Improvements to Retail Experience Continue
February 19, 2010
Improvements to Retail Experience Continue
February 19, 2010
Improvements to the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania retail experience continue and we are pleased to share the following updates with you:
New Online Store Coming Soon
Plans to unveil the new “look and feel” of the online store are still on track for late March/early April. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work diligently to pull together a new online experience that will make it easier for you to find the Girl Scout essential materials you want and need 24 hours a day/7 days a week with minimal extra steps.
Free Shipping Continues Through March 21
While the new online store is still in process, free shipping has once again been extended and will be applied to all orders placed through March 21, 2010.
New Store Hours
Beginning on March 1, 2010, the Council store in Harrisburg will have new hours and will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm.
Phone Orders
Not an internet shopper, but still want the convenience of placing your order from your home or office? Also beginning March 1, 2010, our friendly retail staff will be available to assist with your phone orders Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.
More in the Works
Future shipping charges on online and phone orders are still under consideration as is the feasibility of offering a variety of payment options on online and phone orders (checks, troop accounts, cookie dough, etc). Plans to pilot the traveling trunk are also moving forward and we’ll continue to keep you posted on our progress.
As always, your opinion continues to be important to us and we encourage you to share your feedback at http://www.gshpa.org/feedback.html.
a note from Kate Crowley, Chair Elect
April 22, 2009
Here’s a note from Kate Crowley, Chair Elect:
Dear Girls CAN! member:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. Presently I serve as Board Secretary for the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, a position I have held since the council was created in May 2007. Prior to that, I served on the board of one of the legacy councils. I am truly honored to now be nominated to be the next GSHPA board chair. There is no doubt that we still have challenges ahead but with your help and ongoing passion for our organization and indeed, for all the girls we serve, we can meet those challenges head on.
The membership will consider the entire slate of nominations at the upcoming GSHPA Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The event will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm. In addition to our business meeting, we are planning a reunion picnic lunch, a special adult volunteer recognition program, a bridging ceremony for graduating senior Girl Scouts, and of course lots of fun with friends and other loyal Girl Scout supporters like yourself.
So, won’t you consider joining us on May 2nd. Everyone on the board would be delighted to have you attend. A link to the registration form can be found at http://www.gshpa.org/home/delegate_info.html.
If you are unable to attend, we will certainly miss you but we promise to keep you apprised of all the exciting things going on with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania!
Sincerely,
Kate Crowley
Chair-Elect
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. Presently I serve as Board Secretary for the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, a position I have held since the council was created in May 2007. Prior to that, I served on the board of one of the legacy councils. I am truly honored to now be nominated to be the next GSHPA board chair. There is no doubt that we still have challenges ahead but with your help and ongoing passion for our organization and indeed, for all the girls we serve, we can meet those challenges head on.
The membership will consider the entire slate of nominations at the upcoming GSHPA Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The event will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm. In addition to our business meeting, we are planning a reunion picnic lunch, a special adult volunteer recognition program, a bridging ceremony for graduating senior Girl Scouts, and of course lots of fun with friends and other loyal Girl Scout supporters like yourself.
So, won’t you consider joining us on May 2nd. Everyone on the board would be delighted to have you attend. A link to the registration form can be found at http://www.gshpa.org/home/delegate_info.html.
Sincerely,
Kate Crowley
Chair-Elect
we will be moving to a regionalized structure
November 8, 2008
[this post sent in by Stephanie]
November 7, 2008
Dear Volunteers,
Today, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania announced to staff that we will be reducing the staff team by about 30 staff members. We are saddened by the change but it is necessary to control costs and manage the budget. We are committed to not spending more money than we bring in; a balanced budget is necessary for our Girl Scout Council.
In order to enhance service to our volunteers, girls and the communities we serve, we will be moving to a regionalized structure. This structure was determined by our membership numbers, girls 5-17 years of age population, and opportunity for increased local funding opportunities.
The regions are defined as follows:
* West Region: 5 Counties – Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Huntingdon, Juniata; 1 office located in Centre County (19,000 total available girls)
* Central Region: 8 Counties – Lycoming, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour, Schuylkill, Northumberland, Union, Snyder; 1 office located in Lycoming County (39,000 total available girls)
* North Region: 8 Counties – Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe; 2 offices – 1 in Lackawanna, 1 in Luzerne (73,000 total available girls)
* South Central Region: 6 Counties – Lebanon, Dauphin, Perry, Cumberland, Fulton, Franklin; 1 office in Dauphin County (68,000 total available girls)
* South Region: 3 Counties – Adams, York, Lancaster; 3 offices – 1 in each county (82,000 available girls.)
Any volunteer or family may utilize any Service Center that is convenient to them.
As we move forward, we anticipate many changes. We will be reaching out to you and our volunteer teams and committees to solicit your feedback and assistance in developing a structure that will meet your needs. We look forward to your ideas about moving the council forward.
From now through January 5, the management teams will be working to staff our new regional structure. Once the new structure is in place, there will be additional change as we adjust our way of work. With such a large reduction of staff, some of the core functions will be reduced or eliminated and we will look to our volunteers teams to assist us in many of the decisions.
While we have not finalized all the details of what is to come, we continue to be committed to you, the girls and members of GSHPA. More information will follow as it is available.
Thank you for ALL you do for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and our girls.
The Girl Scout Gold Award
August 19, 2008
Published: Sunday, September 28, 2008 12:00 PM EDT
By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, a senior Girl Scout has demonstrated her special commitment to excellence in herself, her community and her future.
