What a fun trip we had! After we realized we had somehow missed the Flow Rider tour, a kind Jay Peak maintenance man named Scott said he would still give us a tour of the entire downstairs, UNDER the park! However, we had a 14-1 vote in favor of staying in the park and not doing the tour. So, we had more time to splash around! Some girls tried out the Flow Rider (surfing)! Many of us enjoyed the various slides (with and without tubes), the Lazy River, climbing wall, pool and hot tub! I don't know about all of your girls, but I was exhausted after the trip!! :)
Sorry that I didn't take any photos, but water and my phone do not mix well.
Special and important thanks to all of you for putting up with my many, many emails and paperwork, and to our drivers and volunteers: Jen Matthews, Naima Green, Jean Murray, Kristin Darcy, Dave Keller & Tom Delaney, as we couldn't have done it without all of you!!!!!
Please note that the fun "water park" patches the girls received are to be ironed onto the back of the sash and should be reinforced with some stitching, as the iron-on patches tend to fall off.
Thanks for supporting our girls! And "YAY" to a fun trip!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Food Pantry visit
We walked our food donations over to the Trinity Church, where we met Theresa Murray-Clasen, director of the Just Basics Food Pantry. She gave us a tour and asked the girls what Philanthropy meant. She explained the difference between the Food Bank (really big) and Food Pantries (smaller). She asked them the difference between non-perishable and perishable food. The Food Pantry does accept perishable food from places such as: Panera Bread, Shaw's, Hunger Mountain Co-op and Manghi's. They also receive food from the Food Bank (in Barre) as well churches, food drives and from many individual donors. Theresa didn't mention that they also receive fresh produce and eggs from volunteers gleaning the Farmer's Market and local farms. (I know this, because I am a gleaner!) UES donated 600 lbs. of food this year and the high school donated 500 lbs. (Way to go, Union!!!) Efficiency Vermont donates light bulbs so people can cut down on their electric costs.
Just Basics Food Pantry serves: 72,000 meals per year; 5,000 people per year; 275 families per year. 75% are adults. 1/3 are children. Each shopping experience provides enough food for 2 weeks. Most people come once per month, some people they only see once or twice. This Food Pantry serves Middlesex, Worcester, Calais, East Montpelier and Montpelier.
Volunteers take the donations, weigh them, record the donor's name, address & weight of donation so Just Basics can send a thank you note and donors can be aware of how much they donated. Perishable food is put in refrigerators.
Shaw's donates shopping carts and baskets, so people can come in and feel like they are having a real shopping experience. Volunteers help sign shoppers into the shop. "They are really nice to everybody," Theresa shared.
Brownies weighed their donations (put in a postal box, then subtracted 2 lbs. for the weight of the box), recorded the weight and processed the food (put in right place on shop's shelves). They also went into a big room where there were boxes categorizing the type of food. This must be where larger donations go after they are weighed to get sorted. First, girls had to check the expiration dates. If the food is expired, it goes on the "Old Fogies table". If it isn't then, it gets sorted into the appropriate box. Our Brownies donated 32 pounds of food!!
This was an amazing learning experience for the girls and they were really engaged with the process! Thank you to Theresa!
Just Basics Food Pantry serves: 72,000 meals per year; 5,000 people per year; 275 families per year. 75% are adults. 1/3 are children. Each shopping experience provides enough food for 2 weeks. Most people come once per month, some people they only see once or twice. This Food Pantry serves Middlesex, Worcester, Calais, East Montpelier and Montpelier.
Volunteers take the donations, weigh them, record the donor's name, address & weight of donation so Just Basics can send a thank you note and donors can be aware of how much they donated. Perishable food is put in refrigerators.
Shaw's donates shopping carts and baskets, so people can come in and feel like they are having a real shopping experience. Volunteers help sign shoppers into the shop. "They are really nice to everybody," Theresa shared.
