Scout uses project to beautify property

Daniel Coviello [front] worked with fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 16 last weekend on his Eagle Scout project. The project seeks to beautify the piece of land known as Treeneedle Triangle. Photo courtesy Daniel Coviello

Last January, a borough teen and Boy Scout set out to clean up a piece of land that was in need of attention, in the hopes of becoming an Eagle Scout.

On Sunday, the plan to beautify the area came to fruition as he and a group of hard working Scouts completed a majority of the project to rejuvenate Treeneedle Triangle, a small piece of borough property.

Daniel Coviello, 17, set out last weekend to mulch, weed, and clean up the piece of land with the help of his fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 16.

The plan to make the piece of land "more appealing" came as a result of a recommendation from the borough's Environmental Commission. To date, the commission has worked with Scouts vying for the Eagle Scout designation a total of four times.*

"Michael Kern from the commission was my mentor on the project and helped me out a lot," said Daniel, who also credited the help from his own troop leaders during the project.

Along with making the property more enjoyable, Daniel said there will be two benches placed at the location, along with a trash can and some flowers.

"A lot people would drop trash on the piece of land as they walked through, so hopefully the garbage can will stop them from doing that," Daniel said.

According to Daniel, the benches that will be put on the property were constructed by him. All of the materials used to construct the benches were either donated or discounted, he said.

Each bench will also be dedicated to a special person in Daniel's life in a ceremony this weekend.

One of the benches will be named for Daniel's grandmother, Sharon Coviello, who passed away several years ago.

The other will be named in honor of Craig Redman, a former Point Pleasant resident who Daniel said was a good friend to Troop 16 before his passing one year ago.

"As part of my project, I wanted to make something that would last, something that people could go to and enjoy and something that is special to me," said Daniel, as to why the benches will be dedicated to individuals that played an important role in his life.

Daniel's mother, Deborah Coviello, said that as a parent the experience of watching her son complete the project has been very exciting.

"Becoming an Eagle Scout is the culmination of your Scouting experience, so we are all really excited for him and proud," said Ms. Coviello.

With a small amount of work left on on the project before its completion, Daniel said the experience has been a time for learning.

"It was stressful at times, but definitely a worth while experience. I've learned a lot about time management," he said.

Following the project's completion, Daniel will be notified of his Eagle Scout designation after he presents his work for review to the scouting organization.