Eagle Scout project benefits White Oak community

By LIAM BELAN
lbelan@yourmvi.com
A local scout from Troop 1640 in White Oak is hoping to make a difference around McKeesport in more ways than one.
Zach Werner, who graduated from McKeesport Area High School last year, completed his Eagle Project over the summer to officially earn the prestigious title of being an Eagle Scout. Werner made three stands for The Little Free Growers Exchange, which allows local residents to exchange garden produce much like a Little Free Library.
One of the stands is up at the White Oak Borough Building while another stand will be installed by the borough.
After some deliberation, Werner landed on the plan and decided to turn it into a reality. It will not only serve the community, but serve as a valuable memory of his late father, Ed.
“We were brainstorming ideas with the White Oak Borough Building, and we came across this idea,” Werner said. “It seemed like a really good idea to help the community as a whole. I especially liked the idea of it because, when I was younger, I had a family garden with my late father, and it’s like a little memento to him, I guess.
“It’s a memory to me, knowing that I can remember him in a way that makes me happy. There’s no direct ‘In Memory,’ it’s just for me personally. Being able to give other families the ability to have family gardens just like how I had one when I was younger means something to me.”

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