The sign in front of Honey Brook Community Library now has a new look thanks to Garrett Tinsley, who completed the work as part of his Eagle Scout service project.
Garrett, 17, a member of Hopewell Troop 8, repainted the sign, created a flower garden around it and created a pathway to the sign using rocks.
Garrett, who will be a senior at Twin Valley High School this fall, lives near the library and thought it would be an ideal place to complete his project. "The library is right by my house. I went to the library and asked them what they needed done and if they would be willing for me to do it as an Eagle Scout project," he said. "It is a community building near me, and it was the first one I considered."
Garrett said that the idea to make sign improvements was suggested by Jennifer Spade, library director. "I had to write up a proposal for the project, and then I had to get Mrs. Spade to approve the proposal," Garrett said, noting that the Scoutmaster of Troop 8 also had to approve the proposal along with representatives from the Chester County Boy Scout Council.
After he received approval, Garrett's next step was to seek donations from local businesses. Lowe's of Morgantown provided paint and primer, a hose, buckets, edging and flowers. John's Supply and Rentals donated topsoil, and Elverson Supply Company provided the mulch. Sauder's Nursery gave Garrett a discount on flowers. He also received rocks and perennials from Elaine McErlane of Knob Hill Farm. In addition, monetary donations were collected at the library to help support the beautification project.
The project, completed this spring, included removing a row of bushes and the grass growing around the sign. "We tilled the ground around the sign," Garrett noted. "We used a motorized rototiller several times before we planted. (We planted) mostly perennials, and we included a few annuals to make it look nicer because a lot of the perennials hadn't flowered yet. Most of the plants will come up again. I also lined rocks up as a pathway to the sign (for when library staff need) to change the lettering."
Finally, Garrett painted the sign blue. "Before, the sign was a dull brown color," he noted. "We used outdoor paint designed for metal. (Mrs. Spade) wanted it to match the murals on the side of the library, so I suggested blue."
He said the work was completed over several weekends with the help of family members, friends and fellow Scouts.
Garrett said that even though he was quite successful soliciting donations from businesses, it was challenging to approach people to ask for help. "For me, the hardest part was talking to people and getting them to donate," he said. "They don't know you, and you are asking for something, but everyone was really (generous)."
Garrett hopes to have his Eagle Court of Honor ceremony in late summer or early fall after he completes the merit badge requirements and his project passes the Eagle Scout Board of Review.
Garrett, who said that he plans to attend college to study criminal justice, believes that Scouting has prepared him for the future, teaching him about leadership and public speaking skills.
He also enjoys seeing the results of his handiwork at the library. "I get to see the sign all the time," he said.
Troop 8 is chartered by Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown. In 2018, Troop 8 celebrated its 75th anniversary. The troop meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second floor of McCausland Hall at the East Brandywine Township Building, 1214 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Downingtown. Prospective members and their parents are invited to attend. For more information, readers may visit http://www.hopewelltroop8.com.
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