Community Corner

Orchestrating An Eagle Scout Project

Andrew Tessman Plans To Renovate The Vece Gazebo At The Pierson School

The Vece Gazebo at the Abraham Pierson School stands as an icon in town - one that is used to host outdoor concerts and other events - but one in need of some renovations, for sure.

Andrew Tessman, a Life Scout from Boy Scout Troop 7 in Clinton, has chosen the refurbishment of the gazebo for his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

One of the requirements for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout can earn, is that the Scout must plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project to any religious institution, school or community building. 

Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a demonstration of leadership, the Scout must plan the work, organize the personnel needed and direct the project to its completion. 

When asked why he chose this as his Eagle Scout Service Project, Tessman responded, "I've always had my eye on the gazebo since attending Pierson and becoming a Boy Scout and have always thought that it would be a great project to do for the town." 

Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tessman's plan is to remove and replace the old and rotted-out columns, remove and replace the decking, railing and stairs with a composite material, remove and replace the broken lattice as well as re-landscape the immediate area around the gazebo.

He plans to begin demolition Labor Day weekend and complete the project in late October, working on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Tessman plans to re-landscape the area in the spring, after the winter thaw. 

He has solicited donations from friends and family as well as from local merchants along the shoreline and continues to solicit donations to reach his goal for the necessary materials. 

Tessman stated that, "no donation is too small and every dollar brings me closer to my goal.  I have even been collecting cans and putting the money towards my project.  By collecting cans, I was able to pay for Boy Scout Summer Camp for the last two years."

You will find Tessman every Thursday night in his uniform at the Vece Gazebo enjoying the First Niagra Bank Summer Concert Series, like so many other residents, until August 25th.

If you would like to support Tessman's Eagle Scout project in any way, he can be contacted at 860-669-3775. Donations can be mailed to his home address at 8 Sunset Lane, Clinton, 06413. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here