Listening Post Winter 2013-14

winter 2013

THE LISTENING POST

the

COOKIE KICK-OFF issue

girl scouts–arizona Cactus-pine council

from the ceo and board chair

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair and Tamara Woodbury, CEO

Dear Friends, As the year comes to a close, planning and anticipation for the 2014 Cookie Program is running at full speed.

Girl Scout cookies have been sold by girls since 1936. This cookie program has become an iconic piece of American culture that belongs exclusively to girls. As sevenyear-old Jenny said, “I love selling cookies. It’s the only thing I can do that my brother can’t.”

Girl scouts–arizona cactus-pine council

The Listening Post Winter 2013-2014

editorial Susan de Queljoe Heather Thornton Lindsay Hintze

managing editor copy editor writer

art department

I think sometimes we forget what it means to a girl to have something of their own. And what a great learning experience this program is for our girls – no matter what age they are. Our girls become entrepreneurs; learning financial skills, people skills, leadership skills and more. All of which will help them throughout their lives.

art direction/layout

When parents provide their daughters with encouragement and support during the cookie program, they are giving a priceless gift. Yes, it means another activity in your busy family schedule. But this year, we are simplifying the sale so it’s easier than ever to participate.

info@girlscoutsaz.org marcom@girlscoutaz.org reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org

No more pre-orders! Girls will now have the cookies in hand as they sell, so friends and neighbors won’t have to wait to enjoy their favorite Girl Scout cookie. Along with the direct sale, we’ve shortened the sale to just six weeks. And, as other councils have experienced, we expect girls will see their sales increase with this direct sale.

119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 P | 602.452.7000 or 800.352.6122 F | 602.452.7100 girlscoutsaz.org

All the proceeds from cookie sales are used to support Girl Scouting in Arizona – funding our troops, our camps, girl programs, membership and volunteer support. This year, all the Council proceeds from sales over 3 million packages will help fund the transformation of Camp Sombrero into the Leadership Center for Girls and Women. This idea came out of our girl-led Annual Council meeting in April 2014. It’s an easy way for our Girl Scouts and their families to help make this dream a reality.

So as we look forward to an exciting Cookie Program, we also wish you all happy holidays, and a New Year filled with blessings.

Tamara Woodbury, CEO

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The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair

graphic design

Nicole Andersen Dorothy Morris

CONTACT US

follow us GSACPC

GSACPC

@GSACPC

GSACPC

Social media is the key to maximizing your cookie marketing! Check GSACPC channels often. There will be information and fun content you can ‘share,’ to make updating customers easy-peasy!

featured

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FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR

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LET’S GET STARTED

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LEARN FROM THE BEST

Information to kick-off the 2014 Cookie Program Pointers from the 2013 Top 5 Cookie Sellers

what’s good?

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

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SEEN & HEARD

Getting to know Pit Lucking

Troop Notes and event highlights

just for you

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R.E.W.A.R.D.S.

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COOKIE Q & A

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BEST & WORST

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BLING YOUR BOOTH

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SISTER 2 SISTER

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GUEST EDITORS WANTED

What does cookie success look like?

Your cookie questions answered by experts Things to say [or not say] during cookie program 3 Cool Tools to Make Your Cookie Booth Shine Go for the Gold Award

We want your voice to be heard.

everything else

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18 12

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

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ATTA GIRL!

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TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS

Silver/Bronze Awards and Religious Recognitions A shout out to Kristyn Piper

looking forward

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SUPPORT CAMP SOMBRERO

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COOKIE DESSERT CHALLENGE

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BIRDIES FOR CHARITY

How the 2014 Cookie Program can help!

let’s get started!

cookie program kick-off issue

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The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

THE 2014 COOKIE PROGRAM IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

Be sure to complete membership registration before December 12 to participate!

Why is the Girl Scout Cookie Program SO Important?

It’s more than money. It’s the lifelong skills that girls learn by doing and the confidence they build doing it. The Cookie Program helps girls develop skills in five areas: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics. These are essential skills needed to successfully navigate life – whether working on a high-school science project team, running a household, being a project manager or a company CEO. Not many organizations offer these key business skills to girls. Girl Scouting does, with the largest girlled business in the world!

What’s Our Goal this Year?

To sell 3,300,000 packages of cookies in 2014.

What’s new this year? Cookies Now! Cookies will be available at the start of the Cookie Program. So girls can sell to neighbors, friends and families, with cookies in hand. Just one step to sell, deliver and collect money!

