By Kate Reardon
Herald Writer
EVERETT — It’s amazing what flowers and a planter box can do for your mood.
Josh Gibb learned that firsthand recently when residents at Arbor Place assisted living residence in south Everett planted pansies, mums, black-eyed Susan’s and kale in the 10-by-2-foot wooden planter he built for his Eagle Scout project.
Dozens of residents sipped root-beer floats, planted flowers and applauded Gibb for his hard work.
Next year, residents can take a shot at growing tomatoes in the raised planter.
"People here miss home-grown tomatoes," the 17-year-old Scout said, adding that was part of the reason he wanted to build the planter.
The Jackson High School senior has been involved in scouting for most of his life. The Eagle Scout badge is the highest honor earned in the organization, and very few end up accomplishing the goal, he said. Gibb still has some paperwork to do and some interviews before he’ll get to sew his new badge on his uniform.
He designed the planter box and coordinated with Arbor Place activities director Alicia Hickman. Five other scouts helped Gibb build it over two days.
Virginia Stewart, an 82-year-old resident at Arbor Place, took delight in the new planter in the courtyard.
"We do appreciate having the attention paid to us from these boys," she said. "That planter is beautiful. It’s just the fact that there’s something out here to look at."
And 88-year-old Oral Wright, who has been a family friend of the Gibb family and lives at Arbor Place, said he thinks it’s great.
"It gave the boys something to work on," he said.
Gibb has several other merit badges he has earned over the years as a member of Scout Troop 221, including swimming, citizenship, safety, leatherwork and music.
"It’s made me a better person all around," he said.
Sue Gibb, his mother, said the project has been a great learning experience for her son.
"Time management has been something I’ve seen him working on," she said. "He’s a hard worker. He wants to be helpful. He’s a blooming leader."
Other scouts joined Josh Gibb this week to dedicate the planter.
Chris Iverson, a senior at Jackson, said scouts is preparing him for life after high school.
"It gives you life experience," he said.
And Demetri Themelis said the leadership and knowledge gained through an Eagle Scout project will help later in life when seeking a career.
Another scout, Phil Collins, said Gibb’s project has been inspiring.
"I saw this and thought it was really cool," Collins said.
You can call Herald Writer Kate Reardon at 425-339-3455
or send e-mail to reardon@heraldnet.com.
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