CENTENNIAL SILVER DOLLARWe can hardly wait for the United States Mint to announce final details about our commemorative coin and start the minting process. We're excited to share—drum roll, please—that the coin goes on sale at noon ET on February 28 at the U.S. Mint's website and 800-USA-MINT. The Girl Scout organization is eligible to receive up to $3.5 million from this historic sale, and surcharges received by GSUSA are to be used for national program development and delivery. Coins may also be available at council shops and will make wonderful gifts for those in your community who have supported Girl Scouts. You can also win one of the coins through our Facebook and Twitter trivia contest, which begins February 25.
Monday, January 28, 2013
2/18 - Girl Scout Centennial Silver Dollar
From GSUSA:
2/22 - World Thinking Day
From GSUSA:
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Volunteer Opportunity
"Are you looking for a short-term or long term service opportunity? The Girl Scout Museum at Cedar Hill can use your help. Work with our volunteer staff to sort and catalogue the collection, do research or data entry. There are small tasks and longer projects that will help to preserve the Girl Scout story.
Hours and days are flexible. We’ll work with your schedule. We have collections in North Andover and Middleboro if those locations are better for you. To earn the Service to Girl Scouting Bar, you need to provide 20 hours of service to the organization. We will train you for what you need to do.This is an excellent opportunity to provide service back to the Girl Scout Organization. Adults welcome to volunteer as well.
Please contact 781-373-4360 or cedarhillmuseum@live.com"
Friday, January 18, 2013
Volunteer Recognitions - due 2/8
If you feel that there is someone in North Reading who deserves recognition for the work they do to support Scouts - please, nominate them for recognition!
Everyone enjoys being thanked!
For more info on the awards and the process, GSEM has provided a flyer that can be found here
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Leader's Meeting Minutes - 1/15/13
Attendees: Service Unit (SU) Coordinator: Amy Kelly [73897, 71901], SU Secretary: Debbie Nearing [73891], SU Treasurer: Julia Slavin [71872], SU Recording Secretary: Alycia McGoldrick [73904], SU Cookie Coordinator: Kerstin March [71898], SU Registrar: Anne Valade, Kristin Puliafico [85118], Cheryl Carr [71888], Ruth Kennedy [73899], Sue Kirby [73899], Kristin Lamont [71880], Barbara Duff [71902], Jodi Sponzo [73897]
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:36 pm. Pledge was recited.
Three members of Troop 73897 gave a presentation on social media and the safety precautions that should be observed. This was part of their Take Action project for their Journey.
Service Unit Update
The Founder's Award, a scholarship for a graduating senior Girl Scout will be given this year. There are 7 graduating seniors! Gifts for the seniors are being ordered.
The Service Team discussed that there needs to be 1 event per year whose proceeds are earmarked for the Founder's Award.
There will be a spring Mother/Daughter Daisy Tea to meet that requirement.
We will hold 2 separate fly ups again this year. Troops 73894 and 73897 will be coordinating the Fly Up for the older girls. Girl Council will be running the Fly Up for the Daisies (feedback was very positive on the separate Daisy event) Need to pick dates. If anyone knows of conflicts (recitals, 1st communions, softball banquets, etc...) please let Jodi Sponzo know.
Volunteer recognition nominations need to be submitted by Feb 8th. If you have a co-leader, parent, or know of another volunteer that you think deserves to be recognized - submit the applications on-line as www.girlscoutseasternmass.org
Amy is going to send out a letter to the all parents...subject - Did You Know?
Parents can attend the Leader's meeting (for their troop, for themselves)
Parents can use the blog to stay informed, get forms, etc...
Kids can attend Council programs even if their troop isn't going
Parents can run a meeting for their troop, teach the girls something new
All Leaders in town are volunteering their time and receive no compensation
There are open positions on the North Reading Service Team and parents can serve
Parents can be the camp trained person for their daughter's troop
....and more!
There was a discussion about the frustration shared by the Leaders that parents don't respond to emails, don't meet deadlines. Ideas:
Be strict with your cut-offs
Send text messages
Hand paper flyers out (? this seemed to work in times past)
There was a discussion about Leader's Meeting Participation (or lack thereof). Ideas:
Add a topic each time that addresses the needs of Daisy Leaders and see if it draws them in
Try a Sunday 8 am meeting time
Decide if we even need a Leader's Meeting - many troops are active and engaged even though the Leaders don't attend the Leader's Meeting
Try to make it a more social-type event
Amy may send an email to the Leaders that don't attend these meetings just to see what they've been up to and check in!
There are still open positions on the Service Team (and opportunities to influence the North Reading Council):
Service Unit Coordinator (Amy's role)
Registrar (Anne's role)
Recording Secretary (Alycia's role)
Fall Product Sales Coordinator (Shauna's role)
Ruth and Sue's troop is going snowtubing on the last Thursday in January and would love if other troops would join them. They will be at Amesbury Sports Park. Note - they're not coordinating the event...you'll still need to fill out your forms and whatnot - they're just hopeful that other troops will join in the fun!
Registration Update
Council updates to the rosters seem to be slow - some girls are not yet appearing in the right troops. If this is the case, let Anne know. She can't fix it but can feed it back to Council.
Council tells us that we are ~50 girls short of our registration goal.
Council is going to try to run a recruitment event - our concern is that if we had those 50 girls registered, we wouldn't have troops to put them in!
Registration fees are going to be going up to $25 per girl - with $15 going to GSUSA and $10 going to GSEM!
Town Events
Father/Daughter Sports Event - February 9th
Bring your dad, uncle, grandfather, significant adult for a day of fun and sports. Will include basketball, bowling, golf and more!
Flyer is here and due back at next Leader's meeting.
Ice Skating Event - February 20th
Sandy Griffin going to lead this event and we will distribute the flyer via email since there is no December meeting.
World Thinking Day - February 22nd
This year's theme "Together We Can Save Children's Lives". This is based on the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.
Good info to use for your troop can be found at GSUSA's website or by Googling it.
Girl Scout Week - March 10th-16th
Girl Scout Sunday - 3/10
Girl Scout Birthday - 3/12
Girl Scout Sabbath - 3/16
Mother/Daughter Daisy Tea - likely in this timeframe
There may be an event for the elementary school 1/2 days
March is Girl Scout Food Pantry month
More details will be coming
April
Vacation Week Gymnastics
Garden Club' Arbor Day
Cookie Update
Order deadline this Friday
Check to make sure that all your girls are in the database!
The cookie drop will be on February 8th and Kerstin is still looking for a few volunteers to help manage the pick up. It generally runs from 8 - 11 am. If you are interested in helping - contact Kerstin March.
Council Programs (didn't cover these but agreed to put them in the minutes)
Many winter Council Outdoor Programs offered for all ages
Winter Wonderland Program for girls in K-3rd
Come do some summer camp activities in the middle of winter!
