You are here: Home / Archives for Boy Scout Troop 99

Michael Wu attains rank of Eagle Scout

November 30, 2012 By
Michael Wu

 

Music is a big part of Michael Wu’s life; he plays both trombone and piano and has performed at Carnegie Hall. The Boy Scout Troop 99 Eagle Scout credits his study of music with helping him to think clearly and stay focused.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, Michael brought a musical feature to the recently created Natural Play Area at Churchville Nature Center. His project was the installation of a cedar and galvanized metal pipe fence on which children can make music.

“He did and excellent job and I am very happy with the results,” said Peg Mongillo, Education Director at the Center. “The children who visit us here at the Nature Center will be enjoying this musical fence for many years to come.”

The son of Hong Zhou and Thong Trinh of Newtown, Michael is a junior at Council Rock High School North. He is an honor roll student who is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the French Honor Society.

Michael is also a staff member for the Council Rock student newspaper, The Indianite. His Introduction to Business Communication won first place in the Future Business Leaders of America Pennsylvania Regional Competition.

He is a member of the Winter and Spring Varsity Track and Field teams.  In his free time, Michael volunteers at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne.

Michael is a brother in the Order of the Arrow and attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 2009.

He was a member of the Bucks County Contingent to the 2010 National Jamboree.

He traveled it and traveled to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada and the New River Gorge in West Virginia where he earned the nickname Wujam when, as a new Scout, his canoe became wedged sideways on the river and blocked all those behind him.

PHOTO CAP: Michael Wu with his cedar and galvanized metal pipe fence at Churchville Nature Center

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Mike Fritzinger returns to his roots

November 16, 2012 By

Mike Fritzinger Newtown Elementary School alum Michael Fritzinger returned to his roots, literally, when it came time to choose his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

The Troop 99 Scout led a multi-generational team that included fellow Scouts, his dad Jeffrey and his grandfather Albert Becker as they installed a drip irrigation system in the 14 raised beds at the school’s Veggieville organic garden.

“Mike’s project to build and install an underground irrigation system for the Newtown Elementary School vegetable garden was extremely ambitious and visionary!” said Cheryl Gilmore, co-coordinator of Veggieville.

“Mike worked diligently, along with his father, grandfather and others, day after day, until the project was complete. We were all quite impressed with the scope of the project and with the level of technical skill involved.”

Mike, who is also the son of Christina Fritzinger of Newtown, is a senior at Council Rock High School North where he is a member of the Ski and Snowboard Club.

He has traveled with his troop to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada and New River Gorge in West Virginia and was a member of the Bucks County Contingent to National Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia. His Life Scout Project was a renovation of the Butterfly Garden at Clark Nature Center.

In addition to snowboarding, Mike plays defense on the Philadelphia JR Revolution AA hockey team.

His other passion is travel, both in the U.S. and internationally. He has visited Australia, Japan, Russia, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and England.

PHOTO CAP: Mike Fritzinger

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Michael Wu attains rank of Eagle Scout

November 7, 2012 By

Music is a big part of Michael Wu’s life; he plays both trombone and piano and has performed at Carnegie Hall. The Boy Scout Troop 99 Eagle Scout credits his study of music with helping him to think clearly and stay focused.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, Michael brought a musical feature to the recently created Natural Play Area at Churchville Nature Center. His project was the installation of a cedar and galvanized metal pipe fence on which children can make music.

“He did and excellent job and I am very happy with the results,” said Peg Mongillo, Education Director at the Center. “The children who visit us here at the Nature Center will be enjoying this musical fence for many years to come.”

The son of Hong Zhou and Thong Trinh of Newtown, Michael is a junior at Council Rock High School North. He is an honor roll student who is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the French Honor Society.

Michael is also a staff member for the Council Rock student newspaper, The Indianite. His Introduction to Business Communication won first place in the Future Business Leaders of America Pennsylvania Regional Competition.

He is a member of the Winter and Spring Varsity Track and Field teams.  In his free time, Michael volunteers at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne.

Michael is a brother in the Order of the Arrow and attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 2009. He was a member of the Bucks County Contingent to the 2010 National Jamboree.

He traveled it and traveled to Haliburton Scout Reserve in Canada and the New River Gorge in West Virginia where he earned the nickname Wujam when, as a new Scout, his canoe became wedged sideways on the river and blocked all those behind him.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Northampton Herald News Tagged With: , , , ,

Troop 99 attends sailing camp

October 29, 2012 By
Troop 99

 

Scouts from Boy Scouts of America Troop 99 in Newtown recently participated in sailing camp held in Belmar, NJ. The 10 scouts camped out at the edge of the Shark River Basin for four days in June and completed the requirements for the Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge.

