News from the Service Unit Director…

Becki Fox – Service Unit Director -  330-725-4148 or jbfox1017@yahoo.com

Hello Leaders! 

We are looking for some fab leaders to help plan the Leader Daughter Campout.  We are hoping to do the planning "by committee" so no one has to take the full responsibility of planning the entire campout!  DIVIDE and CONQUER as it were.  We are looking for leaders that ARE PLANNING on attending the Leader Daughter Campout scheduled for January 22nd and 23rd at Camp Timberlane.  We need help with registrations, potluck organization,  cabin leaders etc....  If you are interested please email Monica Heath at monica9965@hotmail.com  ASAP!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have the following news coming from Council that I wanted to share:

Council has sent me "Daisy by Mail" completion certificates for the following girls, however I don't know what schools these girls belong to so if anyone can help me, it would be much appreciated.  Here are the girls' names:  Olivia Busby, Amber Evans, Abigail Goe, Maura Ingraham, Jordan Kallet and Katherine Miller.

I am trying to get a pdf file for the GSNEO Summits that will take place 4/23-4/25 at Camp Timberlane for GS Senior and Ambassadors and 4/30-5/2 for Cadettes at Camp Ledgewood.  Please mark your calendars if you are interested in attending the Summits and watch for more information or contact me.

LOLLIPOP SALE at COUNCIL STORE 11-4-09 and 12-12-09   Select a lollipop and receive 10%-50% off your total purchase depending on your "pop".  Questions call the council shop at 800-852-4474.

OUTDOOR PROGRAM: Adults Only - Trying to get a pdf on this also.  Archery certification, Basic Water Rescue, Small Craft Safety with Flaterwater Canoe and Rowboat

Contact:  Lisa Ledel - Outdoor Program Specialist at 330-683-0367.

GSNEO COOKIE KICK-OFF - December 12 @ Quicken Loans Arena  3pm-6pm

Offering special GS activities including inflatables, ice skating, dance and basketball clinics and cookie seminars brought to you by the "Q" Staff.  7:30 enjoy the action on the ice as the Lake Erie Monsters take on the Chicago Wolves.  Tickets are $14.00 per person regardless if you are staying for the game or not.  For more info see www.gsneo.org or call council at 800-852-4474.

SPRING FACES AND PLACES will be available in late November.

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – November 2009 – Page one of three

News from the Service Unit

From:  Tina Opalka, Fall Product Service Unit Chair and Troop Leader #90225, at tbopper25@hotmail.com

FALL PRODUCT SALE HAS ENDED - Great Job to those girls who participated in the 2009 Fall Product Sale!  We had 15 troops trained and 15 troops whom sold. Together you earned a combined total of $865.95 for your troops. Our service unit sale goal for each girl was $200. Congratulations to the following girls for reaching that goal.

Troop 92215 - Gwyneth Higgins               $305

Troop 91311 - Christine Galati    $258

Troop 91309 - Serena Shortridge             $244

Troop 90152 - Meg Fonseca                    $236

Troop 90225 - Katie Opalka                     $234                             Next Year I hope to have 25 troops sale!

Troop 91309 - Emma Wadel       $224

Troop 90225 - Amber Taylor                    $216

Troop 91309 - Amanda Jaycox                $210

Troop 90687 - Caroline Chaney    $204

From:  Cheryl DeAgazio, Cookie Chairperson, at cdeagazio@zoominternet.net

It's just about that time - COOKIES!  The annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale begins December 20th this year.  Inspired by U is the theme for this year's Cookie Sale and the mascot is Miranda Panda.  Inspired by U is all about inspiring your girls to take action, to set goals, and to achieve those goals through the sale of cookies. 

Training for Cookie Moms/Dads will be held in Medina on December 7th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Medina High School.  To sign up for training (training required for troops that would like to participate in the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale), you'll need to submit an Adult Learning Registration form to council (found on page 66 of Faces and Places - www.gsneo.org).  I will also need a contact name, troop number, and email address for the troop Cookie Mom/Dad.  Please drop me an email at cdeagazio@zoominternet.net with your contact information.

The cookies this year are:  Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, and Thank U Berry Munch (a NEW cranberry cookie - contains premium cranberries, white fudge, and crispy rice)

Girl Scouts and Little Brownie Baker are once again offering a boatload of incentives to our troops.  You won't want to miss this sale and the opportunities it provides!  See you all in December.

From:  Monica Heath,  Service Unit Meeting Coordinator and Media Relations Specialist

MEDINA DISTRICT LEADER-DAUGHTER CAMPOUT DATE  -  Saturday, January 23^rd, at Camp Timberlane, Wakeman, Ohio.   Save the date!  More details to follow.

From Pam Schott, Training Liaison, at themaid110@zoominternet.net

Attention All new leaders or co-leaders  (even if an existing troop) you need the Medina Girl Scout orientation training.  Please call Pam Schott, at 330-725-0003.

From:  Stephanie Brodersen, Community Service Coordinator, at gbtigger@zoominternet.net

Medina County Home Service Opportunity – Girl Scouts have done many service projects involving the Medina County Home.  Christmas Caroling, sending every resident a Christmas Card, helping residents address Christmas Cards, doing crafts, planting flowers, and many more things.  They are always eager to have young children come in, because the residents enjoy seeing them and interacting with them.  There is also a need for toiletry products (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.) for the residents.  December’s theme is “Meet A Holiday Need”, and this could be a great service project for any age.  Please consider spending time with some of the Senior Members of our Community.  Contact Christine Sullivan (330-723-9551) who is the main contact person for the Home, or Becky Hess (330-723-9553) who is the Activities Coordinator. 

COUPON CUTTING

Please keep cutting those coupons and bring them to the leaders meetings, have your troops do them and bring them to you to bring to the leader's meetings.  This will be continuing all year so keep them coming!

Thank you for participating!

Make A Difference Day Update:  48 Girl Scouts, Leaders and other volunteers made it out on October 24th to plant all the bulbs Liz Hanson could give us, and that was a lot.  We also did some of the weeding, but the weather kept us from doing all of it.  In addition, numerous bags of non-perishable food were delivered to the Community Service Center this week. We are still in need of pictures, if you have some, please send them as .pdf files to Monica Heath and myself,  to be included with reports and news articles.  Thank you to everyone who helped with this year's project!

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – November 2009 – Page two of three

What’s happening now…

SMITH ROAD FIRE TRAGEDY DONATIONS  Sambra Jarvis, Placement Specialist and Garfield PTO President, is collecting items for the two families that have lost their home, THEY DO NOT NEED ANY CLOTHES.  Contact her or drop donations off at Garfield.  Fifth Third Bank also has an account set up for donations.

Boy age 11:  Pants size 14/16. Shirt size Lg. Shoes Men's size 6.                                 Girl age 10:  Pants size 14. Shirt size Small. Shoe size 5.

Boy age 6:  Pants size 6. Shirt size Youth Med. Shoe size 1.                                         Girl age 6:  size 6/girl.  shoe size 1

Boy age 5:  Pants size 5. Shirt size Youth Small.  Shoe size 12.                     Mom:  size 7 woman's/medium/shoe size woman's 7

Boy age 8:  size 8 boy.  shoe size 4                                                                   Mom:  Pants size 22. Shirt size 2XL/20. Shoe Woman's 12W

Twins age 2:  size 5T/boy.  shoe size 10 toddler.  Diaper size 3.

What’s coming up…

Girls Rock! At the 2nd Annual Girl Scouts Day at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  Only $18 per person, on Saturday, January 23, 2010, from 10am - 3pm.  For more information:  http://www.rockhall.com/visit/group-tours/

From:  Maria Budi and Sandy Varndell, Medina Studio 2B Coordinators

Medina Studio 2B upcoming events –

contact Maria or Sandy if you have girls interested in attending Medina Studio 2B events.  Studio 2B events and Meetings are not Troop Activities, individual girls are invited to attend.  Troop leaders do not need to be in attendance.

Sunday, Dec 13 -  Lock 3 Ice Skating in Akron/Akron Toy Museum – 2 p.m.

Cost : Free entry to museum and skating, skate rental fees $1.00, plus snack money.  RSVP by Dec. 10  svarndell@earthlink.net

Sunday, January 10   2-4pm  Reality Store (amazing financial program for teens) you won't want to miss!

RSVP by January 5 to:  svarndell@earthlink.net

Other upcoming events: A Winter Day-Away, Snow Shoeing in the CVNP, Mystery Valentine Special, and more!

Medina Service Unit Event Calendar 2009 – 2010

If you are interested in helping with any of the above events, please contact the Coordinator.

Their names are on the Service Team Roster on the first page.

For each new morning with its light, 
For rest and shelter of the night, 
For health and food, 
For love and friends, 
For everything Thy goodness sends,

We give Thanks. 

- based on a writing by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Best Wishes for a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

From the Medina Service Unit.

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – November 2009 – Page three of three

News from the Service Unit…

From:  Stephanie Brodersen, Community Service Coordinator, at gbtigger@zoominternet.net

Medina County Home Service Opportunity – Girl Scouts have done many service projects involving the Medina County Home.  Christmas Caroling, sending every resident a Christmas Card, helping residents address Christmas Cards, doing crafts, planting flowers, and many more things.  They are always eager to have young children come in, because the residents enjoy seeing them and interacting with them.  There is also a need for toiletry products (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.) for the residents.  December’s theme is “Meet A Holiday Need”, and this could be a great service project for any age.  Please consider spending time with some of the Senior Members of our Community.  Contact Christine Sullivan (330-723-9551) who is the main contact person for the Home, or Becky Hess (330-723-9553) who is the Activities Coordinator. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY the 4th Saturday in October (the 24^th) from 1 to 4 pm:  We are going to be weeding and planting bulbs at the new Medina Creative Housing complex.  We are in need of Troops to make eight donations of 10 lb bags of Miracle Grow planting mix.  I am looking into alternatives in case there is a weather problem that day.  I will have sign up sheets at the next leader's meeting as to who can come and help.  Please come to the leaders meeting and sign-up.  Last year we had about 65-70 participants, that included Girl Scouts, leaders and some siblings, parents and grandparents.  I would love to have a larger turnout and have more troops included in this so mark the date on your calendar!  This will also include a canned food drive.  Everyone should bring 1 – 3 non-perishable items, which will be donated to the local food bank.  IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND, please bring your food donations to the Leader’s Meeting, I will still be collecting donations then.  The need is great, encourage your Troop to help with these worthy activities.

COUPON CUTTING

Please keep cutting those coupons and bring them to the leaders meetings, have your troops do them and bring them to you to bring to the leader's meetings.  This will be continuing all year so keep them coming!

Thank you for participating!

From Pam Schott, Training Liaison, at themaid110@zoominternet.net

Attention All new leaders or co-leaders  (even if an existing troop) you need the Medina Girl Scout orientation training.  Please call Pam Schott, at 330-725-0003.

From Tina Opalka, Fall Product Service Unit Chair, at Tbopper25@hotmail.com

training deadline has passed for any troops interested in selling fall product.

Our Fall Product Sale began Oct.1 and for any troops currently participating, you must have your troop orders entered into the computer by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 23^rd.  All paperwork is due to me NO LATER THAN Oct.24^th.  Please have your troop complete the puzzle piece found in your Unlock the Mystery packet and turn it in with your final paperwork. Any questions please call me. Good Luck Girls!

