Scouts' good turn helps the city

It seems like just yesterday when I went on my first scout camp out. I remember riding in an old school bus to Moberly, Mo., where we hiked 20 miles on what was then called the Missouri Woodlands Trail.  That evening we pitched tents and saw an unusually warm December day turn to snow and ice. We huddled around the campfire all night as we listened to trees falling over in the distance from the weight of the ice. Then I realize that experience was forty years ago.

The Boy Scouts of America programs prepare young men to be the leaders of tomorrow. Each boy who attains the rank of Eagle Scout must plan and lead a special project. Blue Springs is blessed to have several strong Scout troops with excellent leadership. Prospective Eagle Scouts Hayden White, Andrew Lynn and Chris Simmons are working with the Blue Springs Historical Society to plan a variety of renovation projects for the Dillingham-Lewis Museum.

The projects include demolition of an out-of-period room in the basement, construction of shelving, handicap-accessible sidewalk construction, construction of a pergola for the Heritage Garden and possibly a picket fence. The Historical Society is looking for donations of materials or money to help with the restoration efforts. If you would like to contribute or volunteer in any way contact Mary Potter, president of the Historical Society, at 816-797-4870.

Supporting community organizations is important, especially in these difficult times. This coming Saturday, the Heritage Philharmonic will be featuring Kansas City Symphony Cellist Matt Johnson performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto. The concert will be held at the Blue Springs High School Performing Arts Center and starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, but if you cut out or print this column and bring it with you to the concert you can get two tickets for the price of one. I hope to see you there!

Thank you to the many people who attended my pancake breakfast last Saturday in support of www.AboutBlueSprings.com. It was a great time for all, and I enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with friends and to meet so many of you for the first time!