Two scouts honored for their contributions to their community

MONROE — This past June, Monroe residents John Leonick and Tom Mullarkey were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Hudson Valley Boy Scouts of American Council.
Leonick’s community service project was to renovate and mark the three mile Monroe-Woodbury High School cross-country course.
As a member of the school’s varsity cross country team, he had first-hand knowledge that other runners had difficulty with the track, creating an unfair advantage for the home team. He completed this project in the summer of 2011, creating - if you will - a more level playing field for all.

22 signs, 19 posts

He collected prizes from area businesses and raffled them off. He contacted local businesses and organizations for assistance with specific materials and power equipment. On the day of the event, Leonick was assisted by members of Troop 440, family, friends, members of Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company as well as his cross country coach and team members. That day, 22 signs, 11 wood posts, 10 stenciled directions and eight metal posts were put in place, with brush and debris removed and the course drainage improved; a new map of the course and athletic fields was installed.
“I love the outdoors,” Leonick said, “and camping, hiking and learning about things, not always from a book, but by actually doing or experiencing them.”
A volunteer firefighter for his town, Leonick just completed his first year at SUNY in Oswego where he will continue running and being a positive force in the community.
The young man would like to extend his thanks to the following businesses and people: All-Pro Cleaning and Restoration Services of Westchester for the Yankee tickets; the McGinn and O’Neill families for their raffle donations; Bruce Mapes of Monroe Rental for the donation of power equipment; and the Monroe-Woodbury Athletic, Buildings & Grounds Departments for assistance with the course repairs.

A new flagpole for VFW Post 8858

Thomas Mullarkey replaced the flagpole in front of the VFW Post 8858 in Harriman with a new telescoping flagpole. He cleared and replaced a memorial next to the VFW Post with new paving stones and landscaping.
The memorial was re-dedicated to the VFW in a ceremony held on Veterans Day 2012.
Mullarkey raised some of the funds necessary by selling food at the Cheese Festival in Monroe.
This young man would like to thank Troop 440, their leaders, scouts and families for their hard work and many weekends devoted to making this project possible.
He also offered his thanks to Lowe’s in Chester and ShopRite for their donations as well, and especially CAM Mason Supply for generously donating the paving stones.

This article was provided by MJ Goff.