(Credit: Janine D. Martin, Lower Gwynedd Supervisor / Facebook)
The Daisy Troop from Gwynedd Mercy Academy (GMA) Elementary School was praised for its work at Oxford Park, where they installed a free library.
The recent Lower Gwynedd Township’s Board of Supervisors meeting included a special recognition of some local girl scouts. The Daisy Troop from Gwynedd Mercy Academy (GMA) Elementary School was praised for its work at Oxford Park, where they installed a free library.
Supervisor Janine Martin introduced the troop’s representatives and wanted to thank the girls for their hard work.
“I have the privilege tonight to introduce you guys to the first-grade Daisy Troop at Gwynedd Mercy Academy,” she said. “They came to us requesting to put a free library in one of our parks as one of their service projects, and we gladly accepted.”
Oxford Park, located at 1511 Cambridge Drive, consists of eight full acres of land. The park includes a softball field, a basketball court, playground, and walking trail.
And now, you may also notice the scout’s new feature.
“The staff was very excited to get it installed, and it looks great in Oxford Park,” Martin continued. “The township has put together a special certificate for the troop.”
The certificate of appreciation read that the “Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors would like to recognize Gwynedd Mercy Academy Daisy Troop #7083 for their donation of a little free library at Oxford Park.”
“The Girl Scout Promise is to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, and considerate and caring,” read the certificate. “Girl Scouts also promise to use resources wisely and make the world a better place. This library fulfills this promise.”
Martin continued.
“Visitors at Oxford Park will now be able to find something new to read, as well as share their favorite stories with others,” she said.
Martin presented the certificate to the troop members that were present at the meeting. Following the presentation, the Daisies had some words to share of their own.
“Tonight, I am here with my Daisy Girl Scout Troop 7083, which includes 14 GMA first graders and our Troop Leaders, Mrs. Strauss and Mrs. Torez, and our school principal,” said Grace Lall, age 7, who just completed first grade at GMA. Lall accepted the certificate alongside two other Daisy Scouts. “This year, our troop decided to use some of the money we earned selling Girl Scout cookies to purchase a little free library.”
Lall said even the color of the box was selected with careful planning.
“We chose a green-colored library, which is the main color for all Girl Scouts,” said Lall.
The first grader continued to explain how the troop filled its newly formed free library.
“We collected new and used books to fill the library for babies, kids, and even grown-ups,” she said. “We worked together to make a schedule so every Girl Scout has one month. We are in charge of keeping the library neat, tidy, and full. My friend Quinn and I are in charge of May.”
Lall said the troop could not have done the work alone and were grateful for the township's allowances.
“With the help of Janine Martin and the Parks and Rec committee, we are so excited to have our little free library installed in Oxford Park in Lower Gwynedd,” she said. “We wanted to put the library in a Lower Gwynedd park so anyone who visits can find something new to read and can have the chance to take home their own book.”
Lall even went on to help the board learn something new.
“Did you know that reading is important?” asked the young lady. “It teaches us new words. Reading is like exercise for your brain. Reading can take you on adventures and teach us new lessons like how to be a good friend. Reading is something that kids can do with their parents, friends, or siblings. Reading even helps me relax so I can fall asleep easier at night.”
The Daisy troop member concluded her statements with a heart-felt appreciation for the board and its work.
“Thank you for helping us give back to our community,” said Lall. “We hope you will stop by Oxford Park and take home a book from the library and add one of your own to share. Thank you, from GMA Girl Scout Troop 7083.”
“Thank you so much for coming,” said Supervisor Chairperson Danielle A. Duckett. “I too was a GIrl Scout up to the age of 18. I was a cadet, so I appreciate what you’re doing with your public service. We thank you so much for doing all of this for Lower Gwynedd. Thank you!”
