Granby scout attains Eagle Scout rank
By Lori Hoeckele
Connor Hoeckele, who has been a scout since first grade, has joined the elite group of young men who become an Eagle Scout. A critical component of earning this rank is planning and executing a community service project.
The community service project began with a germ of an idea: fix the fence at Spring Cemetery in Granby. Next, the proposal must go through the proper channels listing all the details including a time line, and financial analysis. The scout is also responsible for fundraising. Hoeckele held a pasta dinner in March at the South Congregational Church in Granby in order to raise the money needed to purchase the fencing materials. “I was lucky enough to have a great turnout at my pasta dinner. We served about 100 meals with the help of my family and other Scouts,” Hoeckele commented.
Once the funds are secured, the actual project can begin. Instead of repairing the existing fence, Hoeckele replaced the fence at Spring Cemetery, on the corner of Eric Drive and Hungary Road. “Although it is a small cemetery, it really needed work. The old fencing looked more like chicken wire. After discussions with the town, we decided to install a clean looking, white fence made of PVC material that will be long lasting. I went to an expert in town, Mr. Hazen of Hazen Fence, who helped me get the right number of poles and rails for the job. And Mr. Hall of Hallcraft Painting Inc. helped repaint the sign,” Hoeckele commented.
It took many weeks of digging holes, and hauling away debris before the final installation. “It looks great and I’m very proud of it. I know it will last for years to come.“
According to the Boy Scouts of America, in 2013 about six percent of all boy scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Hoeckele has held numerous positions of leadership within Granby’s Troop 125 including assistant senior patrol leader, troop quartermaster and patrol leader. He has earned 30 merit badges, attended the National Youth Leadership Training and is a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Hoeckele would like to thank the residents of Granby for their generous donations and the efforts of the local community including businesses such as Hazen Fence, Geissler’s Supermarket, Big Y Supermarkets, South Congregational Church, Granby Deputy Director of Operations Kirk Severance, Granby Department of Public Works, Hallcraft Painting Inc., St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, and many Boy Scouts, friends and adult leaders who volunteered their time to make this project a success including Scoutmaster Troy Chicoine and Eagle Mentor Pete Jalbert.
By Lori Hoeckele
Connor Hoeckele, who has been a scout since first grade, has joined the elite group of young men who become an Eagle Scout. A critical component of earning this rank is planning and executing a community service project.
The community service project began with a germ of an idea: fix the fence at Spring Cemetery in Granby. Next, the proposal must go through the proper channels listing all the details including a time line, and financial analysis. The scout is also responsible for fundraising. Hoeckele held a pasta dinner in March at the South Congregational Church in Granby in order to raise the money needed to purchase the fencing materials. “I was lucky enough to have a great turnout at my pasta dinner. We served about 100 meals with the help of my family and other Scouts,” Hoeckele commented.
Once the funds are secured, the actual project can begin. Instead of repairing the existing fence, Hoeckele replaced the fence at Spring Cemetery, on the corner of Eric Drive and Hungary Road. “Although it is a small cemetery, it really needed work. The old fencing looked more like chicken wire. After discussions with the town, we decided to install a clean looking, white fence made of PVC material that will be long lasting. I went to an expert in town, Mr. Hazen of Hazen Fence, who helped me get the right number of poles and rails for the job. And Mr. Hall of Hallcraft Painting Inc. helped repaint the sign,” Hoeckele commented.
It took many weeks of digging holes, and hauling away debris before the final installation. “It looks great and I’m very proud of it. I know it will last for years to come.“
According to the Boy Scouts of America, in 2013 about six percent of all boy scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Hoeckele has held numerous positions of leadership within Granby’s Troop 125 including assistant senior patrol leader, troop quartermaster and patrol leader. He has earned 30 merit badges, attended the National Youth Leadership Training and is a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Hoeckele would like to thank the residents of Granby for their generous donations and the efforts of the local community including businesses such as Hazen Fence, Geissler’s Supermarket, Big Y Supermarkets, South Congregational Church, Granby Deputy Director of Operations Kirk Severance, Granby Department of Public Works, Hallcraft Painting Inc., St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, and many Boy Scouts, friends and adult leaders who volunteered their time to make this project a success including Scoutmaster Troy Chicoine and Eagle Mentor Pete Jalbert.
