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Community Corner

Boy Scouts not Allowed to Attend Strawberry Festival

I read the following facebook post: “I am a registered democrat in the town of south windsor. I may just change my affiliation to independent at this point. I have never been so disgusted by town politics in my entire life. Our cub scout pack 390 is not allowed to attend the strawberry fest where we have a booth so that we could recruit for membership because the democrats think that this will affiliate the cub scouts with the republican party...all I can say is I am so tired of both parties fighting in town....it has to stop when you start using little kids! All we wanted to do was give the young boys in town a chance to be part of scouting.” As the chair of the Republican Party, as well as the chair of the Strawberry Festival I am equally saddened and disgusted. Each year the Democrats hold a wonderful event in December that brings joy to boys and girls - - mainly Breakfast with Santa! We, the Republicans have NEVER once winced at that wonderful town event. In fact many of us attend this event each year. The Strawberry Festival is a town wide event, yes the Republicans sponsor it and it is a fundraiser, a point we have never attempted to hide. However this event does NOT allow politics or politicking. The booth in questions was given to Pack 390 FREE OF CHARGE to recruit new scouts, in NO WAY did it intend to or want to have scouting affiliated with Republicans or politicize scouting. Scouting is a wonderful activity for boys and girls and shame Keith Yagaloff for attempting to dissuade the Boy Scouts from their attempt to recruit new members at this fun, well-attended town event. These young men were looking forward to an opportunity to meet new like-minded individuals interested in scouting. Further, at last year’s festival, Keith Yagaloff peppered each car with HIS political literature in his failed attempt to run for Probate Judge. Keith is the ONLY person that makes this event political! This is the 31st Annual Strawberry Festival; it is an event that brings people to our town and draws people together for a positive and fun filled day. Finally, let me remind everyone that this event is TOTALLY FREE; there is no charge to park, no charge for admission, no charge to sit and listen to the entertainment, to see a magic show, to participate in Miss Strawberry, visit the animals, crafters and vendors or to ride the train. I encourage everyone to contact BSA and tell them this was a blatant misuse of power. That the boy scouts were attempting to increase their membership and that they should be allowed to attend! - Kathleen S. Daugherty, Chair South Windsor Strawberry Festival & Republican Town Committee

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