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – October 2009 – Page one of two

What’s happening now…

From:  Sheila Davis, Awards and Recognition Coordinator, at sld1@zoominternet.net

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN to all of the Medina Service Area Award winners for 2008-2009.  The will be presented at the October Evening Leader’s Meeting.  Thanks to all those who made nominations.  It’s never too early to think about who deserves to be recognized for the 2009-2010 year.  Contact Sheila Davis for more information.

ANNUAL DIOCESEAN GIRL SCOUT MASS is Sunday, October 18^th, at 2:30 p.m., at St. John's Evangelist Cathedral.  The theme is “Praise Him”, and Bishop Lennon will preside.  Feel free to bring your troop flags to process in, no stands,  Questions call Helen Bencic 216-486-3811

What’s coming up…

From:  Maria Budi and Sandy Varndell, Medina Studio 2B Coordinators

Medina Studio 2B upcoming events –

contact Maria or Sandy if you have girls interested in attending Medina Studio 2B events.  Studio 2B events and Meetings are not Troop Activities, individual girls are invited to attend.  Troop leaders do not need to be in attendance.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Nightmare in the Wilderness, 7665 Lafayette Rd, Time 7:30pm

Cost: $14 per person, plus snack money (All $$ must come through Mrs. Varndell to get a $1 discount.)

RSVP by Oct. 23  svarndell@earthlink.net  

Sunday, November 8 - 2-4pm  Cultural Meeting/ Middle East   Baklava and Belly Dancing!!

Cost: TBA   RSVP  RLbudi@aol.com

Sunday, November 15 -  3-5pm   Bunker Hill Indoor Golf  - 30 min. Pro Lesson, 30 min. simulator, and Dinner.

Cost $15   (Parents are welcome to eat with the girls for the price of $5, same menu) RSVP by Nov. 9 svarndell@earthlink.net

Sunday, Dec 13 -  Lock 3 Ice Skating in Akron/Akron Toy Museum – 2 p.m.

Cost : Free entry to museum, skate rental fees TBA, plus snack money.  RSVP by Dec. 10 svarndell@earthlink.net

Sunday, January 10   2-4pm  Reality Store (amazing financial program for teens) you won't want to miss!

RSVP by January 5 to:  svarndell@earthlink.net

Other upcoming events: A Winter Day-Away, Snow Shoeing in the CVNP, Mystery Valentine Special, and more!

Medina Service Unit Event Calendar 2009 – 2010

If you are interested in helping with any of the above events, please contact the Coordinator.

Their names are on the Service Team Roster on the first page.

Enjoy the Color Pallet that Mother Nature gives us this Autumn

and

Best Wishes for a Happy and Safe Halloween,

From the Medina Service Unit.

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – October 2009 – Page two of two

News from the Service Unit Director…

Becki Fox – Service Unit Director -  330-725-4148 or jbfox1017@yahoo.com

Hello Everyone!  I am please to open with some good news.  Our morning meetings will be implemented once again.  They will be held at the Medina Knight of Columbus Hall located at 131 North East Street.  For those of you that need directions please see their website at www.medinaKofC.org .  As reciprocity for allowing us to use their hall for our morning meetings, they have asked us to place the following announcement in our newsletter:

There are ongoing Pancake Breakfasts at the Knight of Columbus Hall, and there will also be an October 3^rd Clambake.  I assume you can find additional information on these events at the website as well.  The morning meetings will start at 9:30am.  Our evening meetings will continue to be held at the library and doors will open at 6:30pm.  If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me.  Have a great day!

Leaders:  EVERY troop NEEDS to email their roster to Patti Neldon by September 11 even if you haven't had an official troop meeting.  If you have any questions or cannot get your roster to her by this date please email her at the following email address:  psneldon@aol.com

Troop Chair Fall Product Training will be held at Rustic Hills on September 21^st, from 7 to 8:30. We will introduce new products, new recognitions, great theme and computer enhancements. Come Investigate the benefits of Fall Product Sale Participation. Bonus – Attend and receive your Cookie Activity book early!  Remember – if you plan to participate in any additional fundraising activities for your Troop this year, you MUST attend this training.  Contact Tina Opalka if you need more information.

News from the Service Unit…

From:  Sheila Davis, Awards and Recognition Coordinator, at sld1@zoominternet.net

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION originally planned for August 30^th - Planning the awards event for the service unit has been a challenge. In the fall of 2008 an awards packet was created to allow leaders to nominate leaders as wells as scouts for various awards. At one time we were trying to hold an end of the year event in May that had to be canceled due to lack of interest/response.  Our Aug 30th event was canceled for the same reason. We will honor award winners at the October 15th Leader Meeting at 7pm at the library. Girls and Adult award winners will be invited to receive recognition.  The deadline for submissions was July 15th, so it is TOO late to make a submission.  If you have any questions, please contact me, Sheila Davis at 330-635-8022. or email at sld1@zoominternet.net

A list of the Award Winners follows…

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – September 2009 – Page one of three

2008-2009 Year RECOGNITION WINNERS

BY CATEGORY

News from the Service Unit…continued

From:  Stephanie Brodersen, Community Service Coordinator, at gbtigger@zoominternet.net

The Year of Service Form is in the new Faces & Places that Becki Fox emailed to everyone.  If you are looking at it online page 38 has the October one, Make a Difference Day.  Page 39 has the November one, Goodwill/Good Turn Day; and Page 40 has the December Service project, Meet a Holiday Need.  If you have the hard copy of the booklet then they are on pages 33, 34, and 35.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY the 4th Saturday in October (the 24^th) from 1 to 4 pm:  We are going to be weeding and planting bulbs at the new Medina Creative Housing complex.  I am looking into alternatives in case there is a weather problem that day.  I will have sign up sheets at the next leader's meeting as to who can come and help and another sign-up sheet to do some tasks related to the day, like writing up a blurb/article for the newspapers, and for the SHOUT OUT, contacting the local papers to let them know what we are doing and someone to take pictures while we are there to submit with the blurbs/articles, etc....Please come to the leaders meeting and sign-up.  Last year we had about 65-70 participants, that included Girl Scouts, leaders and some siblings, parents and grandparents.  I would love to have a larger turnout and have more troops included in this so mark the date on your calendar!  This will also include a canned food drive.  Everyone should bring 1 – 3 non-perishable items, which will be donated to the local food bank.

COUPON CUTTING

Please keep cutting those coupons and bring them to the leaders meetings, have your troops do them and bring them to you to bring to the leader's meetings.  This will be continuing all year so keep them coming!

Thank you for participating!

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – September 2009 – Page two of three

What’s happening now…

Studio 2B has an event planned on September 30^th, a Severe Weather House, at the Chippewa Fire Department.

Get details from Maria and Sandy.

What’s coming up…

TENATIVE MEDINA STUDIO 2B CALENDAR – Maria Budi and Sandy Varndell

Sept  30  Severe weather House Chippewa Fire  6-?

Oct  11   Meeting  EITHER Reality Store (money program) OR  Women's Health, OR IP Understanding Yourself and Others

Oct  24  Apple Cabin Haunted Wilderness  meet at 7:30 and ride together

Nov.  8   Meeting (See above Oct. 11 meeting)

Nov. 15   Bunker Hill Indoor Golf  (time TBA)

Dec. 13  Ice Skating at Lock 3/Akron museum featuring history of marbles. Time: TBA

Jan 10  Meeting  We're making Baklava! with Maria  Cost TBA Also learning about Lebanon after making up the baklava

Jan 30  a winter day at Hidden Hollow, and we can do the Silver/Gold workbooks, have either a potluck or sack lunches/ winter

                        hike and other winter fun. Girls could come for part or all of the day? We can confirm and plan later... 

Feb 14  Meeting  Mystery Valentine Special! details TBA

Feb  28  Snow Shoeing in the CVNP at Kendall Lake. If no snow, we'll do a winter hike around the lake.

March 14  Meeting IP  World of Understanding...Peace Corps Volunteer to come and talk.

March 28   Washington Court Racket Club  part of IP On The Court  We'll try to learn about tennis and racketball, and anything

                        else they may be able to introduce the girls to.

April 11    Last meeting Topic TBA (perhaps another troop can take this meeting based on what their girls want to do?)

Medina Service Unit Event Calendar 2009 – 2010

If you are interested in helping with any of the above events, please contact the Coordinator.

Their names are on the Service Team Roster on the first page.

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – September 2009 – Page three of three

News from the Service Unit Director…

Becki Fox - S.U.D. -  330-725-4148 or jbfox1017@yahoo.com

Hello all and welcome back to another year of Girl Scouting in the Medina School District.  I am looking forward to a fun year!  I want to start out telling everyone that there are a ton of new faces on the Service Team this year, and faces that are tried and true have new positions!  Thanks to so many of you for stepping up and into positions for the good of our Service Unit. 

It's important for all of you to know that I welcome any comments, questions, or concerns, that anyone may have throughout the year.  Whether by phone, email, in person, or at a meeting, everyone who wants to be heard…will be heard.  I am also determined to establish a more solid relationship with Council, as I am using ONE person from Council to get our information. 

Lastly, THE  MOST IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT::::::::

I am currently looking into bringing back two-a-day Leader meetings, at least for this year.  I hope this makes many of you happy.  Next year, I will most likely be reentering the workforce, so I cannot promise past this year.  I am searching for places to have the morning meetings such as the library, which I have been told is VERY busy during the day, and the parking garage is not yet completed.  Please stay tuned for more information regarding morning meeting times. 

I want to wish everyone a happy scouting year and look forward to seeing how this year unfolds. 

Don’t forget – FIRST LEADER’S MEETING IS THURSDAY, AUGUST 20^th ,

at 7:00 pm sharp, in Community Room B at the Library.  Bring your extra craft supplies you want to give up, and take home some that you can use.

News from the Service Unit…

Do you have some newsworthy information?  To tell the Leaders in our District - Newsy Notes articles are due, via email, by the Sunday before the regular Medina Service Team Meeting.  For more information, see the box at the top of the newsletter.  If you have information for the Council’s Newsletter, currently on hold, please send that information to Monica Heath, Media Relations Specialist, her phone number is listed above.

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – August/September 2009 – Page one of two

What’s happening now…

Studio 2B Adult Coordination Meeting – August 28^th, starting at 8:30 am at Buehler’s River Styx, “The Mill” Restaurant.  Program details for the upcoming year will be discussed, so bring your ideas, and share some breakfast with us.  Contact Sandy Varndell or Maria Budi if you are interested in attending, so we can save you a seat.  You’ll find their phone numbers above.

Open House and Awards Recognition Program – August 30^th, from 3 to 5 pm, at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. All troops should plan to set up a table (which will be provided) to display what fun things they did last year and what they are planning to do this coming year.  Make a poster, display photographs or a sample of a craft you made, lay out a vest showing all the patches you earned, camping pictures and projects you made at camp or pictures of places you went this summer as a troop.  Troops can enter the building to set up their display at beginning at 2:15. The actual open house begins at 3pm.  Registrar will be on hand to turn in registrations for new and existing troops.  THIS WILL BE ADVERTISED AS AN OPEN HOUSE FOR SCOUTS ON MEDINA COUNT EVENTS .COM so parents who are interested in joining scouts will be able to attend and see what we have to offer.  As of today I have one troop RSVP’d. You don't have to man your display table, but it would be nice if you did and could post a few scouts at your spot.  Awards will be presented for Leaders and Girls at 4pm.  The awards being presented are for TOP Cookie seller for last year and as well as bronze, silver and gold award recipients. 

