Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 24, 2010 Allendale For high school junior Dana Simendinger, making a difference in the lives of others is second nature. As a secondgrader, the 17-year-old embraced the mission of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. to make the world a better place. The Allendale resident is now striving to achieve the organization’s highest honor – the Girl Scout Gold Award – by planning, implementing and leading a program for residents at The Atrium, a senior living community at The Allendale Community for Mature Living. Simendinger, who decided to focus on The Allendale Community because her grandparents live there, is teaching a seasonal arts and crafts class designed to promote memory recognition and enhance fine motor skills. The sessions also encourage each of the senior residents to share their personal life experiences. “I wanted to create a program to help seniors remember milestones that may have been buried, but not forgotten, from their past,” said Simendinger, who writes for the Northern Highlands High School newspaper and is a member of the Spanish Club. To achieve a Girl Scout Gold Award, substantial requirements must be met prior to project approval. Candidates must choose and research an issue, then create a plan that achieves measurable and sustainable impact. Simendinger’s goal of sustainability would be that other teens would Gold Award candidate helps seniors share life experiences Dana Simendinger (right) with Allendale Community for Mature Living resident Stella Dukes. follow in her footsteps by continuing arts and crafts classes at The Atrium while she moves onto college. Once the plan has been developed, it must be presented to the local Girl Scout Council for review and feedback. The Scout is now carrying out the plan by educating and inspiring the seniors. The Girl Scout Golden Eagle of Merit honor, awarded from 1916 to 1919, marked the beginning of a long tradition of recognition awards for girls who made a difference in their communities. Since then, the Curved Bar Award (1940 to 1963) and First Class Award (1963 to 1980) were the highest awards, followed by the present-day Girl Scout Gold Award. “We are so pleased to provide Dana and many, many teenage girls before her with the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and initiative while making life better for today’s older adults,” said Mary Stampleman, director of therapeutic recreation and community relations at The Atrium. “She brings a new light and fresh, youthful perspective our residents embrace whenever she is here with them.” The Girl Scout organization was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. Today, there are more than 10 million Girl Scouts members in 145 countries worldwide. Simendinger is a member of Girl Scout Troop 153. ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������ SM The Great American Roofing Company COVERING AMERICA, ONE ROOF AT A TIME. Your Best and Safest Choice... Quality You Can Trust Since 1836! Factory Certified • Fully Insured Free Estimates • Financing Available GAF-ELK I.D. # ME17201 • Lic. # 13VH0449250 �������������������� 120 E. Main St., Ramsey, NJ 07446 • 201-825-2155 HARDING WINE&SPIRIT Coastal Vines would become such a success in our store. We have people coming from towns all over Bergen County buying cases of Coastal Vines. Thanks to Coastal Vines and this newspaper, at our last count we have sold 4,716 bottles. Unbelievable but true! Remember it tastes like a $10 bottle of wine but we are selling it for only $5.01! 10-27-10 joan/janine GreatAmericanRoofing2x2(10-27-10) Wow! We knew it was good, but not in 2 x did our wildest imagination 2 we think WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 Coastal Vines $ Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 5 .01 750 ml No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.