Latest news with #GirlScouts'
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia jazz singer reclaims the mic with new lyrics and a modern message
Meet Lora Sherrodd: the jazz musician putting a fresh spin on an old genre Meet Lora Sherrodd: the jazz musician putting a fresh spin on an old genre Meet Lora Sherrodd: the jazz musician putting a fresh spin on an old genre This Jazz Appreciation Month, a Philadelphia jazz artist is putting a fresh spin on an old genre — using her lyrics to speak directly to today's women. Singer, composer and arranger Lora Sherrodd is currently crowdfunding for the 2026 release of her jazz album, "The Boss," which reimagines jazz through a modern, female perspective. While sticking to the traditional musical structure of jazz, Sherrodd writes entirely original lyrics — ones she says reflect her own life and the lives of women she knows. "I fell in love with jazz really young," Sherrodd said. "I was 12 when my mom was in a swing band — I would go to her rehearsals." Sherrodd grew up watching her mom play bass, and she later studied jazz professionally in college and graduate studies. But even as her musical skills developed, she says she didn't always have the tools to tell her own stories on stage. "Most of the music that we sing in jazz is written by men, from a male perspective," Sherrodd said. "Even songs about love are written from a male gaze." Much of the jazz vocal canon includes songs about longing for male affection or lyrics Sherrodd finds outdated — like the 1960s tune "Girl Talk," which describes women chatting about dresses, hair, and men, with lines like, "The weaker sex, the speaker sex, we mortal males, behold." "For me, I don't really connect to the lyrics, so it's not something I want to be a part of my set," she said. Instead, she began writing her own songs — including the empowering title track, "The Boss," inspired by the Girl Scouts' "Ban Bossy" campaign. Cody Cooper "At the time, I was the only woman in my jazz program, and that feeling is always there — am I being bossy, or am I just running rehearsal?" Sherrodd said. Another track, "Une femme d'un certain âge" (French for "A woman of a certain age," a term used to describe older women) is a love letter to getting older, with lyrics like: "Pepper and salt don't only season a plate... I can't wait to be a woman of a certain age..." In "Twenty-Something," she tackles the pressures placed on young women. "They keep on asking me questions… when will you marry, have some kids…go start a family..." Across all nine tracks, Sherrodd keeps the swing, harmony and form of jazz intact — but rewrites the message. "We're still swinging, we've still got the harmony, we've still got the forms," she said. "I love the genre. And that's why I want to make it relatable." Jonathan Lane Sherrodd is currently crowdfunding the album, which she hopes to release in 2026. Her message to jazz fans — and to the genre itself? "I'm the boss." Sherrodd's fundraising concert takes place Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Biggest Scandals In Girl Scout Cookie History
Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) began as a small troop dedicated to teaching young girls practical skills. At a time when women couldn't vote and were expected to adhere to traditional roles, the organization offered a space for girls to develop community, confidence, and independence. Over the decades, Girl Scouts grew into a nationwide movement, empowering millions through outdoor adventures, diversity campaigns, and educational programs. Of course, we can't forget about the Girl Scouts' iconic cookies. From fans expressing excitement over new cookie releases to hoping that a discontinued favorite will return, the nonprofit has captivated cookie lovers nationwide for over 100 years. What started as a high school fundraising effort evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with Girl Scout cookies becoming a household name and a key part of the institution's identity. Beyond its famous cookies, Girl Scouts has built a strong reputation for fostering entrepreneurship in young girls. Its marketing strategies (including limited-edition cookie flavors and popular snack collaborations with companies like Yoplait and General Mills) have kept the organization relevant in an ever-changing market. Despite Girl Scouts' legacy of empowerment and success, the group and its famous cookies have seen their share of controversy, including cases of alleged embezzlement and more recent concerns over potential toxins. Read more: The 7 Lowest And 6 Highest Quality Ice Cream Brands To Look Out For For years, Girl Scouts has claimed its cookies contain no trans fats, but past labeling practices may have been misleading. Under FDA guidelines, foods with less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving could be labeled as having zero grams of trans fats, even if they contained partially hydrogenated