Friday, January 18, 2013

Troop Volunteers Time on New Year's Eve

Older girls from Troop 20136 volunteered at "The Soup Bowl," a soup kitchen in Anniston, on New Year's Eve. The soup kitchen has been around for more than twenty five years, and serves hot meals free of charge to those in need.

Troop leader Valerie Jones said it was a project her troop felt strongly about from the beginning when they sat down to plan out their year. "This project was not to earn a badge or receive any type of recognition. It was simply their way of giving back to the community," said Jones. "This was a great experience and it really gave the girls a chance to connect with people in the community."

Girl Scout Troops often perform service projects in the community, whether or not the projects are part of the patch program. Troop 20136 is no exception.

"The girls enjoyed this project so much, they plan on doing it again in the near future," said Jones.

Pictured left to right are Taylor, Sabrina and Jessica from Oxford.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Auburn Freshman Earns Gold Award

Heather, a freshman at Auburn University and graduate of Hillcrest High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Heather earned her Gold Award for her project The Alabama Poison Control Center Official Coloring and Activity Book. Her project focused on creating a children’s activity book about the Alabama Poison Center (APC). People in her community knew when to call 911, but many did not know the APC’s number. The majority of those seen by the APC for poison exposure are children, so Heather wanted to make sure others knew about the organization in case they needed help.

“Children learn better when they can do something fun!” said Heather. 


“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Heather has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.” 

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. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit http://girlscoutsnca.org/gogold

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

West Alabama Women to be Recognized


The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will recognize 10 women at the Women Who Serve West Alabama dinner on Thursday, February 28, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s First Lady, Mrs. Dianne Bentley, will be the special guest. Women recognized at this reception represent Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Hamilton, Lamar, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. 

Easty Lambert-Brown (pictured), Owner of Borgo Publishing, will receive the 2013 Karen LaMoreaux Bryan Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to a woman who has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place through service to her community.

The 2013 Women Who Serve West Alabama Honorees are:

  • Annette Cook of Tuscaloosa, Director, The SOAR Institute, Shelton State Community College 
  • Sharon Cosby of Tuscaloosa, Case Manager, Temporary Emergency Services 
  • Ruth Dailey of Tuscaloosa, Community Volunteer 
  • Audrey Ellis of Tuscaloosa, Coordinator of Social Services, Tuscaloosa City Schools 
  • Mary Nell Hallman of Tuscaloosa, Vice President-Commersial Lender, Bryant Bank 
  • Dr. Linda Forte of Tuscaloosa, Director of Nursing, Stillman College 
  • Eva Owens of Tuscaloosa, Office Administrator, Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Service 
  • Lamea "Elle" Shaaban-Magana of Tuscaloosa, Director, Women's Resource Center 
  • Marsha Sprayberry of Tuscaloosa, Director, Project Blessing 
As of January 11, 2013, primary benefactors for the reception are Mercedes-Benz and Regions Bank. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information, please contact Kelly Connelly at 800-734-4541 x1030, or visit http://girlscoutsnca.org/womenwhoserve. Tickets to the reception are $50 each, and $40 for Girl Scout members.

College Freshman Goes Gold with Educational Project about Snakes


Caroline, a freshman at Calhoun Community College, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Caroline earned her Gold Award for her project Saving Scouts AND Snakes. She wanted to resolve the misunderstanding and fear many people have of snakes. She shared her project through presentations, a video, newspaper articles, a blog and Facebook.
“I identified a serious issue threatening the environment,” said Caroline, “I educated many about snakes and inspired them to help both the snakes and their friends and family by sharing what they have learned.”


“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Caroline has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

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. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.


The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit http://girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Recycling Project Earns Bronze

Troop 311 members Christa and Olivia from Crestline Elementary School, Bailee and Christy from F.E. Burleson Elementary School and Julia from Falkville Elementary School recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for their project Go Green. The girls learned about recycling and how it helps the environment. They also put recycling bins out at a local business.

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.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

GIRL SCOUTS INTRODUCE DIRECT SALES FOR 2013


 GSNCA Has New Way to Sell Cookies While Launching Second Century

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) will launch direct sales across the council this cookie season. Instead of taking pre-orders, Girl Scouts will have their cookies in mid-January to sell immediately. Booth sales at many local stores and supermarkets will start January 25, 2013.

Cookies offered include all-time favorites: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Savannah Smiles (100th anniversary cookie), Dulce de Leche and Thank U Berry Munch. Each box sells for $3.50. All eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies contain zero grams of trans fat. Girl Scout cookies are a low-sodium treat, and some varieties weigh in at only 28 calories (Savannah Smiles) and 40 calories (Thin Mints) per cookie!

Even if you participate in a weight loss plan, you can still help girls by purchasing cookies as part of our Cookies for Troops campaign, and have your cookies sent overseas to service members.

Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, an integral part of Girl Scouting’s Financial Literacy initiative for girls ages 5 to 17, girls learn skills that will last them a lifetime: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. This girl-led business allows girls to set a goal and create action plans leading toward that goal. Girl Scouts use funds from the cookie program to fund a Take Action project or to plan an exciting trip. Cookie funds are also used to attend council programs.

Beginning the week of January 25, customers can visit girlscoutsnca.org and use the Cookie Locator button to find a booth sale near them or call 800-734-4541. Customers may also download the free Girl Scout Cookie App for iPhone or Android. The app tells customers when and where booth sales will take place in their area, and map them to the location.

In 2012, the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama sold over 1.4 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies in 36 counties. For more information, visit girlscoutsnca.org/cookies.

Important Safety Notice:
Girl Scout Cookies should be purchased only from someone affiliated with the Girl Scout organization to ensure safety and freshness.

Duct Tape Doesn't Fix It Project Earns Gold Award


Callie, a freshman at the University of West Alabama and resident of Vinemont, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Callie earned her Gold Award for her project Duct Tape Doesn’t Fix It! She focused on helping children cope with parents going through a divorce. She created a book about the topic, and pointed the children toward existing resources, including counseling.
“With my book, I hope it inspires other to help friends or peers that may be going through similar situations to have a positive outlook on the situation and know how to handle it,” said Callie.


“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Callie has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

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. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.


The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Activity Center Project Earns Gold


Brittany, a freshman at Calhoun Community College and resident of Madison, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Brittany earned her Gold Award for her project Activity Center for National Children’s Advocacy Center. She created a new bookshelf stocked with books, craft materials and puppets for the children at the center. 

“My project helped create a bonding time and opportunity for positive parent and child interaction,” said Brittany. 


“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Brittany has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

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. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Fayette County High Senior Goes Gold!


Sarah, a senior at Fayette County High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Sarah earned her Gold Award for her project Grief Insight for Teens (G.I.F.T. at Fayette County High School). After her own father died, Sarah noticed a need for grief counseling in her high school. Her project focused on creating an environment where students experiencing the death of a friend or loved one at Fayette County High School could openly discuss their feelings. The school counselor will continue the monthly meetings.

“Students will not have the struggle I did in trying to find a comfortable environment. Also, this gives students a chance to talk about their problems instead of letting it build up inside them,” said Sarah. 


“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Sarah has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

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. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Reduces Negative Environmental Impact

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) reports the year-long campaign in 2012 to reduce plastic waste and save energy a success. Girl Scouts, and the communities within the 36 counties served by GSNCA, had the following environmental and financial impact:
 

  • 443,811 kWh of energy saved
  • 832,730 pounds of CO2 eliminated
  • 46,949 pounds of waste eliminated
  • $39,374 saved on home energy bills 

In an effort to track the Forever Green projects’ effectiveness, those participating in the council’s call to action in late 2011 could input the amount of water bottles they reused, reusable bags used, cans recycled and the amount of energy-saving light bulbs used.
 
The total impact of CO2 eliminated translates into roughly the equivalent of 74 cars being removed from the road. 
 
“We’re pleased that we started many people down the Forever Green path,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer for GSNCA. “We hope that our project paves the way for Girl Scouts, as well as our communities, to be Forever Green as we launch the second century of Girl Scouting.”
 
About Girl Scouts Forever Green
In 2012, Girl Scouts celebrated its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone and to honor founder Juliette Gordon Low, who loved nature and the outdoors, Girl Scouts of all ages, volunteers and alumnae are engaging in Girl Scouts Forever Green. This nationwide, take-action project offers a meaningful leadership experience that makes a positive impact on the environment. Visit
girlscoutsnca.org/forevergreen for more information.


Youth Center Renovation Earns Silver

Katherine, a freshman at Hoover High School and member of Girl Scout Troop 468, earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for her project to renovate the community/youth center at her church. She was able to organize supplies and labor. The room has new carpet and paint, better electrical, a food prep area, storage and divided areas for meetings, meals, etc. She learned about team work and encouragement throughout the project.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. This award symbolizes a Girl Scout Cadette's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Troop 727 Earns Bronze Award for Teaching Weather Safety


Troop 727 members Molly from Springville Elementary School, Allison from Chelsea Middle School and Miranda from Chelsea Intermediate School recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for their project, Weather Safety. The girls created weather safety kits for local schools, which included a presentation about weather safety.

 


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.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Troop 234 Earns Bronze for Teaching Horticulture Classes



Troop 234 members Shelley, Crystin, Hannah, Ariel, Mia from Leeds Middle School and Perry and Kaleigh, both homeschooled, recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award. The girls planted an educational garden for the Robert R. Moton Community Center, an organization that hosts a free summer camp for low-income and at-risk youth. The girls held classes to teach the children about plants and gardening. The girls used a hands-on approach, and camp attendees were able to plant beans, go on a scavenger hunt and dissect a pansy. The Community Center will continue the project next summer.

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.