»» Saves times for busy families! Instant cookie gratification! Plus, girls can circle back to

customers before the end of the sale to offer a few more boxes. »» Shorter cookie sale. The overall sales time is consolidated into just six weeks, making it easier to participate. »» Increased sales. Selling with cookies in hand has been successful in other Councils.

They saw sales increase by at least 10% over prior year. »» Girls can still use order forms, if they choose. But now, they can be used as a cookie sales record that can be kept from year to year, helping girls build their customer base.

What are your goals? Great incentives are waiting!

Fashion Tee or $5 Cookie Dough 250+ packages

Participation Patch 12+ packages

Journal or $5 Cookie Dough 125+ packages

Portable Speakers or $30 Cookie Dough 800+ packages

Disneyland Trip or $150 Cookie Dough 1,500+ packages

dates to remember December 15 – Troops can start entering self-scheduled booths in eBudde January 2 – Cookie Booth Scheduler Opens January 8 – Troop initial inventory order due in eBudde January 25-26 – Delivery weekend January 27 – Cookie Go Day! Cookies in Hand, Booth Sales & Cupboards open March 9 – Sale ends The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

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»» »» »» »» »» »»

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what does cookie success look like?

r.e.w.a.r.d.s

For advice to navigate through this year’s cookie season, we caught up with Kathy Kenney, GSACPC volunteer of 14 years. Once a Girl Scout herself, she first volunteered as a Troop Leader and now serves as Product Program Manager for Sunset Vista Service Unit.

Kenney says R.E.W.A.R.D.S. is the key to learning AND earning, “The tangible rewards are great, but it’s more than money and incentives. The reward of understanding service, business skills and leadership delivers exponential benefits over a lifetime.”

“The tangible rewards are great, but it’s more than money and incentives.” –Kathy Kenney

R.E.W.A.R.D.S. is an acronym to define key characteristics of a program that runs smoothly for volunteers, and delivers the highest value for girls.

R

Recruit a

team

Everyone invested should be involved in the cookie program. Many hands make light work! »» Parents are a big resource, and the best place for this manpower is at cookie booths. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of one booth per parent. »» Include girls in the planning and logistics – this is a big part of their experience. Starting at age five or six, girls can sort product, write receipts, count and so on.

E

Execute your

training plan

just for you

Everyone on the team participates in training relevant to their involvement. Troop and Service Unit leadership attend trainings offered by council staff and can share what they learned with everyone.

Make sure your team knows the answers to key questions, and that the girls are informed: »» Who’s holding skill activities, badges, and awards? »» What are the rules for cookie boothing? »» How is everyone going to communicate back and forth?

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W WOW [wild out-of-this-world]

goals

The public wants to be part of the cookie program because they know Girl Scouts can do a world of good. The best way to increase sales is to set goals around skills, service or leadership, and communicate this to customers. When you’re setting your goals, where do these key elements fit in?

Much like a building, troop leaders, volunteers and parents help lay the framework and girls should develop goals within it. As the girls get older, they transition into helping create the framework.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

A Advance

the 5 skills each year

Program activities that progress keep girls challenged as they grow. There are many ways to do this based on the girls’ level and individual learning abilities: »» For a Brownie or Junior, parents are more involved helping a girl along the way and coaching her at cookie booths or around the neighborhood. »» Cadettes are able to be more independent. They can talk to store managers when arriving at a cookie booth, and set it up themselves, while parents are sitting on the side for support. »» As girls get older, they should learn the deeper aspects of the cookie business, by discussing and analyzing city demographics, where selling is most successful and consumer behaviors.

R

Respect & Responsibility

for self and others

Honoring the Girl Scout promise and law is essential to success. Girl Scouts’ values guide behaviors that keep a balance between individual and group goals: »» Setting and adhering to feasible deadlines. »» Communicating regularly. »» Identifying ways to stay accountable.

D

Display sales

results in real time

When girls know where they stand in relation to their goals, they stay motivated and avoid procrastination! There are lots of ways for leaders to keep everyone on track and build momentum: »» Use the sales tracker app to record sales in real time. »» Update eBudde after the end of each cookie booth. »» Allocate booth boxes early to keep track of individual sales. »» Embrace differences in outcomes as an opportunity for everyone to work together and help each other.

S

Strategize

for success regularly

Assess goals throughout the selling period to monitor and adjust for success. All girls and volunteers can work together on adjustments needed: Does a girl need another booth? Do we need to sell leftovers at the last minute? This is a great way to maximize learning!

just for you The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

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learn from the best

pointers from the top cookie sellers of 2013 We chatted with the top Cookie Sellers from the 2013 Girl Scout Cookie Program about their success. Here’s what they had to say… maybe you can follow in their footsteps this year!

