New Milford Police Speed to Victory at the Inaugural Best in Bergen Derby!
The air crackled with excitement – the roar of the crowd, the squeal of tiny tires, and the sheer, unadulterated fun of the Best in Bergen Derby filled the atmosphere! This year, something truly special happened, and the New Milford Police Department etched their name into derby history, claiming the coveted first-place trophy!
This wasn’t your average Pinewood Derby. New Milford Pack 78, our very own local Cub Scout pack, stepped up and hosted the first-ever Best in Bergen Derby, a thrilling Outlaw Pinewood Derby Race designed to bring together our incredible First Responders and local municipalities. This unique spin on a beloved tradition, with “Outlaw” rules that allowed for some seriously creative car designs, was open to municipalities across Bergen County, and boy, did they deliver!
The competition was fierce, a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our local heroes. Mayor John Russel of Dumont brought his A-game, Daniel Kazmurzack represented the Teaneck Police with pride, and our own New Milford teams, including the DPW, Mayor Michael Putrino, and the Police Department, all showcased their competitive spirit. But when the dust settled, one name echoed through the crowd: Dan Rugani. Representing the New Milford Police Department, Dan’s expertly crafted Derby car, a masterpiece of design and speed, proved unstoppable.
The Best in Bergen Derby was more than just a race; it was a celebration of community. It was a powerful reminder of the strong bonds that connect us across Bergen County. We came together to laugh, cheer, and revel in the spirit of friendly competition. In that moment, we were all united, and New Milford gave us something truly special to be proud of.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the New Milford Police Department, and especially to Dan Rugani, for their well-deserved victory! You’ve made our community proud! A huge thank you also goes to New Milford Pack 78 for hosting such a fantastic event, to all the participants, volunteers, and everyone who came out to support this incredible day. We can’t wait to see what next year’s Best in Bergen Derby brings!
The Church of the Ascension Food Pantry provides assistance to approximately 26 families in New Milford. They are always in need of donations to help support families and combat food insecurities. Last month, Troop 78 embarked on a month-long mission to support their local community. The Scouts initiated a food drive, collecting non-perishable items to donate to the local food pantry.
Yesterday, the collection drive concluded, and the Scouts gathered their bounty. Today, armed with bags filled with canned goods, pasta, and other essentials, they headed to the food pantry to donate the items they collected. There, they rolled up their sleeves and joined the dedicated volunteers in sorting and organizing the donated food.
This service project was a testament to the Scouts’ commitment to helping others. By dedicating a month to this cause, they made a significant impact on their community and learned valuable lessons about giving back.They worked hard and had a lot of fun while doing it.
Friday, November 15, 2024, the members of Scout Troop 78 had a special visit from some of New Milford’s finest: members of the New Milford Fire Department, Police Department, and Mayor Michael Putrino. The visit was part of the troop’s ongoing community service initiative and aimed to inspire young scouts to give back to their community.
The firefighters and police officers shared stories about their experiences responding to emergencies and helping people in need. They emphasized the importance of community service and how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The mayor spoke about the role of local government in supporting community initiatives and encouraged the scouts to get involved.
The scouts were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with these local heroes and learn more about their work. They asked thoughtful questions about firefighting techniques, police procedures, and the challenges of public service. The visit sparked conversations about potential community service projects, such as volunteering at local food banks, or cleaning up parks.
This partnership between Scout Troop 78 and the New Milford Fire Department, Police Department, and Mayor’s Office is a testament to the strong community spirit in New Milford. By working together, they can inspire future generations of leaders and create a brighter future for the town.
We were barely out of the pandemic and our family had suffered a major loss. One of my sons was really eager to be a part of Troop 78 in New Milford. I was reluctant because we were a part of another Troop in another town and I did not want to commit to anything given what we had just been through.
I decided to go to a meeting and I thought this would appease my son, but something amazing happened. The families I met were warm and welcoming and all of the reasons I had not to join melted away. I decided to have both my boys join. I also volunteer to support the Troop because it takes a lot of coordination on the back end and it is the least I can do for my Scout Family.
The Benefits of Scouting are Plentiful!
The boys have been exposed to experiences, peers and to a broader sense of responsibility in their community that I could not have given them or have taught them on my own. The families and leaders in this Troop help each other and breathe life into the idea that “it takes a village”.
Being a part of Scouting is one of very few organizations that give the kids a roadmap of how to become well-rounded young adults and leaders. It gave “us” a sense of belonging and the boys have a built-in group of kids they can call friends even outside the organization. Being part of the Scouts is really a gift that will keep on giving if the kids are serious about optimizing what it has to offer.
But most importantly they have a lot of fun! Camping, meetings, parties, community service, the Pinewood Derby and lots of chances to become an Eagle Scout, are exciting as well as fulfilling experiences that the Troop offers.
I would tell anyone to just give Troop 78 in New Milford a try. The benefits are boundless for your children and yourself!
Written by the T family and we would like to thank them for sharing their story.
New Milford, NJ – Scout Troop 78 is a vibrant community organization dedicated to fostering leadership, character development, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Serving boys and girls ages 5 -17, the troop provides a supportive and engaging environment where young people can learn valuable skills, make lasting friendships, and contribute positively to their community.
A History of Excellence
With a rich history dating back decades, Troop 78 has a proven track record of producing outstanding young men and women. The troop’s commitment to the core values of Scouting—trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thrift, and bravery—has helped countless individuals develop into responsible and compassionate citizens.
