Tag Archive for: Scouts

Scouts go paddling down the river

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Foreground selfie photographer is Amanda Duchette. Left to eight, Jeff Morton, Marlene Lajoie, Tristan Morton, Brian Franklin, Ian Martin, Zach Corson, Anthony Fortin, Jon Martin, Trenton Franklin, Nancy Corson, and Winston Duchette. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Scouts from Augusta Troop #603 spent time boating and hiking this autumn with two big adventures. On September 14, a large group of Scouts and parents and leaders boarded kayaks and canoes to paddle along the Kennebec River, from Waterville to Augusta. Nancy Corson, of Windsor, said, “This was a great experience for me and Zachary. We had a great time and it was tons of fun.” Scouts floated from the Waterville boat landing to Arsenal Street, in Augusta, making a trip of more than 16 miles. It was a full day on the water as they left at 9 a.m., arriving in Augusta at 3 p.m. Along the way they saw plenty of nature including a Great Blue Heron.

The next trek, which took place over the weekend of October 11-13, was at Acadia National Park, where three Scouts and two leaders camped out and then hiked the popular Cadillac Mountain – the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Cadillac Summit Trail brought them to 1,530 feet above sea level during their five-mile hike. “We focus on encouraging the Scouts to have fun,” said leader Michael Fortin. “The advancement falls into place on its own with each activity we do. We want them to gain experience and challenge themselves.”

Troop #603 leader Jon Martin agreed, “I think they really enjoyed testing their abilities and independence.” A larger group of Scouts joined the troop on the Acadia trip in August.

Troop #603, which is open to both boy and girls aged 11-18, meets at the American Legion, on Eastern Avenue, in Augusta, each Thursday evening, at 6:30 p.m.

Zach Corson, of Windsor, coasting in his kayak.

Scouts play games at Bomazeen

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Vassalboro Pack #410 Bear Cub Scouts Lux Reynolds gets rolled into the ring of the Hungry, Hungry Hippos game by Troop #410 committee member Chris Vincent. Like in the real game, Lux had to collect as many balls as possible with his clothes basket before the other three contestants scooped them up and rolled back to home with them. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Derek Dubois, of Skowhegan Troop #485, spent time outside McCurdy Lodge practicing outdoor cooking. He took a banana out of the peel and filled the peel with chocolate chips, apple and banana pieces, and spices and cooked it over an open fire. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Imagine playing your favorite board games all day. Further imagine that the games are larger than life and you play them outside at Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade, during a spectacular autumn weekend when the peak foliage reflects magically on the ripples of Great Pond. More than a hundred Scouts and leaders from across southern and western Maine didn’t have to imagine as they experienced all that and more during the Fall Camporee on the weekend of October 18-120.

“I love it all,” said Elliot Rafuse, a Scout in Vassalboro Troop #410. “Camping out was amazing but cold but also fun. I am looking forward to playing Manhunt tonight.” Scouts stayed in patrols and traveled around camp competing in some traditional Scout camp activities such as outdoor cooking and BB gun shooting but also at activity stations designed to fit with the theme of the camporee: “Got Game?”

One station was Scout Jeopardy and the next was an epic size game of Battleship and then it was off to “Deal or No Deal.” Eric Handley, of Sidney, ran the Battleship game. Two picnic tables were separated by a blue tarp. Scouts on both sides of the tarp had a large board with cups representing their battleships on an 11 x 11 grid. “Everyone seemed to have a really good time,” Handley said.

Scouts who stayed overnight with their troop also took part in a Gateway building competition and the Next Level Chef Competition. There was also a costume competition.

The next district-wide activity is the Lego Pinewood Derby which will be held at Camp Bomazeen, on Saturday, November 2, and this winter the Scouts will be heading to Lake Pemaquid for the Klondike Derby hosted by Troop #213, in Damariscotta.

