November may seem a long way away. But for Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders in Abilene, there is an event you should prepare for now.

It's the annual Scouting for Food collection for the Food Bank of West Texas and other organizations.

The collection date this year will be Nov. 8 in Abilene. Other parts of the Texas Trails Boy Scout Council may schedule collections at a different time. For example, Brownwood and most counties south and east of Abilene will hold their collection drive Nov. 1.

So why worry about it in early September? Because you want to be sure your unit gets the part of town you want to cover on Nov. 8. Your opportunity to be first in line comes up at 7 p.m. Thursday at the White Buffalo district roundtable at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders are encouraged to have someone representing them that night.

This drive has a major impact each year on supplies at the food bank. It helps fill needs until other organizations hold collections over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Troop and pack leaders, please be sure someone is there. Each year, there are parts of the city no one covers. Your help is needed. Even if you don't usually attend the monthly roundtables, make a special effort to get to this one. It's important for a lot of people.

4-H AWARDS

Last week, you heard about Gold Star awards given to Taylor County 4-H'ers. Here are the recipients of other awards given at the county recognition banquet held last month.

Green Star Awards, presented to siblings of 4-H members who are too young for the formal program: Eli Jackson and Aaron Jackson, sons of Dwayne and Eileen Jackson, affiliated with Big Country 4-H Club.

Bronze Star Awards, for third grade through age 10: Heidi Goforth, daughter of Wayne and Gina Goforth, Big Country 4-H Club; and Levi Jackson, son of Dwayne and Eileen Jackson.

Silver Star Awards, ages 11 to 13: Conrad Day of Jim Ned 4-H Club and Savanna Day of the Horse Club, son and daughter of Dwayne and Nina Sue Day.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Basic cake decorating, Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today, 1208 N. 5th St., Abilene (Texas Trails Boy Scout office). $10.

Girl Scouts Silver Lining (adopt a nursing home), 2-3:30 p.m. today, Wisteria Place Retirement Village, 3917 Wisteria Way, Abilene. Bring small gifts for residents. Ice cream social after presentations. (325) 670-0432.

Boy Scout/Cub Scout leaders' roundtable, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Abilene. Park in parking lot at North 6th and Orange streets and enter through kitchen. (325) 677-2688.

Annual Boy Scout popcorn sales begin, Sept. 13. Public sales are forbidden until this date. (325) 677-2688.

Girl Scout adult leader training, Sept. 13, Girl Scout office, 1200 Avenue D, Brownwood. Troop Leadership Course, 9 a.m.-noon. Overnight Consultant Course, 9 a.m.-noon (required before any overnight activity). Program level training for specific age groups, 1-4 p.m. (800) 346-3215 or (325) 646-1516.

Mom 'n' Me Beach Ball Blast, Sept. 13-14, Girl Scout Camp Wood Lake. Check-in begins 10 a.m. Sept. 13. For all ages. $40 each per Scout and Safety Wise adult; must be preregistered. (800) 346-3215 or (325) 646-1516.

Cake-decorating class for high school-age Girl Scouts, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20, 1208 N. 5th St., Abilene (Texas Trails Boy Scout office). $10; must be prepaid by Monday. (325) 670-0432.

DEADLINES

Wednesday for Girl Scout Badge Day at Tarleton State University in Stephenville Oct. 11. $12 per girl; free for Safety Wise adults. Bring sack lunch. (325) 646-1516 or (800) 346-3215.

Sept. 17 for Girl Scout Camp Consultant Course Sept. 27-28, Camp Wood Lake. Required training before taking girls outdoor camping. $20. (325) 646-1516 or (800) 346-3215.

Contact Carl Kieke at kiekec@suddenlink.net; (325) 673-3552; or mail to Carl Kieke, P.O. Box 30, Abilene TX 79604-0030.