Eagle Scout Benjamin Ross was recognized by a special proclamation for his achievements and community service.
Stephen Finn
The Sun
The regular meeting of Cinnaminson Township Committee on Monday, March 18, began with a special proclamation by Mayor Ernest McGill recognizing Cinnaminson resident Benjamin Ross for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ross was joined by his fellow Scouts in Troop 70, who opened the meeting with a recital of the Boy Scout oath.
According to his Scoutmaster, Chuck Wright, whom Ross has considered a role model since he started with the Scouts, Ross exemplifies Scout law and has demonstrated trustworthiness, loyalty and helpfulness.
“He’s a good example, a good leader,” said Wright. “They (Scouts) are basically future leaders, so we have them do everything in the troop; it’s boy-led. Everything from guiding each other and helping promote each other is to develop leadership skills.”
Wright believes it is important to recognize Scouts who achieve Eagle Scout status because the rank is representative of their hard work and dedication to public service.
“Only about 5 percent of Scouts make Eagle, so 95 percent of the kids don’t make it at all, they don’t stick it out or they leave too early. It’s another way for us to show something good in the community,” said Wright.
For his Eagle Scout project, Ross noticed the Cinnaminson Middle School courtyard was in dire need of some upkeep. Eagle Scout projects are meant to serve one’s community, and for Ross, helping his local schools fit the bill nicely.
“It didn’t get any attention for a few years so it was all overgrown. We cleaned out the weeds, put in new flowers, mulch and trees,” said Ross. “They used to use (the courtyard) at the school, but none of the teachers use it anymore because it was really overgrown and it wasn’t really nice.”
The project started with a car wash to raise funds for the supplies Ross would need to complete the job. Once he had secured all of the tools, plants and materials he would need, Ross led a group of about 30 of his fellow Scouts to complete the cleanup.
Ross said it felt good to complete the project and see the difference made by himself and his team of Scouts.
After the Boy Scout troop filed out, following the mayor’s presentation, the meeting continued with committee reports.
Committeeman Paul Conda announced the township is expanding its Nixle alert system, formerly used exclusively to deliver police alerts to residents’ cellphones, to include community information.
“This new Nixle Engage platform has been launched and is already being utilized to inform residents of township activities,” said Conda.
According to Conda, residents who wish to sign up to receive these alerts can text ZIP Code 08077 to the number 888777. Residents also can register online at nixle.com to receive the notifications via email or mobile phone.
Conda also gave an update on continuing efforts by administrators to cut energy costs for township facilities.
“Administrator Schubiger and CFO Edmondson have continued to meet with energy brokers regarding the providing of gas and electric for township facilities. The township is examining alternatives with the goal of realizing a significant energy cost savings,” said Conda.
According to Committeewoman Stephanie Kravil, liaison to finance and veterans affairs, the finance committee is at work finalizing Cinnaminson’s 2019 municipal budget with plans to introduce in April.
Kravil also announced plans to expand special parking spaces for wounded veterans, like the designated space outside of town hall, to more locations throughout the township.
“The township has received a lot of positive feedback on the combat wounded parking sign that we have placed in the town hall parking lot,” said Kravil. “At this time, we are in the process of looking at additional locations to allocate combat wounded spaces.”