Brownies weighed their donations (put in a postal box, then subtracted 2 lbs. for the weight of the box), recorded the weight and processed the food (put in right place on shop's shelves). They also went into a big room where there were boxes categorizing the type of food. This must be where larger donations go after they are weighed to get sorted. First, girls had to check the expiration dates. If the food is expired, it goes on the "Old Fogies table". If it isn't then, it gets sorted into the appropriate box. Our Brownies donated 32 pounds of food!!
This was an amazing learning experience for the girls and they were really engaged with the process! Thank you to Theresa!
 |
| Learning about the Food Pantry |
 | |
| Putting our donated food into Postal box |
 |
| Weighing our donated food |
 |
| Processing our donated food |
 |
| Checking for expiration dates |
 | |
| Checking dates and getting ready to sort the food |
 | |
| Wrapping up |
 | |
| Trinity Church from the back |
Liveable Wage, Thrift Stores, 211, & Guest Speaker re: emergency know-how (flooding)
Girls are learning all about Vermonters' needs and resources. They learned what a "livable wage" is ("the hourly wage or annual income sufficient to meet a family's basic needs plus all applicable Federal & State Taxes") and how many Vermonters do not earn a livable wage ("1 out of 4 full-time workers earned less than a liveable wage for a single person ($24,086/yr) in 2003")*. We discussed that there are times Vermonters who DO earn a livable wage sometimes need help, too. It's nothing to fear, however, there are times when families need some extra help due to a natural disaster or an illness - that can make families fall behind in their bills.
*VT Liveable Wage Campaign 2007
As part of Step 3 of the Philanthropist Badge (Talk about people in need of clothing and charities to volunteer to), girls learned about local clothing resources:
Salvation
Army: 25 Keith Avenue, Barre,
VT 05641; 476-5301 Information &
Services;
211 or http://www.vermont211.org/
Step 4 of Philanthropist Badge: Know how to help in times of emergency
Rebecca's sister, Katie, was our guest speaker! She is a nurse and was working at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury when Tropical Storm Irene hit. She talked with girls about what you need and what you should do during a flood (girls mentioned: clothing, place to stay, call for rescue, clean drinking water and Katie shared the need to get to higher ground).
*VT Liveable Wage Campaign 2007
As part of Step 3 of the Philanthropist Badge (Talk about people in need of clothing and charities to volunteer to), girls learned about local clothing resources:
CLOTHING
DONATION SITES/THRIFT STORES: IMPORTANT TO RESEARCH CHARITIES BEFORE YOU GIVE!!!
The
Bene-fit shop (CVMC): 15 Cottage Street, Barre, VT 05641; 279-4309 Information &
Services 371-5364 Volunteer Services
Information; http://www.cvmc.org
Trinity United Methodist Church: 137
Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05601; 229-9158 Information &
Services Church Office; http://www.trinitymethodistvt.org
Goodwill (S. Burlington): 1080
Shelburne Road, South Burlington, VT 05403; 802-658-5359 Information &
Services http://www.ginne.org
Goodwill (Williston): 329 Harvest Lane
Williston, VT 05495; 802-879-0088 Information & Services
211 or http://www.vermont211.org/
Vermont
2-1-1 is the number you dial to find out about hundreds of important
community resources, like emergency food and shelter, disability
services, counseling, senior services, healthcare, child care, drug and
alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation needs, educational
and volunteer opportunities, and much more.
2-1-1 is not an emergency number like 9-1-1, nor is it directory assistance like 4-1-1.
2-1-1 is your first step toward solving everyday problems or when you face difficult times.
It’s a free service. It’s confidential. It’s 24/7.
Step 4 of Philanthropist Badge: Know how to help in times of emergency
Rebecca's sister, Katie, was our guest speaker! She is a nurse and was working at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury when Tropical Storm Irene hit. She talked with girls about what you need and what you should do during a flood (girls mentioned: clothing, place to stay, call for rescue, clean drinking water and Katie shared the need to get to higher ground).