Recipients must complete several activities covering career exploration, leadership skills, community service and specialized interest projects.
This step is followed by a comprehensive project selected and designed by the recipient based on her skills and interests.
Pierson earned the Girl Scout Gold Award under the leadership of Fran Moriarty.
As a Girl Scout, Pierson volunteered her time at several community service projects and helped lead other Girl Scout troops.
Pierson, daughter of Joseph and Diane Pierson, is a senior at Pittston Area High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society.
The high school senior also participates in the drama, international cultural experience, journalism, book and technology clubs.
Pierson also volunteers her time as a candy striper at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
She will attend Bloomsburg University next year.
***
Trio of Mountain Top Girl Scouts receive prestigious Gold Award
Projects that benefited the community and organizations that help victims of violence have earned three young women from Mountain Top the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award.
Recipients of the award were Sara Shaffer, Anna Jo Scutt and Samantha Ruppert, all members of Girl Scout Troop 3362.Janet MacKay, executive director of the Victims Resource Center, told me the art supplies are greatly appreciated by the agency and will be used in support groups it facilitates for young women who have been the victim of sexual and physical violence.
“It was all torn and tattered, but it was still flying. We knew it shouldn’t be displayed in that condition,” she related.
Shirley Valentine-Attoh, interim executive officer of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, noted the young women are among only three percent of Girl Scouts across the country who have earned the Gold Award.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout may earn.
For many, the leadership skills, organizational skills, and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.
Throughout Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, girls are taking action to solve problems and improve their communities.
Here are just a few examples of local Girl Scouts making the world a better place:
Brook Aby of Newville hosted an Easter Family Fun Day, a family event for those in need in her community. It included an egg hunt, crafts, an Easter meal and a take home box of food items, along with Easter goodies for children.
Abigayle Acker of Harrisburg, along with 3 other Girl Scout members, designed a project entitled Women helping Women (Laundry Room Transformation). She transformed a laundry room in the Shalom House from a poorly lit, unorganized, inefficient space to an institutionalized area where residents could wash and fold their clothing. Cabinets were added for the storage of cleaning products and hooks were hung for clothing.
Katelyn Aldinger of York organized and publicized a community blood drive. She educated younger Girl Scouts about the importance of giving blood.
Samantha Allegretto of White Haven held a community day at her local Relay for Life fundraiser. It included games, music, and a picnic to raise awareness for and celebrate cancer survivors.
Devin Andren of Harrisburg presented “For the Love of Theater,” workshops that developed an interest in theater arts in children at a younger age. During a four week period, children learned about acting, dancing, costumes and makeup, and how to audition for a show. The workshops’ culmination included excerpts from Disney’s High School Musical performed by the participants.
Elizabeth Andrews of Bear Creek collected books, shelving, pillows, and stools to set up a reading area at the Salvation Army Kirby House. She also organized all the books and reading times for child patrons.
Sarah Barnes of Biglerville interviewed and photographed local war veterans. She framed their information and placed them on mobile walls that may be displayed in military organizations throughout the community.
Katie Baum of Mifflinburg renovated the West End Fair Rabbit Barn. New cages, support beams and a waste removal system were put in place to ensure rabbit safety.
Terra Becker of York educated the public about service dogs. Her goal was to help the community understand the need for and benefits of service dogs.
Rebecca Beers of Gardners instructed volunteers on how to sew draw-string bags that were filled with personal care items for women staying in a community shelter.
Elyse Bell of Harrisburg hosted an Easter Bible school which provided the opportunity for children learn about the Easter Bunny and other Easter traditions.
Danielle Bennett of Laceyville presented Teen Girl 101, a day long seminar for girls in 5th and 6th grades with hands-on activities about beauty, hygiene, nutrition, babysitting, martial arts, and aerobics.
Alicia Berkoski of York, through games and exercise videos, taught children ages three to twelve key concepts about physical fitness and healthy eating. The children also learned how to prepare healthy snacks.
Hannah Biskup of Wapwallopen held a book drive and story hour for patients at a community children’s hospital. She also developed several story hour presentations and a step-by-step manual for Girl Scout troops interested in planning and implementing future programs at the hospital.
Allyson Blizman of Wilkes-Barre organized a vacation Bible school for the children of her church and surrounding parishes.
Amanda Blum of Jim Thorpe directed a vacation Bible school to educate children about the fundamentals of their religion.
Emily Bowman of Harrisburg constructed and planted a biblical herb garden at Tree of Life Lutheran Church. The area had to be cleared, tilled, and filled with composted soil. Pathways were outlined and bricks were laid. The herbs grown from the garden will be used in cooking, as crafts for children, and as decorations for the church.
Rachel Bradley of Harrisburg arranged for professional artists to instruct elementary school students in acrylic painting, collage, drawing techniques, and journal writing.
Nicole Brandt of Dallastown created books in English and Spanish for children staying in a community hospital. The books provided information on some of the tests and experiences the children would encounter during their stay.
Liz Brown of Milton held a book drive for two parochial schools in her area that were in need of new reading material. She also set up a reading program for kindergarten aged students.
Mira Brunner of Mapleton Depot created a play area to provide a private and safe place for clients of Children’s Services of Huntingdon County to have visitations. The area features a fence, tree house, swing set, and toys.
Caitlin Case of Harrisburg organized a Pilot Olympics fly-in in an effort to increase awareness of Angel Flight and to recruit more volunteer pilots, specifically in rural Pennsylvania. Angel Flight pilots donate their time and aircraft by transporting patients and donated organs to distant medical facilities.
