Willsboro, NY

Volume XXXXIX

August 15, 2008

“FINAL DAYS”

Boys reflect on a successful summer.

   The boys of Pok-O showered off the dirt and dust of the day and dressed in their best for the 104th annual Pok-O-Moonshine Awards Banquet. The evening started off with Michael Murdock playing the bagpipes as campers filed into Robinson Hall. Camp Executive Director Sharp Swan gave the traditional tomato juice toast “down the hatch” and then the banquet was officially underway. Camp Chef Mike Gast prepared a wonderful meal and the boys feasted on Chicken Diane, roasted red potatoes, corn on the cob and brownie sundaes for dessert. The boys enjoyed the meal so much that they shouted out “we want Mike” until he appeared to receive his standing ovation.

   Just like the MacCready banquet the evening is a special one where all campers are individually honored and several specific awards are given. Special seven-weeker T-shirts were handed out to the boys, and just like the girls, they wasted no time to start sporting them. Travis Fischer received an award for enthusiasm in Pottery and Harley Tucker became a certified “Sharpshooter” for riflery. Griffin Brettler received the an award for “Best Fisherman” and it made him “excited to be recognized.”

    The the evening ended with the final Honor Camper ceremony. Honor Camper is a tradition that has been happening at Camp Pok-O-MacCready since the 1920’s. The Honor Camper is thought to be a person who if you were headed into battle you would want them backing you up. The Honor Camper is picked by their fellow campers and is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a camper. Intermediate camper Jonathan Schmer summed up the evening by saying, “for me it was one of the best times at camp this summer. It’s great to be called up in front of everyone and recognized for your achievements.”

Pok-O-Moonshine Honor Campers

Pioneer- Jared Brown

Intermediate- Hank Horwitz

Senior- Diego Bacci

Advanced Section- Tom Schiefer

POK-O-OPEN IN FULL SWING

   The Pok-O Open has officially began and even with camp in its final 24 hours players are still competing. The final Gentleman’s Singles match was held today between Varun Anand and Matt Kantor.

   Kantor thought that “many of my opponents were tough, but I got through it and now I’m ready to play Anand.” Kantor’s positive outlook was good; however Anand ended up defeating him in the end.

   The Ladie’s Singles were finishing up this morning and several matches were played. Ali MacKay played Josephine Fuzeau and defeated her (6-0). Mackay stated “Fuzeau was a worthy competitor and I could definitely tell she has played before.” Mackay will go on to play Anand in the finals.

Women’s Singles Results

Fuzeau vs. Mackay- Fuzeau

Mason vs. McDermott- Mason

Mason vs. Mackay- Mackay

Gentleman’s Singles Results

Kantor vs. Anand- Anand

BLAKE ON BLAKE

   On a sunny Thursday afternoon Advanced Section camper Blake Artuso completed the Adirondack Forty Sixers on the summit of Blake Mountain.

   He became the seventh camper to complete his 46 during this camp season. (see entire camp 46er roster here). Artuso was joined by his mother and two of his three brothers. Older brother Lex commented that, “it was weird because the roles were totally reversed. Last year he was on my finish and this year I’m on his. When asked if he felt different, Artuso (Blake) nonchalantly replied, “I don’t really feel that different but it’s cool that I finished.”

   Once he reached the top Blake decided to slip into something a little more comfortable and traded hiking boots for footie pajamas. The summit celebration included Hommus, “Potted Meat”, Oatmeal cream pies, Nutella, Mountain Dew and two choices of baby food which Blake claimed was “pretty gross.” The hiking party returned home in time to shower and get ready for the 104th annual Pok-O-Moonshine Awards Banquet.

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