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Spotlight!

Does your troop or group want to be in the "spotlight"? Send your news worthy story to editor@gswpa.org.

Regional Vice President, Missy Mattera, along with Girl Scout Junior, Rose, and Girl Scout Brownie, Emma, receive a Proclamation from Mayor Sinnott, Mayor of the City of Erie. The Proclamation, celebrating the 98th birthday of Girl Scouting on March 12, also recognizes the Girl Scout program for its role in encouraging girls to reflect on their individual styles and strengths, fostering positive self-esteem and self-image and commending the efforts of community organizations, schools, parents, volunteers and donor support for their commitment to changing the way the world looks at girls.

This year, from March 7 through 13, Girl Scouts celebrate Girl Scout Week—a commemoration of the organization's beginning 98 years ago on March 12, 1912. Since then, Girl Scouting has helped some 50 million women grow up courageous and strong. Continually evolving, while remaining true to core goals, Girl Scouting cultivates values and social conscience in girls—teaching them real-life skills to succeed.

Girl Scouts from several Mercer Area Girl Scout Troops will be honoring Girl Scout Week by completing activities that include: wearing their Girl Scout uniforms to school, fulfilling each part of the Girl Scout Promise, having a Girl Scout birthday party, learning a new Girl Scout song, doing a project to improve their Troop’s meeting place and finally, learning something new by starting to work on a new badge or patch.

Junior Troops 30834 and 30094 from Mercer will kick of Girl Scout week by attending an "Introduction to Therapeutic Riding" program at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center at Slippery Rock University. This program will help the scouts to earn part of the What If I Couldn't Badge disabilities awareness badge from the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. These scouts will also attend a program at Jennings State Park where they will work on the Wildlife Badge. The girls will finish this badge by attending at a program at Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, PA later this year.

Activities such as these would not be possible without the adult volunteers who donate their time and talents to serve the girls in their community. Girl Scout Week is a perfect time for anyone thinking about volunteering to get involved. Did you know that today's Girl Scouts utilize volunteers in many ways other than as troop leader? Men and women, young and old, can share their passion for a particular hobby, become a mentor for an at-risk girl, or organize a tour of their workplace for girls. Once a week, every other month, or even just once a year—all volunteers are welcomed!

To find out how you can ensure that even more girls have the opportunity to grow strong and realize their own potential, call 1-800-248-3355 X 1940 or e-mail joinus@gswpa.org.

Submitted by: Kathy Shaffer, Co-Service Area Manager, Mercer Area Girl Scouts

The Second Harvest Food Bank will host Service Area 3608's World Thinking Day this year. The girls will learn how the food bank operates in addition to how the food bank acquires the food and then is able to get it to the community members who need it. Additionally, there will be two stations set up that will focus on two countries, Peru and Kuwait, where they will learn about the countries and the hunger issues within their communities. The girls will also donate canned goods to the food bank.

On Friday, February 18, after several failed attempts due to the weather, Girl Scout Cadette Troop 40937 finally made it to visit with the residents at St. Stephen’s Living Center in Nanty Glo (formerly Caroline Manor).

We arrived just as the residents were finishing their dinner. What great timing because we brought the dessert! The troop is working on their “Cookies and Dough” Interest Project Patch. Much of this patch concerns the marketing, selling and decision making for the Annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale. One of the requirements of this patch, as with most of the patches at this level of scouting, requires a Service Project. Since we had already planned on visiting the residents here, we decided to have a “Cookie Tasting” with them. We had 3 types of Girl Scout Cookies for them to try – the old fashioned Trefoil Cookie, the Lemon Creams and the new Thank U Berry Munch Cookie. All three where a hit but the favorites were the Lemon and Cranberry!

Submitted by: Carol Kuhar

In Honor of World Thinking Day 2010, approximately 50 Girl Scouts and their Leaders joined together from the Oil City Service Area to learn about nine different countries. To keep with the "Together we can end extreme poverty and hunger” theme, the girls collected Canned goods to donate to the local food bank. Good Job Girls!!