oils. This allowed food manufacturers, including Girl Scouts, to manipulate serving sizes to meet labeling requirements. This means cookies like Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and Samoas once contained small amounts of trans fats while being labeled as trans fat-free. This concern, however, is outdated. In 2015, the FDA began phasing trans fats out of the U.S. food supply after determining that they were broadly unsafe. Manufacturers nationwide were required to comply fully by January 1, 2020, meaning that Girl Scout cookies no longer contain hydrogenated oils today. While the organization has always followed legal guidelines, given its reputation for integrity, Girl Scouts might have benefited from greater transparency about the cookies' contents. The cookies, of course, still contain natural trans fats like butter and milk, but these are not affected by the FDA ban. Girl Scouts has faced repeated criticism for using palm oil in the nonprofit's cookies, an ingredient linked to deforestation and child labor. Despite years of advocacy from members within the institution — including two Girl Scouts who launched a petition in 2011 after learning about palm oil's environmental impact — Girl Scout cookies still contain palm oil. Investigations have found that the palm oil supply chain often involves unsustainable practices that contribute to rainforest destruction, endangering species like orangutans. Additionally, a 2020 report uncovered child and forced labor in the palm oil industry, raising ethical concerns about the sourcing of this ingredient. This controversy is particularly damaging because it contradicts Girl Scouts' values of ethical decision making, responsibility, and supporting local communities. However, the nonprofit has taken steps toward more sustainable routes. Girl Scouts has pledged to source "sustainable" palm oil through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), though critics argue that this certification does not fully prevent environmental harm or labor exploitation. One reason why Girl Scouts relies so heavily on palm oil is because the organization needed a replacement for hydrogenated oils and trans fats after the FDA determined them to be unsafe. Given Girl Scouts' emphasis on empowering young girls and fostering social responsibility, the organization's unwillingness to fully address these concerns has led to growing frustration among members and activists. In 2018, Patricia Cascione, a former Girl Scouts troop treasurer in Santa Clarita, California, was charged with embezzling more than $58,000 from Girl Scouts of the USA's troops and a Girl Scouts service unit. Cascione volunteered as a treasurer for various LA County Girl Scout troops over the course of 20 years. In 2019, she was found guilty of embezzling over $93,000 over a four-year period from GSUSA and the Beverly Hills Cancer Center. The case concluded with Cascione pleading no contest to the charges, resulting in a sentencing of one year of jail time, followed by five years of probation — in addition to an order to repay the stolen funds. This incident is among several in which Girl Scout leaders have been accused of misappropriating funds. In 2023, a Girl Scout troop treasurer from Delaware was arrested for allegedly stealing over $12,000 from her former troop. Similarly, a former Girl Scout troop leader in Oklahoma was accused of embezzling more than $5,000 from her troop back in 2010. The funds taken were earned from cookie sales and donations intended to honor a Girl Scout leader who had died. Though the motivations varied, these repeated incidents display the need for more financial checks and balances within Girl Scout troops. Money isn't the only asset being stolen from the Girl Scouts. In 2017, Leah Ann Vick, a 26-year-old Girl Scout troop leader from Kentucky, was indicted for allegedly stealing over $26,000 worth of Girl Scout cookies. Over the course of a few months, Vick reportedly collected more than 6,000 boxes. However, when the time came to disperse the cookies to troops and collect the proceeds, Vick was unresponsive, leading to failed attempts by the organization to recover the funds. It was unclear whether Vick had kept the cookies, sold them herself and kept the cash, distributed some to troops and pocketed the proceeds, or a combination of all three. This prompted the nonprofit to involve law enforcement, resulting in her indictment on felony theft charges. The outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain from available reports. Girl Scout cookie sales are essential to the financial health of a troop, as the profits allow the young girls to fund educational trips and events. In March 2025, Girl Scouts of the USA faced a class-action lawsuit alleging that its cookies contain harmful substances, including heavy metals and pesticides. This lawsuit, filed by New York resident Amy Mayo, asks for $5 million in damages and for