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TAKE THE LEAD

As is our annual tradition, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) is set to honor women who make the world a better place during our Take the Lead Awards.

As a newly merged Council, GSEP will be hosting three separate Take the Lead events in Philadelphia, Berks County, and Lehigh Valley.

GSEP’s 22nd annual Philadelphia Take the Lead event will occur on March 3, when a group of exemplary women are honored by their peers at the Four Seasons Hotel. This year’s award recipients are:
Dr. Amy Gutmann: President of the University of Pennsylvania, and former Girl Scout. Dr. Gutmann will receive our “Juliette Gordon Low Leadership Award” for her visionary leadership in the field of higher education.

Lisa Johnson Nutter: President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc., a non-profit educational organization working in Philadelphia’s public high schools to provide career-based learning experiences.

Valerie Ferguson: General Manager of Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Ms. Ferguson was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Travel by Travel Agent magazine and one of the Top 100 Women in Corporate America by Ebony. 

Melissa Fitzgerald: Actress, Producer & Art Director. Ms. Fitzgerald played the role of Carol on NBC’s The West Wing.  She is co-founder of Voices in Harmony, a non-profit youth arts organization committed to empowering at-risk teens both nationally and internationally.

Diane Melley: Director of Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs for IBM Corporation. Ms. Melley oversees IBM’s philanthropic giving in the Delaware Valley and the ‘Reinventing Education’ program, which addresses problems of technological equity in schools.

Carol Wong: Director of School for the Chinatown Learning Center. A former Girl Scout leader, Ms. Wong is actively engaged in improving the lives of Philadelphia’s Asian youth. 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Girl Advisors and Girl Delegates Needed
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is seeking three Girl Advisors and 31 Girl Delegates to serve on an advisory board. The term of office is from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  Girls may serve for no more than two consecutive terms. 

Meetings are held throughout the Councils’ nine-county jurisdiction in Eastern Pennsylvania and girls must have their own transportation to meetings. Board meetings are typically on week nights from 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m., and delegate meetings and the Annual Meeting are typically on Saturdays. 

Qualifications and Responsibilities for Girl Advisors to the Board are as follows:
Girls must be a registered Girl Scout, an active member of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and juniors or seniors in high school during the 2008-2009 school year. Girls will have the opportunity to observe important issues addressed by non-profit Boards of Directors.  Girl Advisors must maintain confidentiality of discussion, publicly support all Board decisions and be able to ask questions and share ideas. Girl Advisors are expected to attend a training session, five Board of Directors meetings, the Annual Meeting and participate in committees and task forces.

Qualifications and Responsibilities for Girl Delegates are as follows:
Girls must be a registered Girl Scout, an active member of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania and age 14 or older.  Responsibilities include critical thinking about issues of importance to GSEP and voting at the Annual Meeting for the Board of Directors and National Council Delegates.  Girl Delegates are expected to attend one training session, the fall and spring Delegate meetings, and the Annual Meeting.

How to apply: Applications and reference forms are available via the web.  Applications and references must be received via mail or email by Saturday, March 22, 2008.  If you applied as a Delegate to the National Council Session and wish to be considered for either a Board Advisor or GSEP Girl Delegate, complete the Girl Request to be Considered for Multiple Positions.
Visit the Council’s web site at www.gsep.org or contact Olivia Selinger oselinger@gsep.org  215-564-2030 ext. 1040 for more information.

Save the Date for our Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting for GSEP is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 7:00 at Penn View Christian Church in Souderton.  All Delegates should plan to attend - or have the elected Alternate attend in their place - and visitors are welcome to attend as well.

Delegates will receive an invitation along with the Annual Meeting Agenda, Board slate and National Council Delegate slate in April. Visitors are also invited to attend. An email invitation will be circulated in early April with more information.  It will also be advertised in greater detail in the May issue of ENews.

If you have questions about the Annual Meeting or Delegates, please contact Loretta Rudzinski at lruzinski@gsep.org.

Spring Delegate Meetings
The Spring Delegate meetings are scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2008 in both Allentown and Springfield in Delaware County. Service Unit Managers, Delegates, and Alternates will receive an email invitation and a letter invitation to these meetings by Friday, February 29, 2008.  If you are a Delegate and have not received your invitation, please contact Loretta Rudzinski at lrudzinski@gsep.org or 215-564-4657, ext. 1049.

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PROGRAM CORNER

Mean Green Canoe Team
When: Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Where: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ardmore
Ages:  Girls in grades 8-12
Details: The Mean Green Canoe Team is gearing up for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Bainbridge, NY. Don’t miss the important organizational and informational meeting this Tuesday. The Mean Green Canoe Team has over 30 years of exciting history, and you can be a part of it! Contact Barbara Curtin at 610-896-7365 or curtinbarb@aol.com for more information.