This event is free, Troops planning to attend should RSVP to Sheila Davis at sld1@zoominternet.net or call 330-635-8022, as soon as possible.

Studio 2B Kick-Off for the 2009-2010 year – September 13^th, from 4 to 6 pm, at the Medina Community Rec Center for a Pool Party for all girls, 6^th Grade and up.  Parents and Troop Leaders are asked to stay for an informational meeting.  Each girl will need:  a permission slip; a (non-returnable) copy of her current GS Health History; and, either Membership status, or money to pay the daily fee to enter the Rec.  For more information, contact Maria Budi or Sandy Varndell, their numbers appear above.

Medina Service Unit’s First Fall Fun Event – September 12^th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at Rinky Dink.  Bring your Troop, bring your parents, and make it a fun outing for everyone!  Cost is $8.00 per person, which includes:  a special treat at the snack bar, unlimited golf, a patch, and a special Girl Scout Pavilion for your families to enjoy snacks which you are allowed to bring in for this special event.  Register by September 5^th by contacting Sheila Davis at sld1@zoominternet.net of see the available flier.

What’s coming up…

Medina Service Unit Event Calendar 2009 - 2010

Medina Service Unit Newsy Notes – August/September 2009 – Page two of two

Newsy Notes for April 2009…. “Condensed Version”… Prepared by Sheila Davis

 OVERVIEW OF INFO IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1. Service Unit Meetings
2. Open Service Positions
3. Early Bird Registration updates
4. Open House at Council update
5. Day Camp Registration information
6. Service Project Updates
7. Cookie Survey Project
8. Council Shop News
9. August Awards and Recruiting Event

 Dear Leaders,

I would like to thank all members of the service team for all their hard work this year.  I would like to thank Lara Ratliff for doing a great job on the NEWSY NOTES (this version is not as pretty.) I look forward to helping to finish the year out and to get our troops early bird registered as well as the August Kickoff Awards Event. As you know the service director position is open and I welcome conversation/questions on what the volunteer job entails. You can call me at 330-635-8022.  This does not have to be a 1 person job. Two people sharing responsibilities could be implemented so that the 59 troops in Medina can have solid leadership come the fall.   

I would also like to thank all the leaders for working so hard to do activities, plan meetings and spread the girl scout message with their daughters and troops.  Your service to scouting is appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Sheila Davis  

1.SERVICE UNIT MEETINGS:

April 16^th is the last leader meeting at the library. This is a mandatory meeting for attendance as EARLY BIRD registration packets will be available for pick up. If you cannot attend the meeting, and no one can attend in your place, you will need to make arrangements with Sheila Davis to pick up your registration packet.  Contact Sheila at medinaservicedirector@yahoo.com and note REGISTRATION in the subject line. Or call her at 330-635-8022. The doors open at 6:30pm and the meeting is from 7pm-8pm.  

Presently, the service unit meeting will continue to be held the third Thursday of the month at the Medina District Library, same room and same meeting time. Leaders and Co-leaders will be notified over the summer with the planned 2009-2010 schedule. 

2.OPEN SERVICE POSITIONS:

The following positions remain unfilled and volunteers are needed for the upcoming school year: 

Ella Canavan Placement Specialist

Fenn Elementary Placement Specialist

Service Director 

Past Newsy Notes have explained the duties of each position and the time commitment needed. I would be happy to answer any questions and go over job descriptions with anyone interested in learning more.   

3.EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UPDATES 

Packets Directly from GSNEO were mailed to leaders homes (by 4-15 per council) The Early Bird Troop Packet Contains: 

§         2009-2010 Early Bird Incentive info

§         2009-2010 Early Bird Registration Instructions

§         FAQ regarding Background Checks

§         The Troop Finance Report

§         Volunteer Self Evaluation and Intent form

§         Sample of a 2009-2010 Troop Summary Form

§         Sample of a Troop Roster

§         Who Pays for What in GS flyer

§         Financial Assistance Application

§         Sample Product Sales Financial Responsibility form (The official form will be included in the troop Roster Packet which you will receive at the 4-16 meeting) Beginning this year, parents will only have to sign one form which will be good for both GSNEO sponsored sales (fall product and cookie) The form is to be included with paperwork when you submit your early bird roster. These can be submitted later as long as they are in before fall product sale begins. Council would like the sooner rather than later but do not let them hold up your registration. NOTE:(THIS FORM IS NOT IN THE PACKET BECAUSE THE PRINTER FAILED TO DELIVER BY DEADLINE. Troops will receive this separately and be notified of their placement in your library binder sometime before the end of April.) 

QUESTIONS REGARDING EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION SHOULD FIRST BE ASKED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL… After Reading through the ENTIRE Packet, if you have a question, please contact Me Sheila Davis or our registrar Patti Neldon psneldon@aol.com. 

If we cannot answer your questions, contact GSNEO Service Center at 1-800-852-4474 or 330-864-9933 and ask for GISELLE TORRES she is our temporary Membership Specialist until a new one is appointed.  

COUNCIL HAS AN EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE CALL TAKING PLACE ON APRIL 20^th,

 At the following times: 12:30 to 1:30 or 6:30 to 7:30  We are Medina Service Unit, Central service area. This is for ALL LEADERS and SERVICE TEAM MEMBERS 

Conference Call Instructions:

1. Dial 1-800-261-3225 from any phone and follow the prompts. Please be aware that if you dial from a cell phone your minutes will be charged as if you were making a standard call.

2.     Enter Conference Code 8649933 when promoted. You will then be joined to the call. 

Call Room Etiquette:

  v      When you first join the call room, state your name and service area.   (i.e. This is Suzie Smith from the West Service Area) 

v      If you have a comment or question, please state your name first and then your question so we know who is speaking.    (i.e. This is Suzie Smith and I have a question about…)­­­­­­

Please remember there are several people on the phone. Wait for the individual speaking to finish and then state your comment/question. Please also remember we can’t see a visual signal that someone would like to speak and we are all Girl Scouts who would not want to be intentionally rude to anyone.

Thanks,

Giselle  

Giselle L. Torres Member Services Coordinator gtorres@gsneo.org 

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Early Bird Registration on a local level:

1.      Early Bird registration is 4-1 through 7-1-09. Our service unit will receive $.15 for every member (girl, adult, volunteer) who re-registers during the 3 month long early bird event.

2.      April 25^th is the GSNEO Open House at council. Anyone attending this event can register at council and receive a FREE GIFT. The open house is open to families to come take a tour.  To avoid a paperwork nightmare, I ask that you do 2 things if your troop plans to register on this day:  1.) Make 2 copies of every registration you are turning in. One set of copies will be for your records and the second set of copies will need to be given to Patti Neldon psneldon@aol.com, our local registrar so she will have a record of your participation/registration.  Girls who attend with their families and register at this event will complete the 2-part registration form. A copy machine is expected to be available on site for use. Have your troop member make the copies and bring them to you after they register on site on the 25^th. 

3.      Cost of registration in the fall is increasing to $12.00. Early Bird rate is $10.00 (Another incentive to early bird)

4.      By early bird registering your troop you receive council incentives for both fall product and cookie sale profits (explained in the packet they mailed to you) as well as the privilege to attend a local fall early bird event our service unit organizes (for 2009, it is the “Lights On Haunted House Extravaganza in October”) 

4. OPEN HOUSE:

Corporate Office and Central/North Service Center    One Girl Scout Way    Macedonia, Ohio 44056

Community BBQ 11am- 2pm

Expect Carnival Games, Programming for girls of all ages, Hidden Heroine Awards, Ribbon Cutting, Meet GSUSA V.P Of Communications, Meet Corporate Board Members, Register for next year and receive a free gift (this day only). All families are invited. 

5.Day Camp Registration

Registration for all day camps is now possible using the registration flyers forwarded to all leaders on Monday 4-13. Please be sure to forward this registration information to all members in your troop.  Medina Day Camp is at Reagan Park from 9-2 Monday June 22 –Thursday June 25 “Life’s A Beach” Marine/Aquatic Theme. Contact Tina Opalka tbopper25@hotmail.com for more information.   

6.Service Unit Service Project Updates

GSNEO Service projects for the rest of the year:

April - The Nike Grind - Nike recycles old sneakers or rubber soled shoes (no cleats, spikes or dress shoes), bring your donation of old sneakers/rubber soled shoes to the Service Center during this month.  WE WILL BE COLLECTING ANY OF THESE SHOES AT THE APRIL 16TH MEETING. Lisa Wise is generously going to take them to where they need to go!  Thank you Lisa!

May - Suitcase Collection - this is something similar to what Sarah Coyne is trying to do now for her Gold Award. Donating new or gently used suitcases to a local social service agency. If you are filling out the form for council and you do not do these particular service projects there is room for you to fill in what you did do for the month. I hope this helps your troop with service projects to do for the rest of the year if you were looking. 

SPRING SERVICE PROJECT FOR MEDINA SERVICE UNIT

All items are due to me by the April leader's meeting, there can be no extension on this. The people moving into Medina Creative Housing will be doing so in May, they will need these items right away. If you cannot bring your item(s) to the meeting then please drop them off at my house. I can give you my home address if you ask for it.

Any goods committed to, but not delivered, for the Medina Creative Living service project need to be brought to the meeting as well. All donations go to Stephanie Broderson. gbtigger@zoominternet.net  Thanks to all troops who have participated in the local service projects for the year.  

7.Cookie Survey

It’s not new to report that cookie sales are down. No final number was available due to the extended sale as of 4-1-09.  Dulce De Leche did better than expected with 5.8% of sales and Lemon Creams garnered 7.6% of sales.  

Little Brownie Bakers will be our baker for next years’ sale again (2 year contract). Please take a moment to go to the survey website and voice your opinion. The link for the Product Sales Survey is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v7C5oYWfCrR3_2bQY6fhhJ1Q_3d_3d

The password is the same one used for cookie booths and cookie reorders.  This was sent out though the ebudde system.  This survey will be a valuable tool for us in creating next years Product Sales Programs.  Questions, contact Colette Miller cmiller@gsneo.org 

8.Council Store Updates 

April 1-30.  Get 25% off one item for Leader Appreciation Sale. Email shop@gsneo.org for on line order processing. Everyone should have received a coupon flyer in the mail announcing this sale. I was informed you have to present the flyer for the discount today when I was at the shop. 

May 1-16.  30% off Fun Patches in stock 

9.August AWARDS and RECRUITING Event    

A flyer will be issued in May (Before school is out) so that your troop can plan to attend the summer awards presentation program and recruiting event to kick off our 2009-2010 scouting year.

To give you an idea of what to expect:

§         This event will be OPEN HOUSE style, on an August Evening. Date tbd and will be on the flyer in May.

§         Each troop will need to prepare a poster or display of all the fun things they did this past school year.  You may want to do this collage style or month by month picture story or have each girl report on an activity or event your troop did by writing a description accompanied with pictures or visual aids… the possibilities are unlimited.  We suggest this project be completed before school is out so that when we gather in August you just need to bring your project for display.

