Path to serenity is paved with cookies and cakes
Boy Scout to hold bake sale to raise money for beautification project
BY SUSANNE MORELLI Staff Writer

Brandon Wildemuth

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - Brandon Wildemuth, a St. Barnabas Episcopal Church member and a Boy Scout in Troop 10, will hold a bake sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at the church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction.

The 14-year-old is holding the bake sale to raise money for his Eagle project to benefit Oak Woods Senior Housing, a nonprofit, 72-apartment complex for low-income seniors located in Monmouth Junction.

Wildemuth's idea is to create a relaxing and beautiful outdoor environment for the seniors to enjoy. The project includes installing a 65- gallon goldfish pond, lighting a 45-foot-long pathway to the area, building benches, constructing birdhouses, and planting flowers and trees to revamp the area and attract birds and butterflies.

Wildemuth has been a Scout since the first grade and has attained the rank of Life Scout, as a role model and leader for the troop. Upon the completion of his project, he will attain the status of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in scouting.

"I volunteer my time at the South Brunswick Senior Center, and many of the seniors who live in Oak Woods wanted to beautify the environment but ran out of money," he said.

Therefore, he decided to single-handedly plan, organize, and raise funds for this project. He will lead and instruct his fellow Scouts and community volunteers in the project.

"I decided to hold the bake sale because Scouts must raise funds and obtain donations from local businesses and individuals to get the necessary supplies," he said, adding, "Lowe's already donated a bench to the project."

Wildemuth estimates that his project will cost $1,880 and hopes that the bake sale will raise enough.

The Scout said, "I wanted to help the seniors and give back to the community. The seniors are extremely happy that I am assisting in this project."

He hopes to begin work in September, with a June 2009 completion.