1/27 @ Camp Cedar Hill.
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Glow in teh Dark Lock In for Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Try your hand at the climbing wall while it's glowing. Take a night hike, play man hunt. Stay up all night if you want!
2/9-10 @ Camp Wind-in-the-Pines/Plymouth
Winter Vacation Camp for girls in 6th-12th
Come to camp for the week and downhill ski or snowboard, go night tubing, try snowshoeing, and more!
2/18-22 @ Camp Wabasso
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Winter Hiking Series for girls in 6th-12th
Attend various session and then join in for an overnight outdoor hiking trip
Sessions vary, overnight 3/8-10
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Snowshoeing for girls in 4th-12th
Learn how to snowshoe, develop teambuilding skills, and have fun!
Dates and locations vary
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
April Vacation Camp for girls in K-8th
Come to camp for the week and see what camp is about - come for a day or two or the whole week
4/16-19 @ Camp Cedar Hill/Waltham, Camp Maude Eaton/Andover, Camp Wind-in-the-Pines/Plymouth
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Next Leaders Meeting is 2/12, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 14
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:36 pm. Pledge was recited.
Three members of Troop 73897 gave a presentation on social media and the safety precautions that should be observed. This was part of their Take Action project for their Journey.
Service Unit Update
The Founder's Award, a scholarship for a graduating senior Girl Scout will be given this year. There are 7 graduating seniors! Gifts for the seniors are being ordered.
The Service Team discussed that there needs to be 1 event per year whose proceeds are earmarked for the Founder's Award.
There will be a spring Mother/Daughter Daisy Tea to meet that requirement.
We will hold 2 separate fly ups again this year. Troops 73894 and 73897 will be coordinating the Fly Up for the older girls. Girl Council will be running the Fly Up for the Daisies (feedback was very positive on the separate Daisy event) Need to pick dates. If anyone knows of conflicts (recitals, 1st communions, softball banquets, etc...) please let Jodi Sponzo know.
Volunteer recognition nominations need to be submitted by Feb 8th. If you have a co-leader, parent, or know of another volunteer that you think deserves to be recognized - submit the applications on-line as www.girlscoutseasternmass.org
Amy is going to send out a letter to the all parents...subject - Did You Know?
Parents can attend the Leader's meeting (for their troop, for themselves)
Parents can use the blog to stay informed, get forms, etc...
Kids can attend Council programs even if their troop isn't going
Parents can run a meeting for their troop, teach the girls something new
All Leaders in town are volunteering their time and receive no compensation
There are open positions on the North Reading Service Team and parents can serve
Parents can be the camp trained person for their daughter's troop
....and more!
There was a discussion about the frustration shared by the Leaders that parents don't respond to emails, don't meet deadlines. Ideas:
Be strict with your cut-offs
Send text messages
Hand paper flyers out (? this seemed to work in times past)
There was a discussion about Leader's Meeting Participation (or lack thereof). Ideas:
Add a topic each time that addresses the needs of Daisy Leaders and see if it draws them in
Try a Sunday 8 am meeting time
Decide if we even need a Leader's Meeting - many troops are active and engaged even though the Leaders don't attend the Leader's Meeting
Try to make it a more social-type event
Amy may send an email to the Leaders that don't attend these meetings just to see what they've been up to and check in!
There are still open positions on the Service Team (and opportunities to influence the North Reading Council):
Service Unit Coordinator (Amy's role)
Registrar (Anne's role)
Recording Secretary (Alycia's role)
Fall Product Sales Coordinator (Shauna's role)
Ruth and Sue's troop is going snowtubing on the last Thursday in January and would love if other troops would join them. They will be at Amesbury Sports Park. Note - they're not coordinating the event...you'll still need to fill out your forms and whatnot - they're just hopeful that other troops will join in the fun!
Registration Update
Council updates to the rosters seem to be slow - some girls are not yet appearing in the right troops. If this is the case, let Anne know. She can't fix it but can feed it back to Council.
Council tells us that we are ~50 girls short of our registration goal.
Council is going to try to run a recruitment event - our concern is that if we had those 50 girls registered, we wouldn't have troops to put them in!
Registration fees are going to be going up to $25 per girl - with $15 going to GSUSA and $10 going to GSEM!
Town Events
Father/Daughter Sports Event - February 9th
Bring your dad, uncle, grandfather, significant adult for a day of fun and sports. Will include basketball, bowling, golf and more!
Flyer is here and due back at next Leader's meeting.
Ice Skating Event - February 20th
Sandy Griffin going to lead this event and we will distribute the flyer via email since there is no December meeting.
World Thinking Day - February 22nd
This year's theme "Together We Can Save Children's Lives". This is based on the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.
Good info to use for your troop can be found at GSUSA's website or by Googling it.
Girl Scout Week - March 10th-16th
Girl Scout Sunday - 3/10
Girl Scout Birthday - 3/12
Girl Scout Sabbath - 3/16
Mother/Daughter Daisy Tea - likely in this timeframe
There may be an event for the elementary school 1/2 days
March is Girl Scout Food Pantry month
More details will be coming
April
Vacation Week Gymnastics
Garden Club' Arbor Day
Cookie Update
Order deadline this Friday
Check to make sure that all your girls are in the database!
The cookie drop will be on February 8th and Kerstin is still looking for a few volunteers to help manage the pick up. It generally runs from 8 - 11 am. If you are interested in helping - contact Kerstin March.
Council Programs (didn't cover these but agreed to put them in the minutes)
Many winter Council Outdoor Programs offered for all ages
Winter Wonderland Program for girls in K-3rd
Come do some summer camp activities in the middle of winter!
1/27 @ Camp Cedar Hill.
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Glow in teh Dark Lock In for Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Try your hand at the climbing wall while it's glowing. Take a night hike, play man hunt. Stay up all night if you want!
2/9-10 @ Camp Wind-in-the-Pines/Plymouth
Winter Vacation Camp for girls in 6th-12th
Come to camp for the week and downhill ski or snowboard, go night tubing, try snowshoeing, and more!
2/18-22 @ Camp Wabasso
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Winter Hiking Series for girls in 6th-12th
Attend various session and then join in for an overnight outdoor hiking trip
Sessions vary, overnight 3/8-10
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Snowshoeing for girls in 4th-12th
Learn how to snowshoe, develop teambuilding skills, and have fun!
