Notes from November Leader Meeting

If you missed this week's Leader Meeting, here's a recap of what we discussed:

1.  Joan Page and Trista Cooper (yep, those are links to their email addresses - how cool is that?!?) gave a Short & Snappy presentation on how to schedule events at the Council's Camps.

2. Tanya Ott reminded us about the Recycle Box. You can donate or take anything you don't need (i.e. craft supplies, GS books,  badge info, GS-related clothing, etc).  The Box makes an appearance at every Leader Meeting.

3. Karol Leggett explained All Things Cookies! If your troop plans on selling cookies and has questions, email Karol for an update. We'll post all deadline dates on the Blog Calendar in the next few days.

4. Maria Burke and her group did a great job with the Service Unit Weekend!  Maria's still working on the Who Saw The Most Bugs contest. If you're a Daisy or Brownie troop who counted bugs, be sure to get your count to Maria.

5. Glenwood Project -- Look for an email from Laura Ellis on how to adopt a resident(s) and access their Wish List. The party is Saturday December 10th in the morning. More details coming soon.

6. Brittany Kenny is organizing a World Thinking Day event that will feature booths from countries of the world.  Daisies, Brownies and Juniors will get to "experience" the countries through song, dance, food and more.  Brittany still needs Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops to run the booths. Email her!  The event will be Saturday, March 3rd, from 2-4 p.m. and will include a Service Unit "100th Year" Project that will count at volunteer hours.  Mark your calendars!


That's all folks!  Our next Leader Meeting is Thursday December 1st and it's a PotLuck Social for Leaders. Be looking for details on what to bring.

Do You Know What's Going On?

Do you receive the Weekly Program Updates?   Sign up at the GSNCA website.

How about Ink Spots? It's your source of updates on council activities.  Get it right here.

Be in the know!  

Need a Guide to the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting?

Are all the recent changes to girl scout badges and journeys leaving you a bit flummoxed?

Thankfully, the Girl Scouts of Kentucky put together this course that provides an update on the changes in badges and the new handbooks for those volunteers who have already completed their core leadership courses (Welcome, Leadership Essentials, Troop Essentials). The information covers how journeys and badges will work together, what badges will be available and a general idea of the layout of the new handbooks.

Check it out on their website.

Multimedia Contest for 13-18 Year Olds

NARA and EPA Launch Documerica-Inspired Student Multimedia Contest
“Document Your Environment” Contest Runs Through January 6, 2012
WASHINGTON – The National Archives in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the launch of a student multimedia contest, “Document Your Environment”.  Drawing inspiration from a collection of environmental photos from the 1970s, this contest invites students ages 13 to 18 college and graduate students to create any type of graphic art, a short video, or a poem using a Documerica photo as a prompt.  The grand prize for this contest will be $500, courtesy of the Foundation for the National Archives. The contest is hosted on challenge.gov, the federal government's online challenge platform. Entries will be accepted from November 1, 2011 to January 6, 2012.  View contest details online at: http://documerica.challenge.gov/. 
Finalists and the grand prize winner will be announced in February 2012. Finalists may be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the National Archives and a traveling exhibit with the EPA. 
“Document Your Environment” contest categories are:
Graphic Art: This category covers any type of graphic art, including scans of paintings, photos, cartoons, photo mash-ups, etc.  All entries must be sent as .jpgs, and high resolution (300 dpi) copies must be available.
Video: This category can include documentary-like videos and more artistic approaches to the contest.  All entries must be less than two minutes in length.  Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and entered into the contest with a link to the video.
Poetry:  Any form of poetry is accepted in this category, but there is a 300 word limit to each entry.  Poems must be submitted in either a PDF or Word doc format.
Contest judges include: Graphic Art category, former Documerica photographer and graphic artist Michael Philip Manheim; video category, Cokie Roberts, author and news analyst for National Public Radio and ABC News; and Poetry category, Sandra Alcosser, the first Poet Laureate of Montana and professor of poetry at San Diego State University.  Of the nine finalists, one grand prize winner will be chosen by the Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero.  
Documerica
In the 1970s, the EPA commissioned freelance photographers to capture images relating to environmental problems, EPA activities, and everyday life in the seventies.  This project, called Documerica can now be found at the National Archives, which has digitized more than 15,000 images.  Today, the EPA has continued the spirit of Documerica with their recent photo project, State of the Environment. EPA put out a global call for photos that document our environment today. The EPA photo project kicked off on Earth Day 2011 and will continue accepting submissions until Earth day 2012. The winning photos may also be featured, along with the National Archives "Document Your Environment" winners, in an upcoming exhibit at the National Archives and a traveling exhibit with the EPA.
Documerica Photos on National Archives Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/collections/72157620729903309/
Documerica photos online in National Archives Online Public Access (OPA): http://research.archives.gov/search?expression=parent-id-lnk%3A542493+lod-display-lnk%3AItem&pg_src=brief&data-source=selected-archival-data-records&data-source=archival-descriptions-with-digital-objects
Environmental Protection Agency's State of the Environment Project: http://blog.epa.gov/epplocations/

R323

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

Free Fun This Weekend (9/17-18): Leeds Folk Festival

If you're looking for something free to do this weekend, come to downtown Leeds to the Leeds Folk Festival, Sat 17th & Sun 18th.

The music headliners are Flying Jenny...

and Bobby Horton...



Bobby did the music for Ken Burns' documentary The Civil War for PBS.

Also on the agenda, The John Henry Project (theatre), arts & crafts show, kids' games and more. Learn more at www.leedsfolkfestival.com

Service Unit Weekend Details

Bugs & Flowers & Trees
Shades Mountain Service Unit Weekend
Camp Coleman, October 21, 2011

Daisies and Brownies will have a day of planned activities from 9am – 2pm (Daisies) and 9am-4pm (Brownies) including crafts and hike that support the new Brownie Legacy badge “Bugs.” The girls will meet a bug expert, make a few crafts, sing some Girl Scout songs and go on a hike led by older girl scouts. Scouts will need to bring a sack lunch and approximately 20 SWAPS. Brownie Troops may plan camp overnight.

