Boddy Completes Eagle Scout Project
Aug 27, 2015 07:04AM ● By Marjorie Turner Hollman
Sean Boddy at the trail kiosk he built.
story & photo by Marjorie Turner Hollman,, Bulletin Contributing Writer
Sean Boddy, son of Anna and Charles Boddy of Bellingham, has been working on his Eagle Scout project in Bellingham since 2013. He recently wrapped everything up, sent in the paperwork and is awaiting the final steps that will make him an official Eagle Scout. The project took two years—a long time, perhaps? Since Sean wanted to provide a bridge over a seasonal stream on conservation property behind the High Street ball fields, it took a lot of effort to comply with the requirements of the state and town conservation regulations. As Sean laughingly noted, “I learned a lot about paperwork!” Well, Sean, welcome to the adult world.
And truly, completing one’s Eagle Scout project is all about embracing the responsibilities of being an adult. Following through on a project, giving back to the community, counting the cost, raising needed funds, enlisting the help of others, and more are all needed to ensure successful completion. Bellingham Town Administrator Denis Fraine said, “We always appreciate the hard work and dedication that scouting demands, especially for those young men who pursue the rank of Eagle Scout. As a community we have always looked to support the Scouting program, and we are proud to provide support and encouragement when projects are proposed that result in significant benefit to the town. Sean exemplifies all of the positives that come from scouting, and I am thankful for the contributions he made with this project.”
Sean’s Eagle Scout project is, in fact, three projects in one, requiring over 300 hours of work in all. He completed the bridge, with guidance and approval of the Bellingham Conservation Commission. The members of the Commission met Sean at the site and worked with him to ensure that his project complied with state and town conservation regulations.
Sean also constructed a kiosk at the trailhead near the edge of the ball field. As an assist to walkers unfamiliar with the trail, he marked the half-mile trail that winds through the pine woods to a lovely spot on the Upper Charles River. He and members of Boy Scout Troop 97 in Walpole, Boy Scout Troop 100 in Bellingham, and Crew 914 in Bellingham, plus additional friends of Sean, worked together to accomplish all of this. Now you’ll have Sean’s markers along the half-mile path to guide you to the river and back, and a bridge to get you over the stream when it’s flowing in the spring and summer when it is a mucky, muddy spot. The hidden spot along the Upper Charles River has become a little easier to find, and a nicer walk altogether thanks to Sean and his friends’ efforts.
A third part of Sean’s project in constructing the bridge was to remove the wood planking mess that had provided an informal bridge across the stream in years past. As Sean began his cleanup, he discovered that many people over the years had added objects of all kinds to aid them in crossing the stream. He found wood of all shapes and sizes, a large pipe and more. All that has now been removed, and the stream will flow freely toward the Charles River next spring.
Sean is entering his senior year at Mt. St. Charles in Woonsocket, RI, and isn’t sure yet which direction he’ll be headed after high school. But he is certain of some things. “I like the outdoors,” Sean noted. “It’s better than sitting on the couch!”
Congratulations, Sean, and thank you for your commendable effort.
Sean Boddy, son of Anna and Charles Boddy of Bellingham, has been working on his Eagle Scout project in Bellingham since 2013. He recently wrapped everything up, sent in the paperwork and is awaiting the final steps that will make him an official Eagle Scout. The project took two years—a long time, perhaps? Since Sean wanted to provide a bridge over a seasonal stream on conservation property behind the High Street ball fields, it took a lot of effort to comply with the requirements of the state and town conservation regulations. As Sean laughingly noted, “I learned a lot about paperwork!” Well, Sean, welcome to the adult world.
And truly, completing one’s Eagle Scout project is all about embracing the responsibilities of being an adult. Following through on a project, giving back to the community, counting the cost, raising needed funds, enlisting the help of others, and more are all needed to ensure successful completion. Bellingham Town Administrator Denis Fraine said, “We always appreciate the hard work and dedication that scouting demands, especially for those young men who pursue the rank of Eagle Scout. As a community we have always looked to support the Scouting program, and we are proud to provide support and encouragement when projects are proposed that result in significant benefit to the town. Sean exemplifies all of the positives that come from scouting, and I am thankful for the contributions he made with this project.”
Sean’s Eagle Scout project is, in fact, three projects in one, requiring over 300 hours of work in all. He completed the bridge, with guidance and approval of the Bellingham Conservation Commission. The members of the Commission met Sean at the site and worked with him to ensure that his project complied with state and town conservation regulations.
Sean also constructed a kiosk at the trailhead near the edge of the ball field. As an assist to walkers unfamiliar with the trail, he marked the half-mile trail that winds through the pine woods to a lovely spot on the Upper Charles River. He and members of Boy Scout Troop 97 in Walpole, Boy Scout Troop 100 in Bellingham, and Crew 914 in Bellingham, plus additional friends of Sean, worked together to accomplish all of this. Now you’ll have Sean’s markers along the half-mile path to guide you to the river and back, and a bridge to get you over the stream when it’s flowing in the spring and summer when it is a mucky, muddy spot. The hidden spot along the Upper Charles River has become a little easier to find, and a nicer walk altogether thanks to Sean and his friends’ efforts.
A third part of Sean’s project in constructing the bridge was to remove the wood planking mess that had provided an informal bridge across the stream in years past. As Sean began his cleanup, he discovered that many people over the years had added objects of all kinds to aid them in crossing the stream. He found wood of all shapes and sizes, a large pipe and more. All that has now been removed, and the stream will flow freely toward the Charles River next spring.
Sean is entering his senior year at Mt. St. Charles in Woonsocket, RI, and isn’t sure yet which direction he’ll be headed after high school. But he is certain of some things. “I like the outdoors,” Sean noted. “It’s better than sitting on the couch!”
Congratulations, Sean, and thank you for your commendable effort.
Bridge at High Street Stream [2 Images]
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