Upper Valley mentoring programs trying to attract more volunteers

CLAREMONT — Johnathan Stuart and Joe Paduda walked up the trail at Moody Park, intent on reaching the summit, last month. The two have known each other since last fall, when they were paired through Windsor County Mentors. Nearly every week, they spend time together doing activities such as snowshoeing and ping pong. (But not bowling, they both emphasized. They don’t like bowling). “I like beating him at chess,” Johnathan said during the Claremont hike. “But he’s only ahead of me one game,” Paduda replied, setting off a friendly exchange about who is better at the game. “He has a…