Centennial Grove just keeps getting better.
Daniel White, 17, a senior at the Manchester Essex Regional High School and member of Boy Scout Troop 39 in Essex, decided to repair the pavilion on the property for his Eagle Scout project. He replaced broken or rotten boards and painted both the interior and exterior of the structure.
"I advanced through the ranks of Scouts and I wanted to achieve the rank of Eagle; it was the only thing I had left," said White. "It was like a dream for me and a long-term goal."
White said he came up with the idea after working as a summer camp counselor at the grove. The pavilion was falling into disrepair and he wanted to help fix it up because, he said, the area was starting to get dangerous for little kids to run around and enjoy the park.
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America, and only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts ever reach it. Requirements for this prestigious award include demonstrating leadership skills within the troop, earning a total of 21 merit badges, and planning, developing and giving leadership to others in a significant community service project all before the age of 18.
He had planned to do the work over the summer, but a production company rented the entire property to film the Adam Sandler movie "Grown Ups."
But, after film production was complete, he launched his project. White received many donations from local businesses and the town, and got help from fellow Scouts, friends and family to complete the project.
White said he believes his project, along with the work of the production crew, has left Centennial Grove a better place.
"I really enjoyed the project. I thought it was a good place for a project in the community because so many people use it," he said.
White goes before a board of review with North Shore District of the Yankee Clipper Council which Troop 39 is in to determine if he advances to Eagle Scout on Nov. 20.
A "Grand New Flag"
A piece of our nation's capital is now in Essex.
In August, Congressman John Tierney, D-Mass., presented an American flag to the Essex Council on Aging that has flown over the nation's Capitol in Washington. Now, it will fly at the Senior Center.
The installation of the flag will take place next Wednesday,Veterans Day, at 10 a.m. in front of the Senior Center on Pickering Street. There will be a brief ceremony and refreshments will be available for anyone that would like to witness this event. Members of the Police and Fire departments, selectmen and area Boy and Girl Scouts have been invited to be a part of ceremony along with area veterans.
Brookwood hosts open house
Parents of children entering prekindergarten through eighth grade are invited to learn about educational options offered at Brookwood School at the school's annual fall Admissions Open House on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.
Visitors at the open house can tour the Brookwood campus; meet faculty and administrators; learn about Brookwood's curriculum, as well as arts and athletics programs.
Admissions Director Lindsay Murphy will be on hand to answer questions about the admissions process and to discuss the various scholarships and financial aid options available at Brookwood School.
Located in Manchester, the Brookwood School is a coeducational independent day school for prekindergarten through eighth grade . Applications are being accepted for the 2009-2010 school year. Visit www.brookwood.edu for driving directions and additional information.
Quick Hits
Manchester Public Library welcomes two local authors in November:
Salem writer Brunonia Barry will discuss her novel "The Lace Reader" at the library on Thursday, Nov.12, at 6:30 p.m.
Marblehead writer Roberta Kalechofsky returns to the library on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss her new book, "The Poet-Physician and the Healer- Killer: Vivisection and the Emergence of a Medical Technocracy."
Jonathan Phelps compiles information about events, services and programs in Manchester and Essex for the weekly Town Talk column. If you have a news tip or submission for this column, you can reach him at 978-283-7000, x3447 or gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
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