WESTFIELD-The Super Phipps Liquors parking lot will be the backdrop for a fundraiser this Saturday, hosted by Boy Scout Troop 821, in the hope of replacing gear and contributing funds for camperships for those who might not otherwise be able to attend summer camp.
A bottle and can drive is planned Saturday at Super Phipps Liquors on East Main Street by Boy Scout Troop 821. Representing the club are, front row, Joey Gaudreau, Nick Paulson and Andre Phaneuf. Back row, left to right, Gary D’Andrea, assistant scout master, Camden D’Andrea, Dan Phaneuf, assistant scout master, Nick Stathatos, Jeremy Trottier, Antonio Phaneuf, Richard Gaudreau, assistant scout master, Scout Master Joe Muto, and Hiedi Trottier, assistant scout master.
A bottle (plastic and glass) and beverage can drive is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and area residents are welcome to drop off any contributions. If possible, rinsing the bottles and cans before dropping them off is recommended.
Scout Master Joe Muto said this fundraiser is a first for the troop and they are hopeful that the community will help support the boys and their efforts.
“The boys will be raising funds to help replace gear including tents, tent stakes, Dutch ovens and patrol boxes that contain cookery, bowls and utensils,” said Muto. “The boys also want to help support camperships for boys less fortunate.”
The troop, based at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church on Holyoke Road, has approximately 40 boys and all are active and always seeking ways to give back to the community.
Muto noted that Eagle projects during the past year have included painting one of the shops for the Aviation Technology Program at Westfield Technical Academy, landscaping the senior courtyard at Westfield High School, and landscaping and building a playscape at the Fort Meadow School.
“I’m proud of the boys and enjoy watching them mature and become leaders,” said Muto, who has served in his role for three years. “We are creating model citizens.”
Heidi Trottier, an assistant scout master, echoed those sentiments.
“I like their camaraderie,” said Trottier, adding, “the boys get along well together and work as a team.”
As an assistant senior patrol leader, Nick Stathatos, 14, has relished the experience he has gained from his three and a half years in the troop.
“I like taking leadership roles within the troop,” said Stathatos. “As a patrol leader, I am in charge of the younger scouts which allows for a fun learning opportunity.”
Nick Paulson, 13, has also been a member for at least three years and welcomes the chance to camp out during troop events at Moses Scout Reservation in Russell.
“Scouting is fun and I would encourage others to consider joining,” said Paulson. “We have a big troop and everyone is very accepting.”
For Jeremy Trottier, 14, also a troop member for close to four years, he welcomes the chance to get his hands dirty to help out others.
“Our troop built a bridge at Camp Moses along the ATV trail,” said Trottier, adding that the 6’ x 40’ bridge was completed in one day. The goal of the bridge is to help stop erosion from the ATV’s wear and tear on the land.
On Saturday, the boys will have six bins set up and will assist donors by unloading any bags or boxes of cans and bottles that are being dropped off.
“We hope that people will contribute to this fundraiser to also help keep the earth clean,” said Stathatos.
For more information on the Western Massachusetts Council, Boy Scouts of America, visit www.wmascouting.org. The Council serves more than 6,600 young people and more than 1,700 adult volunteers in Hampden, Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties. The Council has programs for boys and young men ages five to 20, and young women ages 13 to 20.
“Please stop by with your recyclable donations and say hello to some amazingly dedicated Boy Scouts,” added Heidi Trottier.
