VISTA 5:

 See Meeting Minutes (below)

1. Happy February! Please Share With Us!

   • Thank you to everyone who came out on this cold, cold, cold night!
   • A few leaders shared some ideas of what they’ve been doing with their troops:
   • "Dinosauria" is a workshop/outreach program local to Park Ridge. A paleontologist comes to your meeting for about $75 per hour to discuss dinosaurs, bones and show slides. This is a great opportunity to invite another troop to share in this program. You can also work towards a badge.
   • A junior troop working towards their Bronze Award needed an animal shelter who would allow younger girls to participate hands-on. The Tree House Humane Society [www.treehouseanimals.org/index.html], 1212 W. Carmen Ave., Chicago, 773-784-5488 was very accomodating.
   • Advocate Lutheran General Hospital [www.advocatehealth.com/luth/default.cfm], 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge offers free classes for teens, such as a self-esteem class. Call their main phone number at 847-723-2210, and ask about their Learning Resource Center.

2. Recognitions and Awards -- Margaret T. (Park Ridge)
   

   • Currently, Margaret is underwhelmed with nominations!
   • Applications for awards given at our local Service Unit 405 Awards and Recognitions Ceremony/meeting on May 11, 2011 should be submitted to Margaret by Friday, February 11, 2011.
   • There are several awards that the Adult Recognition Task Force would love to give out, but volunteers need to nominate volunteers.
   • NOTE: Please do not follow the application deadline information on the links below. Go to the Events section of our Service Unit 405 web site, or click here to access the Awards Nomination Application packet.
   • Outstanding Leader Pin [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/media/forms/rec_outstandingleaderdescription.pdf] recognizes the leader who has done an exceptionally good job with her troop.
   • Outstanding Volunteer Pin [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/media/forms/rec_outstandingvolunteerdescription.pdf] is for the volunteer who has surpassed what she was expected to do in a position other than that of troop leader (school organizer, event coordinator, cookie mom, troop committe member, etc.).
   • Note: The two pins highlighted above may only be awarded once to any given volunteer.
   • New Found Treasure Award [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/media/forms/rec_nftdescription.pdf] is for a volunteer who was registered last year, and returned this year "hitting the ground running."
   • Hidden Heroine Award [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/media/forms/rec_hhdescription.pdf] is for the volunteer who is always there to help out, but hidden perhaps, doing her job quietly and extremely well.
   • Service Unit 405 Honor Roll is meant to honor volunteers who do not fit the criteria of other recognitions.
   • Additionally, the recognition committee would like to award our volunteers their Years of Membership pins. This pin is for years of membership as both a girl and adult, and issued in 5-year increments. (This is different from the Years of Service pin which recognizes only years of adult service, and is awarded at council luncheons.) If you think you are eligible to receive this pin or know someone else who might be eligible, please complete the appropriate page of the nomination application, or contact Margaret.
   • When completing the Awards Nomination Application, please be as specific as reasonable. Details are important. Generalities such as "she is very creative" are helpful, but what has she done to show her creativity?

3. Cookie Sale Update
   

   • A great big THANK YOU to all our Cookie Volunteers!
   • Allison B. (Park Ridge/Carpenter): Park Ridge Delivery Day Manager
   • Barbara M. (Morton Grove): Site Sale Coordinator, including Loop Site Sale for Service Unit 405 [See Site Sale Update]
   • Sue S. (Park Ridge): Service Unit 405 Cookie Manager, and Park Ridge Cookie Manager
   • Chris W. (Park Ridge): Service Unit 405 Cookie Manager, and Park Ridge Cookie Manager
   • Joyce M.: Morton Grove/Niles Cookie Manager
   • Susie S.: Skokie/Lincolnwood Cookie Manager
   • We appreciate everyone who has volunteered to help. Cookie Sales can be an overwhelming task, but many hands makes easier work.

   • Delivery Day

   • Friday, Feb. 11: Park Ridge; Skokie/Lincolnwood
   • Saturday, Feb. 12: Morton Grove/Niles
   • Please be patient when picking up your cookies. Loading takes time. And it’s cold, and it’s dirty! Please dress appropriately for pick up.
   • If you need additional deposit slips for Harris Bank, please ask your Community Manager when you pick up your cookies. They should have extras on hand.

   • Site Sale Update

   • Last minute opportunities are available downtown in the loop. This is a weekday, all day, indoor sale (offered on days off from school). Cookies will be delivered directly to the site sale. You sell what you can, take your profit immediately, and return any unopened cases on the spot. You are only responsible for opened cases. Please contact Barbara M. (Morton Grove). There is an application to complete.
   • If you are selling at a Dominick’s Food Store, please contact Barbara for a fund raising letter to show the store manager before you start selling.
   • Other site sales are still available. Please contact Barbara for information.
   • Do you need more cookies?
   • Trailers will be available at certain times and locations throughout the community. Contact Chris W. (Park Ridge) for details, or click here [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/cookie-resources] to access the community schedules.
   • Extra cookies will also be available starting around Feb. 19th at the Vernon Hills Regional Service Center (650 N. Lakeview Parkway) during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm). Please call ahead (847-573-0500).

