Girl Scouts Help with Flood Relief

During the past weeks central Texas has received the some of the highest rainfall leading to the flooding of many homes. Troop 1594 saw the devastation and decided they needed to help out their community so they partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank to provide some relief.

For two weeks the girls collected healthy food options for the food bank which desperately needed contributions. The troop didn’t stop there--they volunteered with the food bank to distribute the items so they could see where their efforts went. The troop spent three hours passing out their collected items to those in need in the Cedar Creek area. It was an extremely moving experience for the troop and they were very happy to help the victims of the flood.

Way to go troop 1549!

Backpack Buddies is Gearing Up for Annual Drive

This happens to all troop leaders at some point: you're without a service project and you're fresh out of idea. Jen Neve was trying to find a service project for her then Girl Scouts to do during the holiday season. She had the idea to contact a foster care program for children to see if there was anything her girls could do for the children. The program told her the children often arrive with their few belongings in a trash bag and nothing more. They only asked for donations of backpacks.Jen was so overcome by their need she started to organize other troops to participate in the donation. Jen did not know at the time, but she was creating something much bigger than a one time service project: Backpack Buddies.

12 years later Backpack Buddies has continued to grow and is now serving homeless children and families in the Austin and Round Rock area. Jen gets names, ages and gender of the children from the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) in order to guarantee every child gets a new backpack. Jen asks that individuals/troops fill backpacks with age appropriate goodies for the children and that they do not spend more than $50 on the backpack.

Toward the end of October  Jen will start to match up the troops with the children and will send out the child’s “About Me” information. The backpacks will need to be returned to her before December 8 so you have a whole month to get cracking! If you are interested in participating or want more information on how you can help contact Jen Neve at Jen_Neve@sbcglobal.net .

Meet and Greet Events with CEO Lynelle McKay!

Why I Continue to Give Back

From the time I was young, my parents always encouraged me to help others. I believe that is a big part of the reason why I fell in love with Girl Scouts. I started as a Daisy with my troop in San Antonio and worked my way up through Cadettes earning my Bronze Award in my final year. Unfortunately, high school band took over much of my life and I had to leave Girl Scouts. However, I never lost the love of helping others that I got from my time in Girl Scouting. It stayed with me and I always made an effort to volunteer or do whatever I could to help. When the opportunity came for me to join my church family on a mission trip in Belize, I jumped on it.

Having an experience such as this one had always been a dream of mine and I was finally ready to make it happen. The invitation to participate was one of the greatest moments of my life, but little did I know that this week-long trip would have such an impact on my life. Before this trip, I didn't know where Belize was on a map and I had never done anywhere near the type of construction work that was going to be asked of me. From my years as a Girl Scout, I knew I could learn a lot from this experience and that I would be successful in my journey.

I learned so much about Belize and saw both the beauty of the area and the poverty of the people. Being able to work with ‘Hand in Hand Ministries’, an amazing organization, allowed us to learn and be successful in our mission. The trip also had a great effect on me as an individual. I learned so much about myself and it changed my outlook on life. There is no greater feeling than immersing yourself in a foreign country and helping someone you have never met before. My team built a home for a woman named Margaret and her family and my heart filled with pride and joy on that last day when we handed her over the keys. We had created a home for someone from nothing. Our team rose to the challenge and within three days, we made it happen.

With the utmost confidence, I can say that I am ready to take on the world after this experience. I would encourage all fellow Girl Scouts to volunteer – whether it be for your local community or one abroad. There is no time like the present so be sure to always be looking for ways to help others! Experiences like this one will forever hold a place in your heart.

