Billy Rizzo Eagle Project at ECAP

By Vincent La Vecchia, Committee Member, Bronxville Boy Scout Troop 5

Jan. 27, 2021: Boy Scouts from Troop 5, Bronxville, recently completed five separate Eagle Scout projects despite pandemic conditions, which complicated their execution.  

These projects, planned entirely by the Scouts themselves, provided support and help to the community during an incredible time of need.

The completion of a large community service project is one of the most important steps to completing the rank of Eagle Scout. Only approximately 6 percent of all eligible Boy Scouts attain the Eagle Rank, according to Scoutmaster Jon Denfeld. 

The Eagle Project is conceived and executed by the Scout. It is the culmination of a Scouts training and demonstrates leadership through service to the community. Eagle Scout projects are not easy to complete and require perseverance and determination, especially during the pandemic.

Here is a description of each recent project:

The project organized by David Stinga of Yonkers consisted of the electronification (digitizing or scanning) of the columbarium records at the Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville. The project also included constructing planters, power washing the area, and repainting benches in the columbarium. David is a graduate of Iona Preparatory School and is currently a freshman at the City College of New York. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in September 2020.

 David Stinga Eagle Project at Village Lutheran Church

The project organized by Benjamin Mehler of Yonkers consisted of restoring the outdoor trash receptacles at the Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville. The project including removing the older rotting wood paneling, installing new paneling, and raising money to purchase new trash cans used by both the Church and the Chapel School. Ben is a senior at Fordham Preparatory School and plans to attend Cornell University next fall. Ben achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in October 2020.

Ben Mehler Eagle Project at Village Lutheran Church

The project organized by William “Billy” Rizzo of Bronxville consisted of restoring two bathrooms at the Eastchester Community Action Partnership (E.C.A.P). This project included repainting and reflooring both bathrooms, along with installing mirrors and cabinets. Billy is a senior at Bronxville High School. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in November 2020.

The project organized by Willem Bender of Bronxville benefited the Bronxville Dog Park on Grove Lane in Bronxville. Over multiple days, Willem led Scouts, who removed dead trees, debris, and trash from the park. They planted new flowers and shrubs as well as constructed a new bench. Willem is a Sophomore at Bronxville High School and plans to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021.

Willem Bender Eagle Project at Bronxville Dog Park

The project organized by James Rohr of Bronxville benefitted the Concordia Conservatory at Concordia College. The project consisted of clearing out the prop room in the Schoenfeld Conservatory Center, cleaning, patching, and repainting the room, and installing new shelving. James is a junior at Bronxville High School and plans to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021.

James Rohr Eagle Project at Concordia

For more information on Troop 5, please visit their website at www.troop5.net or email the scoutmaster at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos courtesy Troop 5