By: Ellis S.R. No. 164 1-1 By: Ellis S.R. No. 164 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in 1-4 recognizing Robert Ridley on his outstanding service as Cubmaster 1-5 for Pack 3242 of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Robert Ridley served for several years as Cubmaster 1-7 for Pack 3242 and is currently the Chartered Organization 1-8 Representative for Troop 242 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church; the 1-9 church is located in the heart of the Third Ward in Houston; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Noted for introducing scouting to the youths of the 1-11 inner city of Houston, Mr. Ridley scheduled his scout unit meetings 1-12 on Saturday mornings to allow working and single parents to 1-13 participate in scouting; as a result, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist 1-14 Church Cub Pack has expanded beyond its natural boundaries and has 1-15 attracted parents and youths from nearby schools, cities, and 1-16 suburban communities; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Mr. Ridley established a broadly based scouting 1-18 program, introducing scouts and their parents to a wide array 1-19 of tours and experiences; his projects included camping aboard 1-20 the USS Lexington at Corpus Christi, tours of the Institute of 1-21 Texan Cultures, and chartered bus trips to the high adventure 1-22 Philmont National Training Center Boy Scout Camp in Cimarron, 1-23 New Mexico, for training opportunities; and 2-1 WHEREAS, An innovative and resourceful leader, Robert Ridley 2-2 arranged for contributions to be made from his employer, United 2-3 Parcel Service, to Cub Pack 3242, and the funds have been used for 2-4 purchasing equipment and for awards trophies; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Mr. Ridley is noted for involving youths of all 2-6 races and income levels in scouting and for his expertise in 2-7 working with diverse groups and cultures; one of his greatest 2-8 successes was arranging for Saint James Episcopal Church Pack 3212 2-9 and West University Methodist Church Pack 3266 to join with the 2-10 Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Pack 3242 in a joint Space Mission 2-11 Exhibit at the SHAC Scout Fair; and 2-12 WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman who is widely admired and 2-13 respected for his commitment to scouting, Mr. Ridley was presented 2-14 the Spirit Award in 1996 by the W. L. Davis District and has been 2-15 nominated for the George Meany award; he is frequently sought after 2-16 as a teacher and trainer of other Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders; 2-17 now, therefore, be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-19 75th Legislature, hereby commend Robert Ridley on his exceptional 2-20 accomplishments in scouting and extend appreciation to him for 2-21 giving generously of his time and energy to the youths of Texas; 2-22 and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-24 him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. 2-25 ______________________________________ 2-26 President of the Senate 3-1 I hereby certify that the above 3-2 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-3 on February 13, 1997. 3-4 ______________________________________ 3-5 Secretary of the Senate 3-6 ______________________________________ 3-7 Member, Texas Senate