Submitted by: Beth Emick, Daisy/Brownie/Junior Leader

Girl Scout Service Area 2647 participated in the Holiday Tree Gallery at Cranberry Township Municipal Center by decorating a tree with Girl Scout patches and SWAPs. The main goal of this event was to increase awareness of local non-profits in the area, and encourage more people to volunteer and make contributions. The Girl Scout tree was second in receiving popular votes by visitors during the holiday season.

Submitted by: Amy Smith, Membership Manager

A community service project headed up by leader, Nina Kerns was held on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Holy Rosary Gym. The troops in Service Area 3609 (Erie) were invited to participate in Winterfest, a mid-winter beat-the-blahs event to benefit the women and children of Mercy Center for Women.

Troops set up tables with activities appropriate for boys and girls of all ages. Among them were a valentine card making station where the children added their own hand print to the card, a nature table where the Girl Scouts talked to the visiting children about the rocks, leaves, shells and animal parts on display and a make your own Girl or Boy Scout paper dolls table complete with uniforms to choose from.

The host, Troop 30464, also performed a variety of skits and songs on the stage. There was music in the air with clapping hands and stomping feet in the audience.

Submitted by: Jennifer Domowicz, GSWPA Membership Manager

Senior and Cadette Girl Scouts from Mercer had a great time in Erie on Friday, Feb. 12! The first stop was Asbury Woods Nature Center, where the girls learned how to cross country ski and then hit the trails with Steve Wasiesky, the center's Environmental Education Coordinator, and their troop leaders. After skiing the girls completed a service project for the nature center by exchanging the old ski poles that were on the racks for the new ones that Asbury Woods recently purchased with a grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. From Asbury Woods, the girls headed to the Soldiers and Sailors Home on Erie's east side, where they handed out some of the 150 Valentines for Vets that all of the Girl Scout Troops from Mercer hand-made for the residents over the past few weeks. Finally, the girls enjoyed dinner at Smuggler's Wharf on Erie's icy bayfront where the best part was sharing dessert!

Submitted by: Kathy Shaffer, Mercer Service Area

Girl Scouts from Ringgold Service Area got a special treat at a recent meeting when they had the opportunity to record a PSA for Froggy 94.9 promoting the Girl Scout Cookie Sale. Listen to it here…..

Steel Valley Girl Scout Cadette troop poses with Pitt Women’s Basketball Coach, Agnus Berenato, at Game On! Girl Scout Day at the Pete. The girls have chosen Coach Berenato as their ‘women in history’ for Thinking Day and were thrilled to meet her. Steel Valley Girl Scout Cadette troop poses with Pitt Women’s Basketball Coach, Agnus Berenato, at Game On! Girl Scout Day at the Pete. The girls have chosen Coach Berenato as their ‘women in history’ for Thinking Day and were thrilled to meet her.

Submitted by: Vicki, Leader

Girl Scout Junior Troop 20048 of the Bradford Service Area went to a local oil lease to do some of the work for their "oil up" badge.

Submitted by: Bonnie Leposa

Girl Scouts in Forest Hills Service Area dressed up in cookie costumes at their Cookie Rally!

Submitted by: Leslie Adams

The Girl Scouts of Service Area 3621 (Girard & Lake City) gather all their individual troops together each month for themed Service Area events. In November, their theme was The Flag of the USA. The girls learned the symbolism behind each element of our flag, the meaning behind the words in our national anthem, the history of our flag, how to properly fold an American flag and other flag etiquette. They performed a full Flag Ceremony, complete with Color Guard, and created a giant flag from cutouts of their own hands. The girls also sent cards to soldiers overseas wishing them safety and a speedy return home. Girl Scouts are proudly patriotic!

