Eagle Scout project results in veterans’ garden

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

A veterans’ garden is now in place outside the Rostraver Township Historical Society, just one part of an Eagle Scout project carried out by the grandson of one of the organization’s founders.

Noah Cramer, a 17-year-old senior at Belle Vernon Area High School and a member of Troop 625 in Perryopolis, said the historical society has been renovating the former Fells United Methodist Church for the past several years.

“It’s amazing what they’ve done in a couple of years,” Cramer said.

Stuart Boyd, vice president of the historical society, said not only has the building been renovated, membership has been growing exponentially. The organization, which just a few years ago averaged fewer than 10 people at its meetings, now boasts attendance of about 75 with a membership of more than 300. 

Still, volunteer labor for building renovations is always needed and Cramer stepped up.

“That was a godsend to us because we have so much that needs to be done,” Boyd said.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America and is attained only after the completion of numerous merit badges and a final service project. Cramer began planning his project nearly a year ago.

“We started planning this last October,” he said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into it. The first step is knowing what you want to do and knowing how to do it. Then you have to get in touch with the people to see if they want you to do it, then you have to get it approved.

“Once you get it approved, you can begin executing your project. That’s the easy part, in my opinion.”

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