This summer, Center Moriches resident and Troop 23 Boy Scout Philip Bechtold funded, designed, built, and installed his little library Eagle Scout Project at Webby’s Beach, in Center Moriches, for the Town of Brookhaven.
However, since the installation, the little library, according to Bechtold, has been vandalized multiple times.
“I want to bring attention to a troubling issue: the repeated vandalism of my Eagle Scout project, which was designed to benefit the community,” he said.
The first incident of vandalism occurred around Labor Day weekend, when his project was knocked out of the ground. Undeterred, he worked hard to reinforce the project, to ensure it was secure before putting it back up.
But it was vandalized again, last month. This time, his Eagle Scout plaque was removed. Bechtold has since ordered a new plaque to replace it.
He has also reported the incidents to the SCPD. Unfortunately, he said, very little can be done other than potentially installing security cameras.
Bechtold, 17, a senior at Center Moriches High School, completed the project at his home with the help of three other scouts, including Antonio Gerberino, April Haarke and her brother, Teddy. His scout leader, Lisa Haarke, also helped see the project through. The total time it took to both build and install it was about three days.
He originally started by contacting the town for suggestions on something that would benefit the Center Moriches area. He said that Kate Kollegger, a Brookhaven representative, was more than helpful, making several suggestions as to projects and locations. He then chose for it to be installed at Webby’s Park, with the enthusiastic support of councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig.
“It’s incredibly frustrating to see someone such as Philip put his heart and soul into a project which is meant to better his community and to then have people maliciously damage his work,” she said of the vandalism. “We have a lot more good people living in our area then the selfish individuals who have vandalized his little library and I hope the good wins out.”
The project was officially completed by the end of the summer on Aug. 30.
“It permits people to get books without having to go to the public library and to enjoy reading at the beach,” he said of the community benefit the project allows. “This project was intended to serve our community and provide something positive for everyone. Acts of vandalism are not only damaging the project itself, but also sabotage the hard work and community spirit that went into its creation.”
Through also getting his Communication Merit Badge, he said, he has learned the importance of speaking up about issues that affect the community and now hopes to raise awareness of the incidents and encourage everyone to help protect projects like his in shared spaces.
“As I near the completion of my Eagle Scout rank, I ask the community to be watchful in preventing further acts of vandalism and to support efforts that bring people together in service,” he added.
