A COMMUNITY service project that included building two more horseshoe pits at Mount Airy Senior Center has not only brought the seniors an additional source of recreation, but has also earned Kenny Lynch-Warntz his Eagle Scout award.
The 17-year-old Mount Airy Boy Scout was awarded Scouting's highest rank in a ceremony last month at St. Michael's Church in Poplar Springs.
A South Carroll High School senior, Kenny has been with the Scouting program for seven years.
From his first day in Boy Scouts, Kenny set his sights high, determined to achieve the Eagle Scout award.
Under the guidance of troop treasurer Andy Mason, and with plenty of encouragement from his parents, Kenny set out to beat the odds and complete the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout.
Advancing through the ranks and ultimately earning Eagle Scout is a great achievement, said Linda Mabry, Troop 460's committee chairwoman.
Eagle Scouts must earn 22 merit badges, log community service hours, and hold leadership positions, in addition to completing a comprehensive Eagle Scout project.
While the suggestion for building the horseshoe pits came from Mason, Kenny shouldered the responsibility of executing the project under strict guidelines.
Not allowed to use any money of his own, Kenny had to research and plan construction, organize for donations of materials, apply for necessary permits and schedule work teams of Scouts to help with the labor.
Kenny was recognized for his award with a U.S. flag flown over the state capital in his honor, a letter from President Clinton and former Presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter, and commendation letters from other political figures.
Kenny's goals include attending college next year in hopes of obtaining an engineering degree.
Inspired by Kenny, fellow Scout Paul Saxton, recently completed his Eagle Scout project.
A sophomore at South Carroll High School, Paul's community service project involved expanding the gravel parking lot at St. James Episcopal Church in Mount Airy.
To increase the parking capacity by 12 cars, Paul had the daunting responsibility of organizing the volunteers and heavy machinery necessary to haul and spread about 100 tons of donated stone materials.
A dedicated contingent of Scouts showed up on several weekends last fall to help Paul with the physical work of grading and landscaping.
Paul credits troop leader Jim Morton with encouragement from his first day as a Scout.
An Eagle Scout himself, the Rev. Robert Herzog of St. James Church said Paul's project is the latest in a series of Eagle Scout projects to benefit the church.
Senior aquatics program
Twelve Mount Airy senior citizens are taking part in a warm water aquatics program.
The senior center provides transportation to the CHANGE Inc. pool in Westminster, where instructor Marge Libertini works with the group on exercises to improve stretching and flexibility.
Class size is limited to 11 or 12 because that's the maximum number the pool will accommodate.
L The program is available through the county Bureau on Aging.
The Mount Airy group will have a six-week program followed by a break, then a 12-week session that will begin in March. Seniors pay a nominal fee to participate.
Baseball registration
Mount Airy Youth Athletic Association has extended registration for its spring Babe Ruth baseball program.
Registrations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 1, and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Airy Middle School, 102 Watersville Road.
In addition, registrations may be mailed to MAYAA, Box 253, Mount Airy 21771.
Registration is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 18.
The cost is $65 per child, and a birth certificate is required to register.
Information: (301) 829-0263.
Pub Date: 1/24/97