Submitted by: Kim Ozimek, Service Area Manager and Ranee White, Secretary

Each month, the Girl Scouts of Service Area 3621 (Girard & Lake City) incorporate Community Service into their events. This year, among other things, they will be donating non-perishable food and personal care items for their local food pantry, the Christian Cupboard. Each month they will be asked to bring one or two specific items that the Cupboard is running low on. In November, fruit and toilet paper were the requested items. The leaders also brought some empty egg cartons to put the eggs in of a local farmer who has generously donated eggs! The requested items for December will be cereal, plain peanut butter and empty egg cartons. Way to go, Girl Scouts, and thank you for being so very generous and caring!

Submitted by: Kim Ozimek, Service Area Manager and Ranee White, Secretary

Daisy Girl Scout Troop 40767 of Northern Cambria County marched in the Christmas Parade along side the "Grinch".

Submitted by: Sharon Kistemaker

Girl Scout Service Area 4612 participated in their annual Christmas event on Saturday, December 5. This year the girls had to design and construct their own gingerbread house following a set list of rules. The activity helped the girls in learning how to work as a team, planning and money management.

All of the troops did a great job and the level of creativity was outstanding.

Submitted by: Lori Fitzgibbon

Cadette Troop 30712 from Youngsville, PA attended the council sponsored New York City Travel Pathway over the summer. A visit to the Statue of Liberty was among the many and exciting adventures they took part in. They used their fall MagNut and Cookie sale proceeds to fund the trip.

Submitted by: Jenn Fox-Riggin, GSWPA Membership Manager

Girl Scouts from Troop Cadette Troop 30609 and some of their Girl, Cub and Boy Scout siblings spent an afternoon over the Thanksgiving break from school baking cookies to send to Iraq. The scouts made almost 12 pounds of homemade treats which are now on their way to First Lieutenant Sarah Weber, who is currently stationed in Iraq. The Mercer Area Girl Scouts have been supporting First Lieutenant Weber since she was deployed in early 2009. With the Girl Scout cookie sale starting soon, First Lieutenant Weber is sure to have even more cookies headed her way in the coming months!

Submitted by: Kathy Shaffer, Troop leader

While working on their Amaze Journey, the girls of Cadette Troop 51367 of Dunbar Township Elementary School took on the challenge of one week with no rumors or gossiping. Much to my amazement, when they returned after Thanksgiving break, they informed me that while at a sleepover they had sent out text messages to their classmates and involved the entire sixth grade at Dunbar Elementary Elementary School who also succeeded in a week of silence too. Way to go girls. Their leaders are Leah Welling and Wendy DeOre.

Submitted by: Leah Welling

Check out the Cranberry Service Area Girl Scout tree! Thanks to all the Girl Scout Troops who made ornaments and all the leaders who donated their extra patches and SWAPS to help decorate the tree. Empty Girl Scout cookie boxes and pretzel tins look cute as "gifts" under the tree. A special thank you to Karin Summers for donating the tree and to Jean for having the beautiful bow on top made at Michael's. Hopefully this will become a yearly event.

Submitted by: Fran Marofsky

I am always surprised when I ask the younger troops what they want to do as their service project. The ideas and caring these little girls have amazes me. My 2nd Grade Brownie Troop from Monroeville PA decided they wanted to give toys to kids who needed them. When 96.1 Kiss FM announced they were sponsoring Stuff A Bus the girls decided this is how we would donate those collected toys. They got to talk on the radio and the girls were excited to be a part of this event. The DJs made it special for them—taking their picture and thanking them over and over again. To top it off our Membership Coordinator, Crystal Brown heard us on the radio!

Submitted by: Carol Beinhauer, Troop Leader

I just happened to be at the Jackson Township Senior Center when the Jackson Township Daisy Troop 40745, DJ Thomas, Leader, completed decorating the tree they sponsored for the Jackson Township Light Up Night. Groups, organizations and businesses can pay $10 and sponsor a Christmas Tree for the Township Light Up Night. The groups then make or buy ornaments to decorate their trees. The night of the event, all visitors to the area are encouraged to vote for their favorite trees. Winners receive prizes. It's a fun activity for troops to work together coming up with ideas, making the ornaments and decorating the tree. Plus it lends support to our community activities.

