The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church social hall, 3024 Ruch St., Stiles, was filled with a variety of flowers the first weekend of April for the annual Easter flower sale to benefit Boy Scout Troop 79.

The beautiful, aromatic flowers and welcoming conversation led to a successful sale and made for a fun spring weekend.

Frank Tauber, a lifelong St. John’s volunteer, has been a 55-year fixture in the effort to sell Easter flowers to parishioners and local residents alike while raising funds for the troop.

“I remember when we sold the flowers at Paulie’s Restaurant, when it was an Atlantic Gas Station years ago, and other locations before selling in this hall,” Tauber noted.

Recently, in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Troop 79 membership is down. Lehigh County Boy Scout leader Al Edelman, a volunteer at this sale, said the challenge is getting boys at the Tiger Cub level.

Tiger Cubs can begin as early as 5 years of age.

Tiger Cubs lead to Cub Scouts, which lead to Boy Scouts. Starting early allows the young Scout to develop a solid foundation. This early participation can lead the youngster to attaining the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.

Stiles, with a population of about 1,150 people, is an unincorporated village within Whitehall Township. It is reported Stiles is named after Democratic U.S. Rep. John Dodson Stiles, who served from 1862 to 1871. Stiles also served one term as Lehigh County district attorney.