“THE
BRIDGE”
THE WALNUT CREEK SERVICE UNIT NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2005
FROM YOUR SUD – Daylight Savings –April 3rd, “spring forward” 1 hour
The GS/school year is coming to an end and we are all scrambling to get things done. Be thinking about what role you want to play in the upcoming GS year, as a leader, a mentor, a service team member, or in any other role that you may have an interest in. The most important thing to remember is to prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! Do not try to stretch yourself too thin and concentrate on too many things at once. This will lead to poor performance in the many areas you are involved in, exhaustion, and lack of energy for your families. I desire for all of you to have joy and peace in the decisions you make, whether in the GS program or in any area of your life. Make your choices wisely. I will be handing out “Intent” forms at the next Walnut Creek SU meeting on April 7th, to see what areas you are interested in. Think about this and be prepared to fill one of these forms out. This is also a great time to be turning in your Annual Troop Report, along with copies of your last two bank statements, and any materials you have borrowed. You will receive your troop cookie bonus checks when you have turned in your troop financial report with bank copies and not before. If I can be of any service to any of you, please just call or email me – I am here to serve you! Home -452-5176 or cell-554-9653 or pennypetrich@hotmail.com.
Calendar
April 1 – Cookie Credits mailed out
April 2 – Service Unit Chili Cook Off at St. Francis
April 7 – Service Unit meeting, Grace Church of the Nazarene, 6:15pm
April 9 – Cookie Celebration!!!!!
April 22-24 – Krause Springs Service Unit Spring Camp Out
May 5 – Service Unit meeting – last one of the year
May 14 – Service Unit Pajama recognition breakfast at Applebee’s, 7:30am
May 21 – SU Bridging Ceremony (to be announced)
Walnut Creek-growing girls and adults!
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
Cookie Sale Update from Council (Walnut Creek has at least 14 girls that sold over 1000 boxes!!)
"Forever Memories" was an appropriate theme this year. Lone Star Girl Scouts made the 2005 Cookie Sale worth remembering! Our Girl Scouts sold over 1,850,000 boxes of cookies this year.
For those of you still craving our coveted Girl Scout cookies, you have one last chance! The Opportunity Knocks Clean Up Cookie Sale allows Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts to sell the last of the cookies left over from the 2005 sale. These girls use the proceeds from Opportunity Knocks to experience the many fun and educational events Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council offers. Act soon! Opportunity Knocks ends on April 4th.
Be on the lookout for the new Cookie Credit Card. These colorful plastic cards replace the bulky Cookie Credit Certificates. The Cookie Credit Card makes it easier for Girl Scouts to use their Cookie Credits for Council events and programs, such as Camp Texlake, The Edge, Science in Action, and Sports Camp. Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council will mail the Cookie Credit Cards on April 1st to girls who sold 96 boxes or more. Now you can fax in camp and event registrations with your Cookie Credit information. Simply write in the Cookie Credit Card number from the back of your card onto your registration forms.
Congratulations Girl Scouts - we hope you will never forget all the fun times from this year's Cookie Sale.
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Thoroughly Modern Millie
Next month, plan a special Girl Scouts' night out at the UT Performing Arts center for the entertaining production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on Sunday, April 17th.
Thoroughly Modern Millie was the 2002 season's most awarded new show on Broadway. Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film by the same name, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes audiences back to the roaring 20's at the height of the Jazz Age in New York City.
This Toni award winning performance is appropriate for all ages and will play at the Bass Concert Hall ~ UT Performing Arts Center in Austin at Sunday, April 17th from 2:00PM to 4:30PM. There will be a question & answer session after for performance for Girl Scouts only!
Flier attached to this newsletter!
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Women of Distinction
Many Central Texas women have served their communities without the proper recognition. It's about time we acknowledge them!
For the past eight years, Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council has held the Women of Distinction event to recognize extraordinary women in Central Texas. The Council depends on your support to continue this important event.