Submitted by: Carol Kuhar, Leader

On Tuesday, November 17, Leaders Beth Emick and Kelli Ward Of Oil City Troop 20391 were Proud to Rededicate 6 Daisy Girl Scouts back for their second year of Girl Scouts! The girls were welcomed back with their rededication certificate and a special gift -- a Daisy Girl Scout Necklace. They also welcomed 8 new girls into their troop. These girls were presented with their own tunics and Investiture Certificates. With 14 girls in their troop, we have lots of activities planned to keep these girls busy for the year! Welcome girls!

Submitted by: Beth Emick

Girl Scout Troop 30707 from the Erie City School District participated in this year's Fall Food Share on Sunday, November 1st. The girls had fun making the world a better place and became very excited when the collection box filled up.

Submitted by: Lisa Totleben, Leader

Junior Troop 51043 from Hartwood Elementary School created a gingerbread house which they are entering in the 7th Annual PPG Place Gingerbread House Display and Contest. Houses will be on display in the PPG Wintergarden November 20th (Light Up Night) through January 7th. All houses are available for purchase with proceeds donated to the Children's Hospital Free Care Fund. Troop 51043's house design is based on the Orchard cabin at Camp Redwing. This was the first cabin the troop ever stayed in and they are now seasoned campers. They plan to stay in Orchard again this spring when they go community camping with other troops from the Fox Chapel area.

Submitted by: Anne Carney, Membership Manager

Service Area 3621 Girard and Lake City, PA took part in our annual baby girl basket collection last month to celebrate the birth of Juliette Gordon Low. As part of a tradition, each girl from the service area donates one new baby girl item to be placed in baskets that will be delivered to the local hospitals. This year two baskets were delivered to Saint Vincent Hospital and one to Hamot Hospital. Attached to each basket is a card that tells a little about our founder and why they have been given this gift from local scouts.

Submitted by: Kim Ozimek-Service Area Manager

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 53051 from Laurel Valley Service Area completes their annual service project for the local food bank and church in Point Marion.

Submitted by: Tammy Kimmel, Laurel Valley Service Area Registrar/Product Manager

On Oct 3, 2009, Girl Scout Juniors from Warren County, Bree, Aimee, Claire and Emily enjoyed the Bullseye: It's Archery program held at Camp Hawthorne Ridge.

Submitted by: Jen Fox Riggin

There is a new Brownie Troop 40913 in Jackson Township. Glenna Ditchcreek is the leader and Ginny Hockensmith is their Assistant Leader. They are meeting twice a month, every other Tuesday. The first meeting was held on October 6th. Since the troop is new and many of the girls were new to scouting - they decided to work on the Brownie "Girl Scout Ways" Try-It Badge.

Submitted by: Carol Kuhar

On Saturday, September 12, 2009, Cadette Girl Scout Troop 40937 held a Newspaper Recycling Drive at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mundy’s Corner. Not only did they want to recycle newspapers but they wanted to make the community aware that recycling is good for our earth and that we have recycling bins located within our own township and surrounding areas.

Troop 40937 has been working on their “Eco-Action” Patch by participating in several community service projects and being exposed to educational programs on recycling, reducing and reusing. Because of the involvement of family, friends, area businesses and community, their paper drive was a success!

Submitted by: Carol Kuhar

The Daisy Girl Scouts of Laurel Service Unit Troop 10385 on a trip to the New Castle Police Department as they earned their Respect Authority petal. Girls in attendance, from left to right, were Alyssn, Mackenzy, Ali, Bayleigh, Kaylee, Frankilyn Duddy and Lauren.

Submitted by: Franklyn Duddy

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 40963 combined a field trip to a local radio station with the opportunity to record the fall Membership Recruitment campaign’s public service announcement for Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.

