Scouts pitch worthy projects to the town board

By Frances Ruth Harris
CHESTER — Local scouts came before the Chester Town Board on Jan. 24 to pitch some projects to help their community.
Chester Girl Scout Troop #387 asked the board to consider putting recycling cans at all the parks in Chester and throughout other areas of the town. Right now, they said, there is no public recycling.
Four of the 12 girls in the troop, all fifth-graders at Chester Elementary School, spoke at the podium. They worked for two years on the Girl Scouts' “Get Moving” Journey, which focuses on conserving energy. They are also working to earn the Bronze Award, the highest award you can earn as Juniors, their Girl Scout level. Their challenge is to come up with a project that will help the community.
The girls told The Chronicle they decided to focus on recycling because it's a big part of conserving energy. They want their project to be long-term and sustainable, which is why they approached the town to see if recycling could be included in the town’s garbage removal contract.
Kerry Cambria and Beth Clark are leaders for Troop #387. From what they understand, it wasn’t brought up during the meeting — as recycling is now part of the garbage contract — and the town just hasn’t used it. It wouldn’t involve any additional cost to the town or taxpayers.
Since recycling at the parks and around town will be new to residents and visitors, the troop said it will create posters to promote the initiative, so that people notice the bins in place.
The town will contact the waste services company immediately to put this into effect.
Life Scouts plan Eagle Scout projectsLife Scout Grant Stevenson, Chester Troop #152, wants to install a memorial at the ball park for his proposed Eagle Scout project. It would honor three children who have died: Alyssa Barbieri, Matthew Duggan, and Daniel Mobile. A tree planted for each child with their names on a plaque would be placed at Carpenter Field. There will be a fundraiser. Supervisor Alex Jamieson said Lowe's would help with the project, saying the home improvement store is "looking to do more" in the community. The board approved the project.
Grant Stevenson will now present his project to the Boy Scouts for their approval. David Stevenson came with his son for the meeting.
Life Scout Colin Murray, Chester Troop #152, wants for his Eagle project to install a new solar-powered telescoping flag in Chester's ball field with a light at the top. The board approved the project.
Colin will also present his project to the Boy Scouts for their approval. His dad, Bill Murray, also came for the meeting.