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Eagle Scout Project at Venture on a Farm Clinic Assists in Giving Dogs Another Chance at Finding Their Forever Home

Jim Marketti, 17, of Palatine Boy Scout Troop 209 has completed his Eagle Project. Jim, who has always had a love for animals, collaborated with Dr. Debra Rykoff of Venture on a Farm Clinic & Fur Keeps Animal Rescue, to refurbish the dog kennel area of the barn.

Jim led a team of 36 Scouts, Friends and Parents who worked 5 days and over 265 hours to clean the dog area of the barn, tear down old dog kennels and rebuild them, paint the walls of the barn, pour cement to even out the flooring, redesign the dog gates, and replace five windows. This project resulted in a cleaner and brighter area for the dogs with new sturdier kennels. As a final contribution to the project, Jim collected much needed supplies to help the animal shelter with its day-to-day operations - bleach, paper towels, dye free laundry detergent, towels, blankets and dog toys.

Jim joined Cub Scout Pack 348 when he was a second grader at Lincoln Elementary School. He achieved the Arrow of Light Award which is the highest distinction in Cub Scouting. As a Boy Scout of Troop 209, Jim has gone to Philmont in New Mexico twice and has hiked over 175 miles. He has attended the National Jamboree in West Virginia, and Seabase in Florida. During his time in Scouting, Jim has completed hundreds of hours of community service. He has served his Troop in the leadership positions of Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Scribe, Leave No Trace, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader and Troop Guide. Jim was elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA), the National Boy Scout Honor Society, and participated in bridging ceremonies for the Cub Scouts advancing to Boy Scouts.

Jim is a Senior at Palatine High School and is on the National Honor Society, Cross Country and Track teams. He is applying to colleges in Florida with the plan to study Marine Biology.

If you wish to give an animal a second chance, or assist in donating much-needed supplies, please contact Venture on a Farm Clinic/Fur Keeps Animal Rescue in Barrington Hills, Illinois: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 8am - 4pm; Wednesday and Saturday: By appointment only at 142 Old Dundee Road, Barrington Hills IL. Or they can be reached at 847-381-8458

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