Boy Scouts honor community activists, Eagle Scouts at annual breakfast

The Bay Ridge Boy Scouts gave back once again on Wednesday, June 10, this time, by honoring three community activists who have gone above and beyond not only for the Scouts but also for the neighborhood at the annual Bay Ridge Breakfast for Scouting.

Lori Pedone, senior sales executive for The Home Reporter and The Brooklyn Spectator; Brian Chin, vice president and branch manager of Northfield Bank in Bay Ridge; and George Pantelidis, co-founder and principal of Pan Brothers Associates, were lauded at the annual sit-down, held at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76^th Street.

The event also recognized select scouts from the nabe, including third-generation Ridgeite and recent Eagle Scout Basil Capetanakis, a junior at Xavier High School and dedicated member of Troop 715 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church who was first introduced to scouting in the seventh grade. Soon, it became an integral part of Capetanakis’ family’s values.

“I was slowly realizing that scouting involved much more than camping, first aid, and having fun with friends,” he said. “The main purpose of scouting gradually became clear to me. To call oneself a Boy Scout is a great honor. It symbolizes loyalty, leadership responsibility, reverence and so much more.”

The honorees agreed, each of them humbled to be recognized by an organization so near and dear to their hearts.

“I really got to see first-hand all the wonderful things that the Boy Scouts do for young people and what they do to learn and grow,” said Pedone stressing that, while her son Justin’s time with the Boy Scouts was short-lived, the values instilled by the Scouts stayed with her son for years to come.

“The Scout’s Law says that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, charity, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” noted Pedone. “I am proud to say that even though Justin didn’t stay with the Boy Scouts for very long, he still exemplifies all of what the Boy Scouts stand for today and I like to say that I live those values as well.”

The breakfast also served as a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts.