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Sebastian Maroun, an incoming Eastchester High School junior, and his crew of volunteers has begun working in earnest on his Eagle Scout project, a quaint reading garden outside of the Tuckahoe Public Library.
The project has truly become a community affair, with Frank DiMarco, a Department of Public Works foreman and Maroun leading a team of various volunteers from Tuckahoe, Eastchester and Bronxville.
“The project consists of a walkway, an area enclosed that people can enjoy, read books and be part of the community,” Maroun said. “Right now, we’ve dug out the space where everything is going to be built with the help of Frank DiMarco, next step is laying the bricks in the walkway.”
In an effort to raise money for the costly project, Maroun is selling personalized bricks that can be engraved with a message. A 4 inch by 8 inch brick is available for $50 and an 8 inch by 8 inch brick is selling for $100.
“There is space to put a message, and it’s really going to help with my project and help the community too, because it will be long lasting,” the boy scout said. “The brick will be there forever and it’s a way to help the community.”
Maroun, a member of Bronxville Boy Scout Troop 1, said that the outdoor garden will include a horseshoe-shaped seating area, trees, plants, flowers, and lattice to improve the view near the train tracks. Local artists will also have the opportunity to showcase their finest sculptures and art in the space.
In order to reach the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, Maroun needed to plan a project, get it approved by the necessary parties and commit a minimum of 100 hours to it. The project must benefit the community and there has to be a fund=raising and leadership aspect to it.
Tuckahoe Mayor Steve Ecklond said that he was happy the Bronxville troop was on board with Maroun completing the project at the library he has frequented for more than a decade. The project is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
“There are a lot of different moving parts in a project like this,” he said. “It’s a very worthy project, and we’re very happy that a Bronxville scout chose Tuckahoe to be the beneficiary of the project.”
Those interested in assisting Sebastian on his project can reach him at seabass827@hotmail.com or 914- 216-9214. Checks can be made out to the Boy Scouts of America, Bronxville Troop One at 189 Dante Ave., Tuckahoe, NY 10707.
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