Farmingville, NY - At the November 19 Town Board meeting, Councilman Dan Panico and the Town Board honored Eagle Scout candidate Stephen Hines for the work he recently completed at the Manorville Pine Barrens Trail Center. Thanks to his hard work and determination, the Wampmissick Handicapped Trail is once again accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Stephen chose this as his Eagle Scout project, as he had fond memories of walking the trail with both his parents and grandparents, as a child, but on a recent visit, was surprised at how much the trail had deteriorated over the years. Stephen decided that refurbishing this trail would make for a worthy Eagle Scout Project and dedicated two weekends to renovating the trail. The work included the spreading of more than 20 tons of gravel; widening and clearing the trail; building new benches and picnic table on the old frames and remaking the Trail Blazes. Stephen even added additional directional signs help hikers along the trail. Stephen is a senior at Eastport South Manor High School and has participated in many volunteer efforts with Buddy Skates and Learn to Skate and has helped to plant eel grass in Shinnecock Bay.
Councilman Panico said, “Stephen did an extensive renovation of the Manorville Pine Barren’s Trail Center’s El Wampnissick Handicapped Trail and thanks to his efforts, this trail is once again accessible and can be enjoyed by all.”
To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a scout must first work his way through all previous Boy Scout ranks, while completing certain requirements such as earning merit badges, holding a leadership position within the troop, and completing a community service project. Since the award was presented in 1912, no more than four percent of all Scouts have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595