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 2025 Pinewood Derby will add a new category to the Outlaw Race. This year, the 1st Best in Bergen Cup will offer Mayors, Council Members, and First Responders from New Milford, Oradell, Bergenfield, Dumont, River Edge, Hackensack, and Teaneck the opportunity to race their Pinewood Derby Cars against each other for a trophy and bragging rights.
Our Outlaw Race, which is open to the public, and the Best in Bergen Cup provide individuals or teams the opportunity to create and race a pinewood derby car that is simple or creatively complex as long as it meets the height, weight, and width requirements. The Winners receive a trophy and bragging rights for the year. The rules for the race seem long and complicated but in reality the restrictions are common sense and are required to make the competition safe, fair and exciting.
The nights agenda will include 3 race categories (Pinewood, Outlaw and Best in Bergen) with each car running in at least 3 races. Past car concepts have included a school bus, a Mader truck, a snake, a gumball machine, Pikachu, a mouse chasing cheese, sports cars, a Spider-Man car, an arrow, a rainbow, and an 18 Wheeler. These races and the event serve, in part, as a fund raiser for Scout events, camping and materials for badge requirements.
Participants who wish to enter the race must register before January 6, 2025, pay a $20 entrance fee and they will receive a car kit from which they will create their car. During the event, snacks, desserts, drinks, and hot dogs are sold. The race is scheduled for February 21, 2025 at 7 pm sharp at the New Milford Presbyterian Church. Please arrive on time as all cars need to be weighted and checked in prior to the race.
If you are interested in participating please email our Race Coordinator Christina using the contact form under the Outlaw Race page
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.
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.
Scouting has been shaping young minds for over a century. It’s a platform where kids learn valuable life skills, make lifelong friends, and contribute to their communities. Today, we’re excited to share the experiences of three young Scouts, Sophia, Jackson, and Justin, who are making a significant impact through their involvement in Troop 78.
Sophia’s Story: A Girl’s Perspective
Sophia, a bright and enthusiastic Webelos Cub Scout, breaks stereotypes and proves that Scouting is for everyone, regardless of gender. She emphasizes that being a girl in Scouts is no different from being a boy. She enjoys the camaraderie, the outdoor adventures, and the opportunities to learn new skills.
From camping trips to community service projects, Sophia’s days are filled with excitement. She loves learning about knife safety, outdoor ethics, and the importance of respecting others. Sophia’s involvement in Scouting has instilled in her a strong sense of community service. She actively participates in projects like cleaning up local parks and donating to those in need.
““Being a girl in Scouts is no different than being a boy in Scouts. There is no difference.”
Jackson’s Story: A Boy’s Perspective
Jackson, a dedicated Scout, shares his passion for Scouting and the positive impact it has had on his life. He believes that Scouting is all about building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community. He values the discipline, respect, and teamwork that Scouting promotes.
One of Jackson’s most memorable experiences was participating in a community service project where he and his fellow Scouts cleaned up a local park. This experience taught him the importance of giving back to his community. Scouting has helped Jackson develop essential life skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. He is grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow through his involvement in Scouting.
“We have events and it’s really about like how we go into the community and help the community.“
Justin’s Story: A Scout’s Perspective
Justin, another dedicated Scout, highlights the importance of community building and respect within Scouting. He shares a memorable experience of cleaning up a local park, emphasizing the positive impact of community service.
“We do things to build a good community…It is an honor to be with Scouts and you have to be respectful and disciplined.“
The Impact of Scouting
Sophia, Jackson, and Justin’s stories highlight the incredible impact that Scouting can have on young people. By providing opportunities for adventure, service, and personal growth, Scouting empowers kids to become responsible, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. As these young Scouts continue their journey, we can be confident that they will continue to make a positive difference in their communities and the world.
*Sophia, Jackson and Justin are sibling members of Troop 78 and we would like to thank them and their parents for sharing their experience.
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.