Older Girl Scouts (Juniors, Cadettes and older) will have one half day for Camp Coleman staffed activities and one half day leading the younger girl activities (plan & all supplies will be provided). Troops may select from Camp Coleman staffed activities outlined below for a total of 3 hours of activities for each girl on Sat. Up to 4 hours may be scheduled for Sunday morning if desired. Junior Troops will be provided instructions to complete the Legacy Flowers Badge and Cadette Troops will be given instructions to complete the Legacy Trees Badge independently. Troops should plan to provide all of their own food and bring SWAPS.

Your Troop will need to decide three things:
Lodging:
A) not spending the night
B) spending either Friday or Saturday Night (or both) – need a cabin ($5/person/night)

Please understand that Camp Coleman hosts open air cabins for accommodations which can be considered rugged conditions. Could be very chilly at night. If your Troop plans to spend Friday night, a camp fire will be planned for 7:30pm - please make your own troop arrangements for dinner prior to the Camp Fire.

S.W.A.P.S: What SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) to bring. A Service Unit Swap will happen after lunch – lots of good ideas available on-line with a Bug theme.
Decide on Activities for Saturday: Saturday activities $5/Daisy or $10/Brownie (no choices);

Older Girl Troops should select and pay for 3 hours of Coleman staffed activities for Saturday. OK to also select up to 4 hours of activities for Sunday, just make a notation on form.

---Registration Form-------------------------------------------------------------

Troop Number and Level: ___________________________
Leader Name: ___________________________________
Contact number:______________

Lodging Request – Not Available to Daisies
Not spending the night #______________
Girls and adults for Friday night #_______ x $5 cost __________
Girls and adults for Saturday night #_______ x $5 cost ________

Activities for Saturday
Daisy Scout Activities #_______ x $5 cost __________
Brownie Scout Activities #_______ x $10 cost __________

Older Girls (Juniors Scouts and above)
Horseback riding (3 hours) #_______ x $15 cost __________
High ropes (3 hours) #_______ x $14 cost __________
Low ropes (2 hours) #_______ x $7 cost __________
Canoeing – open water (1 hour) #_______ x $4 cost __________
Climbing Wall (1 hour) #_______ x $5 cost __________
Riflery (1 hour) #_______ x $4 cost __________
Archery (1 hour) #_______ x $4

Total Cost _____________


Return full payment by September 23rd to:
Mimi Bogard
862-4851 cell
3013 Panorama Brook Cir
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Checks should be made to “Shades Mountain Service Unit”

Troop 291 Entertains Families at Ronald McDonald House

Vestavia Hills Troop 291 completed their bronze award on August 13. They worked hard to prepare a meal, cards and carnival for the families of Ronald McDonald House.

Troop members Lauren & Sydney Nelson, Katelynne & Kourtney Robinson, Caroline Bass, Elena Moreno and Ashleigh Long had a blast preparing for their event...

Meeting kids who live at the Ronald McDonald House...

And spending time together...

Congrats Troop 291 for a job well done!

The Ronald McDonald House loves to have Girl Scout volunteers! You can decorate for a holiday like Troops 27 and 145 did, cook and serve a meal, or sponsor an ice cream & karaoke party. Your imagination is the only limit! Find their contact info here and get planning.

Fun (free! at least 1 of them) Things to Do this Summer - Fri 7/22 and Sun 7/24

Theatregoers can enjoy "a unique experiment" in live theater Friday, July 22 with the premiere of a new play by Lee Shackleford, UAB's resident playwright and assistant professor in the UAB Department of Theatre. The hour-long dramatic play will be presented free to the general public at 7:30 p.m. in UAB's Alys Stephens Center Odess Theatre. Call 934-3236 for information. The play's billing is intentionally vague so that the audience can freely enjoy the production without any pre-conceived notions. The all-UAB cast includes students and graduates of Theatre UAB.


Fresh from touring London, England, in May, the UAB Gospel Choir will present a summer mix concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 24. The concert, dubbed “Old School/Nu’ School” by Choir Director Kevin Turner, is designed for “old school” aficionados who like traditional artists, as well as lovers of new traditional and contemporary gospel music. The concert will take place in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $6. Discounted tickets are available for group purchases in advance. Call 975-2787 or 934-8001 for tickets and information.

Girl Scouts Kick Start Campaign to Promote Positive Images of Women and Girls in the Media

The Girl Scouts of the USA and other members of Healthy MEdia: Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls will kick start a campaign to promote positive images of women and girls in the media on July 12, 2011, in Washington, DC. Co-chaired by Geena Davis, Academy Award-winning Actor and Founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and Deborah Taylor Tate, former FCC Commissioner, the Commission will put together a blueprint of recommendations for media and policy leaders to follow to create a positive media environment for all children.

For more information about the Healthy MEdia Commission, visit www.watchwhatyouwatch.org.

Something To Do: Community Drum Circle (June 25)

If you've never seen John Scalici in action you have no idea what you're missing!



He is "the man"! And he hosts a monthly Community Drum Circle at Railroad Park in Downtown Birmingham. The next one is Saturday, June 25th from 3-6 p.m. It's free and fun! Bring a drum or shaker or some kinda percussion toy. (A limited number of drums will be available.)

This event is rain or shine (under the pavillion).

Something to Do: 5th Annual “Big Kaboom” (July 3rd)

(forwarding from Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven)

The City of Chelsea will hold its 5th Annual Big Kaboom Fireworks celebration on Sunday July 3rd from 8pm- till featuring entertainment by a variety of local musical artists and fireworks at the Chelsea Park Subdivision and Chelsea Water Tower located off Hwy 280 and Hwy 440.

The city will be giving away “Big Kaboom” t-shirts beginning June 27th. Come by Chelsea City Hall between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm while supplies last (limit 2 per family).

Bring your folding chairs and blankets to Chelsea Park on July 3rd. The “Big Kaboom” is a great and fun way for your family, young and old, to jumpstart the July 4th holiday!

“THE BIG KABOOM is a great event for our city. An evening filled with celebration of God, Country, and Family. The City of Chelsea is blessed with great people, and quality of life desired by many.

