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!