Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • November 9, 2011 Ridgewood Eagle Scout candidate builds houses for bluebirds ect would take him 75 to 100 hours of construction time, and he showed the council a detailed map of the locations he had discussed with avid birder Deedee Burnside of Waldwick, and cleared with Ridgewood Recreation Department Director Nancy Bigos and Ridgewood Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser. “We discussed what types of birds and ducks would nest in the habitat and I learned that the area would encourage the nesting of many species of birds including the elusive Eastern bluebird,” Kearny said. “I also learned about box construction and placement. I plan to put the bird boxes up on posts around the arboretum built by Troop 7 Eagle Scout Greg Babunovic.” Kearney said that Matthew Kuiken of Kuiken Brothers Lumber in Midland Park had discussed the project with him and offered to donate all the lumber and other construction materials. “The Winged Creature Sanctuary would not only be beneficial to the local bird population but would also be a nice addition to the major alterations that are being made to the park,” Kearney said. “Ridgewood residents and bird enthusiasts could walk along the trail and observe the local avian population.” Kearny said he became interested in bluebirds in particular by watching a National Geographic Nature Special and reported that he regularly enjoys documentaries about wildlife and exploration. Ridgewood Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche noted that only four percent of all Boy Scouts make Eagle Scout and endorsed Kearney’s project. Mayor Keith Killion and Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said they had toured the vicinity and approved and endorsed Kearney’s project to bring bluebirds, wild ducks, and owls into Ridgewood. Mayor Killion, noting the location of the duck boxes and prompted by Councilwoman Walsh, had one avuncular piece of advice for Kearney’s construction project along the waterfront: “Look out for the snapping turtles.” Robert Kearney by John Koster Ridgewood Eagle Scout candidate Robert Kearney, a life member of Troop 7 and a senior at Ridgewood High School, offered the Ridgewood Village Council a project the governing body approved. Kearney is planning to build a dozen birdhouses for bluebirds, ducks, and a single owl box for installation at the Irene Habernickel Family Park now being developed near the Waldwick border. Kearney said he anticipated the proj- Michael Orlando, a sophomore at Ridgewood High, wanted to give back his school as he worked on his Eagle Scout service project. After speaking with Principal Jack Lorenz, Orlando decided that an excellent project would be the restoration and redesign of the entrance circle leading to the high school on Hermance Place. He researched the project, created a design, raised over $3,000, and installed a spectacular seating and landscape area that beautifies the school and provides a wonderful environment for students to use. Orlando is pictured in front of the newly-designed circle. Full circle