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Health & Fitness

Boy Scout Lends a Helping Hand to Chestnut Knoll for Eagle Scout Project

Boy Scout Dylan Downey lends a hand to Chestnut Knoll Residential Care for his Eagle Scout project. He wanted to create a new garden for the residents and staff to appreciate now and in the future.

When 16-year-old Dylan Downey set out to do his Eagle Scout project, he wanted to do something special that others can appreciate now, and in the future—creating a new garden for Chestnut Knoll Residential Care. He looked at his completed project with pride, knowing that the residents and staff at Chestnut Knoll will enjoy their new outdoor gardens for many years. Downey, a student at Pottsgrove High School and member of New Berlinville United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop, #533, helped clean up and make the gardens at Chestnut Knoll look nicer for the residents and staff walking around, or looking out windows. 

“Chestnut Knoll was very supportive of the project, as it was something that they had discussed for years, according to staff,” said Jon Downey, Dylan’s father. “They also allowed Dylan to promote the project to current and past residents to make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.”

His project involved taking the old planter boxes and replacing them with treated and painted lumber for the residents; and turning the non-used, overgrown garden area into a sitting area with a walkway and benches for the residents. Dylan also rebuilt the raised garden beds that allow the residents and the Pottstown Garden Club to garden and raise vegetables and herbs, which they enjoy using in the meals that are served. The raised flower boxes have also allowed residents who are no longer physically able to garden the traditional “down on the ground” way to tend to the flowers daily and enjoy their lifelong passion for gardening. 

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Also, a birdbath, trellis, archway, new bushes, bird feeders and mums were put in right outside the window of Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director. The project was finalized with plaques, made in memory of loved ones, and a final plaque, purchased by Chestnut Knoll. 

“I really hope the residents and staff at Chestnut Knoll enjoy the new garden,” said Dylan. “Many hours went into this project and I think the gardens look great. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my dad, the staff at Chestnut Knoll and the rest of my troop in helping to build and create the gardens under my direction.”

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Dylan hopes that the residents can benefit from the new gardens that he helped build to make the community even better. He was recognized at Chestnut Knoll for his project on July 21 at the community picnic for residents and families. His official Eagle Scout ceremony was held November 18 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Bechtelsville, Pa. He was recognized along with 5 other boys from Troop #533 at the ceremony. 

“We are so pleased to have been able to help Dylan with his Eagle Scout project, and in turn, having him help us make our community even more beautiful than it already is,” said Daniels. “The garden is a place of peaceful tranquility for residents and families to enjoy time together. We hope that the current and future staff and residents are all able to enjoy this for many years.”

Chestnut Knoll offers Residential Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events and transportation. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home care services available to seniors where they live. For more information on Chestnut Knoll At Home Services, Residential Care or Memory Care, please call Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.

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