More than 50 million American women were Girl Scouts during their childhood, and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts continues to inspire, challenge and empower girls everywhere.

We know that each and every day, women throughout Cayuga County are distinguishing themselves at work, at home and in the community.

The Girl Scouts-Seven Lakes Council asked businesses, schools and organizations throughout the county to nominate a woman who exemplifies the spirit of the Girl Scout Mission: “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

Nine Cayuga County women will be honored at our 2008 Women of Distinction luncheon at noon Tuesday, April 29, at the Springside Inn in Auburn.

We are pleased to honor:

• Michelle Barber, assistant manager of Five Star Bank in Auburn;

• Dr. Barbara Connor, emergency room physician at Auburn Memorial Hospital and medical director of The American Care for Sudan Foundation;

• Holly Gosselink Davidson, a volunteer in numerous organizations;

• Lisa Green, comptroller for City of Auburn;

• Gloria Richardson Griffin, executive director Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency;

• Brenda Holland, vice president of administration and treasurer of Cayuga Community College;

• Ann Marie Kubarek, deputy director of Cayuga County Employment and Training Department;

• Nancy Snedeker, chief volunteer for Powers Library in Moravia,

• Dawn Thomas, Girl Scout volunteer.

Dr. Christine Haskins-Tardibone will be the luncheon speaker. She is a counselor at Auburn High School and adjunct professor at Syracuse University.

Our emcee for the afternoon is Laura Coburn of Coburn Designs.

We are very pleased to offer this special event honoring the Women of Distinction in Cayuga County and thank the following women for pulling it all together - the 2008 Women of Distinction Committee: Laura Coburn, Ann Marie Cosentino, Marty Davis, Ginny Kent, Karen Macier, Crystal Purcell, Glenda Reinshagen, Deborah Schwarting, Pamela Sheradin and Jane Westlake.

Reservations can be made until April 15. Cost is $25. Make checks payable and mail to: Girl Scouts-Seven Lakes Council, Inc., 300 Route 318, Phelps, NY 14532-9315.

For more information, call 539-5085 ext 2130 or visit www.girlscoutssevenlakes.org.

Happy Girl Scout Leader's Day

Along with recognizing the above women, we want to thank all our dedicated women and men that serve as Girl Scout leaders year-round. National Girl Scout Leader's Day is April 22.

Be sure to thank a leader you know.

These leaders provide the girl/adult partnership so vital to girls' learning values and skills so girls in turn can become strong leaders in their own lives and the communities in which they live.

Cayuga County has nearly 200 adult members bringing Girl Scouts to girls and changing the world around them.

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