It makes me happy to share opportunities that help other people learn. Years ago our daughter, Sarah, was learning to swim in the backyard pool of Betty Wright. As I sat watching, I saw many children with physical disabilities. These children could go from being sedentary in a wheel chair to being active in the water. Betty Wright’s dream was to build an indoor pool for these children. A friend and I made stuffed pillow animals and hand puppets, items that were not manufactured at that time. We sold our handiwork and made a significant sum. We worked with other fundraisers and the pool got built. DAVE AND I ARE HERE TONIGHT PRIMARILY TO CELEBRATE THE SCOUTS.I am excited because I understand that after one summer, the Scouts you will see in the video are eager to bring younger boys into the troop and share what they are learning. We all benefit when our youth learn, are inspired, willing to stand up, and continue the work.

We know that not everyone has the same opportunities. Thank You for being here helping to make opportunities available to boys for whom Scouting would be only a dream without Scout Reach.

Lynn Mitchell

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I join in Lynn's expression of gratitude to everyone for the honors, the tributes in the program and support of ScoutReach evidenced by your attendance and generosity.

I was born into a family that loved the mountains. My parents found the Scout troop I joined-- that troop emphasized camping and camping skills. That troop in Southern California tried to go camping once a month, either in the mountains or the high desert. The troop had its own handmade wooden HEAVY backpacks. The container holding the packed material half a pup tent held on by rope. This contraption came undone while we were hiking and tested our knot tying skills. Despite that, I loved hiking and backpacking with my troop.

Each summer, I went to Scout summer camp on Catalina Island for 10 days, for four years as a camper, and then to be on the junior staff the fifth year, when I was 16.

At camp, leadership was not exactly taught, but it did get learned. One day a hike was being led by a senior staff person. He was calling out directions. Younger scouts were required to call us by our last names to give us some sort of leadership aura...."Mr. Mitchell." One of his directions was: " If you see a rattlesnake, call on Mr. Mitchell. He takes care of the rattlesnakes. " I think the leadership trait I learned from that was passing off distasteful responsibility. I never learned to be a snake charmer.

I loved being at camp--the crystal clear water of Catalina, paddling in an 8 man war canoe and watching flying fish, looking at mountain goats, and the wonderful campfires.

I recall it being hard for me to become an Eagle Scout. I had to have badges in swimming, lifesaving and bird watching. During and after World War II, there was little opportunity to practice swimming between lessons. It took me a long time to be able to swim 150 yards but I persisted. To get the Bird watching badge, we had to identify so many different varieties of birds! Another Scout's dad stepped in and really worked with

me. What did I learn? I failed to learn to be patient, but I finally learned persistence.Again, I remember the pleasure of learning not only from my dad, but from other

adult leaders and mentors.What does this have to do with tonight's event? My stories make light of the rich

opportunities I had growing up---opportunities through scouting to develop character, curiosity, persistence and leadership qualities, to gain knowledge about the world outside our regular lives. Scouts learn how to be self reliant, but also work in teams. Through Scouts I made some lifelong friends. Lynn and I are excited to see opportunities of the sort we had extend to today's young people no matter what their personal circumstances are. That's why we are so passionate about Scouting and the Scoutreach program. We feel responsible to do what we can.

I believe Eagle Scouts have an added responsibility. We are the explicit adult face of Scouting. Yet, we did not attain that rank by ourselves. We each had help from many others. We need to see to it that there are Scouting programs extended to kids who likely don't have the support systems we had.

We have witnessed Scoutreach change individual lives. That's what appeals to us so much right now. Within a short distance of this most fortunate and progressive part of the world, we have heard of kids who have never been to the local mountains west of El Camino Real. I still believe that all kids should have the chance to experience nature and the wild.

And we have witnessed how Scouting has helped our own grandsons. Just in this council, there are over 800 participants in Scoutreach. You've had a

chance to hear about and meet some of them tonight. We hope their stories have excited you. We are thrilled with the Scout Council's idea to expand the ScoutReach program into Half Moon Bay, with a school age population that will greatly benefit from it.

