By Lillian Hall
Lakeside Generosity Intern
Nicholas Hall, a 15-year-old Lakesider and Boy Scout, is on a mission to complete his Eagle Scout service project this year while giving back to the Lakeside community.
After a tree fell on the white fence separating a homeowner’s property from the West Second Street Gate, the damaged fence and surrounding plants were cleared, leaving the corner of Oak Avenue and Second Street bare and in need of landscaping.
Lakesider Bret Johnson, a family friend Hall met through youth programs at The Underground, suggested the space would make a great fit for an Eagle Scout service project.
Johnson helped get the project off the ground by serving as a liaison between Hall, the adjoining homeowner and Lakeside’s Development Administrator Lisa Hogue. Hall, who lives on Oak Avenue and walks past the area daily, agreed it was a meaningful way to serve the community.
Currently a Life Scout, the rank just below Eagle Scout, Hall must complete a service project that demonstrates leadership and benefits the community to earn the title of Eagle Scout.
“Service to other people is what Scouting is all about,” Hall said. “The spirit of giving and leadership is behind the Eagle Scout service project. The result of the project needs to have a significant impact on my community. I have grown up coming to Lakeside every summer, and now I can give back and make a difference.”
Because the project involves exterior changes and fencing, Hall needed approval from Lakeside’s Historic Preservation & Design Review Board (HP&DRB).
“At first, the process sounded overwhelming,” Hall admitted. “But Lisa helped me every step of the way.”
As Lakeside’s Development Administrator and the HP&DRB’s first point of contact, Hogue guided Hall through the planning process. They met several times to discuss the project and worked together on the application and presentation. Hall then presented his proposal at HP&DRB’s monthly meeting and answered questions.
“I was relieved when they voted and approved the project,” Hall said. “Later that day, Lisa emailed me, and I was excited to receive the ‘Certificate of Appropriateness’ that made it official. I have learned so much about the approval process and couldn’t have done it without her guidance.”
As part of the Eagle Scout requirement, Hall led a team of friends and fellow Scouts to carry out the work. With support from Lakeside’s Director of Horticulture, Kyle Bueter, the group cleared out overgrown brush and garden beds. (Pictured: from left, Weston Sudomir, Nicholas Hall, Ollie Towne, Kyle Bueter and Bret Johnson.)
While Hall and his crew’s work is finished, we’re continuing to improve this entrance thanks to generous Lakesiders who have stepped forward to replace the chain link fence.
Lakeside, a non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations, is raising additional funds for the project. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will go directly toward making this community improvement possible. GIVE ONLINE!
