'Fix for Fido'

Nicholas Manson’s Eagle Scout project benefits the Monroe Animal Shelter Monroe — Nicholas Manson of Boy Scout Troop 440 in Monroe has helped stray dogs with his recent Eagle Scout project. Manson organized more than 70 volunteers in completing renovations at the Monroe Dog Shelter in April. In order to earn a Eagle Rank, a Boy Scout must plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project. Manson, a Troop 440 life scout chartered by American Legion Post 488 in Monroe, decided that for his Eagle Scout project, he wanted to find a way to help animals and bring attention to the needs of the local shelter. He worked with Michelle Ortiz from the dog shelter to make the project come to life. After Manson worked for months fundraising, lining up supplies and enlisting volunteers, everything was set for early April. On the weekend of the renovations, the volunteers repainted the interior dog kennels, repaired and added on to the existing storage cabinets, built a new bench and did a spring cleaning on the grounds of the shelter. Manson also donated a step stool he built as part of working on his Woodworking merit badge. More than 600 hours of service were provided by Nick and his volunteers. The volunteers came from members of Boy Scout Troop 440, Monroe-Woodbury High School students and members of Manson’s family. For many of the volunteers, this was their first time working on and Eagle Project. These companies and individuals gave their financial support of this project: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fitzpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. John Guererra, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Manson, Cruise Holidays of Orange County, Connell Renovations, the Ward’s Bridge Inn, Goosepond Animal Hospital, Monroe Veterinary Hospital, Mid-Monroe Animal Hospital, Dog Day Aftergroom, Paw Print Dog Training, Amedola’s, WalMart, Shop Rite of Monroe, Stop & Shop of Monroe, BJ’s Wholesale Club. Benjamin Moore & Co. of Montvale, N.J. and Ridge Supply Co. of Chestnut Ridge were major donors of supplies that were crucial to the project’s success. Mike Harrington of Mike’s Just Closets and Tim Varden of Gervic Paint in Chester provided their guidance, support and professional expertise. Additionally, hundreds of dollars were raised from countless nameless animal lovers who made donations in collection bins placed in locations around Monroe.Manson said it was the money from these anonymous donors that carried his fundraising efforts over the top and made it possible to complete this project.