The American Legion Hall in Saline now carries a brighter sheen thanks to the efforts of Brian Young, who for his Eagle Scout project took on repainting the aging building that sits atop the hill at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Mills.
A member of Saline Troop 457 and the troop’s current historian, Young put the finishing touches to the building last week.
"The project benefits our local veterans by preserving a building where the traditions of those who have served their country during times of war are honored," said Young.
The undertaking involved the participation of scouts, friends, and adults who helped Young with each phase of the project, which included preparation, painting, and cleanup.
Work began Aug. 3 with power washing the building, sanding loose paint from the wood siding, cleaning gutters, and trimming hedges. Windows, door hardware, and light fixtures had to be covered prior to painting. There was caulking to be done, nails to be popped, and worn spots to be patched.
Young coordinated the work of some 17 youth and eight adults through 228 hours over nine days.
Weather conditions and the threat of rain lengthened the time the project took, according to Young, who is a 2004 graduate of Saline High School and plans to attend Michigan State University this fall to study computer science.
Young got volunteer assistance for his project from Bill Gaul, the owner of SRV Painter’s Supply, who provided the use of his company’s commercial paint sprayer. Young’s fellow Scouts backrolled the wet paint after it had been applied and painted the handicap ramp as well as the dumpster. Young’s sister, Laura Young, helped hand-paint new letters that were mounted on the building’s east side.
Also giving Young a helping hand were Mike Anthony, Joe Armstrong, Ryan Bradshaw, Anthony Colatruglio, Neal Ellsworth, Scott Ellsworth, Ben Howard, Randy Krol, Jimmy Marcus, Lee Patterson, Enzo Randazzo, Sal Randazzo, Andy Schneider, Gretchen Schneider, Branden Slagle, Devin Slagle, Gilbert Warila, Brad Young, and Deborah Young.
Photo by Brian Cox
Standing in front of the freshly painted American Legion Hall in Saline are (front, l-r) Mike Anthony, Ryan Bradshaw; (second row) Branden Slagle, Brian Young, and Stephen Lobdell; (back) Toby Shoemaker, Bill Gaul, and (on ladder) Devin Slagle. Young orchestrated painting the American Legion building as his Eagle Scout project. It took 228 hours over 9 days to finish the job.