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Somers Scouts Present Plan for Library Bench

SOMERS, N.Y. – Somers Girl Scout Troop 2633, led by Lauren Zaccaria and comprising Somers High ninth-graders Alessandra Pontbriand, Ashley Ward-Willis, Tara Lockwood and Madison Zaccaria, attended last week’s Town Board meeting to present their proposal for installing a new outdoor bench at the Somers Library. 

The project is a prerequisite to each scout’s earning an individual Gold Award, the highest of Girl Scout achievements. As part of the prerequisite the scouts take a “journey” called “Girltopia,” explained Zaccaria, which involves thinking outside of themselves to make the world a better place. 

The project’s concept must be “original, sustainable and able to be shared with others,” said Zaccaria. “In their case, they were very creative in designing a presentation for the Town Board. And they’re going to Primrose School to share the idea with the Brownies."

“The troop considered other projects but when they thought of the library bench, they got really excited,” Zaccaria continued. There was even a concrete area at the library that used to support the old book-return box. 

The troop searched the Internet and found a bench made of 100 percent recycled material, which requires no maintenance and is expected to last 50 years. Plus, it can be engraved. The girls want to dedicate it to their former troop leader, Lynn Adams, who died of cancer in 2008.

To raise funds, the girls have sold cookies, hosted a pancake breakfast, a chili dinner and a tag sale. Theyhave been troop members together since third-grade. 

The bench is now on order from the manufacturer and should arrive in four to six weeks, in time for the annual Somers Independence Day celebration. There will be a dedication ceremony once it is in place.

At the Town Board meeting, Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy said, “I think it sounds like a terrific idea.” Councilman Tom Garrity added, “I think it’s fantastic. I hope I’ll be sitting there in 50 years.” 

The Girls Scouts of America celebrates its 100th birthday this year and has acclaimed 2012 The Year of the Girl.

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