Dates and locations vary
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
April Vacation Camp for girls in K-8th
Come to camp for the week and see what camp is about - come for a day or two or the whole week
4/16-19 @ Camp Cedar Hill/Waltham, Camp Maude Eaton/Andover, Camp Wind-in-the-Pines/Plymouth
visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Next Leaders Meeting is 2/12, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 14
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Another GS Skating Event - 1/21
When: Monday, January 21st 9:30 - 11:20 am
Where: Burbank Arena, Reading
Who: Friends and Family, 5 years and up
Cost: $5 per person (Scouts receive patch), skates not included
See attached flyer for more info
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friends and Family Ice Skating - Feb 20th
NRGS presents Friends and Family Ice Skating
Where: Burbank Arena
When: February 20th, 12:30-2:30
Cost: $5 per participate (skates available at additional cost)
See attached flyer for more infoMath Event for Girls in 6th-10th
Girls' Angle and MIT's Undergraduate Society of Women in Mathematics (USWIM) are collaborating to bring you SUMit 2013.
SUMiT is a fully collaborative, math intensive event for girls. SUMiT 2013 is the second installment of SUMiT. SUMiT 2012 took place on January 21, 2012 at MIT and received an average overall rating of 10 out of 10 from participants!
This year, 6-10th grade girls from a wide range of mathematical backgrounds will come together in a one day mathematical extravaganza. They will join forces to tackle a wide array of tantalizing and engaging math problems as they strive toward a common goal. If they succeed, they will earn magnificent prizes.
SUMiT has grown out of the traditional end-of-semester Treasure Hunt at Girls' Angle. Together, Girls’ Angle and MIT’s Undergraduate Society for Women in Mathematics (USWIM) have created SUMiT to bring this fun-filled event out of the Girls' Angle club to the general public.
SUMiT is different from every other math extracurricular event in the United States. It creates a community of young women excited about mathematics, inspires young girls’ enthusiasm in math without competition and shows them the power of cooperation towards a shared purpose.
Newtown Memorial Service
You may send them directly to the GS Hartford Service Center, c/o Trefoil Project, 340 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106. Please try to make sure that they arrive by January 9th to be included in the presentation.
Trefoil templates are attached here: trefoil 2per, trefoil 11x17Tuesday, December 11, 2012
All Girl Scout Night at Battleship Cove
Come sleep in authentic crew bunks, eat in the original Officer's Wardroom, help solve problems that the crew faced over 50 years ago, practice knot tying and more.
This year, a former service woman is coming to speak to the girls about her experiences in the military.
The flyer with more information can be found here. Or visit www.battleshipcove.org
GSEM is seeking older girls for Board of Directors
From Council:
"GSEM is seeking Girl Scouts, ages 14-17, to serve on the council's Board of Directors for a one-year term. This is an exciting way to be part of the ciritical decisions that will determine the future of GSEM. As a member of the Board, you will learn about governance - how a board creates policies and makes decisions - and you will get to take an active role in how that happens. You will meet and work with some interesting and influential people and you will have an opportunity to make sure that those people hear from you. Being on the Board requires a time commitment and taking responsibility, but with it comes great reward.
Each year, four older girls (ages 14-17) are elected to the Board as full-voting members, contributing their input and perspective to the policy issues that the Board decides on.
This is a great leadership opportunity for older girls as it offers extensive experience working in partnership with the adult board members to make a difference in how the council is governed. And -- it's a great college application/resume builder.
Interested? Want to apply? Applications, resume, and letters of reference are due to Council by January 23, 2013. Interviews will be held at Cedar Hill on Saturday, February 2. Here's the application link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/girlboardapp2013"
"GSEM is seeking Girl Scouts, ages 14-17, to serve on the council's Board of Directors for a one-year term. This is an exciting way to be part of the ciritical decisions that will determine the future of GSEM. As a member of the Board, you will learn about governance - how a board creates policies and makes decisions - and you will get to take an active role in how that happens. You will meet and work with some interesting and influential people and you will have an opportunity to make sure that those people hear from you. Being on the Board requires a time commitment and taking responsibility, but with it comes great reward.
Each year, four older girls (ages 14-17) are elected to the Board as full-voting members, contributing their input and perspective to the policy issues that the Board decides on.
This is a great leadership opportunity for older girls as it offers extensive experience working in partnership with the adult board members to make a difference in how the council is governed. And -- it's a great college application/resume builder.
Interested? Want to apply? Applications, resume, and letters of reference are due to Council by January 23, 2013. Interviews will be held at Cedar Hill on Saturday, February 2. Here's the application link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/girlboardapp2013"
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Caroling at Wingate - 12/12/12
North Reading Girl Scouts have been invited to Christmas Carol at Wingate Nursing Home in Reading (1364 Main St., Reading) on Wednesday, December 12th from 4:-5 p.m.
This is a sibling friendly event!!!
We have the words to the Carols (electronically) and will send to anyone who requests them.
If you're planning on going - please let Donna Gonzalez know - email her at donnagonzalez@verizon.net!
If you have any questions about the Caroling, please contact Kate Mahoney at mahoney57@verizon.net.
This is not a drop off event and kids must be supervised!
So warm up those pipes and get ready to bring some cheer to some of our older residents!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Father/Daughter Sports Event - 2/9, K-5th
The popular Father Daughter Sports Event returns on February 9th!
This event is geared for girls in K-5th grade and a significant adult.
Session 1: 10am-noon
Session 2: 1-3pm
Price: $15 per couple, $7 for each additional girl
Games, snack, and patch included
Flyer can be found here - due back at next Leader's meeting (1/15)
Update to Regal Shopping Night - 12/5
Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while your kids play!
Thirtyone(Purses & Handbags)- www.mythirtyone.com/116482
Pampered Chef www.pamperedchef.biz/lisalloyd
Lia Sophia Jewelry www.liasophia.com
Nerium AD (Real Results Anti-Aging Cream) www.juliaslavin.nerium.com
Tastefully Simple www.tastefullysimple.com
Tupperware www.my.tupperware.com/lindaabruen
Mary Kay www.marykay.com/tfoley
Usborne Books www.usborne.com
Hand Knitted Gifts
Cost is $8 per girl and all proceeds will benefit North Reading Girl Scout programming.
More details can be found in the attached updated flyer. Spread the word! This should be a nice way to socialize, get started on your shopping, and earn a little money to support scouting events in North Reading!
Fall Product Sales Position Open
If you are thinking about getting more involved or have a parent who wants to get more involved - this opening is a great way to "dip your toe into the water"!
Interested folk should contact Amy Kelly at kellys@majekelly.com
Merrimack College Hockey Scout Night - 11/30 @ 7:30 pm
Merrimack College Hockey Fans,
Make sure to join us this Friday for the Warriors home contest at Lawler Arena against Providence College at 7:30pm. In honor of local scouts, all boy scouts and girl scouts in uniform will receive $5 admission tickets when dressed in their scout uniform.
You can also book your group outing or catered event before a Warriors game this season by clicking here or calling the box office (978-837-5324) Monday through Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Even get a chance to skate with your youth team on the ice during intermission!
