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Thursday, January 27, 2000 Page: 7
From logging rigs to 18-wheelers, some of the fastest trucks in the Back
Mountain area raced down a new four-lane track at the Dallas Middle School on
Friday night. And none of the trucks weighed more than 5 ounces. Cub Scout
Pack 281, sponsored by Dallas United Methodist Church, held its annual
Pinewood Derby in the school’s cafeteria. The Pack has been holding the annual
event for nearly 50 years, said Scout leader Al Kornak. “This event really is
the highlight of our year,” he said. “Everyone had a great time. When we got
down to the last couple of races, everyone was on the edge of their seats. “I
think the kids really get a kick out of it.” Kornak also thinks it’s a great
way for the Scouts to spend quality time with their parents. “A lot of people
might say `the father did all of the work on the car,’ ” he said. “And even
if that’s true, it’s OK. If the father and son spent 10 or 15 minutes
together, that time is special and it makes the whole thing worthwhile.” Each
Scout received a block of wood 6 inches long by 1-inch wide by 1-inch high.
The Scout’s goal was to carve the wood and make a truck weighing no more than
5 ounces – complete with wheels. Troop leaders added a cab to the top of the
truck to make it look like a pickup. After registration and a weigh-in, the
racing started on a new four-lane track the Pack purchased from the Boy Scout
catalog. Race organizers used electronic timers to determine the winners, and
more than 60 Scouts took part in the competition. The top six finishers in the
Pack received a trophy. The first three finishers in the Wolf, Bear, Webelos 4
and Webelos 5 divisions each received a trophy. Four members of the Pocono
Mountain Street Rod Association served as judges. “It was very nice of those
men to volunteer their time,” said Kornak. “We really appreciate it.” Mike
Glicini won the Best of Show award for his logging truck. The Scout secured
dowel rods to the top of the truck to complete the look. Justin Rice won the
overall race competition. Call Konopki at 829-7248.
Winners from the annual Pinewood Derby held by Boy Scout Troop 281 of
Dallas:
Overall Winners
1. Justin Rice
2. Aaron Cuzma
3. Steven Luksa
4. Michael Rutalis
5. Keith Sulewski
6. Frank McGee
Wolf
1. Brandon Zalinski
2. Dan Kozik
3. Peter Long
Bear
1. Michael Dennis
2. Tyler Coleman
3. Alex Wilhelm
Webelos 4
1. Justin Hall
2. Eric Danko
3. Matthew Glicini
Webelos 5
1. Billy Barns
2. Kyle Hazleton
3. Bobby Redinski
Best of Show
1. Michael Glicini
2. Jamie Heffers
3. Dean Chopka