Troop 300 Eagle Scout candidate working on project to benefit seniors

HOWELL/FREEHOLD -- Eagle Scout candidate James Genovese of Howell's Troop 300 is working on a project to benefit the seniors who use the Freehold Senior Center on Jackson Mills Road. James' Eagle Scout project entails the renovation of a sitting area outside the facility, and the teen is raising funds to buy the supplies he needs to bring his idea to fruition.

According to James, the seniors currently use this space during the warmer months, but there are only two benches, which cannot accommodate all those who enjoy this space. Seniors often have to bring their own folding chairs if they want to hang out.

James explained why he chose the Freehold Senior Center as the place to fulfill his Eagle Scout project requirement:

"I wanted to create something useful for those in need in my community. I know how beneficial it can be to spend time in nature so I wanted to create or improve a space that would allow seniors to do just that while socializing with each other."

On James' GoFundMe page, he notes the details of his project, which he hopes to complete by May at the latest:

"I plan on building five new wooden benches for the space as well as two raised flower beds. I plan on planting catmint, boxwood hedges, and summersweet in the planters as these are deer resistant.

"I hope to bring in some natural color into the area as well as attract birds and pollinators like butterflies. In addition, I will add a small section of path and fencing to give the area more cohesiveness."

James noted the project comes with challenges:

"A current challenge I'm facing is figuring out how I am going to make a section of gravel path. I need to find a source of gravel that isn't too expensive and a way to edge the path that avoids any tripping hazards."

While James has raised some funds, he still needs more:

"I have already raised some money from a troop bake sale, but I am still short of my estimated total cost of $1,500.

"If extra money is raised that is not spent, it is Boy Scout policy to donate that money to the project beneficiary, in this case the senior center.

"For this purpose I ask for your help in raising some of the money needed for my project. All donations large and small are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much."

When asked how scouting has impacted him, James said:

"Scouting has taught me how to be independent, responsible, outgoing, and communicative enough to plan and carry out this project."

If you would like to support James' project for seniors, visit his GoFundMe to make a donation.