Stephanie Conrad of York created pamphlets for the York County Heritage Trust that the trust can offer to tourists.
Stephanie Cornwell of Lancaster directed members of her school’s outdoor club and special education classes in renovating their outdoor classroom. Volunteers cleared rocks and debris, spread mulch, and completed other garden work. A nature walk was created and more seating was added.
Kathryn Crater of Julian set up safety stations at Bellefonte’s street fair. The stations included the Bellefonte EMS, the K-9 unit, first aid kits, and information on what children should do in an emergency.
Cora Crosson of Duncannon organized requests for and collection of donations for victims of domestic violence at local women’s shelters. Health care bags were filled for adults, children, and infants. Donations included food, clothing, and toys, and the effort benefited many victims in a large area.
Heather Davis of Harrisburg, along with 3 other Girl Scout members, designed a project entitled Women Helping Women (Laundry Room Transformation). She transformed a laundry room in the Shalom House from a poorly lit, unorganized, inefficient space to an institutionalized area where residents could wash and fold their clothing. Cabinets were added for the storage of cleaning products and hooks were hung for clothing.
Melissa Dickinson of Dalton honored Robert H. McKune, Scranton’s former mayor, with a ceremony at his gravesite and the placement of an official gravestone. A book was also written about his life and donated to the Lackawanna Historical Society and the local library.
Rebeka Donovan of Dickinson City collected new and used radios, headphones, and batteries and donated them to St. Anthony’s Haven Center to be distributed to the homeless.
Rachel Douglass of York painted a themed mural and hung decorations on the walls of the Lehman center to provide a calming atmosphere for children to unwind before going to bed.
Kayla Drum of Bloomsburg, with 3 other Girl Scouts, established a butterfly memorial garden at the E.O.S. Therapeutic Riding Center to honor dedicated E.O.S. and 4-H members. Situated next to a riding trail for all to see, the garden includes bluebird houses, flowers, and a bench.
Sara Elias of Harrisburg organized a day of outdoor adventure for young ladies, including hands-on lessons and activities featuring hunting, gun safety, fishing, and archery.
Krista Farner of Harrisburg organized and directed the children’s choir in her church when no adult director could be hired. While the choir was previously losing interest and numbers were falling, it now enjoys a healthy roster of eager volunteers who practice weekly.
Renae Fisher of Scranton converted a spare room in the basement of her church into a kid-friendly nursery by remodeling it and collecting new toys and furniture for the room’s new use. An annual Easter egg hunt was instituted at the nursery’s grand opening.
Susan Fisher of Lititz created a book with nouns, verbs, and other words and corresponding images – all backed with Velcro – allowing nonverbal students to express themselves.
Rachel Fleming of Dillsburg, in the absence of other leadership, spearheaded the development of a nature trail for a new park that would be open to youth sports and include a Scout Cabin.
Caitlin Gialouris of Stroudsburg help resuscitate Camp Pocono by painting and planting flowers as well as adding books, puzzles, and games to the camp’s inventory. An open house was held to showcase the camp’s beauty and attract local groups and organizations who might use the camp.
Laura Goodlander of Etters helped the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with a Youth Volunteer Group. The group allowed children to help homeless animals and organize Easter egg hunts, plant flowers, and help at SPCA events.
Erin Gross of Wrightsville created a prayer garden outside her church. Erin designed the garden and presented plans to the congregation, inviting them to donate plants in memory of loved ones. The congregation was glad to have the garden, located in an area that had been unsightly, and plans to do more landscaping.
Melissa Gundersen of Gouldsboro created three sets of CD audio libraries for children as part of the Let Me Tell You a Story program. Each library had 33 storied read by different narrators, recorded, and edited. The libraries were then donated to hospitals and the Ronald McDonald House where children are waiting for surgery or treatment or are waiting for siblings to have treatment.
Katie Harper of Dauphin, with 2 other Girl Scouts, plotted and mapped a cemetery and created maps to replace the outdated ones. The information was then entered into a computer system so that the records could be kept up-to-date.
Allyson Hemma of Danville improved her high school’s sports complex by painting and upgrading sports fields and dugouts. The work was coordinated with the school system and benefited the school and the greater community.
Mary Beth Henry of Preserve developed a resource library at the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church. The room was refurbished, books were donated, shelves were added, and a mural depicting diversity and cooperation was painted. The books were inventoried, and a lending system was created.
Nikki Herb of Halifax organized a toy drive for the local Head Start program. The toys were presented to Head Start at a Family Fun Day event where children could come and play games.
Amy Hess of Lancaster provided group violin lessons to third grade students. The lessons included information on various composers, the opportunity to learn new music, and time to play music games.
Rachelle Hinerman of Morgantown built the Jackie M. Fink Memorial Gazebo and added a walkway and flowers. The gazebo provides a scenic location and in the area and memorializes a former Girl Scout leader.
Emily Hoffman of Laceyville organized a basketball program for elementary girls. The girls attended a varsity basketball game, learned basic skills, played games, and enjoyed snacks. They also participated in a month-long clinic to showcase their skills.
Carolyn Holl of Newville, with 2 other Girl Scouts, organized an Easter Family Fun Day for families in need in her community. The day included an egg hunt, crafts, and Easter meal, a box of food for each family to take home, and an Easter treat for the children.
Laura Hopkins of Red Lion helped educate those in her community on the importance of water safety by posting displays at community events and creating a kit for Safe Kids. The project also helped Special Olympians become comfortable in the water.
