Generally Speaking: Judge Arthur Schack to discuss Boy Scouts

New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Schack will be tossing aside his judicial robes this coming Sunday afternoon when he talks about the history of the Boy Scouts, their Eagle program and Major League Baseball at the Bay Ridge Manor.

He has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the luncheon commemorating the 134th anniversary for the Society of Old Brooklynites.Schack, a former scout, Boy Scout troop leader, and Brooklyn scout commissioner, will be discussing the history of one of America’s largest youth organizations, which was founded in the United States in 1910.

The first scout to qualify as an Eagle, the highest ranking designation, was a Brooklyn native, Arthur Rose Eldred.Today, the Eagle program is headed by Robert GatesOther prominent Eagle scouts have been former Brooklyn/Queens Congressmember Gary AckermanBill BradleyGerald FordMichael BloombergLouis FreehPercy Sutton and several astronauts including Neil Armstrong. Judge Schack will also talk about his prior career as an attorney for Major League Baseball.

Also attending the event will be former Brooklyn Borough President Marty MarkowitzRon SchweigerSherman Silverman at 718-748-3165.

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While New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina seems to be very concerned about poor attendance by members of the 33volunteer Community Education Councils throughout the city, luckily at CEC 20 — which covers Bay Ridge and a large chunk of Southwest Brooklyn — this hasn’t been a problem.

Since its inception, the attendance here has beenexceptionally good owing to the splendid leadership of first Carlo Scissura and now Laurie Windsor. CEC 20 is one of the most active and engaging councils in the city.

We attended the CEC’s past June monthly meeting at PS/IS 30, Ovington Avenue and Fourth Avenue, where District 20 Schools Superintendent Karina Cosentino during her report to the council described how magnificent the new building (site of the former Green Church) is.

For the most part we agree. So Ihate to be a male equivalent of a Debbie Downer when it comes to the lack of a stage. Yes, there is a performing space, but would you believe — it is floor level!

I think the students are losing out due to the misguided architect who designed this particular area of the school.There is nothing like being up on a traditional stage for a play, recital or perhaps an awards assembly.I also think the school is going to have difficulty renting out the space for community events.Even the CEC, which is usually up on the stage at most schools, had to settle for the floor level alternative.

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To reach Ted General via the Internet, his e-mail address is:

General@Journalist.com