Jawonio’s Chicken Coop Gets More Than A Makeover

Jawonio’s chicken coop was falling apart and Executive Director Jill Warner considered doing away with it altogether. But the people who receive services at Jawonio and its staff protested. Then Warner received a call from Jawonio’s Legislative Liasion Ed Day about a boy scout was looking for ideas for his Eagle Scout project.  Jawonio Facilities Director Robert Handler said the coop was in disrepair.

“It was tired and old,” he said. It was beyond makeover.”

So Perry Thomson of New City began working on plans for a new chicken coop at the beginning of last summer and started building it in August 2012 and finishing it about a month later. Thomson, 16, constructed a 10’ by 10’ home for Jawonio’s chickens and roster near the Samuel G. Fisher Residence. He also created four raised garden beds nearby that are accessible for people in wheelchairs so they can plant and tend herbs and flowers. Another set of raised garden beds is in a different location on Jawonio property.

 Warner said she did not realize how much the chicken coop benefited people until she talked about getting rid of it. Then she received calls from the Early Intervention and summer camp programs about how much the participants liked it and the staff at the Fisher Residence spoke about using the fresh eggs for breakfast and the residents’ enjoyment of hearing the roster.

“Everybody is very happy that the chickens are back,” Warner said as she thanked Thomson on Monday. “It’s bringing joy to the kids. It’s bringing food to the residents.”

Fisher residents Susan Cafarello and Clifford Longendyke said they liked the new chicken coop.

Thomson, a junior at Clarkstown North High School, explained he was nervous because he was responsible for directing the work.

“It seemed a little overwhelming at the time and I was worried the project may not come out as I had originally hoped,” he said. “On the other hand I was excited because I was going to be able to help a local community.”

Thomson worked 37 hours on the project. In total, 47 people helped with the project volunteering 210 hours. Donations came from Beckerle Lumber, Ridge Supply, The Home Depot, Vanderbilt Hardware, Nyack Lumber, Clarkstown Supervisor Alexander J. Gromack, State Senator David Carlucci, Rockland County Legislator Aron B. Wieder and Clarkstown Councilman George Hoehmann. Thomson held fundraisers at New City Bowl, Germonds Presbyterian Church and Twist & Shake.

Thompson, whose Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held on June 29, was pleased with the completed project.

“I was proud in the fact that my project would be used for years to come in helping others learn and becoming more self-reliant,” he said. “The chicken coop not only provides a beloved pet a home, but also enables the residents to learn how to collect and use eggs. The wheelchair-accessible garden beds aid the residents in planting, nurturing and harvesting vegetables."