Amanda Jamieson of Hanover Township cleaned and repainted three rooms at the Episcopal Sunday School. She cleaned the carpets and organized the supply closets and classrooms and painted a mural depicting the 23rd Psalm.
Kristin Jessop of Dauphin led a camp for 150 campers and 100 helpers in a biblical herb garden at the Tree of Life Lutheran Church. The garden, built by another Girl Scout, served as a classroom where Kristin conducted crafts, offered tours, and taught about the plants in the garden.
Lyndsay Jones of Harrisburg designed and executed a six-station health fair for elementary children at a local school and church. Each station taught about a different aspect of a healthy lifestyle and included journaling about healthy eating and exercise habits, trying healthy snack foods, adjusting portion sizes, game stations, exercise stations, and computer lab stations.
Laura Kale of Myerstown replaced broken, damaged, and worn flags and markers at the gravesites veterans in a local cemetery. Younger girls helped by completing a scavenger hunt and learning more about the cemetery.
Darleen Kitrick of Mountain Top organized the “Help the Beat Go On” program, which publicized the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) by organizing events and asking for support to purchase an AED for a facility in her community.
Alexandra Klotz of Jim Thorpe led a “clothing closet” clothes drive at a local church. A dinner event was held for church members, and the price of admission was a donation of clothing for the clothing closet.
Megan Kopec of Wilkes-Barre raised money for Camp Louise by preparing and selling a camp activity booklet with camp songs, camp recipes, camp activities, and games.
Elizabeth Kraft of Seven Valleys built a garden at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York where vegetables, ornamentals, and herbs were planted and displayed to show visitors where their food comes from.
Victoria Kramer of Mountain Top organized the Flowers for Felines and Plants for Puppies program, a beautification project for the county SPCA building. The courtyard and gazebo area was fenced to provide a safe and secure area where pets can roam and potential owners can spend time with their future pets.
Heather Kuntz of Dauphin led a group of volunteers as they made cards and calendars and hand-delivered them to the residents of Loyalton Assisted Living.
Margaret LaBuz of Drums planted 100 Norway spruce seedlings in a two-acre field at the Holy Dormition Monastery where they will someday grow to provide a windbreak, a wildlife habitat, and erosion control.
Melissa Lamson of White Haven coordinated a family picnic with games and activities, music, and food to bring cancer awareness to those in her community. Local churches participated by publicizing their Relay for Life benefit.
Janelle Lawson of Hanover Township helped prepare a neighborhood playground for revitalization and new equipment by painting a mural of the four seasons for visitors to enjoy.
Justine Page Leaman of Peach Bottom instituted a recognition wall in her school’s training room to encourage other students to join and become Student Athletic Trainers. Interested students were trained using a manual that Justine wrote.
Hallie Lyons of Harrisburg constructed straw bale benches at a church garden in downtown Harrisburg. Decorated with peace symbols from a variety of cultures, the area serves as a common gathering place.
Kaitlyn Makara of Lehman prepared a booklet about appropriate behavior around guide dogs and gave demonstrations at local libraries and malls about the dangers of distracting a working guide dog.
Alessa Makuch of Danville cleaned up a cemetery from the 1800s and made a record of all who were buried there. She created a map of the cemetery and published a cemetery information book, both of which were given to the local historical and genealogical society, library, church, and Iron Heritage committee.
Samantha Marquart of Dallas organized and led the Extreme Encounter Vacation Bible School where children from churches in the Back Mountain community learned about the Bible and space flight.
Erica Matrese of Harrisburg, along with 3 other Girl Scout members, renovated the vestibule, stairway, upstairs common area, and hallway at the Women Helping Women building by cleaning, repainting, and decorating them. The group replaced a dilapidated railing and repaired the vanity in the upstairs common area so that it was once again functional.
Melissa McHenry of Bloomsburg, with 3 other Girl Scouts, established a butterfly memorial garden at the E.O.S. Therapeutic Riding Center to honor dedicated E.O.S. and 4-H members. Situated next to a riding trail for all to see, the garden includes bluebird houses, flowers, and a bench.
Christina Mellow of Archbald created an herb garden for the residents of the Lackawanna County Health Care Center. The center began a permanent gardening club and hosted a party and garden show to showcase Christina’s efforts. Christina also wrote and published a book about the center’s residents, providing a means for them to pass along their life stories.
Morgan Miller of Gettysburg organized the Blankets for Babies program which taught volunteers how to crochet blankets and hats for babies. The blankets and hats were then give to babies in low-income neighborhoods.
Heather Mines of Dallas led a Halloween-themed activity night in support of the community library and collected supplies for the children’s activities at the library.
Sarah Mink of Stroudsburg, with 2 of her fellow Girl Scouts, made their church’s youth meeting room more welcoming to teens by painting, decorating, and adding new furniture. The group created a marketing campaign to attract more teens, lesson plans, paintings, hands-on exhibits, and a prayer wall.
Tessa Minnich of Harrisburg and a fellow Girl Scout, organized a free community fair with food, games, a smoke house, fire trucks, and ambulance, local emergency personnel, a petting zoo, health vendors, first aid, entertainment, and prayer teams.
Angela Misuraca of Mt. Pocono invited underprivileged girls to a Prom Expo where they received makeup lessons, makeup samples, dance lessons, and a prom dress. Dresses were also given to a special education class for use at their prom.
Amanda Moser of Kulpmont collected personal hygiene and laundry products and prepared care packages for teens in crisis.
Adrienne Moyer of Watsontown educated the public with presentations about choosing a new dog, dog care, and prevention of bites. She also provided a brochure to raise awareness about puppy mills.
