Friday, April 29, 2011

Relief Efforts for Alabama Tornado Survivors

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is deeply saddened by the devastation in our communities from the tornadoes that ripped through our area on Wednesday, April 27. Our properties and offices have weathered the storm with no damage, and just a couple of power outages. While our Council and staff (although some families sustained losses) were fortunate, many others have lost everything and people have asked what Girl Scouts can do to help. We have put together the following list of items that can be delivered the Salvation Army and other ways to help.
  • New underwear, new socks
  • Personal care items (shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper, Gold bond powder, Diabetic Socks, Fixodent cream, men's briefs)
  • Flashlights, batteries, can openers
  • First-aid kits
  • Baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, non-perishable baby food)
  • Storage tubs/luggage
  • Non-perishable food items, including bottled water
  • Polls of plastic, tarps
  • Gas, Coleman stoves & fuel, lamp oil, kerosene
  • Mops, brooms
  • Pillows, towels, wash cloths
  • Bug spray
  • Chainsaws. chainsaw oil
  • Work gloves
  • Tents, cots
  • Paper goods (plates, utensils, napkins)
The Salvation Army has requested physical items be directed to the following (If there are additional, non-denominational, relief efforts in your area you'd like to include in this list, please email name, address and phone to hperry@girlscoutsnca.org):

Tuscaloosa:
Salvation Army Drop-Off Location
Belk Activity Center
2101 Bower Park Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Birmingham:
Salvation Army Drop-Off Location
350 Industrial Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211

To contact your local Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org and type in your zip code. If you would like to donate pet items, please contact your local humane society.

Other drop-off points include:

Millport, AL
606 Burgess Rd.
Millport, AL 35576

Hardin Chapel Church
7704 AL Highway 144
Ragland, AL 35131-3541
(205) 472-3116

Also, if you are a member of the Girl Scout family, and are in need, please contact your local Community Development Manager.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Meet Ruth Jurenko - 2011 Christine Richard Lifetime Achievement Award

Ruth Jurenko moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1975, and since then has immersed herself in the community. Jurenko was a teacher for 20 years, but in 1988 she began her career as a full-time volunteer. Since then, ­Jurenko has been an officer and/or chairman of 36 committees and boards, including Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Guild, Huntsville Museum of Art, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Constitution Village/Early Works, Hope Place, Interfaith Mission Service, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville/Madison County Library, ­Cedar Crest College and Grace Lutheran Church, where she founded the pre-kindergarten program.

Most notably, Jurenko served as president of AAUW at the local and state levels, as well as Southeast Central regional director. Here she concentrated on promoting education for girls and women, making it possible for them to excel in the workforce. For this service, the AAUW awarded her the Eve Award and a Fellowship Award. Jurenko has also received awards from Girls, Inc., and received the Girl Scout Scroll of Honor Award for Outstanding Volunteer. In addition, the Women’s Economic Development Council awarded her the Women Honoring Women Award.

Jurenko received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the college awarded her an honorary doctoral degree in 2010.

As a former Girl Scout for seven years, Jurenko is determined to make a difference. In 1988 she lost sight in one eye. She says, “I thought I was through serving others, but I was proven wrong and could continue doing what I love.” Like her friend, Christine Richard, for whom this award is named, Jurenko has truly demonstrated a lifetime of achievement and service to her community and others.

Jurenko will be recognized at the North Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 27. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodnorth.

Meet Sandra Moon - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Sandra Moon was elected as Councilwoman to represent District 3 in 1998 and served until 2010. She also represented the City Council on the Huntsville Planning Commission for nine years.

Outside of the political arena, Moon is an established business leader. She served as executive director of the AIDS Action Coalition and as executive director of the Mental Health Association of Madison County, also serving on their board of directors. She is a graduate of Leadership of Huntsville/Madison County and Leadership Alabama.

Moon received a bachelor’s degree in English from Lindenwood University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Maryland. She believes she found her calling to this field by working on a Girl Scout library badge in the seventh grade. Moon also earned a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

In 2001, she was awarded the Distinguished Alumna Medal by Lindenwood University and received the Women’s Economic Development Council’s Women Honoring Women Award for her public service in 2004.

Moon learned at a young age the importance of giving back: “What one takes away from any community is equal to what one gives to the community.”