Scouts spend weekend at wildlife refuge

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Troop #433 Winslow participated as the first unit to spread gravel on the trail to the new Moosehorn photo blind built for visitors to take photos of wildlife without being seen by the wildlife. Front row, from left to right, Ashish DeBas, Parker LeHay, Zack LeHay, Ashlyn McDermott, Fallyn Soucy, and Addison Poulin(SPL). Middle row, Millard Davis(SM for the weekend), Wyatt Smith, Wyatt Collins, and Allison Dorr. Back, Gerard Fortin, Ryan Poulin, and Garth Smith. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Barring, is a 30,000-acre treasure that is home to over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and for one weekend in September it was also home to Gods and Demigods and nearly two hundred Scouts and leaders.

Scouts from both Canada and the United States camped on the refuge’s rolling hills and competed in activities near her streams and bogs and marshes during the event that took place on the weekend September 27-29.

“This was an absolutely fabulous weekend,” said Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, who served as Campmaster for the 62nd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. “The kids all had a great time and so many people from the Moosehorn Ranger staff to the Scouting volunteers from two countries made this incredible weekend possible.”

Scouts not only competed in fun activities during the camporee, they also had to set up their tents, cook their meals, and help with other chores in the campsite. Joshua Gilpin prepares breakfast for eager fellow Troop #485 scouts Thomas Gage (left) and Derek Dubois (back wearing hat). All are from Skowhegan. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

As part of the activities, all of the Scouts took part in trail maintenance projects at the refuge as their “Good Deed” for nature.

The theme, which was selected by Scouts who attended last year’s event at Cobscook State Park, put Scouts in the role of hero to complete the challenges set before them by Gods and Demigods from myths of old.

These included, among others, Dagda’s Challenge from Celtic mythology to help nature; Artemis Archery Ace from Greek mythology where archery talent was needed to defeat the Trojans; Thor’s Hammer where Scouts see if they are worthy; Scouts stormed the Temple of Ra to find treasure but then they had to get out, too; and Zhu Rong’s Light where the Scouts had to prove they were worthy of the Chinese diety’s blessings three times.

Many Scouts chose to get into the spirit by wearing costumes for the event. The top-scoring patrol overall was 3rd and 4th Fredrericton, New Brunswich, Canada, followed by the Scouts who formed a Provisional unit because their troops did not attend, 1st Gondola New Brunswick, Troop #433 Winslow, and 1st Westfield.

Activities were not just for the Scouts. Adults competed in the “Epic One Pot Stew Competition”. Clinton’s Millard Davis’venison stew was the overall fan favorite.

Scouts who attended the camporee met before it was over to pick a theme for the 63rd annual international camporee – Zombie Apocalypse.

The program also included a campfire where each troop provided a song, skit, cheer, story or dance approved by their leader.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Vassalboro scouts community service for local church

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Scout Troop #410 and Cub Scout Pack #410 presenting a check to Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, left, Nancy Adams and Hellen Paulette, from VUMC and Nate Gray, committee chairman of Cub Scouts #410. Scouts left to right, John Gray, Henry Gray, Hunter Brown, William Vincent, Christopher Santiago and Eli Richardson. Harvey Boatman photo. (Christopher Santiago photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

A community service by Viking Axolotl Patrol of Scout Troop #410, and the Arrow of Light Cub Scouts #410, culminated on Sunday, September 22, when they gathered at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) and presented $300 to the VUMC finance secretary, Nancy Adams, and treasurer, Hellen Paulette.

The funds were collected through a bottle drive to help towards the installation of an elevator/lift inside the church. According to Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago, the Scouts do bottle drives frequently to help defray costs of charter, annual dues, uniforms, supplies, activities and to do good turns for the community. “We are very fortunate to maintain a partnership with the church who maintains a facility agreement with our units. We are so grateful!” Following the check presentation, Harvey Boatman helped the Scouts ring the 150-year-old church bell in celebration of their efforts. “What fun and a lot louder than you would think,” said Santiago.

Harvey Boatman ringing the church bell with the Boy and Cub Scouts Troop #410, at Vassalboro United Methodist Church, on September 22. (Christopher Santiago photo)

The lift/elevator is part of an upgrade to VUMC, explained Boatman, project coordinator, in order to make the entire building more accessible to our aging population and those with mobility challenges. The installation will make it possible for people to move more easily between the sanctuary and the bathrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship hall on the lower level which is currently accessible only by a full flight of stairs or from the lower parking lot.