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What is your cookie-selling strategy? How do you determine your goal?

We keep excel spreadsheets with names of every individual (except booth sales) and types of cookies purchased the year before. This is where we begin. By keeping good records, we don’t forget anyone and we say “Do you want the same as last year?”

This year, I sold over 4,000 boxes so our spreadsheets were about 20 pages long! We would never be able to keep track of all those sales and payments if we didn’t do it this way.

Every year, sales (and goals!) get bigger and bigger because we sell to all the same people plus new customers!

Haidyn Moroz Girl Scout Cadette 2013 Sales: 4,035 packages

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My troop spent eight days in Washington, D.C. and it was our cookie money that paid for the trip! Wanting that amazing learning experience gave me lots of motivation to sell so many cookies and my customers were excited for me, too.

Mackenzie York Girl Scout Cadette 2013 Sales: 2,550 packages

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What do you do when someone says “no thanks” to buying cookies?

Our Gift of Caring boxes of cookies go to a military troop, so if someone says “no,” we say, “Thank you, would you like to donate to our military troops?” Most of the time, people say “yes!”

How do you keep your energy up for the cookie sale?

When going door to door, I play kind of a silly game with my mom. I know I should be bubbly and sweet to all the customers. So when I am, I earn either a bubbly soda or sugary treat to enjoy after a day of selling. At booths, I keep my energy up with my sister scouts with little games, too. “Who can sell the next peanut butter combo?” “Who can overcome a ‘no’ first?” – and so on. We reward ourselves with points and treats that are special to booth time.

What motivates you to participate in the Cookie Program?

Brittanee Hustad Girl Scout Senior 2013 Sales: 2,537 packages

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What is the first thing you do every year to kick off the Cookie Program?

I start with the neighbors that I know will buy from me, then I go door to door from there!

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Kaylynn Vavrick

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Baylee Kempiak Girl Scout Cadette 2013 Sales: 2,262 packages

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

Girl Scout Ambassador 2013 Sales: 2,400 packages

support camp sombrero through the 2014 cookie program

The Campaign for Girls in Arizona is a vision to bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to 10,000 more girls, recruit and train 4,000 more adult volunteers, develop new programs for girls, and transform Camp Sombrero into a Leadership Center for Girls and Women. With the support of our Girl Scouts, their families, our alumnae, and the community, we are working to raise $15 million to make this vision a reality. As we go to press, we have already raised $3.2 million.

The idea to use a portion of cookie sales to fund the transformation of Camp Sombrero came out of our girl-led Annual Meeting in April 2013 and was approved by the Board of Directors in June. This is a great way for our Girl Scouts and their families to participate in the Campaign. All Council proceeds from cookie sales over 3 million packages will go toward Camp Sombrero.

By reaching our goal of 3.3 million packages of cookies in 2014, that’s $630,000 to build two cabins at the Leadership Center for Girls and Women, which will be named by votes of 2014 Cookie Sellers!

Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge During the 2014 Cookie Season, participating chefs from restaurants across central and northern Arizona will go head-to-head to create a winning dessert with one of the Girl Scouts’ cookie flavors selected at random. Throughout the month of February the desserts will be sold in their restaurants and the whole challenge will culminate with an awards celebration on March 11.

While there will be many prizes, the grand winner is based on popularity – the number of desserts sold. PLUS, recipes will be shared and restaurant boothing opportunities will be available. Mark your calendars and check your email for more details!

Email marcom@girlscoutsaz.org with the names of people you get to submit a pledge by January 3 to be entered into the drawing to host the cookie booth if we win! Get the rundown of how pledging works, make a pledge or download the forms at birdiesforcharityaz.com.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

looking forward

for

birdies Charity

Support the GSACPC annual programming fund by making or promoting pledges to Birdies for Charity – part of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. If GSACPC is one of the top five in total number of pledges, we could win a cookie booth at the 2014 Phoenix Open! The individual pledge amount is not important – we need at least 35 more pledges to make our goal.

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cookie Q&A

your cookie questions answered by experts Many parents and volunteers had some important questions about the upcoming 2014 Cookie Program, so LP staff enlisted the expertise of the GSACPC Product Program team.

Here’s what they said: Q A

Q

just for you

A

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How can my daughter sell cookies as an IGM? Independent Girl Members (IGMs) are welcome to participate in the Cookie Program. Just contact the Product Program staff to get started. They will determine your action plan and connect you with the appropriate IGM coordinator to guide you through the program.

