MICKLETON — During their meeting on Aug. 14, the East Greenwich Township Committee passed a resolution that commended John R. Taylor for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.
Taylor, a member of Troop 7059 in East Greenwich for the past seven years, obtained Scouting’s highest rank on June 14, 2018. Taylor’s Eagle Scout project was to build four garden boxes for the outdoor reading garden at Samuel Mickle Elementary School in Mickleton. Taylor built and placed the boxes level and filled them with soil so the garden club could start their garden.
Deputy Mayor Jim Philbin noted that only about four percent of Scouts get to the Eagle Scout level. “You’re part of a great legacy,” Philbin told Taylor. “This is a huge accomplishment, and it doesn’t happen overnight.”
Committeeman Stephen Bottiglieri called Taylor’s work “something to be proud of.” He commented, “Now when you enter a room, you command it,” Bottiglieri commented. “You’ve reached the top. Be happy with your accomplishment.”
Committeeman Rich Schoeber and East Greenwich Mayor Dale Archer congratulated Taylor and his family. Archer pointed out, “The foundation of our town was about agriculture, and your project was based on agriculture.”
Archer also proclaimed August 14, 2018 as John Taylor Day. “You’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time,” Archer added. “We wish you all the very best.”
Taylor conducted his Eagle Court of Honor on Aug. 12 at the Clarksboro Masonic Lodge.
In new business, the Committee issued a proclamation honoring Ida DeSimone upon attaining her 100th birthday. “She lives on Jessup Mill Road, and has lived here for a very long time,” Archer noted.
East Greenwich Fire and Rescue Taskforce 67 and Archer came by to see Mrs. DeSimone for the occasion, and Archer presented her with the proclamation honoring her. The DeSimone Family had donated the ground that East Greenwich Township now uses for athletic fields on Jessup Mill Road.
“We could never repay her for what she’s given to this town,” Archer said. “She is a testament to farmers who grow and eat the right things.”
Later after a public hearing, the Committee adopted an ordinance that would establish a mechanism for payment of fire insurance proceeds. Archer explained, “It pushes the insurance companies when there is a severe loss in this town, and holds them more accountable.”
Another resolution authorized a salary increase for Public Works laborers after they complete their probation. The Committee also adopted a resolution certifying that they had reviewed the 2017 annual audit.
Bottiglieri credited the township employees for much of East Greenwich’s financial success. “The employees care about the residents and their tax dollars,” the Committeeman said. “It’s been tough in making cuts, but our pain has been rewarded. We’ve added police personnel, and we’ve been able to make purchases through getting better buy rates and paring down debts.”
One more resolution authorized advertising for the position of police clerk. This became necessary due to the retirement of Nora Ranieri, an employee for over 30 years.
“She’s worked very hard for this department and deserves her retirement,” praised Archer.
“She knows everything and has experienced a lot over the years,” added East Greenwich Police Chief Chris Everwine. “It’s been a pleasure, and we wish her the best.”
by Robert Holt