A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT:
Make sure to join us this Friday for the Warriors home contest at Lawler Arena against Providence College at 7:30pm. In honor of local scouts, all boy scouts and girl scouts in uniform will receive $5 admission tickets when dressed in their scout uniform.
You can also book your group outing or catered event before a Warriors game this season by clicking here or calling the box office (978-837-5324) Monday through Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Even get a chance to skate with your youth team on the ice during intermission!
A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT:
Half-Season Ticket Packages ($149) that include 10 Hockey East games (2 vs. BC), preferred center-ice seating and a holiday gift are now available through the box office (978-837-5324).
Individual Game Tickets / Promotional Calendar / Groups & Birthday Parties / Join the Jr. Warriors for $15
GO WARRIORS!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Holiday Shopping Night POSTPONED!
Wednesday's Holiday Shopping Night has been postponed due to the incoming Nor'easter.
As a reminder - this event is open to all Leaders and Parents and is intended to be a social event as well as a way to browse some items for sale (and maybe get some things crossed off your shopping lists)!
When this event has been rescheduled, we will let you know!
As a reminder - this event is open to all Leaders and Parents and is intended to be a social event as well as a way to browse some items for sale (and maybe get some things crossed off your shopping lists)!
When this event has been rescheduled, we will let you know!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Leader's Meeting Minutes - 10/16/12
Attendees: Service Unit (SU) Coordinator: Amy Kelly [73897, 71901], SU Secretary: Debbie Nearing [73891], SU Treasurer: Julia Slavin []SU Recording Secretary: Alycia McGoldrick [73904], SU Cookie Coordinator: Kerstin March [71898], Kristin Puliafico [85118], Stephanie Musgrave [71868], Lisa Coroa-Bockley [85121], Ruth Kennedy [73899], Karen Mericantante [85335], Kristin Lamont [71880], Debbie Aalto [71880, 85337], Sue Kirby [73899], Christine MacInnis [71900], Dawn Gonthier [ 71890], Patti Harrington [85122]
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:38 pm. Pledge and promise were recited.
Early Bird patches were available for those that re-registered their troops last June.
Ultimate Program Guides were available for those that did not receive them in the mail - same info is available on-line.
Council Updates
Sue Asselin from GSEM joined to let us know about things:
Wednesday Webinars are new to GSEM for Leaders. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Each webinar will run from 12-1 p.m. and be repeated from 7-8 p.m.
Nov 14 - Include All Girls: Inclusion Strategies and Resources
Dec 19 - This is Not Your Mother's Cookie Sale!
Jan 16 - Volunteer Recognitions: The Who, What, How and Why of it
Don't forget to sign your Volunteer Agreement on-line! As part of signing this, you'll be asked to sign the Comprehensive Information Security Program agreement (CISP). This states that you will help GSEM keep people's information secure.
Copies are available with the Volunteer Agreement. Or you can find it here
http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms/CISP-Volunteer-Summary.pdf
Keep in mind that Sue is a great resource. Have a question? email her at sasselin@girlscoutseasternmass.org or call at 978-689-8015. If she doesn't know the answer, she'll find someone who does!
Council Programs Juliette's Tea Party - open to all ages.
November 4th, 12-1:30 or 2:30 -4 @ Camp Rice Moody. Have tea, finger sandwiches and dessert with Juliette Low's great-great niece. $15/couple. Register by 10/27. Flyer is here.
Stand Up 2012 - 6th-12th
November 29th, 8 am-1pm @ Tsongas Center. Take a stand against bullying. Join others in discussions, idea exchanges and action plan development. Last year more than 4000 youth participated (this is not limited to Scouts). Free. More information and on-line registration at www.StandUptoBullying.org
GS Night at the Celtics - open to all ages
January 14th, 7:30 @ TD Garden. Balcony seats are available for a reduced Scout rate of $43. Email your order to shutchinson@celtics.com.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - open to all ages
11/23-12/9 @ Wang Theatre. Scout friends and family save up to 50%. For more info, contact Grinch Group Tickets at 617-532-1116 or email groups@citicenter.org and mention Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass.
Family Night at the Worcester Sharks Hockey
January 19th, 7 pm. It's also bobble head night for the kids. To register for this, visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
STEM - Teen Career Expo - 6th-12th
10/28, 9am-4pm, Framingham. Discover what you can do at a day long Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Expostition for girls. To register for this, visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Cadette Media Journey in a Weekend
11/30-12/1. Complete the entire Media Journey in a weekend. $35 per girl includes awards, food and lodging. For more information contact Nina Garcia nina@nitroy.com
Registration Update
Keep an open mind about taking more girls. We still haven't placed everyone in troops - and we don't want to have to turn away girls who want to participate!
Town Events
Halloween Party 10/21, 3-5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Cost is $8 per girl. Open to all ages, but typically Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. This is a drop-off event and pre-registration is required! Forms due back at the next Leader's meeting and this is a firm deadline!! Flyer is here
Trick or Treating at Wingate
Wingate Nursing Home is having a trick or treat event on 10/24/2012 from 4-5pm.
They wanted to invite all NRGS and siblings to come in costume and trick or treat!
They did ask us to RSVP to donnagonzelez@verizon.net so they can be sure to have enough candy for all!!!:) All kids and siblings are welcome, either troops or individuals.
This is NOT a drop-off event!
Holiday Shopping Night at Celebration Kingdom
November 6th, 6-8 pm @ Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street
Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while your kids play!
Cost is $8 per girl and all proceeds will benefit North Reading Girl Scout programming. Flyer is here
World Thinking Day - February
We are looking for someone to step forward and spearhead this event! If interested, please contact Amy at kellys@majekelly.com
Ice Skating Event - January
We are looking for someone to step forward and spearhead this event! If interested, please contact Amy at kellys@majekelly.com
Poconos Trip for Juniors and up 3/8-10 or 4/5-7 to Woodloch Resort. The town will set the date after the November meeting. 3/8 is an early release day which will allow troops to get an early start. Cost to be about $149/per person per night. Cost includes 3 meals a day and lodging for 4 people per room. Activities include: nightly entertainment, bumper cars, go carts, indoor pool, Wii game room, rock climbing and badge earning activities (Cupcake Wars, Scavenger Hunt, Beading, Name That Tune, Family Fued, Zumba). The Girl Council is looking into arranging buses to help with the cost and ease of attending.
Check out www.woodloch.com for more info.
If you want to go some other (non-scout) weekend, the price stays the same.
Cookie Update
The cookies are coming! The cookies are coming!
Don't forget to recruit a Cookie Advisor (Cookie Mom) or two!
In-town Cookie Advisor training will be scheduled soon - likely to be the week of Thanksgiving. If you know that your Cookie Advisor won't be able to make the training, Council trainings are starting to be posted up at www.girlscoutseasternmass.org
Service Unit Update
This will be Amy's last year as Service Unit Coordinator. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Amy: kellys@majekelly.com.
