Planting of the Town Hall Garden Beds Has Been Postponed!!

Damage to some of the beds was discovered today and will need to be repaired before planting can occur.

Positions Open on the North Reading Service Team

North Reading Girl Scout Service Team has open positions for the 2015-2016 year.  A new "cookie organizer" is needed as Kerstin March hopes to step down after many years of performing this task.  Kerstin is available to mentor anyone who is interested.  The job CAN be split into two different jobs:  a booth sale coordinator and a "door to door" sale coordinator.  march.family@verizon.net

Another position available is Recording Secretary .  This is minimal in the time commitment.  Recording Secretary takes notes at town wide Leaders' Meetings and forwards them to the NR Blog coordinator to be uploaded to the blog.  Other than a monthly Service Team meeting, there are no other responsibilities.  It is a perfect opportunity for a leader with a younger troop, and a great way to start being more involved in the town service unit. ruthekennedy@gmail.com

The town's Troop Registrar position will be available.  Barbara Gravel currently holds this position and is looking to mentor someone new for the 2015-2016 year, to then take over the position for the year after that.  The Registrar sets up recruitment of new girls, and through GSEM, places girls in troops.  Barbara has enjoyed being the registrar and said it is a fun position to hold. barbgravel@msn.com

Treasurer is also available.  Anne Valade holds this position and would help transition a new person into the job.  annevalade@comcast.net

Service Unit Coordinator is available.  Kristin Puliafico has held the position for 2 years and would like to step down.  kscott1104@aol.com

Other available jobs currently unfilled include Media Manager who would be a person who contacts the local paper(s) with press releases and important information.

Events Coordinator:  a person to help organize events town wide.  Would require filling out any necessary forms, filing any necessary financial papers. 

These positions can all be filled by anyone.  The person does NOT have to be a Girl Scout leader or a Girl Scout parent.

Memorial Day Parade

It's not too early to start working on your troop banner if you don't already have one!  Check out the flyer here for more information about the parade and the banner dimensions.  This year's parade is Monday, May 25.  The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. from the Meeting House on the Common.  If your troop is marching, you should plan on lining up at 9:45.  Individual girls are also welcome to march and join in with other troops sharing their level of scouting! 

We ask that no troop carry and/or hand out latex balloons.  Not only are they dangerous for young children, but in conjunction with a Silver Award done by a Cadette Girl Scout a number of years ago, they are dangerous to wildlife.  Her slogan was “When Balloons Fly, Animals Die”.   Again, we also ask that for safety reasons, the NRGS troops DO NOT throw candy into the crowd.  The parade committee also requests this of each group and organization participating in the parade for safety reasons and although others do not honor their request, we would ask that the Girl Scouts adhere to their policy as part of our Girl Scout Law to respect authority.  

Leader Meeting Minutes 5/12/15

Attendance:  Kristin Puliafico (85118), Ruth Kennedy (73899), Kim Baker (69176), Marnie Littleford (78181), Bridget Easler (76212), Kerstin March, Barbara Gravel (69184), Jennifer Casolivant (85337), Anne Valade (SU Treasurer), Amy Kelly (73897, 71901), Kristen Permberton (69171), Mays Hanegraaff (78188)

NR Girl Scout Service Team has open positions for the 2015-2016 year.  A new "cookie organizer" is needed as Kerstin March hopes to step down after many years of performing this task.  Kerstin is available to mentor anyone who is interested.  The job CAN be split into two different jobs:  a booth sale coordinator and a "door to door" sale coordinator. 

Another position available is Recording Secretary .  This is minimal in the time commitment.  Recording Secretary takes notes at town wide Leaders' Meetings and forwards them to the NR Blog coordinator to be uploaded to the blog.  Other than a monthly Service Team meeting, there are no other responsibilities.  It is a perfect opportunity for a leader with a younger troop, and a great way to start being more involved in the town service unit.

The town's Troop Registrar position will be available.  Barbara Gravel currently holds this position and is looking to mentor someone new for the 2015-2016 year, to then take over the position for the year after that.  The Registrar sets up recruitment of new girls, and through GSEM, places girls in troops.  Barbara has enjoyed being the registrar and said it is a fun position to hold.

