BRISTOL — During this month’s annual Legion Birthday Dinner in Bristol, Commander Ron LaRose presented the annual Above and Beyond Awards to Brenda Boutin of Starksboro and Jim Rivers of Bristol.
Boutin was nominated by Jan McCleery for her exceptional volunteer work for the Starksboro Senior Meal Program. She spends many hours procuring food and product donations that she uses to prepare the meals and desserts for all that attend. The number of people served at this monthly meal has increased to 45.
Boutin also fashioned costumes and props and painted all of the stage sets for the Stone Soup Story that was held in January at the First Baptist Church of Starksboro. From this show, she received donations of nonperishable food items and over $200 for the Starksboro Food Shelf.
Rivers was nominated by Alice Emmell, committee chairperson of Troop 543, for his dedication to the community through his interactions with the Boy Scouts, encouraging them to provide service to their community and work toward attaining their personal goals. Rivers has been active with Troop 543 for over 20 years and is currently serving as the Scoutmaster. He assists the boys in planning effective meetings, camping and hiking trips, fundraising, attending camporees, and he transports them to regional meetings and involves them in Order of the Arrow.
He continually seeks to improve upon his own knowledge and expertise in Scouting by attending various training opportunities. He has completed Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow Ordeal and Brotherhood, Safety Afloat, Swim Defense, Weather Hazards, Climb On Safety, Trek Safely, and This is Scouting, to name just a few.