CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Girl Scout Troop 40079 created two community tile planters to beautify the space at the entrance to the Riverwalk at South Avenue and Centennial. They had a ribbon cutting with the town on Saturday, Nov. 18, to celebrate the installation of the planters and thank those who supported their efforts.
Last year, Troop 40079, who are now sixth-graders, came up with the idea to improve the entrance to the Riverwalk. Troop 40079 hosted three community tile painting events with Downtown Cranford and Fire Me Up Studio. The girls particularly enjoyed explaining the project to the adults and children who painted tiles. In total, the planters represent 200 individual works of art by the Cranford community.
The girls designed one planter to communicate their message about kindness to nature and our environment. Eight troop members also worked additional hours cleaning the river site, researching and growing native plants and planning the installation, earning their Bronze Award, the highest recognition a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.
One of the reasons Troop 40079 chose this as their project was because the river is important to Cranford and its history. In addition, tiles are significant to Cranford. Tiles were first introduced to Cranford in 1929 with the original tiled street signs that can still be seen today.
The girls are grateful for the town’s support and enjoyed working with Commissioner Kathleen Prunty, Downtown Cranford Manager Caren Demyen and Fire Me Up owner Tammie Ramos-Crispino. They also appreciate the Cranford Fire Department volunteers who helped cement the tiles.
Troop 40079 plans to continue taking care of the entrance to the Riverwalk, so it becomes a place for everyone to enjoy. The troop is led by Emily Serna, Erin Reilly and Mary Ellen McCloud. Members include Plum Weber, Miriam Serna, Rebecca Sample, Lily Rosenthal, Samantha Reilly, Elise Reilly, Juliet McCloud, Caroline McCloud, Layla Holan, Kayla Fernandez, Kate Billows, Ellie Billows and Aislynn Atieh.
The Girl Scouts of Cranford boasts more than 1,139 Girl Scout members in 71 troops and Juliettes making it one of the largest non-profit organizations in town. The Cranford Service Unit is a part of the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council, which is part of the Girl Scouts of the USA. If your family is interested in learning more about local Girl Scouts or to find out more information on the Girls Scouts of Cranford, visit www.cranfordgirlscouts.com.
Photos Courtesy of Emily Serna