Dave Mitchell

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Tributes

David & Lynn, Thank you so much for all you have done for ScoutReach and the Boy Scouts!  Congratulations and thanks again!        Brian Curtis, Scout Executive/CEO,

Pacific Skyline Council Congratulations and thank you for all the contributions you’ve made to BSA and most importantly to ScoutReach.        Ron Whiteside, ScoutReach Troop 600,         St. Francis of Assisi Youth Club,

Board of Directors, Member Thanks for being some of the very best grandparents ever.         Love you, Rowan Dave & Lynn, It was a tremendous honor to be a part of your special evening.  Thank you for all that you have done! Thanks for inspiring and leading so many good works in our community!  Your contributions are wonderful. David and Lynn, it was a pleasure meeting you at the dinner.  Thank you very much for all that you do to be able to provide the amazing opportunity that scouting is to the youth of East Palo Alto.        Jose Martinez, ScoutReach Troop 600 Scoutmaster Dave & Lynn, What a pleasure to be here and celebrate with you, and to share our interest and love for the scouting movement for the environment and nature, and for two special scouts.         Love,    Donal 

Dave and Lynn have brightened the prospects for hundreds of children who will learn to apply the lifelong skills for character, service, reverence, and duty embodied in the Scout oath and Scout law.  These children, along with the other tens of thousands nationwide supported by ScoutReach, will form an important part of America’s strength for the next hundred years.  My compliments to Dave and Lynn for their dedication and service to the community.    Bill Balson        President, Pacific Skyline Council Dear Lynn and Dave – Our warmest wishes for a well-deserved tribute to you both.  We admire you and love you.        Anne and Bob DeBusk Thank you David and Lynn.  You are both amazing gifts to your friends and your extended community.  You are a blessing to us all!        Kristine and John Erving For all you have done over such a long period of time        Jo Dorius and John Murden 

The comments by Becky and Audrey reinforced what we already know – that Dave and Lynn have, for decades, made a huge difference in our community!        Love, Debby and Tom Martin 

I admire the thoughtful care and thoroughness that you bring to all of your endeavors, and the warm, friendly spirit that you share with all of us.        With gratitude, Steven Ketchpel Congratulations Lynn and Dave!  Thank you for all that you have done and are doing for our community through the Boy Scouts and many other outstanding organizations.        Maggie Pringle Dave and Lynn – You are both very special people.  I am very proud to call you my friends.  Thank you for all you have done for scouting over the years.  You make a difference!        Hank Scherf,        Past President Pac Sky Council,

Executive Board Western Region President,        BSA. Congratulations and best wishes!  You deserve the accolades!  Judy and I look forward to many more years at our church and in the community!        Ben and Judy Roberts Thank you for all you do for Scouting youth.        Wendy Goeking Thank you David and Lynn for demonstrating community leadership and inspiring me to step up.  Thanks for inviting us to this dinner!  With admiration.        Catherine Berman  

Thanks for all you have done for scouting.        Patrick Callaghan 

Congratulations to you, Lynn and Dave.  You have made a great contribution to ScoutReach and to our community in general.        Nancy and Pat McGaraghan 

Mark and I are so glad to celebrate with you, Sarah, and Betsy tonight.  This award is well deserved for two people who mean so much to the entire Reller Family!        Elizabeth Moragne Dave and Lynn, you have been an inspiration to us.        Harry and Susan Hartzell Lynn and Dave:  You have both inspired me by modeling integrity, sensitivity, and kindness.        With Love from Anne Dauer 

Thanks for touching so many (young and not so young!).  Your example of giving back for your whole lives (still more to come) inspires us all.        Tim Maximoff

Dave and Lynn, You both have done much for Scouting, not the least of which is to be our honorees for 2015.  As a past Council President with some perspective, I cannot thank each of you enough.  Scouting is changing all the time, but its basic core values and principals will always remain the same as has guided millions of Scouts and Scouters to greater heights in providing the backbone for our nation.  You two are certainly in that fine mold.  I am proud to have been associated with you both at this year’s Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner.  May the bonds of scouting be with you and the entire Pacific Skyline Council as we provide programs that make great young men out of special youth.       

