Denis Ribordy, a sophomore at Wheeler High School and member of Boy Scout Troop #907 in Valparaiso, recently took the final step to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout by completing his final project for Opportunity Enterprises. Denis designed and built a brick patio and two wooden benches in the courtyard off the production area at OE’s main facility on Evans Avenue.
Work on the project began almost a year ago when he contacted OE’s Intern and Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Kuchenmeister and expressed an interest in doing a project at OE. He discussed several project ideas with Kuchenmeister, and eventually they decided on the patio and benches. Ribordy then began the design phase of the project, which included determining the size and materials for the patio, as well as the design for the wooden benches. He needed something sturdy and weatherproof that was also lightweight and easy to move.
Once his plans were approved by both OE and his scout leaders, Ribordy began soliciting donations from area businesses for the materials he needed, and also started soliciting help from others.
“At one of our weekly meetings, I announced that I was going to be working on my Eagle Scout Project and needed help,” says Ribordy. “Many scouts and leaders, as well as my family, volunteered to help me, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Ribordy’s project went well overall, but as with any project of this scope, there were a few challenges along the way. “The most difficult part of constructing the patio was breaking up the rocky soil. Once that was done, placing the pavers was pretty easy. Cutting the wood for the benches was relatively simple, but making sure the boards were level while I was building them, and not stripping any screws, was a little more difficult,” he shares.
After several months of work, Ribordy completed his project, and the results are wonderful. OE clients and staff are now able to go outside during their break times and enjoy some fresh air when the weather allows, and the fact that the patio is flush with the ground makes it easy for clients in wheelchairs to enjoy the space. “Denis was very focused and organized and his project shows it. We are grateful for the high quality job he did for us,” reported Kuchenmeister.
“I chose OE because I believe it is a very good organization that helps a lot of people, and I wanted to do something to help with that task,” shares Ribordy. “I’d like to thank everyone at OE for allowing me to do this project, and I’d like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help me.”
After high school, Ribordy, who himself suffers from food allergies, plans on attending either Purdue University or the University of Colorado to major in biology or immunology, continue to medical school, and become an allergist.
A variety of projects are available for other Boy Scouts interested in completing an Eagle Scout project with OE. Interested parties may contact Kuchenmeister at 219-464-9621 ext 283, or cathy.kuchenmeister@oppent.org.
Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization which creates sustainable life choices and opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. Today, OE serves 1,100 adults and children with disabilities in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.
Photo: Denis Ribordy enjoying the benches and patio he constructed for Opportunity Enterprises