Sara Myers of Aspers led the Letters to Home program, which sent homemade cards and stationery to military personnel serving abroad. The soldiers could use the stationery to keep in touch with loved ones at home.
Jackie Naydock of Schuylkill Haven began and led the Kidz Korner activities at two Relay for Life locations. The activities revolve around cancer control and answer many questions that children have about cancer.
Krista Nicoletto of Bloomsburg, with 3 other Girl Scouts, established a butterfly memorial garden at the E.O.S. Therapeutic Riding Center to honor dedicated E.O.S. and 4-H members. Situated next to a riding trail for all to see, the garden includes bluebird houses, flowers, and a bench.
Ashton Novinger of Millersburg supported the Ambulance Association by organizing a cheerleading day camp where girls brought blankets or a new stuffed animal to comfort children during emergency situations.
Mary Paschke of York constructed a puppet theater and a puppet craft for the campers at the Association of Retarded Citizens of York County’s (ARC) day camp.
Kathleen Patchoksi of Scranton taught groups of youth to latch hook and took their finished pieces to the UCP where residents painted the frames.
Stacy Prelewicz of Wapwallopen and two other Girl Scouts constructed a beach volleyball court at a local park where teens had previously had little to do in the community. The girls also organized a community ceremony for the opening of the court to the public.
Meredith Price of Dauphin, with 2 other Girl Scouts, plotted and mapped a cemetery and created maps to replace the outdated ones. The information was then entered into a computer system so that the records could be kept up-to-date.
Amanda Raup of Harrisburg headed efforts to add a pavilion and sidewalk to a church in order to provide an outside space for picnics, group meetings, and other church events.
Hilary Reever of York prepared a website and a series of brochures to better prepare those students anticipating student exchange trips to Germany and France. The website allowed students to read about their country of interest and ask questions of former students and chaperones.
Hannah Remaley of Bloomsburg, with 3 other Girl Scouts, established a butterfly memorial garden at the E.O.S. Therapeutic Riding Center to honor dedicated E.O.S. and 4-H members. Situated next to a riding trail for all to see, the garden includes bluebird houses, flowers, and a bench.
Kelly Rose of Wilkes-Barre organized charity baby showers at local churches where items donated items would be given to local women-support centers Volunteers of America and the Pro-Life Center. A local credit union participated by holding a month-long diaper derby, allowing employees to dress down for a work day in exchange for a package of wipes or diapers.
Elizabeth Rosser of Mountain Top and two other Girl Scouts constructed a beach volleyball court at a local park where teens had previously had little to do in the community. The girls also organized a community ceremony for the opening of the court to the public.
Amanda Royer of Elizabethtown established a new student program at the area high school. A welcome bag was created with materials from local businesses, an informational packet was prepared, and the National Honor Service became the official new student tour guides at the school.
Rachel Ruane of Moscow led a program to purchase toys and adapt them so that children with special needs could better play with them.
Kate Sawka and three fellow Girl Scouts built a woodshed for a Girl Scout facility and addressed fire safety by posting rules about the use of wood and fires. The group also created a safety manual and safety videos that troops could use.
Kaitin Sawyer of Dauphin organized a spa day for abused women at the YWCA where they could relax and be pampered. The day included cosmetologists, massage therapists, a motivational speaker, a variety of foods and desserts, and games and crafts for their children.
Jennifer Schaum of Columbia organized a food drive during the spring season when many food banks have empty shelves. The project included motivational events such as wacky hairstyle day, bring a teddy bear to class day, and more at area schools. Jennifer also organized a fast to increase hunger awareness and led efforts to sort and weed out expired foods, non-labeled foods, and improperly sealed items.
Niki Scrudato of Cresco and two fellow Girl Scouts created a courtyard at Shepherds on Monroe County complete with benches, horseshoe pits, and flowers in order to provide an inviting space for assisted living residents to relax and enjoy nature.
Danielle Shughart of Carroll Valley led knitting classes for her community and school where participants learned to make squares and scarves. The squares were made into quilts and were donated to a local hospital while the scarves were given to an Indian Reservation.
Susanna Shuman of Lancaster created a movie in English and Spanish to educate potential patients about all of the services available to them as they face pregnancy. Options presented included exercise classes, counseling, and medical facilities to help women through every step of their pregnancy.
Casey Siegel of Mountain Top and two other Girl Scouts constructed a beach volleyball court at a local park where teens had previously had little to do in the community. The girls also organized a community ceremony for the opening of the court to the public.
Abigail Skelton of Harrisburg designed a Bible school program – including crafts, music, gym, and classroom activities – for the religion education department of her church that could be used for many years and would meet the needs of the local Catholic community.
Beth Ann Sledziewski of Mountain Top and three fellow Girl Scouts built a woodshed for a Girl Scout facility and addressed fire safety by posting rules about the use of wood and fires. The group also created a safety manual and safety videos that troops could use.
Amelia Smith of Dauphin and two other Girl Scouts transferred cemetery records from paper to computer files and trained cemetery board members on how to use and update the system to keep the records current.
Amanda Steinke of Lancaster refurbished a library that had been greatly affected by hurricane Katrina. By conducting a very successful book drive with several participating schools, the drive was able to collect over 5500 books which were then sorted, organized, and shipped to New Orleans.
Laura Sterner of Hanover organized music lessons for preschool students where teachers addressed their fine and gross motors skills, memorization, participation, rhythm, and listening skills. Students also created their own instruments with which they played along to songs.
