Scout project benefits Walden Humane Society

By Sharon MacGregor
Posted 5/12/21

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if teen girls had a place to learn organizational skills, leadership qualities, and time management, all while working on a group project that would benefit the …

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Scout project benefits Walden Humane Society

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if teen girls had a place to learn organizational skills, leadership qualities, and time management, all while working on a group project that would benefit the community? Wait a minute, that sounds exactly like the recent Girl Scout Troop 724 Silver Award project recently completed by five Cadettes at the Walden Humane Society.

Gisella (Gigi) Terralavoro volunteers at the Walden Humane Society with her family, and brainstormed with Adeline McIver, to explore ways to “glam up” the small staging area where dog walking supplies are stored. Working together with Cadee Eckert, Ariana Estela, and Emma Weis, the scouts acquired donations from Ace Hardware, Beck’s Hardware, C.T. Male Associates, Home Depot in Newburgh, Lowe’s, Scott’s Corners Paint & Hardware, Tractor Supply, as well as various friends and family who made financial contributions to purchase leashes and harnesses.

The Troop held a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of the project on Saturday, May 8.

“I consider myself to be an animal champion and knew right away that this is where we should dedicate our Silver Award,” said Gisella Terralavoro in an email prior to the event. “I was able to fundraise where my family and friends donated over $300.00 of harnesses, collars, bowties for the dogs and cleaning supplies for the shelter. I am so lucky to have great leaders and life-long friends.”

The details of the project include emptying and cleaning the area, painting, installing peg boards and hooks using a color coded system for various size leashes and harnesses, updating the lighting, repairing the wall and screen door, and adding washable mats.

“The room looks brighter and more spacious,” said Emma Weis.

“It was time consuming,” shared Cadee Eckert who also made and provided six new wooden signs for the Humane Society’s lobby. “The challenges were in matching up schedules and with Covid guidelines. I do want to thank all of the families, organizations, and groups as well as our Troop leaders, Kim Miller and Julie Cavanaugh.”

The Silver Award requires 50 hours of community service hours and the improvements at the Walden Humane Society are one of two phases for the troop. Watch for an announcement regarding part 2 which will be a dog fashion show in September, likely held at Wooster Grove Park, and will also include opportunities for the community to learn more about adoptable pets.