Oak Ridge Girl Scouts sing carols, honor former leader on her 100th birthday
Oak Ridge Girl Scouts gathered at Commonwealth Senior Living recently to celebrate the 100th birthday of Girl Scout alumna Eileen Neiler.
Eileen is a World War II Marine Corps veteran who saw the value of Girl Scouting and became a troop leader, first aider, day camp staff member and Girl Scout Council administrator. Eileen, an Oak Ridge resident, was vice president and then president of two local Girl Scout Councils, Highland Rim from 1961 and Tanasi Council from 1966-1976. In 1973 she became the interim director of Tanasi Council.
She was awarded the Thanks Badge in 1965. The Thanks Badge is the highest adult award given in Girl Scouting, reserved for individual members whose service to the organization has been truly outstanding and is significantly over and above the call of duty.
In 1984, Eileen prepared historical information on Oak Ridge’s Camp Friendship and other small Council properties. Despite local efforts, these properties were eventually sold.
'And the Fence Came Down'
Eileen and Joyce Maienschein wrote the book "And the Fence Came Down" to share the story of Girl Scouting from the beginnings of Oak Ridge as the Secret City, as well as Girl Scout history from other local counties. More recently, with a merger, Oak Ridge became part of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, and Eileen was librarian for the archival library. She is an active member of the Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place in Knoxville.
Eileen and Joyce Maienschein wrote the book "And the Fence Came Down" to share the story of Girl Scouting from the beginnings of Oak Ridge as the Secret City as well as Girl Scout history from other local counties. More recently, with a merger, Oak Ridge became part of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, and Eileen was librarian for the archival library. She is an active member of the Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place in Knoxville.
Copies of "And the Fence Came Down" can be purchased at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, as well as at the Museum at Daisy’s Place in the Knoxville office of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians.
In addition to singing "Happy Birthday" to Eileen, Oak Ridge Girl Scouts from a number of local troops sang Christmas songs for the residents at Commonwealth. They also sang for residents at Canterfield Senior Living, and distributed holiday decorations and gifts at both places.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge Girl Scouts sing carols, honor former leader on her 100th
