Center Moriches resident and Troop 23 Boy Scout Philip Bechtold recently funded, designed, built, and installed his little library Eagle Scout Project at Webby’s Beach, in Center Moriches, for the Town of Brookhaven.
Bechtold, 17, a senior at Center Moriches High School, completed the project at his home with the help of three other scouts, including Antonio Gerberino, April Haarke and her brother, Teddy. His scout leader, Lisa Haarke, also helped see the project through. The total time it took to both build and install it was about three days.
“The cooperative spirit was amazing,” he said. “Giving back to our community means a great deal to me.”
He originally started by contacting the town for suggestions on something that would benefit the Center Moriches area. He said that Kate Kollegger, a Brookhaven representative, was more than helpful, making several suggestions as to projects and locations. He then chose for it to be installed at Webby’s Park, with the enthusiastic support of Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig.
“I chose Webby’s Park as it is fun to read at the beach and then to be able to take a good book home with you,” he said. “Many children’s books are available as well and will continue restocked.”
The project was officially completed by the end of the summer on Aug. 30.
“We were very excited to have Philip work on his Eagle project,” said Dunne-Kesnig, noting Bechtold called her office a few months ago looking for ideas and decided on this library. “He, along with some other scouts, did a wonderful job, and the community has welcomed this new little library.”
According to Dunne-Kesnig, the Webby’s Beach playground is also presently being replaced.
“This will continue to be a nice place for families to visit,” she added. “Philip worked very hard on this project and we are very proud of his accomplishment.”
As for funding, Bechtold said, the project was originally funded by family members (dad, “papa” and grandma), for which he has repaid them with his personal lawn-cutting funds.
“I want to thank the leaders of Troop 23, Ryan Person, Travis Kaiser, and Lisa Haarke for having faith in me and assisting me on my journey to becoming an Eagle Scout,” he said.
The books for the library were donated by Friends of the Center Moriches Library and by Raccoon Books in Sayville.
Unfortunately, a few days after installing, Bechtold said, the library was vandalized and knocked over.
“Thanks to my dad and papa, it’s back up and stronger than ever for all to enjoy!” he said.
The community project is one of his final steps to becoming an Eagle Scout in December, after also having completed the required badges and necessary tasks.
“Being a Scout means commitment, loyalty, friendship, and the ability to have a positive attitude,” he added.
In addition to being a member of Troop 23, Bechtold is an active member of The Order of the Arrow, an honorary Boy Scout Society. This past summer, he also worked on a service project in Southern Canada.
“For two weeks, we restored trails while enjoying canoeing on the many beautiful lakes in a Canadian national park,” he said.
Last summer, he also attended the Summit in West Virginia. Also, this coming February, he is looking forward to attending Sea Base with his troop in the Florida Keys.
In addition to scouting, he has volunteered for several years at the Marine Animal Rescue Center at the Riverhead Aquarium. In college, he hopes to one day pursue a major in marine science.
As a scout, he said, he encourages girls and boys to consider joining.
“My scouting experience has been an amazing and rewarding journey,” he added.
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