future cookie packaging to clearly disclose the discovered substances. The lawsuit references a 2024 study conducted by Moms Across America and GMO Science, which tested several varieties of cookies. The study reportedly found traces of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury in all samples. The study also found glyphosate, a type of pesticide, in 13 cookies. Girl Scouts responded by affirming that the organization's cookies are safe and comply with all food safety regulations. The organization noted that trace amounts of heavy metals and glyphosate can occur naturally and are commonly found in many varieties of food products. Food safety experts, however, have questioned the study's validity, citing its small sample size and lack of peer review. Time will tell the results of the lawsuit, but rest assured, the cookies still follow FDA guidelines. Read the original article on Mashed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Girl Scouts celebrate 113 years since being founded in Savannah
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)—The Girl Scouts are celebrating a major milestone. Today marks the 113th anniversary of the organization's founding, which happened right here in Savannah! Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts right in the heart of Savannah. With a legacy that spans more than a century, this week is extra special for local Girl Scouts and the community. This week marks Girl Scout week – and today, March 12th, is Founder's Day, the anniversary of when the organization was founded with a troop of 18 girls in Savannah. Today, the organization has nearly 2 million members across 92 countries and continues its mission to empower girls. This anniversary, every baby girl born today across the state of Georgia – and some of South Carolina will receive a bib and certificate honoring this historic day. Locally, Savannah is hosting events like legacy of leadership to showcase the impact of Girl Scouts today. 'Girl scouts founded here in Savannah, Georgia, is one of the original nonprofits founded in the city as really intertwined into the history of the city itself,' said Chelsea Simpson, the Community Engagement Manager for the Girl Scouts. 'It was always about helping girls become empowered women to make the world a better place.' The Girl Scouts' founder is also being commemorated with a new quarter. This spring, Juliette Gordon Low was selected as one of the women to be placed on a quarter that will enter circulation in a few weeks. The Girl Scouts remain deeply rooted in Savannah's history. The organization makes a lasting impact on the community and continues to shape future leaders. With a focus on education, mentorship, and empowerment, the Girl Scouts' influence is as strong as ever. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wendy's Frosty Is Getting a Big Makeover
The iconic Wendy's Frosty, a dessert staple for generations, is about to embark on its most significant transformation yet. Forget the simple chocolate or vanilla debate; the future of the Frosty is all about personalized indulgence. Keep reading to discover the exciting new ways to enjoy your Frosty. Wendy's is taking its beloved Frosty to the next level with two exciting new options: Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions. Announced at its recent investor meeting, these innovations offer customers a fresh way to customize their favorite frozen treat. Frosty Swirls allow the addition of various sauces, while Frosty Fusions incorporate mix-ins—both of which can be combined for entirely new flavors never before seen on the menu. While Wendy's hasn't officially disclosed which sauces and mix-ins will be available, the brand's promotional photo (seen above) hints at caramel sauce, cookie pieces, and what appears to be strawberry-flavored crunchy crumbles. Social media speculation suggests they resemble Pop-Tart pieces, though Wendy's has yet to confirm. Fans have already gotten a preview of this customization trend with the Girl Scouts' Thin Mints Frosty, introduced in February. This limited-time offering features a swirled and creamy minty cookie crumble sauce, marking one of the first times Wendy's has experimented with such add-ins. 'Frosty is the most iconic brand in the frozen treats category. It's unique to Wendy's, it's broadly appealing, and our customers love it,' said Lindsay Radkoski, Wendy's U.S. chief marketing officer, during the presentation. 