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Bethel Park foursome earns Eagle Scout rank

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Four members of Troop 215 from Bethel Park earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Matthew Ruffing, Steven Champlin, Jason Turske and David Lindsey were recognized for attaining the distinction during a Court of Honor ceremony held April 23 at the Bethel Presbyterian Church

The final hurdle in the quest for this highest rank for Boy Scouting is a community service challenge, titled “Eagle Project.” The candidate must be in charge of all aspects of the project. The tasks include planning, financing, implementation, completion and final presentation of the completed project to a committee of Boy Scout leaders.

Ruffing’s project consisted of collecting hundreds of needed items as well as handwritten cards to fill 51 large boxes to send overseas to military bases. For his project, he spent 65.35 hours collecting donations, shopping and packing the boxes with the help of volunteers, completing postal forms and with them to mail the boxes. Thanks to donations by family and friends and a fundraiser night at the Trolley Stop Inn, he raised $ 1,402.65.

Champion’s project took place at Mingo Cemetery in Finleyville. He beautified the area around two flagpoles to honor U.S. veterans. He led a team and cleared the area around each pole by removing the grassy area and leveling the land in preparation to place decorative block. The block was laid and leveled and landscaping rock was placed within the wall. After the project was complete, he presented American flags and POW/MIA flags.

Turske’s project consisted of constructing a pavilion housing a picnic table along the Montour Trail. He enjoys riding on the trail and has seen how few structures are available for trail users to find a shady place to take a break. Several Scouts, Turske’s father and his project coach assisted with the project. Workdays included prepping the site, digging holes, pouring concrete, cutting wood, building a framework and constructing a roof.

Lindsey’s plan benefitted the Foster Love Project. It included holding two fundraising car washes and setting up a donation bins for the charity. He sewed handmade drawstring bags to hold some of the donations. Funds raised were used to purchase clothing and other personal care items. The Foster Love Project provides support for foster children enabling them to “shop” for clothes and items for free. David’s project provided over 270 items of clothing and other items for the charity.

There were many letters of recognition; from national, state and local dignitaries, plus autographed footballs from the Green Bay Packers with a letter of recognition.

During the ceremony, Russ Spicuzza, Elk Scouting Representative of South Hills BPOE Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park, gave a short congratulatory talk. He presented each new Eagle Scout with two framed Certificates of Merit, one each from the local and national lodges. Spicuzza read the personal letter from Bruce A. Hadley, Grand Exalted Ruler, congratulating the Scouts on their accomplishments. He also presented them with a personal sized American flag and a small gold lapel pin, which represents 80-plus years of the relationship between the Elks and Scouting.

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