Nathaniel ‘Nemo’ Swart, of Boy Scout Troop 70 in Highland and a Junior at the High School, presented his Eagle Scout project last week to the Lloyd Town Board. Supervisor Dave Plavchak introduced Nemo, saying, “We always look forward to seeing what the scouts are doing, especially the Eagle Scout projects.”

Swart said he will be constructing a prayer garden at St. John’s Lutheran Church, his family’s church in Poughkeepsie. He was baptized there, took his First Holy Communion there and was also confirmed at this church.

“I just felt that as well as getting my Eagle [rank], I should give back to the church that helped bring me up,” he said.

Swart described his Prayer Garden project.

“It consists of flower beds as well as flowers to help the elderly gardening committee to make it easier on them to plant and make the courtyard look pretty,” he said.

Swart brought a picture that showed a before and after rendering of his project, which consists of three raised flower beds, one raised multiple flower box that will hide an AC unit and two composite benches.

Swart estimates that supplies for his garden project will cost about $4,200, noting that today all of the needed materials are expensive. He told that board that so far he has raised abut half of his estimate and cash donations are also accepted.

“We’ll be making out of Treks and composite materials to make it last longer,” he said.

Swart has run several fundraising events, such as selling fudge from Phenomenal Fudge, bunt cakes from Nothing Bunt Cakes, and Krispy Kreme donuts, in order to reach his financial goal.

Swart is planning to start his project in July when he expects nice weather.

“I plan to have all the safety equipment and I will ask my Troop, friends and family to come help to set up the flower beds, put them in place and do the digging,” he said.

Supervisor Plavchak said, “It looks like a great project to me and we appreciate all of our town residents who volunteer their time and do something for the community; it is important...We appreciate you taking the time to come here and wish you success in completing the project and getting your Eagle Scout award. Good luck.”