By Theresa Knapp
MEDWAY – Logan Thomsen, a member of Boy Scout Troop 108 in Medway, recently completed his Eagle Scout project -- a three-stage compost bin located at Medway Community Farm -- and dedicated it to his friend Nate Borstel, a Medway Eagle Scout and family friend who died suddenly in December 2019.
Thomsen also installed a memorial plaque in memory of his friend who was “a big reason I joined scouts.” Thomsen said Nate’s former Scout Leader Mark Dobday was also instrumental in his participation in Scouts and, though Dobday has since moved to Montana, he was present for the dedication on Father’s Day.
At the event, Thomsen said, “I’d like to take a minute to thank all of you for your support during this project. I could not have done any of this without your encouragement, your expertise, and your time and effort. I would like to especially thank Mr. Dobday for having helped start Troop 108 for all of us, and my Dad - without him, I could not have made this journey or completed this project. He has been beside me every step of the way.”
Logan’s father, Mat Thomsen, said, “As we sit here now, at our community farm, and reflect on the profound impact this community has had on our family, we’d like to thank all of you who played a role. Because we know your support, inspiration, and involvement did not start and stop with our family…We’ve chosen to dedicate this project to Nate, whose scouting journey served as inspiration for our family, and whose spirit has been witnessed in the kind deeds of so many since his passing in December of 2019.”
Thomsen said the project involved many volunteers and consisted of three build days, a day for plaque installation, and the dedication day. “It was made possible through many generous donations of family, friends, community members” and he specifically thanked Don Canfield, Assistant Manager of Home Depot in Bellingham; Northeast Stamp and Engraving of Milford; and Steve Johnson, Scoutmaster of Troop 108, who was instrumental in all aspects of the project, including coordination, expertise, and administration.
Thomsen says the bins at the composting station have many day-to-day benefits, noting they are economical, environmental friendly, practical, and accessible as they are available for public use at Medway Community Farm.
Farm president Carol Collard says, “Community members will be able to bring their compost to the farm and have a dedicated spot to drop it off. This compost material is meant for two of our programs: the community gardeners, and the education programs. I can’t imagine a better tool to use to teach about composting.”