Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 26, 1995 TAG: 9503100013
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Since last September, the 16-year-old Cave Spring High School student has spent his evenings and weekends planning, constructing and installing a playroom at the Turning Point, a center for female victims of domestic violence and their children.
But, he has no regrets. He thinks his Eagle Scout project will bring pleasure to children whose lives have been disrupted.
``When we were installing the walls in November,'' Gagnier recalled, ``the little kids stood around and watched and thanked me for building it. It made me feel good and work even harder to get it done for them.''
During a ceremony on Jan. 10, Gagnier, who has a 3-inch thick notebook documenting the project, cut a ribbon on the door to the playroom.
The project, from initial fund-raising efforts to the final installation of 6-foot panels that define the 12-foot-by-12-foot play area, took Gagnier 272 hours.
"I talked to architect and engineering friends of my family," Gagnier said, "and we decided it would be best to build modular units at home and then install them on the site."
The units were designed to fit together and support each other. His father's garage workshop had the right tools for the job, and Ryan had the previous experience needed to operate them.
But handling, transporting and cutting the 8-foot sheets of paneling created some problems. Once, he accidentally cut off half the table used to support the panel.
When the units were completed, Gagnier supervised the installation by members of Boy Scout Troop 7 at Our Lady of Nazareth Church and Scoutmaster Darrell Holt.
Gagnier's interest in the Turning Point began several years ago when he helped his father, Rene Gagnier, and other members of the GE Elfun Society build a storage shed at the facility next to the Salvation Army building on Salem Avenue.
When he needed a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge, Gagnier learned from Darlene Young, Turning Point director, that she wanted to divide a large room to provide a playroom for the children. The rest of the room is now a meeting area for mothers.
The Elfun Society, a corporate organization for General Electric Company employees and retirees who are interested in volunteering for community service, gave Gagnier money for the project. Patricia McCray, president of the Elfuns, also serves on the Turning Point Advisory Board.
Because Scouts are responsible for raising funds to support their projects and cannot seek donations from their families, Gagnier called McCray for a donation from the society. "She offered to fund the whole thing," he said.
Although the Elfuns agreed to provide the necessary funds, Gagnier also sought and received discounts on the materials.
The Oak Grove Ladies' Bowling League donated toys, games and appropriate furniture for the playroom, and volunteers from the Newcomers Club, who work with the children or in the office, will lead children's activities twice a week.
The project, Gagnier said, has aroused his interest in architectural engineering, which he may study at Virginia Tech after high school.
Gagnier hopes to have the project approved and pass the Board of Review in time to have his Eagle ceremony in May.
"I want to have the Eagle ceremony and my confirmation at the same time so out-of-town relatives can attend both," said Gagnier, who moved to Roanoke with his family several years ago from Erie, Pa.
Gagnier also will receive the Ad Alteri Dei, a Scouting award given by the Catholic Church.
Turning Point has a 24-hour hot line, 345-0400, to assist women.
by CNB