DAN'S PAPERS, April 24, 2009 Page 41 www.danshamptons.com
Twentysomething…By David Lion Rattiner Eagle Scout
New York and will be forever accessible as part of our history. Being an Eagle Scout is forever, in fact our publisher here at Dan’s Papers, Bob Edelman, an Eagle Scout himself, had this to say as he recalled his Court of Honor, “I think about that night quite often. More importantly, I offer my heartiest congratulations to those who have achieved this milestone in their life and to Peter Miller, whose dad I met this past week. I could not be more proud of his son’s accomplishment.”
Largest quantity of remnants & rolls at the lowest prices EVER! OVER TWO THOUSAND REMNANTS IN STOCK
FREE (poly) Binding FREE Felt Pad FREE Delivery and Layout (WITH ANY PURCHASE OF REMNANT OR AREA RUGS)
(FROM WESTHAMPTON TO MONTAUK)
Starts
Friday, May 1st, Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd.
FIRST SPRING SALE EVER! IF YOU DON’T KNOW CARPETS, KNOW THE CARPETMAN.
633 County Road 39A, Southampton, N.Y. 11968 Phone: (631) 283-0885 1197963
Reduce our prices to FREE! YES I said FREE!
What do Michael Bloomberg and Steven Spielberg have in common other than being Hamptons and international celebrities? They are both Eagle Scouts, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve and an honor that very few ever attain. To put into perspective about how difficult it is to become an Eagle Scout, only about 2% of boys that enter the Boy Scouts are ever able to attain the rank. That is because as an Eagle Scout must accomplish an enormous amount. A Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills as well as be able to earn 21 merit badges, 12 of which are required. To say the least, making Eagle Scout is no easy task. It is a rank held by astronaut Neil Armstrong, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and countless other leaders and captains of industry and politics. Well you can add Peter Miller to that list of Eagle Scouts in America. Peter Christopher Miller of Southampton was awarded this rank at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Elks Lodge in Southampton last Sunday. In a room packed with well over 100 people, Peter was honored by nearly every New York delegate, as well as President Barack Obama. Master of Ceremonies Thom Speckenbach, dressed in full uniform among 20 or so other scouts and scout leaders, called the group to order and introduced speakers, which included Southampton Mayor Mark Epley. He spoke not only about Peter’s accomplishments as a Boy Scout, but as a person. As part of his Eagle Scout requirement, Peter was able to help a Rwandan refugee family through Habitat for Humanity of Peconic. The family, who escaped genocide, was greeted by Peter who built a shed for the family as a welcoming gesture (and because he felt the family could use a shed). Habitat for Humanity of the Peconic Brian Carabeen said, “Peter is quite an example for everyone.” The ceremony was organized by every member of Troop 58, the Trailblazer Council Members, Lou Vlismas, John Laffey, Tom Nanos, Tyler Sinclair and Marsha Terry. Joe Hickus of the Southampton Knights of Columbus gave Peter recognition, as did representatives from the offices of Ken Lavalle, Jay Schneiderman, Fred Thiele and Steve Levy. Southampton Councilman Chris Nuzzi was also in attendance to show his support for Peter. The Southampton Kiwanis as well as VFW, Dunes Post 7009 gave Peter great honor by delivering a plaque and a certificate. The best part about this entire ceremony, besides the fact that in these tough economic times we have some great news to report, was to have the ability to watch the pride in the faces of Peter’s parents Jon and Gina Miller who at points in the ceremony were brought to tears. It was the support that Peter got from his family, mentors and friends that were able to guide him to such a high honor. People like Tac Hostetter, the Soutmaster, Thom Speckenbach, Eagle Project Advisor, Linda Robins, committee members as well as Eagle Scouts Josh Zaloga, Patrick Terry and Sean Laffey.
Peter publicly thanked Greg Tietjen, Ken Weitz, Walter Britton, Perry Zito, Tony Piraino, Michael Caruso, his brother Eric, his parents, his grandparents and Mr. and Mrs. George Riedener. His list also included businesses that showed him support such as Riverhead Building Supply, Herrick Hardware, Stelle Architects and BMW of the Hamptons. This ceremony will not be forgotten by Peter or his future relatives, as becoming an Eagle Scout will be documented by the Legislature of