SGSC Newsletter
October 2009 Vol 2, Issue 2

Robyn Pratt, Troop 2010 is asking for costume donations for the Giving Tree. See article below.

Gail Gurney Retires

Gail Gurney with 2009 Gold Awardees

Gail Gurney announced her retirement to the Board of Directors at a September Board meeting. Gail has been a professional Girl Scout for 32 years; she has been with the Sahuaro Council for 28 years serving 17 years as the CEO. Gail plans to retire in January 2010.
 
"The Board accepted Gail's decision with immeasurable appreciation for her leadership and impact on both the organization and our community," said Council Board Chair Bill Holmes. "We will sorely miss her passion and wisdom when the time comes for her departure. Her management style and tireless commitment to and passion for the Council's mission and to the girls has benefitted the Council and its membership on so many levels. Thanks to her leadership, we are fiscally solvent amid these turbulent economic times and looking to the many opportunities that lie ahead."
 
Gail has impacted the lives of thousands of girls and volunteers during her tenure. She has served in many different roles with the Council including working directly with volunteers during her tenure as the Membership Manager and facilitating programs for girls during her time as the Program Manager. Gail's legacy to the Council is the development of the Hacienda Program Center in the heart of Tucson. Gail's vision inspired the transformation of the Hacienda into an environmental learning center where girls can interact with the desert and learn how to be good stewards of the land. Gail's love of camping and commitment to outdoor education inspired the redevelopment of the Whispering Pines Program Center. The camp survived the Aspen Forest Fire after which Gail oversaw the rebuilding of the original 1950s lodge, the addition of an accessible cabin, troop house and massive reforestation.
 
"I'm honored to have had the opportunity to lead the Council for nearly two decades. It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of our dedicated staff and the impact I hope we have made on the lives of our girls, as well as the many whose hearts of gold have sustained our work," said Gurney. "It is an opportune time for me to step down, and with this advance notice, we can all be assured of a smooth transition to the next person who will lead the Council into the next phase of its growth." 
 
Sahuaro Girl Scout Council will celebrate Gail's Girl Scout journey at the Experience the Movement Breakfast on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. If you would like to attend please RSVP at http://www.sahuarogsc.org/index.php/community/youre_invited  
In This Issue
Days of Caring
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE FOR NEEDY KIDS
Cookie News
Spotlight on Girl Scouts
Free Tote Bag Offer Extended at Council Shop!
Girl Speaker Wanted for the Go Red Luncheon
Golf N' Stuff Discounted Pass for November 1
Committees forming
Help Wanted
End of the Year Report
POP Guide Program Registration Update
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
November is National Runaway Prevention Month
Tours of City Hall for the Girl Scouts!
Quick Links
See What's New at the Council Shop!
 
What's New at the Girl Scout Shop 
 
Council Hours
Offices:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sat./Sun.: Closed
Shop:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
  
See Hours page of our website.
Days of Caring, September 16, 2009  THANK YOU!
THANK YOU! IBM, Tucson Newspapers, Davis Monthan, CAT, & Westin La Paloma Engineering Department for helping during Days of Caring September 16, 2009! 

Days of Caring 2009

HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE FOR NEEDY KIDS

Halloween Costume Drive for Needy Kids

 
Halloween costumes will be distributed to needy/homeless children at the Giving Tree Feeding Lot this year. Costumes can be expensive. It is sad when a child ends up being the only student in their class without a costume, or when parents have to spend food-money on a costume. Many local families have experienced job layoffs this past year and we fear that our current supply of costumes will not meet the upcoming need. We don't want any child to go home empty-handed when we distribute the costumes next month.
 
We would REALLY appreciate your help in rounding up gently-used costumes! Girl Scout troops can collect costumes to donate to the Giving Tree. Troops can contact their neighborhood school and ask about putting something in their newsletter or put up a collection box at a local place of business. Or girls can collect their own costumes from last year that are no longer needed. Besides making a child very happy, it is a great way to get into the recycling spirit!
 
Please bring new and gently-used costumes to the two Creative Costume locations (4220 E. Speedway or 4039 N. Oracle) or to the Giving Tree Thrift Shop (4221 E. 22nd Street, at Columbus, NW corner.) before the distribution date.
 