Stephanie Sterner of Harrisburg and three fellow Girl Scouts transformed the worn, sterile living room area at Women Helping Women into a warm and inviting space by cleaning and painting the room and replacing all of the furniture, lighting, window treatments, and accessories.
Megan Swartwood of Mountain Top and three fellow Girl Scouts built a woodshed for a Girl Scout facility and addressed fire safety by posting rules about the use of wood and fires. The group also created a safety manual and safety videos that troops could use.
Jessica Szoke of White Haven and two other Girl Scout members raised money to buy new equipment and restore Pine Street Park so that area children could have a safe place to play. The girls raised money by working at a street festival and soliciting donors.
Nikita Szoke of White Haven and two other Girl Scout members raised money to buy new equipment and restore Pine Street Park so that area children could have a safe place to play. The girls raised money by working at a street festival and soliciting donors.
Caitlin Thompson of Hanover Township helped cross-country runners by organizing two tours for parents and holding a sneakers/spikes campaign where running shoes were collected, cleaned, and redistributed to runners in need. Caitlin also gave her time to be the team’s manager and keep statistics for runners during practices and meets.
Jacqueline Togno of Stroudsburg, with 2 of her fellow Girl Scouts, made their church’s youth meeting room more welcoming to teens by painting, decorating, and adding new furniture. The group created a marketing campaign to attract more teens, lesson plans, paintings, hands-on exhibits, and a prayer wall.
Michele Togno of Stroudsburg, with 2 of her fellow Girl Scouts, made their church’s youth meeting room more welcoming to teens by painting, decorating, and adding new furniture. The group created a marketing campaign to attract more teens, lesson plans, paintings, hands-on exhibits, and a prayer wall.
Jordan Trout of Harrisburg performed two puppet shows and puppet workshops for underprivileged children. Children constructed two of their own puppets and played with them using the puppet stage.
Caitlin Truschel of Mountain Top organized two events that collected blood and books. Book collection boxes were placed in various locations, and students were recruited to read to young children throughout the region.
Amanda Wagner of Millmont led a fall fun day at the West End Library to introduce youth to the new library and encourage reading. Children participated in crafts, read to a therapy dog, and received a book to take home.
Megan Wenk of Lakewood organized a recruitment plan to attract new members to the local fire company. A book about the history of the fire company was created, and a teddy bear collection was organized to replenish the supply of bears for children in emergency situations.
Heather Wenk of Lakewood, with the help of the local EMA, created an identification badge system for the Northern Wayne Fire Company, ambulance association, and ladies auxiliary.
Hannah Wentworth of Quarryville made presentations to several elementary schools emphasizing the importance of consuming dairy products and leading a healthy lifestyle. Children were challenged to keep track of all of the dairy food they ate, and they learned and sang a song written by Hannah. She also worked with the school district food service director to get two milk vending machines installed at the high school.
Madeline Wescott of Cresco and two fellow Girl Scouts created a courtyard at Shepherds on Monroe County complete with benches, horseshoe pits, and flowers in order to provide an inviting space for assisted living residents to relax and enjoy nature.
Erin Wolfe of New Ringgold led Camp Aquarius, a camp showing girls how fun Girl Scouting can be and what different things Girl Scouts can participate in.
Sara Wulfers of Etters created a safe and relaxing place for the older adults in the Harrisburg community by furnishing a room at the YMCA with furniture and other items donated by churches, friends, and local businesses.
Kate Yannuzzi of Hazleton led a hands-on archery clinic teaching homeschooled children, who do not always have the opportunity to participate in sports, the history and safe use of the bow and arrow.
Nicole Yeagley of Harrisburg and a fellow Girl Scout, organized a free community fair with food, games, a smoke house, fire trucks, and ambulance, local emergency personnel, a petting zoo, health vendors, first aid, entertainment, and prayer teams.
Lauren Yerkes of Scotrun and two other Girl Scouts created a courtyard at Shepherds on Monroe County complete with benches, horseshoe pits, and flowers in order to provide an inviting space for assisted living residents to relax and enjoy nature.
Melissa Zarker of Harrisburg created a handicap accessible walkway of honor for all veterans past, present and future.
Ella Zellefrow or Narvon remodeled an old Sunday School room at her church by painting it, putting in a new floor, hanging curtains, and updating the lighting.
Caitlin Zirkle of Boiling Springs painted a mural in her church’s preschool classroom based on the stories of the Bible. She also led children in grades 1 through 6 in a project to make a decorative quilt by drawing animals from the Bible on quilt squares and sewing them together. The quilt hangs in the education wing of the church.
our role as advisors:
August 19, 2008
The Community Advisory Network:
Plays a creative role in connecting GSHPA with local communities.
We need you to recruit one person from your region for us.
We count on your knowledge of your regional community in identifying key people we will need to make this board advisory group work.
- supports the Girl Scout brand and reinforces brand messaging,
- identifies community resources & supports council fundraising efforts,
- links GSHPA with funding sources & opportunities,
- serves as a catalyst to initiate council partnerships & collaborations,
- fosters community relationships to achieve these collaborations,
- assists in making connections with under-served communities,
- identifies community challenges, trends, and strategic issues,
- advocates with local, state, and federal governments.
We are the eyes, ears, & advocates of the girls we serve!
As the Community Advisory Network:
we maintain our membership with of GSUSA
and
we commit to donate financially to GSHPA.
Above all, we know that, Girls CAN!
Community Advisory Network fun!
July 8, 2008
Dear Friends:
The following is a treat from Jonathan — enjoy!
Summer activities and fun for girls to do!
(Recruitment tool for girls and volunteers!)