Moon will be recognized at the North Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 27. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodnorth.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Huntsville Gold Awardee Creates Garden at Rehab Center

Lauren’s Gold Award project provided the residents of the Millennium Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with a raised planter box to allow them access to gardening in their wheelchairs and walkers. By planting flowers and vegetables, the residents are able to continue their physical therapy outdoors while doing something they enjoy. Not only did the gardening project boost the patients’ morale and sense of accomplishment, it also made the center look more beautiful with the flowers placed in a central courtyard. With the help of a therapist at the center, Lauren organized fundraisers to purchase materials and recruited the family of one of the residents to build the planter box. The project taught Lauren perseverance when it took longer than expected to complete, but motivated her to do more to help others in her community. She is currently a freshman at The University of Alabama and is the daughter of Jeff and Therese of Huntsville.

The Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.

It’s a Jungle Out There: A Middle School Survival Camp

Jessica chose this as her Gold Award project when she found herself somewhat unprepared for the challenges of middle school. As she matured, she realized she was not alone in those feelings, and became determined to find a way to help other young girls face some of the negative images, pressures and pitfalls of this age group. Jessica developed a day camp activity manual which included activities on time management, healthy eating/body image, surviving peer pressure and exercises to build character and confidence. She conducted a two-day training session for volunteers from local schools, churches and organizations, to instruct them on how to implement the program. She hopes the final message of the camp will be for the girls to empower others. Jessica is a freshman at the University of Montevallo and is the daughter of Darrell and Lisa of Cullman.

The Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.

Meet Robin Jennings - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Robin Jennings has dedicated herself to enriching the lives of countless people through the arts and teaching. Jennings was nominated in 1978 as Outstanding Young Educator in the State of Alabama. After 12 years of teaching, she retired to become a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. She supports Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Chi Ho Children’s Home, Early Works Museum and HHF Angels for Children.

Jennings serves organizations such as the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Women’s Guild of the Huntsville Museum of Art, Gothic Guild, Broadway Theater League, Fantasy Playhouse, Panoply of the Arts and Junior League of Huntsville, where she was Sustainer of the Year in 1998. She is also a banjo player in the Junior League Rainbow Rhythm Band.

She received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both education and sociology from The University of Alabama.

Her passion for teaching and promoting social graces inspired her to create the Manners Are Magic program. “I feel that good manners reflect a person’s character and confidence, two of the Girl Scout principles,” said Jennings.

Jennings will be recognized at the North Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 27. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodnorth.

Gold Award Project Creates Bird Sanctuary

The goal of Susan's project was to create an outdoor classroom for Caldwell Elementary School focusing on the native birds of Jackson County. The campus of Caldwell Elementary School had recently been rebuilt and the new construction left the grounds bare. Susan’s project brought color and wildlife back to the campus. The sanctuary included bird feeders, bushes, bird baths and a pathway made with stones designed by the students of Caldwell Elementary. Susan also developed three presentations that provided information on bird identification, bird care and a hands-on project making feeder cake, and are available for teachers to check out at the school library. Susan states, “The most successful part of this project is that the children are enjoying the work. I am also pleased that this project will be an ever-growing addition to Caldwell Elementary.”

Susan is a freshman at the University of Montevallo. She is the daughter of Arthur and Sylvia.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Meet Betty Haynes - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Betty Haynes has contributed to her community as a member of the board at Wells Fargo Bank, Hospice of Cullman County, Cullman Regional Medical Center Foundation, United Way of Cullman County, Wallace State Community College Alumni Committee and Guild & Gala Committee. After college, she worked as a dental hygienist and served as president of both the Cullman County Dental Hygiene Association and the Alabama Dental Hygiene Association.

Haynes has been recognized by Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC) for chairing the Patron’s Committee. She was presented with the “Olympic Medal” for raising the most money for hospice projects by Hospice of Cullman. Her honors include the Emma Marie Eddleman citizenship award from Cullman County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Henry C. Arnold Humanitarian Award from CRMC, the Rotary Club’s Service Above Others award and Ms. Senior Alabama in 1997. In 2009, Wallace State Community College named their theatre after Haynes.

Haynes states, “Through giving of yourself to others, you learn and know people and understand they just want to be loved, needed and appreciated regardless of their status in life.”

Haynes will be recognized at the North Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 27. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodnorth.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Troop 993 Heads to Savannah

Troop 993 of Alabaster raised enough money for a trip to Savannah, Georgia this year. In addition to participating in many activities, the troop toured the Juliette Gordon Low House. The museum is the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon Low, and is the Savannah’s first historic landmark. By touring the house, the troop learned how Girl Scouting began and the woman behind it all.

