NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA hosted its annual Fall Power Meet Saturday, Nov. 8. This event provides a competitive forum for weight lifters of all ages, weight classes, and experience levels to attempt their best performances. “This year we saw some truly incredible feats of strength and courage,” said Shannon Gawronski, meet coordinator.

Michelle Carlsen of Hamden bench-pressed 210 pounds and Donna Hadley of Delhi bench-pressed 165 pounds. “We just don’t see many women who can bench press that kind of weight,” Gawronski said.

The highlight of the competition was the 725-pound bench press lifted by Richard “Moose” Putnam of Fonda Right behind Putnam was Rusty Lewis of Johnstown with near 500-pound lift. “These guys represent a caliber of lifter we rarely see in our non-sanctioned meets,” Gawronski said.