Geneva woman named 2012 Swedish Days Parade marshal
Submitted by Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Karen Tatlock recently was named the 2012 Swedish Days Parade marshal. The 63rd annual Swedish Days Parade will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at Anderson Boulevard and Center Street, south to State Street, east on State to Third Street, south on Third to Metra train station.
A self-described true “Geneva girl,” Tatlock has lived in Geneva for 53 years, growing up and raising her family in her hometown. Her maternal grandparents owned businesses in Geneva. Both were members of the American Legion Post 75 in Geneva and are honored with a stone in front of the building.
Tatlock has volunteered for many years with Market Day, assisted with the S.S. Raiders program for Geneva fifth-graders and, with the assistance of local Girl Scouts, runs the historical trolley ride for Geneva Chamber’s Festival of the Vine. In fact, many may recognize and associate Tatlock with Girl Scouting.
While being a Girl Scout leader, she has taken girls through the levels of scouting from kindergarten to college for two different troops, as well as being an assistant leader for two different fifth-grade troops at Harrison Street School. She has also been a trainer for Daisy Leaders for the Girl Scout Council in Aurora, the Geneva Service Unit manager and the Fabyan Scout Day Camp director. Currently, Tatlock is on the Archives Committee for the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and worked with Geneva History Center to set up the Girl Scout exhibit on display until Saturday, June 23.
Achieving the highest adult recognition for Girl Scouts, the Thanks Badge II Award, she received a pin that is making its rounds to different historical centers contributing to the 100-year anniversary of Girl Scouts, on which Tatlock has made a significant impact.
“My mother was my first Girl Scout leader, and today I honor her by carrying her original Girl Scout pin and membership card,” Tatlock said.
Riding with Tatlock in the parade are her two daughters, who were also involved in Scouting, with her daughter Darcy receiving the Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can receive.
“This is such an honor for me, my family and Girl Scouts here in Geneva and everywhere,” Tatlock said.