By Ruth SOWBY

The Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) partnered with the Montrose Shopping Park Assoc., Brownie Troop 3301 and Girl Scout Troops 06791, 7141, 2904 and 14111 to make art history. Fourteen Girl Scouts from ages 6 to 11 offered some variations on the old red, white and blue with their unique canvases – six fire hydrants. (Twelve hydrants on Foothill Boulevard will be painted by CVWD staff due to increased traffic concerns.) 

The CVWD board of directors put the word out to beautify the community and celebrate the nation’s birthday at the same time, and the Girl Scouts responded with enthusiasm.  

“It’s beautiful that elements in a community can come together,” said James Lee, CVWD general manager. “Here are civic leaders, shopping park representatives, first responders (Glendale fire fighters from stations 21 and 29) and the Girl Scouts, who will be tomorrow’s leaders.”

   CVWD Community and Outreach Intern Dylan Kim suggested to the girls that they “may add a little artistic flair.” With that they were off.  

The first four commandeered the hydrant in front of Chase Bank on Honolulu Avenue. First to be applied were pre-stenciled gold stars. Next came the blue paint –the majority color for the hydrant. The girls worked together well with Florence Isaksen from Troop 14111 leading the charge. Watching the action was Capt. Daniel Schaefer, 44, from Glendale Fire Dept. Station 21.   

Also on hand was Maureen Palacios, owner of Once Upon a Time bookstore. Palacios is also Montrose Shopping Park Assoc. treasurer.  

“It’s wonderful what the girls are doing,” she said.