By Mac Neely

I’m sitting here eating a bowl of Girl Scout Thin Mint Cereal made by General Mills.

One of my Girl Scouts who came from California for my birthday, brought me a box. I celebrated my 96th birthday on Friday at the Wrightsman House. I had a lot of friends, lots of music and a great time. Thanks to all who came and made this day special. Thanks to the P&D Grocery for the delicious snacks. Thanks to Annette Mullikin for the birthday cake, and to everyone else who brought food, flowers, gifts, and cards. And, a special thanks to Abe Saunders and his niece Jo who opened the Wrightsman House for the party. I also want to thank David Blaine at the Absolute Bakery for donating breakfast to my entire table on the morning of my birthday.

Now, back to Thin Mints and Girls Scouts. We all know about Girl Scout Cookies. The first time my Girl Scout troop sold them, they were 35 cents a box. The price goes up each year, and I think they are about $5 a box now. All still delicious.

Scout troops will be out selling the cookies during February and March. I’m not sure you’ll find Girl Scout cereal, as this box is a limited edition, but if you see any, buy them – they’re delicious.

National Girl Scout Day is March 12, celebrating the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Since the time of the first meeting in 1912, when 18 girls attended, the organization has grown to over 3.7 million members. Jo Savage wants to start another Girl Scout troop in Mancos. Hopefully, a lot of girls will be interested. The three girls that came from California for my birthday joined my Girl Scout troop when they were 13. They’re now in their 60s.

There are so many things a Girl Scout learns, such as being responsible and giving back. It’s a great organization, and the girls have a lot of fun and adventures.