Max and his family sit and gather around the swing located along the Peace Path. Pictured on the ront row is his Grandma Carolyn Ross, Eagle Scout Max Blankenship, his mom Sandra Yarbro. Back Row: Isabel and Maury Hutchens, Max's brother Will, Harrison H

Every Boy Scout must have a minimum of 21 merit badges and be active in their troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at least six months after they have achieved the rank of Life Scout to become an Eagle Scout. One of the requirements is completing a special project chosen by the Scout. For Max Blankenship of Troop 101, his choice was extra special and is a display of the tremendous love this young man had for his grandfather, Bill Ross, who had pancreatic cancer and passed away at Hospice in 2012. Max was only 15 at the time and it was his first real experience with death. He was very close to his grandfather and they shared a lot of great times and many laughs together.
His grandfather told Max often: "You're quite a young man". Max remembers boating with Grandpa Bill as early as a six years old.
Consequently when he lost his grandfather, Max wanted to do something special as a salute to him. Max talked to the people at Hospice, who had taken great care of his grandfather, and out of the talks came the idea for a "Peace Path".
On Wednesday, August 12, Yarbro Construction celebrated their Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting with the dedication of Max's "Peace Path". With the help of his brother Will and friends, Max spent over 349 man hours to complete his proud project.
The entrance to the "Peace Path" begins at the edge of the Hospice parking lot, located at 951 Wendover Heights Dr. in Shelby, near the patient wing and meanders through the woods. Along the trail you can take a rest on one of three benches and you pass over a beautiful little bridge on the mile long trail. The "Peace Path" is truly a place where many can take a casual stroll, enjoy nature and have time for meditation.
Max goes to his project a few times a week to weed, pick up any trash and work on "Peace Path" maintenance. He is thankful for all the help both financially and physically and he's proud that his Grandpa Bill will always be remembered.