Jim Thorpe Scout recognized for renovation project at park
By Rick Grant editor@tnonline.com

Rick Grant/Times News Billy Gushue with the plaque he was given by the Jim Thorpe Borough Council for renovating the ice cream shop in memorial park as his Eagle Scout Project.

Billy Gushue, a Boy Scout with Troop 555 in Jim Thorpe, was recognized by borough council during its normal monthly meeting on Thursday night for his work on the old snack stand in Memorial Park.

The building was in poor condition and had not been used in many years.

"When Bill came forward and wanted to renovate the ice cream stand, I went out and looked at it," said council member Justin Yaich. "I thought it would be a daunting task for a dozen adults to take on. But when I looked at it when it was finished, I think it's nicer now than it was the day we first opened it."

Board President John McGuire presented Gushue with a plague, and thanked him for being an inspiration to his fellow Scouts.

"Thank you for all your hard work and dedication," McGuire said. "And we want to thank the Boy Scouts for the work that all of these Eagle Scouts have done
over the past 20 years. It's a real honor to have them."

"There are some people I want to thank," Gushue said. "My grandfather is at the top of my list. He was the most important person in this project."

He also thanked other parents for assisting with the electrical, plumbing and other work and his fellow Scouts for aiding in the work.