KEYPORT – Eagle Scout candidate John Mallon IV, 19, of Keyport, has completed an Eagle Scout project that saw him construct raised flower beds and a shed at the Elizabeth Street Community Gardens in Keyport.
On Oct. 29, Mallon said the raised flower beds were designed to be tall enough to make gardening easier for elderly individuals or handicapped individuals so they do not need to kneel on the ground.
“My Scoutmaster at the time … she had talked to people at the garden club and found out they were looking for flower beds and a shed. That sounded like a good project to me because I like designing things and building,” Mallon said.
The small storage shed includes a living roof and a potting shelf. The shed is used to hold tools and supplies needed by gardeners, while the living roof holds a small garden.
Mallon said the rooftop garden promotes sustainable buildings. Since a small portion of the ground is occupied by the shed, John decided to put a garden on top of the shed.
“I wanted to give back to the environment and put back the area (of ground) the shed took out,” Mallon said.
Mallon raised funds and gathered donations from the Knights of Columbus; American Legion Post 321; Home Depot; Pollaro Custom Furniture; Keyport resident Lynne Kosobucki; and his parents and grandparents, according to a press release.
The young man graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology in June. He joined the Boy Scouts Troop 364 – Keyport in 2012 under the guidance of scoutmasters Kristopher Krzyston and Mary Anne DeVarti, according to the press release.
His parents are John Mallon III and Tracy Mallon.
Mallon has earned 28 merit badges, served as senior patrol leader for one term, and assistant patrol leader for three terms. He has held the positions of patrol leader, troop guide and quartermaster, according to the press release.
Mallon will leave for U.S. Marine Corps boot camp on Nov. 12.
