Taunton Cemetery Catches The Eye Of One Scout

By Eliza Hallabeck

Taunton Cemetery, on Taunton Lake Road, was recently spruced up by Boy Scout Troop 70 member and rising Newtown High School junior Adam Wruck.

“I saw the cemetery, and it seemed kind of run down,” said Adam on Tuesday, June 19, “so I thought it could use some work.”

Adam needed a project to complete for his Life Service Project, which requires a scout find sponsorship, obtain permission from his scoutmaster, and complete six hours of work, when he noticed the cemetery. He has been involved in scouting since 2001.

His first step in the project was contacting town historian Dan Cruson, who told Adam the property was owned by the town and he would need approval from First Selectman Pat Llodra before starting the project. Mr Cruson also sponsored the project, a position that provides input and advice for the scout.

“I’m very glad scouts like him are doing this type of thing,” said Mr Cruson, who has sponsored similar scout projects before, “specifically with the cemeteries.”

Projects like Adam’s, Mr Cruson said, can help with much-needed routine maintenance of the properties.

Troop 70 Scoutmaster Edmund Breitling, Sr, said Adam is the only scout who completed a Life Service Project recently, but there are a few more projects scheduled in the future.

“I give him a lot of credit for thinking of that,” said Mr Breitling.

As Troop 70’s scoutmaster, Mr Breitling gave Adam permission to pursue the Taunton Cemetery project.

“I like him an awful lot,” Mr Breitling said. “He’s a real asset to the troop, and he is going to go places.”

According to Adam’s mother, Joeline Wruck, the family often passes the property, which dates back to the 19th Century. Adam received approval from Mrs Llodra to work on the property in April, after meeting with her to discuss the project. The project was completed on June 25 with help from Adam’s father, Jim Wruck, who is Troop 70’s treasurer and a committee member.

Downed trees, including one that had fallen on the cemetery’s stone wall, and more were cleared for Adam’s project, and he created a new hand painted sign for the property.

“I’m proud of the work I did,” said Adam, “and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.”