Submitted by Angela Cuonzo
Anthony Cuonzo of Gillette and Joshua Leski and Matthew Hunt, both of Millington Troop 56, had their Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at the Long Hill Senior Center in Gillette.
Anthony’s Eagle Project was completed at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. Nets had been placed under the eaves of the roof that covers the front porch of the EEC in an attempt to get barn swallows to build their nests elsewhere. Unfortunately, once the nets were installed, a majority of the barn swallows left the EEC. In order to encourage the birds to return, Anthony constructed and mounted thirteen barn swallow nesting boxes along with constructing a barn-like structure and an informational sign.
Joshua is a member of Meyersville Presbyterian Church. Meyersville is a small hometown church with a small congregation in Long Hill Township. When the time for his Eagle Scout Project approached, Joshua wanted to give back to his church. He consulted with Session Members and a wall and garden were proposed to complete the front landscaping. Donations from Halls Nursery, D’Avella Landscaping, Ed DaSilva and Ray Clarke along with countless hours from parents, his fencing coach, Rich Brown, and fellow scouts helped Josh see his project to completion.
Matthew’s Eagle Scout Service Project was building 14 Blue Bird Houses at Lord Stirling Stables in Basking Ridge. Matt’s love of nature was a great match with this equestrian park’s commitment towards enhancing their horseback riders’ experiences in the natural environment. Blue birds, native to North America, have been increasingly threatened by other invasive birds. The houses were built with specific customized entry holes to help ensure the Blue Bird’s survival.
(above l-r): Jim Caparoso, Troop 56 Scoutmaster; Eagle Scouts Anthony Cuonzo, Matthew Hunt, and Joshua Leski and Kevin Dempsey, Troop 56 Adult Committee Chairman
