Albion youth attains Eagle Scout status

by Roland D. Hallee

On December 28, 2016, Jacob Lennon, of Albion, joined the ranks of Eagle Scout, making him one of the last group of Eagles in the nation in 2016. Jacob is a member of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion.

Eagle Scout Jacob Lennon. Photo courtesy of Charles Mahaleris

The 18-year-old Lawrence High School senior, in Fairfield, began his scouting career when he was in the fourth grade.

Jacob was recently nominated, by Maine U.S. Senator Angus King, to attend one of the U.S. military academies. Jacob’s preference is the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland, where he would aspire to become a marine engineer.

Jacob’s other interests include football, weightlifting, hunting, trapping and fishing.

For his community project, Jacob chose to construct three small free libraries to help encourage reading and give people who can’t get to a library a chance to leave a book for others or borrow a book right in their respective neighborhood.

“In the fall of 2016, Jacob generously provided the town of Fairfield with three extraordinary Give a Book, Take a Book structures,” said Fairfield Town Manager, Michelle Flewelling. “They have become a great addition to our neighborhoods.”

Flewelling coordinated everything through the town, suggesting where the book libraries should be located, made arrangements with Central Maine Power’s Dig Safe program, and placed markers out for Jacob.

The project took 47 hours to complete, and Jacob received the help of troop leader Mathew Dow and Melanie Pellerin, along with fellow members of his Boy Scout troop. His grandfather, Henry Carter, spent a lot of time helping him with the project as well.

The libraries are located at Mill Island Park, on Mill Island, the playground next to the Fairfield Community Center, on Water St., and at Memorial Park, on the corner of High and Elm streets.

Building supplies for the three kiosks were donated by Lakeview Lumber, in China, Hammond Lumber, in Fairfield, and McCormick Lumber, in Winslow. Country Clipper, in Albion, made a cash donation to cover the cost of all other materials.

One of the Give a Book, Take a Book kiosks built by Eagle Scout Jacob Lennon, of Albion, as his community project. Photo courtesy of Michelle Flewelling

Jacob is the son of Tanya Lennon, of Albion.