Children, adults beautify Valley Stream

As one of the largest incorporated villages in the state, Valley Stream does not have a shortage of people who enjoy doing good things for their community. Many of those people were out in full force over the last week, picking up litter, planting trees and making Valley Stream a better place.

Girl Scout Troop 2029 and Envision Valley Stream each organized their own respective park cleanups in recent days.

The group of 9- and 10-year-old Girl Scouts planted trees and picked up litter at the Edward W. Cahill Memorial Park with their troop leaders and village officials on April 25. The girls purchased two trees and a small bush with money they raised from selling cookies this year. Members of the Parks Department, including supervisor Phil Tondi, helped the girls dig holes and plant the greenery.

Mayor Ed Fare gave each of the girls and their troop leaders citations from the village for their dedicated work and discussed the importance of planting trees. Tondi also gave a brief speech on Arbor Day before the girls got to work.

“These kids tell their friends, neighbors and parents that they planted these trees and hopefully it catches on,” Fare said. “The nice thing is every one of these kids is taking pride in Mill Pond and Cahill Park.”

He added that years from now, the girls would be able to come by the park and see the trees that they planted and know they helped make a difference.

Girl Scout Emerald Fogarty said her favorite part of the afternoon was digging holes and getting dirty. She also said she enjoyed meeting the mayor. “It makes me happy because I am helping the other people and animals in my community,” Emerald said. “Also, I am making where I live a better place.”

Fare said he was thrilled to see the group of girls so enthusiastic about giving back to their community. “I’m a teacher by trade,” Fare said, “everybody knows that, so when you reach kids, especially when they’re young, these become skills for life that you always remember.”