August 19, 2013

PRESIDING OFFICER GONSALVES ATTENDS LOCAL

EAGLE SCOUTS COURT OF HONOR CEREMONIES

Presiding Officer, Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves recently attended the Court of Honor ceremonies for several local Eagle Scouts.

TOP PHOTO: Presiding Officer Gonsalves attended Boy Scout Troop 291 Eagle Court of Honor for Corey Skinner and James Reilly at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville and presented a Nassau County Legislative Citation to Eagle Scout Corey Skinner, a resident of East Meadow, and Eagle Scout James Reilly, a resident of Levittown, in recognition of the hard work they both did for their Eagle Projects. 

To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Corey revitalized “Safety Town” an educational activity area located in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow and operated by the Nassau County Police Department.  He refurbished several of the buildings, replaced rotten lumber, installed new roofs, painted curbs, street lights, street lines, installed new plants and also provided a new equipment storage shed to replace the one damaged during Hurricane Gloria. 

Eagle Scout James Reilly constructed and repainted a 13 x 8 sun shelter over a shuffleboard court at Newbridge Gardens Senior Living Center in East Meadow.  He solicited donations of materials from local businesses and over the course of three weekends together with the help of volunteers, built the sun shelter and painted the courts.

Shown in top photo, left to right, back row:  Assistant Scoutmaster Jeff Carpenter and Scoutmaster John Feeney. Front row: Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves, Eagle Scouts James Reilly and Corey Skinner, Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos.

BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves attended Boy Scout Troop 157 Eagle Court of Honor for Christopher Joseph Sommella at Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadow and presented a Nassau County Legislative Citation to Eagle Scout Sommella, a resident of East Meadow, in recognition of the hard work he did for his Eagle Project.

To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Christopher gathered other members of the troop and volunteers to construct five bat houses and install them in Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow. After losing a neighbor a few years ago to West Nile Virus, Christopher constructed these bat houses to help combat the mosquito population at the local park and pool.

“Christopher’s loss inspired him to help prevent any future tragedies in any way he could,” said Presiding Officer Gonsalves. “His project is certainly a great way to increase the safety of residents using this park from being exposed to West Nile Virus and other mosquito-related illnesses. He serves as a great role model for future scouts.”

BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves attended Boy Scout Troop 87 Eagle Court of Honor for James Pustorino at Kellenberg Memorial High School and presented a Nassau County Legislative Citation to Eagle Scout Pustorino, a resident of Seaford, in recognition of the hard work he did for his Eagle Project. 

To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, James completed a restoration of the front of his local public grammar school, including building a picnic area with tables, flowers and benches.

“James’ project was a great way to give back to his community and create something that all residents can enjoy,” said Presiding Officer Gonsalves. “He serves as a wonderful role model for future scouts.”