Treasurer is also available.  Anne Valade holds this position and would help transition a new person into the job. 

Service Unit Coordinator is available.  Kristin Puliafico has held the position for 2 years and would like to step down.

Other available jobs currently unfilled include Media Manager who would be a person who contacts the local paper(s) with press releases and important information.

Events Coordinator:  a person to help organize events town wide.  Would require filling out any necessary forms, filing any necessary financial papers. 

These positions can all be filled by anyone.  The person does NOT have to be a Girl Scout leader or a Girl Scout parent.

******

Financial Reports are due by mid June.  The financial form is available on the GSEM website or by clicking here:  http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms.html?cat=all

Town Hall Vegetable Beds will be planted on Saturday, May 23 at 8:30am.  If you or any girl in your troop wishes to help, it will take about an hour or less.  Girls should bring their own trowel, work gloves, and a gallon of water to water the plants.  Meet at the rear of town hall.

Early Bird Registration is now open.  Girls who are registered before the end of June receive an Early Bird patch from GSEM.  Troops can use troop funds to re-register.  You don't have to re-register the whole troop, especially if there are girls who are unsure.  You have until Sept. 30 to re-register any girl who wishes to continue.  Girl Scout membership runs Oct. 1-Sept 30 annually.

Cookie Recognitions are available if you have not picked them up. Additionally, Kerstin is looking for feedback on this year's sale.  Please contact Kerstin March  march.family@verizon.net

The Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 25.  Troops should arrive at the Building on the Common at 9:45am.  Girls should be prepared for the weather and bring water if necessary.

Possible town wide encampment in 2016.  Details are developing.

GSEM Summer Camps are still taking registrations for camp.

There will be a number of sign up forms for events in 2015-2016.  Please consider running an event for the town.  It can involve only one level of Girl Scouts or all levels.  It's up to you!  Watch for the forms.

Last meeting is June 11, 7:30pm at the Moose Lodge.

Spring Re-registration for 2015-2016

Spring Re-registration is now open online through GSEM.   If you re-register before July 1, girls will receive an early bird patch for their uniform.  If any questions about the re-registration process, please contact Barbara Gravel at BarbGravel@msn.com.  Go to the GSEM website to sign up under your troop E-Biz online account. http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/

International Dance Festival Special Girl Scout tickets ***available before May 14***

Calling all dance lovers! Immerse yourself in a full day of dance at the longest-running international dance festival in the United States: Jacob’s Pillow, nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts.

Whether you are a first time visitor or past attendee, join us on June 25, 2015 for our 3^rd Annual Girl Scout Day.  Enjoy a personal guided historical tour, explore the dance Archives, watch videos of past performances, and view the photographs and artifacts on exhibition. Attend an optional ticketed performance of professional dancers from across the world in the historic Ted Shawn Theatre or intimate Doris Duke Theatre. To end the event-filled day, spread out your blanket, unpack your picnic dinner, and enjoy a free performance featuring students of The School at Jacob’s Pillow Ballet Program on the breathtaking outdoor stage. Earn Jacob’s Pillow Dance Fun Patch. Additional activities and programming to be determined. Visit http://www.jacobspillow.org/your-visit/your-visit/girl-scouts.php for more information or call Patsy Garcia at 413.243.9919x141.

Tickets are available for a special performance of Cinderella but only a small number of tickets are being held for Girl Scouts through May 14.  Please see flyer here.

Boston College Vs. NC State Scout Day

Join other troops and packs from New England to join in Scout Day on November 7, 2015! Open to family and friends!  Sign up deadline is June 1, 2015.  Contact is Brandon Gilson, Senior Account Executive, Boston College Athletics, (617)-552-3917 or Brandon.Gilson@bc.edu.  Check out what’s included in the $20 discounted group ticket rate per person: Exclusive Scavenger Hunt - 20 Tickets Minimum, 50 Yard Line Post Game photo - 30 Minimum., Autographed 2015 team poster – 100 Minimum, Group recognition on JumboTron, Limited edition 2015 BC Scout Day Patch, Priority access to Florida State. See flyer here.

Is your troop interested in camping? Camp training coming up....

