Ramsey October 19, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Ryan Petho, 25, of Ramsey, recently left for Vanuatu in the South Pacific to work as a volunteer information technology educator for the Peace Corps. Petho, an Eagle Scout and a native of Ramsey Peace Corps volunteer leaves for Vanuatu who graduated from Ramsey High School in 2005, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from William Paterson in 2010. When asked why he decided to apply to Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31, considered to be the second oldest troop in the nation, will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2012. Troop 31 was chartered in 1912 and has filed 100 charter renewals since that time. The Hawthorne Fortitude Lodge #200 Free and Accepted Masons sponsor the organization. At a recent borough council meeting, Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta issued a proclamation that stated: “Now, therefore be it proclaimed, that I, Mayor Christopher Botta, do hereby declare the year 2012 the Centennial Year of Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31, with all privileges afforded to it.” Ernie Larrat, chairman of the Centennial Committee, has announced a full schedule of events during 2012 to celebrate the group’s longevity. A Beefsteak Dinner will be held at the Knights of Columbus on March 3 to usher in the year. There will be a Troop 31 showcase at Troop 31 to celebrate 100 years, events slated Finch Park on the weekend of June 23 and 24, with a campout, bonfire, and outdoor style food. Larrat added, “We will be having a Centennial Reception, a Thank You Reception, and a Historical Journal. Our main emphasis, however, will be reaching out to past Scoutmasters and Boy Scouts and involving them in the observation.” As the group nears its 2012 milestone, it currently has 100 Boy Scouts and 30 adult leaders, making it the largest troop in the council. It has performed countless Eagle Scout project around the borough, including many done for church groups. Troop 31 meets at Ramsey High School on Monday nights. Michael McKiever currently serves as Scoutmaster and Mary Ellen Endress is chairwoman of the Troop Committee. For additional information about Troop 31 or the Centennial, contact Michael Adams at (201) 825-3400, extension 420. the Peace Corps, Petho replied, “I want to be able to help those who are in need, and to see the world from a totally different perspective. I really want to understand what it’s like outside the United States where the media doesn’t go.” Peace Corps, an independent U.S. government agency, traces its roots to thenSenator John F. Kennedy who, in 1960, challenged students at the University of Michigan to live and work in developing countries as a means to serve their country in the cause of peace. To date, more than 200,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 139 countries around the world. Volunteers work with local governments, communities, and schools in the areas of education, health, business and information communication technology, environment, agriculture, and youth development. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps. Petho will serve in Vanuatu for 27 months, which includes a 10 week incountry training period, and 24 months of volunteer service as an IT educator. “I’m really hoping to make a difference, to be a positive role model for my country, Ryan Petho and to learn and experience a totally new culture,” Petho said. “It’s such an amazing opportunity, I’m really excited about it!”