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Resting on the Summit
Scouts and adult leaders from Troop 21 in Putnam (foreground) took time to rest once they reached the summit of Mt. Monadnock, in Jaffrey, N.H., Oct. 15. The troop hiked to the top of the mountain, 3,165 feet above sea level, in about two-and-a-half hours. Photo courtesy of Peter A. Lombardo.
JAFFREY, N.H. — The Boy Scouts from Putnam’s Troop 21 were up to the challenge earlier this month when they reached the top of Mt. Monadnock, in New Hampshire, 62 miles northwest of Boston.
“Physical fitness is an important part of Scouting,” said Troop 21 Scoutmaster Peter A. Lombardo, of Putnam. “But Scouting also builds character through healthy outdoor challenges like this hike. Boys get to test their limits and go beyond what they think they can do. Besides, the view from the top was spectacular.
Bruce Burr, of Woodstock, adult guardian for one of the Scouts, accompanied Lombardo and the Scouts as the second adult on the trip.
“Monadnock was definitely the biggest thing I ever hiked up,” Burr said. “The fall colors were just great – a little hazy, but just great. We were told that on a clear day we could see downtown Boston, but we couldn’t make it out when we were at the top.”
At 3,165 feet above sea level, Monadnock has been a popular destination for hikers since the early 19th century. The trails are well marked and no ropes or other climbing gear are needed during the fall to get to the summit, so it’s the kind of outdoor program that even younger Scouts can take on without special training in climbing. With boys ranging in age from 11 to 16, Troop 21 made the round trip up and down in a little less than six hours.
“It’s just under two miles up and just over two miles down,” said New Hampshire State Park Ranger Taylor Spaulding, “but you do climb over 1,700 vertical feet from the base to the summit.
Spaulding said the summit’s usually colder, with topside temperatures averaging 15 degrees less than at the bottom of the trail. Lombardo said that wasn’t a problem, because the boys came prepared for whatever was likely to happen.
The trip to New Hampshire was a successful continuation of the Scouting year for Troop 21. For more information call (860) 963-0171 and leave a message.
Debate
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce hosted 108 guests at the 29th Senate District debate held at QVCC. L-R Challenger, John French (R), Incumbent, Senator Mae Flexer and moderator and Chamber Legislative Affairs Chairman, Doug Porter. Courtesy photo.
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Michael Serricchio, 7, of Westfield, Mass., waits in line with his grandmother, Andy Krofina of Woodstock, ready for the train ride.
A Young Marine welcomes a visitor from the train.
Scarecrow Winner
The first-place winner for the Putnam Business Association’s annual scarecrow contest was Matulaitis Rehabilitation & Skilled Care on Rt. 44. This is the second year they won. There were 16 entries this year. CNB, a division of bankESB, took second with a scene from Finding Nemo and Putnam Bank’s giant bat took third. An Honorable Mention trophy was award to The Arc Day Services Program for their entry titled “Seemore Guts!” Left to right: Putnam Business Association members judges: Rhonda Wishart, Kim Rosebrooks, Chris Coderre, Laura Moorehead, Earl Rosebrooks, Mary Oliver and Jackie Lefebrve. Courtesy photo.
Singer from Just Two Trio, entertaining folks in Union Square.
The "Great Pumpkin" on display weighs 1,223.5 pounds.
Funds stolen
PUTNAM — Oct. 24 Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) held its 5th Annual A Taste for NOW, A Taste for Life event at The Mansion at Bald Hill Banquet Center in Woodstock. With just under 200 people in attendance, the event was a resounding success, with thousands of local youth to benefit from the proceeds of the evening.
However, NOW is saddened to report that $610 raised from the raffle was stolen, the envelope containing the cash discarded in the bathroom. Sarah Mortensen, NOW executive director, said “The person who absconded with this money not only stole from NOW but deprived local youth of opportunities they deserve. In response, some of the NOW Board members have come forward with donations to help replace the stolen funds. NOW also calls on the community for support.”
If anyone has information about the stolen money, contact Mortensen at 888.940.4669 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To make a donation: NOW, P.O. Box 206, Putnam CT 06260.
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