Costumes will be distributed to needy children:
 
WHERE: Giving Tree Homeless Feeding Lot, 4425 E. 22nd St. (between Columbus and Swan, in empty lot between Family Dollar and Palm Court Inn)
WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 4:00-6:00 PM, (while supplies last)
WHO: Organizer of Costume Drive is Robyn Pratt, Troop 2010, 5th grader
at Donaldson Elementary School
 
When Robyn Pratt from Troop 2010 was volunteering at the Giving Tree's Homeless Feeding Program four years ago, she overheard two little boys say they would probably not attend school on Halloween because they didn't want to be the only kid in their class without a costume. She was moved to approach her school, Donaldson Elementary, to donate costumes that she could distribute at the Giving Tree's twice-weekly homeless feeding program. Now in its 4th year, the costume drive has expanded to include donors from several elementary schools, scout troops and churches. Any left-over costumes will be given out on Saturday, October 31st at the Giving Tree's Annual Harvest Fest, 4425 E. 22nd, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. For more info, call Donna at 520-867-1400.
Halloween Fun at the Girl Scout Shop!
Come celebrate Halloween and Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday on Saturday, October 31st in the Girl Scout Shop from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Be sure to visit the Shop in your Halloween costume as there will be candy and treats for all, including birthday cake!
Cookie News 
Product/Retail Program Manager: Kristen Hernandez 520-319-3172, 1-800-331-6782, ext. 3172 or e-mail khernandez@sahuarogsc.org  
Product Program Assistant: Kim Maine 520-319-3148,
1-800-331-6782, ext. 3148 or e-mail kmaine@sahuarogsc.org
Cookie Hotline: 520-319-3163
 
 Inspired By U!
 
A Fresh New Program...Cookies on Demand
Rather than taking preorders during this upcoming cookie season, girls will have cookies in hand on the first day of selling. This gives customers instant gratification and an opportunity for girls to "restock" their customers' needs throughout the duration of the Cookie Program.
 
The Benefits of Cookies on Demand:
· Easier tracking of sales for girls, parents, and leaders!
· More recognition awards for girls at all sale levels!
· Increased troop proceeds with proven higher girl sales!
· More cupboards closer to volunteers with more hours available!
· Time saved with fewer trips to customers!
· Greening the Cookie Program, therefore reducing our carbon footprint!
 
It's new, it's exciting, it's COOKIES ON DEMAND!
 
Important Dates:
January 9, 2010 - Sale Begins with Door-to-Door Selling!
February 4, 2010 - Booth Sales Begin
March 1, 2010 - Sale Ends
 
Training for troop leaders will take place during the month of November. Girl and parent meeting for cookies takes place in December.

Troop leaders, be sure to designate your Cookie Manager by the end of October.
 
Another new component to the Cookie Program is online marketing! Girls can now safely use the internet to market and promote their cookie sale. Girls can use e-mail and age appropriate internet functions as online marketing tools to let family, friends, and previous customers know about the Cookie Program and collect indications of interest. To clarify, girls can promote and market their cookies but cannot sell online, i.e., collect money. Additional information on safety guidelines and procedures will soon be provided.
 
There will be more information to come in the months leading up to the Cookie Program.
 
Entrepreneur Expo for Teen Girls
Ladies, do you think you have what it takes to run your own business? Come explore an overnight business conference designed just for teens! This event will cover topics such as marketing, presentations, sales techniques and more! Upon completion of this program, you will have the opportunity to do professional cookie pitches to local businesses. Space is limited; register soon to become a cookie entrepreneur for the 2010 season!
 
Who: Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors
When: Friday and Saturday, November 13 & 14, 2009
Friday at 5:00 pm to Saturday at 3:00 pm, Overnight Event
Where: Hacienda Program Center
Fee: $40 per girl
Register by: November 6, 2009
Capacity: Minimum 10 / Maximum 38 girls
For more information, contact Kristen Hernandez at 520-319-3172 or khernandez@sahuarogsc.org .
Spotlight on Girl Scouts
Put Your Troop in the Spotlight! Submit your troop's accomplishment (up to 250 words) and one quality JPEG image. E-mail vgalloway@sahuarogsc.org
 

Starcatchers Service Unit Adopts Palo Verde Park

Starcatchers Service Unit Adopts Palo Verde Park
Troops from Starcatchers Service Unit were recognized in a ceremony on September 26 at Palo Verde Park. B.J. Cordova from Tucson Clean & Beautiful along with City Council and Parks and Recs representatives honored the girls who officially adopted Palo Verde Park and will be performing regular litter cleanups as well as providing work reports for the park. Thanks girls, for being great caretakers of the environment and contributing your time to make your community a nicer place.
 