§         The event will be approximately 2 hours 6:30-8:30 on a weekday night.

§         Your table does not need to be manned, however, we encourage troops to set up their display and then stick around to answer questions and participate in the awards ceremony.  You may present awards to your own troop at this time, however it would not be apart of the 7:30 presentation.

§         This is a recruiting event as well, so girls will be encouraged to bring a friend to come find out about scouting and to sign up with your troop. (SEE RECRUITING INCENTIVES in the Packets from council … each girl will earn patch and money for recruiting)

§         We want your troop and the members in your troop and their families to join us. THE EVENT IS FREE. Families are invited to attend and see your troops accomplishments as well as those of the other troops in our district.

§         Patti Neldon, our registrar, will be on hand for registration as well as placement specialists for each school so that we can accommodate interests from the community who would like to become involved in scouting.

§         Local Awards will be presented at 7:30 for the following:

o        Top cookie Sellers for our service unit 2008-2009 year awards

o        Miscellaneous awards from the awards packet previously distributed

o        Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Winners Recognized

o        Adult Recognition for Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Community Leader 

Questions on the Awards and Recruiting event should be directed to Sheila Davis (medinaservicedirector@yahoo.com) or Janet Piombo (piombo@zoominternet.net) 

  NEWS FROM GS COMMUNITY THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU:

On Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, Baskin-Robbins stores across the country will hold 31 Cent Scoop Night from 5-10 pm to honor America's firefighters. Baskin-Robbins will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents* and create an opportunity for customers to donate to local fire charities. Read more about the NVFC and the National Junior Firefighter Program at www.nvfc.org/ juniors.

===========================================================================

Many groups have raised lots of $$$ with this silly event! Ideas for a pink flamingo money-earning event...

http://www.fundrais ing-ideas. org/DIY/flamingo .htm

http://www.flamingo flocking. com/

Buy flamingos:

http://getflocked. com/index. php

http://www.nextag. com/yard- flamingos/ compare-html

Going camping?  Plan some night hikes. They can be lots of fun...but be prepared.  Check these links for lots of ideas.

http://users. rcn.com/b. katcher/nitehike .html

http://www.inquiry. net/OUTDOOR/ night/hiking. htm

http://dragon. sleepdeprived. ca/camping/ camping_12. htm

Traveling with kids?  Here are some links to tips for making long trips a bit easier.

http://www.activiti esforkids. com/travel/ travel_hints. htm 

http://www.momsmini van.com/

http://www.essortme nt.com/in/ Children. Travel/

===============================================================

If you would like to see a copy of the GSNEO annual report from the April Meeting recently held at the Q, I will have them at the Leader meeting for your review.

1. Be an active registered adult scout who has completed at least one year as a volunteer.
2. Complete appropriate training corresponding to position and demonstrate position competence. (Orientation, Basic age level training etc)
3.  Participated in the last two meetings or events beyond the troop level (service unit meeting, annual meeting, service unit event)

Beehive Neighborhood Volume 1 , Issue 6

February 2009

NEWSY NOTES

COOKIE UPDATE:

Cookie Volunteers are still needed to help at REDrop

Sites On Sat 2-28 and Wed. 3-4 from 9-

noon. Please contact Sheila if you can sit at the

drop site (ANTIQUE MALL) and collect signatures

for case pickups that are prescheduled. Leaders,

coleaders, husbands and scout parents in your

troop who could help out are invited to volunteer....

Please consider working even a one hour shift.

More booths for our area have been added. Please

check the website for postings and pick up another

booth for your sales. I was told Giant Eagle Corporate

has just approved papers at council and sites

were being added this past week.

Contact Cheryl DeAgazio at cdeagazio@verizon.net

with any questions. She will return phone calls

when she is back from vacation.

NOTES FROM SHEILA!

February Service Project in the Program Guide is HARVEST FOR HUNGER... Plus locally we are collecting food at the leaders meeting to

help our area food banks. Have your troop participate and bring collected items on 2-19. Get in touch with service project coordinator,

Stephanie Broderson gbtigger@zoominternet.net if you have any questions.

Faces and Places Program Training Guide has been out since January. Also available on line at www.gsneo.org. You can request a a hard

copy sent to you as well. There is info about adult education and activities sponsored by council that your troop may want to participate in

OR girls can sign up to do on their own.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

The Summer camp guide listing daycamps and resident camps will be out in late February. Registration begins March 2.

MEDINA's DAY CAMP

Medina's Day Camp at Reagan Park is June 22-25 from 9-2. Tina Opalka and Cindy Lowther are running our day camp. Unit leaders are

needed to help plan program and carryout the activities. Whole troops can sign up to attend and we will keep them together to earn badges

and patches. One leader or co leader must be the unit leader if the whole troop enrolls. However, girls can come individually if their troop

isn't attending. Be sure to let parents know about March registration deadline so they can get the paperwork in to reserve a space. Medinahas room for 75 girls and this year the Marine and Aquatic theme "Life's a Beach" will likely fill up fast. Contact Tina Opalka tbopper25@hotmail.com if you want more information. Registered adults in your troop who want to volunteer and run a unit at camp are

needed. This is not a difficult position and we support, provide training, program ideas, and tons of help to do this, for those who've neverbeen to day camp. Please inquire about what is needed and we'll be happy to match what time you can offer to a need for the week long day camp. In the past we've had a nursury unit and a boys unit so parents of young children can come to camp and be a unit leader with

their girl scout while their other kids can have fun at camp too in their own special unit. This is a great family week for those mom's who are home for the summer. (And those that work, taking a few vacation days to be with your kids at camp is rewarding as well. Please consider volunteering 1 day or all 4)

BOWLING PATCHES All patches for participants were distributed at the Jan. Leader meeting. Anyone not receiving patches should first check their folder in the GS Binders that are kept in the children's area near the copier machine at the main branch of the library. Folders are filed by troop number. Please check periodically. I have a patch for each of the following girls with no troop number assigned: Cariley Van Drei and Alena Law. If either of these girls are in your troop, please claim their patch at the Feb. 19th leader meeting.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

It is my ambitious idea to hold a large awards ceremony this year recognizing adults and girls who have achieved success in many areas of scouting. In January I emailed an awards packet that spells out the awards. And an email that explained what our unit has done in the past

and why we would like make these changes. The packet everyone received in the email are the awards that are recognized as official. Many are adult awards. Please take the time to look at the packet and nominate. At this time 0 troops responded to the email indicating they'd like to attend such an event. I need some feedback... is your troop interested in attending such an event? Can you assist in any part

of planning and implementation of such event? So far troop 1145 has committed to helping at the event.

As I mentioned there would be other categories and areas of recognition. Presently, I have the awards event scheduled for the 3rd Thursday in May... which is normally our regular Thursday leader meeting time. May is a busy time for many and this could be your last meeting of the year with your troop or it could be the 2nd to the last meeting. I know for sure that we will NOT be at the Library for this meeting as many troops and adults and parents are anticipated to come. I anticipate a meeting that is 6:30-8 at a larger location, locally. We will present a year worth of awards and have displays to view for what troops

did for bronze, silver and gold awards. Still need ideas and we are working on an event that is girl lead and service driven. Please share your thoughts and ideas with me via email so that by our March leader meeting I will be able to outline the event, time, place and provide more details as well as submission forms for the categories. There will be individual girl awards and whole troop awards as well

as the leader recognition awards that were previously outlined in the awards packet.

Troop and girl awards will be specific to MEDINA DISTRICT only and are not council sponsored categories. If you have an idea for an

award, be it serious or silly, please submit it to me at medinaservicedirector@yahoo.com

HIDDEN HEROINE AWARD Salute A Hidden Heroine! Do you know a co-worker, neighbor or a woman in your church or community whogoes out of her way to help others? If so nominate her as a Hidden Heroine. Each year Girl Scouts of N.E. Ohio selects nominated women to receive the Hidden Heroine Award. Recipients will be honored during a GSNEO Event. Nomination deadline is 3-2-09. For more information on nominating, visit the gs website www.gsneo.org. Forms for nomination can also be picked up at the council service center.

NEW REGISTRAR:

Thank you to Patti Neldon for stepping up to be our Registrar for the next year. She is replacing Christy Ping who is moving this

spring. Early Bird Registration takes place in April and troops who want to get a jump start on programming and activities for the fall

are encouraged to do their registration paperwork this spring. PLUS, Our early bird fall activity will be in conjunction with Hudson

Haunted House where participants will get to tour the facility with the lights on, learn about mazes, costume design, and many other

things related to the thrill of a haunted house... all in a NO FEAR calm atmosphere.other things related to the thrill of a haunted

house... all in a NO FEAR calm atmosphere.

OPEN SERVICE TEAM POSITIONS

Please consider these open volunteer positions for the upcoming school year. Two people can always share a position. We do not

have any rules stating one volunteer per position.

Studio 2B coordinator -- This adult helps plan events and meetings for girls who are in 6th grade and up, either as a juliette scout or

are in a troop. Once a month meeting/event scheduled. Oversee reminders via the email list and locate adult volunteers to help

carryout field trip plans. Contact Janet Piombo for more info at piombo@zoominternet.net. All the procedures are in place, just ready

to be passed on to the next volunteer for carrying on the program.

Placement Specialists -- Needed for GARFIELD, ELLA CANAVAN, NEW SCHOOL SOUTH OF TOWN.

The placement Specialist is a troop organizer, handling registration for new troops, placing girls in existing troops and helping new

troops get off and running. This is mostly a fall time of yr position when fall registration is occurring.

Fall Product Coordinator Oversee the fall product sale that occurs usually in Sept/Oct. This is a fairly easy position as many troops

forgo participation. Rhonda Haston has coordinated this in the past, contact her for more information at medinagirlscouts@msn.com

Service Director Volunteer This position oversees the scouting initiatives in Medina. Works with the volunteer service team members

to bring activities to local scouts, manage troops in our area and help develop more troops locally. Is the liason between council and Medina Scouts. See Sheila Davis if you'd like more information or email me at medinaservicedirector@yahoo.com or call 330-635-8022 and we can chat about what is needed, what the job entails and time commitments

.

SHOUT OUT UPDATE: Monica Heath, our public relations/media coordinator reports that 0 troops submitted photos or stories to her by the 2-1 deadline to be included in the next quarterly issue of SHOUT OUT published by our council. If you have completed a service

project, are working on a badge or award, or visited a neat place, be sure to share it with Monica so your troop can be recognized in the next publication. monica9965@hotmail.com

Council is calling for stories... How has Girl Scouting Affected You? Submit a specific occurrence or a general story to Nicole Fike at nfike@gsneo.org. Deadline for submission is March 1st. Please consider sharing what your troop has to say about girl scouts. Ask the question at a meeting and capture quotes from your girls, then compile to submit. Monica is available if you need assistance editing

and organizing a submission.

LEADER DAUGHTER UPDATE: Maureen Klecar and Julie Hagan are coordinating our March 20-22 event at Camp Hilaka. The SPA DAY event will be a fun time for leaders to spend with daughters. More info to come VIA email as we get closer to this event.

