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Eagle Scout helps Pioneer Cemetery

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Contributed by: Jacky Walker on 8/21/2007

Awesome was the word of the day onAug. 18as volunteers from as far away as Victorville assisted Brian Coffin of Granada Hills in completing his Eagle Scout project at the historic San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, which in turn completed several needed jobs at the Valley's second oldest cemetery.

His two-part project included the installation of nearly 500 engraved bricks in the cemetery's front entrance, as well as the digging of a trench and laying of conduit pipe for separate electrical and water lines.

Coffin approached the San Fernando Valley Historical Society's Pioneer Cemetery committee in early July seeking a meaningful project. Since the Society had just taken delivery of four hundred engraved bricks as part of their entrance beautification, Coffin was given the challenge to coordinate the brick installation.

He had to work fast, since the dedication ceremony for the entrance was scheduled for the end of August. The engraved bricks memorialize the more than 600 people buried at the cemetery whose graves are unmarked due to long-term vandalism.

Armed with screwdrivers, knee-pads and determination, the volunteers conquered the brick installation task in record time, while others worked on the 100-foot-long trench project with shovels, gloves and a ditch digger donated by Balboa Rentals. Coffin's project was completed just after noon. Originally, the project was expected to continue until 6 p.m. and possibly into the next day.

"We are so grateful that Brian agreed to do this much needed, very labor-intensive project," said Joyce Gaynor, co-chair of the SFVHS Pioneer Cemetery Committee. "What he and his fabulous volunteers completed in one day would have taken us months to finish. We are truly amazed at how this young man coordinated everything from shade to food to equipment and volunteers. He is an outstanding young man with a bright future indeed, and a real credit to his parents and scouting."

Engraved bricks for the entrance are still for sale through the San Fernando Valley Historical Society, which may be reached at (818) 365-7810 or visit www.sfvhs.com.

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