This will be Alycia's last year as Recording Secretary and Blogger. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Alycia: alycia.mcgoldrick@gmail.com.
This will be Anne's last year as Registrar. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Anne: anne.valade@comcast.net
Want to check out the Service Team before you volunteer for anything? The next meeting will be posted in the Monday email and anyone is welcome to attend.
We did talk about the sparse attendance at these meetings (in contrast to the higher attendance at the June social meeting) and trying to find time for more Leader Social Events. As there is no December meeting - we may try to do a December Leader Social Event instead...that way Leaders can meet each other and share ideas!
Next Leaders Meeting is 11/27, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 14
The November meeting is New Leader Investiture.
Experienced Leaders are encouraged to bring their outgrown or excess supplies to help kick-start the new troops.
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:38 pm. Pledge and promise were recited.
Early Bird patches were available for those that re-registered their troops last June.
Ultimate Program Guides were available for those that did not receive them in the mail - same info is available on-line.
Council Updates
Sue Asselin from GSEM joined to let us know about things:
Wednesday Webinars are new to GSEM for Leaders. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Each webinar will run from 12-1 p.m. and be repeated from 7-8 p.m.
Nov 14 - Include All Girls: Inclusion Strategies and Resources
Dec 19 - This is Not Your Mother's Cookie Sale!
Jan 16 - Volunteer Recognitions: The Who, What, How and Why of it
Don't forget to sign your Volunteer Agreement on-line! As part of signing this, you'll be asked to sign the Comprehensive Information Security Program agreement (CISP). This states that you will help GSEM keep people's information secure.
Copies are available with the Volunteer Agreement. Or you can find it here
http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms/CISP-Volunteer-Summary.pdf
Keep in mind that Sue is a great resource. Have a question? email her at sasselin@girlscoutseasternmass.org or call at 978-689-8015. If she doesn't know the answer, she'll find someone who does!
Council Programs Juliette's Tea Party - open to all ages.
November 4th, 12-1:30 or 2:30 -4 @ Camp Rice Moody. Have tea, finger sandwiches and dessert with Juliette Low's great-great niece. $15/couple. Register by 10/27. Flyer is here.
Stand Up 2012 - 6th-12th
November 29th, 8 am-1pm @ Tsongas Center. Take a stand against bullying. Join others in discussions, idea exchanges and action plan development. Last year more than 4000 youth participated (this is not limited to Scouts). Free. More information and on-line registration at www.StandUptoBullying.org
GS Night at the Celtics - open to all ages
January 14th, 7:30 @ TD Garden. Balcony seats are available for a reduced Scout rate of $43. Email your order to shutchinson@celtics.com.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - open to all ages
11/23-12/9 @ Wang Theatre. Scout friends and family save up to 50%. For more info, contact Grinch Group Tickets at 617-532-1116 or email groups@citicenter.org and mention Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass.
Family Night at the Worcester Sharks Hockey
January 19th, 7 pm. It's also bobble head night for the kids. To register for this, visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
STEM - Teen Career Expo - 6th-12th
10/28, 9am-4pm, Framingham. Discover what you can do at a day long Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Expostition for girls. To register for this, visit www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs
Cadette Media Journey in a Weekend
11/30-12/1. Complete the entire Media Journey in a weekend. $35 per girl includes awards, food and lodging. For more information contact Nina Garcia nina@nitroy.com
Registration Update
Keep an open mind about taking more girls. We still haven't placed everyone in troops - and we don't want to have to turn away girls who want to participate!
Town Events
Halloween Party 10/21, 3-5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Cost is $8 per girl. Open to all ages, but typically Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. This is a drop-off event and pre-registration is required! Forms due back at the next Leader's meeting and this is a firm deadline!! Flyer is here
Trick or Treating at Wingate
Wingate Nursing Home is having a trick or treat event on 10/24/2012 from 4-5pm.
They wanted to invite all NRGS and siblings to come in costume and trick or treat!
They did ask us to RSVP to donnagonzelez@verizon.net so they can be sure to have enough candy for all!!!:) All kids and siblings are welcome, either troops or individuals.
This is NOT a drop-off event!
Holiday Shopping Night at Celebration Kingdom
November 6th, 6-8 pm @ Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street
Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while your kids play!
Cost is $8 per girl and all proceeds will benefit North Reading Girl Scout programming. Flyer is here
World Thinking Day - February
We are looking for someone to step forward and spearhead this event! If interested, please contact Amy at kellys@majekelly.com
Ice Skating Event - January
We are looking for someone to step forward and spearhead this event! If interested, please contact Amy at kellys@majekelly.com
Poconos Trip for Juniors and up 3/8-10 or 4/5-7 to Woodloch Resort. The town will set the date after the November meeting. 3/8 is an early release day which will allow troops to get an early start. Cost to be about $149/per person per night. Cost includes 3 meals a day and lodging for 4 people per room. Activities include: nightly entertainment, bumper cars, go carts, indoor pool, Wii game room, rock climbing and badge earning activities (Cupcake Wars, Scavenger Hunt, Beading, Name That Tune, Family Fued, Zumba). The Girl Council is looking into arranging buses to help with the cost and ease of attending.
Check out www.woodloch.com for more info.
If you want to go some other (non-scout) weekend, the price stays the same.
Cookie Update
The cookies are coming! The cookies are coming!
Don't forget to recruit a Cookie Advisor (Cookie Mom) or two!
In-town Cookie Advisor training will be scheduled soon - likely to be the week of Thanksgiving. If you know that your Cookie Advisor won't be able to make the training, Council trainings are starting to be posted up at www.girlscoutseasternmass.org
Service Unit Update
This will be Amy's last year as Service Unit Coordinator. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Amy: kellys@majekelly.com.
This will be Alycia's last year as Recording Secretary and Blogger. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Alycia: alycia.mcgoldrick@gmail.com.
This will be Anne's last year as Registrar. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Anne: anne.valade@comcast.net
Want to check out the Service Team before you volunteer for anything? The next meeting will be posted in the Monday email and anyone is welcome to attend.
We did talk about the sparse attendance at these meetings (in contrast to the higher attendance at the June social meeting) and trying to find time for more Leader Social Events. As there is no December meeting - we may try to do a December Leader Social Event instead...that way Leaders can meet each other and share ideas!
Next Leaders Meeting is 11/27, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 14
The November meeting is New Leader Investiture.
Experienced Leaders are encouraged to bring their outgrown or excess supplies to help kick-start the new troops.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Holiday Shopping Night at Celebration Kingdom
Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while your kids play!