SUMMER CLEVELAND INDIANS GAMES: The Cleveland Indians offers funding to groups interested in working the concession

stands at their home games. This is an opportunity for parents to earn money. If you are interested in learning more about this,

please contact Sheila Davis 330-635-8022. An organizing/informational meeting is being planned in the spring for individuals interested

in committing to a 10 game opportunity to earn money. They are looking for 20-40 adults. You must be 18 to participate. Husbands

are welcome to assist and be at the game. This is a fabulous opportunity.

COOKIES AND PEANUT BUTTER RECALL: Leaders, please visit the Little Brownie Baker website at www.littlebrownie.com to

print the letter from our supplier verifying our cookies are safe. There are no returns on orders. If a customer ordered a product with

peanut butter in it, they can be assured that it is safe to eat. I suggest printing the letter for each girl in your troop so she can have it

with her if/when a buyer objects to taking delivery.

COOKIES--NEW PATCH OFFERED "Call Back Patch Program" At cookie delivery, you will receive information about the call

back program. Participate between 2-23 and 3-1. Girls are encouraged to call current customers after cookies have been delivered

to see if they'd like to reorder. Cookies can be frozen and enjoyed later in the year. GSNEO will provide free patches to

troops participating in the Call Back Program.

ROLLERSKATING

The annual rollerskating event at Medina Skateland is scheduled for March 5th 4:30-7:00 for Daisies up to 2nd grade Brownies.

3rd grade and up is March 19th from 4:30-7pm. The Roller Skating Flyer was emailed as an attachment with January

Newsy Notes. Please check your EFILES.

Cost is $5.00 per person and includes admission, skate rental and slice of pizza/small drink.

RSVP to Stephanie Broderson at 330-723-3113 or gbtigger@zoominternet.net 2 wks prior to your participation date. Please

provide Leaders Name, Troop number and number attending. This is so Skateland can have enough food on hand for all attending.

YOU WILL PAY AT THE DOOR... One check for all or cash sale accepted.

NEXT MEETING

Service team will meet on Thursday March 5th at Lee's home. 7:00-8:00pm Anyone interested in attending a service team

meeting to see how volunteers plan the events locally or to learn more about open service positions are welcome to attend.

Contact Sheila Davis is interested.

Leader meeting is Thursday March 19th at the Library from 7-8pm. Doors open at 6:30pm

March Meeting Theme... Ask it Basket... Have a question or concern? Want to know about policy, procedure or anything related

to scouting? Bring questions to the meeting or email then in adavnce so answers can be researched.

Girl Scout Mass

Mass will be held Thurs., March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church. Cookie and punch reception to follow in the church basement. Religious Medal recipients will be recognized.

Council News

Macedonia Shop is now OPEN! Hours are M,T,Th,F from 8:30-5. Weds from 8:30-6:30 and the 3rd Saturday of every month. Expanded List of Products available on line. Pay on line and pick your order up at service center or pay for direct shipping. You can still redeem your Frosty Dollars or NUT-E money until 2-28. Lucky Charm Sale is March 12-21. Get 10% off pins, badges and try-its.

Saturday April 4th Girl Scout and Family Q for a day... General assembly meeting for Girls scouts of North East Ohio is from 2-3:30, Then, 3:30-6 Exclusive GS activities offered. 7:30pm Lake Erie Monsters Game vs the Houston Aeros. Q for a day hotline for questions: 216-420-2055. Two Ticket Package choices available: $15.00 seats Lower Level Ends and Corners or $20.00 tickets include GS Activities,

Food Voucher and game ticket at Lower Level Ends and Corners. Register by March 4th to recevie one free ticket for every 10 ordered. Register 30 or more people and be entered to win a Full Monster's Suite for one game in teh 09-10 season. This would be 18 suite tickets. Visit web site: www.theqarena.com/groups/girlscouts for registration forms and more information. If you plan to attend

general assembly meeting you must also RSVP to GS at rsvp@gsneo.org.  Private exclusive activities include Cavaliers Dance Team Clinic, Giant Inflatables, Open Skate... bring your own skates as a limited

number will be avail to borrow. Face and hair painting, Magician, Shoot Baskets at the Cav's Practice Court, Monster Mascot Appearance, Balloon Artist, Take Shots on Goal (skates required) Behind the scenes access.This is a private event for girl scouts only. It was designed to be a fun way of rewarding scouts and their families that have worked hard to make this year's cookie fundraising a success.

SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2009 MACEDONIA OPEN HOUSE. from 11-2pm

May 2, 2009 GSNEO Adult Day of Learning: Understanding a girl’s world. Open to all volunteers. More information will be available soon. Check www.gsneo.org for updates.

The Advanced Leadership Training Patch Program is being discontinued. All applications for the patch must be received by 3-15 to be accepted. They will continue to offer the Leadership Development PIN and LEAVES program.

Amy Bennet is Overseeing the Program and Adult Development Division at Girl Scouts

Donna DeFiore is Property and Program Manager

Joy Ellis is Program Manager

We now have Program Specialists and focus areas. These are the contacts and their extension at council if you have questions:

Suzie Dills (6236) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Linda Harvey (6237) Environmental Education

Franne Kelly (7008) Arts/Literacy

Crystal Sereno (7918) Life Skills/Health and Wellness

Fallon Pulley (0583) Financial Literacy and Gold Award

BJ Belanger (0409) Civic and Comm. Engagement and Publications

Lisa Ledel (0367) Outdoor and Summer Programs

EVER WANT TO TAKE YOUR TROOP CANOEING ON THE LAKE AT CAMP LEDGEWOOD? ....May 31st from 8-5 at Camp Lejnar in Leroy Twp. Adult Certification Course in Small Craft Safety with Canoe and Row Boating Components (Red Cross taught). Pre requirements is Basic Water Rescue Class offered on May 30th from 9-4 at Camp Lejnar. For more info and to register for these two classes, contact Lisa Ledel at 330-983-0367 or email her at lledel@gsneo.org

GSNEO SUMMIT WEEKEND April 24-26th Cadette Girl Scouts and Girl in 6th -8th grade will be at Camp Hilaka in Richfield, Senior and Ambassador Scouts in 9-12th grade will be at Camp Ledgewood in Peninsula. Register by downloading form at www.gsneo.org or call local service center to request a hardcopy. Contact Lisa Ledel lledel@gsneo.org or Donna DeFiore ddefiore@gsneo.org Outdoor

Program with any questions at 330-864-9933.

HAPPY Birthday!!!

March 8-14, 2009 is Girl Scout Week

March 12 is the birthday of Girl Scouting. This is the day the first Girl Scout meeting was held in the United States in1912. The first troop consisted of Juliette Low, two other adults and 18 girls.

Juliette's niece, Daisy Gordon, was the first girl registered in America. The week containing Girl Scout birthday is known as Girl Scout Week. The Saturday and Sunday of the week that includes March 12 are designated as Girl Scout Sabbath and Girl Scout Sunday respectively. During this week, troops should make a special effort to celebrate Girl Scouting. Here are some "firsts" you can share with your troop:

March 12, 1912, the first Girl Guide company in the US was organized.

The first camp was held in the summer of 1912.

In 1913, the name was changed to Girl Scouts.

The first uniform was blue.

The first Girl Scout Handbook was called "How Girls Can Help Their Country."

Here are some ideas to help you celebrate Girl Scout Week:

Get together with other troops in your Service Unit to sing songs, do skits, or play games that celebrate Girl Scouting.

Bury a time capsule with items your girls feel represent Girl Scouting today and their expectations for Girl Scouting in the future.

Schedule an act of service in your community.

Make posters depicting Girl Scouts to display in schools and libraries.

Invite an older Girl Scout troop to your meeting to tell what they do in Girl Scouting.

Learn about WAGGGS. Pick a country and learn their Promise, Law and Motto in their language.

Learn to make Friendship Bracelets and pins and share with another troop.

Learn more about the games and activities from 1912.

Participate in a service at a place of worship on Girl Scout Sunday, Sabbath or Shabbat.

Also check GSUSA's archived site for some suggestions made by troops. Be warned, because this is an archive of the site, it is slow-loading and there may be some broken links!

http://web.archive. org/web/20040228 101017/http: //jfg.girlscouts .org/GS/gsweek/ gsweek2.htm

Girl Scout Week Activity Ideas:

http://www.neighbor hood13-1. com/GS_Week_ Activity_ Sheets.htm

Girl Scout History Timeline:

http://www.girlscou ts.org/who_ we_are/history/ timeline/

Girl Scout Week Activities by the Day:

http://www.scouting web.com/scouting web/Documents/ GSWeekActivities .pdf

Change the World:

http://www.scouting web.com/scouting web/Documents/ ChangeWorld4. pdf

World Thinking Day

Thinking Day was first created in 1926 at the fourth Girl Guide/Girl Scout International Conference held at Girl Scouts of the USA 's Camp Edith Macy (now called Edith Macy Conference Center ). Conference attendees decided that there should be a special day for Girl Scouts and Girl

Guides from around the world to "think" of each other and give thanks and appreciation to their "sister" Girl Scouts. The delegates chose February 22 as the date for Thinking Day because it was the mutual birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and his wife, Olave, who served as World Chief Guide. In 1932, at the seventh World Conference, held in Poland , a Belgian delegate suggested that since birthdays usually involve presents, girls could show their appreciation and friendship on Thinking Day not only by extending warm wishes but by offering a voluntary contribution to the World Association. This is how the World Association’s Thinking Day Fund began. The fund helps

offer Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting to more girls and young women worldwide. Girl Scouts of the USA , through its Juliette Low World Friendship Fund contributes to the World Thinking Day Fund.

To emphasize the global aspect of Thinking Day, members at the 30th World Conference, held in Ireland in 1999, changed the name from Thinking Day to World Thinking Day.

World Thinking Day Resources

Making passports for World Thinking Day? Check out these sites:

http://www.scoutingweb.com/scouting web/SubPages/PassportsThkDay.htm

http://www.scoutingweb.com/scouting web/Documents/TDpassport1.pdf

http://www.abcteach.com/countries/passport. htm

http://www.printmin i.com/printables/passports/passportp.shtml

Patchwork Designs Country Patch Programs

World Thinking Day Instruction Book...everything you could ever want to know about planning a World Thinking Day event from Patchwork Designs

for only $3.50. http://www.patchworkdesigns.net/ThinkingDay.htm

Scroll down the page to find the book information. Also, check out the country booklets...lots of country specific ideas to get groups planning their parts of the event.

Countries available:

Australia, Brazil, Belize, Canada, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Korea,

Mexico, The Netherlands, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA.

The World Thinking Day 2009 website has been launched. http://www.worldthinkingday.org/en/home

It contains all the information you will need to prepare activities for members on the theme: girls worldwide say “stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases”. The theme is linked to the new WAGGGS Global Action Theme “together we can change our world”, which is based

on the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goal. The downloadable activities are divided into three sections:

. HIV and AIDS

. Malaria

. Other diseases (pneumonia, diarrhea, tuberculosis and measles)

Find the activity sheets here: http://www.worldthinkingday.org/en/activities09

All members of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting are encouraged to start their World Thinking Day plans on World AIDS Day, December

1, 2008.

and in another location …

World Thinking Day 2009: February 22

Each year on February 22, girls participate in activities, games and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.