IGMs sell cookie to friends and family, and join with other Girl Scouts to participate in booth sales. They earn the same rewards as girls in troops.

Q A

Q A

How do I get parents in my troop involved in the sale?

Parental support and encouragement for their daughters is always important.

We suggest troops hold a family meeting before the Cookie Program begins. Let families know the importance of the program.

Be specific when asking for help: “The troop needs a parent to assist at the Cookie Booth on Saturday!” is more effective than “The troop needs help with cookies.” You can find more tips in the Troop Cookie Manual.

Always feel free to reach out to productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org for help this cookie season!

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

Q

A

I’ve heard we’re changing how we sell cookies. Why mess with a good thing?

We think you’re going to be thrilled with the direct sale of cookies. Girls will now have cookies in hand to sell, no more pre-orders. That means a simpler, shorter and easier cookie program. Plus, other councils who have changed to direct sales have seen an increase in sales.

Why should my daughter take part in the cookie program?

The Cookie Program is an important part of your daughter’s Girl Scout leadership experience.

When girls participate in this program, they learn both financial literacy skills as well as important leadership skills, such as setting goals, which they’ll use throughout their life. Most girls really enjoy selling cookies and boothing with other girls. Plus, girls earn fun rewards and sales help fund experiences. For example, earnings can be used to offset the costs of summer camp – a goal many girls work toward every year!

What is the difference between Council Gift of Caring and Troop Gift of Caring? Is one better than the other?

When girls participate in the Council Gift of Caring program, the council handles all the cookie delivery details to our partner agencies, St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantries and the USO. Girls participating in the Troop Gift of Caring program select a recipient from their community that has a need for the cookies and deliver the product at the end of the program. Both options are valuable experiences for girls, and we encourage participation in whichever best fits individual needs.

best & worst

things to say while selling cookies say this

not this

“Hello, my name is , I'm a Girl Scout and I was wondering if you would like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?”

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“Buy some cookies now!”

“My goal this year is to . I’m also learning about and look forward to .”

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“I need to sell 200 packages and maybe go on a trip, so can you buy a few extra boxes please?”

“You don’t eat sweets? You can donate a package instead! We have a Gift of Caring program which donates cookies to military troops and food banks who would really appreciate the treat.”

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“Well, you should buy some anyway; it’s for a good cause.”

“Everyone I know, recommends the Thin Mints.

They’re the most popular cookie. What flavors do you like? Do you prefer chocolate? Have a taste for coconut (or peanut butter, caramel, lemon)? ”

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“I don’t eat cookies, so I don’t know which one is the best.”

“Thank you for supporting the Girl Scouts!

Have a great day.”

>>

“See ya!”

bling your cookie booth

3 cool ways to make your cookie booth shine!

1. wear your pitch

With a handmade wearable sign, you’ll be a walking, talking (maybe even dancing!) advertisement for everyone’s favorite cookies!

1.

Looking for more ideas?

Shop for goodies at the Council Shop, or keep an eye out on Pinterest! pinterest.com/gsacpc

2. Wrap up the fun

2.

just for you

This is an easy DIY project that will make those cookie boxes stand out! Just take three different cookie packages and adorn with a bow of your choice. You just might have to make several, because they are sure to sell out!

3. Dress up your table

This “Girl Scout Green” tablecloth will catch your customer’s eye! Buy it at the GSACPC Council Shop!

(Large $24.50, Small $13.50)

3.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

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donor spotlight Pit Lucking

Girl Scout Camaraderie Continues

C

all her by her birth name, Evelyn, and you will be promptly corrected.

“Oh, please call me Pit,” she’ll say, with a smile on her face.

Her affinity for this nickname is understandable—it was given to her before she was born. As Pit puts it, “I liked Pit. It was easier to write as a child than my real name.”

Pit’s spark for life is contagious, and her sense of humor— delightful. She has a mountain of stories from her life. Pit met her husband, John, in Sunday school when they were in the second grade. After years of being good friends, and several years of separation, he called her up late one night in college and invited her to get ice cream. “The rest is history,” as she put it.

what’s good

She also has lots of stories from her time as a Girl Scout in Phoenix. As a member of Troop 66, she participated in the usual

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Troop 66 as Brownies at a troop meeting.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

Girl Scout activities and was also treated to some unique opportunities by her creative troop leaders. Troop 66 once visited FBI headquarters to have their fingerprints taken and took the train to Williams from Phoenix before that line closed down.

