F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 7
GirlFriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Celebrate World Thinking Day!
Brownie Troop 1435 of Garden City Explores the History of the Girl Scout Uniform Troop 1435 shared lots of laughs with their Brownie sisters while exploring the changing fashion style of the Girl Scout uniform and earning their Girl Scout Way badge. Mom’s favorite dress up shoes put this meeting over the top! Thank you to GSNC’s VRC for the uniforms!
ON FEBRUARY 22
of each year, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 146 countries celebrate World Thinking Day (WTD)— that’s one BIG celebration!
The World Thinking Day 2017 theme is “Grow.” This World Thinking Day, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides will explore, stretch, and take on new challenges—and celebrate what it means to be part of the global sisterhood that is Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. Not sure what fun things girls can do to celebrate World Thinking Day? Here are earned activities as well as games your Troop can take part in to celebrate Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world.
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Here’s what your Troop can earn: z 2017 World Thinking Day Award z The World Trefoil Pin z Juliette Low World Friendship Council Patch tch ch z Global Action Award 2017
Games from around the world: z Pass the parcel, played in England
(hot potato in USA) z Elephant, Ant, Man, played in Indonesia
(rock paper scissors in USA) z Rayuela, played in Columbia
(hop scotch in USA) z Queimada, played in Brazil
(tag in USA) For more information, contact customercare@gsnc.org
Add a Member YES, ONE GIRL CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YE An you can make a difference in a girls’ life by adding And an new girl to your Troop between January 1, 2017 and Girl Scouts’ Birthday on March 12, 2017. Each participating Troop Troo will receive the “ADD A MEMBER” patch for all girls registered regi in the Troop.
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From the Desk of Donna Ceravolo Dear Girl Scout members, volunteers, families, and friends: At Girl Scouts we are always thinking about the future and how we can best prepare the next generation of girls to take the lead every day. Our Movement has a rich history of forward thinking and innovation—and now in our second century, as we advance the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place, it
Although it might be cold out now, now the weather this past summer was delightful…
Brownie Troop #2170, from Island Beach Association, took advantage of the beautiful days and had Troop meetings throughout the summer… They met 5 times and the majority of the meetings were outside. “We were so grateful for the weather and that we had those beautiful Tuesday afternoons.” said Mindi Dovberg, Co-Leader.
continues to be important that we keep pace with an ever-changing world. As the first and largest girl-led organization in the world, we continue to evolve our unique leadership program and implement new technologies and ways of work to enhance the Girl Scout experience for girls, volunteers, and parents. To ensure we have the resources to support this work, the National Board of Girl Scouts of the USA made the decision to increase the annual membership fee to $25 for both girl and adult members beginning with the 2018 membership registration year. Every dollar of this membership fee is sent directly to Girl Scouts of the USA to cover the cost of fundamental services supporting the Girl Scout movement including; accident insurance for members participating in Girl Scout
The girls played on the playground and utilized games and art activities to get to know each other. They each said something interesting about themselves. This got them smiling and laughing with each other, quickly. We brought to their attention their uniqueness. Sitting at picnic tables that windy day, they learned how to use their resources wisely, using shells as paper weights when the wind picked up. The girls got to use their problem solving skills when they worked together to complete a scavenger hunt at the beach and park. After reading Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Good Deed, we worked in groups to brainstorm how we could help our community. As a Troop, they decided to clean up our community beach. The girls worked together in pairs to pick up garbage and recycling on our beach. The locals on the beach that day were grateful, they clapped and took our picture. The girls felt amazing when they received the instant positive feedback. Their smiles and giggles said it ALL! Sammi Hoop taught the girls new hula hoop moves and some girls had more trouble than others. What a learning experience. They learned how to respect each other and that everyone has different strengths. All in all, our “Summer Troop” was fabulous.
approved activities, research, building programs for girls in the areas of STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor, and life skills. GSNC will continue to charge an additional $15 service fee for girls. Our Council, along with many others across the country are making investments to improve and advance the resources, training and technology provided to help deliver an exceptional girl and volunteer experience. In 2017, we will launch a new, digital Volunteer Toolkit which will include tools that can be used by volunteers to make their experience better and more successful. Leaders will be able to plan and manage Troop activities for the year, email parents directly from the Toolkit, have access to resources to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and manage Troop finances, all from a cell phone, tablet or computer. Parents will have the ability to register their daughter and place her in a Troop or step up to volunteer, all online! At Girl Scouts, we remain grounded in the core principles of our founder Juliette Gordon Low—of being an organization that is inclusive, accessible, and innovative—and we are committed to providing a positive and meaningful experience to every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout. Thank you for continuing to support our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Donna Ceravolo Executive Director/CEO
WE REMEMBER OUR GOLDEN EAGLET
Maureen McPartlan November 4, 2016 was a sad day for Girl Scouts of Nassau County. On that day Maureen McPartlan, the oldest Girl Scout in Nassau County, passed away. Mrs. McPartlan had been C a registered member of Girl Scouts for 85 years. TThroughout her life, the words of the Girl Scout Promise and Law guided her to success. Mrs. McPartlan began her career in Girl Scouts in 1931 w when uniforms were Army Green with long sleeves a and a neckerchief. She loved anything outdoors and earned her Golden Eaglet (the former name of the Gold Award), went on to serve as a Troop Leader and then, later on, judged the local bake-off competitions in Mineola and happily celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the movement she loved on March 12, 2012. Mrs. McPartlan’s sons and daughter all had stories to share of their mother’s love for the outdoors, and the boys especially said they enjoyed their years of going camping with their mom and the Girl Scouts. At the close of Mrs. Partlan’s memorial service, one of her granddaughters offered a private rendition of Taps. Maureen McPartlan will be missed by all who knew her, her family and the Girl Scout community she served. Tributes were purchased in recognition of Maureen McPartlan (Proud Girl Scout for 85 Years) by the following: Leslie Meyers; Adolf and Beate Troje; GSNC Staff and Board; Steven Cieslicki and everyone at Sterling Pierce; Nicole Troje; Hampton Street School Staff; Clark Botanic Garden Auxiliary. A leaf honoring Mrs. McPartlan will be installed on the Friendship Tree after we return to Ring Road.
