Mildred ‘Brownie’ Brown’s 100th marked by Girl Scouts around the country
LEE, NH – Girl Scout love is pouring into the home where Mildred Brown lives. Brownie, as she is better known, turns 100 years old on Oct. 29, and the celebrations have already begun.
Girl Scouting has been a large part of Brownie’s long life. She loved camping, hiking, and birding as a Girl Scout, and was a troop leader for many years. Jayme Thibeault, activities director at Kirkwood Corners, where Brownie now lives, said they’ve been celebrating her centennial all month, and have received more than 700 greeting cards already.
Many envelopes are “stuffed with cards, so I would say the count is well over 1,000!” Thibeault said. “We are doing our best to address thank-you postcards back to each troop, but the amount we have received is overwhelming (in the most wonderful way, of course). Mildred has enjoyed reading each card we have opened. Some troops have sent group photos that I am hanging on her door. Some have sent patches, stickers, little crafts, even a big day celebration kit! It has been so sweet, opening the cards and reading the kids’ messages to her, she always has a smile on face when I walk in with a handful of cards.”
Jennifer Beach, leader of Girl Scout Troop 22274 of Dover, NH, brought a group of Girl Scouts to see Brownie on Oct. 21, complete with a Girl Scout-themed cake which she made, a donation from Popovers on the Square.
“So far, (it’s) one of the best things we’ve done as a troop,” said Beach in a Facebook post.
She was also visited by the Girl Scouts of Troop 10019 of Durham on Oct. 22.
While her hearing isn’t what it used to be, Brownie can still be prompted to sing a Girl Scout song in full voice, and tell tales of her adventures as a Girl Scout and leader. No doubt she’ll be singing along with her family when they have their birthday party with her next Tuesday.
Although some things have changed in Girl Scouting in the years since Brownie was a girl, what stays the same is the organization’s dedication to preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership, and helping them become young women of courage, confidence and character. Girl Scout troops are now accepting new members so they, too, can enjoy the Girl Scout Experience Brownie knew so well.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains wish Brownie a very happy 100th!
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that helps girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving more than 10,000 girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
