Eagle Scout project restores pavilion on Asa Wood property
Another Boy Scout from Troop 1971 in Libby has completed his Eagle Scout community service project and another landmark has been restored.
Patrick Faulkner completed the restoration of the pavilion at Asa Wood School in October.
An Eagle Scout project is the culmination of the rigors a Scout must complete in addition to rank advancement and merit badges to reach scouting’s highest achievement. The project typically is an endeavor that enhances the community while the Scout employs the leadership skills he has acquired during his years in the program.
Faulkner recognized the need for the repairs as he walked past the area and noticed how neglected the gazebo looked.
“The barbeque area and chimney were covered with graffiti,” Faulkner said. “Many bolts were missing nuts. Boards were missing or broken. It was dirty and uninviting.”
Faulkner sought and obtained consent for the project 16 months ago from the Libby School District, which owns the property on which the pavilion sits. Approval of the project also needed to come from Faulkner’s troop leaders and the local Boy Scout Council.
Upon approval, the project began with reviewing the structural integrity of the pavilion and suggestions by local contractors on how to proceed with refurbishment that would last long-term.
The real work started in August with a strong pressure-washer cleanup, which was followed by replacing missing nuts and structural pieces, scrubbing graffiti, cleaning out the cooking grills and sanding the old bench seats.
The pavilion also received a coat of primer before getting two coats of paint. Finally, the old shake shingles were removed and replaced with a new asphalt shingle roof. In October, Faulkner presented a summary of the work completed to the Libby School Board.
Faulkner logged the assistance of 23 volunteers with more than 252 volunteer hours in completing his Eagle Scout project.
Volunteers included consulting by Bruce Sickler and Frank Votapka; Brent Teske, who did all the pressure washing; and Ryan Westlund, who advised on the condition of the old roof and replaced it. Western Building Center, Rick’s Rental and Big Sky Lumber donated materials for the project. Local businesses whose donations bought the remainder of the material included Cabinet Mountain Furniture, Libby Auto Sales, Montana Machine and Fabrication, Pioneer Taxidermy, Pival’s Electric and Plumbing, Plum Creek Timber Company, and Timberline Auto; along with donations from Jerry Akin, Margaret Byington, Alan Gerstenecker and Jerry Wolcott.
Scouts and youth volunteers included Buddy Doolan, Lance Ehmann, Will Emery, Declan Faulkner, Adam Kirschenmann, Blake Knapp, Ryan Nagel, Josh McGough, Colton Moody, Steven Shuey, Caleb Thomas, Shawn Warner, Matthew White, Ember and Breeanna Rode, and troop leaders Ron Thatcher and Votapka.
The input and advice from Superintendent K.W. Maki and Western Building Center’s Cammie Rode were instrumental in completing the project.
Faulkner also had a project coach in his father, Brent Faulkner.
“It’s hard to believe that just a little over two years ago, the community came together in a big way to help Patrick following his terrible car accident,” the elder Faulkner said. “We will be forever grateful for that support, and the continued support to this day. This project was a big challenge for Patrick, and I’m very proud of him. He’s come a long way and is an inspiration to us all.”
A Scout must complete 21 merit badges and his service project to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. The service project must benefit the community while demonstrating planning, development and leadership skills.
“The most difficult thing about being a leader was making sure that I got things done in a certain order, and with my brain injury I don’t do stuff in order very well,” said Faulkner, 18, a senior at Libby High School.