Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 25, 2011 Ho-Ho-Kus Hewitt, Michalski earn approvals for Eagle projects by Jennifer Crusco Nicholas Hewitt and James Michalski of Boy Scout Troop 54 have earned the Ho-Ho-Kus Council’s initial approvals for Eagle Scout service projects that would bring bat houses to the 16 Acres and picnic tables and other improvements to East Park on Hollywood Avenue. Hewitt proposed the installation of 10 to 16 bat houses at the 16 Acres. In his presentation to the council, the Scout noted that the number of houses he installs will be based on the success of his fundraising effort. Hewitt advised the council that the goal is to provide one bat house per acre in an effort to combat the insect population. One bat, he explained, can eat 600 mosquitoes per hour. Bats also play an important role in the pollination of local plants. Mayor Thomas Randall brought up the issue of white nose fungus, which has reportedly killed approximately 90 percent of the state’s bat population. He pointed out the importance of the balance of nature. Mayor Randall also asked Hewitt how he would entice local bats to use the houses. Hewitt said the presence of the houses should entice the animals. “If you build them, they will come,” a council member quipped, paraphrasing a quote from the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams.” The mayor also asked if this type of project had been carried out in other local communities. Hewitt’s father, George, noted that a Franklin Lakes Girl Scout recently built and installed bat boxes locally. The Girl Scout, Katherine Riccobene, recently held a presentation regarding bats at New Jersey Audubon’s Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. Riccobene, a junior at Indian Hills High School in Oakland, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her Nicholas Hewitt and James Michalski TRIPLE A HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED, INSURED & FREE ESTIMATES (201)674-0725 • (201)444-3097 Free Gutter With Any Complete Roofing or Siding Jobs. • • • • • 15% OFF and Free Blueprints on any Kitchen, Basement & Bathroom Renovations. 15% OFF On Any of These Jobs: • • • • • Decks Retain Walls Sidewalks Steps Driveways Interior/Exterior Painting Drywalls Crown Molding Windows Doors work. Patrick Scheuer, director of Lorrimer Sanctuary, recently reported that Riccobene’s bat boxes were not installed in Franklin Lakes. However, Boy Scout Thomas Osborne of Clifton constructed a number of bat houses for Audubon locations throughout New Jersey. Scheuer said six of those boxes are slated for installation at the Franklin Lakes location. In his project description, Hewitt notes that his effort will include fundraising, researching the bat house construction, and building and installing the houses. The labor will include digging holes for the poles on which the houses will be mounted, and pouring concrete. Hewitt’s written material also states that bats have become endangered or extinct due to widespread habitat destruction and the use of pesticides. He estimated that his total project time would be 115 hours and would cost approximately $500. Hewitt plans to use power saws with adult supervision in his personal wood shop. He noted that he has had two years of wood working in high school. Michalski told the council he plans to work in improving the park on Hollywood Avenue. The Scout said he plans to fundraise and purchase picnic tables at approximately $300 to $400 each that would be assembled by his volunteers. He pointed out that no power tools would be necessary, and that the tables would be stained to extend their period of usefulness. He also said he would like to renovate a meeting area that currently includes log benches. The Eagle candidate plans to frame the area with railroad ties and fill it with woodchips. He said he would ask the department of public works about the availability of woodchips. “The site is always a problem because it floods,” Mayor Randall cautioned Michalski. The mayor pointed out that picnic tables (continued on page 21) 5-25-11 janine Wow! We knew it was good, but not in TripleA_HomeImprovements3x3Color(5-25-11) our wildest imagination did we think 3 x 3” Coastal Vines would become such Rev2 HARDING WINE & SPIRIT a success in our store. We have people coming from towns all over Bergen County buying cases of Coastal Vines. Thanks to Coastal Vines and this newspaper, at our last count we have sold 8,232 bottles. Unbelievable but true! Remember it tastes like a $10 bottle We now carry of wine but White Zinfandel we are selling it for only $5.01! KEANE FIT & WELLNESS ��������� Sheila Keane per·son·al train·ing� (noun) a program conceived, created or devised specifically for you and your unique needs by an educated, certified, experienced individual WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Coastal Ranch style with extended large deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, $ .01 screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, fullVines room with fireplace. Satellite kitchen, great 201-445-7122 Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Waterfront house on Fripp Island, SC (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Free Parking • Ice • Soda DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED TV, internet, wash/dryer and gas grill.Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 ml 750 305 E. Ridgewood Ave championship golf courses, several swimming pools, tennis, marina and more. $2900./ Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridgewood, NJ week. Two amenity cards included; add’l cards may be purchased. & Whiteavail. at add’l Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Golf cart Zinfandel fee. Call 843-597-2492 or check website: www.frippocean.com for information. No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors. 5 MAT (Muscle Activated Techniques) Specialist • EXPERIENCED - 15 years one-to-one personal training, Former educator of NYSC trainers • EDUCATED - MA in exercise science • CERTIFIED - ACSM, NASM, Post Rehab Specialist, Come experience the difference real personal training can have in your life. CALL NOW • 201-341-0183 Fitness, Weight Loss, Bariatrics, Geriatrics & Parkinson’s Programs ������������������������