A lot of things in life make me happy. Good conversation, good friends, and meeting new people all come under that list. However, being invited to a Cub Scout meeting where pizza is involved actually ranks my happy level quite high.

According to Cub Master Kevin Barth of Cub Scout Wolf Pack Den 7, which consists of ten 2nd grade young boys from Ardmore School, the intention of completing a badge on cooking and eating brought them to the establishment in Villa Park called Michael Anthony’s.

Located at 211 South Villa Ave., Michael Anthony’s has been part of Villa Park for 10 years, with an upcoming anniversary date on April 21. I remember when they opened, and was thrilled that a community place was now available. Customers walk or ride their bicycle right off the prairie path to have pizza and pop. Looking around, it is so comfortable, it feels like it’s been in the neighborhood for years.

Owners Toni Oddo, and TJ Datoli, started this venture with recipes from Datoli’s family in mind. So when you are enjoying their unique dishes, know they originate from a special family kitchen that was around years ago.

I noticed since the last time I was there, the seating had expanded. Oddo explained to me he bought the booths at an auction and they were actually used on a movie set that Patrick Swayzee starred in called “The Beast.” Their vintage look transcends this era and warms the room up.

To really get the neighborhood involved and encourage a youth friendly atmosphere, Michael Anthony's offer an interactive pizza party for youth groups, which is why the Cub Scounts were there.

As the lesson started in the kitchen, this Cub Scout group was learning how pizza was made starting with the making of the dough, to the mixing machine, to the rolling out of dough, the cutting of the dough into a circle, and then the crowning glory of pizza ingredients. We learned the pizza is baked at 550 degrees, and it takes a pizza 10-12 minutes until it is done.

These little guys, with a sprinkling of brothers, sisters, and parents, intently watched each step making comments and asking questions.

One question was whether to cook the cheese under the ingredients, or on top of cheese. According to Oddo, Michael Anthony’s prefers the ingredients under the cheese.

Once the pizza making tour was complete, the boys headed back to their table where a 10 inch pizza was at every seat. Ingredients of sauce and cheese were on the table for them to create their own pizza, be baked in the kitchen, and then to be eaten there, or taken home.

Watching these boys interact reminded me of my Girl Scout days. I was a Girl Scout leader for 8 years and had the privilege of watching little girls grow into women. Being involved with any youth group is one of the most important things you can do to help mentor your children.

My daughter and her friends have told me that the times spent in Girl Scouts were some of the best times of their childhood.

Helping to provide these wonderful memories and instill the morals and ethics scouting brings will last a lifetime. Not only for your child’s growth, but as a parent, knowing that this established system has worked for years, it helps you keep your heartbeat on your relationship with them, and included in their life.

Thank you Cub Scouts and Michael Anthony’s for an enlightening evening. I truly enjoyed my conversations with your parents and the kitchen tour, but learning how to make pizza really made me happy.