SPOTSWOOD–For performing community projects around Spotswood, the Borough Council honored Eagle Scouts Connor Jardicke, Jason Mercado, Robert Kwiatkowski and Jonathan Wasserman with honorary proclamations.
Jardicke, Mercado, Kwiatkowski and Wasserman are all members of Boy Scout Troop 35, and celebrated their respective Eagle Scout Courts of Honor on July 29, according to the proclamation. Their proclamations were read during the Aug. 17 Spotswood Borough Council meeting via video conference.
For his project, Jardicke revitalized the area surrounding the memorial to the Virgin Mary at the Spotswood Knights of Columbus Council 4907.
“There were several things that needed fixing in front of the Knights of Columbus. Many of the plants by the Virgin Mary were overgrown or dead. The Virgin Mary statue itself was shrouded by the cherry tree that was located behind it,” Jardicke said. “The tree itself was dying and was eventually going to fall. There was also a pink granite cross at the foot of the statue that had become cracked over the years and had sunk into the ground.”
Jardicke said the Knights of Columbus has always been kind to his troop, and throughout the years they have allowed Troop 35 to hold their meetings in the hall.
“This was incredibly kind of them considering some organizations have dropped troops recently,” Jardicke said. “I wanted to give back to them as Scouts was an incredibly fun organization where I met many of the friends I have today. I made so many happy memories over the years during the meetings at the Knights.”
Planning of the project began in August 2018, Jardicke said, and throughout the year
blueprints and fundraising was done. Actual work began in June 2019 and was finally finished at the end of the month with help from members of Troop 35.
In order to rejuvenate the area, Jardicke said he and other scouts removed the plants surrounding the tree, and the removal of the tree came after. A space was devoted around the statue for lights, plants and mulch.
“The ground was leveled so that the ground would be even for walking during the annual May Crowning. We had used crushed stone and borders to create a pathway leading around and to the Virgin Mary,” Jardicke said. “Benches were built and installed around the pathway for quiet reflection, and boxwoods were planted around the path and by the Virgin Mary. Finally, the granite cross was recut and placed level in front of the statue.”
In order to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Mercado helped create a compost bin for Immaculate Conception School.
For his Eagle Scout service project, Kwiatkowski refurbished six benches around the tennis court at the war memorial and repainted the shed used to house tennis equipment.
“[After] talking to a contact at the township and my scout leaders, and with me being a student at the high school, it seemed fitting to replace some benches and beautify the area,” Kwiatkowski said.
Once the old benches were removed, Kwiatkowski said he was able to install and finish painting them in October 2019.
Kwiatkowski said it was his job to lead the project and coordinate the work, but most of the actual physical work was done by volunteers from his troop, family, friends and the borough.
Wasserman’s Eagle Scout service project included creating Little Free Libraries at G. Austin Schoenly School, Mundy Avenue Park and the Spotswood Public Library.
“I was first asked about this project by my neighbor Elizabeth Lonegan who is a member of the Friends of the Spotswood Public Library. I liked the idea of being able to provide something that will benefit the town and the kids,” he said.
Wasserman said he attended Schoenly school for kindergarten and first grade.
Being that the Spotswood Public Library is an educational staple in the borough, Wasserman said he has been going to the Spotswood Public library since he was two years old when he attended the Storytime Program with his sisters.
“Mundy Avenue Park is a very nice place to relax with a beautiful facility directly across from Devoe Lake. It’s the perfect place to pick up a book, sit down and read,” Wasserman said.
In October 2019, Wasserman said he completed his project and received funding for his project from the Friends of the Spotswood Public Library, personal donations, Lowe’s of East Brunswick, Home Depot of East Brunswick and 18 Lumber.