Community Corner
"Good Scout Award" for Middletown Resident
Donald Antenucci Sr., of Middletown, N.J., has been honored by the Twin Lights District of Monmouth Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Donald Antenucci Sr., of Middletown, N.J., has been named the recipient of the “2014 Good Scout Award” by the Twin Lights District of Monmouth Council, Boy Scouts of America.
The “Good Scout Award” is presented annually to those who exemplify the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America in their daily lives as outlined by the Boy Scout Oath and Law. Recipients are chosen for outstanding contributions to Scouting and/or service and leadership to their community.
Antenucci, the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 140 in Middletown, was presented with the award during a reception at the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, which included more than 130 guests from Monmouth County businesses, family, friends, Scouts and Scouting representatives. The event raised more than $18,000 to support Scouting programs in Monmouth County. He was the “Scouter Good Scout” recipient. Lynda Rose, President/COO of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce was presented with the “Community Good Scout” recipient.
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Scouting is more than just an activity for Antenucci, it is a way of life. For nearly four decades, he has been actively involved as a Scout, Scouting volunteer, and for the past 25 years he has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 140 in Middletown.
His outstanding leadership and dedication has helped to positively influence and shape the lives of hundreds of young people through the Scouting program. Living the Scout Oath and Law is as natural as breathing for Antenucci, who is dedicated to using Scouting as a tool to help young people overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Antenucci believes that young people have a need to feel like they “belong” to a group or club, but they also need to feel comfortable. “Scouting can be that place”
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“We teach leadership, citizenship, self-reliance, team work, public speaking, communications, and a love for the outdoors and much more. We make the troop activities and events so much fun for the boys that they don’t realize they are learning something,” he said.
According to Antenucci, our nation needs Scouting now more than ever. “The Mission Statement of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting does all that and more.”
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Antenucci is proud to be part of four generations engaged in Scouting, including extended family, mothers, wives and daughters. Both of his parents were Scouting volunteers and he credits them for starting him on the Scouting trail. Antenucci and his wife Ruth continued the tradition, both volunteering to help their daughter Renee be involved in Girl Scouts and their two son’s Jason and Don Jr. achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Working as a team, Scoutmaster and Committee Chair, the couple continues to be active in Troop 140 for their grandson and the other boys in their community.
In addition, he serves on Monmouth Council’s Training Committee, Campmaster and Campbuilders staffs, and is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. He was Mayor and Governor for the Twin Lights District Klondike Derby and taught at the University of Scouting.
Antenucci got his first taste of community service when he was a Boy Scout and has made it a part of his life ever since. “I feel it is everyone’s responsibility as a citizen to help the local community in any way they can. It is up to all of us to make a difference. To make our community a safe place, a clean place, a fun place to live and raise a family.”
Deeply connected to his local community, he volunteers with the Vince Lombardi Council of the Knights of Columbus, Fairview Neighborhood Watch, Fairview School Grounds Committee, and Middletown Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse. He also assists with local food drives, clothing drives and fundraisers to help those less fortunate.
“Working with people to educate our youth on the dangers of Drug and Alcohol abuse can save lives and keep our streets safe. Conservation projects all help maintain a healthy environment. Volunteering as a coach, umpire, scoutmaster, and safety patrol has also helped me to connect with my own children as well as the neighborhood children and parents,” he added.
Scouting and community service go hand-in-hand, and he is committed to continuing the legacy of both for his family and future generations. “My parents set a great example by their involvement in the community and in the scouting program. My wife Ruth always gives me her guidance, involvement and full support,” said Antenucci.
“I love the scouting program and I enjoy volunteering and helping others through community service. There are so many people who inspired me, helped me, encouraged me and taught me along the way. I am committed to doing the same.”
Previous Good Scout honorees include: 2013 Jan L. Wouters, Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf; 2012 Richard R. Hough, III, Silvercrest Asset Management; 2011 Webster B. Trammell, Brookdale Community College; 2010 David S. Baker and Patricia A. Baker, R. Baker & Son; 2009 Kim Guadagno, former Monmouth County Sheriff and current Lt. Governor, State of N.J., and Brian Valentino, Patriot Consulting Group.
Monmouth Council, BSA has provided Scouting programs and services to the community since 1917. Currently more than 7,000 young people and more than 3,000 adult volunteers participate in Scouting programs such as Cub Scouts (Boys 1st to 5th grade), Boy Scouts (Boys ages 11 to 17), Venturing/Sea Scouts (Co-ed ages 14-20), Career Exploring (Co-ed ages 14-20).
For information about Scouting go to www.monmouthbsa.org.