Thirtyone(Purses & Handbags)- www.mythirtyone.com/116482
Pampered Chef www.pamperedchef.biz/lisalloyd
Lia Sophia Jewelry www.liasophia.com
Nerium AD (Real Results Anti-Aging Cream) www.juliaslavin.nerium.com
Tastefully Simple www.tastefullysimple.com
Tupperware www.my.tupperware.com/lindaabruen
Mary Kay www.marykay.com/tfoley
Usborne Books www.usborne.com
Hand Knitted Gifts
Cost is $8 per girl and all proceeds will benefit North Reading Girl Scout programming.
More details can be found in the attached flyer
Trick or Treating at Wingate - 10/24/12
They wanted to invite all NRGS and siblings to come in costume and trick or treat!
They did ask us to RSVP to donnagonzelez@verizon.net so they can be sure to have enough candy for all!!!:) All kids and siblings are welcome, either troops or individuals.
This is NOT a drop-off event!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
CADETTE MEDIA JOURNEY IN A WEEKEND 11/30-12/1
How would you like to complete the Media Journey including three leadership badges, all in one weekend?
Join us for an overnight lodge stay at Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA on
Friday, November 30, 5pm - Saturday, December 1, 4pm
to complete the Cadette Media Journey. This workshop is for Cadettes who would like to complete the Media Journey in its entirety taking an important step toward the Silver Award. During the workshops, girls will learn about media, focusing on their interests and desires to make a positive change in the way they use media in their own lives. Cadettes will become aware of the value of media, its limitations and effect and the power they have to lead and inspire others. The Media Journey includes the opportunity to earn three important leadership awards related to the facets of monitoring, influencing, and cultivating media.
This program is sponsored by Belmont Troop 71911 and is open to Cadette troops in Massachusetts. Journey books, awards, food and lodging is included in the cost of $35.
For more information contact Nina GarcÃa <nina@nitroy.com>
Wednesday Webinars - Healthy, Fit and Fun - 10/17
Join GSEM volunteers
Kathleen Searles and Danielle Ouellette Dulchinos in our Healthy, Fit and Fun Wednesday Webinar. Kathleen and Danielle will discuss ways to motivate and inspire girls to get moving, will present healthy snack tips for your meetings and events and will look at the badges, Journey resources and GSEM programs that make getting healthy and staying healthy a whole lotta fun for you and your girls!
October 17, 12:00 noon and 7:00pm REGISTER.
Last day to register is 10/15.
Sign Up. Sign On. Learn.
Kathleen Searles is a GSEM volunteer from the Bayberry Service Unit and is a nutrition consultant. You can find more information about Kathleen at http://www.lunchbox-
Danielle Ouellette Dulchinos is a GSEM Council Facilitator and self described adventure seeker and all around active person. She runs, she lifts, she does yoga! And, she knows that true fitness and health comes out of a balance between activity and recovery.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
S.T.E.M. Event for Teens
When: Sunday October 28th, 2012
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Tara, Framingham
Cost: $35/girl
This event is for girls in grades 6-12 to learn about STEM careers. This is limited to girls, but not just Girl Scouts! There are different program offerings to choose from so that they can tailor their day.
The flyer is here.
Veteran's Day Event - 11/11/12 at 11 a.m.
Veteran's Day Service Event - 11/11/12 at 11 a.m.
The Veterans Day Committee has once again invited us to attend and participate in the ceremony being held on Sunday, November 11th. If your troop or any of your girls are interested in participating, please contact Susan Magner at 978-357-5212 ASAP
If your troop doesn't want an active role, Girl Scouts are still encouraged to show up in uniform. Just showing up in uniform means so much to those attending the ceremony - it demonstrates that we are teaching our children to respect those who have served this country.
Look for more info in the North Reading Transcript!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Pumpkin Carvers Needed for the 18th Annual Haunted Playground!
We were asked to spread the word for the 2012 Haunted Playground...
"Pumpkin Carvers Needed!
It's that time of year again, when a chill in the air means Fall is coming and also time for pumpkin carving for the Haunted Playground. We need Pumpkin Carver Volunteers for the 18th Annual Haunted Playground to be held on Oct. 20th from 5:30 - 9pm! Let me know if you are interested and what your name, address, and how many pumpkins you want to carve and I’ll drop off the pumpkins a week before the event. If you have any brownies, scouts, pixies, or hobgoblin troops that wish to carve, please let me know how many will be carving and if you need them by any special date. I’ll give you some additional information as I get the responses.
There will be awards given out for for best carvings for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (really nice trophies!). The event will be judged right before the haunted playground gets started by Pumpkin Pete himself!
Scariest Regards,
Pumpkin Pete!"
Pumpkin Pete can be contacted at peterbrayton@verizon.net
It's that time of year again, when a chill in the air means Fall is coming and also time for pumpkin carving for the Haunted Playground. We need Pumpkin Carver Volunteers for the 18th Annual Haunted Playground to be held on Oct. 20th from 5:30 - 9pm! Let me know if you are interested and what your name, address, and how many pumpkins you want to carve and I’ll drop off the pumpkins a week before the event. If you have any brownies, scouts, pixies, or hobgoblin troops that wish to carve, please let me know how many will be carving and if you need them by any special date. I’ll give you some additional information as I get the responses.
There will be awards given out for for best carvings for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (really nice trophies!). The event will be judged right before the haunted playground gets started by Pumpkin Pete himself!
Scariest Regards,
Pumpkin Pete!"
Pumpkin Pete can be contacted at peterbrayton@verizon.net
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Math MovesU - 10/21/12
"Learn about different types of careers, participate in hands-on activities and have fun! "
These workshops will be led by women in industry and academia. Who: Scouts in 4th-8th grade
When: October 21, 2012 9:30 a.m-4 p.m.
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford
Cost: $20 - includes lunch
Deadline for registration is October 7th
Flyer is here
Haunted Halloween Party - 10/21/12
Who: All ages
When: October 21, 3-5 pm
Where: Moose Lodge
Cost: $8
Registration is due to you leader by October 16th. THIS IS A HARD DEADLINE!!
This is a DROP-OFF event!
Flyer is here
Leader Meeting Minutes - 9/18/12
Attendees: Service Unit (SU) Coordinator: Amy Kelly [73897, 71901], SU Secretary: Debbie Nearing [73891], SU Recording Secretary: Alycia McGoldrick [73904], SU Cookie Coordinator: Kerstin March [71898], Lisa Alexander [85193], Cheryl Carr [71888], Jan Wise [73894], Susanne Rech [85336], Kristin Lamont [85193, 81880], Janice Gulbicki [71905], Karen McCullough [71905], Ruth Kennedy [73899], Christine MacInnis [71900], Stephanie Musgrave [71868], Kate Mahoney [71868], Barbara Duff [71902], Michelle Rosenthal [71902]
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm! Pledge and promise were recited.
Early Bird patches were available for those that re-registered their troops last June.
Ultimate Program Guides were available for those that did not receive them in the mail - same info is available on-line.