The theme for World Thinking Day 2009 is girls worldwide say "we can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases."

World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme (GAT) based on the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.

This year, girls voted and selected Costa Rica, Fiji, Ireland, Jordan and Kenya to represent the five regions of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)—Western Hemisphere, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Arab region and Africa. . World Thinking Day not only

gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but it is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

See the 2009 World Thinking Day Country Resources (PDF, 280KB) -

http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/world_thinking_day/2009_wtd_country_resources.pdf

The 2009 World Thinking Day survey results are in. The countries that will be featured were voted on by almost 2000 girls.

Africa-- Kenya Arab Region--Jordan Asia Pacific-- Fiji Europe-- Ireland Western Hemisphere-- Costa Rica

The Scouting Links Newsletter has information on World Thinking Day.

The Scouting Links Newsletter archives can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Scouting_Links_Newsletter/files. You will need to have

a Yahoo! Id to join the group, but it’s free, and most of you are already signed up with Medina Scouts. Just go to http://www.yahoo.com

Website: You will find that some pages are password protected. Password protected pages are for Leaders Only. . The password to enter these pages is beehive. The password for Studio 2B will be fun. This will allow the girls and their parents to get Studio 2B informationwithout them having Leader access.

Scholarship Opportunity

Dear Educator/Community Leader:

As a person who works with kids on a daily basis, there’s no one better qualified than you to help Kohl’s recognize outstanding young volunteers. We believe stand-up kids deserve to stand out – each year we reward kids ages 6-18 for their good deeds through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program. In challenging economic times, scholarships are more important than ever to help kids reach their educational goals, and Kohl’s is pleased to lend a hand. Over the past eight years, Kohl’s has awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships and prizes to kids nationwide. This year is no exception. Whether organizing a local food drive, helping a younger child learn to read or cleaning up a community

park, every contribution makes a difference. This year, Kohl's plans to recognize more than 2,000 kids with prizes ranging from $50 gift cards to $5,000 scholarships. We need your help to identify stand-up kids who are doing great work to benefit your community. To nominate a deserving youth/child, age 6-18, please visit www.kohlskids.com. Scholarship nominations will be accepted Feb. 1 through March 15, 2009. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Julie Diede at Scholarship

America at 507-931-0625 or jdiede@scholarshipamerica.org.

SERVICE PROJECT IDEA CORNER

When using Girl Scout clipart from the Internet, be sure you use images that are compatible with today's program standards...several of the images I viewed were not....especially uniforms.

Girl Scout clip art links:

A place for craft ideas for Girl Scout Brownies...check it out.

http://crafts. kaboose.com/ cub-scout/brownie-girl- scout-crafts. Html

When using Girl Scout clipart from the Internet, be sure you use images that are compatible with today's program standards...

several of the images I viewed were not....especially uniforms.

Girl Scout clip art links:

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/graphics/

http://www.azmetro.com/gsclipart. html

http://www.scoutingweb.com/scouting web/Training/Graphics. htm

http://www.graphmaster.org/girlscouts.htm

http://www.epilogsys.com/scoutingweb/SubPages/SWGraph.htm

http://www.geocities.com/brownietroop107/gsclipart.html

Going camping? Looking for a cute way to teach the girls how to make a bedroll? Try this.

http://www.scouting web.com/Scouting Web/Documents/ EdibleBedroll. pdf

To Medina District Troops:

Hello, my name is Sarah Coyne and I am a fellow Girl Scout who is working on her Gold Award Project. I am asking for assistance with my project due to the recent lack of community participation with this undertaking. To briefly describe, the project involves providing suitcases for foster children and teens alike. In the suitcases a basic maintenance kit will be provided along with other optional accessories including stuffed animals, playing cards, et cetera for the recipient of the suitcase. I am in dire need for spare suitcase that may pertain to children or teens. The suitcase(s) may be a gently used or brand new, whichever is preferred. Again, I am seeking support between my fellow Girl Scouts, because there has been a lack of help within the Medina Community. I hope my mother and I can count on your assistance to provide for the children and teens that are less fortunate. Hopefully the supplies could be collected by the December Leaders Meeting that would be greatly appreciated. If you have any further questions or wish to drop off any items sooner, you may feel free to do so by contacting my mother, Gaylynn at 330.321.1620 please leave a message and she will return your call as soon as possible or myself at

330.321.4466. We are working with the Medina Family Jobs & Services to make this service mission possible. Attached is a list of items that are desired. Thank you again for your cooperation and help.

Sincerely,

Sarah Coyne

Desired Items needed:

*Suitcases appropriate for children and teens

*Small Lap Blankets *Socks for teens

*Small Travel Size Pillows *Shaving kits for teens

*Playing Cards *Toiletry bags

*Travel Size Games *Writing Diaries for children and teens

Studio 2B Events!

Heimatland German Restaurant, has been cancelled

Information for March's outing...Rockwall Climbing at Kendall Cliffs...on Sunday, March 15th, is in the next email. We need to have reservations, and a minimum number of girls...information will be out to you this week....watch your email.

On April 26th, we'll be Geocaching at Plum Creek Park. Geocaching is a type of a scavenger hunt for waterproof containers that bear treasure, using the containers' exact geographic coordinates and a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. You will earn and take home the Geocaching Interest Patch, which is one of our Council's Own IPs. Information for this event is attached. Reservations are required by April 5th. Cost is $3.00 per Scout.

Service Project Opportunities

It was brought to my attention that there is a Community Service Project for each month listed in the GSNEO Program book. Along with this at

the back of the book is a page you can fill it out called Year of Service Registration Form for each girl in your troop (you'll need to make copies)

if you do community service each month. Since it is girl based, obviously Juliettes can fill out this form too. If you are interested in doing this

the from has to be turned in to your Service Center at the end of May.

These are the projects for the remainder of the year:

February - Harvest for Hunger - this could be canned food collected for the local food banks or helping to organize at the food bank.

March - USO - Operation Sweet Appreciation, not only are cookies being sent over but donations of the following items are being accepted at Service Centers:

· Personal Hygiene; deodorant; mouthwash, dental floss, chapstick, travel size shave cream (men & women) Eye drops, ear drops, Bug Spray (OFF Deep Woods towelettes), single rolls/travel size toilet paper

· Food: Tuna, Vienna Sausages, sardines, etc, (in small cans only), Dry Power drink mixes (small or Individual), jelly, (small no glass), Any type small canned goods, tea bags, single coffee, dried fruits, snack size, Peanuts, trial mix, granola, slim jims, Beef Jerky

April - The Nike Grind - Nike recycles old sneakers or rubber soled shoes (no cleats, spikes or dress shoes), bring your donation of old sneakers/rubber soled shoes to the Service Center during this month.

May - Suitcase Collection - this is something similar to what Sarah Coyne is trying to do now for her Gold Award. Donating new or gently used suitcases to a local social service agency. If you are filling out the form for council and you do not do these particular service projects there is room for you to fill in what you did do for the month.

I hope this helps your troop with service projects to do for the rest of the year if you were looking.

Stephanie Brodersen, Community Service Coordinator

Medina Creative Housing is opening 16 new units for people with MRDD on the corner of Reagan Parkway and Huntington Drive (you may have seen the construction happening there) between May 1 and July 1(?). They are calling those units Medina Creative Living. There will be a Community Room for these units. I spoke with the Director about the idea about “showering” the people moving into these units with necessities and she thought that was a great idea. There will be 4 men and 4 women (ages 22-40) for the May 1 move in. This will be the Medina Girl Scouts Service Project for the Spring. I will have a date as to when we can give these to them closer to the time of opening. I will have to see what will work best with their situation. We will need troops to help present these items to these folks when I get that date, hopefully that will determine who could be there.

The list of things to be included for each of these (8) people:

Laundry basket and/or hamper

Laundry supplies

kitchen cleaning supplies

bathroom cleaning supplies

paper towels and toilet paper

I will have a more complete list for the Leader's meeting. All troops are encouraged to take part in this and a sign up sheet will be available.

· Dec. 18 - No Cookie Training offered at this meeting,
your troop cookie chair should attend one of the council
sponsored training events held throughout the council.
Tues Dec. 9 Medina H.S. 6-8 is one that is local.
Contact bdugan@gsneo.org to register for this training
if you have not already done so. Bring any questions
you might have about the cookie sale as well, as we will
have product committee members on hand to answer
questions you may have after having gone through
council sponsored training. We will also offer Camping

· Jan. 15 - Leader meeting Topics: 2009 Day Camp
and World Friendship Day...ways to celebrate and
share ideas. Plus we'll unveil the AWARDS and
RECOGNITION program for local scouts

REMINDER!!! Newsy Notes will no longer be printed. You
will receive them via email to help save on costs.

Cookie Talk!
We will keep you posted on cookie info as we get
it. Please bring your roster to the 11/20 meeting
so we can verify your registration record and
complete some of the verification process before
the sale begins. We will try to address all
your cookie questions the meeting.
For more questions, contact our Cookie Product
Chair Cheryl DeAgazio at cdeagazio@verizon.net.

Page 2 Volume 1 , I s sue 3
Notes from Sheila:
SERVICE PROJECT FOR DECEMBER: Please check the Service Project area, as there are several ideas there
this month.
FEB SWEETHEARTS DANCE
Save the date: Sweethearts Dance is to be held 2-20-09, please watch for how to register via a flyer or email
soon!

DEC. BOWLING
Sponsored By Claggett Troop 1197... A Bowling Flyer was emailed to everyone in our service unit to participate.
The event is 12-14 at Medina Lanes. 12-2:30 for Daisy's and Brownies and 3-9 for Juniors and older. Cost is
6.50 each and include 2 games of bowling, shoes, 1 slice of pizza and pop. Patches are an additional 1.25 each.
Please bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the annual toy drive OR help troop 1197 earn bronze award by
brings a new pet item to donate to the MEDINA SPCA. For questions email Leader Janet Sorrell at
sandjsorrell@yahoo.com. REGISTRATION DEADLINE is 12-3-08

COOKIE KICK OFF
We are not hosting a kickoff locally this year.
Council has planned several COOKIE COLLEGES to celebrate the cookie sale this year. There are several council
wide parties planned in Tiffin, Solon, Elyria, Canton, Niles, however none are in the central region due to the
move. Space is limited at these events. If you are interested in going to cookie college you must register by 12-
15. Cost is 3.00 per girl and includes a patch and goody bag. Cookie College Flyer with dates was emailed to all
leaders in November. For more information check the web site www.gsneo.org Registration is with council at
abarrious@gsneo.org Anna Barrios 1-800-222-6119

MARCH ROLLER-SKATING

 Details to follow for this event!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Troops interested in performing a ceremony at our January Leader meeting, please contact Sheila. This is a
great way to practice what you've learned at your regular meetings and to show leaders how a scouts own or
other ceremony is performed. If your troop would like to assist at the May Awards and Recognition event, please
let me know.