She loved all these activities, but the feeling of camaraderie with her troop members was what made Girl Scouting so special.

“I was an only child, with no cousins in the family, so having fun with other girls was an invaluable experience.”

And that camaraderie continues.

In 2010, a member of Troop 66 sent her a picture of their troop as Brownies. This set off a chain reaction, and one by one, the former members of Troop 66 got in touch with each other and started sharing photos and memories.

Now, most of the original troop members speak weekly, and have organized two reunions; the most recent one in August this year. Among the activities during this reunion in California, the troop visited the Reagan Library because one of the girls had

grown up to be Nancy Reagan’s secretary.

Troop 66 all grown up!

Pit is a wonderful example of someone who has embodied the Girl Scout Promise throughout her life. She received a Masters in Speech Pathology and Audiology, raised two children, and has been an asset to the Phoenix community she grew up in—serving on various boards and volunteering her time with numerous worthy causes.

Pit recently gave a monetary gift to our Leadership Campaign for Girls. Her gift will help support the transformation of Camp Sombrero, in south Phoenix, into a new Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

“I feel it’s important to give back,” said Pit. “Girl Scouts is a worthwhile cause, and I’d like to see them provide more leadership opportunities for girls—there are some wonderful things happening!” ■

seen & heard

women & young women of distinction In a turnout for the record books, hundreds of GSACPC community members gathered at the Arizona Biltmore to celebrate the 2013 Women and Young Women of Distinction Awards. The distinguished honorees are powerful leaders setting a beautiful example of "what could be" for our Girl Scouts today, and gave an inspirational glimpse into a future led by our most valuable asset—our girls.

A special thank you to our generous corporate and foundation sponsors: our Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Carstens Family Funds, Fry’s Food Stores, Arizona Lottery, L. Roy Papp & Associates, Rodel Foundation, The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, The Arizona Republic, and National Bank of Arizona.

Leadership Honorees Diana Greymountain and Deborah Bateman

Promise Awardees, John O. Whiteman and Jo Ellen Lynn

Courage Honorees Sheree Lopez and Dr. Jacqueline Allen with Tamara Woodbury

Barbara Ralston and Dana Campbell-Saylor

Mistress of Ceremonies, Carey Pena of 3TV

Claudia Barling and Sue Glawe

Promise Awardee, Lisa Urias

Cindy Willis and Linda M. Herold

Debbie Gaby and Jo Ann Holland

(L to R) – Marilyn Seymann, Dr. Jacqueline Allen, Deborah Bateman, Sheree Lopez, Morgan Serventi,

Diana Greymountain, Jo Ellen Lynn of Fry’s Food Stores, John O. Whiteman and Lisa Urias

Christy Moore and Jan Dolan The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

what’s good

Event Chair and 2012 Honoree, Jackie Norton and Kathie Zeider

Visionary Honorees Morgan Serventi and Marilyn Seymann

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seen & heard In honor of Juliette Low’s birthday on October 31, the Council’s History Committee held a Founder’s Day Tea. Dressed in their Girl Scouts uniforms, attendees enjoyed learning more about our founder and celebrating her legacy.

The Weitz Company’s Mike Bontrager with GSACPC Board Chair, Margaret Serrano-Foster, and fellow Board member, Pat Edwards, at the closing ceremony.

Members of Troops 1466 and 173 stop for a photo with Nancy Buell and Phyllis Gay, both members of the GSACPC Historical Society.

Thanks to GSACPC supporter, Weitz Construction, more than 150 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day playing in the Swing for the Scouts Golf Tournament on October 18.

This is the second year Weitz hosted the tournament to raise funds for our Campaign for Girls and transform Camp Sombrero into the Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

what’s good

Cadette Troop 436 held an anti-bullying workshop to start the Amaze journey. The girls hosted several activities on first impressions and learning about one another. They also made peacemaker boxes, posters and note cards to give to friends.

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<< Junior Troop 951 visited Posh Restaurant

to complete the Simple Meals badge. They made Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches, and their experience sparked the girls’ interest in cooking. We can’t wait to see what else these girls create!

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

seen & heard

In October, Girl Scout Cadettes from Troop 759 donated their time at Goodwill. They sorted items to be sold in bulk or shipped to retailers overseas.

