Troop 1034 dedicates tree in MacKay Park

to service people

   A Douglas Fir stands strong at the entrance to the MacKay Nature Trail on Spring Street, representing the dedication of our country’s service people – fire and EMS workers, police officers and members of the military armed forces. Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1034 donated and planted the tree in appreciation of our service people, Troop Leader Marianne Huff said. The troop held a commemorative ceremony at the MacKay Park, with the Matthew Cleary Color Guard presiding, on April 29, 2006. Don Pullyblank played taps from inside the trail. Barry Ganzhorn and Neil Alhart, creators of the park, Caledonia Mayor Joe Caluorie and PD Officer Dave Richardson all were on hand for the ceremony. Father Mickey McGrath of St. Columba’s Parish, gave the blessing.

   All ten girls in the troop are working on completing their Patriotism Badge. Along with the tree planting, the girls met with Huff’s son-in-law, U.S. Marine Shawn Gianforte, who talked about his tours of duty in Iraq and showed them the proper procedure for folding the American flag.

   Cadette Troop 1034 – Brittany Sass, Emma McIlwaine, Blaise Meyer, Chelsea Huff, Torionna James, Melanie Johnson, JoAnn Krutchen, Christi Figenscher, Lena Amorese and Katie Kovatch. Marianne Huff and Judy Krutchen are troop leaders.

Father Mickey McGrath of St. Columba’s Church delivers a blessing at the MacKay Trail tree dedication.

Matthew Cleary Post Color Guard presides over tree dedication to service people.