Staff Party

IF my "dirty Santa" gift doesn't get stolen from me, I will enjoy a beautiful handmade glass ornament with delicate filaments spun through the center. I think this is destined to be mine ... Why? Because when I turned 40, part of my gift was a private session with a glass artist! I think 2008 is the year of glass ... fragile but beautiful.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Vote for Girl Scouts!

Woodland Hills Mall is the site for Tulsa Sunrise Rotary's Gingerbread Village this year. And we're here for the kickoff. We have Girl Scout homes in the running for the People's Choice Award, so bring your $1 and vote for Girl Scouts as much as possible through December 13! You can also buy a gingerbread bagel at Woodland Hills Panera, participate in the gingerbread auction December 13 at 1:00 p.m. to help raise money for local youth organizations ... Including Girl Scouts Beyond Bars! In the meantime, come see and vote! Vote! Vote!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Getting to know Becky ...

Part of our Teambuilding Exercises ... We all got to know each other a little better today.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Trouble

Even when he isn't looking for it, Mike somehow seems to invite trouble!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Quick Trip

Our thanks to Quick Trip for an amazing team of people who probably saved us MONTHS of work! Camp Tallchief and Camp Swannie are both much improved thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of one amazing company!

All it takes is one day to make a difference.

Camp Tallchief enjoyed some special guests yesterday. Here Beth Burnett of Channel 2 interviews Mike Thornbrugh of Quick Trip. They had a corporate Day of Caring with a huge team of people who did AMAZING things for our properties. We roughly guessed it would have taken our property staff 3-4 months to accomplish the same amount of work! That is an amazing gift to a nonprofit. A HUGE thank you goes out to Quick Trip!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Influential Women

We just voted on our proposed Board Members and Officers for the Oklahoma Women's Coalition (yep, a name change from "Legislative" coalition). These are some remarkable women!
Our mission is to advance the potential and equity of Oklahoma women and girls (through legislation, advocacy and education - but this part was just eliminated as it is addressed in the "how").
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

50 Proprietary Programs We All Hate--and the OS Alternatives

Love this find ... this is something that can help any nonprofit (even though we get great pricing from some companies) with a wide variety of software alternatives.It's not the price of the software that makes the real difference (although it's a reason to migrate from one software to another for many people); it's the idea that proprietary software comes with boundaries that keep the user experience confined to... well, being the user. Here are 50 commonly used programs that have open source alternatives.

read more | digg story

50 years ...

We met a lovely soul today while meeting at McDonalds. Maribel was a Girl Scout 50 years ago and LOVED every moment of it! Pictured here with Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma CEO, Karen Morgan, Maribel sure brightened our morning!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Girl Scout Good Times

My daughter and I are reminiscing over good times with Girl Scouts.  One of the favorites?  The "sister scout" weekend they spent at Camp Polly with their older sister troop.  It was really a wonderful thing.  The older girls could have run the camp themselves!  We sat back and watched our daughters learn from older Girl Scouts and have the time of their lives.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Girls and Flags and Mayors ... OH MY!

Troop 277 was asked to do the flag presentation for the "Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council" and got a special treat ... they met Tulsa Mayor, Kathy Taylor. Watch for some quotes coming up in our new Girl Scout publication Eastern Oklahoma Horizons! (If you are not a registered Girl Scout or Girl Scout donor, you can sign up to receive the e-newsletter version at http://www.girlscoutseastok.org/ under "News" and "Sign Up For E-mail Lists")

Blazing Saddles

These girls showed their stuff last night! "Blazing Saddles" is our Level 3 horse program and the prerequisite for becoming a WIT (Wrangler In Training). Girls are not just sitting on horses and riding around, but they are learning about the total care of horses (including knowing things like the anatomy in case there is an injury and they need to call a vet and tell him what happened) and the industry as well. Of course, Girl Scouts are great campers, so this camp even includes an overnight trail ride! In the arena, they learn the basics of showmanship, and demonstrate what they have learned to their parents at the end of camp. I brought three Brownies with me who all want to start the horse program next summer. They are PUMPED!

Customer Service

OK, so my phone isn't always the best way to take photos! I'm attempting to blog on-the-spot during our first Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma staff meeting. Keith Huffman of Cox Communications spoke the staff about customer service. Of course, we have many "customers," but the primary customer is girls. I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... GREEN GIRLS ROCK!

Anyway, It is our first all staff meeting as GSEOK ... It is amazing to see all these faces of people dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Hopefully as time goes on, I'll be able to share their stories and help others get to know these amazing women who have become professional Girl Scouts!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

99 (OK ... 40) Green Balloons!

And here I thought I could sneak away quietly for my 40th birthday! Sneaky "green girls" rock!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Nostalgia ... minus the helmet!

