Scouts Honor: Boys Recognized for Sandy Help

Two Bloomingdale Boy Scouts were honored Tuesday for their assistance in preparing sand bags before Sandy made its way to the borough.

The boys, David Synol and Brendan Shoemaker, filled hundreds of sand bags at the Bloomingdale Department of Public Works yard for residents and business owners to pick up and place outside their doors to prevent flooding. The sand bags were offered free of charge to those who wanted them and many Main Street business owners said they felt more prepared for the storm because of them.

The Scouts, from Troop 86, worked with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to fill and distribute the bags on Oct. 28 as many homeowners began preparing for the storm. More than 600 bags were filled and given out, according to DPW Superintendent Al Gallagher.

Bloomingdale Mayor Jonathan Dunleavy commended Synol and Shoemaker and presented them with certificates of achievement at Tuesday's council meeting. He said that their volunteer work "reflects itself in the pride of the community."

"I know we can call on you again," Dunleavy said.