Scout event brought families together

STEUBENVILLE -- Many of the 123 boys and girls who competed in the Boy Scouts of America Two Trails District's Pinewood Derby Saturday said the annual race is one of many activities they have enjoyed since joining the youth organization.

Members of Cub Scout packs from Brooke, Hancock, Jefferson, Harrison and Belmont counties and many family members watched as an assortment of colorful model cars descended a racetrack spread across the center court of the Fort Steuben Mall.

Each of the cars was created by the Scouts from a block of wood and small plastic wheels. Working with parents and other adults, many of the youth cut wavy segments from the wood in hopes of making them more aerodynamic.

Small, metal weights also were added, with their creators careful not to exceed the designated weight limit.

The youth also applied a creative flourish to the vehicles, painting them in a variety of colors and applying stickers and other accessories so they resembled real race cars, a military tank, the Ghostbusters' Ectomobile and even some animals.

Top finishers were: Jace Poulton of Pack 334 of Weirton, first place; Ellie Huggins, also of Pack 334, second place; Owen Glasure of Pack 49 of Irondale, third place; Joseph Eltringham of Pack 41 of Toronto, fourth place; A.J. Nocera of Pack 415 of Wintersville, fifth place; and Stephen Kidd of Pack 269 of Cadiz, sixth place.

The event was overseen by Joe Kovaleski, who has chaired it for more than 30 years, with the help of many volunteers and the support of several businesses.

This year prizes ranging from gift cards and cash to food were provided by The Ville Restaurant, Touch of Elegance Bakery and Cafe, Texas Roadhouse and Great American Cookie Co., while the Wintersville Trophy Shop supplied the trophies.

A new timer was needed this year, so Buckeye Mechanical Contracting, R. Davis & Sons Heating & Cooling and Buena Vista Honey Farms teamed to cover that expense.

Kovaleski also expressed thanks to the Fort Steuben Mall for welcoming back the event, which was moved last year to Friendship Park to allow for social distancing.

As in past years, a preliminary competition was held the previous night in which former Scouts and family members were invited to race cars.

Kovaleski said participants may dust off their old cars or choose from a number of vehicles retired after previous derbies.

He noted they couldn't be entered into Saturday's races.

Turnout for the preliminary races was low, most likely because of the inclement weather, but those participating had a good time, he said.

Top finishers for that event were: Suzan Kovaleski, Joe's wife and a fellow district committee member and derby volunteer, first place; Jason Hawkins, the father of members of Pack 41, second place; Kovaleski himself, third place; Jaxson Hawkins, a potential future Scout who got his first taste of derby racing, fourth place; Aiden Kniszek, a member of Boy Scout Troop 3 of Steubenville, fifth place; and Joe Eltringham, father of one of Saturday's winners, sixth place.

For those who took part in that event and others who came to watch Saturday, the race spurred a sense of nostalgia.

David Lippert of Toronto, who came to root for a grandchild, said the derby was one of many positive experiences as a member of Troop 43.

"My favorite part was going to the Scout camp, being with other Scouts and having fun," said Lippert, who recalled meeting many scouts from Weirton there.

"I also attended the National Jamboree in Butler, Pa., in the late 70s or early 80s. We did a lot of fun things," he said, adding, "Scouting gave a lot of life experiences for everybody. We did a lot of different things."

Dan Bettison, Scout executive for the Boy Scouts Ohio River Valley Council, of which the Two Trails District is a part, said the pandemic required the organization, like many, to make some adaptations, with some meetings conducted virtually.

But he said it also saw a resurgence in interest, as people of all ages became interested in outdoor activities again.

"Parents are looking for the things that Scouting offers -- opportunities for outdoor activities and the teaching of positive values," said Bettison.

He added, "If you know a Scout, you know they're going to be the ones you can count on to volunteer. Anybody involved here knows what it does for their kids."

Participating youth were asked what attracted them to Scouting and what they enjoyed.

Aiden Turbanic, an eight-year-old member of Pack 1553 of Wellsburg, said he liked the idea of doing things outdoors and has learned to shoot a BB gun.

Trent Norris, 8, of Pack 415 of Wintersville, learned about Scouting after his older brother joined and he attended some of the events.

He said he's enjoyed learning more about fishing and recalled learning to make a fishing pole from bamboo.

Norris' interest in the aquatic carried over to his derby car, which was shaped and painted to resemble a shark, with decal eyes and teeth added to complete the look.

Kimsey Krzywdik, also a member of Pack 1553, said her brother had been a Cub Scout and she joined because she wanted to participate in outdoor activities.

She said in addition to the Pinewood Derby, she has enjoyed learning to build a tent while camping and hiking.

Of the latter she said, "It was long, about 3 miles, but it was fun."

Krzywdik said she is among many girls who have joined the pack since Boy Scouts of America was opened to girls also.

Kovaleski, who became involved with Scouting when his sons joined, said, "The kids involved (in Scouting), boys and girls, get to see and do things often they would not otherwise see and do."

He recalled taking Scouts on tours of police and fire departments and various businesses as well as leading them in a variety of activities.

"It can give them a more well-rounded view of the world," said Koveleski.