By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
Jeffrey Eckhardt had been kicking around a few ideas for his Eagle Scout project earlier this year, but when he heard that St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church was raising money to build a wheelchair ramp for a parishioner in need, he made the decision.
“There’s always little things people can do to help each other,” Jeff Eckhardt said. “It’s a friendly area, and we try to keep that going as best as we can.”
“This certainly was a lot more important than any of the other things we’d come up with,” said Neal Eckhardt, Jeff’s father.
The Eckhardts aren’t part of St. Mary’s congregation, but they learned through a family friend who attends the church about Frankie Cutie. The 27-year-old musician, educator and video game blogger suffered a stroke after undergoing surgery for a benign brain tumor.
Through Frankie’s lengthy, ongoing road to recovery, Baldwinsville has come together to support his family. In March, Mohegan Manor hosted a fundraiser for Frankie. The village of Baldwinsville waived permitting and variance fees for the ramp project.
(Correction, June 1: As a matter of policy, the village board of trustees does not waive fees. The village received a donation for $255 that covered the permit and application fees for the project. We regret the error.)
St. Mary’s congregation, which has about 1,100 families, raised $2,685 to build the ramp for the Cuties. Deborah Klamm, St. Mary’s parish secretary, said the bulk of the money was collected during the weekend of March 12 and 13.
“It was basically done on a spur of the moment. It wasn’t announced whatsoever. It was just off the cuff,” she said. “We have been very supportive with prayer and we’ve had prayers and adoration masses for him here.”
Jeff Eckhardt offered to take on the project in late February, before the money was done being collected.
“He took over the project management, taking it off their backs,” said Neal.
Following a basic template and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards, the Eckhardts designed and built the ramp. Scouts from Troop 114 helped assemble it over the course of about three weeks in April, finishing the ramp earlier this month. Made of pressure-treated wood, the ramp features solar-powered lights for night visibility.
The ramp is not intended to be a permanent fixture of the Cutie home. It belongs to St. Mary’s and could be lent to other families in need once the Cuties are done with it.
“When they no longer need it, the church will take it back and repurpose it for another family,” Neal said. “It’s not a permanent part of the property — it’s designed to be taken out and used elsewhere.”
According to the Eckhardts, the construction of the ramp was the easiest part of the process. They said they found the process of seeking permits and variances from the village frustrating — “The unfortunate thing is when you’re dealing with the [village] codes, a wheelchair ramp is no different than building a deck on a house,” Neal said — but they added that Code Enforcement Officer Gregg Humphrey was very supportive, and they were thankful that the village waived the fees.
“We understand that they have to go by what the law says,” Neal said. “They obviously took up the cause.”
The Eckhardts said giving back is a part of their family life, as it is for many in Baldwinsville.
“As a family, on Christmas Day we go to the Samaritan Center and cook food for the homeless so the people that work there can have the day off,” Neal said.
Jeff said he intends to continue volunteering with his troop even after he earns his Eagle Scout rank.
“I’m still going to take part and help with troop activities with an adult and help other kids with the opportunity to get their Eagle,” he said.
A YouCaring campaign is ongoing to raise money for Frankie Cutie’s medical expenses. To donate, visit youcaring.com/frankie-cutie-432872.
