Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Blum, Morrow
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 1/04/2023
The Legacy Behind Local Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
Craig and JoAnn Blum smile for the camera as Judy Morrow presents them with an honorary award. The plaque, which states, “In Grateful Recognition of Your Exceptional Leadership and Outstanding Service,” was given to the Blum’s in honor of their 19 years of service for helping the Cub Scouts make their pinewood derby cars. Stephanie Dayton/Clark County Press
By Stephanie Dayton
On Dec. 29, 2022, Craig Blum and his wife, JoAnn, received a plaque from Judy Morrow, fellow Cub Scouts; on it was engraved, “In Grateful Recognition of Your Exceptional Leadership and Outstanding Service.” For 19 years, Blum has been helping young Cub Scout members make their famous pinewood derby cars. Alongside close friends, Jim Mills and Ned Carlson, the trio has created a complete workshop in the garage of Blum’s house.
It all started when Blum’s son, now 54, was in Cub Scouts. After helping his son, a co-worker reached out for help as well. “He was a single dad, living in a small apartment, struggling to help his son make the car,” shared Blum. “He came up to me one day and asked if I might be able to help him. Of course, I said yes. After that, more co-workers and friends started asking for help. After a few years, we were eating at the Olympic restaurant having breakfast, and our waitress came over, talking about how she was also having a hard time helping her son make his car.”
After telling the waitress he would be happy to help, that could have been the end of it, but good friend Judy Morrow overheard the whole conversation. Morrow knew Blum had the ability and compassion to help the young children, so she asked if he would be willing to be the nominated go-to for Cub Scouts needing help with their pinewood derby cars.
“For 19 years, parents have been bringing their young Cub Scouts over,” Morrow states, “Craig, Jim and Ned help make the cars, and JoAnn makes the delicious cookies; we couldn’t do it without her.”
We weren’t even moved in yet, and we had already joined the Optimist Club; we love to help people and our community as much as possible,” JoAnn said with a smile.
When asked how to make a good car, Blum responded, “It’s all in the wheels.,” “You gotta get the wheels straight. You don’t want the car to swerve into the wrong lane.
Blum takes pride in helping the Cub Scouts make their pinewood cars. “When we first started making the cars, the wheels were different then,” he said. “I’ve watched these cars change a lot over the years.”
“I think my favorite part is getting to mingle with the kids and watching their eyes light up as their dream car becomes real,” shared Blum. “It’s all up to them, like cut and paste. They draw it out and design it on paper, and we make it the best we can, with maybe a few suggestions,” Blum said smiling.
When living in a small community, it’s important to have people who are there for each other, ones you can lean on. Craig and JoAnn Blum have been those people for young Cub Scouts and parents for 19 years, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