The following Chelsea businesses are sponsoring 2011 THE BIG KABOOM: Baptist Health System, Boardman, Carr, Hutchinson, and Bennett, Chelsea Orthodontics, Chelsea Tire Service Coosa Pine Credit Union, Edward’s Orthodontics, Issis & Sons (Floorz), Johnny Ray’s, Joseph Realty, M & F Bank, Snider’s Pharmacy, Spencer Engineering, and Wal-Mart

Come join us for a night of good family fun. In Chelsea, AL It’s All About Family.” Mayor Earl Niven

For more information call 205-678-8455 and or 205-669-9075 or visit to www.cityofchelsea.com or www.southshelbychamer.com.

Something To Do: Reel Fun Fresh Air Family Fishing Fest

(forwarded from Fresh Air Family)

Fishing, games, a cookout and a who-can-be-the-funniest Liar's Contest bring an old-fashioned Mayberry feel to the Reel Fun Fresh Air Family Fishing Fest from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at Cosby Lakes in Clay.

This family-friendly event invites all ages to enjoy the simple pleasures of dipping a line in the water and hoping to interest the elusive creatures below the surface. Rods, reels and bait are provided.

"My fondest memories are of fishing with my Granddad. We wanted to share that traditional experience with the community," said Verna Gates, executive director and founder of Fresh Air Family, an outdoor-education non-profit organization.

Because fishermen are notorious for "fishy tales," the evening's entertainment will be homespun tall tales in an open Liar's Contest. For children, there will be a Tadpole Tales competition. The goal is to get the most laughs. Celebrity judges will decide the winner! Prizes will be awarded as well as the title of Biggest Liar in Alabama.

A cookout will serve the sausage of the BASS master himself: Ray Scott from Monroe Sausage. So even if the fish don't bite, you can still get a taste of great fishing.

We’ll do our best to beat the heat with small wading pools and sprinklers, so bring towels, sunscreen and, maybe, a change of clothes for the little ones. Bring a potluck if you’d like. Fresh Air Family will provide ice cream, hotdogs and games. We’ll all provide the fun.

Tickets include fishing plus equipment and bait, and the cookout. Prices for the event are $15 for adults and $10 for kids age 6-18. Admission is free for children age 5 and under. You must pre-register by emailing us at events@freshairfamily.org.

Fresh Air Family Inc. is Alabama’s largest provider of outdoor education programs, offering more than 400 activities a year, 15 day camps for children and youth, two afterschool programs and a home-school program. Celebrating its fifth year, the grassroots, kid-driven organization is dedicated to environmental scientific education, youth leadership, outdoor exploration, healthful lifestyles and families, and an appreciation of the beautiful and biologically diverse state of Alabama. Fresh Air Family is wholly supported by the generous donations of sponsors, corporations and individuals. Membership and most adventures are free or low cost.

For more information, contact Verna Gates, executive director, at (205) 540-6642, or Event Coordinator Kim Waites at (205) 401-0245, or go to www.freshairfamily.org.

Something To Do: Five Mile Creek Festival (to benefit Pratt City Tornado Victims)

TMI Productions is sponsoring a the Five Mile Creek Festival to help provide needed items for those forced to move after the April 27th disaster.

Now that clean up is underway many people are moving into new or temporary homes. But they have many needs:

Cleaning Supplies (Mops, Brooms, Bleach, Laundry Detergent, Dish Soap, Kitchen Trash Bags, Paper Towels, Toilet Tissue, Zip Top Bags)

Linens (Towels, Wash Clothes, Sheets, Pillowcases, Spreads, Comforters, Kitchen Towels)

Household Products (Dishes, Glasses, Silverware, Pots, Pans, Cooking Utensils)

Small Kitchen Appliances (Toasters, Crockpots, Irons, blenders, can openers)

Canned Foods (Vegetables, Meats, Sauces)

Dry Goods (Cereal, Potatoes, Mac & Cheese,
Beans, Peas, Speghetti, Hamburger Helper)

All items gathered will go directly to the Pratt City Disaster Relief Fund.

The festival is Saturday, June 18th from 10am - 5pm at the NEW Chief Hewit Park on Highway 79. Admission is free.

• Hamburger Eating Contest sponsored by Hamburger Heaven
• Live Entertainment by: Ohio Avenue (pop/rock), Motel Ice Machine (folk), Back In Time (oldies), FM Country Classic (country), and several more.
• Antique Auto Show
• Great Food from Chick-fil-a, Hamburger Heaven, and several great vendors.
• Kids Zone Games, Rides, and Inflatables provided by FunSource.

You can find more information here.

Spaces Still Available in Summer Arts Camps

Spaces are still open for the two following UAB summer camps:


“Dance Explorations,” a new summer dance camp for children ages 8-14 presented by UAB’s ArtPlay, the Alys Stephens Center’s new home for arts education in Birmingham.

The two-week camp will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 13-17, 2011, in the Alys Stephens Center’s beautiful new ArtPlay education facility at 1006 19th St. South.

This new camp offers classes in ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop and more. All campers should bring their lunch and snack each day. Pre- and post-care options also are available for working parents.

Cost for the camp is $190. To register or for more details, email artplay@uab.edu, call 205-975-4769 or visit www.artplayasc.org.



Summer drama camp, “High School Musical, Jr.” – Spaces are available for a summer drama camp for young people ages 12-18 that will culminate in a performance of Disney’s “High School Musical, Jr.” UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present “Kids on Stage,” a two-week drama camp, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 11-22, 2011.

Camp will be held in the Alys Stephens Center’s beautiful new ArtPlay education facility at 1006 19th St. South during the first week; the camp will be onstage in the Alys Stephens Center Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South, during the second week.

The “Kids on Stage” drama camp provides young actors an opportunity to experience the wonder and detail of theater performance. Campers will be introduced to many aspects of theater, including theater games, improvisation, warm-ups, concentration exercises, voice and diction, terminology, acting and stage production. All campers should bring their lunch and snack each day. Pre- and post-care options are available for working parents. Each camp will end with a full-scale production produced in its entirety by the campers. Admission to each camp’s final show is free and open to parents, family and friends.

The cost for each two-week camp is $350. For more details or to register, call 205-975-4769, email artplay@uab.edu or visit www.artplayasc.org.