You should have received Dairy Queen coupons via mail by now. If you have not — or if you need more information, contact Jonathan Crouch, jcrouch@gshpa.org.
A new sweet treat and a great time together are waiting for you and your GS girls!
Send in pictures of you and your girls at Dairy Queen for council recognition!
Dairy Queen, an official national licensee of Girl Scouts of the USA, is pleased to declare July 7 to July 13, 2008, Dairy Queen Girl Scout Appreciation Week! To celebrate summer, Girl Scouts and Girl Scout groups are cordially invited to visit a local Dairy Queen between July 7 and 13, 2008, for Dairy Queen’s Girl Scout Appreciation Week. Make it a fun family or Girl Scout group event!
This July, Dairy Queen will introduce a new treat — the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard. Made up of creamy soft-serve blended with Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie pieces and a crème de menthe topping, the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard will be available during July 2008 at participating Dairy Queen locations.
As the featured Blizzard of the Month, the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Blizzard will be advertised on national television and through local radio and print media and promoted on Dairy Queen’s website — DQ.com.
And as a community-oriented company, Dairy Queen and its operators want to help Girl Scout councils take advantage of this summer’s promotion to increase membership and volunteerism and create fun activities for girls — for Dairy Queen Girl Scout Appreciation Week and beyond.
To connect with a DQ in your area, visit Dairy Queen store-locator.
Please contact your local store directly to determine if they are participating in this national program as well as to make arrangements for activities, recruitment tables, programs, etc.
Here are just a few great ideas for how councils can work with Dairy Queen operators to make Dairy Queen Girl Scout Appreciation Week and this partnership a success:
Membership & Volunteerism:
·Work with your local DQ operator to set up a membership recruitment table outside the store. Email Jen Ward, GSVSC’s director of marketing and communications, at jward@gsvsc.org to request incentive coupons for this purpose.
·Work with your local DQ operator to place membership and/or interest indicator forms at the store. Establish collection procedures with the DQ operator or opt for self-mailing forms/postcards.
Fun Summer Activities for Girls:
·Work with your local DQ operator to coordinate “behind the scenes” tours for troops, groups, or day or overnight campers.
·Organize a “Blizzard-making class” with your local DQ operator.
· Invite your local DQ operator to talk with girls about what it takes to own and run a business successfully.
GSHPA will be promoting this special partnership and opportunity to our major media outlets. If you have any questions on how to best leverage this partnership with your local Dairy Queen, would like our assistance in coordinating press efforts in your area, or need more information, please contact GSHPA via www.gshpa.org!
Contact the Board of Directors
July 7, 2008
To Contact the Board of Directors:
(There is no gate keeper for this method of contacting the Board)
board@gshpa.org
Snail-mail Address:
Attention Lee Beard / Personal & Confidential
Board of Directors
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
350 HALE AVE
HARRISBURG PA 17104-1518
Chair – E. Lee Beard, CPA of Drums
Click here to link to the GSHPA Board page.
75-Year Girl Scout Is Commended
Posted on: Tuesday, 12 August 2008, 09:01 CDT
Anne Weaver Booske, of Lancaster, was honored recently by Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and Foxfire House for 75 years of involvement with Girl Scouts.
Booske was commended during a ceremony last month at Brethren Village Retirement Community, where she lives.
Since she became a Girl Scout at age 10, Booske has remained involved with Girl Scouts as a volunteer or staff member.
For many years, Booske also volunteered at Foxfire House, a homestead at Camp Furnace Hills near Denver, where Girl Scouts learn about frontier life.
(c) 2008 Intelligencer Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
On Sunday, July 20, Anne Booske will be presented with her 75 year pin!
The presentation will take place at the Brethern Village located at 3001 Lititz Pike in Lancaster at 2:00 P.M.
If you would like to attend this presentation, please let Jonathan know so that he can make a group rsvp.
Thank you, contact Jonathan for RSVP:
Jonathan Crouch
Executive Administrative Assistant
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
350 Hale Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 233-1656 Phone
(717) 234-5097 Fax
advisory talents available
April 15, 2008
Adult learning:
Pat Hogg,
Alumni Engagement:
Karen Shustack,
Annual Meeting planning
Artistic:
Maureen McGuigan, Rod Gereda, Marty Brown,
Communications/Marketing:
Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Jeanne Lowing, Laurie Tomsho, Joyce Avila, Karen Shustack,
Community contacts and networking:
Liz Dellinger, Ellie Beaver, Laura Muia, DrueAnne Schreyer, Rod Gereda, Marilyn Morgan, Connie Pheiff, Jeanne Lowing, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Karen Shustack,
Conflict Resolution:
Rod Gereda, Laura Muia, Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Laurie Tomsho, Joyce Avila, Karen Shustack,
Environment:
Marty Brown,
Finance management:
Liz Dellinger,
Flexible schedule:
Flora Poulos, DrueAnne Schreyer, Marilyn Morgan, Connie Pheiff,
Fund raising:
Liz Dellinger, Ellie Beaver, Connie Pheiff, Laurie Tomsho,
Girl development:
Pat Hogg,
Goal setting:
Rod Gereda, Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Marty Brown,
Gold Award recognition:
Pat Hogg, Laurie Ann, Marilyn Morgan, Joy Dougherty, DrueAnne, Flora H. Poulos, Mary Beth Fisher, Jo DeMarco, Rod Gereda, Connie Pheiff, MaryAnne B. Heeter, Karen Shustack,
Human Resources experience:
Laura Muia, Pat Hogg, Karen Shustack,
Innovative:
Karen Shustack, Rod Gereda, Connie Pheiff,
Interpersonal:
Karen Shustack, Rod Gereda, Laura Muia, Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Joyce Avila,
Leadership development:
Karen Shustack, Rod Gereda, Laura Muia, Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg,
Listening:
Flora Poulos, Marilyn Morgan, Rod Gereda, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Karen Shustack,
Lobbying:
Rod Gereda,
Long range vision:
