An Eagle project with historical roots

Community service projects are nothing new to John Annunziata. As a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 362 of East Meadow, Annunziata is accustomed to partaking in various challenges requiring all kinds of skills. He has the badges to show for it. 

But in November, it was Annunziata’s time to take the helm to reach his ultimate achievement as a Boy Scout — the rank of Eagle. 

Annunziata orchestrated a project to replace about 550 feet of Civil War-era fences at the historical Old Bethpage Village Restoration. 

“The fencing was broken and rotted — it needed to be replaced,” said Annunziata, a senior at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville.

With a group of fellow troop members and adult leaders, on Nov. 6, the team worked to removed brush, old shrubs, weed and branches that grew on the aging fence, which separates visitors from an organic garden on the site. 

Martin Jancheson, a master gardener for Old Bethpage Village Restoration, also assisted Annunziata. 

After seven months of planning, coordination, scheduling and collecting donations, Annunziata aimed to complete the manual labor portion within two days. His team of workers completed it in one day. 

In addition to his involvement with Troop No. 362, which is based out of St. Raphael’s R.C. Church, Annunziata performs in Holy Trinity’s jazz and pit bands. 

Annunziata is set to receive his official Eagle Scout rank this year.