The lift is part of an expanding accessibility project that will also make it possible for VUMC to better reach the people of Vassalboro and surrounding communities in additional, various ways. “We are fundraising for the project through grants, special activities and fund drives, such as this one by the Scouts which we are so appreciative of to say nothing of proud of their efforts in the community!” FMI about the project contact Harvey Boatman at (207) 441-9168 or hcb03@roadrunner.com. Donations can be mailed to Vassalboro Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989.

Following Sunday’s check presentation Scouts embarked on two more community service projects. The Viking Patrol picked up litter along the Lombard Dam Road while the Arrow of Light Den proceeded to the Vassalboro Community School and cleaned up the grounds and trails.

FMI about Scout Troop 410 and Cub Scouts Pack 410 visit their Facebook page or contact Scoutmaster Santiago at (603) 903-9709 or vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com.

Waterville troop scout earns Eagle rank

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Sarah Harriet Benn, Isaac’s mom, affixes the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. This medal was first presented to Isaac’s father when he made Eagle in 1987 in Troop #436. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Isaac Benn, of Westbrook, son of Shawn and Sarah Benn, reached the highest peak in Scouting – the Eagle Scout rank – during a Troop #436 court of honor held Sunday, June 2, at the Waterville Lodge #33 A.F. & A.M. The ceremony was led by Colby College Professor Bruce Rueger who was Scoutmaster of the same Troop in 1987 when Isaac’s father received his Eagle Scout award.

“I am super proud of Isaac,” Shawn Benn said after administering the Eagle Scout Charge and watching as his wife pinned Isaac with the same Eagle Scout medal Shawn received in 1987.

Rueger explained that the distance between Waterville and Westbrook was a challenge but much of his time in the troop took place during Covid-19 and the troop held virtual meetings anyway. “During camping trips we would all meet at the place we were going so it all worked out,” he said. Shawn Benn said, “I am so very glad we came back to Troop #436 during Covid so my boys can see what Scouting was like for me.”

According to Rueger, each Eagle Scout must complete a significant project to better their community. “Isaac’s project was the restoration of the Johnson Cemetery on County Road in Westbrook. He led a team that made a new sign, raked and pruned and cleaned up the grounds, and washed headstones so the names of those buried could be more easily read.” His mother, Sarah, pointed out they even found a forgotten child’s headstone under a pile of decaying leaves. This effort has received praise from the Westbrook Historical Society.

Isaac has turned 18 but completed all requirements prior to his 18th birthday. He is registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #436 and will be going into his sophmore year at the University of Southern Maine, in September.

Anson Scout achieves Eagle rank

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Elizabeth Daisey pins the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Nick Gower, of Anson, received the Eagle Scout rank, the highest award in Scouting, during a ceremony held on July 13 at the Garret Schenck School. His Eagle Scout project was a benefit to the American Legion. The Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post in Madison has a new, custom-made fire pit for the proper retirement of United States flags that have become faded, ripped or worn. “I am so proud of Nick,” said Troop #481 Scoutmaster Darlene Taylor, of Starks.

Nick Gower’s Eagle Scout project. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

“Every challenge that has come your way, you have conquered. Your project has been used to honor our nation’s flag. What a worthy project.”

“America has many good things to give you and your children after you; but these good things depend for the most part on the quality of its citizens,” said fellow Troop #481 Eagle Scout Devyn DeLeonardis who received his Eagle medal last December. “Our country has a great past. You can help make sure it has an even greater future. I charge you to undertake your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only towards the best. Lift every task you do and every office you hold to the highest levels of service to God and your fellow man.”

Speaking about Nick, Skip Pond, who served as Master of Ceremonies, said, “I have shown the whole world that Scouting is in my heart. I have mastered the knowledge of subjects that will benefit my country and my fellow man.”

