Celebrating 50 Years of Scouting

Portsmouth Boy Scout Troop 82 celebrated 50 years of scouting at a special anniversary dinner January 2nd at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Tiverton.  Over 200 guests, including 35 Eagle Scouts, 3 Scoutmasters and previous Senior Patrol Leaders reunited to honor the service Troop 82 makes to the community as well as reminisce of previous adventures.  A montage of photographs depicting 50 years of Troop 82 scouting activities, historical photo albums dating back as far as the 1940s, vintage patrol flags and uniforms were displayed.  Portsmouth Councilman James Seveney presented Troop 82 with a town council Proclamation.  The evening’s guest speaker, Representative John G. Edwards, RI House Majority Whip, spoke from the heart providing testimony to the importance of scouting.  Rep. Edwards is Troop 82’s 21st Eagle Scout, awarded in 1973.  The memorable evening culminated with Troop 82’s Scoutmaster Justin Mostert, presenting the annual scouting awrds, recognizing those who have contributed greatly to Troop 82 in 2015.

And the awards went to....

The Paul “Trey” Houtchens Camper Award:  Trey was a scout in Troop 82 who really loved the camping part of the program.  He died tragically of Eastern Equine Encephalitis before earning the rank of Eagle Scout.  This award recognizes the scout who has camped out the most days in the year.  The winner was Eagle Scout Bobby Zeller.

The Edward R. Judge Scoutmaster Award:  Ed Judge was the first scoutmaster of Troop 82 and served a total of 20 years.  This award recognizes the scout who demonstrates the most all around scout spirit and looks at many factors including positive attitude, skills and leadership.  The recipient was Life Scout Adrian Ridolfi.

Cpl. Thomas A. Julian Leadership Award:  Cpl. Julian was a scout in Troop 82 who later joined the Marines.  He was stationed in Lebanon where he was killed during the attack on the Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983.  This award recognizes the scout who shows strong leadership.  This award was presented to Eagle Scout Daniel Matthews.

Rev. Gordon J. Stenning Scouter Award:  Rev. Stenning was the rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Troop 82’s sponsor, who encouraged Ed Judge to form our Troop in 1966.  The award recognizes the adult who has provided significant support to the Troop.  This year it was given to Assistant Scoutmaster Barbara Zeller.

Troop 82 Grand Slam Seller Award for selling over $2,000 of popcorn was presented to 2nd Class Scout Nicholas Perrotti.

Above photos from Left to Right:  1.  Scoutmasters:  Justin Mostert (2009-present), Robert Janiesch (2002-2006) and Gary Gabriel (1988-2002).

2.  2015 Award Recipients:  Assistant Scoutmaster Barbara Zeller, 2nd Class Scout Nicholas Perrotti, Eagle Scout Daniel Matthews, Life Scout Adrian Ridolfi and Eagle Scout Bobby Zeller.

3. Key note Speaker:  Representative John Edwards, RI House Majority Whip

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