'That's why we're evolving Frosty from a product to a treat destination. We will be that destination when a sweet treat strikes any and all of our customers.' Radkoski also highlighted the appeal of adding toppings and mix-ins, noting that this customization is 'very popular among younger consumers.' She explained, 'They help them fill their desire for new flavors and variety.' The first hints about Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions came from a snack-focused Instagram blogger, who claimed in a February 15th post that Wendy's was working to 'vastly extend the customizability of the Frosty.' At the time, Wendy's neither confirmed nor commented on the speculation. As for their official release, Wendy's has only revealed that Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions will debut sometime this spring, though the exact launch date remains unknown. This menu shake-up comes at a time when the fast-food industry is facing challenges, with inflation-conscious customers seeking better value. Brand loyalty in the quick-service space remains low, with diners often gravitating toward competitors offering better deals or fresh new menu options. Wendy's hopes that these Frosty innovations will keep customers engaged and coming back for more. Radkoski also shared that the changes go beyond just new add-ins—Wendy's is introducing redesigned Frosty cups, lids, and custom blue spoons, all crafted to enhance the eating experience. 'This spoon allows customers to get every bit of Frosty goodness out of the bottom of the cup,' she explained, emphasizing the brand's commitment to both convenience and enjoyment. Wendy's efforts to reinvent the Frosty are just one piece of its broader strategy to drive growth. The company aims to increase global sales from $14.5 billion to $18 billion over the next three years while expanding its worldwide footprint by nearly 15% to 8,300 locations. According to a press release, Wendy's plans to open an additional 1,000 locations by 2028, focusing on investments in technology and operations to enhance the customer experience. Wendy's Chief Financial Gunther Plosch also announced that nearly 6,000 U.S. locations will implement artificial intelligence at drive-thru windows. This AI-powered system will build upon FreshAI, Wendy's existing voice-ordering assistant developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. Initially tested in 2023, FreshAI is currently operating in about 100 locations, with plans to expand to 500–600 restaurants by the end of the year. Source: Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission.
CNN
07-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Wendy's is giving the Frosty a major makeover
For decades, Wendy's offered only two Frosty flavors: Chocolate or vanilla. That's about to change, as the fast food chain is giving its iconic ice cream treat a makeover. In the coming months, Wendy's is rolling out new ways to customize the sweet treat with offerings called Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions, the company announced Thursday at its investor meeting. The former option lets customers add in various sauces, while the latter are mix-ins. Both can be combined together for new flavors that Wendy's hadn't offered before. The change to a signature menu item comes at a difficult time for the fast-food industry. Sales are down across the industry as inflation-weary customers search for better value. Plus, the restaurant category notoriously lacks brand loyalty — customers are just as happy to try out a competitor with a better deal or an enticing new menu option if their go-to restaurant's options feel stale. Wendy's didn't immediately reveal what Swirls and Fusions options will soon be available, but it's already giving fans a hint with the Girl Scouts' Thin Mints Frosty that's currently on sale. The limited time Frosty is swirled and topped with a creamy, minty cookie crumble sauce, marking one of the first time Wendy's has sold something like that. It's also a major expansion for the Frosty – customers have never been able to customize the treat, unlike competitors like McDonalds, which offer ice cream mix-ins and various flavors (when the machines work). However, in recent years, the chain has experimented with several seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin spice and peppermint, but those temporarily replaced vanilla. 'Frosty is the most iconic brand in the frozen treats category. It's unique to Wendy's, it's broadly appealing and our customers love it,' said Lindsay Radkoski, Wendy's US chief marketing officer, at the presentation. 'That's why we're evolving Frosty from a product to a treat destination. We will be that destination when a sweet treat strikes any and all of our customers.' Adding toppings and mix-ins changes that and is also 'very popular among younger consumers,' Radkoski said. 'They help them fill their desire for new flavors and variety.' Wendy's is also changing the Frosty packaging too, with a new cup, lid and a blue spoon 'designed for the perfect eating experience,' she said, adding that the new spoon 'allows customers to get every bit of Frosty goodness out of the cup.' Expanding the dessert's appeal is part of Wendy's plan to boost its global sales from $14.5 billion to $18 billion in the next three years. The chain also is aiming to grow the number of worldwide locations by nearly 15% to 8,300.