Past Times-Old Fashioned Fun
When: Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Where: Lehigh Valley Heritage Center in Allentown
Ages: Brownies
Cost: $8 per girl
Details: Explore the lives of children in the 1940’s while enjoying snacks, songs, and other old fashioned activities.  Receive some requirements for the Through the Years Try- It (Try-It is not included).

BAM!!
When: March 12 and 19 from 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Where: Young Chef’s Academy in West Reading PA
Ages: Brownie, Junior, Cadette
Cost: $22 per girl
Details: Enjoy hands on cooking while learning to put together fun recipes.  Eat what you make and take home new cooking skills to share with your family.

The Piano Lesson
When: Friday, March 14, 2008 at 8:00p.m.
Where: Arden Children’s Theater at 40 North 2nd St in Philadelphia
Cost: $22 per ticket
Details: This is an intricate tale of an African American family and the decisions made about a treasured family heirloom. The story follows Willie Boy who battles with his sister, Bernice, over the sale a piano to purchase land that his ancestors once worked on as slaves. His sister insists that the instrument carries too much history to cast aside. Enjoy this complicated story about lives haunted by memories of the piano and the lessons learned. Tickets for the show include a guest show tour of the theatre.

Spark the Wave: Igniting Teen Volunteers
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 9:00am – 3:15p.m.
Where: Valley Forge Service Center at 100 Juliette Low Way in Valley Forge
Ages: Senior
Cost: $25 per girl; Safety wise adults only
Details: Are you interested in gaining leadership skills for projects that you want to tackle such as the Silver, Gold, school and community service projects?  Come to this hands-on workshop presented by Spark the Wave and learn to communicate more effectively, take the lead in a group, motivate team members and speak so that people will listen. Pack your lunch; snacks are provided.

Sky’s the Limit
When: Friday, March 28, 2008 from 6:00p.m. - 8:30p.m.
Where: Reading Public Museum Planetarium
Ages: Brownies
Cost: $8 per girl
Details: Take a step into space exploration while learning about the planets, constellations, and phases of the moon.  Make a sundial or star maker and see a planetarium show.  Earn the Space Explorer Try-It Badge.

Get a Job!
When: Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10:00a.m. - 12:30p.m.
Where: ITT Technical Institute at 760 More Road, King of Prussia
Ages: Grades 10-12
Cost: $5 per girl

Start Your Engines
When: Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 12:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
Where: Brown Daub Buick Pontiac Cadillac in Wind Gap
Ages: Cadette and Senior
Cost: $5 per girl
Details: Discover the many aspects of maintaining and owning a car. Connect with girls in your Girl Scout community to take action and earn your Car Sense Interest Project.

Philadelphia KIXX: Girl Scout Night
When: Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:05
Where: Wachovia Spectrum at 3601 South Broad Street in Philadelphia
Cost: $17 per person for the game-bought from the KIXX, $2 per girl for additional activity registered through Girl Scouts: Dance Clinic, God Bless America, National Anthem
Details: Ticket price includes a hot dog, soda and patch.  Soccer clinics with the pros will be available at the game for girls and siblings.  You do not need to pre-register.  Tickets must be purchased through the KIXX Ticket Office to be eligible for the pre-game activities. Contact Darcee at 215.952.5438 or dedrozo@kixxonline.com. Once you have purchased tickets, Darcee will send instructions on how to sign up for the singing the National Anthem, singing God Bless America at halftime or learning a dance routine and then performing at halftime with the KiXX Dance Team.  Navy blue t-shirts are available in GSEP Retail Shops now and can also be ordered and purchased over the phone and picked up at the game.  Please order t-shirts by Friday, March 14, 2008 to guarantee your sizes.

Baby Bundles Service Project
When: April 1-30, 2008
Details: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania joins with other Girl Scout councils in the Delaware Valley for the 11th Annual Baby Bundles Campaign. With the help of 6ABC and corporate sponsors, girls collect and distribute baby items to religious organizations and social service agencies in the community. Forms for Service Units and more information will be available online at www.gsep.org.  Each Service Unit should send their intent form to Tracey Andrews by Friday, March 14 at tandrews@gsep.org.

Peace Projects
When: Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 1:00 - 4:00p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at118 North Broad St. in Philadelphia
Ages: Junior
Cost: $12 per girl, $6 per adult over Safety-Wise ratio
Details: Learn about creating peace in your home, school and town through a variety of creative art projects. View the Lost Creams on Canvas exhibition – a portrait exhibit of children who were innocent victims of violence, and consider ways to create a more peaceful world.