"Troop Camping Skills - Tent" is coming up on Saturday, May 09, 2015.

Here are the event details:

Date/Time:	Saturday, May 09, 2015, 5 PM to Sunday, May 10, 2015, 12 PM
Location:	Camp Wind-in-the-Pines, Plymouth
Notes:	Register!

Arbor Day Celebration May 1

Attention ALL Girl Scouts:  the North Reading Garden Club is celebrating Arbor Day on Friday, May 1 at 6 pm.  Meet at the Gazebo at Ipswich River Park.  From there you will proceed to the tree planting site where all scouts, boys and girls, are encouraged to help plant.  Shovels are provided and all children will receive a gift for their attendance.  We hope to see you there!  Contact Ruth Kennedy with any questions at ruthekennedy@gmail.com.

 

 

Fly Up for North Reading Girl Scouts June 17

This year, Fly Up will be on June 17 at 6:30 at the International Family Church on Concord St. North Reading.  Please find invitation flyer here.

Leader Meeting Minutes 4/16/15

Attendance:  Debbie Nearing (73891), Kristin Puliafico (85118), Bridget Easler (76212), Lisa Alexander (86279), Amy Solomon (69175), Anne Valade, Mary Hatton (78181), Cindy DeWolfe (85336), Melissa Audier (73894), Vicki Labriola (69176), Jenn Casoli Vant (85337), Jill Register (GSEM Council)

Memorial Day parade:  Monday, May 25 starting at 10am, line up at start at 9:45.

Gymnastics Update:  Deadline for forms/payments is today.  Girls will enjoy approx 90 minutes of gymnastics fun and will be handed a water and snack as they leave.  They will also receive a gymnastics participation patch.

Jill from GSEM Council on GS Camps:  New this year, Camp Rice Moody will offer a 1/2 day option for girls entering K, 1 and 2.  There are 8 camps run by GSEM, 4 are overnight resident and 4 are day camps.  Camp Wind in the Pines is a "high adventure" camp with high ropes activities.  Programs for girls entering grade 2-12.  If you have older girls, there are possible job openings for older Girl Scouts.  Visit the web site for details. Camp Favorite, Brewster, MA - "Water Sports" with graduated sailing and biking.  1, 2 and 3 week programs.  Camp Runnels - "Arts and Crafts" and "Adventure tripping"  back packing, canoeing and more away from the camp facilities.  Camp Wabasso, Bradford, NH - "Horse program" and "Drama"   They use an old theater for productions.  Resident camp starts at grade 2.  There are bus stops to resident camp for those who wish to use it.  Open houses at all resident camps are approaching.  Check the GSEM website for details/hours on open houses.  Camps all vary in size in terms of the number of girls at any given time.  Camp Rice Moody is the smallest.  Ratio of staff to girls follows the Girl Scout safety standard.  Girls will have the same councilor all week.  Registration is open now and will remain open as long as there is space available i the program.   For additional information on Girl Scout Camps, contact Jill Register:  jregister@girlscoutseastermass.org   or visit www.hergirlscouts.org 

All present leaders took a fun quiz.  The winner received a lovely GS umbrella.  Thank you, Kristin!

All NR Girl Scout troops should return their financial reports at the May leader meeting or mailed directly to Anne Valade.  The form is available on the GSEM website.  Also a link is available on the NRGS blog.  http://northreadinggirlscouts.blogspot.com/

As troops are wrapping up their "year", please keep GS safety rules in mind when planning events.  There are specific rules regarding pool parties that must be adhered to.  Take the time to review these rules when making your plans.  Thank you!

Arbor Day Celebration - Friday, May 1 at 6pm at Ipswich River Park.  North Reading Garden Club plants a tree and invites all NR Girl Scouts, families and friends to help with the planting.  Event is rain or shine.  Meet at the IRP Gazebo.

NR Food Pantry garden beds - will be planted again later in spring.  Details coming.  Looking for volunteers help plant and then water during the summer.

Opportunities found on the blog: 

Against the Tide:  volunteer opportunity - swim, kayak, race..  Looking for girls to volunteer.  June 20 at Hopkinton State Park.  Or Aug. 15 at DCR's Nickerson State Park.  Volunteer hours 7am-Noon.