Over 50 new Girl Scout sisters participated in a monthly STEM program in Flagstaff! Thanks to volunteers from NAU’s Omega Phi Alpha and all the parents that help out every week. This program is made possible by funding from the Flagstaff Community Foundation, the Forest Highlands and Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

As part of the "It's Your World – Change It" journey, Troop 1674 launched a "No Texting While Driving" campaign to help improve their community, called Keep Your Paws on the Wheel! Complete with a blog, reading materials and video – they went all out to help improve their community!

Cadette Troop 90 put their canoeing, water safety, and first aids skills to the test as they braved a 12-mile canoe trip down the Colorado River near Lake Havasu City. The girls learned their own abilities and strengths as they encountered challenges along the way and relied on each other to succeed.

what’s good

Brownie Troop 1010 learned to knit, and made hats throughout October to donate to breast cancer patients.

Troop 1477 built an amazing herb garden! Check it out! >>

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

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sister 2

with sister

Dear Girl Scout Sisters, I have been a proud member of Girl Scouts since I was five. Now, I am a sophomore in college attending Arizona State University.

In looking back, Girls Scouts has greatly impacted my life for the better, most notably through completing my Gold Award project. I encourage you, sister, to Go for the Gold! It is worth the effort.

Start thinking about what you want to do for your Gold Award now.

Look around your community and school, and within topics you are passionate about. Opportunity is everywhere.

Once the project starts, be organized and prepared to think on your feet. Do not give up! The best thing you can do is to find a group of people that are willing to help you through struggles that arise. My mom was one of my biggest supporters, and helped me see the value in pushing through when I contemplated quitting.

KIMBERLY LINN GOLD AWARD RECIPIENT

Need more information?

Find testimonials and Gold Award project guidelines at www. girlscouts.org/program/ highest_awards

Remember, you are not alone. As a member of Girl Scouts, you are connected to a network of people that are always willing to lend a helping hand. Most importantly, have fun, create memories and give back to your community.

just for you

With love,

Kimberly Linn

just for you

guest editors wanted

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Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the new look and feel of the Listening Post. Notice a recurring theme? We want YOUR VOICE to be heard. Share anything from advice, cool news, questions, to DIY projects and photos of activities or events in your area. ■ The Listening Post should reflect our whole community in central and northern Arizona – send submissions to stories@girlscoutsaz.org; or via mail: Stories (MarCom), 119 E. Coronado Road, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

recognitions

silver // bronze // Religious girl scout

BRONZE award

Girl Scout Juniors complete a Girl Scout Journey, and a Take Action Project that impacts the community in a positive, sustainable way. The following are recipients who submitted Take Action reports August 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 5.

Troop 50

Tai Christensen

Isabell Glass

Troop 444

Alexis Connell Troop 119

Madison Dwigun Troop 223

Alyssa McElkeny

Rachel Shriner Vanessa Price

Troop 276

Alexia Lopez

Ashley Tuke Grace Castellanos Hailey Reihl Kelsey Blatz Madison Sapiano Mia Sapiano Sadie McRae Samantha Browne Stephanie Niemiec Troop 325

Alexa Boden

Alexis Lentz Cassandr Gandara Cayleigh Brown Kassidy Peikert Sydni Fisk

Troop 390

Allison Campina

Troop 559

Elizabeth Fuchs

Katie Davison Kira Martin

Troop 561

Raven Wade

Trinity Flatt Troop 634

Holly Anne Hubbard

Kayla Saunders

Troop 743

Amanda Gidley

Amarilis Rios Chrstina Petska Saria Ramirez Troop 833

Anna Iverson Anna Williams Clare Peterson Emma Breck Faith Sterling Grace Salas Kelly Beegle Kendyl Thompson Lily Eribes Maggie Lou Scranton

Troop 970

Audrey Holmgren

Danielle Livingston Emma Keegan Faith Ono Jacelyn Stanley Natalie Holmgren

Troop 1070

Audrey Smith

Kaylee Kasper Valerie Guerra Troop 1219

Annie Plogman

Emily Stutesman Hope Farber Kenslee Jory Madison Schlief Savannah Hale Troop 1263

Tiffany Williams Troop 1457

Emily Irick Kristy Stack Lily Eichelis Morgan Goodyear Natali Richmond Troop 1561

Daniella Zamora

Hailey Forbis Hope Gombar Jada Vere Katie Breed Kylee McBride Lindsey Foster Meghan Grabowski

Natalie Faron Shelby Nelson Troop 1585

Allison Wilson

Emma Miller Kyah Shaw

Troop 1715

Colleen Owsley

Troop 1832

Erin Ritter Lauren Powers Natalee Sweet Olivia Martinez Sarah Ouellette Virginia Marshall Troop 1868