Art at the Michener
When: Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10:00 - Noon or 1:00 - 3:00p.m.
Where: James A. Michener Art Museum at 138 S. Pine St. in Doylestown
Ages: Junior
Cost: $15 per girl, $5.50 per adult over Safety-Wise ratio
Details: Tour the art galleries to view graphic art images. Visit the art studio where you will create an original print of you own based on what you observed and discovered. Receive your Visual Arts Badge.

Our Wild Neighbors
When: Friday, April 4, 2008 from 7:15 - 9:15p.m.
Where: Shelly Ridge Program Center
Ages:  Brownie, Junior
Cost: $8 per girl, $3 per adult
Details: Focus on feathers! Find out how to tell if a bird needs to be rescued and make a “safe box” to take home with you. Presented by White Flicker Wild Bird Rehabilitation Clinic. Light refreshment provided.

Egyptian Escapade
When: Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
Where: Penn Museum at 3260 South St. in Philadelphia
Ages: Junior
Cost: $20 per girl, $5 per adult
Details: Spend the day at the museum and create a painted Canopic Jar, Scarab, or Sarcophagus. You will receive an activity book and earn several requirements for Celebrating People, Globe Trotting, or the World Neighbors Badge.

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COOKIE CORNER

COOKIE PROGRESS REPORT
Thanks to everyone for all their hard work during the cookie sale. We are just 3,000 cases away from Council goal, with two-thirds of the Service Units ahead of last year’s schedule.

If you have more inventory than you can sell please contact your SU Cookie Manager. They will facilitate the transfer of cookies to troops who still have sales occurring. Our goal is that all troops sell and transfer excess inventory to ensure a smooth sale completion. If you have concerns about selling remaining inventory, please alert Barbara Bankert at 215-564-2030, ext.1026.

FINAL COOKIE PAPERWORK
The Troop Report (T-8) is due from the troops to the Service Unit Cookie Manager on Ednesday, March 5, 2008.  If you have any questions about this process, please connect with your SU Cookie Manager promptly.

Below is a handy check-list of the items you’ll need when turning in your paperwork on Wednesday, March 5, 2008:

• White copies of T-8 Final Troop Report form
• Copy of all deposits slips
• Cookies From Home Form (M-3)
• Lottery slips for the drawing of iPOD and BIG DASH
• Uncollected Money Report Form - if necessary
• Troop Balance Summary (from CookieWorks) signed by TCM
• Troop Recognition order summary  (from CookieWorks)
• List of girls names selling 500 boxes and 1,000 boxes or more -  include the exact amount for special certificates

COOKIE PICK-UP LOCATION CHANGES

• As of Saturday, February 24, 2008, the pick-up locations have been limited to the Service Center and Warehouses.
• Please visit www.gsep.org  to view the exact cookie pick-up locations and times.

Our Mystery House Promotion is still going on! Please note there are still Mystery Houses containing gift vouchers hidden throughout our Council territory. Find a Mystery House and retrieve your voucher for your surprise gift. Note: All door-to-door sales must be made under adult supervision.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Below is a list of Girl Scout friendly events happening in your community.

CPR Saturday
When: Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Cardinal Dougherty High School on Second Street in Philadelphia
Ages: Teens and young adults ages 13-24
Details: The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania and CBS3 are hosting a training session on CPR especially for young adults. The event is free but space is limited. Register at 1-800-42-CROSS.

GSEP Blood Drive
When: March 10, 2008 from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Shelly Ridge Service Center
Ages: Older girls, volunteers, leaders, parents
Details: The American Red Cross needs your support. Bring a friend or family member. More information is available online at www.pleasegiveblood.org about donor eligibility. To participate in GSEP’s blood drive simply register for a spot using our link http://www.membersforlife.org/pennj/schedule/login.php?sponsorcode =13543 or call Linda Delenick at 215-564-2030 ext.1102.

Girl Scout Day at The National Constitution Center
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: The National Constitution Center at 525 Arch St. in Philadelphia
Ages: Brownies through Seniors
Cost: Scouts $14; Adults $12 (1 free adult per 10 scouts)
Details: Enjoy a fun-filled day at The National Constitution Center where feature activities include tables, workshops and shows. You can explore the entire museum as you earn a commemorative National Constitution Center Fun Badge. Call 215-409-6800 for more information.

Girl Scout Special at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
When: June 6 and 7, 2008
Where: Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark at 89 Six Flags Drive in Queensbury, N.Y.
Ages: All
Details: Six Flags will have a Girl Scout special and rooms will be $129 per night. Rooms accommodate up to four guests and include us of the indoor waterpark. Call 1-888-708-2684 for details. Be sure to mention “Girl Scout 2008” for your discount.

