Eagle Project Beautifies and Recycles
The rejuvenation of the largest assembly space in Kearny was a substantial undertaking for the Eagle Project of Jonathan Reverendo, a Life Scout and Patrol Leader in Unit 305 and Kearny sophomore at Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. From February through September 2019, Scouts, leaders, members of the Knights of Columbus, and family toiled together in the basement of St. Stephen’s Church to beautify the frequently utilized Hedges Hall.
It took several nights and weekends to extend and reframe the outer structure to the CCD office, clean and repaint the walls, trim, doors, and window casings of the entire basement hall. Beyond beautifying the space with a lighter gray and darker gray trim color scheme, long wooden pews no longer being used in the church were repurposed as additional seating in the hall. The pews were positioned in the large window openings. Furthermore, each window was cleaned and adorned with new blinds and valances. The volunteer work was completed in various sections to accommodate the continuation of meetings, catechism classes, and events held during the project timeframe.
Reverendo raised approximately half of the $3,000 required to cover the expenses of wood and cleaning and painting supplies by hosting a scrap metal donation event in May 2019. This fundraiser was open to the public where unwanted metal was collected and recycled. As of result of his efforts, Reverendo was able to keep about 10,000 pounds of scrap metal from being littered or put into the landfill. Additionally, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in North Arlington generously applied a 50% discount toward the large quantities of paint needed for the project. The remainder of the funds were collected through donations by the Knights of Columbus and parishioners at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny.
To maintain the longevity of the revitalized Hedges Hall, Reverendo consulted with Fr. Joseph Mancini, Pastor of St. Stephen’s Church and sponsor of Unit 305, to create a new listing of hall rules. They were hung recently toward the entrance of the hall, above a credenza, to apply the finishing touch to the rejuvenation efforts of Reverendo’s Eagle Project.
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging aspects of Scouting. Only approximately 4% of all Scouts merit this prestigious recognition. In addition to earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones, Scouts must complete an extensive community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle candidate is expected to plan, fundraise, secure materials, and oversee the execution of a completed project, including managing Scout leaders and fellow Scouts in leadership activities throughout the endeavor.