-Ileana Isabel Barrientez, Spring Public Relations Intern

Killeen Women of Distinction Spotlight - Jennifer Wiginton

Jennifer Wiginton

Jennifer Wiginton was born in Denver, CO, but grew up in Bryan where she attended Bryan High School. She continued her education at Stanford University and Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Management and a Certificate in Homeland Security. Jennifer proudly serves as the Disaster Services Specialist at the American Red Cross in Bryan. Committed to helping those in need, she has served as a Red Cross volunteer for five years and is an active member of the Lions Club. She is also a trainer for children’s bilingual education. A clear example of overcoming a disability, Jennifer has utilized her leadership skills by supervising the American Red Cross disaster response for eight counties and lending her time to the Brazos Valley Emergency planning committee. Jennifer is the proud recipient of the American Red Cross 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award. Jennifer is a positive influence who inspires, motivates and helps all those around her.

Killeen Women of Distinction Spotlight - General Laura Richardson

General Laura Richardson

Brigadier General Laura Richardson grew up in a suburb of Denver, CO where she attended Northglenn High School. She earned her civilian pilot’s license at 16 and excelled in the ROTC program at Metropolitan State University in Denver. She now proudly serves as the Brigadier General of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command in Fort Hood. She previously served as the military aide to Vice President Al Gore and as garrison commander of Fort Meyer, Virginia and Fort McNair in Washington, DC. Before taking command of the OTC, she was the Army liaison officer to the United States Senate. BG Richardson’s service as an air assault battalion commander in the 101st Airborne Division landed her on the cover of Time magazine in 2003 that brought the reality of a dual-military couple to life for American readers. Her awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Lead Clusters, seven Air Medals and Joint Service Commendation Medal. For her advancement of the role of women in combat aviation, she was awarded the 2011 Women in Aerospace leadership award.

Killeen Women of Distinction Spotlight - Dr. Rose Cameron

Rose Cameron

Dr. Rose Cameron grew up in Maryland and attended two high schools before she graduated and joined the United States Air Force. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth; a master’s degree from Tarleton State University in Stephenville; and her doctorate from a joint program between Texas A&M University in Commerce and Tarleton State University. Today, Dr. Rose Cameron serves as Superintendent of Schools in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. A former professor and principal, Dr. Rose Cameron is an avid advocate for school, community and military affairs. She proudly serves on several boards including ESC 12 Regional Advisory board, Copperas Cove Education Foundation, National Council of Impacted Schools, Crime Stoppers and Boys &Girls Clubs. She is the proud recipient of the 2009 ESC Region 12 Superintendent of the Year award and the 2011 Mount Hiram Lodge No. 595 Community Builder Award. Her strong faith in God, family and friends are evident in everything she does.

Killeen Women of Distinction Spotlight - Nancy Birdwell

Nancy Birdwell

Nancy Birdwell was born in Abilene, but grew up on a ranch in Albany, TX. After graduating Albany High School, Nancy attended Texas Tech University. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer for the Scott & White Healthcare Foundation and the Chief Development Officer for Scott & White Healthcare. Nancy previously served as vice president for Development at Alliant International University in San Diego, California; assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement at Texas Tech University and Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas; and director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the University of Texas at Austin. Active in many professional fundraising organizations, Nancy served as chair for CASE and the Association of Fundraising Professional, and served as board and faculty member for the UT Thompson Center for Fundraising Management program. Nancy was honored by Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women. Nancy’s dedication to her faith, family and community are apparent in all her endeavors.

Killeen Women of Distinction Spotlight - Heather Beck

Heather Beck

Heather Beck was born in Tucson, AZ, but grew up in Waco where she attended Midway High School. She continued her education at McLennan Community College, University of North Texas and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Baylor University. Today, Heather serves as a Development Officer for the Providence Health Network. Lending her fundraising expertise to the Providence Foundations and the Providence Forum Affinity Group, Heather has played a vital role in the increase of net revenue and event attendance for both organizations. Heather’s board appointments include Campfire Girls, Hewitt Chamber of Commerce, and The Arc. She currently serves on the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Waco, The Business Awards Planning and Young Professionals committees. Heather is the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and The Central Texas Chapter Board of Directors. She is a 2010 Waco Leadership graduate. Heather believes selflessness, hard work, self-reliance and education are the most important factors in being a well-rounded person.

