Troop 56 fundraisers outside of Golfsmith in Carle Place for funds to support Tyler Hancock's Eagle project. The past several months have been busy for the Boy Scouts of Troop 56 in Garden City. Several of the older Scouts are in the process of completing their Eagle Scout projects in a variety of local venues.

The rank of Eagle Scout represents the culmination of many years of dedication, volunteering and camaraderie. In order to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a boy must complete a community service project which demonstrates his leadership skills. Each project is chosen by the Scouts, and reflects their particular skills and desire to contribute to a community organization. The scouts rely on the assistance of their fellow Scouts, families and troop leaders to complete their projects.

Projects were recently completed by Scouts Michael Abatemarco, Thomas Arning, Emmett Collins, J. D. Dieterich and Tyler Hancock.

Michael Abatemarco developed a project designed to assist the Mary Brennan Inn in caring for homeless individuals in Nassau County. He led scouts in a project which built shelving for the Inn and filled the shelves with donations of blankets. Michael was assisted by local contractor Carl Rizzo, who volunteered his time and expertise in carpentry to the troop.

Painting a mural for the First Tee program in Eisenhower Park. Thomas Arning's project serviced St. Martha's Outreach Center, which services the local Hempstead and Uniondale community by providing food and staples to the needy. Thomas led Troop 56 in collecting, organizing and delivering thousands of dollars worth of items to stock their pantries. Additionally, Thomas compiled an e-mail list as an ongoing resource to St. Martha's resource to St. Martha's for future needs at their Outreach Center.

Emmett Collins chose a restoration project for the Queen of Peace Nursing Home as his Eagle project. He led his fellow scouts in refurbishing and painting 100-year-old 10x120 foot wall that surrounds a courtyard area used by the elderly residents of the nursing home. Additionally, Emmett raised money to plant new perennials in front of the wall for the pleasure of the residents for years to come.

Tyler Hancock leads Troop 56 scouts in golf club regripping for First Tee program. J. D. Dieterich chose to lead a project involving the building of drawers for the Interfaith Nutrition Network Men's Shelter in Hempstead. The men who visit this shelter had no place to store their belongings, so J. D. used donated lumber and taught his fellow Scouts how to construct drawers which slid under the shelter beds. Those who use the busy shelter now have a place to store personal items during their stay.

Tyler Hancock chose to support the First Tee Program of Nassau County for his Eagle project. First Tee is a program which provides learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. It serves over 800 children and young adults at Eisenhower Park. Tyler led his troop in cutting down and regripping golf clubs for young children. Tyler also raised funds for materials at he Golfsmith store in Carle Place, which was supportive and accommodating to the troop's efforts. Troop 56 also assisted Tyler in painting a mural of the First Tee logo into their storage shed in Eisenhower Park.

J. J. Dieterich (with shovel) and Troop 57 scouts and parents, with completed storage units for men's shelter. The completion of each Scout's Eagle project took the cooperation of their fellow scouts, parents, and siblings and the support of the local community. Troop 56 and each of the Boy Scouts would like to thank everyone involved in the project for their support and assistance. Troop 56 is proud to serve the local community.

J. D. Dieterich secures storage units for men's shelter with assistance form Jon de Mars, Tyler Hancock and Mr, Dieterich. Emmett Collins and scouts from Troop 56 at Queen of Peace Nursing Home. Back row: Emmett Collins, Evan Browand and Tyler Hancock. Front row: Michael Abatemarco, James Amato, Andrew Mohacsi, Jimmy Searsen and Zachary Miner. Troop 56 scout Thomas Arning filled shelves at St. Martha's Outreach Center with food and staples for the local needy community. Tom Arning had lots of assistance from Troop 56 scouts and friends. Michael Abatemarco with Carl Rizzo who assisted Michael in constructing shelves for Mary Brennan Inn. Food supplies for the St. Martha's Outreach Center and supporters of Tom Arnings Eagle project. Troop 56 scout Michael Abatemarco, in front of shelving built for the Mary Brennan Inn.