Eagle Scout Completes Beautification Project for Senior Apartments

submitted by Stephanie Jacobs

When Owen Smith heard that the seniors at the AHEPA Apartments in Saraland needed help making their outdoor areas safer and more beautiful, he knew he had found his Eagle Project. Owen is a Scout with BSA Troop 113 of Saraland, that meets at Saraland United Methodist Church. He has been a Scout since joining BSA Pack 113 as a first grader and is currently a Junior in High School. He has always loved Scouts, and over the last few years has been working towards his goal of getting his Eagle rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts of America. Requirements include earning a minimum total of 21 merit badges, including all required badges that were not previously earned, and demonstration of Scout Spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

The AHEPA 310 IV Senior Apartments were a perfect fit. AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) provides on-site property management, maintenance, and supportive Service Coordination to 50 senior apartments off Cleveland Road in Saraland. Residency is restricted to seniors earning 50% of the Area Median Income or less. They have excellent facilities but needed a few things done on the property to make it safer and more attractive to the residents. One of the things that Owen Smith did was to pressure wash the sidewalks that had become slick over time. He also trimmed back shrubs around their walking path to remove obstacles that could trip a resident. One of the resident’s favorite parts of the projects were the 6 brand new wooden benches that Owen built for outdoors. The large benches with built-in cup holders make sitting outside more enjoyable. To spruce up the outdoors, Owen also added a garden around the entrance sign to the apartments with flowers and perennial shrubs.

Owen managed a team of 28 adult and youth volunteers to get all of the work done in two days this summer. The group picked up branches on the property that were trip hazards, pressure-washed the sidewalks, cleaned the concrete benches, replaced glider awnings, picked up garbage, cleared vines from the back lot, and cleared leaves off of walking paths. Owen had plenty of donations to help him complete such a large project. John Andrews at Andrews Ace Home Centers in Saraland covered many of the materials needed and LA Faith Landscape Design donated all of the flowers and shrubs. Industry Services covered the tools and equipment. Additional expenses were paid for by generous donations from the Saraland Lions Club, Modern Woodmen, and LTD Enterprises.

Owen has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the residents and continues to talk with them on his weekly visits to maintain the garden. The residents have enjoyed meeting Owen and are proud of the work he was able to accomplish. The residents are hopeful more Boy Scouts will follow in Owen’s footsteps and help to provide continuous support at all of the AHEPA properties in Mobile and Baldwin counties.