Don Eaton        Past President Pacific Sky Council, and member Executive Board, BSA.  The Palo Alto Community Fund is grateful for their community giving to the local community.  Cheers and thanks to both of you!!!        Bruce Gee 

It is truly amazing the impact you’ve had on these young men’s lives.  They are the future leaders of our community!        Zac Riera 

After listening to Alan from Troop 1, makes you proud to know what can be done for kids in poorer neighborhoods.  You should be proud of all you have done for our community.  I am proud to know you two!        John and Reo Haynes 

I am amazed with the good David and Lynn have done for scouting in just a short 4 years starting with their help with the Williams DCAD and now their own remarkable DCAD.  What is more impressive is how that help has impacted youth from communities that traditionally do not get touched with scouting, so the impact is even greater than normal. I am looking forward to their continued efforts to get scouting into the Latino community in the Half Moon Bay area where it will likewise have a significant impact for good. Their grandson scouts can be proud of the significant impact their grandparents are having with getting scouting to youth that otherwise would not get that opportunity.  Thank you David and Lynn for your invaluable help.  You mentored me in my early legal career and now are an inspiration to me in my scouting work.        

Garth Pickett        Past President Pacific Skyline Council,          and member Executive Board

Western Region, BSA.

Thanks for all you have done for scouting.        Patrick Callaghan 

Congratulations to you, Lynn and Dave.  You have made a great contribution to ScoutReach and to our community in general.        Nancy and Pat McGaraghan 

Mark and I are so glad to celebrate with you, Sarah, and Betsy tonight.  This award is well deserved for two people who mean so much to the entire Reller Family!        Elizabeth Moragne Dave and Lynn, you have been an inspiration to us.        Harry and Susan Hartzell Lynn and Dave:  You have both inspired me by modeling integrity, sensitivity, and kindness.        With Love from Anne Dauer 

Thanks for touching so many (young and not so young!).  Your example of giving back for your whole lives (still more to come) inspires us all.        Tim Maximoff

Dave and Lynn, You both have done much for Scouting, not the least of which is to be our honorees for 2015.  As a past Council President with some perspective, I cannot thank each of you enough.  Scouting is changing all the time, but its basic core values and principals will always remain the same as has guided millions of Scouts and Scouters to greater heights in providing the backbone for our nation.  You two are certainly in that fine mold.  I am proud to have been associated with you both at this year’s Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner.  May the bonds of scouting be with you and the entire Pacific Skyline Council as we provide programs that make great young men out of special youth.       

Don Eaton        Past President Pacific Sky Council, and member Executive Board, BSA.  The Palo Alto Community Fund is grateful for their community giving to the local community.  Cheers and thanks to both of you!!!        Bruce Gee 

It is truly amazing the impact you’ve had on these young men’s lives.  They are the future leaders of our community!        Zac Riera 

After listening to Alan from Troop 1, makes you proud to know what can be done for kids in poorer neighborhoods.  You should be proud of all you have done for our community.  I am proud to know you two!        John and Reo Haynes 

I am amazed with the good David and Lynn have done for scouting in just a short 4 years starting with their help with the Williams DCAD and now their own remarkable DCAD.  What is more impressive is how that help has impacted youth from communities that traditionally do not get touched with scouting, so the impact is even greater than normal. I am looking forward to their continued efforts to get scouting into the Latino community in the Half Moon Bay area where it will likewise have a significant impact for good. Their grandson scouts can be proud of the significant impact their grandparents are having with getting scouting to youth that otherwise would not get that opportunity.  Thank you David and Lynn for your invaluable help.  You mentored me in my early legal career and now are an inspiration to me in my scouting work.        

Garth Pickett        Past President Pacific Skyline Council,          and member Executive Board

Western Region, BSA.