Nick received congratulatory letters from local and national political officials and also from leaders of veterans organizations such as the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. Patricia “Tricia” Thurston, Commander of the Department of Maine American Legion, attended and presented Nick with a replica Eagle feather and a certificate from the organization.

Nick’s mother, Elizabeth Daisey, pinned the Eagle medal on her son’s uniform and he in turn presented her with roses and the Mother’s Pin for her support of his Scouting efforts. Nick also presented his father, Dustin Gower, with an Eagle Scout Father’s Pin.

Scoutmaster Taylor added, “Nicholas, I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished in Boy Scouts. It was a wonderful experience climbing this mountain with you. Now spread your wings and fly!”

Area boy scouts do training in the woods

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Course Director Christopher Santiago, left, of Vassalboro, and Gearry Judkins, of Farmington, review the ITOLS syllabus during a break between sessions. Bryan Vick, of Waterville, not pictured, also helped with the program. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Area adult leaders in Scouting, and some from as far away as Rangeley, Kittery and Melrose, Massachusetts, took part in a weekend training course held at Camp Bomazeen on May 17 and 18 designed to make them better leaders by giving them confidence with their outdoor skills.

Outdoor adventure is the promise made to a child when they join Scouting. The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (ITOLS) is a fun-filled program of hands-on skills training in the outdoors, designed to help leaders in Scout Troops master basic camp skills required for Tenderfoot to First Class.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is the equivalent training for those working with Cub Scout-aged youth. The courses teach such things as outdoor cooking, map and compass, rope use, conducting safe campfires, hiking and backpacking, First Aid and Outdoor Ethics. The goal is to provide first-hand experiences so Scouting leaders can teach these skills to their Scouts. Course Director Chris Santiago of Vassalboro said, “It is important to teach these types of courses because Scouting is about being outdoors. Both ITOLS and BALOO help Scouters understand and guide them to the best practices of the BSA, and help Scouters become the best outdoor skilled version of themselves so they can share and deliver a quality program to our Scouts.”

Camp Bomazeen, located on Great Pond, in Belgrade, is the ideal outdoor setting for adults or youth to develop such skills that will serve them well through life. Gearry Judkins, Scoutmaster of Troop #546, in Farmington, would agree as he has spent three weekends in a row at Bomazeen for various Scouting events and was one of the ITOLS instructors.

Nathaniel Bacon is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop #111, in Auburn, and was another instructor. “There is so much value in these programs,” Bacon said.

Dan Gacki, of Dallas Plantation, is not even registered in Scouting yet but felt it was important to take the course. “I am looking to start a Troop in Rangeley and I love the outdoors,” Gacki said. He traveled more than an hour to attend. Dale Leonard and Aaorn Whitman are Den Leaders in Kittery Pack #316 and also had long drives to attend. “I joined Scouts so I could find any excuse to get me and my family outside,” Leonard said. “The thing I love about Scouting,” Whitman added, “is being out in nature and being active.” Jeremy Seeley is a Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack #202, Topsham and agreed, “I really enjoy being outdoors and that is what Scouting is all about.”

Nick MacDonald spent nearly three hours on the road to get to Bomazeen. He is a Den Leader in Cub Scout Pack #615 out of Melrose, Massachusetts. He saw the event advertised on Facebook and came to complete the BALOO course.

Lou Garza is a parent volunteer with Scout Troop #805 in Windham. “I’m here to learn some stuff,” Garzia said. And experienced Scouting leaders like Kelly Deprez, Chartered Organization Representative for Cub Scout Pack #85, in Gorham, was happy to teach subjects such as knife skills and how to conduct an interfaith service for the BALOO course.

Chris Santiago is also Scoutmaster of Vassalboro Troop #410 and finds he learns from the students while teaching. “My favorite part of the course is meeting Scouters both new and experienced from across our district, across our council, and from outside of our council because you get to learn about them, their experiences, and most importantly become colleagues who may be a resource for you down the road.”