Service Unit Housekeeping
Registration update - If you haven't registered for the upcoming year, to do so as the Leader you must complete it by 9/29. After that date, parents will have to individually register their girls.
If you have girls transferring into or out of your troop - they must first be registered with their current troop. Transfer then need to happen through the Registrar - Anne Valade. She can be contacted at annevalade@comcast.net
Anne has agreed to stay on as the Registrar since we don't have anyone to take her place, but technically the position is open. She would love to have someone shadow her before she steps down. The paperwork portion has fundamentally gone away and the focus is on placing girls into troops after Fall and Spring registrations.
Don't forget to fill out the Troop Volunteer Agreement Form (on-line), if you didn't do so when you registered. This is required each year!
Also need Little and Batch school coordinators. This job primarily involves recruiting new Daisy leaders, and forming new Daisy troops. This also primarily happens after Fall and Spring registrations.
There will be a new Scout Registration Event on Friday 9/28 from 6-7:30 at Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street. The event is open to all ages and the girls can bounce while their parents register them - spread the word to those who might be interested!
This will be Amy's last year as Service Unit Coordinator. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Amy: kellys@majekelly.com.
This will be Alycia's last year as Recording Secretary and Blogger. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Alycia: alycia.mcgoldrick@gmail.com.
Want to check out the Service Team before you volunteer for anything? The next meeting will be posted in the Monday email and anyone is welcome to attend.
Annual Troop Finance reports and a copy of the most recent bank statement are due by October 1st if you did not turn yours in at June's Leader meeting. Forms can be found on-line at www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms.
Council Updates
There are many religious awards and program available to girls through council. Check out the info on-line.
Girl Scout of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM) has been selected as a Boston Marathon Charity Partner. This means that GSEM has received 15 Marathon entries. Entrants do not need a qualifying time, but will be required to raise at least $4,000. Applications will be accepted beginning in September and more info should be posted shortly.
S.H.A.R.E. is still being collected - and we are close to our goal. There are envelopes available if you still need them. Towns that meet their goal are eligible for up to 10% back to the Service Unit.
Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints have been updated. You can find these in the Resource Library and Forms section of the website.
Wednesday Webinars are new to GSEM for Leaders. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Each webinar will run from 12-1 p.m. and be repeated from 7-8 p.m.
Sept 19 - The Quick and Easy Guide to the Fall Product Sale
Oct 17 - Healthy, Fit and Fun!
Nov 14 - Include All Girls: Inclusion Strategies and Resources
Dec 19 - This is Not Your Mother's Cookie Sale!
Jan 16 - Volunteer Recognitions: The Who, What, How and Why of it
Don't forget that Activity Forms are now online and are required for risky activities that are not council run. Check the Safety Activity Checkpoints to determine if one is needed.
The 2012 Fall Training Calendar is now on the GSEM website. Registrations close one week prior to the training.
The Girl Scout Shops in Middleboro, North Andover, and Waltham are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact Erin Olsson at eolsson@girlscoutseasternmass.org
Sue Asselin from GSEM joined to give an update on a policy change for the 2013/2014 year going forward. At the 2011 Convention, it was decided that councils can charge a council program fee at registration. This program fee will go towards program development, camp maintainance, scholarships, training, etc.
For the 2013/2014 registration year - the program fee with be $10 and the registration fee will increase to $15.
There was a question about whether S.H.A.R.E. will continue as this fee supports the same things. Sue will get back to us on that. If you have any questions about this fee, contact sue at sasselin@girlscoutseasternmass.org.
Town Update
The Service Team has decided that for this year, the focus will be on fewer Service Team run events. There will still be a few that serve to fund the Town-wide Fly-ups, but any others will try to focus on the "back to basics" of scouting. Rough idea of the year's calendar:
Sept - older girl camping, Registration event
Oct - Halloween party
Nov - Father/Daughter Event (Square dancing or Sports event - Cheryl Carr going to see if her troop is interested in running this again), Celebration Kingdom Holiday Shopping event - kids can bounce while parents shop the vendors on-site
Dec - Christian Community Service Take a Tag
Jan - MLK Day Ice Skating
Feb - World Thinking Day Event - Theme: Together We Can Save the Children. Will plan on forming a committee at the next Leader's meeting
Mar - Poconos trip
Apr - Gymnastics event
Past Events
Older Girl Encampment: Sept 7-9, a small group of older girls went camping at Camp Favorite down at the Cape. The weather was beautiful and the girls had a great time canoeing and swimming. The attendance was lighter than anticipated and if you signed up but didn't end up going, there will be an additional payment required to help cover the cost of the unused sites. Kerstin will contact you.
Future Events
Registration Event - Friday 9/28 from 6-7:30 at Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street. The event is open to all ages and the girls can bounce while their parents register them - spread the word to those who might be interested!
Halloween Party 10/21, 3-5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Cost is $8 per girl. Open to all ages, but typically Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. This is a drop-off event and pre-registration is required! Forms due back at the next Leader's meeting and this is a firm deadline!! Flyer is here
Poconos Trip for Juniors and up 3/8-10 to Woodloch Resort. There will be more information but we wanted to get you talking about this early. 3/8 is an early release day which will allow troops to get an early start. Cost to be about $149/per person per night. Cost includes 3 meals a day and lodging for 4 people per room. Activities include: nightly entertainment, bumper cars, go carts, indoor pool, Wii game room, rock climbing and badge earning activities (Cupcake Wars, Scavenger Hunt, Beading, Name That Tune, Family Fued, Zumba). The Girl Council is looking into arranging buses to help with the cost and ease of attending.
Check out www.woodloch.com for more info. Amy will post her daughter's .ppt presentation that was shared at the June Leader's meeting.
Fall Product Sales
Shauna Wagner came to kick off the Fall Product Sale.
Sale runs 9/28-10/28.
Troops receive 15% of product sales. Cadettes and up can opt out of recognitions and receive 17% of product sales.
Theme: What can a Girl Do?, mascot is a flamingo.
There are magazines and candy and nut options. It was pointed out that the magazine sale duplicates the Middle School fundraiser and the candy and nuts duplicate the Little school fundraiser - however the Fall Product Sale options are dictated by GSUSA and we don't have a choice on what we sell.
The order entry system is the same as that used by the Cookie sale, but the login will be different.
If you want to participate in the Fall Sale, contact Shauna Wagner six.wags@hotmail.com
Products are delivered before Thanksgiving...perfect timing for holiday gifts!
Next Leaders Meeting is 10/16, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 14
Items requiring attention are marked in red
ASAP!! Items requiring IMMEDIATE attention are preceded by "ASAP!" and marked in red
Intro/Announcements
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm! Pledge and promise were recited.
Early Bird patches were available for those that re-registered their troops last June.
