Rita Stampe is a teacher at North Bergen’s Kennedy School. She is also a first-year scout leader for the North Bergen Daisy Troop 2201, which is for aspiring Girl Scouts, ages 4 through 7.
As part of their scouting, the girls have to participate in a community project.
“They have to do something as a team to help beautify where they live and help the environment at the same time,” Stampe said.
So Stampe decided to join forces with Dotty Longi’s Brownie Troop 2305 to help spruce up what is known as the island, located at 91st Street and Kennedy Boulevard – the most northern part of the township that welcomes visitors.
“It’s the point where everyone comes into North Bergen from Bergen County,” Stampe said. “The sign there says, ‘Welcome to North Bergen.’ So we thought it was a perfect place to do something good for the community.”
With the help of Story Time Child Care, who purchased the flowers, approximately 25 girls from the Daisy and Brownie troops, ages 4 through 12, combined forces to plant flowers and post flags on the island Tuesday afternoon.
Dina Schweitzer, whose daughter Claudia, age 5, and niece Nicole Insetta, 6, participated in the event, was impressed with the way the young ladies conducted themselves.
“It was amazing,” Schweitzer said. “They knew what they were doing. It really was something to watch. They all put on gloves, got into the dirt, dug holes, and planted the flowers. All these little hands were doing a great thing. It was basically an island, with trees and shrubbery. Now, there are pretty flowers there, all because of these girls.”
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, who was inducted into another term of office only hours earlier, made an appearance to show his support to the young ladies.
“They all did a very nice job,” Sacco said. “When I got there, they were busy planting, singing songs. People were stopping by, offering their support. People in cars stopped, honked their horns. Everyone was watching these young girls. It was a great experience. I think they found it fun to be in the dirt, planting flowers. But they went a long way to helping North Bergen look nicer.”
Added Sacco, “I think the girls had a great sense of accomplishment. They felt good about what they did and they should be rightfully proud. I think the parents also felt good about it. I think it was a wonderful idea that worked out really well.”
Several agencies helped in the cause. The North Bergen Department of Public Works lent a hand with equipment and materials. North Bergen Police Chief Angelo Busacco was there with his department controlling traffic in the area, enabling the event to take place. Several other officials and dignitaries were on hand as well, but the day was for the girls.
“They were able to cover the whole island,” Schweitzer said. “I was really impressed.”
“They had a fabulous time,” Stampe said. “They really loved it. I was happy that the mayor showed up. He’s always there for the kids. We were able to show people that we’re proud of our town and care about the way it looks. They’re proud to be North Bergen residents, proud to be a part of the town.”
Stampe credited the work of Scout leaders Sharon Knox and Betty Lou Casiero, who are Daisy troop leaders, and Sharon Muriel, a Brownie leader, for their assistance.