Troop leader, Jennifer York, and assistant leader, Becky Napotnik, accompanied the girls on their tour of Johnstown’s Forever Broadcasting, and all the different stations it houses. Troop 40963 also recorded the Pledge of Allegiance which will play on Froggy 95, on daily rotation, at noon. They met on-air personalities from each station, learned how the recording equipment works and discussed the role of the sales staff in creating radio commercials.

Troop 40963 left the station shouting, “We Rock!” and, “We’re going to be famous America!” They all agreed, “Girl Scouting lets you do so many fun things!”

Listen to the radio PSA recorded by Troop 40963.

Girl Scout Cadettes Lindsay, Maura, Taeler and Marna, along with leaders, Rachel and Angela, were guests on the Saturday Light Brigade on October 10. The Saturday Light Brigade is a radio program featuring acoustic music and family fun broadcast throughout western Pennsylvania. The girls and leaders discussed what they like best about Girl Scouting with host, Larry Berger. Click here to listen to their broadcast.

The girls from Troop 30572 spent their first overnight outing at Niagara Falls, New York. We experienced the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Niagara Legends of Adventure Theatre, and The Aquarium of Niagara, We shopped, of course, and got some cool sandals from the Cave of the Winds tour. We took lots of pictures too!

Submitted by: Sue Beighley and Christine Schrimper, Leaders 30572

Our Service Area 3609 for a May event, had the FIRST "Girl Scout Olympics"! Troops 30842, 30707, 30572, 300032, competed in brain games, physical games, and leadership skill games. Troop 30842 brought extra food and invited us to share in their picnic lunch. Everyone was awarded an Olympic Medal for participating. We are looking forward to having just as much fun at our Fall and Spring Service Area events.

Submitted by: Service Area 3609 Secretary

On August 27, 2009, Cadettes from Peters Township spent the day paddling 8 miles on the Youghiogheny River between the towns of Dawson and Layton, PA. The girls accomplished their goals of earning the Paddle, Pole, and Roll IPP and, of course, having fun in the river! The girls’ favorite activity, and biggest challenge, was swamping and dragging their kayaks, full of water, to the shore.

The troop had a picnic on the river bank, courtesy of Hazelbaker's Outfitters, who guided the trip and provided instruction. It was a beautiful day and the river was quiet. Wildlife seen included a water snake, a great blue heron, fish, and plenty of ducks.

Another highlight for the girls was practicing proper downstream flotation in their personal flotation devices, not too far from where the snake was seen!

Submitted by: Carrie Vanistendael

Girl Scouts from the Cadette and Senior troops from the Johnsonburg Area were presented with a certificate of appreciation from Bendigo State Park at the annual volunteers picnic on September 18th. Park Ranger Holly Dzemyan thanked the scouts for helping with the annual Snow Festival and also for taking it upon themselves to circulate a petition this summer trying to save Bendigo State Park from being closed due to the state budget shortfalls. The girls collecting over 1,400 signatures of concerned citizens and presented them to State Representative Matt Gabler's office. Everyone enjoyed pizza and cake at the picnic and meeting the new Park Manager Jason Heasley. The Girl Scouts encourage everyone to visit Bendigo State Park!

Submitted by: Rachel Kilhoffer

Troop 30747 volunteered Saturday, September 26, at Grace Church in McKean to assist Operation Christmas Child to pack over 5,000 shoe boxes to send to children facing poverty, war and disease in over 100 countries. The goal of 5,000 boxes was met and then exceeded by an additional 5,000 boxes. The boxes all contained items that are commonly discarded in our country...pencils, crayons, spiral notebooks, toothpaste & toothbrushes, hard candy and a small stuffed toy as well as other small apparel.

Submitted by: Priscila Mirone, Leader, Junior Troop 30747

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania took part in the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium's Elephant Day on Sunday, September 20. Elephant Day celebrates the September births of the the zoo's elephants, Callee and Victoria. The event featured games, face-painting and crafts. Girl Scouts greeted girls and their families with fun giveaways of temporary tattoos and Eco-Ellie merchandise. 15 year olds Hannah and Jessica and 9 year old Chloe went on mic with Radio Disney's Rockin' Road show and shared what they like best about being Girl Scouts. A 'ton' of fun was had by all in attendance!

