July 3, 2002

Eagle Scout project special gift

Kevin Butler creates bench for Community Living Center

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
       Kevin Butler is nearly done with his Eagle Scout project, just a few small hurdles left before he reaches a rank achieved by only three percent of Boy Scouts nationwide.
      For his project, Butler built a bench for his friends, his former roommates at the Community Living Center in Traverse City, a independent living facility for the developmentally disabled.
      This unassuming bench was built from a kit out of pine boards with the help of his father, Virgil, and members of Troop 37, which is based at the Grawn United Methodist Church. Constructed in three Saturday sessions, the bench represents an accomplishment of planning, leadership and execution for this young man with Down syndrome.
      "They had a lot of fun working on it together," said Joanne Butler of Interlochen, Kevin's mother. "Kevin thought the bench would be nice for out here because they always had a hard time waiting for the bus."
      A Mesick resident, Butler lives with his sister, Heather Terry, helping her and her husband on their white-tail deer farm and attending school in Cadillac. But for 18 months before that, he lived at the Community Living Center and made many friends there.
      When it came time to choose an Eagle Scout project, his former roommates came to mind. A bench would allow them to sit comfortable as they waited for a bus or to enjoy some fresh air on a pleasant day.
      "I am proud of it," said Butler, 23, who has been involved in Boy Scouts for more than 10 years. "The hardest part was the sawing."
      Mary Jean Brick, founder of the Community Living Center, said the bench is an asset to residents.
      "There's somebody sitting on it all the time," said Brick, who serves as director of development for the center. "I wouldn't know very many Downs people who made Eagle Scout, that's a high rank in Scouting. I have a son who is an Eagle Scout so I know it is a lot of work, lots of requirements."
      "I'm proud of Kevin," she noted.
      Butler loves scouting and wears his uniform and many badges with pride. The badges range from fishing and lifeguard to boating safety and computer. He also is the only one in his troop that has the God and Country badge.
      With the help of his family, Butler attends weekly meetings during the school year and as many outings as possible.
      "I like camping, I go on most of the trips," he said.