ROCHESTER — Already bursting with books and programs for kids, Rochester’s Plumb Library now has another thing to draw them in, thanks to Eagle Scout Candidate Colin Mackin: a little outdoor reading area named after the 100 Acre Woods in Winnie the Pooh. 

Mackin fundraised for the project and led Troop 31 in the effort to clear out the space, plant hosta in beds, mulch, create a path and install benches. The Town of Rochester also helped out with some of the heavier parts of the project, like removing trees and putting asphalt on the path. 

“I’ve always gone to the library since I was little,” Mackin said, “It’s a special place to my heart, and when I got the chance to give back it was like ‘heck yeah!’”

Mackin started on the clearing efforts in the beginning of May, and spread the project work out, finishing a few weeks ago. 

“I never saw myself doing anything like this,” he said, humbly. His favorite part of the project was seeing it all come together. 

Former Scoutmaster for Troop 31, Mike Blanchard, made a few remarks at the beginning of the ceremony, noting that an Eagle Scout rank can help young men to advance in the military, and that jobs will often look for the organization’s highest rank because it is proof of leadership skills. 

Library Director Gail Roberts thanked Mackin for his work, and presented him with a small gift of thanks. Mackin, in turn, was able to present Roberts and Leith Patinaud, who represented the Friends of Plumb Library, with the money that he had left over from fundraising. 

Mackin cut the ribbon surrounding his project with his fellow troop members. He also unveiled a plaque which named the area in both English and Latin. Blanchard said that Mackin had studied Latin, and put him on the spot a little to translate (fortunately for Mackin, the plaque already provides English translations).

The candidate will have to pass an official Boy Scouts of America Board of Review to become an Eagle Scout. In addition to the 21 required merit badges to earn the position, Mackin also has an additional 15 badges, which would earn him the Silver Palm award, one of the highest honors in scouting.