Alexandra Lapose Christine Curran Emma Straker Hanna Neilsen Heidi Stuermer Madison Kuhler Rachel Luca Troop 1992

Abigail Streiff

Christina Avcoin Elise Brown Ellie Moore Jayna Prezno Lorraine Lawrence Natalie Bartolini

Troop 2296

Abigail Nostdahl Catherine Jackson

Troop 2308

Analiese Barrett Felicity Barrett Gemma Brown Hailie Phillips Kaitlyn Tressler

Kaylee Wininger Lexi Quinonez Siena Dolney Vivian Tressler Troop 2400

Aliyah Guerra

Brianna Washington Hannah Smith Kendra Mann Kylie Strickland

Troop 2422

Hanna Carroll Kelly Williams

Troop 2503

Abbigail Hernandez

Diana Boyce Kiernan Miranda

Troop 2594

Abbey Birch

Amiah Ibarra Ana Kemp Carley Hedstro Chloe Schmitz Grace Birch Jayden Chretin Kayley Perdue Macey Benson Madison Graese Maya Enriquez

Troop 2781

Bella Schattenberg Brianna Persianni Cailin Riley Corrin Schneider Elizabeth LaBate Jenna Schulze Olivia Oviedo Piper Sessions Sydney Guenther

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

everything else

Aubrey Quihuis Belle Benvenuti Breanna Aberley Denecia Palomino Jessica Balwinski Juliet Farr Kori Feigert Kylie Christensen Megan Norrish Morgan McAlphin Rachel Gammill Rebekah McFarlan

Abby Thorton Emma Civalier Grace Paulo Jaiden Burkett Kali Recker Malaya Gladish Marissa Weibrecht Mya Thuraisingam Natalie Hazzard Nicole Altnether Vanessa Tipescu Veronica Lazar Victoria Tipescu

Megan Giacobbi Megan Hennessy Morgan Panlener Payson Oizumi Shea Eubanks Stacey Cruz

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recognitions

silver // bronze // Religious girl scout

SILVER

award

Girl Scout Cadettes complete a Girl Scout Journey and a Take Action Project that applies the knowledge learned through Girl Scouting to benefit the community in a meaningful way.

Girls work together in small groups, and each girl is responsible for a part of the project. The following are recipients who submitted Take Action reports August 1 – October 5.

IGM’s

Troop 202

Samantha Green

Kenna Stern

Troop 9

Troop 260

Akysha Carter

Haylie Bayster Sydney Bettis

Troop 726

Troop 84

Rebekah Wagen

Allison Daugherty

Tara Cottrell

Abigail Blanchard

Christel Toll Jane Morris Kenzie Easterling

Reanna McBroom

Troop 130

Troop 300

Jenae Hirsch

Kimbery Myers

Troop 288

Carly Venard

Ellie Bowen Hannah Kendall

girl scout

everything else

RELIGIOUS recognitions

God and Me

Marissa Denham

Isabella Martinez Ashley Paulter Katie Belcher

Troop 373

Haylee Johnson

Troop 599

Jane Silverstein

Troop 743

Dani Corgan

Sammy Nieto Troop 995

Autumn Borders

Emma Martin

Troop 1070

Joie Duplessis

Victoria Hoaglin Troop 1440

Lanae Wilson

Paige Brown Troop 1466

Clare Waddell

Troop 1604

everything else

Troop 1834

Kayla Huston Troop 2315

Melissa Kennedy

Emily Cardis Rebecca Carr Shelby Ben-Shalom

Religious recognitions are created by national religious organizations/committees to encourage the spiritual growth of their youth members and reinforce many of the values integral to Girl Scouting. Each faith organization develops and administers its own program.

God and Family

Nicole Hale

Katie Granatelli Jerin Granatelli Taylor Horton Gabby Kirsch

Gabby Belcher Tatum Duzy Andi Lian Abby Paulubinskas

God and Church

Savannah Hale

Maia Gilchrist Hannah Kirsch Amber Paulter Annie Plogman

Brownie Troop Leader, Kristyn Piper, is passionate about ensuring a positive experience for all Girl Scouts. A founding member of the GSACPC Volunteer Interfaith Committee, Kristyn has been an important voice in developing a purpose statement and planning new events. She jumped right in to develop a Girl Scout program at a local synagogue, which she has generously agreed to help facilitate. Thank you, Kristyn, for your support and dedication to Girl Scouting. ■ Volunteers! Are you or someone you know doing something good?