San Angelo Women of Distinction Spotlight - Peggy Rosser

Peggy Hodges Rosser

Peggy Hodges Rosser was born and raised in Midland. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and attended West Texas A&M, earning her Bachelor of Science. Peggy continued her education at Angelo State University where she earned her Master of Arts in Communication Systems Management. She is currently the Business Development Specialist and Rural Business Advisor at Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center.

Peggy is a dedicated volunteer who thrives on helping her community. Her skills, activity, results and successes are a reflection of her role as a leader. Peggy served as president of the Concho Valley Citizens against Violence and Region 15 Association of Texas Professional Educators. She also served as a committee member for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she serves as panel10 chair for the United Way of the Concho Valley.

Peggy is a 2006 Leadership San Angelo graduate and proud recipient of the 1999-2000 Austin Elementary Teacher of the Year award. In all her roles – teacher, business owner, community advocate and family woman - Peggy exemplifies all the ideals of a great citizen.

San Angelo Women of Distinction Spotlight - Marilyn Mohler

Marilyn Mohler

Marilyn Mohler was born in San Angelo, and after a brief period in Baltimore, Maryland, her family returned to the Concho Valley when she was 12 years old. She graduated from Lakeview High School and promptly enrolled at Angelo State University.

After an intriguing public relations and advertising class, Marilyn decided to open her very own firm, Marilyn Mohler and Associates, Inc., Advertising and Public Relations. A successful businesswoman for nine years, Marilyn continued her professional career and worked as an advertising manager for M.L. Leddy & Sons; an account executive for KCTV and as a property manager for a local residential and commercial broker.

Amid her retirement, she continues to stay active in her community. Marilyn’s volunteer efforts are just one aspect of her outstanding achievements. She was an active member for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and received the notable award of Outstanding Ambassador an impressive three times during her 15-year tenure. Between 1972 and 1983, Marilyn served on many boards including the Better Business Bureau, Community Action Council, San Angelo Coliseum, Auditorium and Convention Center, and San Angelo Advertising Federation. Her most recent achievement was to chair the committee for the placement of Elmer Kelton’s statue at Stephen’s Public Library. Marilyn’s love for her family and her community are evident in everything she does.

San Angelo Women of Distinction Spotlight - Sandra Gray

Sandra Gray

Sandra Gray was born and raised in San Angelo. She graduated from Lakeview High School and attended college at Angelo State University, earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees. Sandra is a former public school teacher and administrator for the San Angelo Independent School District and currently serves as co-owner of Gray´s Transmission Inc.

A well-known public speaker in her community, Sandra conducts Black History presentations during the month of February and engages in numerous public speaking opportunities throughout the course of the year. Her passion for public speaking gives her the opportunity to educate others of her rich African-American heritage and inspires her community to make a difference.

Sandra is a faithful member of Solid Rock Church where she leads the Greeter´s Ministry. She has served on many boards including United Way, MHMR, Boys and Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce, Concho Valley Home for Girls, ASU Alumni, National Prayer Breakfast of San Angelo and the Eating and Reading Book Club. Sandra is an inspiration to all those who meet her and a joy to those who love her.

San Angelo Women of Distinction Spotlight - Maggie Farrington

Maggie Farrington

Maggie Farrington was born and raised in Menard. During the draft, her family relocated to Oklahoma where she graduated from Miami High School and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University. Maggie currently works as a full-time foster grandparent for The Foster Grandparent Program of the Concho Valley and as a part-time substitute teacher for Eden Elementary.

Maggie’s love of agriculture led to her extensive involvement with the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. For 23 years, she has dedicated her time to volunteering with several areas of the organization such as serving on the Premium Sale Fund Committee and as superintendant of the Junior Brangus Heifer Show. Maggie also mentors students through the Concho County 4-H program, where she assists them with their projects.

