Town Council honors Girl Scouts, votes for land purchase

Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc greets Girls Scout who visited a town council meeting. Girl Scouts of America celebrated 99 years this year. Photo by Frances Taylor.

The town council voted March 15 to acquire land adjacent to town hall as part of a renovation project that would renovate the parking area. The town reached an agreement with the owner of the property at 3 Saunders St., which is on the north side of the town hall building.  The renovation will include the planned expansion of the Raymond Library.

“It will create a campus that extends from the firehouse to the Raymond Library – it’s a vital piece of property.  This is an important acquisition for the town financially and because of the location of the real estate,’’ said vice chairman William F. Horan.

The council also discussed the sale and lease of the Willowbrook School to Goodwin College. The building houses the town’s Head Start and early childhood education programs.  The board of education will have a lease at the school for up to 10 years to enable the opportunity to find a new location for the programs, while Goodwin expands it renovation of the area.

The Girl Scouts were welcomed as visitors to the council meeting, where they received a proclamation marking the 99^th year of Girl Scouts of America. The presence of the young Scouts in the council hall evoked memories for several council members.

“Many years ago, I was Brownie and Girl Scout, I made friends that I am still friends with now – you should be proud of yourselves, and I’m very proud of you,’’ said Susan P. Skrowronek.

“I know I still have my sash somewhere with all the badges my mother used to sew on, and all the Girl Scout cookies. It’s an excellent foundation for anything you want to do in the future,’’ said Linda A. Russo.’’

“There are so many leadership skills that are learned as a Scout that forms the foundation of many things  you will do in life. ’’ said Mayor Marcia Leclerc. “