Something to Do: UAB Summer Band (free) Concert - July 4

UAB Summer Band presents free July 4 concert on campus green - Bring lawn chairs and picnics for a free Fourth of July concert by the UAB Summer Band, in a new location on the UAB Campus Green. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2011, on the Campus Green, located on University Boulevard between 14th and 16th streets in Birmingham.

The UAB Summer Band’s Fourth of July concert will feature patriotic, pops and traditional band music. Enjoy movie music by John Williams as well as music from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Disney’s Pixar films. A patriotic audience sing-a-long medley will include “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” All ages are welcome for an enjoyable hour of family-friendly music, leading up to a finale of fireworks from atop Red Mountain. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged.

The UAB Summer Band also will sell chances to step in as guest conductor for the band on “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Chances are $2 each or $5 for three chances and will be available at the event.

The UAB Summer Band is a community band comprised of 75 musicians of all ages from the metro Birmingham area. It is directed by Sue Samuels, Ph.D., director of bands at UAB.

Something to Do: Headwaters Festival (June 11-12)

Kick off summer at the inaugural UAB Medicine Headwaters Festival – Move, daydream, feast or relax along a beautiful stretch of the Cahaba River at Trussville Springs during the first UAB Medicine Headwaters Festival June 11-12. Embrace health and wellness with an active mix of games, dancing, art and culture.

Get group dance lessons in zydeco, salsa, swing, contra, bop or line dancing, and dance to great live music along the riverbank. Or slow down with a leisurely stroll to browse and shop the Gallery Expo. Discover the talented stable of artists, or keep moving with multiple competitive games and activities like a kickball tournament on Saturday or a cornhole tournament on Sunday. Other games include tug-o-war, croquet, football target, horseshoes, badminton, relay races, fly fishing, and more. Kids will enjoy the Cahaba Kids Workbench projects.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free; park on-site for $5. Trussville Springs is on Highway 11 north of downtown Trussville. For directions & schedules, please visit www.HeadwatersFestival.com or call 205-595-6306.

Scouts for Schools Delivers for Hackleburg

After a lot of hard work, planning and preparing, members of Troop 145 and 215 were finally able to make a delivery for Hackleburg today. They started by sorting ....

and boxing the school supplies collected earlier this month.

In all, they stuffed roughly 35 boxes and bins into three vehicles, then made the two hour drive up to the Marion County Board of Education.

Those making the drop today included Olivia Fulmore (Troop 145), Bane McHale, Lyndsey Shelton (Troop 145), Dawn Van Camp (Troop 145), Bailey McHale (Troop 145), Debbie Van Camp (Troop 215), and their parents Julia and Steve Van Camp, Danny McHale, and Shawn Shelton. (Have I left anyone out?!?)

The school representatives were so thankful for the kids supplies, but also very excited about the teacher supplies and (especially) the games and balls were able to bring.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity in money, supplies and time. This was just the first trip for Hackleburg. They will need more as they prepare for the start of next school year, but today was an excellent start!!

You can keep up with Scouts for Schools progress and learn how to continue donating, by visiting their Facebook page.

Stone Mountain and New York City Trips for Cadettes & Older

Just got word that both the Stone Mountain and New York City trips for Cadettes and older are in jeopardy of being canceled due to low registration. If you or someone you know wishes to participate in either of these trips, please sign up as soon as possible so we will know to go ahead with the planning. The deadlines to register are Stone Mountain (5/26) and NYC (6/2). Contact Cortnie Morrow cmorrow@girlscoutsnca.org

Weekly Council Update - Including Tornado Relief Volunteering

GSNCA's Weekly Council Update is now posted online. It includes information on volunteering in Tornado Relief Efforts and upcoming deadlines for fun girl activities.

Fishing Tournament to Benefit Girl Scouts North Central Alabama

The second annual Bill Ireland Invitational Fishing Tournament will be held June 24-25 on Lake Alice at Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) located in Chelsea, AL. Proceeds will benefit the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

The tournament will kick-off Friday, June 24 with a Captain’s Party from 6-8:30 p.m. at KPC. The dinner includes a silent auction and dinner by the award-winning Alabama Wildlife Federation cooking team, “The Cajun Connection.”

Silent auction items include a Dell Laptop, North Carolina vacation at mountain home on the Nantahala River, Signed photos of Cam Newton, Michael Ingram and Nick Saban, a diamond necklace from Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Jewelry from Barton Clay and home items, restaurant gift cards, jewelry and more!

Following a 6 a.m. breakfast on Saturday, June 25, the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at Lake Alice on KPC and other private, local lakes. Lunch will be provided and an awards presentation will follow. Overnight accommodations can be provided.

Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $2500. Prizes will be awarded for bass weight an all other species including catfish and bream. Fish may be iced or put in live wells, and fish over 14” much be released back into the lake. All other fish may be taken home. No live bait will be allowed.

The fishing tournament started in 2004, and is now being revived in honor of a wonderful Girl Scout supporter, Bill Ireland, Sr. This year’s event is being chaired by Gabe Hulbert. Other committee members include Tahiera Brown, Tom Clark, Phyllis Davis, Marjorie Davis-Trimm, April Deal, Joel Goldstein and Alice Williams.

Current sponsors include Alabama Power, Barber’s Diary and EBSCO. For more information, please contact Julie Carter at jcarter@girlscoutnsca.org or 800-734-4541 x1030. You may visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/fishing for a sponsorship brochure.

Scouts of Schools is Blazing the Trail!

On Saturday, May 7th, more than 100 Vestavia Hill girl, boy and cub scouts collected an estimated 4,000 pounds of school supplies for schools affected by the April tornadoes. What does 4,00- pounds look like?

This...

times 5 or 6.

Plenty of these...

and these...

and these...

It's a LOT and it took a LOT of volunteers to make it happen...

Younger kids...

Older kids...

And adults...

All working together to collect, sort and organize supplies...

Great work everyone! LOTS more photos posted at our Facebook Page.

We're on Facebook!!

We've set up a Shades Mountain Service Unit page on Facebook. You can join here.

Just another great way to keep up with all the stuff our troops are doing!

Scouts for Schools Helps Tornado Victims

If you're local and looking for a way to help with tornado disaster assistance, consider helping our Girl Scout Troops with their Scouts for Schools effort.

