Vassalboro scouts community service for local church

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.