Photo: Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Community Spotlight GOH Helps Young Man with Eagle Scout Project By: Abe Frantz, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. A few years ago, GOH was awarded a paving project at the former Supelco, Inc. property in Pleasant Gap. While on that project, I had the privilege of meeting and working with Mr. Tom Przybys, an engineer for Supelco. Fast forward to May of 2020….. While at our local Lowes store, I turned a corner and Tom Przybys and I came face-to-face. While taking time to exchange pleasantries and catch–up, Tom told me his son, Lee, was working on his Eagle Scout project. Tom asked me if I thought GOH would be willing to help with some of the materials for Lee’s project. Lee’s Eagle Scout project was erecting batting cages at the Lt. Jonas M. Panik Field & Park on Jacksonville Road in Bellefonte. Lieutenant Panik, a Bellefonte graduate, was working in the
Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and was one of the 125 employees killed that day. Knowing the Hawbaker family, I was sure they would be willing to help in some way. The next day I shared the request with Dan Hawbaker. Dan’s response was, “Let me think it over.” Within a few hours, Dan told me to help Lee with whatever he needed to make his project a reality. I called Tom with the good news and asked that his son give me a call. Lee called and requested concrete and steel beams and plates. Centre Concrete offered to help with the price of the concrete. Then I enlisted the help of Jim Harper who called our steel supplier about the steel beams and plates that were needed. Once GOH received the materials, the next call went to Shops Superintendent Dave Irwin and the
State College shop welding crew. After sharing Lee’s plan with Welder-Mechanics Mike Wolf and Russ Witherite, the two of them went to work. Within a few days, Dave informed me that the beams and plates were finished. I shared this information with Lee, and he told me that he was ready for the completed beams to be delivered to the project site. The concrete, beams and plates represent the commitment, dedication and hard work of an Eagle Scout. The batting cages at the Lt. Jonas M. Panik Field & Park will be enjoyed by ballplayers for many years. Above is a comprehensive photo of Lee’s project. The Hawbaker family and our many employees would like to congratulate Lee on this great Eagle Scout project. I would also like to add that it was a great pleasure getting to know and to work with this young man.
