Ashland teen honored
at Eagle Scout ceremony
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
It was a day of celebration and fellowship for the Libby family as 17-year-old Andrew was honored at the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Eagle Court of Honor ceremony held April 11. Close to 100 family and friends came to show their love and support to Andrew on this very special occasion.
Ralph Dwyer, committee chairman and master of ceremonies, opened the service welcoming Andrew into this elite group of men.
“Less than 2 percent of Boy Scouts actually make the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Dwyer. At this time, Dwyer also recognized the special guests, BSA dignitaries, who came to the ceremony to honor Andrew’s achievement. The guests included: Steve Farnham, Eagle Scout, who was the “Voice of the Eagle”; Henry Milligan, Eagle Scout and friend, who presented Andrew; R. Paul Little, Scout Council commissioner, who officially convened the Court of Honor and commenced the welcoming speech; Matthew Ghirarda, district executive; Vaughn Keaton, Troop 184 of Caribou; Tom and Kathy Peary, Troop 171, Presque Isle; David Hansell, Troop 184, Caribou; Bud and Belinda Hoffses, Camp Roosevelt ranger and registrar; Pastor Donald Morton Jr. and Ashland Town Manager Jim Gardner.
The Rev. Donald Morton Jr. gave the invocation, which was exceedingly special because he is Andrew’s pastor at the Masardis Pentecostal Church. The members of Troop 179 led the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance with the “Presentation of Colors” flag ceremony following. The troop also performed the “Candle Ceremony” in which each Scout lit a candle while reciting Scouting laws. Fellow Eagle Scout and friend, Henry Milligan, escorted Andrew into the ceremony formally presenting him as the Eagle Candidate.
Scoutmaster Linda Milligan presented a “History of the Eagle Candidate.” This was a heartfelt speech, with a little bit of roasting, as she spoke and reminisced about Andrew’s Scouting history. She began her speech recalling Andrew’s first meeting with the Scouts. During this first meeting, Andrew was told to cut and stack wood. Apparently he did so with youthful vigor and enthusiasm completing the task happily. Milligan went on to explain how his display of hard work, in the beginning, was thought “just to make a good impression” as her son had noted at the time, also adding “everyone does that in the beginning.” Milligan continued, noting Andrew did in deed prove himself to be a “hard worker, and a leader early out and continues to do so.” A slideshow of Andrew’s Scouting years and achievements was played for the guests. Many belly laughs and some sentimental moments were had by all.
Andrew was then presented with his Eagle Scout Award by Committee Chairman Ralph Dwyer. They recited the Eagle Scout promise making Andrew an official Eagle Scout. Andrew’s parents ceremoniously presented their son with his Eagle Scout certificate. Andrew, in turn, presented his parents with “Eagle Scout Mom” and “Eagle Scout Dad” pins.
The Life Scout dignitaries each presented Andrew with various gifts and commendations, including Matt Ghirarda, District Executive, presented Andrew with a “collectors edition” Eagle Scout coffee mug, Vaughn Keaton, of Troop 184 Caribou, presented Andrew with a certificate showcasing his Scouting achievements and awards and also with a “Caribou Friends of Scouting Eagle Scout Award.” Bud and Belinda Hoffses, from Camp Roosevelt, presented him with a framed display case featuring the patches of each Scouting level also including Andrew’s ceremony invitation. Most notably, Jim Gardner, Ashland Town Manager, presented Andrew with a citation marking April 11 as “Andrew Libby Day” in the town of Ashland. Wow! That was an unexpected honor for Andrew and his family. I imagine this should give Andrew some sort of special treatment amongst his peers and around town. His friends and guests at the ceremony seemed quite impressed … as they should be.
Andrew then spoke about his Scouting experience and what it has meant to him and to his life. He also took the time to thank his Scoutmaster(s) and troop, his parents and friends, and all who attended his ceremony.
Guests were invited to stay for a reception following the ceremony and were treated to a variety of sandwiches, fresh fruit plates, chips and dips, salads and goodies. A cake honoring Andrew’s Eagle Scout status topped off everyone’s palate. The room was adorned with a collage of photographs documenting his years in Scouting.
Andrew and his family should be quite proud. It was evident in the number of guests who came to honor him, young and old, that Andrew is a good son, brother, friend, neighbor, student and citizen – all the well rounded qualities that exemplify an Eagle Scout. Congratulations Andrew! You make your family, friends and hometown proud.
Andrew would like to thank “everyone who made his career in Scouting possible and for everyone who attended. It meant a lot.” He would especially like to thank the following organizations and people who assisted him with his Eagle project: Portage Cedar Mill (donation of cedar wood), Portage Town Office/Centennial Committee (donation of cedar wood), S.W. Collins in Presque Isle (donation of a box of galvanized torque screws) and Pam McFarland, who did the woodburning on each picnic table.
Photos courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
PROUD PARENTS
Andrew Libby, right, bestows his mother, Polly, with an “Eagle Scout Mom” pin while Dad, Scott, looks on.
from Committee Chairman Ralph Dwyer, right, is Andrew Libby, 17, of Ashland, left, as his parents, Polly and Scott, proudly look on.
Andrew Libby, accepting the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor. Only 2 percent of all Scouts actually achieve this prestigious award.
his Scoutmaster Linda Milligan after she gave the “History of an Eagle Scout” documenting Andrew’s Scouting history and experience.
wore their uniforms proudly while showing their support for troop mate Andrew Libby’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony. Pictured are, front row, from left: Garrett Graham, Malcolm Milligan, Wyatt Carr, Airin Harmon, Tyler MacDonald and Zachary Carr. Back row: Linda Milligan, Scoutmaster; Isaac Wortman, Josh Wortman, Henry Milligan, Eagle Scout; Andrew Libby, Eagle Scout; Sean Robertson and Polly Libby, assistant Scoutmaster.
There is going to be a retirement party for Portage Lake Town Manager Rita Sinclair Saturday, May 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. It will be potluck, so please bring a dish. Everyone is invited and welcomed to come show their support and appreciation of our friend, neighbor Rita.
The Nashville Valley Farm on Route 11 in Nashville Plantation will be opening their doors to the greenhouse and store Friday, May 1 at 8 a.m. Usual business hours will run from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Customers can purchase blight free vegetable and flower transplants. Transplants are grown on the premises in their greenhouse from seed. This provides the customer with disease-free plants.
As the seasons progress, they will also be selling seedlings, flowers, produce, and fresh vegetables. Also available are homemade fresh bakery items such as breads, cookies, and donuts. In addition, fresh eggs, handmade crafts and collectables, bath and body products and wood crafts are on sale all of the time. “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” said proprietor Perry Charette with a chuckle. The busy couple also provides notary and justice services.
The farm is locally owned and operated by Perry and Barbara Charette since 2006. The farm has actually been within the Charette family for years originally registered with the USDA as an agricultural farm in 1948 by his grandfather, James McAlpine. The Charettes believe the idea that “natural is the way to go.” All the produce is natural using no steroids or chemicals. An all-natural pest and fungi control is applied when needed, also made by hand on sight by the hard working couple.
They are located on Route 11; 873 Portage Road in Nashville Plantation. For more information call 435-2552. I recommend visiting their website – www.nashvillevalleyfarm.com – for a full list of the items they sell and the services they provide.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