In 2010, Maggie was awarded ‘Most Enthusiastic Volunteer’ by her stock show and rodeo peers. She also celebrated 20 years of service to the organization in 2009. Maggie is known to light up a room with her positive attitude and gives back not for the recognition, but for the pure act of helping others. Maggie is adored by those in her community and has received standing ovations for her work.

Pledge to Go Green

Are you committed to going green? Are you passionate about recycling? Are you ready to be a part of something bigger than yourself?

Girl Scouts of Central Texas has the project just for you!

Commit to the Forever Green Take Action initiative! It's your chance to take action with Girl Scouts around the country to honor strong traditions of Girl Scouting.

I want to learn more about Forever Green. What is it? 
In conjunction with the Year of the Girl, the Forever Green Take Action projects invites girls to take action on one or more projects including Reducing Waste, Earth Hour and Rain Gardens. These projects can lead to sustainable behavioral change and environmental impact within our communities. As we kick off this initiative, we ask that girls take an online pledge stating their year long commitment to the efforts and get their friends and family to join in as well!

These projects coincides with Girl Scouts of the USA's 100th Anniversary so what better gift to the movement than measurable results; real proof that girl can change the world.

I'm almost convinced. Why else should I get involved?
The goal of this initiative is to engage approximately 800,000 Girl Scouts (25% of our membership nationally). If this goal is achieved, it will made substantial contributions, not only to girls' leadership development, but also to their surrounding environment. Girl Scouts will be seen as leaders of the healthy and green movement and others are sure to follow their lead.

I'm ready to commit. What can I do?
Your local council is focusing our efforts on the Reducing Waste project and will do so across our 46-county jurisdiction.

You can start small! 

• Encourage your friends and family to recycle.
• Make an effort to use reusable water bottles and bags.
• Volunteer to handle all recycling efforts at a school or church event. 

You can go big!

• Start a recycling program at your school.
• Work with your city to raise awareness on the importance of recycling.
• Work with your local stores to offer only reusable bags. 
• Tell your friends at lunch why they should use reusable water bottles.

Get creative! This is your project, your impact!

How do I sign up?
Visit the national Forever Green website to learn more and to take the national pledge. The head over to the GSCTX local pledge website to commit to the initiative.

Questions? Contact Kate Lipinski. 

-Kate Lipinski

Troop 250 Holds Book Drive for Brownwood Girls

Girl Scout Troop 250 will earn their Bronze Award through a service project that benefits girls ages 12-19 at the Ron Jackson State Correctional Facility in Brownwood. The Girl Scouts aim to establish dorm-based libraries for these girls who face challenges such as mental health issues and parental abuse. Troop 250 would like to give them access to literature that is inspirational, motivational and fun. 

Half-Price Books has already generously donated 600 books and the following merchants will donate a percentage of your purchase to the cause. Interested parties purchasing from Book People should ask for the Troop 250 coupon during check out on March 25. For those shopping with Barnes and Noble, use ID number 10702678 when purchasing between March 19-25.

If you would like to donate new or gently used books, you can bring them to the Troop 250 table at the Centennial Capitol Celebration on March 12. The Brownwood girls have an average reading level of 8^th grade. GSCTX and Troop 250 thank you in advance for your support! 

Project Recruitment

Girl Scout Cadette Raedell P. recently completed her Silver Award for her project, 'Recruitment.' The purpose of the project was to ensure that Girl Scouting was available to every girl in her area who was interested in joining the organization. Raedell organized and held recruitment events that consisted of introducing the foundations of Girl Scouting, earning badges, connecting with other Girl Scouts and more. Raedell served as a resource at these events and helped the girls and their parents with the process. More than 40 girls attended and they are all currently being placed in troops. Great job, Raedell! For more on her story, read the Cedar Park Citizen.  

Mission Accomplished!

