The Brownie troupe of St. Francis Xavier school recently visited Patricia’s Restaurant and Gowns by Louise in an effort to earn their Career patch.
“They do lots of great things, it’s a great little troupe,” said Angela Degan, principal at St. Francis Xavier School.
The girls first made posters about career choices and talked about jobs. Then, it was time to go out into the community and see some adults in action.
Louise DiLucia invited the girls to her store, Gowns by Louise, to learn about the wedding outfitting business.
“I was honored because my daughter went to St. Francis and now she’s a guidance counselor,” DiLucia said.
She dressed the girls in bridal outfits, and styled their respective hairdos.
“The girls will always remember this,” commented Tina Mangiafridda, a scout leader.
All the while, DiLucia explained her career and the logistics of running the store, which the scout leaders found empowering for their daughters.
“It’s nice to show the girls a woman in business; that a woman can do it too,” Mangiafridda said.
The little princesses were then treated to a snack across the street at Conti’s Bakery, where they learned how to make a wedding cake.
“She was so generous getting them milk and cookies”, Mangiafridda said. “And not even the small cookies – the big cookies.”
At Patricias, located at 1080 Morris Park Avenue, proprietors Alessandro and Salvatore Borgognone taught the scouts about Italian culture and cuisine, such as the differences between pizza made in Italy and America and different kinds of mozzarella.
“It was pretty fun, very interactive, and educational,” said Alessando Borgognone, the chef owner, of the April 16 visit. “I really enjoyed working with the girls.”
Mangiafridda commented, “It’s nice how the business owners can take the time out to spend with the kids.”
The scouting program has allowed merchants to take on the role of teacher and speak about their jobs and establishments.
“The business owners enjoyed it just as much,” Mangiafridda recalled. “They talk so nice to the kids; so patiently.”
Degan has found the local business community very receptive to involvement in her student’s educational endeavors.
“The local merchants are wonderful in Morris Park,” Degan said. “It’s really nice that the school can be such an integral part of the community.”
Degan felt that the Morris Park youth benefit from the close-knit community and family environment of the area.
She cited a group of her 2nd grade students who recently were taught pizza making at Captains at 1056 Morris Park Avenue.
Degan added, “It’s wonderful being a principal in such a tight knit community.”
