St. Joseph Girl Scout Troop 2191 is disappointed.
The Troop was recently made aware that the community tree they fundraised for and donated to the village to serve as the community Christmas tree will not be used.
The Troop said the decision by the village to purchase a larger tree for the community tree lighting on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. has negated the purpose of the donated tree, which was to give the village a sustainable option for a tree that would grow year after year.
“Our girls are extraordinarily intelligent and will notice and wonder why there’s another tree at the event, when their big project of the year was to purchase and plant a tree for this specific purpose,” the Troop said. “The Girl Scouts consistently learn to “use resources wisely” and Troop 2191 Girl Scouts and parents are highly concerned that the village elected not to utilize our resources wisely. The point of the project was not to buy the biggest tree possible, but instead – it was to contribute to the community in a sustainable way.”
The size of the tree was selected based on the advice of an expert to ensure the village received the healthiest tree possible to survive transporting and planting.
The troop said the tree was supposed to be a meaningful gesture of community spirit.
“It was intended to symbolize the values of leadership, service, and unity that the Girl Scouts embody,” they said. “It is disheartening to see that this tree, which represented so much, was not honored in the way it was meant to be. The decision to substitute the donated tree undermines the efforts of the Girl Scouts, as well as the sense of pride and collaboration that the donation was meant to foster. This tree was not simply a donation—it was a statement about what our town values: community involvement and respect for the contributions of our young people.”
The village has asked the Troop to participate in the tree lighting ceremony by having a table to decorate ornaments at the tree ceremony.
The Troop does plan to decorate their tree with donated lights and community created ornaments.
Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges said the Girl Scout tree will be honored during the tree lighting ceremony.
“It is very much appreciated and they should look forward to watching the tree grow and be a part of the village’s tree lighting event for years to come,” She said. “The additional tree is a large tree and is an addition to all of our holiday decorations for the village. The larger tree was graciously given to the village for a very small price and I’m very appreciative for the Ridinger’s making it available to the Village.”
Fruhling-Voges said she hopes people enjoy all the Christmas festivities and decorations the village has to offer in December.
“The Christmas Tree Lighting event is a community celebration to bring joy and fun to the community,” she said. “Hopefully everyone will enjoy the evening and appreciate the efforts of the volunteers making it all possible. “
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