Brownies Donate to UMC

 
Brownie Troop 1975 Turns Cookie Sales into Presents for Kids at UMC
Brownie Troop 1975 had two goals in mind when they were selling their cookies this past cookie season: 1) go to Build-a-Bear and 2) buy a Wii, Guitar Hero and other games for the kids in treatment at University Medical Center. Both goals were accomplished! They thoroughly enjoyed adopting their bears and dressing them up (all the bears had their own Brownie vests too!) The girls really got some warm & fuzzy feelings when they presented the Wii, Guitar Hero and games to Tim Downs, the Children's Unit Coordinator at UMC. Tim also gave the troop a tour of the Children's play area and let them know how appreciative he was of their gift. It was perfect timing too as their Guitar Hero had just broken! What a great way to spend Cookie Program proceeds!

Troop 662: Ariane, Shanequa & Mimi

 
Troop 662Troop 662 Trip to San Diego Bay
Girls camped at Fiddler's Cove, a U.S. Navy recreational site, on San Diego Bay. U.S. Navy vessels were visible docked across the Bay. One day was spent at Imperial Beach State Park - a natural beach; kelp is allowed to wash up on shore. Girls learned about rip tides, digging for clams, kelp, sandcastles, and the need for sunscreen (ouch). Another day was split between the Maritime Museum, where one can walk through sea-going vessels, and an aquarium, Scripps. The girls enjoyed Scripps' outdoor tidal pool re-creations where they were allowed to touch the various sea creatures in the pools. Visual aids highlighted movement of tides, drainage, and pollution.
Free Tote Bag Offer Extended at Council Shop!
FREE TOTE BAG WITH PURCHASE OF A 2009 GIRL SCOUT STARTER KIT
Receive a free "Go Green" tote bag when you purchase a Starter Kit. One gift per customer while supplies last.
 
OFFER EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31, 2009.
 
Kit includes: vest, flag patch, I.D. strip, troop numeral, Girl Scout level pin, insignia tab, level-appropriate badge/activity books and Journey 1 or 2 book.
 
Daisy Great Start Kit, $51.75
Brownie Great Start Kit, $57.50
Junior Great Start Kit, $59.50
Cadette, Senior & Ambassador Great Start Kit, $64.20
Girl Speaker Wanted for the November 2009 Go Red for Women Luncheon American Heart Association!
Go RedThe American Heart Association is looking for a Girl Scout who has been directly impacted by heart health because an important woman in her life suffered a heart attack or stoke. She will be invited to share a few words about her experience with the luncheon attendees to spread awareness about heart disease affecting women.
The AHA hopes a young girl's story will inspire women to be "heart smart". Interested girls can contact Jennifer at 520-891-0106. More info can be found at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3067377  .
Golf N' Stuff Discounted Pass for November 1, 2009 Supports the American Heart Association
Golf 'N StuffGirl Scout families are invited to a day of fun and support for the American Heart Association! Girls receive a free red dress pin and educational information on heart health.
 
When: Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 12:00 noon-4:00 pm
Where: Golf N' Stuff, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson
Cost: All Park Pass $20.00 (a $5 discount) includes 1 round golf, 4 attractions, 4 tokens
 
Every girl who stops at the American Heart Association table will receive a red dress pin to spread awareness about heart disease.
 
Tickets must be pre-purchased. Contact Jennifer at 520-891-0106 to purchase tickets. (This is not a Council-sponsored event.) If you have questions,please call Jennifer Ayers, event coordinator, at 520-891-0106.
Committees forming... can you help?
History Committee
Are you interested in preserving our Girl Scout History? Older girls and adult volunteers are needed to serve on our Council's first History Committee. Tasks might include sorting and caring for vintage uniforms, books and photos etc. This committee will also take a strong role in planning our Council's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in 2012.
 
100th Anniversary Committee
97 years and going strong! As we march steadily forward toward the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting we need to put together a committee who will work on planning the celebration in southern Arizona. Tasks might include reaching out to troops, planning programs and public events, reaching out to alumnae etc. Girls and adult volunteers welcome.
 
Jamboree Committee
Older girls and adult volunteers needed for Arizona statewide Jamboree 2010. Planning is going strong for the next Jamboree in April of 2010. You can be a part of the action either in advance of the event, at the event or a mix of both. Tasks might include planning of activities, gathering supplies for the activities, working with girls at the event stations during the Jamboree, concert logistics and set up etc.
 
