ROCHESTER — After fundraising, planning and putting in the labor to clean up the entrance to Dexter Park Ball Field Eagle Scout Candidate Dominic Mattera signed off on the project with a Sign Signature Ceremony on June 24. 

The town removed twelve diseased trees from the median between the ingoing and outgoing roads to the ball field, and provided material to fill the holes. Mattera was in charge of directing his Troop members in Troop 31 to level the land in the median, plant rhododendrons to separate the ball field from the Police Station, and design and install the sign in a bed with two decorative trees. 

Mattera was also responsible for the project’s fundraising. He led a crew of ten troop members to complete the work in five hours a few months ago. 

Scoutmaster Kevin Thompson said in his June 24 remarks that Mattera’s project makes it so the town will never have to worry about the entrance again. 

Highway Surveyor Jeffrey Eldridge presented Mattera with a sign to put below the sign that he had designed to mark the ball field entrance, recognizing him for his hard work. Park Commissioner David Hughes presented the project leader with a plaque recognizing the “fine work he’s done here.”  

In his remarks, Mattera said that he was thankful that so many people turned out to support him. He then addressed his troop, saying “I couldn’t have done it without you. I am grateful to have you as a troop and family.” 

Mattera said he decided to clean up the entrance to the park because “this was not really noticeable. People didn’t really know what this area was.” 

He said the hardest part was installing the two trees that flank the new sign. He most enjoyed the leadership part of the project, and made sure that his fellow troop members knew the importance of safety and hydration while working.