Staff had heard that some water had to be let out of the Marshfield Dam, so the question was, when would that water hit Waterbury? Many staff were dealing with their own flooded homes, but went in to work to help out. There were about 40 staff members there that night. Staff, not being fully prepared for this event, were quick to explain to patients what was happening and brought them all up to the second floor. Water filled the first floor and was seen rising towards the 2nd floor from a window. There were thoughts about needing to move up to the 3rd floor. Most cell phones stopped working and the fire alarm was making noise for about 3 hours when the power went out. All of the electrical system was flooded and maintenance were unable to turn off the fire alarm (which eventually stopped when the batteries died). The supervising nurse was able to get a call in to the National Guard with her cell phone. The National Guard delivered bottled water in huge trucks. McDonald's donated food and the Red Cross delivered it. Around midnight the water started to go down. New placements were found for the patients and the building closed. The efforts of the staff, and Katie, were praised.
 |
| Katie received an award for her efforts that night. She also got her photo in the Times Argus twice! |
Wants & Needs Posters - made by your Brownies!
 |
| Can you find the gigantic s'more? Who wouldn't want that?!? |
 |
| More wants |
 | |
| Then we get serious! |
Monday, May 5, 2014
3 Squares, stories of people making a difference with Hunger, and Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace!
The girls spent last meeting learning more about Hunger and the resources available to us, as a country. Rebecca talked about the history and services of 3SquaresVT which is available for Vermonters in times of need. At the national level, it is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. It is a federal USDA program (formerly food stamps) that can help stretch your food budget so you can put three healthy meals on your table every day.
The girls also heard about two other people who have made a difference in the lives of people who suffer from Hunger. Knowing that food insecurity is a global problem, Nyla Rodgers helped launch a cross-continental foundation (Mama Hope, in Kenya) to combat it (Women's Health, October 2013). Eight year old William Winslow learned about child hunger in school and decided to launch a food drive for the charity BackPack Buddies in Raleigh, NC. William and 50 volunteers (mostly friends that he trained) collected over $3,000 and some 3,300 pounds of food. (The Week, April 25, 2014).
The quote of the month: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
One of our Brownies traveled to Savannah, Georgia and came across Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace! She shared these photos and did a nice job presenting the pictures and sharing some information about this trip.
The Brownies have filled up one penny jar and hopefully will continue to fill up more as we work on this badge. Please remember pennies and some non-perishable, non-expired food items this week and next! If you have any clothing you were wanting to get rid of, we'll take that, too!
Thanks for your support!
Lara
The girls also heard about two other people who have made a difference in the lives of people who suffer from Hunger. Knowing that food insecurity is a global problem, Nyla Rodgers helped launch a cross-continental foundation (Mama Hope, in Kenya) to combat it (Women's Health, October 2013). Eight year old William Winslow learned about child hunger in school and decided to launch a food drive for the charity BackPack Buddies in Raleigh, NC. William and 50 volunteers (mostly friends that he trained) collected over $3,000 and some 3,300 pounds of food. (The Week, April 25, 2014).
The quote of the month: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
One of our Brownies traveled to Savannah, Georgia and came across Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace! She shared these photos and did a nice job presenting the pictures and sharing some information about this trip.
In front of a century plant in the gardens.
The Brownies have filled up one penny jar and hopefully will continue to fill up more as we work on this badge. Please remember pennies and some non-perishable, non-expired food items this week and next! If you have any clothing you were wanting to get rid of, we'll take that, too!
Thanks for your support!
Lara
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99Ne
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99Ne
Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99
Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme100502.html#8WXLzpfXmDSg1um3.99
Monday, April 28, 2014
Look who one of our Brownies met over vacation!
See if you can spot our Brownie in the mix!
