In a press release from the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scouts:

    Girl Scout volunteers from Fanwood-Scotch Plains joined 135 others for the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.  The May 23rd event at the Gran Centurions in Clark honored volunteers from around the council, presenting awards to those who have helped build girls of courage, confidence and character.  Guest speaker Erin Sweeny, Foreign Service Officer in the US Department of State, shared her Girl Scout stories from around the globe including her travels to Nigeria and Bolivia.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to 31 people for their contributions in a volunteer position other than troop leader.  One of these was Melanie Nissim from Scotch Plains, who has coordinated all Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scout cookie sales for two years.

The Dedicated Leader Award was presented to 33 volunteers who have provided exemplary leadership, time and spirit above the call of duty over a period of at least six years.  Fanwood-Scotch Plains volunteers receiving this award were Liz Hensley, Fiona Leahy and Regina Whitmer.

Membership pins were presented to people who have been members of the Girl Scouts for more than 20 years, including girl and adult membership.   Fanwood-Scotch Plains volunteers who have been Girl Scouts for 20 years are Colleen Coffey, Pamela O’Neil and Rose Cubbon.  Celebrating 25 years of membership are Nancy Finan, Marcia Zimmermann and Maura Berger.   Finally, Fanwood’s Donna Dolce was honored for 50 years of Girl Scout membership and for 40 years of adult service.

There are more than 300 adult Girl Scout volunteers in Fanwood-Scotch Plains, which is one of 138 communities in Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey.  Volunteering with GSHNJ is a rewarding and worthwhile opportunity to guide, inspire and motivate girls on their personal journeys.  To find out more about volunteering with GSHNJ call (908) 518-4400 or go to http://www.GSHNJ.org.