Troops around Central Texas expressed interest in participating in the Girl Scout Firehouse Challenge this past month after hearing about Oak Hill Service Unit's desire to revive the challenge. Several of you were inspired by their story and decided to show appreciation to your local firefighters by providing delicious meals. Girls also collected donations for those affected by the wildfires. Here are a few submissions we recieved from troops. GSCTX could not be more proud of these awesome ladies. If you did anything in September to support this cause, we would love to hear about it! Submit your stories to us.

Troop 234 paid a visit to their local fire station to personally thank them for their service and pay tribute to the first responders of 9/11.

Troop 311, 396, 1332, 1456, 1504 from Westlake raised more than $4,000 for those affected by the wildfires. All donations were sent to the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts.

Troop 788, 833 and 1546 honored Austin firefighters by providing a special meal to them. The girls were even invited to share the great food with them.

Troop 1021 went to the Georgetown fire station on 9/11 to show support and thanks to the firefighters.

Troop 2253 collected hundreds of stuffed animals and books for Bastrop wildfire victims.

Texas Girl Scouts Share Experience and Skills with Senior Citizens

San Angelo Girl Scouts were recently featured on the national Girl Scout Blog for their work with senior citizens. Check out their story below.

In Texas, the San Angelo Standard-Times reports on the mutually beneficial relationship senior citizens can share with youth through storytelling and skill sharing. Area Girl Scouts recognized this decades ago, and created programming around girls visiting senior living facilities.

"They make a connection in their community across generations, which makes a difference in the person's life," said Stacy McGuire, member services-regional lead of San Angelo Girl Scouts' El Camino Service Center.

Different programs have been in place throughout the past few decades. McGuire said that currently, Girl Scouts can earn a "Community Caring" patch, which centers on a positive nursing home experience for the girls. Girls are encouraged to visit nursing homes, retirement homes, and senior centers, and participate in activities such as singing, games or crafts.

"I like to see their faces," said Charlotta Robinson, 15, a Cadette Girl Scout in Troop 5115. "They tell us they're having fun when people come to visit."

Robinson said that she's visited retirement homes four or five times over the past three years, both with Girl Scouts and her church youth group. She said the visits have taught her how important it is for seniors to have family nearby.
"Some of the people there don't have family, and they miss seeing them," she said.

Do Girl Scouts in your area interact with the Senior community?

 

Firehouse Challenge

Starting next week, Oak Hill Service Unit will show thanks to a few hundred hardworking firefighters by providing dinners to their local firehouses. Their goal is to eventually feed every firefighter in the Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown area and it sounds to us like they are the right Girl Scouts for the job!

The challenge was born back in 2002 when a few Oak Hill Girl Scouts and leaders decided to honor the memory and service of the 9/11 first responders by cooking some meals for two firehouses near them. Next Monday, they plan to do it all again but this time, on a much larger scale.

“Connecting in service and tradition – these are the things that Girl Scouts have sought since the earliest days,” said Oak Hill Troop Leader Kimbol Soques. “Firehouse Challenge is a terrific way to honor the people who put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf and to weave our girls into our nation’s history.”

Oak Hill encourages and invites other service units to join in on the challenge. They are welcome to help with the efforts already in place or start a firehouse challenge of their own. If you are getting involved in any way, please share your story with us. We would love to feature these stories for the month of September!

To all of our fellow Girl Scouts,

We continue to reach out to volunteers and Girl Scout families affected by the recent fires in our council area. Because the needs are immediate, we are asking that donations listed on be dropped off at the Kodosky Program Center in Austin. These needs include but aren’t limited to bottled water, Gatorade, protein bars, diapers, baby wipes, and pet food. Please consult the KVUE website for a complete list. We ask that our volunteers continue to consult our website, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. We intend to ask Service Unit Directors for information on Girl Scout families affected by the fires and will respond appropriately based on their individual needs.


Please continue to keep displaced families in your thoughts and prayers.

Etta Moore
CEO, GSCTX