CONTACT:
Mary E. Petersen
Community Relations & Development Director
Penick Village
(910) 692-0428
mpetersen@penickvillage.org
Boy Scout Creates Penick Village Fall Formal to attain Eagle Scout Rank
Southern Pines, N.C., November 21, 2008 – Jamie Lutz, Boy Scout from Troop 808 Southern Pines, needed a community service project to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 1.7 million young men. Requirements include earning at least twenty-one merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. By attaining this rank, Jamie is following in the footsteps of famous Eagle scouts such as astronaut Neil Armstrong, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, movie producer Steven Spielberg, and President Gerald Ford.
The Fall Formal that took place on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Penick Village was Jamie Lutz’s creation to fulfill this community service project requirement. After weeks of planning, practice, and preparation, under Jamie’s direction, his Scout Troop began decorating and setting the stage for Penick Village’s social event of the season. The entire ceiling and walls of the north hallway through the auditorium were impressively decorated with fall décor including balloons and tabletop decorations. The buffet offered a variety of delicious hors d’ oeuvres such as bacon wrapped sea scallops, shrimp cocktail, chicken wings, fruit and cheese, crudités, and delectable desserts. The event was well attended with approximately seventy Penick Village residents from independent living, personal care, and skilled nursing present. Throughout the event several Scouts, their parents and family members were on hand to assist with the festivities as needed.
“It’s just fantastic what these young scouts have done,” said Freddie Fissel, Penick Village resident. “I can’t believe how much effort they put into the details such as the décor. These boys have worked very hard to get this accomplished.”
Jamie even created a formal portrait area where participants could get a digital picture taken among an autumn backdrop of hay bails and fall flowers which was immediately printed on photo paper and mounted on a hand-made fall décor frame for residents to take with them as a memento of the evening.
The entertainment included a nine-piece live band comprised of Scouts, their friends and family members featuring tenor saxophonist Jamie Lutz, trumpeters Jason Wolonick, Zac Lupien, alto saxophonist Brendan Lutz, trombonist Alex Olson, pianist Sarah Kruyer, drummer Ben Florell, baritone saxophonist Jamie Bream, and bassist Larry Arnold. Johnny Bradburn, organist at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, also assisted by giving a cameo performance on the piano. Program handouts were created listing the entire play list for the evening. The band played sets of spirited songs from the big band era and then closed the evening with a wonderful set of Christmas favorites.
It was a lovely evening of dining, dancing, and socializing. Several residents were flattered by the invitation to dance from many of the Scouts who seemed very comfortable among the residents and were very attentive to their needs. As gracious hosts, the Scouts went out of their way to ensure that drinks were filled, and everyone’s plate was full and taken when finished. They were also very engaging with all attendees throughout the event. “We are so very proud of Jamie,” stated Patsy Smith, Chaplin of Penick Village. “Jamie has been coming to Penick Village for two years assisting us by playing the organ during our Sunday Chapel services. Having watched him grow at Penick Village, it’s really touching that he created this community service project here to help him earn his Eagle Scout ranking.”
“As an Eagle scout myself, I am thrilled that Jamie thought of the Penick Village family for his Eagle service project,” stated Jeff Hutchins, Penick Village CEO. “He showed great leadership skills, dedication, and enthusiasm as he planned and implemented this project. He truly demonstrated to all of us what the Boy Scouts of America is all about through this fun and entertaining event for the Penick Village family.”
On Wednesday, November 19, 2008, Penick Village publically recognized Jamie Lutz at their Resident Town Hall Meeting and presented him a plaque in appreciation for his outstanding volunteer service and servant leadership to the residents of Penick Village.