Scouts complete special project for homeowner

Marlboro

MARLBORO - During the weekend of Dec. 16-17, while many people were searching for holiday gifts, Boy Scout Troop 86 of Marlboro gave a local resident a gift from the heart. Answering the call of the troop's chartered organi-zation, the Old Brick Reformed Church, 29 Scouts and adults constructed a wheelchair access ramp for a township resident.

According to a press release from the Scout troop, the resident needed a wheelchair ramp in order to get on and off a bus for transportation to and from medical appointments. Troop 86 worked hard to complete the project before Christmas.

Scoutmaster Bill Cain said, "The congregation of Old Brick has been very supportive of Troop 86 for over 50 years, so we were glad to have the opportunity to do something for one of their members."

According to the press release, a modular construction plan allowed several groups of Scouts and adults to work on different sections of the ramp at one time. One group built a level section on top of an existing cement patio to raise the patio up to door level, while a second group started construction of the inclined portion of the ramp. A third group worked on support braces for the inclined ramp, and a fourth group constructed new steps leading down from the patio.

While the adults and older Scouts used power saws and other equipment that require experience, the younger Scouts, under adult supervision, learned basic construction skills using hammers, power drills, wrenches and screwdrivers.

Danny Nitiutomo, 16, who has achieved the rank of Star Scout, said, "It was more than just a project. It was a chance for me and other Scouts to learn skills we will use for the rest of our lives, while giving back to the community."

Adult Scout leaders, Boy Scouts and other volunteers included R.C. Anderson, Roy Anderson, Chris Bentivenga, Nick Bentivenga, Sarah Bentivenga, Karen Bentivenga, Chris Bentivenga Sr., John Borden, Bill Cain, Kyle Earley, Bob Earley, Frank Giuffrida, Tom Giuffrida, Ryan Karmel, Alex Kopp, Eric Kopp, Neal Kopp, Dan Koren, Will Kustka, James Kwiatkowski, Mike Kwiatkow-ski, Jaeeun Lee, Phil Limeri, Scott Mitsching, Teddy Mittman, Dylan Nguyen, Danny Nitiutomo, Max Spano and Steve Spano.

The Scouts and the church thanked Lowe's of Marlboro for providing the building materials at a discount to the homeowner. They also thanked the staffs of the Marlboro building inspector and zoning offices for helping the young builders through the permit approval process.