Ramsey June 20, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Gardening project yields gold for McCabe Emily McCabe, a senior at Ramsey High School and member of Girl Scout Troop 912, recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award with a project benefitting senior citizens in the community. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn and requires the completion of a leadership project of at least 80 hours. Each girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change. The project should both reflect the girl’s passions and interests and fulfill a need in her community. Working closely with the Senior Citizen Center of Ramsey, McCabe planted flowers at the homes of 27 senior citizens. “My project was inspired by my grandmother who passed away a few months before I started my Girl Scout Gold Award,” McCabe explained. “She lived by herself after my grandfather’s death and it had always been hard for her to move around and do things. Many senior citizens I know have a hard time working outdoors and bending and moving around, so I wanted to utilize my gardening hobby to help those who need it.” Lynn Bergin, a Girl Scout volunteer from Ramsey and McCabe’s project advisor, was impressed with the Girl Scout’s ambition and creativity. “This project was such a fantastic idea and it brightens the whole community,” said Bergin. “While working on this project, Emily was resourceful and tactful. She communicated effectively and created a project that was a win for everyone.” McCabe spread the word about her project and interested residents contacted her. She received donations of soil, f lowers, (continued on page 10) Emily McCabe helps Genie beautify her home with flowers.