We are seeking sponsors and attendees for the Ninth Annual Women of Distinction luncheon on Tuesday, May 31, 2005. By purchasing seats, sponsors help commend the Central Texas women who make a difference in their local neighborhoods, towns and cities. Sponsors and attendees will also enjoy a lunch at the exquisite Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Time Warner Cable will again underwrite this worthwhile gala. For more information please contact Heather Shaw at Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council, heathers@girlscouts-lonestar.org .
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Cadette and Senior GS Opportunity needs help (from Carrie our WCSU Registrar)
I'm hoping that someone can help me with a problem I am having as Walnut Creek SU's Registrar. I have several girls – 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th grade - who wanted to join Girl Scouts this year. Because we don't have a troop to take girls 6th-12th grade, they have been registered as Juliettes.
The problem is, we're registering them, "Okay you're a Girl Scout now," and then there's no follow-up. Unless these girl's moms will get involved and attend our Leader's Meetings, they don't really know what's going on, and the girls have little (if any) opportunity to be a part of the program.
Some of them do work at it on their own, but the new girls have no idea what it is they're supposed to be doing.
It pains me to see girls who are wanting to be a part of our organization, and then slipping through the cracks. So, that's the problem.
My idea is to start a "Juliette Club." Eventually, we may get enough girls of a certain grade (and a willing Leader) to form them into a troop, but in the mean time, the Juliette Club is an opportunity for the more experienced girls to mentor the new registrants into the program. They don't have to meet as often as a troop would - maybe only once a month. I would be glad to help someone get it off the ground (help find a meeting place, etc.). This could also be a great Leadership Opportunity for the older girls.
What do you think? Do you know of an involved adult that might love this opportunity to work with this age of girls? Training is free and available.
Call me if you want to talk - 563-0087 or email me at cmanongdo@austin.rr.com
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Deaf Kite Day
This event is held at the Tx. School for the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress Ave, April 3, 11am – 4pm. For weather updates: www.tsd.com, then click on PTA. Rain date is April 10th.
Contact info: Susie at giumtoli@austin.rr.com or Kevin at ASLplanet@aol.com
This would be a great opportunity for the girls to experience and learn about the school for the deaf – it is actually a requirement for the Lone Star Trooper, to havethe girls visit and learn about someone with disabilities of some kind.
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Samantha Adelman’s Service Project
Samantha is organizing a drive to send CD’s and DVD/s to the soldiers on base and school supplies to Iraq for the families, and children there. Paul Collins is who we are sending packages over to in Iraq and he runs a section that works in the operations center. Here is a link to their web site.
http://www.agd.state.tx.us/36id/56BCT/default.asp
One of the sections is in charge of civilian facility improvements. That’s where the school supplies go.
List of supplies:
Notebook Paper, Pens, Pencils, Markers, Glue, Crayons, Color Craft Paper, What ever you think they need
The cd/dvd library is for the soldiers on base there. They have an internet café and soldiers can check out movies. The sand and dust there scratches them up and they don’t last long. So if you have any old ones that you don’t listen or watch send them to the soldiers for their library.
You can contact Samantha when you have supplies or cd/dvd’s ready for pick up.
Gus’ cell 512-554-9522
E-mail: adelman@arlut.utexas.edu
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Safe Place Walk - April 16th - Do you want to join my team? (thanks Rosalba for sharing)
Cassandra and I are going to be Captains of a team (the team is listed under my name though). Please consider participating in this walk on April 16th to end violence. Be a part of the fun and spend time with friends & family to honor those lost to violence, stand with survivors of domestic and sexual violence and raise money in support of SafePlace's mission to end violence. Learn more about Safe Place: www.austin-safeplace.org
If you're interested in joining the team, please sign up on the website, link below: SafePlace Walk Dell Team Page
If you would to support the cause but cannot participate in the walk, please consider making a tax-deductible donation toward's either Cassandra's participation or my own (Cassandra will be signed up by this weekend): http://www.austinsafeplace.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2005_WALKpage1_homepage&AddInterest=1081
Rosalba Flores - Rosalba_Flores@Dell.com
P.S. from Penny – one of our older Walnut Creek GS that is now an adult, volunteers at Safe Place and runs a Girl Scout troop there for the girls that come in and out of there. Her name is Ducky and maybe some of your girls know her from Texlake. She was in Mary Jane’s troop. Cool huh?
