The Food Bank Farm has an inviting new addition, thanks to a local aspiring Eagle Scout. Alex Solis, a scout from Troop 144, made it his mission to improve the farm with a new seating area for his Eagle Scout project. The set includes four waterproof benches and a table, perfect for a small gathering or as a place for volunteers to rest.
Troop 144 is scout-led, meaning the scouts do all the planning and decision-making for projects or trips with adult guidance. The Eagle Scout project is no different. Scouts must show leadership by managing the project and volunteers on site.
Alex had been to events at the farm and noticed the need for more comfortable seating. "I remember sitting down on the ground and getting thorns in my hands," he noted. With some guidance from his supportive family and garage space, he knew he could plan and execute the project on a budget, doing most of the prep work at home.
Alex chose pressure-treated pine because of its durability in adverse weather. To create a unique look, he used a propane torch to burn the outer layer of the lumber, enhancing the texture before sanding and staining. That process created a stunningly beautiful result: a charcoal grain contrasting the brightness of the pine.
After the burning and sanding process, he applied six sample stains and brought them to the farm to show Farm Manager Jesse Blacksher. Together, they decided on a redwood stain. It was an excellent choice. The furniture features warm amber tones with pronounced grain patterns.
The furniture project took shape on the farm over four days with the assistance of 12 other scouts. They also completed a general cleanup of the property, removing railroad ties, concrete, pallets, tires, scrap metal, and garbage.
Visitors to the farm today enjoy a clean, beautiful area of land that provides for the community and serves as a hub for volunteers and local farm events like Farm Camp and the annual Farm-to-Table dinner. The new addition makes the farm a more comfortable place to visit.
Alex will graduate high school this spring and has his sights on enlisting in the Coast Guard, a tradition in his family, with both his parents having served and his older brother Michael currently undergoing basic training.
He said he would like to end up somewhere warm but not too warm. His mom, Christa, laughed, and he continued, "I'd say my family has had a big impact on me and my life and my choices," as he thought about his next chapter.
With significant changes on the horizon and the Eagle Scout project under his belt, Alex plans to stay involved with the troop and aspires to be an Assistant Scoutmaster and, ultimately, an adult leader.
It is heartwarming to read about Alex and his Eagle project. It looks wonderful. Reading this also brought back the memory of my own son's Eagle project more than 25 years ago. It's still up and looking good. I expect Alex's will be around just as long.
It is heartwarming to read about Alex and his Eagle project. It looks wonderful. Reading this also brought back the memory of my own son's Eagle project more than 25 years ago. It's still up and looking good. I expect Alex's will be around just as long.