SV Police, Firefighters, Boy Scout Who Sold $17K in Popcorn Recognized at Blue and Gold Dinner

Representatives from the volunteer fire companies and police departments that serve the Saucon Valley were on hand to be recognized at Boy Scout Troop 319’s annual Blue and Gold Dinner at New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lower Saucon Township Saturday, along with a scout who sold an amazing amount of popcorn as part of a fundraiser for the troop.

Firefighters Justin Peters, Casey Koch, Andrew Kopczynskie and Kyle Micolochick (representing Southeastern, Dewey, Steel City and Se-Wy-Co fire companies) were recognized along with Cpl. Jeff Johnston (Hellertown Police Department) and D.A.R.E. Ofc. Kyle Haggerty (Lower Saucon Township Police Department).

“We donated some scout popcorn to each station as a way of thanking them for their service,” said Lisa DiRusso, a Troop 319 parent. “We know they don’t get nearly (the) recognition they should.”

DiRusso’s son Joey, who is a member of the troop, was also recognized for selling $17,018 worth of gourmet popcorn for Troop 319.

Although his dad Joe drove him around Joey sold the popcorn “door to door, himself,” she said.

His 2016 total was more than $5,000 more than last year’s, and most of the money raised by the sale will benefit the troop. A portion will also be deposited in a scholarship fund for his college education.

“His goal for next year is $20,000 (in sales),” Lisa said.

“We want people in the community to know how much we appreciate the support of scouting in the local area,” she added. “He learns a lot of valuable lessons; i.e. how to handle rejection, how to talk to people and the importance of goal-setting.”

Altogether Troop 319 members sold almost $20,000 in popcorn this year.