The Shelter Rock auditorium was the launching pad for the first ever Space Derby on Friday, Dec. 2. Cubs and parents obviously spent many hours carving and sanding their unique space crafts from a block of balsa wood, and applied a glide rail, tail fins and their personal out-of-this-world touches. An official hand held spinning device wound the rubber band propellers to exactly 120 rotations, rocketing ships to impressive speeds. The fishing tackle wire was one continuous stand thus ensuring equal tension on 4 lanes. Nevertheless, each boy ran in two heats to compete for level winners.

The Grade Level winners for the Space Derby include:

1st Grade 'Tiger Cubs': David Reppucci, Colin Mone, Finbar Talcott. Best Design: Chris Nishimora. Most Original: Gavin Olsen.

2nd Grade 'Wolf Cubs': James Albrechtsen, Michael Perulli, Eamonn Scaring. Best Design: Peter Furlong. Most Original: Andrew Torpe.

3rd Grade 'Bear Cubs': Austin Kulka, Jonathan Knox, Andrew Gray. Best Design: Harrison Bergman. Most Original: Carter Paterson

4th Grade Webelos: Vincent DeVenoge, John Young, Liam Whalen. Best Design: Christopher Johnston. Most Original: Charles Malhame

5th Grade WEBELOS: Danny Lyons, Brian Gross, Patrick Walsh. Best Design: Alex Comerford, Most Original: Michael Riscica

In addition to the main event, Pack Chair Ken Riscica called out Advancement Awards to 39 fourth and fifth grade boys who earned 94 'Webelos' Activity Badges, and 15 boys from Dens five, nine and 12 earned important Level Advancements. The boys of Den five earned their Bobcat advancement under the Leadership of Den Leader Maura Gentile, and Den Nine under the leadership of Dan Lyons. Den 12 completed their Level advancement in 'record time' under the leadership of Den Leader Connie Wysota.

The Coats for Kids drive, organized by Cubmaster Dan Lyons, was very successful. With enthusiastic support, 50 boys collected 300 good quality winter coats that will provide warmth for needy children this winter. Some boys donated as many as 10 coats. Special recognition goes to AJ Canatella and Billy Meed for collecting 20 coats each.

A special recognition commemorative patch was bestowed to hearty fall campers, Danny Lyons, Damien Quinn, Tom Lavelle, Billy Meed, AJ Canatella, Vincent DeVenoge and Charles Malhame, for their participation at the overnight camping at the WMCA camp in Huguenot, NY, on Nov. 3-4, organized by Den leader Carol Meed.

Cubmaster Dan Lyons presented Popcorn Program 'Kernel' Carol Meed with a gift certificate in appreciation for her successful leadership of the Pack's annual Popcorn fundraiser that surpassed last year's sales. The evening was so much fun, and required such care to wind each space ship that recognition and awards for Top Popcorn salesmen will wait until next Pack meeting.

At the conclusion of the evening, the Pack Leaders handed out 'Pinewood Derby' kits for the 51st running of the Pine Derby race to be held at the next meeting of Pack 101, on Friday, Jan. 27, 2006 at Shelter Rock School. Pack 101 continues to put forward an ambitious program for the elementary school boys of Manhasset, and Parents of boys in Grades 1-5 who are interested in learning more about Cub Scouting in Manhasset can go to www.trcbsa.org.