Get to Know Tony & Family

Scouting has been part of my life since my parents signed me up as a Tiger Cub in Colchester Pack 618. I crossed over into Burlington Troop 650 where I earned my Eagle Scout. I was humbled to be recognized with OA Vigil Honor "Kikeyin Pchachpamhangik (Old Seafarer)" last spring and I proudly wear a James West Fellow knot to recognize my parents' support of Scouting. I am in the Owl Patrol and am a Wood Badge three-beader. 

Along the Scouting trail, I spent eight summers on camp staff at Mount Norris Scout Reservation, led my crew along the trails of Philmont (1993), was one of three boys from Vermont to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Holland (1995), volunteered on Action Alley staff at the National Scout Jamboree (1997), and took my family to the Philmont Training Center in 2010. There's not many Scouts who can say that Philmont was their first summer camp, but our son Logan can. 

In summer 2023, just about thirty years after that first trek, I returned to Philmont with the Green Mountain Council contingent, alongside my Scoutmaster and my oldest son, Logan. This summer I spent ten days at the National Scout Jamboree working with my team at the Office of Development to host 100 guests for a VIP experience. Watching thousands of Scouts celebrate everything wonderful about this movement was a highlight for me.

I've served Scouting as both a professional and a volunteer, helping restart Pack 17 in Milford when our son Logan became old enough to join, and leading dens, packs, and troops ever since. 

These days it's very much a family affair. 

• I led Troop 166 for three years as Scoutmaster, and now serve as Assistant Scoutmaster and a Committee member for Troop 6166. 

• Logan earned his Eagle Scout in November 2024 and, after finishing his first year at Monroe Community College studying film, is spending the fall on the Disney College Program in Orlando. Logan completed his second summer on camp staff this year. 

• Charlotte is a soon to be Star Scout in Troop 6166 and she took up a leadership role as a senior Patrol Leader at summer camp. She enjoys playing the flute, dance and learning the latest TikTok trends -- and correcting my misuse of slang. 

• Caden crossed over this spring into Troop 166, earned his Tenderfoot rank, and just completed his first week of summer camp at Massawepie. Caden joined the swim club this past year and has become quite the fish. 

• Nicole is a special needs teacher's aide in our local school district and family coordinator. She is also an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 6166 and completed her own Wood Badge training last fall (she's a good old Owl too); she led the troops at Massawepie this summer. 

• Oreo (the cat) joined our family a couple years ago and enjoys going on her little "adventures" outside. 

Vermont is where I was born and raised, and I've always considered myself a Vermonter. My parents, Norbert and Joan, raised seven children in Colchester, all of whom were involved in Scouting. My dad passed away two years ago and is buried in Burlington. My mom is living in Essex Junction, supported by my two sisters who live nearby. I still correct friends who ask for "soft serve" in Vermont — it's a creemee! And I'm still pretty certain that "Champ" exists. 

I enjoy hiking and being outdoors. I like firing up our charcoal grill. I recently earned my 12-gallon pin for Red Cross blood donations - it's my way of helping other people at all times. I'm a nautical fiction fanatic with a collection of more than 400 books and audiobooks. I blame a high school teacher who once told me I was a British sailor in a past life. I also enjoy crime thrillers, a daily dose of dad jokes (the louder the groans, the better, especially when they land with my kids), and podcasts on grammar, science, and whatever else keeps my mind busy. Folk music, camp songs, and sea shanties are always in rotation, and I still find excuses to tie knots and put Scout skills to practical use well beyond troop meetings and campouts.

And Maple Syrup goes with everything.