The school in Hackleburg, AL, was demolished (like most of the town - see photos here) by last week's tornado.

Classes are going to resume Monday morning at a local church that wasn't destroyed, but they have no supplies. We're collecting:

loose leaf lined paper
notebooks/binders
Pens - red, blue and black
pencils
pencil sharpeners
staplers
staples
colored pencils
pencil cases
erasers
calculators
rulers, compasses, protractors
backpacks
tape
printer paper
rubber bands
post it notes
paper clips / binder clips
glue sticks
composition notebooks
tissues
wipes
crayons
markers
books for the younger classes to read
backpacks
Lunch boxes
sharpie pens
Hand Sanitizer
Play equipment (balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, etc.)
White boards/flip charts and markers or Black boards and chalk
Musical instruments or sheet music for singing
Bottled Water
Snacks

Supplies can be new or used (as long as they're in good condition). Drop-off is at (NEW LOCATION) Vestavia Hills Elementary West from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. this Saturday (May 7). We'll be in front of the school (the carpool area).

Questions? Leave a comment here or join our Facebook group.

Looking For Some Free Entertainment??

April brings abundance of free performances from UAB Music. Take your pick:


Saturday, April 2, 2011
Kseniia Polstiankina, piano, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Polstiankina will perform works by Bach, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky in a Young Performing Artist Program Recital. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Sunday, April 3, 2011
UAB Voice Studio Recital, 3 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Featuring the students of Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, Darla Brooks Mosteller and Paul Mosteller. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Tuesday, April 5, 2011
UAB Faculty Recital, 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. Featuring Yakov Kasman, piano, and guest violinist, Julia Sakharova. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Thursday, April 7, 2011
UAB Piano Studio and Piano Ensembles Recital, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Featuring the students of Yakov Kasman and Tatiana Kasman. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Friday, April 8, 2011
UAB Steel Drum Band in concert, 5:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Directed by Gene Fambrough. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Saturday, April 9, 2011
UAB Guitar Ensembles in concert, 5:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Directed by Jeremy Grall. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Saturday, April 9, 2011
UAB Jazz Combos in concert, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Directed by Steve Roberts. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Sunday, April 10, 2011
UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Spring Concert, 3 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. The UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers present “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” a collage of choral selections by Schutz, Bennett, Chesnekov, Clausen and Hogan, with new works by Michael J. Trotta and K. Lee Scott. Directed by Brian Kittredge, with pianist Kseniia Polstiankina and organist/composer Scott. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.



Monday, April 11, 2011
UAB Jazz Ensemble in concert, 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. Conducted by Steve Roberts. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Jessica Johnson, mezzo-soprano, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Johnson will perform works by Berlioz, Schumann, Corigliano and de Falla in a Young Performing Artist Program Recital. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Thursday, April 14, 2011
UAB Faculty Recital, 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. Featuring Kristine Hurst, soprano and Yakov Kasman, piano. Works to be performed include the Mignon songs of Robert Schumann, the rarely performed Anna Akhmatova songs of Prokofiev, the Hermit Songs of Samuel Barber, “Fiancailles pour rire” by Poulenc and two Spanish songs by Obradors. There’s something for everyone in five languages. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Friday, April 15, 2011
UAB Computer Music Ensemble in concert, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Featuring new works of electro-acoustic music and multimedia by UAB student composers. Conducted by Scott Phillips. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Saturday, April 16, 2011
UAB Honors Recital, 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. Featuring winners from the 2011 Honors Recital Competition. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Sunday, April 17, 2011
UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band in concert, 3 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Free admission. Conducted by Sue Samuels. Concert includes traditional band music and performances by student concerto competition winners. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tyler Henderson, voice, 5 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Henderson performs as part of a Young Performing Artist Program Recital. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.


Monday, April 25, 2011
UAB Gospel Choir Spring Concert, “Let’s Dance,” 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Conducted by Kevin Turner. Tickets are $6; call 205-975-2787 or 205-934-8001 for tickets. All UAB Gospel Choir recordings will be available for purchase. Visit online at www.music.uab.edu.


Tuesday, April 26, 2011
UAB Brass Chamber Ensembles in concert, 7:30 p.m. UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall, 950 13th St. South. Free admission. Featuring the Blazer Trumpets, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble and other brass ensembles. Call 205-934-7376 or visit www.music.uab.edu.

Tackling the Problem of Cyber Bullying

Fresh off the wire, it's reported that Girl Scouts in New Orleans, LA, will soon explore the hidden world of girl bullying. Spreading rumors, forming cliques, and making fun of others are just a few of the ways girls have been mean to one another for years. However, with the advent of social media, bullying in today's society is more complicated than ever. The increased exposure to a variety of social media puts teenage girls at greater risk for online or text message bullying, commonly known as cyberbullying. This type of bullying and other forms of relational aggression will be addressed by experts in their field during a one-day seminar hosted by Girl Scouts Louisiana East, and funded in part by the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund. The Girl Bullying – Awareness to Action seminar is being held Saturday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center, and is open to troop leaders, parents, educators, and community leaders.

"While we continue to see the negative effects of relational aggression among children and teens, many adults are without the knowledge or skills needed to provide assistance in dealing with bullying," said Yvette Hairston, vice president of membership for Girl Scouts Louisiana East. "This conference will give adults insight into the hidden world of relational aggression and situational tools that can help our girls." According to Hairston, even girls in elementary school can become victims to relational aggression.

A survey by i-SAFE Inc., a leader in internet safety education, relates that 58 percent of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online with more than 4 out of 10 experiencing it more than once. Bullying negatively affects not only a child's physical, emotional, and social well being, it has an adverse affect on academics as well.

Last year, Girl Scout Dominique Napolitano testified at a Congressional Hearing on cyberbullying, alongside Dr. Phil and Others. In testimony to the U.S. House Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, Napolitano, 15, from Long Island, New York, discussed cyberbulling from a teenager’s perspective. As part of her presentation to the subcommittee chaired by U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Dominque explored the challenges young people face in navigating life online and dealing with the bullying that takes place online and through social media.



Have you ever been the victim of cyber bullying?