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MEMBERSHIP CORNER

The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund was established in 1927, the year that Juliette Low died, to honor our founder’s dream of spreading Girl Scouting around the world.  The fund supports programs, travel and trainings that strengthen Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting in the 144 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund makes a yearly contribution to the World Thinking Day Fund which benefits girls around the world. 

World Thinking Day was Friday, February 22, 2008.  February and early March is a great time for girls to plan and conduct a ceremony for new Girl Scouts to receive their World Trefoil pin. During this time many troops and service units also participate in Thinking Day events to remember our sister scouts around the world and designate a portion of the proceeds toward a monetary donation to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. Troops and service units can make checks payable to GSEP with a notation that the funds are for this special purpose.  Send to the Shelly Ridge Service Center, P.O. Box 27540, Philadelphia, PA 19118 to the attention of “Membership Administrative Assistant.”  It’s important that the troop number/s is noted on all donations sent in.  In return, each troop receives a blue ribbon for their troop flag.

For news within the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) log onto www.wagggs.org

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MISSION MANTRA

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.”
- Albert Einstein

Submitted by Nichole Carrington, volunteer for Brownie Troop 08855.

Calling all wise sages: If you have an inspiring quote you live by, we would love to hear it. Please email Tonya Towles at ttowles@gsep.org. Be sure to include Mission Mantra in the title of the email.

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ADULT DEVELOPMENT CORNER

POT OF GOLD 2008 - "The Pot is Golder at GSEP!"
Have you registered for Pot of Gold? Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania presents its premiere Adult Leadership/Enhancement Day on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell (Montgomery County), PA. Last minute registrations will be accepted. Please fax today. Click here: http://www.gsep.org/pages/adult_training.html\ to sign up.
Confirmation will be sent via e-mail. Additional helpful information:
●  Lunch orders are being accepted – click here for the order form http://www.gsep.org/pdf/events_programs/pog_lunch_order_form.pdf
● Breakfast items will be for sale in the morning and beverages will be available for purchase all day.
● The Council Shop will be at Pot of Gold. You can place your order at the Shelly Ridge Girl Scout Shop for pick up at Pot of Gold. Simply call the Shelly Ridge Shop at 215-483-7744 or faxing your order to 215-483-5685. Orders will need to be paid for in advance and placed by noon on Wednesday, February 27, 2008.  In addition there will be special limited merchandise available for sale the day of the event, so bring your checkbook, credit card or CASH!

The Adult Recognition Deadline for Council Level Awards is Saturday, March 1, 2008. Girl Scout formal recognitions should be awarded for truly exceptional and significant service that exceeds the scope and expectation of the position. Paperwork for the following awards is due Saturday, March 1, 2008 - Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, Thanks II and GSEP Awards: Diversity Award, Free Spirit, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Award, Governance, Lights of Loyalty and Super Service Unit Awards. Please submit all forms for each individual award in one complete packet. If submitting via email, please include the nominations plus all endorsements as attachments, and indicate the nominee name/award name in the subject line. Click here for the awards booklet including award criteria and forms: http://www.gsep.org/pages/adult_training.html Contact Lorrie Klaric at lklaric@gsep.org or 888-564-2030 ext. 1025 for additional information.
Training Schedule: The GSEP training schedule is updated on the GSEP website each week. Visit http://www.gsep.org/pages/adult_training.html. To access our schedule of learning opportunities with registration instructions, click on the "Training Information" link. Online Registration is available through E-Council for all trainings. Printed schedules are also available through our Service Centers.   
Are you wondering about what type of training is available for you to be successful in your adult volunteer role? The new Adult Education Guide has the answers. This is your go-to source of information about all learning opportunities at GSEP. Copies will be available in our service centers soon. Click here:  http://www.gsep.org/pdf/current_members/adult_education_guide.pdf
Questions about training? Contact us at training@gsep.org

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GSEP EMPLOYMENT POSTINGS

The following employment opportunities are currently available with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Please visit www.gsep.org for full position descriptions.

• Development Manager for Individual Giving
• Maintenance Assistant/ Janitorial Services
• Vice President of Development
• Volunteers

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CONTACT US

If you know of a Leader or Service Unit Manager who does not receive GS News because she/he does not have access to a computer, please have them contact us for a mailed copy of the GS News. Please call or email Loretta Rudzinski at (215) 564-2030, ext. 1049 or lrudzinski@gsep.org.

Headquarters
Shelly Ridge Service Center
330 Manor Road
Miquon, PA 19444
Tel. (888/215) 564-4657
Fax. (215) 564-6953

Mailing address:
PO Box 27540
Philadelphia, PA 19118