David and Lynn, you both lead extraordinary and inspiring lives and I feel very fortunate to know you.  Your commitment to the community is unparalled and congratulations on receiving your well-deserved reward!        Eric Masch Thank you Lyn and Dave, you both have been both a part of my life forever.  Dave, I don’t know where I would be without your Eagle Scout moral compass!  Thank you.        Deborah Suppes Congratulations.  You both inspire, support and sustain us.  Thanks for all you do every day.  You are both a blessing to us, to our church, and to our whole community.  We thank God for you!        Dave and Kristen Howell 

To David and Lynn – We are proud and absolutely delighted that you will soon be our close neighbors!        With love, Lee and Merrill Newman

Dave and Lynn Mitchell, I can't thank you enough for your generosity to the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of ScoutReach.  The funds you raised will enrich the lives of many local youth.  We will now increase the number of scouts served and improve the quality of the program for all participants.  Thanks for providing increased opportunities for more needy kids and inspiring those of us who manage the ScoutReach program to extend our reach.        Dave Olson, VP ScoutReach, Pacific Skyline Council  Congrats for the recognition of your loyal service to the community.        Paul and Maureen Roskoph You set an example that would be hard to match.  We congratulate you and thank you.         Ann and Geoff Ziman L

Lynn and David – May you both continue to do good together and be blessed with health and happiness.        Mitchel Berman 

Hello Dave and Lynn, it was wonderful to catch a glimpse of your lives from a perspective that was new to me.  I was reminded of all you have done for our family, a heritage that I treasure greatly.        With much love, Kathy Parker Congratulations to Dave and Lynn for all that they have done for Scouting and their entire community.  You both demonstrated the class and leadership that serve as a shining example of what dedication, success, and respect look like.  A true realization of the Eagle Scout Spirit.  Thank you.        Christopher Moropoulos        VP – Administration, General Council,

Executive Board Member You both inspire us!  Thanks for all your contributions to family and community!You both are inspirational!        Carroll and John Hirsch Thank you for all you have done four our community and scouting.        Ted and Donna Marcopulos        Stanford District Chairman We so admire the two of you, knowing you over our 20 years of marriage so far!  And treasure “rubbing shoulders” all these years!  Thank you, Lynn and David!        Lucinda and Rob Lenincheck Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Very impressed with your sincerity, humbleness, sense of community and persistence.  Great job!         Best, Les DeWitt, ScoutReach Troop 600        St. Francis of Assisi Youth Club, Board

of Director, Chairman

David & Lynn – You are an inspiration to your community.

Laurie & Barbara McLellanVP, Volunteers Resources, Pacific Skyline Council

 Lynn and Dave, my very best wishes to my very best friends            Bill Reller Congratulations to both of you, Lynn and Dave, for such outstanding service to our community.  I am honored to be a part of your circle.        Fondly, Carolyn Schwartz 

Very impressive and moving evening.  Congratulations on your significant contribution.        Niel Davidson Thank you and congratulations to you both from Ron and Carol Clazie of Menlo Park.  (Ron is an Eagle Scout and father of an Eagle Scout, Carol is Aunt of an Eagle Scout)        Ron and Carol Clazie Dave and Lynn, you exemplify what is good, deep and enduring in human relationships.  Thanks for being a friend.        Bert and Candee Forbes 

Strong programs encourage membership growth and retention.  Your passion for ScoutReach is infectious.  Kids are having fun and encouraging their friends to join them in our ScoutReach units.   Thank you for your leadership and continued support!

Best Wishes!!Judd and Mary Jane StiffVP of Membership and Assistant Council Commissioner, Pacific Skyline Counci

Thank you for your outstanding contribution to our community and the well-being of our children.        Susan and Jim McDonnell Thank you for all your good works and inspiring lives.        Howie Pearson        Member, Pacific Skyline

Executive Board of Directors Thank you, Dave and Lynn, for sharing your lives with us.  It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you.        Jill Schwab 

David and Lynn – We were honored to be included in your celebration!  It’s been a gift getting to know you through FCCPA and our many dinners together!  When we grow up – we want to be just like you two – caring, generous, savvy and in love! 

With admiration, Scott and Pamela Weiss

 Your wonderfully generous contributions will have positive impact by those participating in Scout Reach for many years.  Thank you!        Karl Goeking, Pacific Skyline

Council Board Member 

Dave and Lynn - Thank you for all you do for Scouting and the community.  As a new board member on our council camping committee, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact you have had.  Your example is an inspiration to me and a multitude of others.

Clint Takeshita, Pacific Skyline Council Board Member

 I was so impressed by the young men I met and observed at the dinner honoring the Mitchells that I decided to give more money.  You are making a difference in those boys’ lives.