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Rocky Mountain Day Camp - Details!

Rocky Mountain Day Camp is a volunteer run day camp for the Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Homewood areas. It is open to girls grades 1st -12th, and is held at the Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) in Chelsea, June 6-10, 2011. This year’s theme is Under the Sea.

If you know a girl who is interested in being a Program Aide (grades 7th and up) at camp, please Trista Cooper at tcooper@girlscoutsnca.org.

We are still looking for a few more volunteers. We have one open adult volunteer spot in 1st grade, 5th grade and the Boys Unit. We still need two leaders for the 6th grade unit. And we are looking for an Assistant Day Camp Director and an Assistant Business Manager. If you know anyone who might be interested in taking one of these spots, Trista would be happy to speak with them about the responsibilities.

Trista emailed registration forms to all leaders today. If you didn't receive the form, let her know.

Please Note: Registration forms will NOT be accepted until April 18, 2011.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding meets Girl Scout Trefoils

I don't know about your family, but in ours it seems the youngest came out of the womb scrambling to keep up with the bigger kids.

Hannah (Junior Troop 27) was a restless baby. She didn't want to nap. She wanted to be in the thick of the action. She walked early, talked early, and hasn't stopped pushing the boundaries since. Just today say asked when she could dye her hair. She's 10. She wants to dye it ... burgandy. I told her she'd have to wait at least until she's out of elementary school!

When Olivia (Cadette Troop 145) decided to start a weekly cooking project highlighting foods from different countries, Hannah - of course - needed her own special series. After a lot of debate, she settled on The A to Z of Fruits and Veggies.

For her debut meal, she chose Roasted Asparagus and Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding (mostly because we didn't have any clue what some of the other fruit & veggie options were. Arracacha, anyone?!?)).

Of course, being a meat-a-tarian she had to add JaFaxby's. It's our family knock-off of Zaxby's (designed by Jason F., hence "JaFaxby's". Yeah, we're muy creative!)


JaFaxBy's
Ingredients (measuring advice from Jason -- "make it up as you go"):

• flour
• salt and pepper
• parmesan cheese, grated
• chicken, cut into strips
• egg
• milk
• canola oil

Directions -- Cover the bottom of a heavy pan with 2-3" of canola oil and heat over medium-high. Beat the egg with a little milk in a bowl. Put some flour, S&P and parmesan in a sealable plastic bag (or, if you're like us and don't often have plastic bags on hand, just put it in a large bowl). One by one, dip the chicken strips in the egg/milk mixture, then into the flour mixture, and then into the hot pan to cook.

Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:

• one big bunch of asparagus (Note: Here's a lively debate on whether to snap or not snap asparagus)
• sea salt
• ground black pepper
• olive oil

Directions -- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange asparagus in a shallow metal pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Salt and Pepper. Cook for 25 minutes.

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

This recipe comes courtesy Paula Deen and FoodNetwork.com.

Ingredients:

• 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (OR, if you're like us and have lots of Girl Scout cookies in your living room... just use some Trefoils)
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions:
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.

Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. (OOOPS! We clearly forgot this step!)

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Lick the bowls.

The finished product:

(Okay, the beer is just for Dad. We may allow hair dye at 12, but certainly not Levitation Ale!)

Reviews:

Chef Hannah -- I thought the chicken was fabulous. It was really, really crispy.  The asparagus was a downer. I've never really tried it, but when I did it tasted all mushy.   I think I might like it better if it was just raw.  I like most of my vegetables raw.   The banana pudding -- I liked the trefoils 'cause they had a really,  really good crunch and I liked the bananas because the softness was a complete opposite to the cookies. The downer, though, was that the pudding was really sweet. If you don't like sweet then you won't like this pudding because it was very, very sweet.

This dinner was very easy to make.  If you tried to make this whole meal in about 10 minutes you couldn't do it.  It would take more like 20 or 30 minutes. But compared to other dishes that's really, really low. You could make this dish and even add some of your own ideas.

Olivia -- Chicken, good.  Asparagus needs to be black.  I like it burned to a crisp.  I agree with Hannah - the pudding was too sweet.  I could only eat one bite. But the Simply Lemonade was exquisite.  Make sure you write "exquisite".

Miranda -- It was good. The chicken is better than Zaxby's. I didn't try the asparagus (she says with a sheepish smile). The banana pudding was amazing. No way was it too sweet!

Jason -- As always, the chicken is very good.  We tried baking it once, to make it healthier. But it didn't turn out nearly as well.... so back to using oil to fry it.  I think I'd rather saute the asparagus to keep it a little crisper.  I don't usually like sweets, but banana pudding is my weakness. I thought it was great! (he even ate two bowls)

The chicken and asparagus paired really well with the beer -- Levitation Ale by Stone Brewery.  I usually drink heavier beers, like Russian Imperial Stouts. But for a 4% beer, the Levitation Ale is unbelievably good.

Tanya -- Is it bad that I think of JaFaxBy's as mostly a barbecue sauce delivery system? I could take or leave the the chicken, but boy do I love me some Sweet Vidalia BBQ Sauce! The asparagus is my favorite, although I agree with Olivia it could've been a bit more crispy. Perhaps upping the temp to 400.
I, too, like the banana pudding (a lot!).

Want to follow our family food blogging adventures? Check out www.necessarypleasures.blogspot.com

For The Love of Books

(turn your headsideways... no matter what I do I cannot get this photo to show up right!)

Girl Scout Troop 67 is sponsoring a Book Drive to support Better Basics. New or gently used children’s books (ages 5-15) can be brought during the weeks of February 7th – 18th to one of the following locations:

• Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
• Vestavia Hills Elementary Central Library
• Vestavia Hills Elementary West Library
• Epic Elementary School Library

Please help us support this worthwhile organization and complete our requirements in earning our Girl Scout Bronze Award.

Won’t you donate books and help a child fall in love with reading!

For more information contact:
Jennifer Ray
Girl Scout Troop 67, Vestavia Hills, AL
205.837.1492
jsray@bellsouth.net

Service Project Alert: Local Cadette Troops Rock the Lovelady Center!