They also earned their Small-Boat Sailor certifications from the US Sailing organization. 

The camp was conducted in partnership with the Friends of the Belmar Harbor (FOBH), a non-profit group dedicated to protecting the basin and training youth in the skills of sailing. Christopher Childers from FOBH and Eric Roberts from Troop 99 provided the sailing instruction.

Pictured front row from left are Scouts Grant Thorburn, Kenny Thorburn, Ryan DeKorte, Matthew Gowargy, Tyler DeKorte, Alex Stranford, Brandon Heese, Ryan Heese, Cameron Pursel, and Justin Pan; back row, Assistant Scoutmaster Ryan Pursel, FOBH Instructor Christopher Childers, Assistant Scoutmaster Syd Heese and Instructor Eric Roberts.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , ,

Matt Reilly achieves rank of Eagle Scout

August 20, 2012 By
Matt Reilly

 

Like many Eagle Scout candidates, Matthew Reilly of considered a number of potential projects before settling on an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project that combined his heartfelt patriotism and his desire to build something useful.

Matt constructed a footbridge at Washington Crossing National Cemetery that provides a welcome short cut from the parking lot to the gravesites along Highland Road. 

David Kolmetzky, Administrative Officer of the cemetery, commented that Matt’s project has been well received by his organization.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work and he should be commended for the work he put into the project. The bridge that he constructed gives our visitors safe passage over a drainage culvert and also adds to the appearance of the property.”

The son of Melissa and Gene Reilly of Washington Crossing, Matt is a 2012 graduate of Council Rock High School North. He attends Bloomsburg University where he will enroll in the Army ROTC program in the fall.

Matt is an active member of Newtown Presbyterian Church where he participated in Youth Group. He volunteered on Mission Work Trips to Maine, Nova Scotia, West Virginia, Virginia and South Dakota.

He has also volunteered on two separate home renovations with the Interfaith Housing Group.

Matt’s scouting career includes Brotherhood in Order of the Arrow, camping at New River Gorge in West Virginia and attending National Jamboree in 2010 as part of the Bucks County Council Contingent.

PHOTO CAP: Eagle Scout Matt Reilly on the footbridge he constructed at Washington Crossing National Cemetery

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , ,

Chris Mangogna attains Eagle Scout rank

August 3, 2012 By
Chris Mangogna

 

It was a sense of gratitude that led Troop 99 Eagle Scout Christopher Mangogna to select the Washington Crossing National Cemetery as the site of his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

Chris designed and created a memorial garden near the entrance to the cemetery. Landscaped, and featuring the emblems of each branch of the service, the centerpiece of the garden is a native stone boulder bearing a bronze plaque honoring those who have served in the military.

David Kolmetzky, Administrative Officer of the cemetery, praised Chris’ project.

“We’ve received nothing but positive feedback from the families we serve. The monument the he installed gives a wonderful tribute to the men and women who have served their country proudly.”

Chris is the son of Philip and Colleen Mangogna of Newtown. He is a senior at Council Rock High School North where he is a member of National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Future Educators of America and the fall and spring track teams.

He also volunteers in the STAR student teaching assistant program, Big Brother, Big Sister tutoring at Goodnoe Elementary School and as a mentor in the Camp Discovery Program.

As a Boy Scout, Chris has traveled to Haliburton Scout Reservation in Canada and BSA Sea Base in the Bahamas.

He was a member of the Bucks County Council Contingent attending National Jamboree. He is a Brother in Order of the Arrow and has served his troop in various leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader.

PHOTO CAP: Chris Mangogna at the memorial garden he created

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , ,

Troop 99 Scout Ryan Varian wins Eagle Project of the Year

July 3, 2012 By
Ryan Varian

 

The Advancement Committee of Boy Scouts of America Bucks County Council recently recognized Troop 99’s Ryan Varian for his work in Newtown’s Veterans Park naming it the 2011 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project of the Year.

This is the first year such an award was made locally and there was considerable competition.

Over 200 Eagle Scout Projects were completed in the BSA Bucks County Council last year with Eagle candidates making lasting contributions to parks, schools, shelters, museums, non-profit organizations, cemeteries and houses of worship as the capstone to their personal trail to the rank of Eagle Scout.

This was not the first time Ryan chose a volunteer project to benefit veterans. In 2008, he raised funds for and installed an AED at the Legion’s Newtown Lodge. The experience was a positive one and when the time came to select his Eagle Scout Project he returned to the Legion.

Ryan, son of Mike and Karen Varian of Newtown, completed an ambitious project that included a lettered brick wall at the entrance to the park along Durham Road and eight flagpoles.