Seven girls in Troop 30056, Summit Township in Erie, completed their Bronze Awards. The girls will be receiving their Bronze Awards at a Ceremony to be held in November.

Six of the girls worked together by making two Peace Poles and planting one on the playground at Robison Elementary and the second Peace Pole at Camp Hawthorne Ridge in Fairview. The Peace Pole at Robison Elementary was dedicated on September 21, 2009 - the International Day of Peace - while the Pole at Hawthorne Ridge was planted and dedicated on September 20.

The two Peace Poles Troop 30056 completed have 8 languages. In addition to the English "May Peace Prevail on Earth," the Peace Pole at Robison Elementary has this message of Peace in Polish, German, Chinese and Romanian. The second Peace Pole at Camp Hawthorne Ridge also has the additional languages of Peace in French, Italian and Cherokee. Girls signed each side of the Pole for the language they selected.

Girls who worked on this Peace Pole project are: Kasey Fries, Victoria Grimaldi, Elizabeth Havican, Jillian Snarski, Kaitlyn Williams and Rachael Wilson. The girls would like to thank Mrs. Hargest, principal at Robision, for selecting the location of the Peace Pole near the playground; the Fort LeBoeuf School Board for granting permission to plant this Pole on school property; Mary Havican for storing the Poles and driving them to their locations; GSWPA for granting permission to plant one Pole at Camp Hawthorne Ridge; and to Kevin Fries, Brian Williams and Jeff Wilson for digging the holes to plant the Peace Poles.

Kayla Goellner worked independently on her Bronze Award by collecting 118 new and nearly new books to donate to the Shriner's Hospital in Erie. Patients and visitors will have the opportunity to peruse and read the books that will be placed in a reception area. A clear tote was donated along with the books to keep the books in a good portable container.

Congratulations to these very worthwhile Bronze Award recipients!

Submitted by: Cassie Williams and Keri Fries, leaders Troop 30056

Adrianne Kuhar of Johnstown donated a variety of children’s books for the children at Miners Medical Center. She collected books to donate to hospitals and agencies as her service project earning her Girl Scout Bronze Award. Pictured: Lisa March, OR Technician, Adrianne and her friend Ashley and Connie Hromoko, RN, seen with some of the donated books.

Submitted by: Martha Miller

In the fall of 2008, candidate Kathy Dahlkemper met with Junior Troop 30765 to help the scouts complete their Model Citizen badge. She invited the girls to visit her in Washington D.C. if she won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She did win and this summer, Representative Dahlkemper, met the troop as they toured the U.S. Capitol. During their five-day trip, the girls spent their days in D.C. touring monuments and Smithsonian museums. They conquered the Metro subway system and walked miles and miles along the Washington Mall. They even spent an evening in Georgetown, visiting the shops and eating at a restaurant. On the last full day of their trip, the girls led a wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon and took the National Treasure Movie Tour of our first president’s home. We had a great time together and brought home memories we’ll keep for a lifetime.

Submitted by: Amy Fugate, Leader, Junior Troop 30765

Girl Scout Cadette Troop 24123 held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ on June 6, 2009. They also earned their Silver Award by completing the requirements.

Submitted by: Melissa Gustafson, Girl Scout Troop 24123

After years of participating in the MagNut and Cookie programs and car washes, the girls of Ambassador Troop 50773 took their dream trip in mid-June, spending a week at Pax Lodge in London. This was the first trip overseas for most of the girls and the first plane ride ever for one of them!

Click here to read more about their trip.

Submitted by: Mary Beth Taylor

Congratulations to Amanda C and Maddie H of Girl Scout Troop 54070 for earning all of their Brownie Try-Its. Way to go girls!