Carolyn Schwartz   

 What I have enjoyed the most about being a Boy Scout is camping for a whole week in Oljato because there are a lot of fun activities to do. I really liked going to oljato last summer because I earned my first aid and environmental sciences merit badges.

I also liked all the delicious food in dinning hall.  Thank you.Juan

Troop 600, Second Class 

My favorite moment at Camp Cutter was going to the Zomb-O-Ree. I also enjoyed learning knots and doing archery. My scout brothers and I had a lot of fun. Once again thank you and congratulations .

AlfredoTroop 600, Tenderfoot

 

What I really enjoy about scouting is going camping especially at night because I get to admire nature and the stars. I also enjoyed rock climbing, hiking, and pitching tents. Thank you.

IsaiTroop 600, Tenderfoot

  

Thank you for supporting Scoutreach and for providing us the opportunity to go on fun field trips.  One of the hardest activities I have done as a scout is a 10-mile hike to the top of Mission Peak, it was hard but I didn’t give up. I also enjoyed the time I went camping to

Monte Bello and saw many deer pass by, and it was really cool seeing them up close.Sincerely, 

JosueTroop 600, Tenderfoot

  

Congratulations on receiving the 2015 Distinguished Citizens Award. Thank you for helping Scoutreach. Some of the activities I have liked the most as a scout are pitching tents, camping, fishing, and learning about plants. 

Best wishes, Jorge

Troop 600, Tenderfoot 

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 Thank you for helping Scoutreach and for helping us Boys Scouts with all the resources we need. Thanks to Scoutreach, my scout brothers and I we have gone on hiking and camping trips. My favorite experience as a Boy Scout was when I went to Camp Cutter

because did a lot of fun activities like mountain boarding and archery. One of my favorite hiking trips was a 10-mile hike to Mission Peak because it was really fun and I saw a lot of animals like deer, cows, and hawks.

You have really made a difference in my life.Sincerely,

Diego,Troop 600, Tenderfoot 

My favorite part of being a scout has been camping at Monte Bello because I learned a lot of information about poisonous plants, and while we were hiking we saw deer up close, and it was amazing!  Thank you.

Gil,Troop 600, Tenderfoot

 My favorite experience as a Boy Scout is being able to learn new things like CPR, how to safely use tools, how to treat frostbite and

other first aid techniques, and how to shoot a bow and arrow, which I learned at Camp Cutter.  Thank you.Roberto,

Troop 600, Tenderfoot.

Thank you for supporting Scoutreach. My favorite experience of being a Boy Scout is when we go to camping trips, specially Camp Cutter because that is where I learned archery, and on my first try I hit the target.  Thank you.

Francesco,Troop 600, Tenderfoot

 The best part of being a Boy Scout is the camping trips with my scout brothers because those are always fun and I get to hang out

with my troop and meet other scouts from other troops. The best camping trip for me has been Camp Oljato because it was the longest time I been away from my family (1-week), I learned a lot of new skills, became closer to my scout brothers, and enjoyed

the delicious food. Thanks for providing me the opportunity.Hector,

Troop 600, Second Class 

My favorite experiences as a scout have been going hiking to Windy Hill and going camping at Camp Cutter. I liked those two experiences because it made me more brave through all the hard work I did. I also liked camping because I got to experience

canoeing for the first time and also got to play battle ship. Thank you.Omar,

Troop 600, Tenderfoot

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The National Eagle Scout Association and 2015 Pacific Skyline Council’s Outstanding Eagle Scout Award was presented to David W. Mitchell, May 2015 .

© 2015 Book Design by Larry Christenson.

Photographers: Larry Christenson, Josh Gilliland, and Melissa Hammack.

Center Drive Mitchell Home Photos courtesy of Brian Chancellor.

“ Be Prepared. ” A Hootenanny Fete with Dave and Lynn.

Lyrics by Tom Lehr.(Selectively edited.)

Be Prepared! That's the Boy Scout's marching song,Be Prepared! As through life you march along.

Be Prepared to hold your …

Be Prepared! That's the Boy Scouts' solemn creed,Be Prepared! And be clean in word and deed.