Baking Thoughts

Don't forget that part of the upcoming Blue and Gold lunch is the Father/Son Cake Cook Off contest! Start thinking about your next creation!

I can't remember the exact rules, but this is what I think I remember from last year:

1. The primary/largest portion of the cake must be cake/brownie/cookie or other home-baked good. You may use a cake mix, or make one from scratch. The primary piece(s) of the cake must be homemade, not purchased.
2. All decorations or special effects on the cake must be edible.
   
3. Absolutely no female or family baking expert may help with the cake! The cake must be baked and decorated by the scout and his male helper (this may be a Father, Grandfather, other relative, family friend, neighbor or mentor… or even the scout by himself!). I think Mom's are allowed to hold the fire extinguisher.
   
4. The scout team must do all the shopping, preparation, baking and decorating by themselves.
5. EVERY SCOUT TEAM MUST ALSO CLEAN THE KITCHEN WHEN THEY’RE DONE!

Going to the White House!!!

Key Points from info on Hoyer’s 5th district web site:

--Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.

Please note that no storage facilities are available on or around the complex. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

-- Please see the web site above for the "Instructions for Group Tours" and the White House Area Map. The closest metro is Metro Center, about 2-3 blocks away. There is no parking available except for spots you may find on nearby streets.

-- Visitors should arrive 15 minutes before their time at the Visitors Entrance on East Executive Avenue and Alexander Hamilton Place.

-- All visitors age 15 years of age or older will need to present photo identification with information matching the name submitted previously for clearance. Individuals whose identification does not exactly match the name or data cleared for entry may be denied admittance.

-- Tours are significantly enhanced with a stop by the White House Visitor Center located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets. The location is easy to find by looking for three American flags and the blue awnings. Visitors should allow 20 minutes to one hour to see the videos and exhibits. The Visitor Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week.

-- White House tours are subject to last minute cancellation. Please call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at 202-456-7041 for the most current information about White House tours