Rod Gereda, Flora Poulos, Laura Muia, DrueAnne Schreyer, Connie Pheiff, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
Management:
Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Marty Brown, , Karen Shustack,
Nonprofit governance:
Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg,
Personnel Policies:
Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg,
Pluralism:
Flora Poulos, Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Joyce Avila, Marty Brown, Karen Shustack,
Presentation:
Ellie Beaver, Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho, Joyce Avila,
Problem Solving:
Rod Gereda, Laura Muia, Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Jeanne Lowing, Jeanne Lowing, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
Program:
Flora Poulos, DrueAnne Schreyer, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
Property:
DrueAnne Schreyer, Laurie Tomsho,
Public Relations:
Laura Muia, Connie Pheiff, Karen Shustack,
Public Speaking:
Laura Muia, Rod Gereda, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Laurie Tomsho, Joyce Avila, Karen Shustack,
Publications:
Robert’s Rules of Order:
Pat Hogg,
Singing:
Flora Poulos, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
Strategic planning:
Laura Muia, DrueAnne Schreyer, Rod Gereda, Marilyn Morgan, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
Technology:
DrueAnne Schreyer,
Travel: Girl Scout related,
Flora Poulos, Connie Pheiff, Marty Brown,
United Way experience:
Ellie Beaver, Laura Muia, DrueAnne Schreyer, Marilyn Morgan, Mary Malone, Mary Jane Saras, Jo DeMarco, Cindy Lombard, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Laurie Tomsho, Karen Shustack,
Volunteer Management:
Ellie Beaver, Flora Poulos, Rod Gereda, Connie Pheiff, Pat Hogg, Marty Brown, Laurie Tomsho,
other:
GSHPA Council News
February 18, 2008
You are invited to a
Girl Scouts in the Heart of
Pennsylvania Open House
The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Service Center in the Scranton area has moved and you are invited to our open house. Please come see the new facility, greet our staff, and learn about some of the great opportunities in your area through Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
WHEN: Thursday, February 26
TIME: 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Scranton Area Service Center
1444 East Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 222
Olyphant, PA 18447
No RSVP is necessary and everyone is invited. Door prizes will be given out! We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan Crouch
Executive Administrative Assistant
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
350 Hale Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 233-1656 Phone
(717) 234-5097 Fax
——————————————
[the following post comes from our good friend Jonathan]
The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Hazleton office has a new address.
The office didn’t move, but the township has renumbered the buildings.
Our property director has contacted the Post Office and they already recognize the new address.
All mail addressed to the old address will automatically be corrected and delivered to us for one year.
The new address is as follows.
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
426 Airport Road
12 Beltway Commons
Hazle Township, PA 18202
The information on our web site under the “contact us” section has already been updated with this information.
Jonathan
Jonathan Crouch
Executive Administrative Assistant
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
350 Hale Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 233-1656 Phone
(717) 234-5097 Fax
***
Volunteer Voice – Make Your Voices Heard!
GSHPA is looking for ideas from volunteers on ways to make Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania even better!
As always, Thanks again for all you do!
Please email your suggestions to ideas@gshpa.org.
Volunteer Ideas! Click here for GSHPA idea page!
You are invited to a
Girl Scouts in the Heart of
Pennsylvania Open House
The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Service Center in the Scranton area has moved and you are invited to our open house. Please come see the new facility, greet our staff, and learn about some of the great opportunities in your area through Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
WHEN: Thursday, February 26
TIME: 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Scranton Area Service Center
1444 East Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 222
Olyphant, PA 18447
No RSVP is necessary and everyone is invited. Door prizes will be given out! We look forward to seeing you there!
Jonathan Crouch
Executive Administrative Assistant
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
350 Hale Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 233-1656 Phone
(717) 234-5097 Fax
——————————————
***
The following good news comes from E. Lee Beard:
Girls CAN! group members, Marion Alexander, of Hummelstown, PA, (GSHPA board member) and Joy Dougherty, of New Cumberland, PA, (former Board Chair for Hemlock), shall co-chair a newly created Fund Development Committee.
Shirley Valentine-Attoh, Interim CEO, GSHPA, will take the staff support lead for this group.
They have graciously agreed!
Their first task is to put together the members of this new committee. Anyone interested (and available), please let us know. Marion and Joy will determine the best way to select committee members and the appropriate size of their committee.
It is most necessary that the Girls CAN! group step forward to help make this new venture successful. We, the advisory group, know the council’s geography best for membership and fund resources.
This committee is expected to be very pro-active, and hands on. In short, this group will work with management and staff to develop and help GSHPA implement the fund raising work we all need to be doing. Our GSHPA board chair, Lee Beard, will ask staff to ensure that the Girls CAN! group be kept fully informed and made aware of where we can help with this important work.
I am sure that most of us will want to volunteer for this, but please remember that submitting a name for the committee is not a guarantee that the candidate will be asked to serve on the committee – again, the size and scope of the group will be up to Marion and Joy.
Please reply to: geredas@aol.com , (Rod Gereda) if you want to take part in this important task. I will forward your contact information to Marion, Joy, and Shirley for consideration.
Girls CAN! 