Cranford Boy Scouts Court of Honor Ceremony
Submitted by Cady Kaneko
It’s no secret scouting in Cranford (boys and girls) has always been a very active and involved part of the community. It has also helped to keep our town enjoyable for all who live here with a plethora of renovations and improvements. Last spring Boy Scouts of America Troop 80 had an impressive Court of Honor producing seven Eagle Scouts. Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty, State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. and U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski were present to congratulate and support the scouts at their ceremony on June 7, 2021.
These seven scouts started as cute cheek-pinching cub scouts and now after years of dedication, hard work and a lot of parent-driving miles, have grown to become young adults who know what it means to give back. So let’s meet the Eagles and their projects.
Anthony Bottino decided to plant a memorial garden with a bench at Lincoln Park in memory of his friend Raymond Schwartz who passed away from cancer in 2019. It took 128 hours to complete and a dedication ceremony was held on October 10, 2020 to present The Valerie Fund with a donation in Raymond’s memory.
Will Kennedy built a Gaga pit at Orange Avenue School. Gaga is a fast paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit. Gaga is a kinder and gentler version of dodge ball. The game is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. He spent 148 hours on this project.
Patrick O’Shea spent 102 hours reimagining the Resource Room at Brookside Place School. The room was a disaster and a mess and just not usable. Patrick and his team cleaned, organized and upgraded the room for the teachers.
John Scheurer chose the Rahway River Parkway as the site of his Eagle project. Much of the walkway was overgrown and covered with invasive plants. John and his crew cleared the area, planted new saplings and beautified the area. This was a 300 hour project. It’s pretty clear he has the appreciation and respect for all landscapers throughout Cranford!
Now here’s one for those parents with kids roaming and biking around town. Michael Scheurer decided to create a Traffic Safety Awareness Program in Cranford to highlight the growing issue of pedestrian safety on our busy streets. He spent 351 hours making this program a success.
This one is for our animal lovers. Liam Usinowicz lead his team of scouts in a rehabilitation project at the Union Township Animal Shelter. So many Cranford residents are pet owners so they understand the value of proper animal care. Are you looking for that special companion? Maybe check out this animal shelter for your next best friend. Liam spent 80 hours cleaning, planting and refreshing the grounds for a much needed face-lift for our furry friends.
Shane Waleski did a beautiful park space enhancement at the Theodore Roosevelt Park on Orange Avenue. He spent 76 hours designing and creating a reading and meditation area. It was a nice addition as there have been sports camps and outdoor yoga classes at this park.
A big thank you to all those who have supported scouting in Cranford throughout the years and greatest gratitude to the volunteer parents that make Troop 80 a safe and fun environment for all scouts.
