A trip to remember

Troop members, their parents and troop leaders of Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 139 pose in front of the White House on Columbus Day weekend during a trip to Washington. The trip had been a goal of the troop for over 15 years, but only this year, through community support and funding, were troop leaders able to make the trip a reality. “The group held lots of fundraisers, like candy sales, car washes, cookie sales, pasta nights and pizza sales,” said Andrea Mercatante, whose three sons are members of the troop, and whose husband, Tom, is Assistant Cub Master. “Through all of that, we were able to allow every kid to go for free.” Mercatante added that the trip “would not have been possible” without generous donations from community members and businesses.