FIRST AID TRAINING

 If you are in need of first aid/CPR training, Medina Chapter of the RED CROSS is offering
classes Sat. 11/29, Sat. 12/27, and Sat 1/10/09

STUDIO 2B

 12-14 Career Day Panel. The 12-14 meeting from 2-4 at the United Methodist Church will be the
career day panel. This meeting fulfills a requirement for those working on silver/gold awards. A panel of speakers
has been set up and includes Veterinarian Doctor, Teacher, Accountant, Sales/Marketing, Business owner, College
Student, Transportation Broker, Mary Kay Director, Manufacturing Plant Owner, REIKI Master and a few
others... Please follow studio 2b sign up guidelines if you intend to come to this meeting. If you are a leader and
have a career/business, and would like to be a part of the panel, please contact panel coordinator: Sheila Davis
to be included in our presenter's list. 330-725-0639

OPEN POSITIONS for 2009
It's never too early to think about the future of girl scouting and the quality programming available here in
Medina. Lots of great opportunities exist to be apart of the service team for NEXT YEAR.
· Ella Canavan... Placement Specialist(s)
· Studio 2B Coordinator(s)
·  Fall Product Service Unit Chair

All of these positions are presently filled with working volunteers who would be happy to take an interested leader under their wing and
show you the ropes of the job. Much of the "tough" stuff has already been done for new volunteers. We provide training, support and
have a binder of what the job entails to pass along to the new volunteer.... so you aren't starting from scratch... blind! Many hands always
make light work. See Sheila if you'd like more information on open positions for next year.

Website:

 You will find that some pages are password protected. Password
protected pages are for Leaders Only. I am making every effort to comply with
the GSNEO safety guidelines for websites. The password to enter these pages is
beehive. The password for Studio 2B will be fun. This will allow the girls and their
parents to get Studio 2B information without them having Leader access.

Let's make A difference day follow up:
Does anyone have one extra patch for make a difference day? Please
call Michelle Krause at 330 722-0307. I do not want to pay shipping
and handling for one patch. I will pay my portion for your shipping
charge to your troop + price of patch.

Both the Gazette and the Post put stories in the paper! Congratulations on the
positive exposure for girl scouts!

SERVICE PROJECT IDEA CORNER
CHECK OUT LEADER LOBBY FOR LOTS OF IDEAS
http://www.leaderlobby.net/
As you explore this site, you will find ideas and inspiration that help you in your role as a youth group leader.
It has tools to make your job easier, science activities, crafts, and games, service ideas, and more!
Subscribe to the blog and receive links to helpful sites, ideas, website updates and relevant news.
Here's a really easy way to send a card to our troops, and you can do it as often as you like. Please forward this to all
your friends and family. Wouldn't it be great if everyone forwarded this to everyone in their email address book?
Our troops would be bombarded with cards. Pass it on!
*Something cool that Xerox is doing - if you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks. com <http://www.
LetsSayThanks.com> you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is
currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. *
And a second idea as well:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans
with the care and assistance they need. The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for
the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to
American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is
generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these
brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Card Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans
and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and
then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.
· All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be
returned to sender.
· Please ensure that all cards are signed.
· Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
· Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal
relationships.
· Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing
process.
· Participants should limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or
group.
· All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online
mediums.
Where to Send Phone Cards, Gift Cards and Care Packages:
· Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift
cards/certificates should go to www.aafes..com, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on
"Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.
· No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to
www.AmericaSupportsyou.com and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.
R

FROM COUNCIL: VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS
As November 15 approaches here is the game plan over the next few weeks regarding the approval process
for a Volunteer:
· The week of November 10 - we are cross checking each volunteer regarding missing information for
approval.
· The week of November 10 – we are cross checking each registered volunteer by Service Unit that they
have been through the approval process (01, 02, troop product sales chairs, service unit teams)
· The week of November 17 - we are going to make phone calls to the volunteers asking about the missing
information
· December 1 – we will send a list to SUD of the volunteers that are missing information and ask them to
follow up.
· Starting December 15 – suspension letters will be mailed to those volunteers who do not comply with our
policy regarding background checks
Our registrar, Christy Ping, has been diligently checking the lists with leaders here who may be missing information.
Please respond immediately if you receive a phone call or email so that your paperwork can be completed..
We are working to get answers to many of your questions before the 11-20 meeting so we can update everyone
at that time.

FOOD DRIVE COLLECTION
AT 11-20-08 Meeting
Girl Scout Troop 1312 is working
on their bronze award.
They are doing
various activities with the St.
Vincent DePaul society and currently
doing a food drive. On
November 20th bring one nonperishable
item. We will have 2
girls from our troop be there
to collect the items.

To all Medina Leaders:
Troop 1171 is coming to a close to our Gold Award Project within the next 30-40 days . Please consider having us come
to a troop meeting as well as a donation toward the Veteran's who are so giving of their lives and health to keep us safe.


COUNCIL DELEGATE ASSIGNED TO OUR
SERVICE UNIT
Lizbeth Kohler was named Council Delegate for the Medina Service Unit. The Council Delegate position is new
this year. A Council Delegate is responsible for being a liaison from the GSNEO Board of Directors to the
Volunteers. When the Board of Directors makes changes to our Code of Regulations or policies, Lizbeth will
be at your leaders meetings to explain and answer questions. AND If you have questions regarding GSNEO
governance or procedures, or would like to give your opinion or feedback to the GSNEO Board, Lizbeth will be
happy to deliver it. Lizbeth has been involved with Girl Scouting for 16 years, she is a Leader of a Girl Scout Ambassador troop in
Brunswick, and has been a GS Trainer for 6 years. Lizbeth is very excited that she will be representing
Medina County Girl Scouts as a Delegate and in 2009 she will be serving on the GSNEO Board Development
Committee. You can also reach her by cell or email at: Cell: 330-421-5974 lkohler@zoominternet.net

Council News
1. The new address for our council and store is Girl Scouts North East Ohio ONE Girl Scout
Way, Macedonia, Ohio 44056-2156 .... NOTE: Council is requesting all correspondence
include the extended 4 digit zip. This will make mail delivery easier for the post office.
Building officially opens on Tuesday November 18.
2. New permission slip and health forms with GSNEO are available on line under the forms
section.
3. The new program guide and leader training guide will be mailed to leaders 11/17 and will
be on line as well. This is one document approximately 76 pages long.
4. The Journeys books can be purchased at Barnes and Nobles nationwide. The next
Journey program of books will be "It's Your Planet -- Love it" (based on the environment)
The last one out will be based on self esteem but the name has not been decided.
5. From now until the end of the year, order what you need from the council shop store in
Macedonia and they will ship for free.
6. Council phone numbers should still work at their new location 1-800-852-4474 or 330-
864-9933.
7. Previously council announced they would be phasing out try-its and badges by 2010 as
they switched to the new JOURNEY Programming... This is now not the case. They are
not phasing out try its and badges.

FROM NATIONAL 2008 Council Session:
The GSUSA Brand is: Girl Scouts is a magnetic irresistible place that is an essential part of girl culture
and of being a girl today. (note this does not replace the GS Mission Statement. Brand is how
we want people to see us.)

All monthly leader meetings take place at the Medina District Library at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

· Nov. 20 - Rededication / Investiture Ceremony

· Dec. 18 - Last opportunity for Cookie Training or anyone who did not complete previously the main focus of the meeting

will be CAMPING TIPS AND TIDBITS and those that need training will get it with Cheryl in the lobby.

If you want TINA OPALKA to pick up your fall product please let her know at the leader meeting.

                           New Leader Orientation

All Medina City Girl Scout initial orientation classes will be at my home: 858 Westwood Dr. Please, RSVP (if possible) by

e-mail: Leevog@zoominternet.net. However, you are welcome to call if needed: 330/725-4975

Each session lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours You must RSVP so that I can assure that I have enough materials

printed or obtained from Council. If nobody RSVPs for a specific time, I will likely not be home.

Most leaders/co-leaders enjoy coming together, but this is not necessary

National LETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY is 10-25-08 We will be helping to “Clean up the

Garlic Mustard weed” from Buckeye Woods Park. More details can be found at: http://www.mindshares.org/MADD2008_DAYtaBANK/ProjectView2008.cfm?PrjID=SB2028

            SWEETHEARTS DANCE

paperwork, you can discuss goals and what you'll do with the funds, play cookie games and sample cookies, earn a cookie try-it or badge and learn about the sale.

should be sent to Registrar Christy Ping 4178 E. Normandy Park Dr. Medina. Deadline for signing up EXISTING /RETURNING troops in NOV. 1st.

 New troops have until the 15th of NOV. to get paperwork in. Presently we have 44 troops and 300 scouts registered. This number is below our usual at

Website: You will find that some pages are password protected. Password protected pages are for Leaders Only. I am making every

effort to comply with the GSNEO safety guidelines for websites. The password to enter these pages is beehive. The password for Studio 2B

will be fun. This will allow the girls and their parents to get Studio 2B information without them having Leader access.

Project Learn is holding a formal event at the Weymouth Country Club on Friday, November 14th, which starts at 6:30 pm...and they

are looking for girls, 14 and up, who would like to help organize auction items and close auction tablesat the event. My guess is, being

a formal event, you may need to wear clothes such as those required for band or choir (black bottom/white top)...but if you call Ann

Stephens, the Special Event Coordinator for Project: LEARN of Medina, at 330-722-1074, or email her at astephens@zoominternet.net,

she'll be able to give you all of the details.The Project: LEARN Autographed Book Auction is a formal event held at Weymouth Country Club, on November

14th. It starts at 6:30 and includes a sit-down dinner, silent auction, and oral auction. If you need service hours for church, or another organization, this

would be appropriate for you to volunteer for. Please give Ms. Stephens a call if you would like to know more information, or sign up.

We are looking for support to help the Leader/Daughter Campout Committee...

contact Maureen Klecar at 330-722-7526 or klecar@zoominternet.net.

BINDERS AT THE LIBRARY -- The binders are now in the children's dept., on the shelves near the copy machine.

REGISTRATION --- All registration forms are sent to Christy Ping (she has a bin on her porch for collection

We will be Cleaning up the Mustard weed at Buckeye Woods Park in Medina. This is a great service opportunity and Make a Difference Day is

a national day of helping others. Millions have participated in the past and we would like to add to that number.

So mark it down on your calendar and if your troop is interested please contact Stephanie Brodersen at gbtigger@zoominternet.net

Please don't hesitate everyone is welcome! This event will be Rain or Shine!

Golfing is the perfect LIFE SPORT for women! Bunker Hill Golf Course has created an activity just for Girl Scouts. Your group of

20 to 30 Girl Scouts, can set up a two hour outing in the “Sim Room” for just $10.00 per girl. You’ll be provided with soda, instruction

from a Professional Golfer, and the opportunity to play golf on one of the six Full Swing Golf Simulators. This is a great

bargain that would normally cost $65 per person, but Bunker Hill is offering it to Girl Scouts for just $10.00 per person. Since you’re

indoors, weather is never a problem, and they also have Bunker’s Restaurant, which has an award winning menu offering

everything from sandwiches to steaks. Make a day of it, and enjoy yourself at Ohio’s 2004 Golf Course of the Year.

The Medina Studio 2B Girls participated in this activity in September 2008, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Beehive Neighborhood Volume 1 , I s sue 1
September 2008
NEWSY NOTES
Leader Meetings:
All monthly leader meetings take place at the Medina District
Library at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

· Oct. 16 - Leader Roundtable · Nov. 20 - Rededication / Investiture Ceremony · Dec. 18 - Last opportunity for Cookie Training or anyone
who did not complete previously the main focus of the meeting will be CAMPING TIPS AND TIDBITS
and those that need training will get it with  Cherly in the lobby.

