Cranford Girl Scouts annual Holiday Tradition
Submitted by Kerry Rokicki
The Girl Scouts of Cranford have a decades-long tradition of crafting ornaments and then gathering together the day after Thanksgiving to decorate the township tree. In a year thrown into upheaval by the COVID-19 health crisis, the troops and the township worked together to take a new approach that kept the tradition alive while adhering to safety guidelines. The troops also participated in The Festival of Trees, a new initiative from the Cranford Downtown Management Corporation (DMC).
“We were so happy to continue this tradition,” said Tara Giblin, one of the co-leaders of Brownie Troop 40455 which helped organize the event. “It showed our girls that in the face of challenge and change, we can adapt. Our collective efforts continued that feeling of community and togetherness, and that is the most important thing.”
Troops were assigned 15 minute time slots to reduce the number of people in Mayor’s Park at the corner of Springfield and North Avenues across from the Cranford Municipal Building. By the end of the day more than 400 Girl Scouts had added their ornaments to the tree. The tree decorating and lighting is organized annually by the Cranford Chamber of Commerce. This year the lighting portion of the event, which usually draws a large crowd of residents, was only broadcast on Channel 35 and online due to the same safety concerns.
“We’re doing this as close as we can, but in a new and safer way,” explained Andis Kalnins, president of the Cranford Chamber of Commerce. “This has been a tradition for our town, and we’re glad we could continue it leading into Shop Small Saturday.”
A new addition this year is The Festival of Trees sponsored by Downtown Cranford (DMC). Shoppers will be able to visit local merchants who decorated trees and vote for their favorite. Girl Scouts of Cranford partnered with 15 of those local businesses to help them decorate. For instance Cadette Troop 40013 worked with Adriano Nery, owner of the newly opened Sapore di Italia restaurant, on an Autism Awareness themed tree, an initiative that is close to his family’s heart. “This has been a great experience,” said Mr. Nery. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the girls interpreted this idea. Raising awareness of those with autism is something we are committed to whenever we can.”
In another collaborative effort, Ambassador Troop 40894 worked with Strands Salon to create a Giving Tree that will provide comfort to those in need.
The Festival of Trees ran from December 1 – 30. Girl Scouts of Cranford creations and collaborations may be seen here: Junior Troop 40794, Fire Me Up Studio; Ambassador Troop 40894, Strands Salon; Cadette Troop 40013, Sapore di Italia restaurant; Brownie Troop 40376, Vanilla Bean Creamery; Troop 40624, HOME power yoga; Brownie Troop 40558, Reach for the Stars therapy; Cadette Troop 40196, Mr. J’s Deli; Brownie Troop 40541, Cake Artist Café; Cadette Troop 40744, Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta; Ambassador Troop 40480, Ambeli Greek Taverna; Troop 40560, Max & Luna baby and kids; Brownie Troop 40455, Cranford Movie Theater; Cadette Troop 40222, Beyond Dance; and Senior Troop 40693, Old City Café & Grill.
The Girl Scouts of Cranford boasts over 1,139 Girl Scout Members in 71 troops and Juliette’s 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 (GSHNJ) 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, please visit cranfordgirlscouts.com.