Pictured (left to right): Jasmine Williams, Jillian Hefner, LeeAnna Nelson, Tabitha Lawler, Sarah Messer, Leah Warman, Jamie Loren Howell and Elaine Newell.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Meet Dr. Jan Davis - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Dr. Jan Davis began her engineering career at Texaco and NASA. Initially, she was a structural engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope, but in 1987 was selected as a NASA astronaut and flew on three shuttle missions. After retiring from NASA in 2005, Davis became vice president and deputy general manager of Jacobs ESTS Group.

She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Auburn University, her B.S. in applied biology in biomechanics from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Davis received the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive from President Bush. She also was awarded with the NASA Space Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award. Additionally, Davis received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Ralph Coates Roe Medal and National Old Guard Prize.

Davis will be recognized at the North Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 27. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodnorth.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Troop 136 Earns Bronze Award for Wildlife Assistance

Pictured on the front row: Jamie, Charlotte, McKinley, Cecily,
Giana and Caroline. Back row: Maria (Troop Leader),
Reed, Maggie and Claire.
Cayla is not picture but completed the project.

Troop 136 of Vestavia Hills earned the Bronze Award for their assistance to the Alabama Wildlife Rescue Center. The troop helped out with the center’s annual craft and bake sale in December by decorating the center including origami birds and a children’s booth. The troop also helped on Martin Luther King Jr. Day by repairing nets and cleaning up the purple martin bird houses. Troop 136’s assistance also cleaned the center’s facilities for future animals.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. This award recognizes that a Girl Scout Junior has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.
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Troop 160 Brings the Congo to Jackson County

Troop 160 of Jackson County participated in a World Thinking Day event, where they learned and taught others about the country of Congo. The troop showed other Girl Scouts a native Congo dance.

About World Thinking Day
Each year on 22 February, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world celebrate World Thinking Day (WTD). Girls participate in activities, games, and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme. World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Pictured are troop members: MacKenna Worley, Gabbie Walden, Tristian Culver, Nicole Culver, Marissa Hymer, Charlsi Henderson and Ashlyn Bullock.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Meet Joyce Levey - 2011 Karen LaMoreaux Bryan Lifetime Achievement Award

Throughout her career in education, Joyce Levey has always concentrated her leadership efforts on meeting the students’ needs on a daily basis and doing the right thing.

One of her proudest accomplishments with the Tuscaloosa City Schools was to focus on early childhood education. With the support of local government, a successful pre-kindergarten program was implemented within the district for at-risk children. This unprecedented collaborative initiative of city government and public schools was awarded the National Civic Star Award.

Honored both regionally and nationally for her professional achievements, Levey was chosen as a finalist for the National Superintendent of Schools in 2010.

Levey holds a Doctorate of Administration and Education Research and an Educational Leadership Specialist degree, both from The University of Alabama. She holds a Master of Education Leadership degree and Education Specialist degree in biology, a Master of Arts and ­Education in high school biology, and a Bachelor of Science degree, all from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Levey attributes much of the success achieved during her tenure as superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools on the establishment of partnerships with business and industry, community service agencies, institutions of higher learning, and city and county government agencies. She says, “A valuable lesson that I have learned through service to the community, which goes hand-in-hand with Girl Scouting, is that partnerships in work, play and life pave the way for greater success and progress.”

Levey will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Meet Billie Jean Young - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Billie Jean Young loves to read, and as a writer and teacher at Judson College, shares the power of drama and poetry with her students and the Perry County community.

Young is president of the Southwest Alabama Association of Rural and Minority Women, on the board of trustees for the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a board member for the Alabama Humanities Foundation and on the advisory board for the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic & Social Justice.

Young received her B.A. in English magna cum laude from Judson ­College, and earned her J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

Her honors include being being named a Legend in Our Own Time by Essence Magazine and Outstanding Alumna of Judson College in 2002. She has also received the Lucy Terry Prince Unsung Heroine Award and the Mississippi Governor’s Award for Artistic Achievement.

As a published author, Young is a role model for all girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She says, “Be intrepid. Never quit because of the first ‘no’ or a roadblock. Keep going. Go around the obstacles. There is usually a gate that is wide open. Find it.”

Young will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Meet Lori Royer - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Lori Royer has been working with the DCH Health System for over 18 years, first as the benefits director and currently as the compensation, employment and workforce development director.

Royer’s community service includes working with the Community Soup Bowl, on mission teams for her church and initiating food drives to benefit West Alabama families in need. She has served as vice chairman for the capital campaign that raised over one million dollars for the new state-of-the-art cancer center. Royer has also helped raise money for the Help and Hope Patient Assistance Fund, which financially benefits patients undergoing cancer treatments.