Some training courses are required in Scouting. Youth Protection training, for example, is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement that must be retaken every two years (annually for leaders in Maine’s Pine Tree Council which covers the Western and Southern half of state). Additionally, it is required in Pine Tree Council that all Cubmasters and Scoutmasters complete the Basic Leader Training and all assistant Scoutmasters and Assistant Cubmasters starting in 2025. Each pack or troop must have someone trained in BALOO or ITOLS and they must have at least two registered leaders who have completed Youth Protection Training in order to go camping.

Much of the emphasis in Scouting is as Baden Powell, founder of Scouting worldwide, intended. To challenge the youth in outdoor settings so as to help develop their character and train them to serve. As Powell said, “Teach Scouts not how to get a living, but how to live.”

Tristan Morton’s essay entry selected for second place in the nation

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Tristan Morton

Tristan Morton, 11, a student at St. Michael School, in Augusta, and Star Scout at Augusta Troop #603, was notified that his entry for the essay contest hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was selected for second place among sixth grade entries nationally. Tristan’s journey began with an essay on John Phillip Sousa’s Star Spangled Banner from the perspective of a reporter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for its first public presentation.

Tristan has been amazed by the reception his essay received, as he was first selected to represent St. Michael School’s sixth grade. Reading the essay for the local post of the DAR, he was selected to represent the post at the State of Maine level. Next, he was chosen as Maine’s sixth grade DAR Essay Representative. Tristan’s work competed for the New England & New York region and after selection moved into the competition at the National level for the sixth grade.

Tristan’s parents, Marleen Lajoie COL. (ret.) USARNG & Jeffrey Morton COL. (ret.) USAR are proud of his efforts and the message of respect and honor his essay presents. His description of a 19th century patriotic setting, and the excited reception of this music by the crowd captured both the excitement and patriotic zeal at that 19th century event.

Tristan’s family is coordinating a visit to the National DAR Conference, in Washington, DC, for Tristan to receive his recognition and thank the organization. Tristan’s messages of respect for the artist and those who sacrificed to sustain our great country echo key elements of his school, Scouting America, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Nathan Choate earns rank of Eagle Scout

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Stephanie Drake Choate, left, pins the Eagle Scout medal onto her son Nathan’s uniform. “It was so special to have it at Mount Merici Academy. We are so proud of you, Nathan,” she said. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Nathan Choate

Nathan Choate, of Albion, received the Eagle Scout medal during a ceremony conducted by China Troop #479 in his honor on Friday, May 10, at Waterville’s Mount Merici Academy.

The town of Albion in March presented Nathan with its 2023 Spirit of America Foundation Award in “recognition of his outstanding and commendable community service to the Town of Albion.” His Eagle Scout Service Project revitalized the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Monument.

Nathan is the son of Michael and Stephanie Drake Choate, and lives in Albion. He attends Erskine Academy, in South China. This project required more than 200 hours of labor shared by scouts and scouters as well as Albion residents. Colby College Lovejoy land grant provided the funding needed for the effort. Hilton Drake and Stephanie Drake Choate’s ancestors and the Lovejoys were two of the five founding families in the town of Albion, formerly known as Freetown Plantation, in 1790.

Elijah Parish Lovejoy attended Waterville College (now Colby) and is well known as one of the first martyrs to freedom of the press and the abolitionist movement, killed in 1837 in Alton, Illinois. Colby’s language arts building bears his name. The Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award of Colby, established in 1952, is awarded to a journalist who continues the Lovejoy heritage of fearlessness and commitment to American freedom of the press.

During the ceremony, Lee Pettengill, who serves as the Chartered Organization representative for Troop #479, in China, and was the Master of Ceremonies for the event, led Nathan in the Eagle Scout Charge. “I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good. Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; and, whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud,” Pettengill said.

Natha had completed all of his requirements and passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review last October.

