Is there a woman in your organization who deserves recognition for her contributions? Is there a woman who has distinguished herself by going beyond what is expected at work, at home or in a volunteer role? Is there a woman whose courage, confidence or character stands out from the rest?

We are sure there is. The Girl Scouts invite you to nominate her to be honored at our 2009 Women of Distinction Luncheon set to be held Tuesday, April 7, at the Springside Inn in Fleming.

We are asking businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and others in Cayuga County to nominate a “woman of distinction” from among their employees or volunteers. We are seeking nominations of women who may or may not have been involved in Girl Scouts in the past or currently, but women who embody the values of the Girl Scout Mission: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

For a nomination form, contact Marty Davis, assistant executive director, at 539-5085 ext. 2130 or e-mail mdavis@girlscoutssevenlakes.org. Nominations must be received no later than Feb. 15.

The accepted honorees will be recognized at the gala luncheon. In addition to honoring each of the Women of Distinction, the program will include remarks by featured speaker, Sue Dwyer, Cayuga County clerk.

More than 50 million American women were Girl Scouts during their childhood, and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouting continues to inspire, challenge and empower girls everywhere. We are very pleased to offer this special event honoring the Women of Distinction in Cayuga County.

Journey to Leadership

I've been sharing with you the new Girl Scout Journeys that take girls from kindergarten through high school on adventures in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.

• Girl Scout Daisy Troop 85 of Cato created a virtual garden by painting 3- by 4-foot pieces of wood. The girls created seeds, plants, flowers, good and bad bugs. At their meetings they wear wings and antennae - all part of the Daisy Garden to learn to live the Girl Scout Law.

• Girl Scout Cadette Troop 967 of Cato has been working on the aMAZE leadership journey, as they learn about building relationships. They've created an anti-bullying sticker they'll distribute at school.

GIRLtopia comes to Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Seniors (girls in ninth and tenth grades) are introduced to GIRLtopia, a leadership journey that invites them to consider the reality of life for girls throughout the world.

As girls take in this reality, they are invited to envision an ideal world - a society that consistently respects their needs, values, and interests.

Through team discussions and reflective experiences, girls act as visionaries who can foresee a GIRLtopia. As the journey progresses, they will create a work of art to represent their ideal vision and then engage in an action project to move the real world one step closer to their ideal.

Local happenings

During the holidays, Girl Scouts could be seen caroling in various towns, including Moravia. Girl Scouts there will head to the slopes this month for a day of tubing at Greek Peak. In February they will participate in a self-esteem program through the Uniquely-Me activities sponsored by Dove, and in March, a community-wide Easter egg hunt is planned.

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

On the Net

For more information on Girl Scouting: Visit www.girlscoutssevenlakes.org