Taps Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, May the soldier or sailor, God keep. On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep. Images clockwise from top left: ` Mrs. McPartlan at our Adult Recognitions ceremony. `As a girl. `With her mother who was her Troop leader. `At a flag ceremony. `The Golden Eaglet Award Pin. `When she was a Leader with girls in her Troop. `Mrs McPartlan’s sash.
Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout! ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2016,
2017 “Family FunDay” SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 Old Bethpage Village Restoration
at the Scarecrow Building Contest at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Girl Scout Leader Kerri Kubat and lifetime
Want To Laugh? Get Fit? Have Fun? And Feel Like A Kid Again?
volunteer Joyce Nagin struck up a
GIRLS GO the DISTANCE Family FunDay is an all new
conversation that led to the donation
interactive day for families where participants can compete in a myriad of challenges to earn patches and prizes, all focused on the dual themes of healthy living and having fun. With your “Passport to Fun” in hand - get moving and have a few chuckles along the way, as you and your family tackle physical and mental challenge areas that are both new to you and reminiscent of your childhood.
of an authentic 1922 Girl Scout trench coat, complete with the badges of its owner. Kerri found the trench coat at a rummage sale. She reached out to Joyce at the event for suggestions; had she not done that it would have been raffled to raise funds for her church. Joyce, without a moment’s hesitation, offered to buy the coat and donate it to Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Joyce, wanting to preserve the history of a mission she has supported for more than 20 years, made sure that the coat now resides in its “rightful” home for all to see at GSNC Headquarters. Thank you Kerri and Joyce; your actions are a testament to the tried and true saying “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.”
The 2017 Camp Guide is Here!
COMING SOON – Be on the lookout for the latest updates on all the exciting individual girl incentives available including a “mocktail” reception, trip to NYC, computer tablet and more, in addition to Troop “give back” rebates. CALLING ALL SENIOR AND AMBASSADOR GIRL SCOUTS AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS – your help is needed on event day! Volunteer for the whole event or part of the day! All Senior and Ambassador girls qualify for service hours. Assistance time needed: Saturday, April 22, 2017– Set Up: 9:00am–1:00pm and/or Sunday, April 23, 2017– Event day: 7:00am–2:00pm (rain or shine.) For all interested volunteers, please contact funday@gsnc.org Will you go the distance? Will you change our world? Sign up as a team/individual/family today and help Girl Scouts of Nassau County ‘Go the Distance!’ REGISTER ONLINE NOW: gsnc.org/funday
Check out our digital copy online at
gsnc.org/ camp
Giving Back This spring Girl Scouts of Nassau County would like to thank Leaders for their service by offering a free one hour yoga class for Leaders and their daughters to have some fun while relaxing and focusing on self-care with the people they love most. They will enjoy quality time together; while learning and practicing basic breathing and yoga techniques. Check out Possibilities for date, times, and location.
Join the Girl Scout Gold Award Committee
TROOP Clicks
Mentor Girl Scouts aged 15-18 as they aspire to achieve the Gold Award distinction.
Support.
Guide.
Inspire. Cadette Troop 2144 from Baldwin recently earned their archery badge at C & B Archery in Hicksville. Congratulations to Ariana R. who earned the highest score with a 32!
What is the Girl Scout Gold Award? The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award that Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts can earn. Each Gold Award project solves community issues and improves lives. The Gold Award process builds personal leadership skills and inspires others to take action within their communities. Do you know why girls strive for Gold? Since 1916, the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest award, has represented excellence and leadership for girls everywhere! The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest leadership award a Girl Scout can earn. Less than 6% of all Girl Scouts earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. A growing number of colleges and universities across the country offer scholarships to girls achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. In recognition of achievement, a Girl Scout who has earned her Gold Award immediately rises one rank in any of the U.S military branches. Mentorship There are only a few experiences more rewarding than sharing your passion and expertise with girls as they learn, advocate for their community, and grow into our leaders of tomorrow. Gold Award Mentors positively influence and provide direction for the young women as they tackle issues within their community and strive to improve the lives of others. A Mentor is… z A positive role model z Good listener z Caring person z Good communicator
z z z z
Ambassador Troop 3589 from Plainedge had fun this fall learning to kayak and paddleboard!
