By Amy Batista, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR — Youngsters dedicated to making the community a better place were recognized last month.
It was the annual Blue and Gold ceremony of the Cub Scout Pack 53 held Feb. 12 at the Melvin H. Kreps Middle School auditorium in East Windsor Township.
”I thought it was really touching,” said Scout Matthew Infosino, 11.
The event recognized the hard work the Cub Scouts have completed over the past year and celebrated their advancement up the Scout ranks.
”I made a lot of new friendships,” Matthew said. “I learned how to tie knots and to swim.”
Thirteen boys bridged to the rank of Boy Scout from Webelos II at the ceremony.
”This is a very special time of year for all of our Scouts and our leaders,” said Ken Mazurek, cubmaster of Hightstown-East Windsor Pack 53. “Each Scout is moving up the Scouting ladder, whether in Cub Scouts or on to Boy Scouts. Our Scouts have all worked very hard to achieve their rank advancements, and they should all be very proud for what they have accomplished.”
Pack 53 has served the East Windsor and Hightstown communities for 40 years. It was founded in1972.
The youngest participants received red vests, which they will carry throughout their careers as Cub Scouts. The vests are used to place award badges earned through projects and activities, including community service projects.
Approximately 100 scouts participated in the Blue and Gold ceremony. Almost every Scout in the pack met the requirements for advancement to the next rank. Those that did not will still have until the end of the season to complete those requirements.
Michael Bellars, 11, of East Windsor, as well as Ben Catana were recognized during the ceremony for earning every award and stripe possible during the past Scouting year.
”I wanted to help the community,” Michael said.
He’s also applying lessons learned as a Scout to everyday life.
”I use what I learn to help out around the house, like, if something breaks, or to tie knots,” Michael said.
Family members, including sibling Girl Scouts, attended the Blue and Gold ceremony.
A few honored guests were also in attendance, including Mayor Janice Mironov; Pastor James Egan from St. Paul’s; Stephanie Muller of the Boy Scouts of America Central New Jersey Council; and several scoutmasters.
Ms. Muller presented Pack 53 with an award for a Friends of Scouting Campaign.
”I think we are very fortunate in this community that we have so many young people involved in Scouting that I would like to congratulate every single one of you,” Mayor Mironov said. “Life is about making choices and, hopefully, making good choices. Becoming involved in Scouting is a good choice.”
Mayor Mironov recognized the Scout leaders and volunteers for their commitment and dedication to scouting.
”Scouting is one of the most positive forces in our community. It’s been a tremendous organization here in East Windsor and Hightstown,” Mayor Mironov said.
”Crossing over is a very special honor and opportunity for our Scouts. This is the culmination of years of hard work, and we are all fortunate to be here to witness this,” said Scoutmaster Mazurek. “Each Scout embarks on a journey that takes many years. The Scouts learn many things and walk a very exciting path to find the bridge. The Scouts who find the bridge are truly the lucky Scouts and are worthy of great recognition.”
When Webelos II received their awards, they were asked to take off their red vests and scarves before they were allowed to bridge over to the rank of Boy Scout.
”I thought the ceremony was nice and organized. I learned how to help people and how to make the community better,” said Jon O’Brien, 11, of East Windsor, who has been a Scout since he was old enough to join.
For Tiger Cub Scouts, it was an exciting time to receive their red vests at the ceremony.
”I can’t wait to fill my red vest with patches and get an arrow; they look really cool,” said Alex Mudry, 7, of East Windsor.
For many of the younger Cub Scouts who may not have older brothers, the Blue and Gold ceremony was a very unique experience.
”When we were called up on stage, that was cool,” said Sandra McMahon, a Tiger den leader. “They were all so proud to stand there and show off their newly earned Tiger badges. When the Webelos IIs were called up, and they received their Arrows of Light and then crossed the bridge into Boy Scouts, all of my boys wanted to know if they could do that.”
The event was indeed inspiring for many in attendance.
”It was heartwarming to see how proud the boys felt and looked while in their uniforms with all of their patches,” said Dena Mudry, a Tiger den leader. “I was impressed to see how many patches the older boys have earned over the years and hope that (her son) George continues to grow and progress through the Cub Scout program.”
She added, “I was sincerely touched by all of the symbolism involved in the ceremony. Even though I did not know any of them, (I was tearing up) seeing the older boys cross the bridge to become Boy Scouts — a reminder of how quickly my little boy is growing up.”

