Five Minutes With ... A boy scout Leader

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Timekeeper: Pete Fowler
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
March 29, 2008

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Name: Steve Weller
Age: 57
Place of birth: Carlinville, Ill.
Occupation: Weller Properties

When did you move to Garfield County and why? In January 1973. After graduation from Eastern Illinois University I was looking for adventure and mountains and skiing.

First thing you’d do or buy after winning the lottery? Give the money to a family member. That is if I gambled, and I don't.

First job: Paper boy at 12 years old.

Best job ever: Owning Abbey Carpet in Glenwood.

How long have you been involved in scouting? Since age 6 when my mom was a den mother

How are you involved in scouting and what responsibilities do you have? At present I am a cub master, a committee chairman for a boy scout and cub scout troop, and I am serving as the Three Rivers District Chairman. I also will serve on staff this year for wood badge training — the most elite training for local scouting. I am helping my son with his eagle scout project. He’s making bat boxes for the Don Kriz Youth Ranch here in Garfield County.

What drew you to it? First the desire to serve for my girl and boys in my family, then to rise to the occasion given to me by the examples of other scouters serving in this area.

What’s the best thing about it? Watching an 8-year-old scout stick with it and become an Eagle Scout. Also scouting is outing and we do a lot of it. A boy will become a good man in scouting

What’s the most difficult part of it? The time it takes to do the job right. Training and meetings and then being with the boys and girls at the local and district events
What kind of effect did it have on you? I still remember my leaders and the first aid and the hikes, etc. Mostly the outdoors, and midnight football in the pack meetings. I also remember my mom’s service to us little ones.

What’s the best memory you have of being in scouts? Going on the 50-miler on the Flat Tops this past year. This year will bring a new best memory. It keeps getting better

What’s the best activity you did in scouts? Going to summer camps, competing in events and earning merit badges, learning to cook and especially sitting around the camp fire.

Best vacation ever? A cruise on the waters south of Florida. Also scuba diving during college.

What do you do in your spare time? Work around the house and do improvements. Spend time with my wife.

Greatest accomplishment? Starting Abbey Carpet and selling the business, second to finding religion.

Ever had a book, movie, news event change your life? All that I have witnessed in these three areas have formed my life.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received; or a cliché to live by? To keep my mouth shut when I was mad at my wife.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I never knew even during college. I was fun loving and wanted a horse and some travel. My job would have to come second although it never did.

If you only had three TV channels, what would you watch? News, BYU out of Utah, and home fix up shows.

Any tattoos? No.

If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be, what would you serve and what would you talk about? President Bush, President Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and my wife. We would talk about what we can do for our nation, our children and the best ideas to serve others. Also we would talk about scouting. We would grill steaks with the trimmings, and of course home made ice cream.

What’s the greatest invention of all time? Maybe the Internet, or more simply computers.

Favorites:
Movie: August Rush
Breakfast cereal: Sugar puffs
Song: Unchained Melody
Singer: There are too many to count
Athlete: My older brother
Food: Lobster
Website: www.lds.com
Place in Garfield County: My home in West Glenwood
Sport to watch: Football