Manville Scouts celebrate achievements at VFW

SCOUTING AROUND

By:Mary Ellen Zangara
   Manville Cub Scouts Pack 193 and Boy Scouts Troop 193 celebrated with their annual Blue and Gold dinner, Sunday, at the Manville VFW Post.
   Scouting has been around for 93 years and the boys helped celebrate their accomplishments with their families.
   The dinner began with a flag ceremony by Troop 193 Scouts. After that, Cubmaster Andrea Jenner welcomed all the Scouts, their families and their invited guests. Special guests introduced included Mayor Angelo Corradino, Fred Gorbatuk, representing the VFW; VFW Chaplain Fred Metzner; Gloria Kubiak, Ladies Auxiliary president; Donald Frank, Weston School principal, and Dr. Donald Burkhardt, Superintendent of Manville Public Schools.
   Mr. Metzner gave the invocation and dinner was served.
   Mayor Corradino gave a few words to the Scouts, then presented Borough Council proclamations to the pack and troop, before departing.
   "Congratulations to all the winners and thank you, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, for the great job that you are doing and for all you are doing for Manville," he said.
   Mr. Gorbatuk and Ms. Kubiak each gave the pack a donation from the VFW organizations, along with the praise and congratulations. Dr. Burkhardt thanked the Scouts for inviting both he and his wife, and congratulated them for their achievements.
   Mr. Frank did the same and told the Scouts that he, too, was a Scout years ago. He challenged the Scouts to come and teach him how to tie knots they learn.
   Before presenting the awards, Ms. Jenner acknowledged the Scouts’ hard work in achieving the many awards.
   First to be recognized were the Tiger Scouts, including Joseph Green who earned his Tiger Recognition and Map and Compass Belt Loop.
   On the Wolf level, Christian Roman received the Bobcat Rank, Soccer, Baseball, Fishing, Computers, Bicycling, and Art Belt Loops. Matthew Miller also received Bowling Chess, Bicycling and Computer Belt Loops.
   The Wolf Rank was presented to Richie Breiner, Cory Britt, Justin Olejnik, Shaan Patel, Sunil Patel, Douglas Weber, and Marty Wierzba. Alex Agans received his Bear Rank.
   Webelos Scouts were presented with activity pins that they earned. Christian Jannone, John Osmond, Joshua Saultz, Michael Shipley, Matthew Trond and Joey Veglatte all earned the Artist pin and the Belt Loop and pin for Physical Fitness and Bowling. Joey also earned his Bobcat Rank.
   The second year Webelos Patrols also earned their pins and their Arrow of Light-the highest rank in Cub Scouts. From the Dragon Patrol, Tyler Britt was presented with Compass Point, Engineer, Family and Artist pins; Jacob Hunt-Compass Point, Engineer, Family and Handyman pins; Peter Stadtmueller-Compass Point, and Forester pin.
   In the Raptor Patrol, Vincent Bickar, Paul Gruszka, Christopher Jenner and Matt Stockman all received their Arrow of Light and the Naturalist pin. Paul also received activity pins for Family Member, Geologist, Traveler, Handyman and Sportsman.
   Scoutmaster Jim Kelly assisted Ms. Jenner in the Arrow of Light ceremony and he along with the other leaders and Scouts of Troop 193 welcomed the new scouts to their rank. As the new Scouts crossed over the bridge to Boy Scout Troop 103 scouts were on the other side to welcome them by putting on their new Boy Scout neckerchief.
   Tyler Britt, Vincent Bickar, Paul Gruszka, Christopher Jenner, Peter Stadtmueller and Matthew Stockman all received the Boy Scout Rank. Douglas Cutler received his Tenderfoot Rank and First Class Rank went to Danel Allen and Kevin Sellar. Kevin also received the Computers badge. Mr. Kelly challenged the scouts "To move upwards and onwards" in their scouting.
   Five scouts from Troop 193 were recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout the highest rank in Boy Scouting. Nicholas Berezansky and Donald Koger completed their requirements months ago and Matthew Nile, Michael Chabra, Jr. and George Petruska, Jr. recently completed their requirements for this honor.
   Lastly, the Cub Scout and Cub Scout Leader of the Year, and Boy Scout and Boy Scout Leader of the Year Awards were announced. Tyler Britt and Don Stockman received this honor for the Cub Scouts and Michael Chabra Jr. and Susan Blanken were honored for the Boy Scouts.