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ACS Relay for LifeA Senior Co-leader in Southern Oaks Service Unit is looking for some other troops to help out with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in Westlake. She is looking for Jr and Sr. Girl Scout troops who can help with the event on Saturday, April 16th at St. Stephen's school. They need help decorating for the Survivor Dinner, serving survivors and helping with clean up. The total time commitment would be from about 5-7:30ish. They are also welcome to stay longer and attend the event which will include some entertainment that the girls might enjoy. If you would like to help please call Anita Garner at 292-1745 or 784-7797 or email her at agarner2@austin.rr.com.
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Flyfishing Anyone?
Learn the basics of flyfishing and begin a lifetime sport.
Fly Fishing Class
For Youth Ages 10 to 18
LBJ State Park near Johnson City
Saturday, April 16th
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At this FREE class, you will learn the basics of flycasting, fly tying and how to be safe on the water. You will try your new skills under the guidance of an experienced angler.
To sign up for this class,
contact Guy Harrison
At 830-895-8696 or email: gunyon003@aol.com
This class will be taught by members of the Heart of the Hills and Hill Country Flyfishers Clubs of Fredricksburg and Kerrville.
Fishing gear will be provided. Bring
drinks and sack lunches and wear comfortable
clothing for fishing.
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Pioneer Farms Summer Camp (thanks Heather for sharing!)
Pioneer Farms is thrilled to be able to offer summer camp this year. Take a moment to consider this great opportunity. Feel free to pass along the info to anyone you think would be interested. It is going to be tons of fun!!
Explore the 1880’s at Pioneer Farms'
Summer Camp
Pioneer farms' volunteers are pleased to announce the return of summer camp this year.
Children will explore different cultures and economic lifestyles of the 1880’s, through stories, crafts, skills, and demonstrations. ~ Spend a day in the home of the Commercial Cotton Farmer, learning how that family spent a typical day. ~ Visit the home of the Middle-class Homesteader, farming for self- sufficiency. ~ Take a day to experience the life of the Tenant Farmer’s family, living in a single room cabin. ~ Explore the lifestyle of the German and Mexican immigrants during 1800’s Texas. Learn more of the daily live of Native Americans and the African Freed Man farmer.
Dates: Week One: June 20 - 24 / Week Two: June 27 - July 1
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $150/child per week. 10% discount for siblings
Ages: Children will be divided into two groups: 5-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds. Space is limited to 20 children per age group.
Contact: Rhonda Leggett ~ poppabrick@yahoo.com or 927-9853 Or see www.pioneerfarms.org for enrollment information
Volunteer Opportunities Available for summer camp 2005
Pioneer Farms is looking for a few good volunteers to help make summer camp 2005 a great success. positions available include the following:
* 5 adult leaders (ages 21 years and older)
* 5 Junior Leaders (ages 15 years and older)
* supplies coordinator (organize & distribute supplies needed for activities)
* Safety Coordinator (make sure 1st aid kits are stocked and at least 1 person with each group is CPR/ 1st aid trained)
* Artisans for demos and instruction (Blacksmith, woodworking, spinning, quilting, etc.)
* Enrollment coordinator
* 2 Roaming Volunteers (assist as needed)
Note: Training for adult and junior leaders will be provided, and attendance is required at all training sessions.
A separate class for children of camp volunteers will be available. This group will be supervised by an adult leader and a junior leader. The volunteer children will be given a comparable program that is tailored more to their knowledge and involvement of the farm. Children of volunteers not directly involved in the operation of the summer camp program will be charged 50% of the regular rate and placed with the volunteer program group.
Please contact Angela Walters at 837-1215, or e-mail cordelia_78681@sbcglobal.net, if you are interested in volunteering for summer camp 2005.
