Boy Scouts of America, Troop 31, Hudson Valley Council, Heritage District, sponsored by Montgomery Fire Department has the distinct honor of introducing five Eagle Scouts who have just earned the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. On October 5, in a solemn and joyous ceremony held at Brick Reformed Church in Montgomery, Christopher Gironda, Matthew Grogan, Spencer Lee, Thomas Wutz, and Sean Zupko dedicated their hearts and hands to the common good.
Matthew Grogran led the troop in making 400 Ranger Rosaries, 200 of them were sent to Walter Reed VA Hospital and an additional 200 were hand delivered to Castle Point VA Hospital, where Matthew enjoyed being able to sit and visit with the veterans.
Spencer Lee proudly completed his Eagle Scout project for Most Precious Blood Church in Walden, and the parishioners are most grateful to this fine young man, for his dedication, leadership, responsibility, and his faith.
Thomas Wutz knew exactly what his Eagle project would be after an educational and enlightening BSA trip to Gettysburg. He wished that his project would honor the memory of our Veterans of the Civil War.
With the help of Chief Jeff Holmes, Thomas was directed to the Wallkill Valley Cemetery where the Grand Army of the Republic monument stands, having been dedicated to all local soldiers who fought in the Civil War, but had fallen into disrepair. His plan included debris clean up, cleaning of the monument and headstones, painting and organizing cannonballs, and the restoration of the flag pole with a properly displayed American Flag. Thomas especially thanks Brant Winum, caretaker of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery and Thomas’s benefactor.

Sean Zupko knew exactly what his Eagle project would be, because even before he became a scout, his Grannie would take him to visit the scout office. He decided to rededicate the garden at his church, that originally had been dedicated to his maternal grandfather, to honor both of them. He decided to renovate it by completely tearing out the old one and installing a new garden with a walkway, plants, and benches. He thanks Mike Miller for his machine, Manza Family Farms for plants, Messco for lumber and Devitt’s for pavers, and of course, the leaders and scouts of Troop 31, without whom he would not be the person he is today.
Christopher Gironda, with the approval of Town Supervisor Rodney Winchell being his beneficiary, knew years ago his plan for Eagle Project, and that was to beautify the Town of Montgomery’s Town Hall Landscape, where his mom worked. Chris would visit his mom at work, and he was saddened at the large area of dead grass, dry ground, and lack of pretty flowers or shrubbery. He knew the visiting community deserved something brighter than that dreary sight to greet them, but most importantly, deep in his little boy’s loving heart, he wanted his mom to be greeted by the beautiful gifts of nature and color; after all, he knew nature’s beauty was an attraction that no one could miss, and why not stop and smell the roses?
(Special thanks to Deacon Peter and Louise Haight for the coverage of this event.)

The Montgomery Senior Center, in conjunction with the O.C. Office for the Aging, will be hosting its second annual ‘Veterans Appreciation’ Luncheon on Thursday November 14 at 12 noon. All Veterans and their immediate family are welcome! Lunch is free but reservations are required. Please call (457-9367) or stop by the Center to sign up.

Will Spay Pets benefit auction & raffle will be coming October 20th from 1 - 4 p.m. It will be held at the Maybrook Senior Center, Rt. 208, 111 Shipps Lane in Veterans Memorial Park, Maybrook.

Your $15 admission includes a light lunch and there will be theme baskets, raffles, show tickets, art and more. Joe’s Small Engine of Pine Bush has donated a 26” snow thrower to be auctioned off. All proceeds will benefit Will Spay Pets programs. Call (845) 857-7657 for reservations or info. You can also email willspaypets@yahoo.com.

Congratulations are in order ! The Montgomery Fire Department attended the 104th OCVFA parade in Warwick and won best appearing chiefs vehicle. Great job by the host Warwick. Next year Montgomery will host the OCCFA parade.