SCOUTING NEWS: Area Scouts make a difference with clean-up activities

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Vassalboro Cubs, front, from left to right, Kasen Maroon (Tiger), Lux Reynolds (Wolf), Finn Arsenault (Wolf), and Declan McLaughlin (Wolf). Second row, John Gray (Wolf), Boone McLaughlin (Lion), Beckett Metcalf (Wolf), Alex Madison (Lion), Samuel Madison (Wolf), Walter (Pack #410 Recruit), Henry Gray (Webelos I). Back Tiger Den Leader Shane Maroon, Cubmaster Chris Reynolds, and Asst. Cubmaster Ben Metcalf. All are from Vassalboro. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Winslow Cubs, from left to right, Wolf Ryder Johnston, Arrow of Light Ashish Dabas, Wolf Easton Vigue, Bear Freddie Pullen (behind Easton), on the right side Lion Lorelei Pullen, Webelos Colton Vigue, Wolf CJ Mihalovits, Arrow of Light Alex Parsons, Wolf Simon Giroux. Not pictured are Wolf Abel Byroade, Lion Stevie Hodgdon, and Bear Peter Small who also took part in the clean-up. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Earth Day has a special place in Scouting’s culture. Cubs and Scouts know that responsible stewardship of the planet is key to being a good Scout. Since Boy Scouts of America’s early beginnings, Scouts have been caring for the planet. The organization’s “Leave No Trace” principles demonstrate how Scouts show respect for the great outdoors.

BSA makes a point to recognize other friends of the planet with the Hornaday Awards, which honor not only Scouting units, Scouts, Venturers, adult Scouting volunteers, but also other individuals, corporations, and institutions that contribute to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

Caring for the environment is considered one of the core values of Scouting, which is why BSA and its members are constantly taking action to champion sustainability and conservation. Area Scouts were busy putting into practice what they had been learning in Scouting this Earth Day.

On April 21, Skowehgan Pack #485 Cubmaster Shanna Brown said their Cubs Scouts and leaders picked up litter, raked and removed debris around the Federated Church near the Kennebec River filling three contractor bags with trash and a pencil box filled with needles that was given to the Skowhegan Police Department. Scouts had received instructions prior to the start of the clean up to leave any items that looked like medical equipment alone and alert an adult. Scouts and leaders from Troop #485 also assisted in the clean up effort. Shanna said, “Doing our best to clean up the earth one location at a time.”

Cub Scouts in Gardiner Pack #672 gave up some of their Saturday on April 13 cleaning along the rail trail near the Kennebec River. Cubmaster Scott St. Amand said, “They collected ten bags of trash as well as some miscellaneous car parts. It was a beautiful day for a clean-up and the folks on the rail trail weren’t shy about expressing gratitude for the Scouts getting out there and tidying up.”

In Vassalboro, members of Pack and Troop #410 took part in a clean up of the storytime trail at the Vassalboro Community School. “It was a wonderful day to bring both Troop #410 and Pack #410 together to work on a service project in honor of Earth Day, but to also say thank you to Vassalboro Community School for their partnership. It was a perfect collaboration cleaning up storm damage on the story walk created by Eagle Scout Nathan Polley,” said Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago.

Sabrina Garfield, Cubmaster in Winslow said, “Cub Scout Pack #445 spent the day (April 21) walking around Winslow cleaning up litter making the town cleaner and greener. They went to Norton Park, Halifax Park, Winslow Elementary, High School, Jr High, Town Office and Halifax hill cemetery just to name a few of the places. One of our Lion Cubs did 3.2 miles of walking and cleaning up litter. The bottle drive was also a huge success. And a big thank you to Winslow Town Councilman Adam Lint and his wife for their support with their bottle donations and coming out to say hi and thanking the cubs for their work.” Garfield said that many people stopped by, dropped off bottles, beeped, waved and shared encouragement for what the Scouts were doing. Cheryl’s Pizza provided pizza after the work was done. “It’s not too late to help out! Grab a bag, some gloves and an adult and clean up your street. The Earth will thank you.”

Skowhegan Cubs, from left to right, Bear Cub Jaxson Lewis, of Norridgewock, Bear Cub Ian Dickey, of Anson, Tiger Cub Dylan Dickey, of Anson, Tiger Cub Philo Augustus, of Smithfield, and Tiger Cub Casey Barden, of Norridgewock, took part in an Earth Day Clean Up near the Skowhegan Federated Church and the Kennebec River. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)