Politics & Government

Girl Scouts Take Over Malverne Government

Village officials gave up their seats for a day to the local Girl Scouts.

Although Malverne Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald and the other village board members that were up for re-election this Tuesday retained their seats, they were more than happy to forfeit their positions for a day to the local Girl Scouts a few days earlier.

Continuing a tradition in Malverne that goes back over 20 years, the girls celebrated their annual Government Day on Saturday. In the weeks before, they interviewed village officials, including the mayor, trustees, judge, police chief, clerk, fire chief, building inspector, superintendent of public works to learn more about their jobs.

The girls then took over the dais in Village Hall on March 12 to present their reports as their families, fellow scouts and many of the people they spoke about looked on. 

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"The interview process is very important for the girls," said Gloria Braun, a scout leader who has been running the program for nearly three decades. She explained that it develops the girls' communication skills and helps build their self-esteem because they have to speak in public.

"I enjoy this day so much, " McDonald said. "It's always such a nice day weather-wise and it's like the opening to spring."

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She also acknowledged the amazing reports the scouts delivered based on their interviews with the 12 village leaders, which she said demonstrated to everyone the hard work that all the board members and department leaders who run Malverne put in each day.

"I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful community," she said, recognizing both the village workers and volunteers."Without this board I wouldn't be able to do the job I do so effectively."

The girls concluded the ceremony with another tradition - singing "Make New Friends But Keep the Old," and then made their way to the Malverne fire house, for hot dogs, beverages and cookies, courtesy of the village board.

Check out the photo gallery to view dozens of pictures from the event.


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