CANFIELD — One of Pat Kelly’s main goals is to enter the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center’s aviation-maintenance program this fall to learn about working on airplanes, though his more immediate ambition is a bit more down to Earth.

“I’m going to take a (swimming) pool liner and put it inside so water doesn’t seep out the sides,” explained the Canfield 17-year-old, who’s a member of Poland-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 2.

Pat was referring to one of the essential steps in building a raised working garden, something he and several others busily assembled Saturday at The Ursuline Center Motherhouse, 4280 Shields Road. The garden also is his Eagle Scout project.

The group of close to 10 who joined him also was working under Gov. Mike DeWine’s Ohioans Protecting Ohioans health advisory, which replaced the Stay Safe Ohio order the Department of Health had implemented late last month. The new order strongly recommends that people, especially those deemed high-risk, stay home as much as possible, and it restricts gatherings to no more than 10 people.

The 48-square-foot garden bed, which was little more than a rectangular collection of stones and surrounding cinderblocks Saturday morning, will be about 3 feet high and likely will be filled with mainly tomato plants. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, its other primary purposes are to make it easier physically for those who tend it, as well as to be less labor-intensive.

“I wanted something local,” said Pat, who’s been in Scouting about 10 years. “A lot of the nuns can’t do a lot of physical labor. I raised it so they wouldn’t have to bend down.”

That explanation was quite pleasing to Sister Bridgette Nolan, who has been an Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown member about 60 years.

“I met with him three or four times to see if he’d do it, so we’re hoping he will get his Eagle Scout award. I think he will,” Sister Bridgette said, adding, “The sisters love homegrown tomatoes.”

The elevated garden will make it considerably easier for her to add up to 25 tomato plants to the new area, since she will be able to work with much less strain on her knees from bending over. Other additions nearby might include strawberry plants, a blackberry bush, a birdbath and a statue of St. Francis, Sister Bridgette said.

“I’m really proud, especially since he’s pushed through everything else going on,” said Pat’s mother, Steph, the Scoutmaster for Canfield-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 8115.

Travel, social and other restrictions the last two months because of the coronavirus pandemic initially made the garden bed idea seem “unapproachable,” Steph explained. For example, Pat was faced with having to make unexpected and quick adjustments for ordering materials and planning the project, she noted.

Nevertheless, the teen persevered and kept his eye on a strong desire to “help someone who gave so much to her community,” Steph said, referring to Sister Bridgette.

The Eagle Scout project also adheres to many of Scouting’s 12 core principles, which include being courteous, helpful and friendly, Steph continued. She added that the project’s underlying and deeper meaning will undoubtedly stay with her son long after the last tomatoes are picked.

“This experience translates to so much more in life,” Steph said. “I’m happy he has this lesson he can carry for life.”

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