Submitted by: Nicole S., Troop Leader

"On our [Troop 30265] trip to New York City we did many exciting activities. We went to Times Square and the Hard Rock Cafe before going to see Mama Mia! on Broadway. The next day we took a ferry ride over to Liberty Island and saw the Statute of Liberty and then took the ferry over to Ellis Island. Afterward we went to see Phantom of the Opera - it was absolutely phenomenal! After dinner that evening we went to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building and saw a gorgeous rainbow...and the view was breathtaking. The day we left we took a tour of all of the historic locations in New York City including where George Washington was sworn in as President, Trinity Church, Wall Street, the first firehouse to respond on 9/11, and where the Twin Towers once stood. We topped off the day with shopping in China Town before heading home."

Submitted by: Liz Williams, Troop 30265, Summit Township, Erie, PA

Kristen Farrell of Tionesta Troop 30410 completed 12 years in Girl Scouts. Kristen recently flew up to adults at our award ceremony. She earned her junior aide badge, served as a program aide at Birdsall Edey day camp for the past 5 years and earned the Career Exploration IPA. Kristen will attend Clarion University - Venango Campus this fall majoring in Criminal Justice. Good Luck Kristen! We will miss you.

Submitted by: Amy Farrell

During our deployment, Girl Scout Troop 30574 from Albion, PA has been a constant source of gifts from home, most of them hand made. These girls may never know the true impact that they have had on us."

In October of 2008, the Halloween candy and homemade cards had some of us wondering if the girls actually saved anything for themselves. November brought a flock of happy Thanksgiving turkey cards. In December we received a boat load of Christmas cards and cookies, once again bringing a happy holiday. February was not to be out done by the other holidays, the hand made cards, cookies and chocolates once again reminded all of us that we are not forgotten during our duties away from home.

Troop #30574 has brought great credit to themselves and to Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania and has lifted the spirits of many deployed soldiers. Thank You

Submitted by: The 1-112 SBCT S-6 - Sgt Charles Doritty

Brownie Troop 53026, Junior Troop 53155, and Cadette/Senior Troop 53011 in the Laurel Valley Service Area recently went tent camping at Camp Roy Weller in Bruceton Mills on Primitive Site 1. The girls learned various outdoor skills while working on a Camping badge.

Submitted by: Bobbie Jo Ellsworth, Service Area Manager

In March, after saving cookie money for several years, Cadette Troop 20474 from Freeport/Sarver took an overnight trip to Washington DC. The girls spent two days exploring the many museums that DC has to offer. On Sunday morning the girls had the honor of presenting the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The girls had a great time learning about some of the history of America and the world. A good time was had by all!

Submitted by: Paula Breier, Troop Mom

Girls from Troop 51907 in Peters Township sent boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the Los-Angeles class fast-attack submarine, which is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London. They collected 48 boxes of donated cookies from friends and neighbors and 48 more from other troops around the township. The commanding officer and crew of USS Pittsburgh stand pier side after receiving the cookies on June 22. The troop collected donated cookies from friends, neighbors and other troops around the township, then sent them to the namesake submarine with a note thanking the crew for their service to the country. US Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers.

Submitted by: Lori Roberts, Membership Manager

Brownie Troop of 54039 of Ringgold Service Area made an impact on their community by planting 3 small butterfly gardens and a butterfly bush and also picking up trash at Tubby Hall Park in New Eagle, PA. The project was part of their Brownie Quest. The girls planned the project themselves by brainstorming possible needs in the community, putting together a list of possible service project choices, and using the Brownie Ring to vote on a project. Once they decided to have a "community cleanup", the girls then broke into groups to plan their service project. They put their heads together to decide what things they needed to bring to the project and what safety rules they would need to abide by. The girls chose a "community clean-up" project because they were interested in helping their community and wildlife in the area. When the project was complete, the girls were most proud of the fact that they helped their community and the Earth. Congratulations to Troop 54039 for completing the Brownie Quest this year! Remember - it's your world - and you can change it!

Submitted by: Jennifer Nedrich, Leader Troop 54039

From the Animal Friends Newsletter. “Hats off to the following groups who held supply drives for Animal Friends. Our animals thank you!” Girl Scout Troops 583, 581, 25 and 869.

