GS Troop 543 at Oakland Java
From the mild airs of New Mexico to the wintry weather of Rhode Island, children all over the country are engaging in a holiday tradition of painting windows to bring about seasonal and holiday cheer. That spirit hit local streets with the Oakland Girl Scouts decorating the store fronts of local businesses. Residents can get a view of their handi-work at Oakland Java, Junior’s Pizza and the Oakland Library. While some stores often have professional artists come in, and other towns have been known to hold contests around such events, the endeavor of the Oakland Girl Scout Troop 543 was purely to spread some holiday cheer.
GS Troop 543 at Juniors Pizza
Many businesses were obviously hesitant about letting their windows be painted, but apparently they are living in a past that never existed. The festive tradition of painting store windows has been going on for generations, and many downtowns are promoting the tradition with renewed gusto to attract local shoppers. Local retailers may not have the resources of Saks or Macy’s whose windows attract crowds through the shopping season, but the simplicity of holiday window painting has its own rewards. Joe Fullam, the owner of Oakland Java, was one of the business owners who did not hesitate to offer his windows for decoration. “It’s great to cheer things up. And I look at it and I can see Christmas through the eyes of a child.”
US Postal Worker Helping Out
Oakland Java got an extra surprise by the Girl Scouts who gave considerable consideration to the designs and provided that particular store an appropriate painting, two snowmen enjoying some hot chocolate. Readers are also encouraged to check out the art work of the troop at Junior’s Pizza and the library. And The Oakland Journal thanks Girl Scout Troop 543 for doing their part in the beautification effort of Downtown Oakland, NJ.
Warming up with Cocoa at Oakland Java