On Thursday, January 8, six Girl Scout Daisies - representing all 9,681 Girl Scouts statewide – gathered in Augusta to meet with Governor John E. Baldacci to kick off the 2009 Girl Scout Cookie Sale Activity. For over a decade Girl Scouts have made the pilgrimage to the statehouse in order to maintain the annual tradition of selling the first box of cookies to the Governor of Maine.

Girls from two Girl Scout Daisy troops visited the governor - Katherine Hollis, Holly Eason, and Madison Corgan of Troop 2909 in Winthrop, and Jillian Brown, Samantha Melland and Paige Rogers of Troop 2901 in Augusta.

“I always look forward to this visit from the Girl Scouts and I’m honored to help launch the 2009 cookie sale. “ said Governor Baldacci. “All of the Girl Scout Cookies are delicious, but more importantly, I know that the process of selling the cookies helps girls develop character and business skills. I’m proud to support such a great entrepreneurial and leadership program for girls.”

Governor John E. Baldacci and Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell (D-Kennebec) welcome Girl Scout Daisy troop members into his office from Troop 2909 in Winthrop and Troop 2901 in Augusta to kick off the annual Girl Scout Cookie sale. Daisies are the youngest Girl Scout members, and are in kindergarten and 1st grade.
Girl Scouts of Maine photo

Girl Scouts will be selling some returning favorites including Caramel deLites, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lot, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Shortbread, and Thin Mints. A new cookie is being introduced this year as well, in honor of the youngest Girl Scouts – Daisy Go Rounds are crunchy, cinnamon cookies that come in single serving, reduced calorie packs.

The Girl Scout Cookie Sale began January 10 and runs through April 18. The cookies are $3.50 a box and proceeds from the sale remain in the area where the cookies are sold and benefit Girl Scouts in those local communities.