As a little girl, my dream was to have a horse. My parents helped me make that dream come true and learn some good life lessons in the process. Both my brother and I were given the opportunity to make one big purchase, but we would have to earn half of the money and our parents would give us the other half. I guess you could call it a "matching grant" of sorts! My brother chose a computer. Me? I chose a horse (ironic now because I'm the one who spends my life on computers). Those were some wonderful years, and I love knowing that my own daughter will be able to have similar experiences through Girl Scouts.

Camp Adventures!

Gotta love the adventure! I love knowing that girls are experiencing exhilarating moments while they are at camp.

Girl Scouts are thinking outside the box!

Click here to see them on CBS!

Bright shiny girls!

Our outreach team is so wonderful. From mounted police to rollerskating rinks, the girls are treated to a week of fun and friendship. But it doesn't stop there! These sparkling girls even had safety courses and are certified in CPR. Wow! You go, green girls!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Phoenix Rising

"Phoenix" is Mary Jessup's camp name. "Click Chick" is mine. Our Camp Director is more widely known as "Skipper" than by her given name. This is part of the culture at camp ... and it's fun. But don't let the fun fool you. There is serious business going on as well!

As Channel 6 featured today, Girl Scouts are serious about taking care of girls. Safety is paramount and we take great pride in knowing that our Camp Counselors are fully trained to handle emergencies. Today's feature? Weather. Are Girl Scouts prepared? You bet!

Phoenix is a great example of growing up a camper and rising to the challenge of leading and protecting younger girls ... you can hear her sound byte on http://www.newson6.com/ or read the story. Click here to go directly to the story.

'Tis the Season ...

... for camp! I can't tell you how many times I have heard adults say that they had no idea what they were learning while they were growing up in Girl Scouting. But as real life challenges start to surface in adulthood, the skills they learned as young girls with their Girl Scout troop begin to surface. Teamwork. Cooperation. Determination. Problem solving. Self sufficiency. These young girls may think they are just carrying water. But step by step they are building their future.

Our Class Rocked!

A group of brave women joined me for the first class I have taught in years. They were WONDERFUL! We talked about creating Web sites, considering alternatives to traditional sites, safely sharing news online and being COPPA compliant. I demonstrated some of the easy (not to mention free!) options available with alternatives like blogs - and took a photo of them with my phone, emailed it from my phone to this blog, and showed them their photo online immediately. What fun!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Zandra and the United Way

Engaging, gregarious and full of life, Zandra charms everyone she speaks to during a video shoot for Tulsa Area United Way. She spoke about what being a Girl Scout means to her. Born with a rare medical condition, Zandra has to overcome many challenges that the rest of the world never things about. She was born without ribs. While you would think that would keep most people from enjoying life, Zandra has not let it slow her down one bit. In fact, she is one of our top cookie sellers! Zandra admits it is her favorite time of the year, and she thoroughly enjoys selling cookies. But above and beyond the thrill of the sale, she talks about how Girl Scouts is her chance to be around other girls and do all the exciting things Girl Scouts do. Her troop meets weekly (led by her physical therapist) and the three nurses that provide constant care also provide "taxi service" and make sure Zandra is part of everything the troop does.

Zandra's story is heartwarming and challenging, which warms my heart in and of itself. But something surprising melted my heart while we stood in Woodward Park waiting for the shoot to begin. She looked up at me, eyes sparkling, "How is your summer going?" She asked and she really wanted to know. Her pure curiosity broke through the world of busy schedules, no-time-for-others lifestyles, and other adult and work pressures. I stopped and realized that I couldn't recall anyone asking me that question, (and I don't know that I had asked anyone else, either). "Why thank you for asking," I said, "I don't know that anyone has asked me yet!" I can't remember what I mumbled initially, but I tried to tell her what I still feel at this moment ... "My summer is definitely brighter after meeting you!"

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma!

Girl Scouts throughout eastern Oklahoma, ranging from Bartlesville to Broken Bow gathered in Muskogee to be part of history on Saturday afternoon as the newly formed Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma was officially unveiled. The new council was formed after three councils -- Bluestem, Tiak, and Magic Empire Council -- agreed to merge, providing greater cohesiveness for Girl Scouts throughout the eastern part of the state.

Nearly 1,000 girls and adults celebrated the union in Muskogee on Saturday. Following a celebratory gathering at Muskogee's Masonic Hall and a commemorative group photo, the group walked four blocks to the Three Rivers Museum for the unveiling of a bronze statue celebrating Muskogee as the city with the earliest recorded Girl Scout cookie sales. The Mistletoe Troop of Muskogee first used the sweet fundraising idea in 1917.

The bronze statue, commissioned by Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council and Little Brownie Bakers, was created by Stillwater artist Phyllis Mantik and will be on permanent display at the Three Rivers Museum.

A Promise To Keep

I wonder if these little girls know that they have made history today?