   • Cookie Costumes

   • Thank you to Joyce M. (Morton Grove/Niles) for locating the cookie costumes to use at our site sales.
   • There are 2 costumes available that need to be returned to council when all our site sales are completed.
   • Contact Joyce if you would like to borrow them.

   • Cookie Manager 2011-2012

   • Are you interested in being Service Unit 405’s Cookie Manager for next year (2011-2012)?
   • Chris W. (Park Ridge) and Sue S. (Park Ridge), our current Service Unit Cookie Managers, are looking for one or two volunteers to take over this position. They would like you to work with them for the balance of this year’s cookie program and learn how things are done, as well as working with you next year as your personal consultants. They know that somewhere out there someone is willing to volunteer for this coveted position! Please step forward.

4. Upcoming Events
   

   • Older Girl Event -- Barbara M. (Morton Grove)
     

   • Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 7 pm to 7 am (Sunday morning)
   • Elk Grove Park District Pavilion,1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, near the intersection of Biesterfield and Arlington Heights Rd.
     
   • Cost is $33 per girl (no cost for chaperones)
   • This event is a lock-in open to Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.
   • Activities include swimming, sports, a game room, a video room, and a badge in a bag.
   • A flier will be e-mailed to you shortly. Also, check the Events section of our Service Unit web site, or click here.

   • Leader/Daughter Bowling Event

   • Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 10:30 am to 12 Noon
   • Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062, just West of Waukegan Rd.
   • Come enjoy a morning of bowling, breakfast and socializing!
   • Cost: $16 for girls/$20 for adults (includes shoe rental, fun patch for girls, and raffle)
   • Check the Events section of our Service Unit web site, or click here to access specific event information and download the registration flier.

   • Leader Appreciation Night
     

   • Thank you to Jeannie H. (Morton Grove) and her Cadette Troop #1781.
   • Leader Appreciation Night is also our Adult Awards & Recognition ceremony and takes place at the last Service Unit 405 meeting of the year. This year it will be May 11, 2011.

   • Camp Anokijig -- Nancy F. (Morton Grove)
     

   • Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21
   • Arrival is 6:00 pm on Friday; departure is after lunch on Sunday.
   • One- and two-night stays are available in cabins or tents.
   • Cost: $93.50 per person for a two-night stay; $73.00 per person for a one-night stay.
   • Horseback trail rides are extra ($17 per person). Girls must be 43" to ride. Corral rides are available for smaller girls.
   • The climbing wall will be available at an additional cost, as well.
   • Basic cost includes: all meals (prepared by camp staff; served buffet-style), activities (total of 7 during the 2-day weekend).
   • Open to all age levels, but some of the activities may not be suitable for Daisies and young Brownies.
   • Registration packet will be available by March 1, 2011.
   • You do not need any money to register. Deposit and balance due dates will be outlined in the registration packet.
   • It is best to send in your registration to Nancy via e-mail.
   • Troops will need to bring their own First Aider/CPR volunteer; drivers taking girls other than their own must be registered; Safety-wise ratios must be followed; trip applications must be submitted; at least one volunteer per troop must be camp trained (modules 1 & 2 for cabins; module 3 for tents)

5. Junior Achievement
   

   • Junior Achievement [www.jachicago.org/index.php] is a non-profit organization that has partnered with Girl Scouts to offer programs that you, as a leader, can work on with your troop at troop meetings. The purpose of these programs is to teach girls financial literacy. Girls will receive a patch when they complete a program. These programs can also be tied to badgework..
   • JA’s mission is: to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
   • There is no cost for this program.
   • A JA staff member can do an orientation for leaders. JA kits are available, and free. A manual/guide is included.
   • JA is appropriate for all levels of Girl Scouting (Daisies through Ambassadors)
   • Any girl who has completed a JA program is eligible to apply for scholarships. [See 10. Scholarships below]
   • For more information, please contact Nicole Bistany at nbistany@jachicago.org or 708-456-1400 ext. 236

6. Council News -- Sara N. (Membership Specialist)
   

   • Lots of new items at the Girl Scout Shop in Vernon Hills, especially Cookie items and the upcoming 100th Birthday celebration.
   • The third Journey book is being introduced: It’s Your Story-Tell It!
   • Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm: New Journey Kick-Off Event and Sale at all regional service center shops.
   • 10% off all journey books, awards and keepsakes; hands-on activities; free gift.
   • Click here to access event information and official event flier.