From the Animal Friends Newsletter. “We were impressed with the creative fundraising ideas the following students came up with. Thank you for your ingenuity and compassion! We hope you inspire other student groups to do the same.” Girl Scout Troop 50329, Father-Daughter Dance and Girl Scout Troop 937, square dance, St. Philip School, Jeans Day.

Two Mercer Area Girl Scouts had the opportunity to meet U.S. Congresswoman, Kathy Dahlkemper recently while she was at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge. The girls traveled to the Wildlife Refuge with the organizers of GSWPA Boot Camp. Congresswoman Dahlkemper is attending the camp on August 4th and the organizers wanted to thank her for her commitment to attending Boot Camp and for her continuing support of Girl Scouts. Three Mercer Troops are planning to travel to Washington, DC next year and hope to arrange for a tour of the Capitol Building through the Congresswoman's office.

Submitted by Kathy Shaffer, Service Area Co-Manager and Co-organizer of GSWPA Boot Camp

Girl Scouts in the Laurel Valley service unit recently had an overnighter at the Carnegie Science Center. They explored all 4 floors of exhibits, had some science workshops, watched an Explosions science show, "Under The Sea" Onimax movie, and a Buhl Digital Dome Show. They also toured the Submarine. The ages groups were from Daisies to Seniors.

Submitted by: Bobbie Jo Ellsworth, Service Unit Manager

On June 13, 2009, Girls in Brownie Troop 53026, Junior Troop 53155 and Cadette/Senior Troop 53011 recently attended a one day bus trip to Gettysburg, PA. They learned about the history of the Civil War.

Submitted by: Bobbie Jo Ellsworth, Laurel Valley Service Unit Manager

On Sunday, Dec 21, 2008 Girl Scout Junior Troop #10384, led by Teri Duddy and comprised of fourth graders, held a Benefit Skating Party at Ellhurst Skating Rink for the Conrad Family whose home was severely damaged by fire in November. The Conrad’s are active volunteers in the Laurel community and their three daughters attend Laurel Schools.

The girls decided to hold the benefit instead of having their own yearly Christmas Party and purchased gifts for the Conrad’s instead of for themselves. They also collected canned goods and arranged two large boxes with kitchen and bath items. The Troop raised over one hundred dollars with the help of friends and family members that were also invited to the rink.

Submitted by: Faith Palmer, Communications for Troop 10384

On Monday, June 1, 2009, Troop 20391 proudly bridged 9 Daisy Girl Scouts to Brownie Girl Scouts.

Submitted by: Beth Emick, Leader

Girl Scout Junior Troop #10384 from Laurel Service Area honored World Thinking Day by informing their local community. The theme this year was “we can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases.” The troop split up into different groups to make a radio infomercial about these issues. Each group researched the topics and also created a poster to go with their theme. The next step was presenting their show to the public. A field trip to Westminster College Titan Radio gave them that opportunity. Not only did they tour the station and experiment with the radio equipment, they also got to record the programs they created.

Submitted by: Faith Palmer, Communications for Troop 10384

On Sunday, May 17, 2009 troops in Hempfield/Jeannette Service Area of Westmoreland County volunteered to help out one of their own girls in their service area, Fallyn McNamara, who is diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The girls volunteered to sing, get petitions signed, seat VIP attendees, clean up, pass out information on RDEB and do a Girl Scout recruitment table at the event to help Fallyn. The girls had a great day! Click here to see a photo slideshow of the event.

Brownie Girl Scout Troop 10387 from Laurel Elementary School delivered over 120 pounds of pet supplies and $30 in monetary donations to the Lawrence County Humane Society. Items were collected during a week-long drive held at Laurel Elementary School. To prepare, Troop 10387 visited the Humane Society in April to learn about the organization’s work to provide a safe haven for animals. The girls toured the facility, met some of the animals and designed dog and cat shaped bins to collect donations at the drive.

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