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Two Good Causes, One Beautiful Valley
Researched and Written by Janine Weins
(Posted 6/7/06)

In Controlled Burn, a short story in a collection of the same name, Scott Wolven writes, "just past Wells River, [the Connecticut River] made an oxbow, flowing briefly north in a U-shaped collar before returning to its southern course... (i)t was the most beautiful spot on Earth, the most amazing fields and woods and sky."

I think Scott Wolven got it right—the Connecticut River Valley is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. During July, thousands of people will enjoy this beautiful river valley while helping thousands of others have a better life.

On Saturday morning, July 8th, participants in the 25th Annual Prouty Century Bike Ride and Challenge Walk will head north from Hanover up the Connecticut River Valley in an effort to raise more than a million dollars for cancer research.

On Saturday morning, July 29th, hundred of paddlers in the 4th Annual Paddle Power will paddle kayaks and canoes through the oxbows and down the Connecticut River in an effort to raise a quarter of a million dollars to help those in deep depression find a desire to live.

Twenty-five years ago, in honor of cancer patient Audrey Prouty, four nurses rode 100 miles through the White Mountains. In 1982 those four nurses raised $2,000 and started The Prouty, an annual event that has raised more than $3 million and attracted participants from foreign countries and almost every state. Because the cause is so compelling, the support so extensive, and the countryside so beautiful, The Prouty has become one of the premier century rides in the world. In 1982, those diagnosed with cancer were more likely to succumb to their diagnosis than to survive. Because of cancer research, some of which has been supported by The Prouty, today those diagnosed with cancer are more likely to survive than to succumb.

Support for the riders and walkers begins with a carbo-loading dinner party on the Dartmouth Medical School Campus sponsored by a local restaurant, Lui Lui, and ends the next day with a ceremony honoring the participants. The routes are clearly marked, frequent sag stops for water, snacks, and a rest are provided, and vans travel the routes to provide assistance in the event of medical and/or mechanical emergencies. If you would like to support, or participate in, The 25th Annual Prouty visit http://www.theprouty.org/

There is a dark side to some of the beauty in the area. In the 6/1/06 issue of the Connecticut Valley Spectator, Joseph Estey, Hartford Police Chief, said that Quechee Gorge, where the Ottauquechee River cuts a deep, beautiful channel through the rocks, is "almost a fatal attraction." Many people come to Quechee Gorge to end their life by jumping in to the rocky gorge.

Every year, 30,000 Americans die of suicide. Three years ago, in an effort to raise awareness of suicide and money for its prevention, West Central Behavioral Health started "Paddle Power." The 20-mile trip on the Connecticut River has quickly become a premier paddling event. The event is fully supported by EMTs and rescue boats that travel with the participants. Rest stops are provided along the route. The event ends at The Pastures Campgrounds in Orford for an evening of fun, music, and good food. If you would like to support, or participate in, Paddle Power visit http://www.paddlepower.org/.

Those who participate in The Prouty and/or Paddle Power have a unique opportunity to help others while rejuvenating body and soul in a place that Scott Wolven and I think is one of the most beautiful spots on the Earth.