Oakland Scout attains highest rank

Oakland - Douglas Grasser of Boy Scout Troop 369 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in Boy Scouts, during a ceremony at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, Jan. 4.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH GRASSER

Douglas Grasser's Eagle project included replacement of a retaining wall at Oakland's John Robert Walker Memorial First Aid Squad building.

Doug's "trail to Eagle" started as a Tiger Cub with Pack 49 in 2002. He advanced through the ranks, reaching the level of Webelo Scout while earning his Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting.

In 2006, Doug bridged to Boy Scouts and joined Troop 369, sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church. He attained the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. He completed 21 merit badges and numerous hours of community service, holding the leadership ranks of Den Chief for Pack 49, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

Doug attended summer camps with the council's troop, Tenderfoot "T" Troop at Camp NoBeBoSco in 2006, then joined its Senior Patrol during 2007 and 2008. He then was promoted to Senior Patrol Leader of T-Troop for 2010 and 2011.

For his Eagle Scout project, Doug led a team of 15 volunteers over three days replacing a concrete retaining wall with an interlocking stone retaining wall at Oakland's John Robert Walker Memorial First Aid Squad.

The project required the old wall to be removed, new footings to be dug and laid, and the new wall to be shaped and constructed. Doug's project served as a memorial for Vivian Walker, the founder of the squad, who died in 2009.

Doug worked with Joe Tuttle from Borst Landscape and Design of Allen- dale, who guided him in designing and architecting the wall. He also worked with Lenny Scully and Joe Ventrella of Affordable Septics of Oakland, Joe Finizio Sr. and Joe Finizio Jr. of Landscape Perceptions of Oakland, Robert Leneve of Stonetown Construction of Oakland, and Dave Potash of James Construction of Oakland. All of those businesses donated materials for the wall construction.

Doug will further assist the Oakland First Aid Squad installing engraved pavers at the base of the wall and a garden in the center circle this spring.

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Oakland Scout attains highest rank