International Dance Festival - June 25 - 3rd Annual Girl Scout Day - at Jacob's Pillow, in the Berkshires. 

Cookie Update:  A little lower numbers than last year.  Isabella Puliafico was the top seller with 407 packages sold.  Overall, North Reading Girl Scouts sold 16,311 packages of cookies.  Great job, girls!  Cookie incentives should be available at the May Leaders' Meeting.

It was Leader Appreciation Day!  Handmade note cards, chocolates, and other items were available as gifts of thanks for leaders.  Thank you to all leaders for all you do for North Reading's Girl Scouts!

Next Leaders' Meeting - Tuesday, May 12th, Library Activity Room at 7:30pm

Annual Troop Financial Report

Every troop needs to submit an Annual Troop Financial Report at the June Leader Meeting or by June 15.  It can be mailed to Anne Valade at 24 Abbott Rd.  Please find a link to the form at the GSEM forms website: http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms.html?cat=6718.  Any questions please contact Anne at annevalade@comcast.net.

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week!

A big Thank You to all the volunteers and leaders that keep Girl Scouts going strong in North Reading!!

GSEM Online Webinars

Do you want to learn more about fun things to do with your troop, about avoiding cliques, about inclusion, about camping, about Journeys, and more...then check out the GSEM Webinar archives by clicking on this link.  http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/Volunteer/WednesdayWebinarArchive.pdf

ANA YMCA Synchro Swimming Event

Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts has been invited to attend a performance on Sunday, May 17th at 1 p.m. of “GoSynchroGo”, their 38th annual show.  The ANA Synchro Show Flyer is here and Invitation letter with more information is here .  Girls will be recognized as a group at the performance and each will receive a patch and it’s $5 to attend and $15 for adults.

Early Bird Registration for 2015-2016

Start talking to your girls and registered adults about re-registration for next year to get a sense of who will be returning.  If re-registered by June 30, girls will receive an early bird patch for their uniform.  More information will be forthcoming this month.   If any questions about the registration process, please contact Barbara Gravel at BarbGravel@msn.com.

 

 

 

Gymnastics Event

Save the date—the gymnastics event will be held this year at Reading Gymnastics in North Reading on Thursday, April 23, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Please see the flyer here and the permission slip  here.  This event is for any age level but typically Daisies, Brownies and Juniors participate.  They will be able to accommodate 85 girls in one session and have the ability to open up another room if we need more so there will not be a limitation on the number of scouts who can attend!  Contact is Debbie Nearing at bcednearing@comcast.net for this event.

Volunteer Networking Meeting

This meeting is for all registered Girl Scout volunteers and provides opportunities to share ideas and best practices with volunteers from neighboring service units.  This meeting will be held at Camp Rice Moody in Reading on April 30th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  You can register by clicking on this link http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/Volunteer/search.html?id=14623.

Girl Scout Resource Books at Flint Memorial Library

Just to let you know that Kristin Puliafico has completed her mission to place Girl Scout books, for most if not all levels including some Journey books, in the Flint Memorial Library.  They are located in the children’s room!  These books are not to be taken out but to be used for reference only.  Thank you, Kristin!

Memorial Day Parade

It's not too early to start working on your troop banner if you don't already have one!  Check out the flyer here for more information about the parade and the banner dimensions.  This year's parade is Monday, May 25.  The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. from the Meeting House on the Common.  If your troop is marching, you should plan on lining up at 9:45.  Individual girls are also welcome to march and join in with other troops sharing their level of scouting! 

 

We ask that no troop carry and/or hand out latex balloons.  Not only are they dangerous for young children, but in conjunction with a Silver Award done by a Cadette Girl Scout a number of years ago, they are dangerous to wildlife.  Her slogan was “When Balloons Fly, Animals Die”.   Again, we also ask that for safety reasons, the NRGS troops DO NOT throw candy into the crowd.  The parade committee also requests this of each group and organization participating in the parade for safety reasons and although others do not honor their request, we would ask that the Girl Scouts adhere to their policy as part of our Girl Scout Law to respect authority.