Happy 95th birthday to the Girl Scouts. On March 12, Girl Scouts across the country will celebrate the day Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls in Savannah, Ga. and began what is now a movement that has helped more than 50 million women be the leaders they are today.

In celebration, March 11 through 17 has been proclaimed Girl Scouts Make the World a Better Place Week. Local Girl Scouts are involved in a variety of projects to help others in our communities and have even planned activities to just have fun.

In Auburn and Union Springs, Girl Scouts are collecting supplies for troops in the Auburn National Guard now serving in Iraq.

Collection boxes are placed at the Big M stores in Weedsport and Union Springs, LIG Computers, Joseph's Salon and TRW.

Girl Scouts will also hold a collection day on March 10 at the Fingerlakes Mall, where they will have materials for anyone that wishes to make cards for the troops.

Items needed: Baby powder, cream, razors, shaving cream (no cans please), toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth wash (no glass), deodorant, soap (bars/gels), shampoo, wash cloths, toilet paper, baby wipes, combs/brushes, cough drops, socks (green/black), T-shirts, greeting cards (for holidays to send to families), stationary (paper, envelopes, pens/pencils), books, puzzles books, playing cards, movies, powdered drinks, soup (single serving, peel top, powdered), hard candy (individually wrapped), gum, crackers, chips, single serving prepared meals (no ham or pork products), beef jerky, trail mix, peanuts, single serve cereals, power bars and breakfast bars (Pop Tarts, Nutrigrain, etc.).

For more information, contact Chris Sears at 253-6559 or e-mail auburn_girlscouts@hotmail.com.

€ In Cato/Meridian, Girl Scouts were collecting books for the community book drive.

€ In Moravia and Southern Cayuga, food and non-perishable baby items will be collected for local pantries in Genoa, Locke and Moravia. Look for notices on your doors during the week of March 11. They will be back around to pick up donated items the weekend of March 17.

€ On Saturday, March 10, Girl Scouts in the Moravia and Southern Cayuga area will enjoy a “Looking Your Best Spa Day.” Junior Girl Scouts (fourth through sixth grades) will have their hair and nails done and learn more about make-up. A yoga instructor will also teach them some techniques to help them keep fit and stress-free.

An Easter Egg Hunt is planned for April 2, at Emily Howland and Millard Fillmore elementary schools.

€ Next month, look here for information on summer fun at our camps. If you can't wait, visit the Web site www.girlscoutssevenlakes.org for the complete booklet of wonderful sessions offered at various locations, including Yaiewano Program Center on Owasco Lake, just south of Auburn. You don't have to be a Girl Scout to attend.

Judith E. Gallagher is communications director for the Girl Scouts Seven Lakes Council, Inc. She can be reached at 539-5085, ext. 721