We want your shout outs! Send your submissions (photos welcome) with the subject “Atta Girl!” to stories@girlscoutsaz.org.

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

Camryn Cote Carlie Jones Sydney Ritter Tessa Cruse

Ali Cambier

atTa girl!

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Troop 1832

God and Life

Ashley Hale

tributes & memorials

In Honor Of Deb Esparza

True Blue Pools, Inc. Eileen Utter Mary Neuman Loren Elliott David Tow Bruce Krucke

In Honor Of Joyce and Bill O’Morrow

Myra W. Baum

In Honor Of Margaret Serrano-Foster

Vicki Boisselle

In Honor Of Caitlin Lopez

Suzanne Johnson

In Honor Of Cathy McKee Olesen

Rowland Carmichael Advisors, Inc.

MJ Management Solutions, Inc. Mary Anne Clark

Donald L. Pollard

In Honor Of Ted Lord and Chris Cooper

Audrey Haberman

In Honor Of Xochitl and Tiffany Rascon

Elizabeth Rascon

In Memory Of Barbara Anderson

Kay Utke

In Memory Of Bella and Leslie Seager

Frederick and Genevieve

Witteborg Trust

In Memory Of Bill Lusk

James M. Lusk

In Memory Of Emma Fulton In Memory Of Fran Ashworth

Lyle J. Sharp

In Memory Of Helen Sweetwood

Mary Glantz

Linnea Tow Carol Dalton Mary McHan

In Memory Of Jim Laurence

Cindy Mueller

In Memory Of Ruth Catalano

Peggy George

Melodie Koe Kay Watson Sherry McClain Susan C. Gardner Jennifer A. West Kathy D. Tackett Mary C. Jackson Peggy J. Steffens Emily Solbes Katherine Nelson Olive Brewer Denise R. Ryan Polly Thomas Frank Mendola Randy Dashefsky Lynne H. Roberts Betty Jones Anna L. Wiles Nancy L. Ausdahl Ann Farence Lily M. Meijer Carolyn L. Lytle

In Memory Of Sandy Hook Girl Scouts

James W. Mathews

In Memory Of Yolanda Mayorga Shoemaker

Sharon Richardson

everything else

John D. Fulton

In Memory Of James R. Baum

Theresa Mineer Brenda Parsly Marie Edwards Judith Romero Kathryn W. Taylor Barbara J. Post Catherine Kim Dorothy K. Houdek Monica J. Stern Judith Akers Gloria Beaudrot Angelina M. Meyer Leann B. Slezak Ann Becker Gwen Ward Leland W. Peterson Joanne L. Henning Louise Branson Mary Anne Clark Maureen Gallucci Cathy J. Poplin Sue Lindley Elizabeth Burke Barbara Hill Heather L. Zeigler Rebecca L. Lee Cathy Bonnell Nan Williams Kim Thomas

age has it’s benefits

ira charitable-rollover provision assets to a qualified nonprofit group, like the Girl Scouts– Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

This donation can count as part of the IRA’s owner required annual withdrawals. While such gifts can’t be claimed as a charitable deduction, the payout doesn’t count as taxable

income, either. Gifts of IRA assets can make sense if the donor doesn’t itemize deductions, or is concerned about minimizing adjusted gross income. As with all charitable gifts, we suggest you consult with a tax advisor or financial planner prior to making your gift. ■

The Listening Post // Winter 2013-2014

everything else

Don’t miss out! The highly popular IRA charitable-rollover provision for people at least 70 ½ years old is set to expire on December 31, 2013. For those who qualify, this provisions means IRA owners can make direct contributions up to $100,000 of their account’s

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12/15

Summer Camp Brochure

1/25

While setting your cookie goals, you can plan out all the summer camps you want to attend with your earnings!

1/25-26

Summer Camp registration opens!

1/27 – 3/9

cookie delivery day

a girl’s world

Join us for a cutting-edge educational conference about key topics related to girls’ development.

3/29

cookie sale

Cookie sales in neighborhoods and boothing at local stores begins today.

Cookies are delivered to troops today.

2/20

camp registration

3/9

5K thin mint sprint

This year’s event is open to Girl Scout troops, family and friends and will feature activities and community partners that promote healthy living.

gold & silver Award ceremony

Come celebrate exceptional young women and their value to the community for completing a sustainable service project.

4/26

annual meeting

Save the date! Check our website after February 1 for more details.

NEW SHOP HOURS

The NEW online . here Council Shop is dies oo Buy Girl Scout g me! galore from ho