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Bridging Ceremonies/Questions??
With some troops concentrating on bridging activities now, and then culminating in a bridging ceremony, here at a couple of websites you can visit to get some ideas. You can always go to google.com and enter Girl Scout Bridging Ceremonies and get a thousand websites with tons of info on them!
bridging/ceremonies/web site updates For more information on Bridging Ceremonies, go to:http://jfg.girlscouts.org/GS/Ceremonies/Bridging.htm Since GSUSA updated the main web site and replaced the Just for Girls site with Girls Only http://www.gogirlsonly.org the ceremonies page is now at GS Central:http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/ceremonies/
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Camping and Activity Equipment Rental through UT (Thanks Beth for sharing)
This was posted last year, but I thought it worth posting again since camping season is upon us!
I
thought I would post a complete list of what I could rent through UT and
prices. I am happy to help anyone out with renting something for their troop. The three prices are (in order) for
daily rental, weekend rental (friday through monday) and weekly rental.
Best, Beth
Item
Description Daily Rate Weekend Rate Weekly Rate
1-Person Tent Marmot Home Alone $8 $12 $20
2-Person Tent Marmot Swallow 2 p
$10 $18 $28
3-Person Tent Marmot Swallow 3 p
$14 $22 $32
4-Person Tent Eureka Timberline
$10 $18 $28
6-Person Tent Eureka Basecamp $14
$24 $34
Sleeping Bag Marmot Trestles 15°
$6 $10 $16
Sleeping Pad Thermarest Deluxe $2
$4 $6
Air Mattress Thermarest
(standard) $3 $6 $9
Internal Backpack Kelty Red Cloud
(5000 or 6400) $8 $16 $24
2-Burner Stove Coleman (fuel
included) $6 $10 $14
1-Burner Stove Coleman (fuel
included) $4 $8 $12
Lantern Coleman (fuel included)
$4 $8 $12
Fuel Bottle 1 Quart (fuel
included) $4 $4 $4
Cook Kit Coleman Peak 1 $4 $6 $10
Binoculars Brunton Lite-Tech
(12x26) $4 $6 $8
Compass Silva or Brunton Free Free
Free
Roll Table Northwest River $4 $6
$8
Climbing Shoes Five Ten Summit $6
$10 $18
Chalk Bag Metolius (chalk included)
$4 $6 $8
Snorkel/Mask International Diver
$6 $8 $10
Fins U.S. Divers Pacifica $4 $6
$8
Snorkel Package Snorkel/Mask/Fins
$8 $10 $14
Disc Golf Set Set of 4 Discs $4
$6 $8
Ice Chest 40 or 54 Quart $4
$6 $10
Beverage Cooler 5 or 10 Gallon
(round w/spigot) $4 $6 $10
Colored Jerseys Set of 10 $4 $6
$8
Cones Set of 10 Free Free Free
Stop Watches Free Free Free
Flip Scores Free Free Free
Rubber Basketballs Free Free
Free
Footballs Free Free Free
Soccer Balls Free Free Free
Volleyballs Free Free Free
Volleyball Nets Free Free Free
Badminton Racquets Free Free
Free
Badminton Nets Free Free Free
here is the website with the same
information that is slightly easier to read.
http://www.utrecsports.org/home/pages/outdoor/odcenter_rental.php?
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Schlitterbahn Girl Scout Days are coming!