Patient Attentive Committed YOU!
Other roles within the Gold Award Committee z Review Gold Award proposals z Counsel girls who need help developing their projectsneed to be a mentor first for this role z Take Action Trainers-who educate and inspire girls to take the first steps to earning Gold To learn more, please email: customercare@gsnc.org with “Interest in Gold Award Committee” in the subject line or call 516.741.2550
Brownie Troop 2253 and Daisy Troop 2211 of ELLM Association had a busy October with their Socktober collection of 437 pairs of socks for homeless mothers and children at Bethany House in Roosevelt, NY. Good work girls!
Deadline Reminders: Please be mindful of these deadlines when you are planning your Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects. Final Reports must be submitted by these dates. Bronze Award: Sept. 30 after Juniors graduate 5th grade Silver Award: Sept. 30 after Cadettes graduate 8th grade
G Gold Award: Oct. 1: High S School Seniors Only to Submit G Gold Award Proposal to Council March 31: 31 A All final paperwork to Council to be included in the current years Gold Award ceremony Sept. 30: Ultimate deadline to earn the Gold Award. You will be invited to the following years ceremony
Bronze, Silver & Gold toolkits can be found on our website at gsnc.org Click “About Girl Scouts,” then “Our Program,” “Highest Awards.” All final reports can be found here. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are required to read the Gold Award Standard/ Toolkit and MUST sign page 20 and bring to their Gold Award interview.
Tribute FUND
In Honor of:
110 Ring Road West Garden City, NY 11530
DK Rule (Gold Award Recipient, Port Washington Association) –Dorothy Rule
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GirlFriends, 110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530
In Memory of: Mildred Mattone (Step-mom of LauraJean D’Alessio, GSNC Staff) –GSNC Staff
GirlFriends (USPS 135-280), is published quarterly with a special issue in August. Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc. 110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530 Periodicals Postage Paid at Garden City, NY 11530. Wanda Jackson President & Chief Volunteer Officer
Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo (Cousin of Theresa Aulman-Viola & Family, GSNC Staff) –GSNC Staff
to remember
Donna Ceravolo Executive Director/CEO
Edith Houston (Mother of Wanda Jackson, GSNC Board President) –Deborah Schiff; GSNC BOD and Staff
Deborah Goldsmith Chief Operating Officer
February 22
World Thinking Day
Joyce Wagner Chief Mission Delivery Officer
March 12
Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!
Donna Rivera-Downey Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
March 19
Adult Recognitions Ceremony LIU Post
March 28
Cookie Program Ends
April 22
Leader Appreciation Day
April 23
Girls Go the Distance Family FunDay Old Bethpage Village Restoration
May 16
Annual Meeting LIU Post
Designed by Anna Lenz Graphic Design and Production Coordinator Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc., an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Agency, is a member of Long Island’s United Way, Village of Freeport CDA, United Community Fund of Great Neck, and The Community Chest of Port Washington.
Arlene Huron (Grandmother of Linda Naumann, GSNC Staff) –Vicki, Lauren & Dorothy, GSNC Staff Llaye Hall (Father of Vicki Gioia, GSNC Staff and Grandfather of Kaitlyn, 2011 Gold Award Recipient and Samantha, Troop 1025) –Dianne Auci, Ellen Palmisano; GSNC Staff; Information Mgt. Dept., Mindy Fanwick Reinaldo Martinez (Father of Margaret Martinez Malito, Nassau County Youth Board) –GSNC BOD & Staff
February, 2017
• Issue 1
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Ju Junior Troop 2524 from Massapequa Association recently took part in our “Cards From Kids” program. The girls created holiday cards which were sent to our military troops serving overseas. w
Da Troop 2472 from Baldwin Association had a busy fall and winter. Daisy In November, they started off a Troop meeting by reciting the Promise and Law and held a food drive at their local Supermarket. In December, they enjoyed a Mommy and Me weekend at Camp Blue Bay. A good time was had by all!
To submit a Troop photo or story to Girlfriends, email it to lenza@gsnc.org with the following information:
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• Caption explaining the activity • Troop Number • Association Name • Girl Scout Level. All photos must be a .jpg file attached to your email.
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Terri Ann Clarke (Daughter of Theresa Clarke Hoffmann, Service Team Bellmore Association) –GSNC Staff, Barbara J. Pumphrey Charles Carter (Father-in-law of Sue Carter, GSNC Staff) –GSNC Staff, Luci Duckson-Bramble George Martin Olsen (Father of Debbie Meehan, Massapequa Association Service Team and Grandfather of Fiona and Elizabeth) –Schopp Family Correction: In December’s Tribute column, the late Timothy Dowd was incorrectly identified. Mr. Dowd is the son of Janice Dowd and the father of Margaret–Troop 532. We extend our apologies to the Dowd Family.