Julian Martinez received his award in March
When choosing an Eagle project, Boy Scouts are required to consider something that will help the community and benefit everyone. Julian Martinez decided to beautify the entrance to Cornwall-on-Hudson’s Cliffside Park, making it more welcoming to residents and eye-appealing to passersby on their way to Donahue Memorial Park.
Two years ago Martinez met with former Mayor Brendan Coyne to discuss possibilities for his project. Coyne mentioned a spot on the corner of River Street and Dock Hill Road where two stone columns stand. The entrance to Cliffside Park was overgrown with weeds and needed some identification indicating the presence of the village neighborhood.
When presenting his project to the Boy Scout Council, Martinez said he planned to remove the weeds, put down mulch, plant perennials, and construct a welcome sign. One question asked by the review board pertained to the sustainability of the project and how the area would look five years in the future. The suggestion, which Martinez incorporated into his project, was the inclusion of Vinca ground cover.
Approval was granted in Dec. 2019, but Martinez had to wait until spring to ensure the survival of any plantings. In the meantime, he and his fellow volunteers went door-to-door asking the neighborhood residents for donations. A letter was delivered to each home explaining the purpose of the project. Through his efforts, Martinez was successful in raising about $600 which he used to purchase soil, mulch, plants, and other supplies.
Besides the weather, one of the biggest challenges was completing the project amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding volunteers proved to be difficult, but Martinez was successful in rounding up 20 friends and fellow scouts to assist. During work sessions, he made sure everyone was safe by ensuring masks were worn. As protocols were relaxed, Martinez had smaller groups work to allow for more social distancing.
Over the course of two months, starting last May, volunteers worked about four hours a day on weekends. Martinez kept the days short because of the hot temperature.
In the end, the group was successful in removing weeds, putting down new soil and mulch, and planting perennials such as junipers and cat’s pajamas and annuals such as daisies.
The project also included a 2×2 foot sign, but Martinez said he had to take it down because it broke due to weathering. It will be replaced later this summer and the Eagle Scout plans to use a stronger polyurethane bond for the laminate. The sign will include a metal brace in the back to prevent it from falling off the steel rod which is attached to the pillar. The new sign will also include recessed lettering, which the first did not.
After nearly two years of planning and working, Martinez was finally awarded his Eagle back in March.
“It’s a nice acknowledgement,” he said. “It’s a nice way to feel about Scouting. You always have to remember to give back to the community. It’s not just this one project, even when you’re older.”