Royer received her B.S. degree in commerce and business administration/health care management from The University of Alabama. She earned her master’s from UAB while working full-time and commuting to Birmingham.

She loves to travel and try new adventures, including trapeze school while in New York, indoor skydiving in Las Vegas and a zip-line tour in Canada. Royer says of her community projects, “When we participate in life, we tend to have a better appreciation of all that we do have and less time questioning what we don’t have.”

Royer will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Meet Eleanor Park - 2011 Woman of Distinction

As an independent marketing director for Team National, a direct selling organization, Eleanor Park helps members develop home-based businesses that provide savings in 20 different industries through group buying power.

One of her proudest professional accomplishments was the implementation of the Marengo County Emergency Communications System District E911; she later served as its coordinator and executive director. Park has served as president of the Alabama Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and is a member and past president of the Demopolis Pilot Club.

Park earned her degree in elementary education at ­Livingston University and her certificate as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Marengo County Technology Center.

Park has dedicated her time and talents to the Girl Scouts as a lifelong member, troop leader, River City Service Unit Manager and program aide for younger troops. She continues to recruit adult volunteers in the community and has also served on the board of the former Tombigbee Girl Scout Council. “Girl Scouting has taught me that having integrity is the best quality,” she states.

Park will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Meet Tammy Jackson Montgomery - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Motivated to go to law school by what she saw on a grade-school field trip to a courtroom, Tammy Jackson Montgomery is the State of Alabama’s first African-American woman to be elected to the office of Sumter County District Court Judge; she is currently serving her third term. In 1997, she founded the nonprofit organization Children of the ­Village Network, Inc., designed to combat illiteracy, hunger, crime, disease and administer college scholarships for high school graduates from Sumter County.

Montgomery’s honors include being recognized by Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb to serve on the State’s Drug Court Committee, serving as a U.S. Congressional intern, receiving an Alabama Association of Women’s and Youth’s Club Inc. graduate scholarship and the Nancy Randolph Award sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Montgomery received her B.A. cum laude and J.D. degrees, both from The University of Alabama.

She attributes Girl Scouting for teaching her to dream, and for finding the strength and passion within to realize her potential and achieve those dreams. Her first judicial campaign slogan succinctly stated, “Together, we can make a difference,” and ­Montgomery believes making a difference is what makes life worth living.

Montgomery will be recognized at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Meet Kithy Fitts - 2011 Woman of Distinction

Kithy Fitts has served her community as both a professional and a volunteer, often simultaneously. Her efforts helped pioneer the startup of two of Tuscaloosa’s vital organizations: the Community Soup Bowl and the Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM). During the Soup Bowl’s early years, Fitts was responsible for overseeing the center’s operations, including preparing thousands of meals and coordinating volunteers. She has since served on the board for CHOM and continues to volunteer there.

Fitts’ professional experience includes social work at Bryce Hospital, a trial program through the City Board of Education to prevent school dropouts, UA’s Brewer-Porch residential treatment for delinquent teens and Hospice of West Alabama with terminally ill patients. Among her civic contributions, Fitts has volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Lazarus Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church, and served on the boards of WUAL public radio and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.

With a B.A. in English from Harvard University, Fitts obtained a master’s in social work at The University of Alabama after all four of her children were in school.

Fitts cites the most valuable lesson she learned from Girl Scouting, “Do not make assumptions about people. Let them be whoever they are, wherever they are.”

Fitts will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Meet Sally Edwards - Woman of Distinction 2011

Since 1990, Sally Edwards has served as Director of Child Development Resources, a community service initiative of the College of Human Environmental Sciences at The University of Alabama, that serves a 12-county area.

Edwards was on the State Planning Team with Pat Riley to create PAL, Parenting Assistance Line, a program that helps parents cope with the challenges of parenthood. She has also helped develop Baby Talk, a service that provides books to new mothers while they are in the hospital with their newborns.

Edwards received both her B.S. and master’s degrees in home economics, human development and family studies from The University of Alabama.

PAL has been the recipient of several awards, and Edwards has written numerous grants to receive funding for programs and media campaigns for PAL. She also received the Jack Davis Professional Achievement Award from the College of Human Environmental Sciences at UA. In the community, she worked on the committee to designate Tuscaloosa as an All-American City and has served on the board of the former Tombigbee Girl Scout Council.

Edwards will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.