Girl Scout
Days
May 22 - June 22 and August 20, 21, 27 & 28
http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/groupsales-girlscouts.asp
|
Beat the crowds and take advantage of a special discount available to Girl Scouts and their families and friends. Schlitterbahn Waterpark's natural riverside setting and award-winning attractions appeal to all ages. It's 65 acres jam-packed with the greatest variety of water rides anywhere. And while the kids are surfing, sliding and splashing, you can relax knowing that Schlitterbahn is staffed by nationally certified, award-winning lifeguards and licensed EMTs. An advance ticket purchase with a minimum order of five tickets and proof of membership is required for all orders. Proof of membership includes either a copy of your membership card or your group's tax-exempt certificate. Orders must be prepaid and postmarked 15 days prior to your visit. They will be shipped free of charge via FedEx to physical addresses only. Shipments to P.O. Box addresses cannot be processed. Tickets and meal bands will also be available from the Girl Scout councils in Austin, Houston, Lake Jackson, Stafford and San Antonio. No minimum order is required at the council. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the councils. Girl Scout Days tickets will not be available at the gate. For more information, contact Group Sales by phone at 830.608.8532 or by email. Check out website above for more info. |
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Austin Eastside Story Foundation
Summer Camp 2005
Ages 5-13
Locations to be announced
Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Summer Camp Dates and Hours
June 6, 2005 – July 15, 2005
8:00am-5:30pm
Monday – Friday
Earliest Drop off – 7:30am – Latest pick-up 5:45pm
$150 per child – Cap Fee Non-refundable
Money order or Cashier’s checks only
Enroll today – space is limited!
DeWitty Center – 2209 Rosewood Avenue
(512) 322-2350
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Dell Diamond – Round Rock Express – Lone Star Girl Scout night!!
Looking for some fun-filled nights with your fellow Girl Scouts? We have an adventure-packed event sure to please your troop.
On Monday, April 11th at 7:05 PM, come enjoy a fun night at The Dell Diamond in Round Rock with your fellow Girl Scouts and their families. Watch the Round Rock Express play the Iowa Cubs. Enjoy $1.00 hot dogs and $1.00 sodas during the game. Be sure to wear your Girl Scout uniform and bring your unit flag to participate in the parade on the field beginning at 6:00PM. Flier attached to newsletter.
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Request for Community Service Stories
As Girl Scouts, we have a responsibility to serve our communities. Community service outings have become an inseparable part of the Girl Scout Movement. While some service projects receive the attention of local newspapers and newsletters, many efforts go unnoticed. At Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council, we want recognize your service in The Promise, the Council's printed newsletter.
Send us a detailed write-up (50-100 words) about the good you and your troop have done for your community. Please send us photos and information by March 22nd. E-mail us at communications@girlscouts-lonestar.org.
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Earth
Day - It's
My Park! Day
Sign up is now open for It's My
Park! Day volunteers! It's My Park! Day is a new tradition, celebrating Earth
Day by giving back to the earth with park-related projects. The Lone Star
Council Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts will join the Austin Parks Foundation
and over 1,000 volunteers on Saturday, April 23 in an annual community service
day focused on improvements to Austin's park system. Volunteers will meet at park
facilities throughout the city to pick up litter, weed and plant, clear trails,
repair playscapes, and have fun getting dirty.
The Girl Scouts will be helping
at International Shores Youth Hostel (Central/South Austin), Marble Creek
Trail and Springfield Park (South Austin), and Northstar Greenbelt (North) with
trail building, trash pickup, bridge repair, planting native species, creek
cleanup, and other projects.
All registered volunteers will
receive a free It's My Park! Day tee-shirt. Water and snacks will be provided.
Event Date: April 23, 2005
Time: 9AM-1PM
Place: International Shores Youth
Hostel, Marble Creek Trail and Springfield Park, and Northstar Greenbelt
Fee: None
Special Instructions: Wear hat,
sunscreen, and closed toed shoes. Bring work gloves if you have them, and be
ready to get dirty.
For more information call or
email Avery Houser at (512)453-7391 or AveryH@girlscouts-lonestar.org or visit
www.austinparks.org
To register email
AveryH@girlscouts-lonestar.org with names, phone numbers, emails, and troop
number, and park preference (spots will be filled on a first come, first served
basis). Safety-Wise adults must be provided.
Avery Houser
Teen Programs Specialist
Girl Scouts Lone Star Council
(512) 453-7391 Ext. 121
AveryH@girlscouts-lonestar.org
www.Girlscouts-Lonestar.org