Working with Jim Casey, past commander of American Legion Morrell Smith Post #440, Ryan secured donors to sponsor the individual flagpoles honoring the service branches and held several fundraisers to cover the expenses associated with his materials.

“I chose this project because men and women work hard every day to keep our country safe,” Ryan said. “Many of them live in this area. I wanted to give them the thanks and appreciation they deserve.” 

Asked about what made Ryan’s project stand out, Playwicki District Eagle Reviewer Larry Regosch said, “We were all impressed with not only the size and scope of the project. The workmanship was outstanding. It was nicely funded and we were impressed by his choice to honor veterans. It’s a fine project.”

Ryan is an honor student at Council Rock High School North where he is a member of the Class of 2013. In addition to Scouting, Ryan participates in the Kick Off Mentor and Sock’n’Buskin clubs at North.

He plays soccer with the Upper Makefield Patriots Soccer Association and is a member of the Langhorne Rod & Gun Club.

PHOTO CAP: Ryan Varian at the entrance to Newtown’s Veterans Park

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Sk8er Scout now an Eagle

June 27, 2012 By
Chris Davis

 

Boy Scout Troop 99’s Chris Davis always felt there should be a place in Newtown where a kid could skateboard without being chased away. It was a cause about which he felt strongly.

When he was in fifth grade he signed a petition to build a skate park in Newtown. In seventh grade, he wrote a letter to the editor extolling the benefits of building a skate park in the community as a requirement for his Communications Merit Badge. In eighth grade, he could be found selling tee shirts to raise funds toward the construction of the Newtown Skate Park.

When the project got the green light to proceed, Chris jumped at the opportunity to complete his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project in the facility.

Working with Kathy Pawlenko, Director of the Newtown Township Department of Parks and Recreation, Chris designed and installed a sign, which outlines the rules for using the park as well as a bench from which to watch the action.

“I was very happy to see that Chris selected enhancing the Newtown Skate Park as his service leadership project in association with his pursuit of his Eagle Scout requirements” said Newtown Township Supervisor Rob Ciervo.

“His creation of a safety sign and the installation of a bench at the skate park was a very welcome addition and further enhances this asset to the younger generation of residents in the Newtown Township area.”

The son of Valerie and Kyle Davis of Newtown, Chris is a junior at Council Rock High School North where he is a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team, which recently wrested the Unity Cup from their rival team at Council Rock High School South.

PHOTO CAP: Chris Davis

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Andrew Kraft earns Eagle Scout rank

June 11, 2012 By

Andrew Kraft Andrew Kraft of Newtown’s BSA Troop 99 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting. The son of Maryellen and John Kraft of Newtown, Andrew designed and installed a dog park at the Bucks County SPCA facility in Lahaska.

“This project has allowed our staff and volunteers to exercise the dogs at the shelter on a regular basis without having to be on a leash,” said Nikki Thompson, Director of Education & Outreach of the organization. “We have been able to have multiple dogs benefit from exercising together as a group. Having lessened the amount of energy, the dogs are now less stressed in the kennels.”

Andrew participated in Troop 99 Summer Adventure trips to Haliburton Scout Reservation in Ontario, Canada to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Scouting and white water rafting on the New River in West Virginia. He was also a member of the Bucks County contingent that attended the National Jamboree in Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia.

A junior at Council Rock High School North, Andrew is a member of the Ski & Snowboard Club as well as several music ensembles. Andrew is section leader of the Mellophones in the marching band and plays French horn in the Symphonic Band and Orchestra.

PHOTO CAP: Andrew Kraft

 

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

Joshua Matz completes Eagle Scout Service Project

June 4, 2012 By

Joshua Matz Joshua Matz of Boy Scout Troop 99 in Newtown chose to complete his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project for an organization that is especially close to his heart – his church. Recognizing that the garden club at his Ascension Lutheran Church in Newtown had difficulty watering the gardens that surround the building, Josh designed and installed a drip irrigation system.

“We at our church are very proud of our gardens,” said Property Committee Chair Bill Rumpa. “We have them all around our church, including a Memorial Garden and plantings around our sign, which is about 100 yards from our building. The gardens take a lot of maintenance, including watering, and it’s a lot of work. Joshua came up with the idea of an irrigation system for our gardens. He did a great job, and we are very pleased with the results. It’s making life a lot easier for those who take care of our gardens and helps keep them beautiful.”

The son of Lisa and Steve Matz of Newtown, Josh is a junior at Council Rock High School North. Josh plays baritone in the marching band and participates in the trombone choir.

He is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Kick Off Mentoring Club and expects to be inducted into National Honor Society later this spring.

Josh is a Vacation Bible School Leader and plays in the church’s music ensemble.

PHOTO CAP: Josh Matz

 

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,
«Older Posts