From Rebecca: Just wanted to send you this picture of Canadian Brownies and Sparks (equivalent to Daisies) whom we met at the planetarium in Montreal this weekend. It was so cool! And they gave us a box of Canadian Girl Scout (actually Girl Guide) cookies. Fun to see the international network of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in person!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Did you know these Hunger Facts? Vermont and Washington County Facts - Philanthropist Badge
Hi Brownie parents,
Tonight, your Brownies worked on identifying "wants" and "needs" by dividing into groups and cutting out pictures in magazines to add to a "WANTS" poster and a "NEEDS" poster. We learned that "wants" are easy to identify and that there are many "wants"! We also learned that sometimes there seems to be a fine line between a want and a need (examples we discussed are cell phones and eye glasses).
We only need 4 things to survive:
They also learned the following about Vermont's statistics and definitions of Hunger. From Hunger Free Vermont website:
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times due to lack of financial resources. Adults in households determined to be food insecure are so limited in resources that they are running out of food, reducing the quality of food their family eats, feeding their children unbalanced diets, or skipping meals so that their children can eat.
Food Insecurity in Vermont
Population Survey of the United States Census.
The 2013 estimated population of Vermont is 626,630, according to the United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/50000.html
What is Food Insecurity with Hunger?
Households that are classified as food insecure with hunger are those food insecure homes in which adults have decreased the quality and quantity of food they consume to the point where
they are likely to be hungry on a frequent basis, or in which children’s intake has been reduced to the point that the children are likely to be hungry on a regular basis and adults’ food intake is severely reduced.
Food Insecurity with Hunger in Vermont
Population Survey of the United States Census.
Washington County:
http://www.hungerfreevt.org/learn/what-is-the-issue
To learn about Hunger statistics by county in Vermont:
https://www.hungerfreevt.org/learn/statistics
To find a food shelf or get involved in helping to feed Vermont:
http://www.vtfoodbank.org/
Tonight, your Brownies worked on identifying "wants" and "needs" by dividing into groups and cutting out pictures in magazines to add to a "WANTS" poster and a "NEEDS" poster. We learned that "wants" are easy to identify and that there are many "wants"! We also learned that sometimes there seems to be a fine line between a want and a need (examples we discussed are cell phones and eye glasses).
We only need 4 things to survive:
- A roof over your head
- Enough food and water to maintain your health
- Basic health care and hygiene habits
- Clothing (just what you need to remain comfortable and appropriately dressed)
They also learned the following about Vermont's statistics and definitions of Hunger. From Hunger Free Vermont website:
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times due to lack of financial resources. Adults in households determined to be food insecure are so limited in resources that they are running out of food, reducing the quality of food their family eats, feeding their children unbalanced diets, or skipping meals so that their children can eat.
Food Insecurity in Vermont
- 85,000 Vermonters are food insecure (13% of all Vermont households)
- 25,400 Vermont children live in food insecure homes (21% of Vermont children)
- 7,800 Vermont seniors are living with food insecurity (6% of Vermont seniors)
Population Survey of the United States Census.
The 2013 estimated population of Vermont is 626,630, according to the United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/50000.html
What is Food Insecurity with Hunger?
Households that are classified as food insecure with hunger are those food insecure homes in which adults have decreased the quality and quantity of food they consume to the point where
they are likely to be hungry on a frequent basis, or in which children’s intake has been reduced to the point that the children are likely to be hungry on a regular basis and adults’ food intake is severely reduced.
Food Insecurity with Hunger in Vermont
- 30,000 Vermonters living in food insecure homes struggle with hunger (5% of Vermonters)
- 7,900 Vermont children live in households experiencing food insecurity with hunger (7% of Vermont children)
- 3,800 Vermont seniors are food insecure with hunger (3% of Vermont seniors)
Population Survey of the United States Census.
Washington County:
- 1 in 5 children in Washington County are food insecure
http://www.hungerfreevt.org/learn/what-is-the-issue
To learn about Hunger statistics by county in Vermont:
https://www.hungerfreevt.org/learn/statistics
To find a food shelf or get involved in helping to feed Vermont:
http://www.vtfoodbank.org/
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