Girl Scouts take parade to retirees

Wallkill Valley Girl Scouts Troop 96266 extended its Memorial Day parade route to visit Westwind Manor on Monday, May 29.

“Every year the Girl Scouts look forward to their chance to participate in Franklin’s annual Memorial Day parade to honor our heroes, and this year was no exception,” troop leader Anna-Marie Jensen said.

In previous years, the Scouts noticed that much of the parade turns off before reaching the Westwind Manor assisted living community. The troop began continuing their route past Westwind Manor, waving to residents sitting outside.

This year, the Scouts decided to stop and visit the residents.

“The girls loved the chance to say hello and shake hands with some of the veterans,” Jensen said.

She and co-leader Betsy Morse said the troop is looking forward to visiting Westwind Manor next year; the visits are expected to become a new tradition.

Girls interested in joining the Wallkill Valley Girl Scouts, which serves Franklin, Hardyston, Hamburg, Stockholm and Ogdensburg, may call Molly at 973-862-1333.