OBSERVER Photo by Andrew David Kuczkowski Hanover Little League Coordinator Keith VanVlack speaks after the Silver Creek Girl Scouts donated two automated external defibrillators, one for Silver Creek and other for Forestville, as the girl scouts are behind him.

SILVER CREEK – Hanover Little League’s season has come and gone, but there was much that was done in between the first pitch and the final out. At the closing ceremonies on Sunday, Hanover Little League Coordinator Keith VanVlack announced the awards, donations and results of the summer’s events.

Both Girl Scout Troop 20069 of Silver Creek and the league presented donations at the conclusion of the tournaments.

Girl Scout Leader Liz VanCheri spoke at the closing ceremonies as her scouts were behind her.

“Back in January or February, my girl scout troop decided to earn a bronze award,” VanCheri said. “To earn that award, you have to make an impact in your community and make a project that will be sustainable past your years as a girl scout. About nine, 10 months ago, we lost Officer (Kevin) Link, who was our school resource, and that touched a lot of the girls. Because it was due to a heart attack, many of the girls wanted to do something in his honor.”

The girl scouts decided on raising funds towards automated external defibrillators, or AEDs. AEDs are used to restore the natural rhythm of the heart through electric shock.

“They got the money together and they were a little short,” VanCheri added.

“With many thanks to the Silver Creek Kiwanis Club and the Silver Creek Volunteer Fireman’s association, especially (Silver Creek Fire Chief) Todd Johnson, we were able to raise enough money to purchase two AEDs. One for the Little League Field here at Ward Avenue and one for Forestville. On top of that, DJ Chamberline will be working with many of the board members to get them certified in CPR as well as operation of the AEDs.”

VanVlack was enthralled that the Silver Creek Girl Scouts would raise funds for the Little League teams, but – like every parent – stated he hopes he will never have to use them.

To complement the donation of AEDs, Hanover Little League stated how much money was raised throughout the tournaments. For every home run, $25 were put aside for the Silver Creek Fire Department in honor of Richard Bartlett. Bartlett, whose story of his impact in the community was on a banner in leftfield at every game, was honored as Hanover Little League made the donation.

A check for $425 was given to Fire Chief Johnson, however, Johnson turned it right back and gave it to VanVlack for the league’s improvement the next season.

VanVlack later wrapped it up as the Little League season in Hanover came to an end. It had many cheers, 17 home runs and much support from the community to only rejoice again next summer.

Email: Akuczkowski@observertoday.com

Twitter: @Kuczkowski95