Contact Timalee Nevels 520-319-3159 for more information.
Help Wanted
Do you or someone you know have some daytime hours to give a bit of service? We'd love to have a cheerful face to greet you at our reception desk. Perhaps you know a winter visitor who would like to come in and learn to work the switchboard and greet Girl Scout guests. Hours are flexible and shifts can accommodate anyone's schedule. Please call Joanne Barlow at 520-319-3173 for more information.
End of the Year Report Available Online
The Sahuaro Girl Scout Council Leadership Team Report End of Year Summary - September 2009 is available online at http://www.sahuarogsc.org/index.php/about/publications  . The report includes a summary of our operating objectives, including council membership, partnerships, programs, awards, grants, camp reports, board info, fund raising, cookie updates, shop makeover, green planning, the new website, the Partnership for Women and Girls, the National Girl Scout Convention, the Annual Meeting, personnel updates, wellness, properties, Days of Caring and more! Please read the Report, it has some great information.
POP Guide Program Registration Update
It's that time of year when troops are getting back in the swing of things and it's time to take a look at your POP (Program Opportunities and Partnerships) Guide and get signed up for programs your girls are interested in attending. There's nothing we hate to do more than cancel a program and disappoint girls because there aren't enough signed up as events draw near. October is chock full of fun programs for your girls so there's a lot to choose from. At the time this newsletter is being put together, these programs have either very low registration or at least plenty of room left in them. Take a look and sign up today!
  • On Your Own Camp, 10/16 - Whispering Pines and Hacienda
  • A Day on the Farm, 10/18, 9am, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors
  • Water in the Desert, 10/24, 10am, all ages
  • Jump Girls Jump, 10/25, 3pm, all ages
  • A Night at the Movies, 10/27, 6pm, Seniors and Ambassadors
  • Jammin' in Juliette Jammies, 10/30, 6pm, Juniors
  • Scout Day Tucson Botanical Garden, 10/31, 9am, all ages family event no need to register!
POP Guide Feedback Wanted
Open space forum to hear your thoughts about the POP Guide and Council-provided girl and adult programming. Tuesday, October 6th from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. Our doors are open to you to drop in on your way to work, at lunch or on your way home. The POP Guide has been out for four months and we're looking for your feedback as we begin to think about and gear up for the next edition. If you prefer another format, or wish there was an emphasis on other types of programs, etc., we want to hear about it. If you cannot make it or prefer to call or e-mail your comments, please contact Timalee Nevels at 520-319-3159 or tnevels@sahuarogsc.org .
Upcoming Programs
Fun Fridays
October 16, (Save the Date for March 19 and April 23!)
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Fee: $8.00 per person
Join us at the Hacienda Program Center on Friday evening for a celebration of Girl Scouts. Open to all troops, Girls Scouts and family members. The evening includes: A "Change Your World" project; and "Imagine If" game or activity; hot dogs on the grill; campfire and sing-along, and a family movie on our giant outdoor screen.
 
Camp CreepensteinCamp Creepenstein
Sunday, October 25, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Who: Daisies, Brownies and Juniors
Fee: $8.00 per girl
Where: Tucson Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd.
Dare to enter the halls of your favorite mad scientists as they conduct fun and mysterious experiments. Creating, building and exploring are all part of this eerie afternoon. But, don't worry, we've left the monsters at home. Download a flyer from our website.
 
CAMPUS INVASION at the University of Arizona!
Who: Junior Girl Scouts
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: University of Arizona, Student Union Building
Students from the University of Arizona Blue Chip Leadership Program will design an interactive, Junior Girl Scout Day on campus. This afternoon will be action packed and give girls a taste of what life is like at the U of A! Details on the specific activities will be announced soon! Check the website for updated information or contact Timalee Nevels at tnevels@sahuarogsc.org  

This Girl's POVThis Girl's Point of View: A Documentary Film-Making Workshop
New program for 7th & 8th girls
An intensive four week workshop that will teach girls to create a short documentary film. Girls will develop media literacy, master state of the art digital filmmaking technology and experience roles as writer, director, subject and editor. Fees: $200 per girl, scholarships available. Program begins November 7, 2009. Go to our website to download a flyer. http://www.sahuarogsc.org/uploads/files/This%20Girls%20POV.pdf 

Anza TrekAnza Trek VII on Saturday, November 7
Presented by the Tucson Catholic Committee on Scouting
A day of reflection and hiking along the Anza Trail. Visit the Tumacacori and learn about the mission of Jesuit priests in the area. Event is open for Girl Scouts of all ages and their families! Registration form is available on our website. Space is limited. Register directly with the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Questions? Contact Chip Travers at 520-294-3333 or at chipnjo@cox.net .

Disney on Ice is Coming in October!
Come experience a magical Disney fantasy on ice! Rev up for non-stop fun with four of our favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Master of the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Dive into the The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the "Circle of Life" with The Lion King. Then enter the world of Pixy Hollow with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories. For more information visit http://www.sahuarogsc.org/uploads/files/Girl_Scouts_DOI-Fantasy.pdf  .
 