7. Service Unit 405 E-mails
   

   • Thank you to Mary Beth C. (Park Ridge).
   • If you are not receiving the Service Unit 405 e-mails, or you know of someone who would like to receive them, please contact Mary Beth directly. She will put your e-mail address on the distribution list.
   • If you would like an e-mail sent out to the entire Service Unit (to promote an event or other activity), please send the information to Mary Beth typed and ready to go, just as if you were sending the e-mail yourself. This alleviates Mary Beth having to re-type all your information. This is a great help to Mary Beth, and will get your information out much quicker.
   • When you respond to an e-mail from Mary Beth, please check to whom you are responding. Often times the response should go to the volunteer who is sending the information, not to Mary Beth, who is just the e-mail messenger.

8. Training

   • Leaders: please remember that you need to have completed your trainings to continue as a leader. You need:
   • • Orientation to Girl Scouting--This 45-minute training is available on-line. Click here [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/adult-learning-opportunities] to link to our council web site. Scroll down to Orientation to Girl Scouting, and click on the link to begin the training program.
     • Volunteer Essentials--There is a new Volunteer Essentials 2010 booklet [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/volunteer-resources] available to download at our council web site. Classes are also available on a variety of dates in a variety of locations. Please check the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Training Calendar [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/adult-learning-opportunities]. (Dates displayed in this edition are through February 2011.)
     • Grade Level Leadership Essentials--Classes are available for Daisy; Brownie; Junior; and a combined Cadette, Senior, Ambassador levels. Please check the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Training Calendar* for dates and locations. Additionally, Daisy and Brownie Level Leadership Essentials is available on-line. Click here [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/adult-learning-opportunities] to access the council web site. Please remember that when you complete your on-line training course, do not forget to push the Congratulations button at the end of the course. This notifies council that you have completed the training. You may also want to keep a copy of the Congratulations page for your own records.
   • NOTE: Online training may be taken off-line without advanced notice due to the updates and revisions that council is making to all levels of Girl Scouting.
   • When taking a CPR/First Aid training class, make sure your training offers a one- or two-year certification. Not all classes offer certification. Classes taken at the Skokie Fire Department do not offer certification. It is simply a learning experience.
   • Service Unit 405 will not be holding a CPR/First Aid training class locally due to low interest.

9. New Badges and Books

   • Don’t buy handbooks or badgebooks!
   • To complete GSUSA’s 2010-2011 Program rollout, which includes debut of the new Journey series It’s Your Story-Tell It! in December 2010 and The Girl Guide to Girl Scouting in September 2011, Girl Scout Merchandise announces the Group Discontinued List. [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/shop-home]. The list details the status of merchandise items that will be retired to make way for updated badges, activities, and other awards that girls will dive into when they begin using The Girl Guide to Girl  Scouting.
   • Each level will have their own edition of new badge activities, along with updated handbook information.
   • Some current badges, Try-Its, and petals will be retired. They will continue to be available for about a year into the new program (or until stock runs out). There are actually two lists of badges and awards. Go to www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org and click on the Shop tab. Scroll down to Program Transition Updates, or click here [www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/shop-home].

10. Scholarships

    • Kohl’s: every year, Kohl’s recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) for their amazing contributions to their communities. Click here [www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/index.asp] for more information for this valuable opportunity.
    • Build-a-Bear Workshops Huggable Heroes program recognizes young leaders making a difference in their local communities and around the world. This program encourages and empowers kids to become young leaders and honors them for their dedication and accomplishments. Click here [www.buildabear.com/html/en_US/landingpages/lovehugssmiles/huggableheroes.html] for more information.
    • Junior Achievement: Scholarship opportunities are available to any student who has participated in a Junior Achievement program. Click here [www.ja.org/programs/programs_schol.shtml] for more information.

11. Registration -- Joyce M. (Niles/Morton Grove)
    

    • Please turn in all completed girl and adult registration materials to your Community Partner.
    • Don’t forget that all girls and cookie volunteers must be registered to participate in the Cookie Sale.
    • Best Practice: have your First Aid/CPR volunteers and parents who help out at meetings registered, as well.

12. Finance -- Sandy H. (Park Ridge)
    

    • To all TCF Bank account holders: if you opened your troop account at TCF Bank, starting March 1, 2011, a $9.95 monthly service fee will be added to your account unless you have a minimum of $500 in deposits.
    • According to Sandy H. (Service Unit 405 Finance Manager), Girl Scout accounts are exempt from this new service fee. Please check your statements carefully. Please contact Sandy if you have any problems.
    •  
    • Any check written to our Service Unit for events should be made payable to: Girl Scouts VISTA 5. New checks were ordered before council made the change from VISTA to Service Unit, and so as not to incur any additional costs, we will continue to use these checks until they are gone.

13. Girl Scout Week 2011
    

    • Girl Scout week starts Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12, 2011.

14. Next Service Unit 405 Meeting
    

    • PLEASE NOTE: NEW DATE FOR THE MARCH MEETING
    • Wednesday, March 16, 2011

15. Raffle

    • Congratulations to all those who won prizes in our monthly meeting raffle.
    • Thank you to Michele H. (Skokie) for donating some of the prizes.

Think Spring!

Next Service Unit 405 Meeting:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 7:00 pm

St. John Brebeuf Ministry Center