Eagle Scout Project Steve Otten Memorial Garden

Hello,  My boys Matthew and Andrew are life scouts in Ripon Troop 414.    Last year my oldest Matthew and his younger brother Andrew decided to make their Eagle community service project one that would benefit Ripona Elementary.  They both attended Ripona  Elementary.   Ripona has a garden and for many years  it was lovingly maintained by Steve Otten.  We were lucky enough to call Steve Otten a friend, neighbor and mentor for our boys.   Most of us know that Steve Otten was a pillar of this community.   He took the time to create a wish list of improvements that he thought would create a better experience for the students and staff.    Unfortunately, Covid hit and we were unable to do any of the project last year.   This year we also lost Steve Otten as well.   In memory of him, and to make sure that we complete the wish list that he wanted for the garden, we are looking to raise funds for the Steve Otten Memorial Garden at Ripona Elementary. 

 Matthew and Andrew along with fellow scouts, family, and members of the community plan to work on the garden through the month of July. Matthew will be working on Pergolas that will cover the benches and provide shade for the students.   Andrew will be looking to upgrade all of the planter boxes.   This will provide the students with a better opportunity to learn how to grow plants.  We will also put down some pea gravel to keep it from being a muddy mess when watering.  As we all know lumber is expensive and the scouts have limited funding to do their project.   Overall we are estimating this project will cost 4000 dollars.   We ask if you can be generous and please donate to their project.   Any extra money will go to Ripona Elementary to help fund their garden education program.   We look forward to creating a better experience for the students and teachers.  We also feel proud to create a tribute to Steve Otten and his tireless work for Ripona Elementary.   Thank you for your generosity.