These Amazing Women

Our Project M.E.N.D. team is yet another group of amazing women in the ranks of Girl Scouts. Tonight we celebrated with Sheila Harbert as she received the "Best of" Award from TCC. Every year, they honor graduates who have achieved success in their fields. This year, Sheila was one of the honorees, and I believe she had the loudest cheering section!

Sasha the Crying Bride-to-Be

With all of the parties going on, it is amazing we managed to keep this one a secret! Our sweet Sasha is about to be married and we wanted to surprise her with a bridal shower. Cameras poised, tables decorated, tall tales in place ... She is escorted to the conference room thinking help is needed in the kitchen. SURPRISE! She cries and disappears from our cameras, but not for long! Click below for the highlights:

Sasha the Crying Bride-to-Be

Our Dear Naomi

We seem to be doing a lot of honoring and recognizing this time of year! Most of it is fun and exciting. But sometimes there is a little sadness, too. Naomi is retiring this year. And while it will probably a wonderful time for her where she can focus on her family, we will all miss her presence at the Girl Scout office!

Celebrate the Magic

Our Adult Recognition Dinner was a well-attended and VERY special evening. From nostalgic photos through the years sprinkled through the decor to honors and recognitions that made one's heart melt, it was definitely an evening celebrating Magic Empire Council and the people who make it so special.

As we make the transition from Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council into a larger council as Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, our heritage will carry the magic into a new era. Two of my favorite moments from the evening are pictured. Above, our outgoing MECGS Board Chair (Sheila Hellen, left) and incoming GSEOK Board Chair (Joan Singleton, right) form part of a friendship circle (or shall I say sandwich?) with our continuing CEO, Karen Morgan. These three women have been pillars of the process and exemplified grace, strength and purpose.

Pictured below is Mary Lembcke, recipient of her 50 Year Membership Pin. As her granddaughter began to help her rise to come forward, the audience rose and gave Mary a standing ovation. Of course, tears fill my eyes. I love to see people honored by others - especially when it is for long-term dedication. 50 Years! It still makes me say, "WOW!" What made the night extra special is that her granddaughter received her 25 Year Pin - and was pinned with her mother's pin (who was not able to attend). Three generations of Girl Scouting! What was also amazing to me is that Mary has been a Girl Scout for almost as long as Magic Empire Council has been in existence!

Beth Burnett Shares Inspiration

Our Gold Award girls had a special treat ... Beth Burnett, a reporter with our local Channel 2 (KJRH). She shared her personal story and encouraged the girls to pursue their dreams. Overcoming obstacles was a way of life for Beth. She made it through some very difficult years in her youth and has become an award-winning reporter. I loved her response when she was invited to speak for Girl Scouts, "I would be glad to speak! That's why I do what I do. I want to be able to make a difference."

Stunned and Stunning

Magic Empire Council held both Gold and Silver Award Ceremonies. It was my first exposure to a taste of what these girls do. It isn't just a "simple project." The list of qualifications just to begin a project is impressive! A minimum number of hours is required when working on these projects, and it's probably more than most adults would ever realize. Not to mention that these aren't girls with extra time on their hands! They are high achievers.

I loved one moment I overheard while a Tulsa World reporter was interviewing one of our girls ... He asked what her grade point average was. "4.2," she replied. There was a moment of stunned silence. "On what scale?" When he found out she held a 4.2 on a scale of 4.0 (evidently advanced courses can earn a little extra!), he was truly stunned. And I loved it. Of course, I believe our girls are simply stunning as it is! But it sure is wonderful to witness a moment where someone else is truly surprised and impressed.

Dominique Dawes Shares a Laugh with Staff

It was our honor not only to have Dominique Dawes, three time Olympian, present for our Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon, but it was our pleasure to give her the ride of her life as well! While she claims the driving of our dear staffer Joann didn't scare her one bit, the stories were already flying ... and so was she with Joann behind the wheel!

E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N it in D3!

The pleasure of having Dominique Dawes was all ours. She spoke to our Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon about E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N, her keys to success. If I hadn't been behind a camera, I would have been taking notes so I could have blogged what each one stood for! Maybe my Girl Scout sisters can help me out with the acronym.

My favorite reference, however, was to her "D-3" inspiration, which she first squirted on her mirror with her father's shaving cream: Determination, Dedication, Desire. It reminded me a little of my "IngShui" elements which are a visual reminder of my desires and goals. I think it is SO important to find ways that are personally meaningful to envision goals!

Two Women Who Made History

Today we had the great privilege of having Olympic Gold Medalist, Dominique Dawes, as our guest at the Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon. She had the pleasure of being introduced to our own Girl Scout "Hall of Famer" Ann Graves, the woman behind JLLS. If I have my details straight, they both have a common connection ... the National Board of GSUSA. Ann Graves has served (and I believe is on the nominating committee currently) and Dominique is hoping to serve. What a beautiful connection!