For 13 years, the residents of Royal Gardens Apartments in Brockport have shared a dream: to have a gazebo in their courtyard. According to Jean Hornyak, treasurer of the Tenant Association, "People talked about having a gazebo, but it never materialized." Carol Lewis, president, raised the topic in May 2004 without knowing its history. "We figured it would never happen," Lewis said, "because money was an issue." Then Mary Weber moved into the senior complex and heard about the gazebo at a meeting of the Tenant Association. Weber, currently secretary, mentioned it at a family gathering. Her grandson, Jeffrey Krahe, had an idea. "I had decided on a construction project for my Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project," Krahe said. The gazebo seemed perfect "because the tenants needed a shady outdoor area," he said. So he and his father designed a 16-foot gazebo on their computer. Krahe, a junior at Brockport High School, is the 16-year-old son of Michael and Pam Krahe of Brockport. He has been a scout since he was eight and has achieved each rank from Cub Scouts to Life Scouts. A member of Troop 111, Krahe was voted into the Order of the Arrow, the honor society of the Boy Scouts, in the fall of 2001. The Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement in scouting, includes requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. Mike Sinopoli, scoutmaster of Troop 111, has know Krahe since his Cub Scout days. He said Krahe has demonstrated leadership skills within his troop. "Jeff interacts well with the other scouts," Sinopoli said. "There is still some youth in him so he knows when the scouts need a break. But he can balance the serious and the fun times." As part of the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, a scout must plan, develop, and lead others in a service project that benefits a religious institution, a school, or a community. Krahe estimated that the gazebo would cost $2,500. He planned a fundraising campaign, seeking donations from Royal Gardens residents, the Tenant Association, and local businesses. He has raised $2,000 so far. Once he had enough funds to start the project, Krahe had to purchase materials, assemble workers, and supervise the work. "I learned how important time is," Krahe said. "No matter how much you plan, you can't control some things and you have to allow extra time for that." He notes that dozens of people have worked on the project, including his fellow scouts, his scoutmaster, and his parents. "We are closing in on 600 hours total time," Krahe said. Poet Carl Sandburg wrote, "Nothing happens unless first a dream." Lewis, Hornyak, and Weber are delighted to see the long held dream come true. "When we saw all the wood cut out and stained," Hornyak said, "we realized it was really happening." Perhaps Lewis spoke for all the residents when she said, "We're thrilled to have our gazebo." December 18, 2005 |
