Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 25, 2012 Wyckoff Union Cemetery refurbished by Boy Scout Troop 34 by John Koster A venerable Wyckoff cemetery containing the graves of a veteran of the American Revolutionary War and four Civil War veterans has been refurbished as part of an Eagle Scout project by James Calvano of Franklin Lakes Boy Scout Troop 34. “Collectively, there were 48 volunteers, with a total work At left: James Calvano (kneeling) surrounded by Scouts and parents who took part in the three-day cleanup of Union Cemetery. Above: One of the vintage headstones that has been adorned with two American flags. Wyckoff Police Sergeant Brian Zivkovich, who was the department’s leading enforcer of drunk driving arrests in 2011, will be honored by the New Jersey chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also known as MADD. Sgt. Zivkovich will be recognized at a breakfast on June 14 and will be honored with other New Jersey police officers for outstanding and distinguished service to the community for saving lives and preventing crashes by arresting impaired drivers. MADD is a national organization committed to reducing motor vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers. This organization believes that one of the most effective tools in fighting this nationwide problem is the enforcement of DWI laws by local police officers. Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox said he is proud of the enforcement efforts of Sgt. Zivkovich, and that it was difficult to select only one officer for this recognition, as the department has a number of officers who Police Sergeant Zivkovich to be honored make DWI enforcement a priority. Chief Fox said Sgt. Zivkovich has attained a level of training in DWI enforcement that allows him to more easily spot drunk drivers on the roadways, and following a traffic stop, develop the probable cause necessary to make an arrest. While it is always difficult to predict what could have happened in any situation, Chief Fox added that without a doubt Sgt. Zivkovich has saved lives or injuries, and prevented crashes through his commitment to taking drunk drivers off the roadways. Chief Fox added that the Wyckoff Police Department has always taken a tough stance against those who drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. High visibility enforcement not only catches those who drink and drive, but also sends a stern message to others who hopefully are discouraged from driving drunk, the chief said. He acknowledged that the penalties for drunk driving are severe because the consequences of drunk driving crashes are often severe. time of 228 hours over three days,” Calvano reported. “My volunteers and I cleared over two acres of land covered with thick brush, tall saplings, and leaves. We also laid over 10 cubic acres of wood chips throughout the cemetery. “I was glad that the work got done. I am thankful for the help and support from both my troop and the local businesses, especially the Country Lawn & Tree Service, the Law Office of John A. Spizziri, JC Office Interiors, and The Bridge Table.” Union Cemetery was originally the Van Blarcom family’s burial plot, with the first burial in approximately 1720, according to the Wyckoff Historical Society, which “adopted” the cemetery as a long-range project. “This is an amazing undertaking and achievement, and James and his team have earned great thanks not only from the Wyckoff Historical Society but also from the entire community,” said Wyckoff Historical Society President Dr. Richard Lynch. The Boy Scouts, he said, cut down weeds and small weed trees up to four feet tall, while a local landscaper provided a wood chipper and cut down a damaged tree and topped another. The Scouts cut down smaller damaged trees. A major improvement was to establish a main pathway from the right of way on Franklin Avenue to the rear of the cemetery, and two side pathways, including one to the entrance of the Wyckoff Assembly of God Church parking lot. The pathways were cleared, and the wood chips were laid down to provide safe footing for casual visitors. Large holes were filled in where animals had tunneled into the ground. The Eagle Scout project was one of several undertaken at the Union Cemetery. The fence surrounding the cemetery has been repaired several times, and poison ivy has been sprayed twice. Last autumn, Coleen and Kelly Hafers of Wyckoff cleared brush growing by the Franklin Lakes entrance and along the right of way back to the cemetery as part of their Girl Scout Silver Award project. Efforts to maintain and improve the Union Cemetery will continue under the auspices of the Wyckoff Historical Society. This summer, society members expect to learn to repair and restore old tombstones from two interns from Flagler College. Programs and tours will also be organized to teach contemporary Wyckoff residents about the 300year history of the Union Cemetery and the lives of the people buried there.