Birmingham's Lovelady Center provides housing and services to 350 women and children daily. They provide three daily meals, clothing, medical care, basic hygiene products, psychological and substance abuse counseling, as well as a job prep classes aimed at helping women find sustainable jobs to ensure a bright future.

Cadettes from Vestavia Hills and Hoover (under the guidance of Linda Richardson) wanted to provide a "bright now" for the clients of the Lovelady Center. With a lot of hard work and elbow grease, they transformed the living quarters from this:

to this:

Here are some more "after" pictures:

You can check out even more great photos, including some action shots, by clicking here.

Nice work, ladies!

The New Economics of Girl Scout Cookies

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

The Atlantic has an article detailing Girl Scouts new pilot program that will try to increase profits by doing the unthinkable: slashing its cookie offerings. Derek Thompson reports that the great cookie cutting of 2011 is part of an ongoing efficiency campaign at Girl Scouts to consolidate membership and boost profit at a time when youth organizations are struggling to keep all their girls and sell some of their cookies.

"For decades, councils were left with large inventories for cookies outside the most popular five or six," said Amanda Hamaker, manager of product sales. "Councils saw this pilot as a way to experiment with their consumers to see if they could sell the same number of cookies with fewer varieties." Some media reports have tried to link the cookie cut to the credit crunch, arguing that Girl Scouts overextended their offering of sweets during the boom times only to be crushed by the recession. That's not exactly right. Girl Scouts faced a slow erosion predating the housing bubble, like many youth organizations competing against online communities. In some ways, Facebook has replaced the campfire as a place to gather around with your best buds and share your feelings.

The article delves deeper in stating that executives can be surprisingly direct about the business side of Girl Scout cookies. "We teach the girls about supply chain issues and the need for efficiencies," said Denise Pesich, vice president of communications. If that sounds like a first-year business school lecture, then don't be surprised that the organization uses professional sales consultants to teach their pre-teens how to mix precious smiles with canny nudging.

Late last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that to cut costs and delivery times, a dozen Girl Scouts council are testing a plan to sell only the six most popular cookies that make up more than three-quarters of sales. If you haven't already done so, check out the fun interactive game provided by the Wall Street Journal! Can you match them all??!?

What are your thoughts on the "Super Six" pilot program?

Troop 702 Warms the Hearts (and bodies) of First Light Shelter

Shades Mountain SU Troop 702 (Southminster) recently completed their winter service project. Leader Liz Martin reports:

"We made blankets for ladies residing at First Light Shelter. Each of the residents received a blanket as a Christmas gift. The girls loved making the blankets....and they turned out really pretty, if I do say so myself! They were so proud of their work and were so happy that the ladies there would have cheerful, warm blankets to brighten up their rooms!"

Great job girls!

(NOTE: Share your service projects, field trips and other troop activities by emailing tanyaott@gmail.com)

Registration Reminder: Doodle 4 Google!

Girl Scouts of the USA has partnered with the fourth annual Doodle 4 Google contest. Open to K-12 students in the U.S., Doodle 4 Google is an opportunity of a lifetime: design the Google.com homepage doodle for millions of people to see, and while you’re at it, take home a $15,000 scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for your school or your Girl Scout troop/council. Once scouts have been registered online by a Troop leader and submitted their doodle artwork via mail by March 16th, Google employees and Guest Judges, including Whoopi Goldberg, gold medal ice skater Evan Lysacek and “Garfield” creator Jim Davis, will narrow down the submissions.

To get started, whether you’re a Troop leader, a teacher, a school educator, or a parent, you must register your student(s) by March 2, 2011. Then get out the crayons, paints and markers and throw your own doodle party. Please note that all entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2011. Check out suggestions specific to Girl Scouts - see the Info for Participants page (blue box on the right). Have you registered yet?

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

New Room for the Disabled Goes for Gold

The Cypress Times, TX, reports that on February 21, 2011 at the Reach Unlimited Learning Activity Center, the ribbon will be cut on a special newsroom created for people with special needs.

Brittany Adrian, was the driving force behind the REACH2YOU Newsroom. She chose it as her Girl Scout Gold Award Project. The objective of the project was to create a newsroom to be used by clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here they would videotape the news and broadcast it within the center to other clients. Brittany is a long-standing volunteer at Reach Unlimited. Its mission is to provide quality support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reach is the most comprehensive service provider in the greater Houston northwest.

Advocates for the rights of people with developmental disabilities focus their efforts on gaining acceptance in the workforce and in everyday activities and events from which they might have been excluded in the past. Unlike many of the leaders in the physical disability rights community, self-advocacy has been slow in developing for people with developmental disabilities. Public awareness of the civil rights movement for this population remains limited, and the stereotyping of people with developmental disabilities as non-contributing citizens who are dependent on others remains common.
Kudos to Brittany Adrian! Do you have any Girl Scout Gold Award stories you'd like to share?


(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Girl Scouts Gearing up for Europe

(posted via blog.girlscouts.org -- NOTE: Vestavia Hills Troop 145 is planning a trip to Switzerland in the summer of 2013. If you're interested in joining them, email tanyaott@gmail.com for details)

In Washington, The Kitsap Sun has a story about Girl Scout Troop 41711, a frequently traveling troop led by Tricia Ventresca. Ventresca’s troop has been to New York City, Yellowstone National Park, Washington, D.C., the Oregon Coast and Savannah in the past 10 years, and in a way pioneered the idea of travel among local troops. It has been, in fact, one of the attractions for girls joining the organization and remaining on board.

This year’s 25-day trip (!!!) to Europe has been three years in the making. The eight girls and four adults will stop in several cities in Italy and England plus Paris and Barcelona, visiting landmarks, museums and other sites they selected. The girls have to pay $1,500 themselves and the troop is collectively raising money to pay another $1,300 per girl, while adults are self-financing the entire trip. The troop has been coming up with various creative ways to raise money. One of those activities took a life of its own - authentic looking birds made of beads.

It started with one of the girls’ mother, Maggie Cutler, who wanted to do a project with the troop more than two years ago. At Ventresca’s suggestion to do beading, she found some bird patterns and bought kits. The girls learned the facts about each bird and have been doing all the packaging and selling. Ventresca estimates they have sold more than 250 so far, and she likes to keep about 100 on hand. Recently, the group presented at the Kitsap Audubon Society and sold 21 birds. Now, Ventresca, who is a bird watcher, is planning to join the group so she can get the girls involved in bird watching as well.

