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Riverview Boy Scout earns all the badges

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 21, 2009

RIVERVIEW - In September Troop 610's Harrison Hatcher of Riverview became one of a small brotherhood in the history of Boy Scouting to have earned all 121 merit badges.

When he went for Eagle, this Bloomingdale High School senior earned 60 merit badges, though only 21 were required. He decided to go for broke and earn all of the badges since he was halfway to the finish line, was only 14, and had time, he said.

His mom, Brenda Hatcher, put him in Cub Scouts at age 9, Harrison said. Once there, he was hooked. She and his dad, David Hatcher, have supported him, driving him to meetings, sending him to High Adventure camps and contributing time, finances and sweat equity to his endeavors.

"It's been quite a journey," Harrison said.

His easiest badge? Fingerprinting, he said. In 10 minutes he read the history and was fingerprinted.

Hardest? Journalism, which took two years, because the required tour of a newsroom became difficult after 9/11. He visited his school's newsroom instead.

Most helpful? The Communications badge, which he finished just before becoming senior patrol leader. It made him a better leader.

What's next? He's planning and organizing an Eagle-level project to earn a William T. Hornaday conservation award and hopes to attend the Air Force Academy or the University of Florida through the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Harrison's 5.82 grade-point average puts him in the top 1 percent of his class of 532. He has taken 12 Advanced Placement courses, is the saxophone section leader in the school's Rajun Bull Marching Band and volunteers playing piano at a nursing home.

Alumni invited to Hall of Fame dinner
BRANDON - The Brandon High School Alumni Association invites present and past students and the public to a Hall of Fame dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Brandon High School Dining Hall, a.k.a. the cafeteria. The meal is $15 and will include chicken and yellow rice, Cuban bread, tea and dessert.

The Hall of Fame Committee nominates and votes each year on five former students or faculty who have distinguished themselves in their careers or communities, said Karen Rodriguez, alumni association president and committee member. The committee includes Jim Powell, vice president; Pam Phillips, secretary/treasurer; and directors Marvin Lopez and Jeff Miltner.

Nominees for the Hall of Fame are former principal Orlan Briant, former teacher Nat Storms, and former students M.M. "Bud" Mulrennan, Glenda Futch Lentz and Army 1st Lt. Kevin Smith, class of 1995, who was killed at age 28 by a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2005.

The previous 29 recipients include Earl J. Lennard, David Gee, Lorena Morrill Jaeb and Russ Cozart.

Prepaid reservations are required by Nov. 1. Send checks to Karen Rodriguez, 308 Jersey Ave. W., Brandon FL 33510.

For information, call Rodriguez, (813) 651-3261. To request a list of eligibility requirements and nomination form, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to BHS Alumni Hall of Fame Project, 1101 Victoria St., Brandon FL 33510.

Decadent chocolate celebration planned

VALRICO - Celebrate the six-year anniversary of the Brandon Chai Group of Hadassah by bringing a favorite chocolate creation from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday to the clubhouse at Savannah Landings, 3604 Grand Magnolia Place.

Susan Lafer, executive vice president of the Tampa Chapter, will present the program topic: RAW-Ready, Available and Willing, and the group will honor past presidents and lifetime members.

Register to attend by contacting Meral Ginsberg, meralg@comcast.net or (813) 412-7032, or Anita Hoffman, (813) 943-6260.

Concert to feature local performers

BRANDON - Jeremy D. and Katie Silverman will perform a fundraising concert of original works, Broadway tunes and contemporary Christian songs at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at First United Methodist Church, 120 Knights Ave. N.

The cost is $10 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Stonecroft Brandon Christian Women's Connection, which hosts inspirational speakers for women, presents Bible studies and performs service projects.

Call Michelle Burgess, publicity chairwoman, at (813) 310-9518, for information.

October keeps Newcomers busy

BRANDON - The Brandon Newcomers Club has been meeting since 1962 and consists of more than 100 members, with about 70 in attendance at meetings, said Esther Varon, who has been a member for seven years. People new to the greater Brandon area as well as established residents are welcome to join. Keeping busy is key; it makes all the difference in the world, Varon said.

Free fun and games are scheduled for members and prospective members from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive. Reservations are required; call Doris Blake, (813) 689-0088.

The club will supply a table at the Halloween Horribles Parade from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Center Place.

Members will attend a health fair between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at Delaney Creek Lodge, 320 Lakewood Drive S. Free mini massages and free screenings for bone density, balance, blood sugar, memory, blood pressure, hearing, eyes and spine will be provided for Newcomers and the general public. $25 flu shots will be administered; most insurance plans accepted.

For more about Newcomers, call Re Dangremond, (813) 643-3281, or Robbie Hutcheson, (813) 727-0424.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at neighbors

@tampabay.rr.com.

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