Fast And Furious Tenth Annual Pinewood Derby at CPW

RYE BROOK, NY – Adaptive Cub Scout Pack 535 and Girl Scout Troop 1902 participated in their tenth annual Pinewood Derby at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (CPW) on July 14, 2023. The event was sponsored by the Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge #535. Over the past several weeks, and joining millions of Scouts across the country, the Scouts built, equipped, and decorated their cars. From a block of wood, four plastic wheels, and four nails, the Scouts produced vehicles that can reach 20 mph! The cars were raced on an official Pinewood Derby Track where only gravity was used to speed them along.

On competition day, volunteers from the Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge #535 and Scouts from Troop 36 Montrose (The Greater Hudson Valley BSA Council) arrived at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester to run the derby heats. The three top winners from each troop received trophies, with the Cub Scouts winning the grand prize. Everyone was excited to see who would win, and the racers were thrilled with their trophies. After the races, the Scouts conducted a ceremony in honor of Flag Day and wrapped up the day with a delicious barbeque. Volunteers included Eagle Scout Anthony Ciampi, Life Scout Luca Tucci, Scoutmaster Mike Picariello, along with many other troop and Elk lodge members.

The first Pinewood Derby®, held in 1953 and publicized in Boys' Life in 1954, was an instant and enduring hit. “The Pinewood Derby is a fun and social event that is much more than racing wooden cars down a speed track. It is an event that fosters sportsmanship and a healthy competition,” describes Boy Scouts of America.

CPW’s Adaptive Cub Scout Pack 535 was established in 2010 by Mid-Westchester Elks member Bob Sollazzo with youth from The BRIDGE School of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. Shortly after, Girl Scout Troop 1902 was formed. The program allows youth with developmental disabilities of all kinds to participate in scouting programs and let them feel and do things like any young man or woman would do in scouting. The scouts are encouraged to explore and to be bold and adventurous. Current Troop Leaders include Jay Singer and Mohandai Harrinariain, Patrena Galimore (Cub Scout Leaders), and Lisa Stahli, Jennifer Olivieri (Girl Scouts Leaders).

The Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge #535 was organized in 2009 and meets at the American Legion Post No. 1097 in Armonk, NY. For over a decade, Lodge #535 has adopted CPW as their major community project. This includes playing a formative and leadership role in CPW’s Adaptive Scouts: Cub Scout Pack 535 and Girl Scout Troop 1902. Since 1966, the NYS Elks Association have embraced the Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS as their Major Project. Throughout the world, Elks’ lodges promote neighbors coming together, families sharing meals, and helping children grow. Their motto is: Elks Care, Elks Share. For information about the Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge #535, contact Jay Singer at jaysinger@pgaimpress.com

The BRIDGE School at Rye Brook, a division of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, is a special education center serving students with multiple disabilities. It offers a comprehensive program that connects families, students, and educational professionals to help each student reach their academic potential and discover what the possibilities are for them beyond the school setting.

Now in its 74th year, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people living with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Through a comprehensive network of educational programs, day services, residential sites, therapeutic services, employment training, recreation programs and advocacy, the agency helps thousands of children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties live more productive and satisfying lives. The organization’s motto is: Realizing Tomorrow’s Potential . . . Today!