The Increased Need for Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Careers

Michael Watson, senior vice president of human resources and diversity for Girl Scouts of the USA, recently penned an article for Diversity-Executive about the need for diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. His belief is that girls are essential to the national pipeline of talent needed to fill future STEM positions.

According to Watson, "The cornerstone of our economic growth is continued American leadership in the full spectrum of high-tech industries: information technology, green energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology and others. If we fail to develop a robust pipeline of STEM professionals containing women and those from underrepresented communities, the consequences will be dire: a shortage of technical innovation, lower economic growth and higher unemployment for all Americans." This indeed appears logical as data from a 2009 study of eighth-graders conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that 43 percent of Hispanics, 44 percent of American Indians and 50 percent of African-Americans scored “below basic” in math.

Watson goes on, listing four steps needed to avoid this outcome:

1. Accelerate the adoption of best practices that produce superior academic outcomes for under represented students, especially from urban and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Unite separate programs sponsored by corporations, universities, nonprofit organizations, churches and other entities into a national effort that prepares underrepresented students.
3. Incorporate STEM education within Head Start and other early educational initiatives, and strengthen those programs so their results last longer.
4. Engage parents in preparing their children academically for STEM education and as advocates for STEM careers.

Watson ends by saying, "The economic future of the United States depends on encouraging young women and minorities to prepare for and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math today. Their emerging talents drive our future prosperity, and that talent must not be wasted." Read the entire column here.

Sports-a-Thon Gets Girl Scouts Physical

Gomocs.com reports that The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department hosted the Girls Scouts Sports-A-Thon over the weekend. Over 100 girls in grades K-8 from the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians attended the afternoon event.

The Sports-A-Thon was a day of physical fun on the campus of UTC and gave Scouts an opportunity to be instructed by Mocs coaches and student-athletes. Participants took part in volleyball, soccer, golf, softball, tennis, basketball and spirit.

"Essentially, one of the things that Girl Scouts is focused on is healthy living for girls," stated Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. "We are really thrilled to have this partnership with UTC where girls can come try sports that they have never really tried before. They have the opportunity to be taught by actual college athletes. We know that girls look up to older girls and want to learn from them."

Are your girls involved in sports? What fun things have you done to earn sports-related badges? Share your story in the comments box (below).

(reposted from blog.girlscouts.org)

Women of Distinction Honorees Announced

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama announced the honorees for their annual Women of Distinction Luncheons in the Central, East, North and West areas of Alabama. These luncheons are unique opportunities to recognize and celebrate women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.

Central Alabama (March 4)
Dr. Virginia Gauld, Pell City (Mildred Bell Johnson Award)
Michelle Ballew, Birmingham
Susan B. Brouillette, Vestavia Hills
Michelle Clemon, Birmingham
Alison Bradford Gorrie, Mountain Brook (Alie B. to her friends at MB High School)
Vikki Grodner, Mountain Brook
Brenda Mitchell Hackney, Mountain Brook
Holley S. LaGrone, Birmingham
Linda Lewis, Jasper
Cheryl Williams, Birmingham

East Alabama (March 24)
Dr. Sally Smith, Talladega (Frances E. Couch Award)
Brenda Yancey Emery, Gadsden
Kendall Lowe Hamilton, Gadsden
Marie Manning, Wattsville
Jane Newman, Gadsden
Sandra Stephens, Sylacauga

West Alabama (April 7)
Dr. Joyce Levey, Tuscaloosa (Karen LaMoreaux Bryan Award)
Kathryn Byrd, Northport
Sally Edwards, Tuscaloosa
Katherine W. Fitts, Tuscaloosa
Hon. Tammy Jackson Montgomery, Coatopa
Eleanor Park, Demopolis
Lori Royer, Tuscaloosa
Dr. Billie Jean Young, Marion

North Alabama (April 27)
Ruth Jurenko, Huntsville (Christine Richard Lifetime Achievement Award)
Dr. Jan Davis, Hampton Cove
Betty Leeth Haynes, Hanceville
Robin Horton Jennings, Huntsville
Sandra Moon, Huntsville

For questions, sponsorship information or reservations, please contact Julie Carter, Special Events Coordinator at (800) 734-4541 x1030 or via email at jcarter@girlscoutsnca.org.

This is Why I'll Gain 5 Pounds Next Month!

(reposted from Tanya's family food blog www.necessarypleasures.blogspot.com)

We try (as much as possible) to cook and write about locally-sourced, organically-grown, healthy food.

But it's Girl. Scout. Cookie. Season.

Cookie Season, folks!



It's the time of year we throw caution to the wind and shell out big bucks for a taste of heaven, tradition, whatever. Our incredibly talented friend Francesca

said it best in her award-winning public radio commentary (scroll down and click on Girl Scout Cookies).

Have we whet your appetite? Do you need your fix? You've got several options:

1. If you're in Birmingham, place an order by leaving a comment after this post. We'll hook ya up! Proceeds go to help Hannah's troop fund its trip to Savannah this fall and Olivia's troop fund its trip to Switzerland in 2013.

2. If you're elsewhere in the U.S., check this site to find out how to buy cookies near you.

3. If you're one of our international readers (hello new friends in Canada, Russia, France, Australia, Netherlands, United Kingdom!!), you can make the cookies at home. Here's a link to some copycat recipes.


Enjoy!

Vestavia Troops Spread Holiday Cheer at Retirement Center

Daisy Troop 232 and Brownie Troop 796 had a blast hosting a Christmas party at The Oaks on Parkwood retirement home. They sang Christmas carols, decorated a Christmas cookie, played bingo, and then gave each resident a placemat and an ornament made by the girls.






The troops earned their Festival of Trees patch with the activities they did before and during the party.







Then, to top it off, the leaders surprised the girls with a swim party in the retirement home's (indoor, heated) pool!



How fun is that?!?

Want to know how they pulled it off? Email Troop 232 leader Karol Leggett at kmomleg@bellsouth.net