All of us are very familiar with the Village of Farmingdale and what a great place it is to live.
Among all the events and activities there are special people that make these things possible. This past scouting season Troop 601 from Farmingdale had the honor of introducing eight of their own Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to the following Scouts: William Montenero, Zachary Montenero, Matthew Flaster, Michael Goldberg, Ian Lafferty, Brendan Hopkins, John Miller and Dominick Baranello Jr.
Although it takes the help of troop committees to keep things running, I would like to point out three very key people that have been dedicated to not just Troop 601, but to the entire scouting community. What makes these people unique is that their sons have long since aged out of the troop, all being Eagles I might add.
Scoutmaster William Love and assistant Scoutmasters John Sharp and Carl Schneider are not only the present leadership of Troop 601, but collectively have over ninety years of Boy Scout leadership to their credit. Their dedication has been instrumental in the long life of this troop.
I am one of the fathers involved with the troop and would like to personally thank these men for their many years of service, time and efforts. Role models like these men give positive reinforcement, encouragement and support to the boys. Their positive attitudes drive the scouts to go on to achieve great things in their scouting careers and beyond. The example of freely giving back to the community is what makes scouting big and a small town huge.
After my first Eagle ceremony, I remember Mr. Schneider coming over to me and saying “pretty neat isn’t it? This is why we stay.” I didn’t fully understand that thought until I had the privilege of sitting in on an Eagle Board of Review. It was then that I realized that this feeling of pride Mr. Schneider shared with me that day is a feeling that never gets old.
These men are more than deserving of recognition and our appreciation. Gentlemen, you are making a huge difference in the lives of these boys, and for that I am truly grateful.
I humble myself before you gentlemen and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have made my family proud of not just one, but of all your many scouts.
Yours in Scouting,
— Dominick Baranello Sr.
