FRANKLIN
Downtown Franklin is looking a little brighter thanks to the work of an Eagle Scout candidate.

T.J. Moore, 15, of Troop 17, recently enlisted the help of fellow Scouts to clean and repaint the large  planters that ornament the sidewalks.

He and his friends handled 23 of the 46 pots; the others will be done at a later date.

A community service project is required of any Boy Scout seeking that highest of ranks, the Eagle, and Moore’s certainly no exception.

“I’ve always wanted to be an Eagle Scout,” he said.

The youngest of eight children, T.J.’s brothers Jimmy, Brett and Justin have all been Scouts; Jimmy’s the first Eagle in the family; T.J. will become the second.

His own start in the program began with Cub Scouts when he was in third grade, and moved up two years later to the Boy Scout level.

“A lot of my other friends belong,” he said. “It seemed like a lot of fun.”

And it certainly has been for him since he started. Two summers ago, Moore was able to attend a week of hiking and climbing at the famed Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, New Mexico. Rappelling and white water rafting have been among other activities.

Today, he has all merit badges needed, and continues to be involved in regular meetings and other service projects as necessary.

His hope is to keep a hand in Scouting even after he received his award sometime later this year.