Date: Fri 03-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

Jeffrey-LaBianco-eagle-scout

Full Text:

Eagle Project Turns Back The Clock At A Secluded Spot

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Jeffrey LaBianco had a quiet little fishing hole on Walnut Tree Hill, Road

across from the start of Riveredge Drive. He loved to go there, sit on a

branch over the river and watch the pond for fish jumping. But over the years,

he was sad to see the area become increasingly littered.

One day last year, picking his way between discarded electrical supplies and

used diapers to get to his favorite spot overlooking the water, Jeffrey

decided that something needed to be done.

Jeffrey contacted town officials who approved his plan to clean up the little

park as his Eagle Scout Project.

Jeffrey said "I'm the sort of person who likes the woods and nature, not city

stuff, so I like doing these projects."

Boy scouts and their parents and friends volunteered their labor to help

Jeffrey, and Veterinarian Neil Warner provided gloves to protect their hands.

The crew worked in shifts, and over a two-month period brought out 13 big bags

of trash.

They also built a sturdy bench (with materials donated through Fred Hurley of

the Public Works Department of Newtown) and two strong guard rails, to prevent

other trucks from going to that secluded spot in nature to dump their garbage.

Newtown Hardware helped the group out with a tool they needed.

Now completed, a path winds between mature trees to a bench at the tip of the

little peninsula. There you can sit, secluded in nature, and listen for the

fish to jump.

To get there, head out Glen Road from the center of Sandy Hook, past The Mill

(the old Fabric Firehouse Company). Turn left on Walnut Tree Hill Road and

park nearby.