Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES Ho-Ho-Kus III • June 22, 2011 When he decided to pursue Eagle Scout status, Michael Menakis of Ho-Ho-Kus Boy Scout Troop 54 knew he wanted to focus on improving part of Saint Luke’s Church. Menakis has been an active member of Saint Luke’s for 16 years, including time spent as an altar server. After speaking with Pastor Rev. Jim Weiner and property manager Ed Flemming, Menakis learned of several potential projects. He explored each area of need and chose to concentrate on the outdoor courtyard area between the rectory and the church buildings. The landscaping construction project will entail transforming a sloping hill of lawn into a three-tiered garden backdrop for photos taken before and after weddings and other special events celebrated by the parishioners of Saint Luke’s Church. The retaining stone walls, which will support (continued on page 23) Scout to beautify church property Director’s duties will be reassigned by Jennifer Crusco This summer, Dr. Diane Mardy, director of special projects and part-time business administrator for the HoHo-Kus Public School, will begin her service as principal of Waldwick’s Crescent School. The district is currently regrouping in anticipation of Dr. Mardy’s departure. Last week, Ho-Ho-Kus Superintendent Deborah Ferrara explained that the K-8 district is advertising for a candidate who is qualified to assume the responsibilities Mardy had carried out as part-time business administrator, and the responsibilities of district buildings and grounds supervisor – a position Ferrara has been handling herself. Ferrara said she plans to take on the work of the director of special projects in conjunction with Principal Alexis Eckert and a current member of the teaching staff. The superintendent noted that, as supervisor of buildings and grounds, her responsibilities have included supervising maintenance, ensuring that orders are placed, making sure the levels of supplies are adequate, scheduling overtime, addressing systems issues (including plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning), directing snow removal, and ensuring the upkeep of the fields. The superintendent said she hopes to have the business administrator’s duties and the supervisor of buildings and grounds covered by Sept. 1. Mardy will begin her work in Waldwick on Aug. 1. Over the years, she has served as an elementary and middle school teacher and as a K-8 math enrichment teacher. Mardy earned a bachelor’s degree from Drew University and earned master’s degrees at Hofstra University and at William Paterson University. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and has logged 20 years in the field of education. Mardy will succeed Crescent School Principal Karen Mulroe, who is retiring after 12 years in the district. Ferrara noted that David Rinderknecht is still working one day a week as the district’s interim business administrator. She said she anticipates that Rinderknecht will continue to work with the district as Mardy departs. Rinderknecht distinguished himself by serving the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District for 17 years. He joined the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School as interim administrator on Sept. 1, 2010. Since his retirement in 2004, Rinderknecht has offered his services to local school districts on an interim basis. Before coming to Ho-Ho-Kus, he was an interim administrator in the Northern Highlands Regional High School District in Allendale. Originally from Iowa, Rinderknecht received an associate of arts degree in education from Concordia College at Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He also holds a master’s degree in education from William Paterson College (now William Paterson University). His career in education began in 1962, when he was a teacher and principal at Saint Paul’s Lutheran School in Paterson. He taught the seventh and eighth grades before becoming a teacher-principal. He subsequently served the Wyckoff school district, beginning as a sixth grade teacher and later working as administrative assistant to the superintendent, assistant board secretary, and business administrator/board secretary. He served as business administrator for the Ramsey schools before he joined the regional high school district. While he was at work in Ramsey, he was instrumental in setting up a consortium of six other school districts for data processing. Rinderknecht is known for his professionalism, communication skills, and business knowledge. When he joined the staff in Ho-Ho-Kus, Rinderknecht replaced Anthony D’Achille, who had been interim business administrator for the K-8 district since May 3, 2010. Now retired from full-time work, D’Achille’s last post was interim business administrator in East Newark schools. D’Achille took over for James Davis, who left Ho-HoKus to accept the post of business administrator for the Oakland schools. Eagle Scout candidate Michael Menakis