Ultimate Program Guides were available for those that did not receive them in the mail - same info is available on-line.
Service Unit Housekeeping
Registration update - If you haven't registered for the upcoming year, to do so as the Leader you must complete it by 9/29. After that date, parents will have to individually register their girls.
If you have girls transferring into or out of your troop - they must first be registered with their current troop. Transfer then need to happen through the Registrar - Anne Valade. She can be contacted at annevalade@comcast.net
Anne has agreed to stay on as the Registrar since we don't have anyone to take her place, but technically the position is open. She would love to have someone shadow her before she steps down. The paperwork portion has fundamentally gone away and the focus is on placing girls into troops after Fall and Spring registrations.
Don't forget to fill out the Troop Volunteer Agreement Form (on-line), if you didn't do so when you registered. This is required each year!
Also need Little and Batch school coordinators. This job primarily involves recruiting new Daisy leaders, and forming new Daisy troops. This also primarily happens after Fall and Spring registrations.
There will be a new Scout Registration Event on Friday 9/28 from 6-7:30 at Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street. The event is open to all ages and the girls can bounce while their parents register them - spread the word to those who might be interested!
This will be Amy's last year as Service Unit Coordinator. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Amy: kellys@majekelly.com.
This will be Alycia's last year as Recording Secretary and Blogger. If you are interested (or think you might be), please contact Alycia: alycia.mcgoldrick@gmail.com.
Want to check out the Service Team before you volunteer for anything? The next meeting will be posted in the Monday email and anyone is welcome to attend.
Annual Troop Finance reports and a copy of the most recent bank statement are due by October 1st if you did not turn yours in at June's Leader meeting. Forms can be found on-line at www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms.
Council Updates
There are many religious awards and program available to girls through council. Check out the info on-line.
Girl Scout of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM) has been selected as a Boston Marathon Charity Partner. This means that GSEM has received 15 Marathon entries. Entrants do not need a qualifying time, but will be required to raise at least $4,000. Applications will be accepted beginning in September and more info should be posted shortly.
S.H.A.R.E. is still being collected - and we are close to our goal. There are envelopes available if you still need them. Towns that meet their goal are eligible for up to 10% back to the Service Unit.
Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints have been updated. You can find these in the Resource Library and Forms section of the website.
Wednesday Webinars are new to GSEM for Leaders. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Each webinar will run from 12-1 p.m. and be repeated from 7-8 p.m.
Sept 19 - The Quick and Easy Guide to the Fall Product Sale
Oct 17 - Healthy, Fit and Fun!
Nov 14 - Include All Girls: Inclusion Strategies and Resources
Dec 19 - This is Not Your Mother's Cookie Sale!
Jan 16 - Volunteer Recognitions: The Who, What, How and Why of it
Don't forget that Activity Forms are now online and are required for risky activities that are not council run. Check the Safety Activity Checkpoints to determine if one is needed.
The 2012 Fall Training Calendar is now on the GSEM website. Registrations close one week prior to the training.
The Girl Scout Shops in Middleboro, North Andover, and Waltham are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact Erin Olsson at eolsson@girlscoutseasternmass.org
Sue Asselin from GSEM joined to give an update on a policy change for the 2013/2014 year going forward. At the 2011 Convention, it was decided that councils can charge a council program fee at registration. This program fee will go towards program development, camp maintainance, scholarships, training, etc.
For the 2013/2014 registration year - the program fee with be $10 and the registration fee will increase to $15.
There was a question about whether S.H.A.R.E. will continue as this fee supports the same things. Sue will get back to us on that. If you have any questions about this fee, contact sue at sasselin@girlscoutseasternmass.org.
Town Update
The Service Team has decided that for this year, the focus will be on fewer Service Team run events. There will still be a few that serve to fund the Town-wide Fly-ups, but any others will try to focus on the "back to basics" of scouting. Rough idea of the year's calendar:
Sept - older girl camping, Registration event
Oct - Halloween party
Nov - Father/Daughter Event (Square dancing or Sports event - Cheryl Carr going to see if her troop is interested in running this again), Celebration Kingdom Holiday Shopping event - kids can bounce while parents shop the vendors on-site
Dec - Christian Community Service Take a Tag
Jan - MLK Day Ice Skating
Feb - World Thinking Day Event - Theme: Together We Can Save the Children. Will plan on forming a committee at the next Leader's meeting
Mar - Poconos trip
Apr - Gymnastics event
Past Events
Older Girl Encampment: Sept 7-9, a small group of older girls went camping at Camp Favorite down at the Cape. The weather was beautiful and the girls had a great time canoeing and swimming. The attendance was lighter than anticipated and if you signed up but didn't end up going, there will be an additional payment required to help cover the cost of the unused sites. Kerstin will contact you.
Future Events
Registration Event - Friday 9/28 from 6-7:30 at Celebration Kingdom on Concord Street. The event is open to all ages and the girls can bounce while their parents register them - spread the word to those who might be interested!
Halloween Party 10/21, 3-5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Cost is $8 per girl. Open to all ages, but typically Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. This is a drop-off event and pre-registration is required! Forms due back at the next Leader's meeting and this is a firm deadline!! Flyer is here
Poconos Trip for Juniors and up 3/8-10 to Woodloch Resort. There will be more information but we wanted to get you talking about this early. 3/8 is an early release day which will allow troops to get an early start. Cost to be about $149/per person per night. Cost includes 3 meals a day and lodging for 4 people per room. Activities include: nightly entertainment, bumper cars, go carts, indoor pool, Wii game room, rock climbing and badge earning activities (Cupcake Wars, Scavenger Hunt, Beading, Name That Tune, Family Fued, Zumba). The Girl Council is looking into arranging buses to help with the cost and ease of attending.
Check out www.woodloch.com for more info. Amy will post her daughter's .ppt presentation that was shared at the June Leader's meeting.
Fall Product Sales
Shauna Wagner came to kick off the Fall Product Sale.
Sale runs 9/28-10/28.
Troops receive 15% of product sales. Cadettes and up can opt out of recognitions and receive 17% of product sales.
Theme: What can a Girl Do?, mascot is a flamingo.
There are magazines and candy and nut options. It was pointed out that the magazine sale duplicates the Middle School fundraiser and the candy and nuts duplicate the Little school fundraiser - however the Fall Product Sale options are dictated by GSUSA and we don't have a choice on what we sell.
The order entry system is the same as that used by the Cookie sale, but the login will be different.
If you want to participate in the Fall Sale, contact Shauna Wagner six.wags@hotmail.com
Products are delivered before Thanksgiving...perfect timing for holiday gifts!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Leader Meeting Dates 2012-2013
September 18
October 16
November 27
January 15
February 12
March 19
April 23
May 21
June 18
We hope to see all of you there to share your ideas with others and get your questions and concerns answered by other experienced leaders!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)