GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1924 INTRODUCES THEIR SILVER AWARD PROJECT GARDEN
Official Unveiling of a New Fairview Reading Garden Sept 23 at 11 am - 1 pm
GREENBURGH, NY__ Between the Theodore D. Young Community Center and Yosemite Park (off of Route 119 and Manhattan Ave) now sits a thriving garden growing fresh produce and flowers, a small reading library stocked with children’s books, and a bench to enjoy them on. All of this comes through the efforts of the four members of Girl Scout Troop 1924–Rahel, Hannah, Samantha, and Deana, who are 9th graders at Woodlands, Ursuline, and Holy Child at Rye schools–and their dedicated troop leader Deb Brookes.
The troop worked tirelessly for many months fundraising and then bringing their vision to life toward earning their Silver Award, the highest award for Cadettes in Girl Scouting and requiring at least 50 hours of service for each troop member. They presented a slideshow to the community at a recent Town Board meeting which you can watch in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brnf4C1AQRw&t=60s
The project is multi-faceted and aims to address many different aspects they care strongly about, from strengthening community to promoting healthy eating and ending environmental racism in more urban areas, while encouraging reading and a love of nature. The garden is successfully producing tomatoes, basil, peppers, marigolds, and lilies, tended weekly in a schedule of weeding and watering.
The library is stocked with books donated from local bookstores and community members. The girls have read stories here already to the children next door at the Lois Bronz day care center.
The girls had a campaign to raise the $2,000 needed to purchase the bench–for which they collaborated with Panera Bread through a special fundraising event, sent letters to local stores, sold snacks and drinks at a movie night at Travis Hill Park, and received donations from Councilwoman Gina Jackson, Home Depot and the Police Benevolent Association.
“We hope to uplift our community and create a safe and happy environment for many generations to come,” the troop said.
Town Supervisor Paul Feiner thinks they are well on their way. This is “one of the best scout projects I’ve seen since I’ve been Supervisor,” he said. “I really commend you because you’ve taken an action step that is making our town a much better place.”
The official unveiling will take place Sat. Sept 23, between TDYCC and Yosemite on Manhattan Ave, from the hours of 11 am to 1 pm with a reading for children. You can contact the troop with any questions at girlscouttroop1924@gmail.com or see their garden journey on Instagram @Our_Reading_Garden.