Fall Product

Sale begins September 22, 2008
Orders due to Leader October 8, 2008
Orders due to Service Unit Chair
October 11, 2008 (Rhonda Haston)
Orders delivered to Steiner
Center October 30, 2008

REMINDER!!! Newsy Notes will no longer be printed. You
will receive them via email to help save on costs.Binders now replace the old folder system that we had. Binders will be located in the children's department
near home schooling reference items. Ask at the desk if you cannot locate them. Three bindersare numerically organized. You will find paperwork or handouts that you may have missed if you did not attend the meeting. YOU WILL NOT FIND A COPY OF NEWSY NOTES IN YOUR FILE IN THIS BINDER.... Newsy notes are being emailed prior to the meeting. You may choose to print and bring to the meeting OR create your own online folder for newsy note information. A limited number of newsy
note copies will be avail at the meeting for parents or co leaders who attend in your place.REGISTRATION --- All registration forms are sent to Christy Ping (she has a bin on her porch for collection or you can mail to her.) All background check paperwork for leaders is also sent to her. She forwards
this to council with registration. Don't forget to make a copy of drivers license when completingpaperwork. christyp@zoominternet.net

Page 2 Volume 1 , I s sue 1

Notes from Sheila:
AS YOU MEET WITH YOUR TROOPS.... SAVE THE DATE --- We will be having a city wide HAY RIDE event at Richardson Farms on Saturday 10-18 from 11-4. Cost is 5.00 per girl/6.00 per adult and includes a pumpkin, an apple, a hayride and facilities use for troops to bring their own food/snacks to cook out either by propane grill or camp fire. More information
will be available at the leader meeting. This is a pay at the door event, only need to rsvp a preliminary head count to Tina Opalka so that we can alert Richardson farms regarding our
expected attendance and they can plan staff accordingly. The RSVP deadline is 10-12-08... email TINA your numbers at tbopper25@hotmail.com

National LETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY is 10-25-08 and we will celebrate it in Medina
with a community wide service project to clean up area parks... more information available
at leader meeting on 9-18. Save this date so that your troop can participate and make a
difference locally.
Starting October 2nd, our new SERVICE TEAM MEETING LOCATION will be Lee Vogelgesang's home...
If you need directions to Lee's please email her -- leevog@zoominternet.net She is located off
of Reagan Parkway via ASHWOOD Lane to Beachwood Drive.... Easy to find.

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 25TH FOR MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY.
We are working on finding parks and possibly other places for troops to do some clean up. This is a great service opportunity and Make a Difference Day is a national day of helping others.
Millions have participated in the past and we would like to add to that number. So mark it down on your calendar and if your troop is interested please contact Stephanie Brodersen
at gbtigger@zoominternet.net so I make sure and find enough spaces. Please don't hesitate everyone is welcome!

Sunday, October 19th, at St. John's Cathedral in Downtown Cleveland,
is the annual Diocesan Girl Scout Mass. Attached is information regarding
the event. This is a great afternoon program, and we highly recommend
it. We invite you to come, and look forward to seeing you there.
Co-Chairpersons of this year's Annual Mass...
Germaine Wilson and Janet Piombo

Fall Product: Sale begins September 22, 2008. Orders due to
Leader October 8th. Orders due to Rhonda October 10th. This is a prepaid
sale, so all money is due with orders. One money order or cashiers
check written to GSNEO for payment. Contact Rhonda Haston: 330-
722-6470 or medinagirlscouts@msn.com with questions.

Cookies: Sale starts December 20th. Your Cookie Mom (TCC) must
be a registered Girl Scout and have the application form and background
check completed to participate. This process can take up to 6
weeks, so please start gathering this information as soon as possible.

Website: You will find that some pages are password protected.
Password protected pages are for Leaders Only. I am making every
effort to comply with the GSNEO safety guidelines for websites. The
password to enter these pages is beehive. The password for Studio 2B
will be fun. This will allow the girls and their parents to get Studio 2B information
without them having Leader access.

I have been in contact with a Boy Scout leader in Strongsville that is going to host a Leave No Trace training session for my troop on Sunday,
September 28 from 3:00 until about
6:00 p.m at Hinckley Lake.

 This is a wonderful program and EXTREMELY useful as Girl Scouts, not
to mention anyone that cares about their surroundings. We would like to invite others to participate in this program with us. We have space for about 30 participants (other family members are encouraged to attend as well). Please let me know if you would like to attend this awesome experience. Leave No Trace is an national and international program designed to assist
outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle,
ride horses, fish, ski or climb. The program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as
well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a
set of rules and regulations. Participants receive introductory training in the skills and ethics of Leave No Trace. Workshop topics
include the underlying ethics and seven principles of Leave No Trace: · Plan Ahead and Prepare · Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces · Dispose of Waste Properly
· Leave What You Find · Minimize Campfire Impacts · Respect Wildlife · Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Cheryl DeAgazio
Co-Leader, Troop 1227
cdeagazio@verizon.net
(330) 721-9200

SERVICE PROJECT IDEA CORNER
This will be a new, monthly feature for the newsy notes. All leaders
are welcome to suggest project ideas for the girls that help
benefit the community. Please check here each month for new
ideas! Email all your ideas to me at Littlecrabbycat@aol.com .
This year why not adopt a nursing home in the area and agree to do 3-4
visits with them... talk to the activities director and set up several times
during the year for the troop to visit and do "REVERSE trick or treating"
or deliver THANKSGIVING tray favors or sing Christmas carols, or
host a valentines party, or play LUCKY Bingo at St. Pats Day.... There
are many different things a troop can do at one nursing home to fill
needs throughout the year... Service is more than just a one time ..did it
and were done, what's next? To learn to be a volunteer, to learn to give
service, girls must learn that service to your community is also a commitment
to do more than just a one time thing
This is an invaluable experience for both the girls and the residents.

               February 2008                      

Cookie Booths   All cookie booth orders need to be placed a week in advance.  I know the book says 72 hours, but that time span may not be enough. If you know you are doing a booth, get that order in as soon as possible.  If you need to change it that's OK.  I also ask that after your booth you emial me with the time and location of your booth and the amount of cookies sold. This will help us plan for other booths during the sale.  Contact Rhonda Haston, 722-6470, medinagirlscouts@msn.com with your info.

COOKIE CUPBOARD If your Troop needs additional cookies for extra sales or booths, you must contact a Cookie Cupboard.  These are for authorized and registered members of a GS troop only to pick up additional cookies. For the booths on the first weekend of the sale, place your order by Wednesday at 2:00 PM.  You must give 72 hours notice for all orders. If you are doing a booth later in the sale  I suggest you have your order in by Sunday to be sure that he will have your cookies.  THE LAST ORDER CAN BE PLACED ON SUNDAY MARCH 9.  CUPBOARDS WILL NOT BE STOCKED WITH ADDITIONAL COOKIES AFTER THAT. Contact the Medina Cookie Cupboard Chair, Ron Neldon, by email RWN3810@aol.com, or  721-8996.

 COOKIE SALE   Final paperwork and money is due to Rhonda by Noon on March 19.  Watch for emails with specific times for drop off.  I will need to be home when you drop off your paperwork because of the money order or certified check; I can't just have those sitting in the bin. Contact Rhonda Haston, 722-6470, or email  medinagirlscouts@msn.com.

 NEXT S2B MEETING THURS. FEB. 28  6:15-7:45PM, at the Community Services Center, 655 N. Broadway.  Try Yoga and temporary henna tatoos.  Sample authentic Indian food. Bring a floor mat, $3, and wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes.  Contact Sandy Varndell, 721-7357,  svarndell@earthlink.net  to RSVP. 

EARTH DAY – APRIL 22 -  HELP NEEDED 

OSU Wooster Campus will be hosting the 1st Annual Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair from 1:00-7:00PM.  The event is free & will feature exhibits, demonstrations, artisans, speakers, entertainers & food vendors.  Older Girl Scouts (Juniors & up) are needed to help monitor waste disposal from 4:30-7:00PM. Any troops interested, contact Jayne Kurkul at 722-3389, or email kurkulteam@zoominternet.net . 

MARCH'S S2B MEETING IS CANCELLED due to the District Roller Skating event. You must RSVP & preregister for the event, but pay at the door. Check the website at:  www.leaguelineup.com/medinagirlscouts/files/Skateland.doc  

ANNUAL MEDINA TROOP ROLLER SKATING EVENT

Daisies, 1^st &  2^nd grade Brownies – Thurs. Mar. 20

3^rd grade Brownies & Older – Thurs. Mar. 27Cost $5.  Doors open at 4:15 PM, skate until 7:00 PM. Contact Stephanie Brodersen, 723-3113,

gbtigger@zoominternet.net, to RSVP with a count of girls, two weeks prior. Reserve your spots ASAP! This is a TROOP EVENT, no siblings (unless Leader’s). 

LEADER’S NIGHT OUT – THURS,  APRIL 17  The Leader Appreciation Dinner & Vendor Blender has been confirmed for Thursday, April 17th, 6-9:00PM.  Romeo's will be catering the dinner and vendors are being confirmed as we speak.  Mark your calendar so you don't miss this  event!

 EARTH DAY – APRIL 22 OSU Wooster Campus will be hosting the 1st Annual Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair from 1:00-7:00PM.  The event is free & will feature exhibits, demonstrations, artisans, speakers, entertainers & food vendors.  Girl Scouts (Juniors & up) are needed to help monitor waste disposal from 4:30-7:00PM. Any troops interested, contact Jayne Kurkul at 722-3389, or email kurkulteam@zoominternet.net . 

DAY CAMP 2008, JUNE 16^th - 19^th   Join us for “This Place is a Zoo” this summer at Reagan Park. Camp will run from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Unit leaders & helpers are needed. Bring your troop and work on those outdoor try-its and badges that are to hard to do at your regular meetings.  Camp will help out by covering the cost of up to 3 that you earn there. Registration forms are available in the Council  summer brochure that will be mailed to you by the beginning of March. To volunteer or for any questions, call Cindy Lowther,  725-8969. 

OPEN SERVICE TEAM POSITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR:

                  *Placement Specialist for Sidney Fenn

                  *Newsy Notes Newsletter Coordinator  

SERVICE TEAM MEETINGS

Thursday, March 13, 7:00 PM at Pam Schott’s house 1106 Gentry.  Next Service Team meetings: Mar 13, Apr 10 & May 8

BEEHIVE LEADERS’ MEETINGS  ^{(The 3rd Thurs. of the month)}

Next meeting will be on Thursday, March 20, 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus, 131 N. East St. Contact Pam Schott, 725-0003, with any questions.

Upcoming Leader meetings:  Mar 20 & Apr 17

March 2008

EARTH DAY – APRIL 22 OSU Wooster Campus will be hosting the 1st Annual Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair from 1:00-7:00PM.  The event is free & will feature exhibits, demonstrations, artisans, speakers, entertainers & food vendors.  Girl Scouts (Juniors & up) are needed to help monitor waste disposal from 4:30-7:00PM. Any troops interested, contact Jayne Kurkul, 722-3389, or email kurkulteam@zoominternet.net