Ballroom With a Twist 11/14/09 at 8pm
Dancing with The Stars' Emmy Award-nominated Louis Van Amstel
produced, directed and choreographed this program of breathtaking performances and stunning costumes. With the same passion and excitement he displayed on television with his celebrity partners Priscilla Presley, Lisa Rinna and others, he pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest styles. Two talented singers join him and a dozen dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars and High School Musical for an evening that will entertain the whole family.
Troop Orders less than 20 tickets: $22 & $33
Troop Orders of 20 or more tickets: $21 & $31
Student tickets from $16*
Regular prices: $25 & $38
Contact Dan Berman at 520-300-8585 x 1 or dan@groupticketsamerica.com . Visit www.groupticketsamerica.com .

Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Martha Cooper Library
Saturday, October 24, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (altar setup at 10 am)
Come participate in our Altar Exhibit!!!
Martha Cooper Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave.
Interested in participating? Contact Marissa Alcorta, Children's Librarian, marissa.alcorta@pima.gov or 594-5322. Download Flyer from our website.

Destinations 101
Wednesday, October 14 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Free Information Meeting
Bookmans Low Lounge, 4300 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson
Destinations are the Girl Scout way to see the country and the world! Come learn about the new season of Getaways and national and international Destinations as well as Sahuaro Girl Scout Council's 2010 trip to Our Cabaņa. Please register for this program in E-Council. For more info call Timalee at 520-319-3159 or e-mail tnevels@sahuarogsc.org .

Boutique Boot Camp
Are you interested in the retail industry? Would you like to gain some work experience in a fun working environment? Come join Boutique Boot Camp After School Program hosted by the Council Boutique. This program is designed for teens to come and spend time in the shop after school and learn retail and business fundamentals such as merchandising, design, advertising, customer service and more! In this program, you will work hands on with retail functions and get to be creative with designing merchandise and displays. In addition, you can tailor your experience to incorporate your specific interests. Come have fun running a retail store exclusively designed for girls by girls! For more information and to join, contact Kristen Hernandez at 520-319-3172 or khernandez@sahuarogsc.org .

Groovy GirlsThe Girl Scout Shop Presents: Groovy Girls Glitz Sleepover!
Calling all Groovy Girl Scouts! The Girl Scout Shop will be hosting its first ever Groovy Girls Glitz Sleepover on November 20th- 21st at the Girl Scout Council Resource Center. Brownies and Juniors are invited to attend this sleepover which will include glam sessions, glittery crafts, photo shoots, PJ fashion show and more! Cost is $35 per girl. All girls who attend will get their very own Groovy Girl Doll! Space is limited; to register for this event or for more information, contact Kristen Hernandez at 520-319-3172 or khernandez@sahuarogsc.org .

Groovy Girls

A Day at Raytheon (Save the Date!)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors
This exciting day at Raytheon will include badgework, hands-on activities, and career exploration to celebrate national engineering day. More details to come. Contact Michelle at mhiggins@sahuarogsc.org   or 520-319-3155.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month
Since 2002 this campaign's goals have been 1) to increase community awareness of issues facing runaways and 2) to educate the public about solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth from running away. As the lead agency for Project Safe Place in Pima County, Open Inn Children, Youth & Family Services would like to recognize Sahuaro Girl Scout Council for taking an active role as part of the solution by making the Bookmans Low Lounge (located at the Council Resource Center) a Safe Place site. That means that anyone under the age of 18 facing a crisis and considering running away can go to the Bookmans Low Lounge and ask for immediate help. Open Inn staff will respond to that request with transportation to Open Inn where assistance will be given.
 
A community event aimed at supporting National Runaway Prevention Month's goals will be held at Skrappy's on November 14th free of charge from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. All are invited to enjoy live music, food, door prizes and lots of fun!
 
For more information about Open Inn please visit www.openinn.org . For more information about National Safe Place please visit www.nationalsafeplace.org  or www.safeplaceforteens.com.
Tours of City Hall for the Girl Scouts!
Your troop can attend a Mayor and Council meeting on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and can lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. This meeting is shown live on cable 12. A presentation regarding the basic overview of city government can also be made available along with handouts and a visit to the Mayor's Office. This would require the troop to be at City Hall, 255 West Alameda, by 4:30 pm; otherwise, if they can only lead the pledge, they need to arrive at 5:00 pm. The troops are given the "Citizenship Badge" for attendance and participation. Girls can also receive assistance if they would like to work towards other badges, etc. For more information contact Jo Ann Gassaway at jjgaz7@aol.com.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
The Staff at Sahuaro Girl Scout Council
 
 
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