100 Spins Around The Sun

What do the Republic of China, the Girl Scouts, the African National Congress, and Universal Pictures have in common with Eileen Hedinger of Toms River? They all turn 100 this year. Eileen, in fact, just turned the corner.

"I worked hard but I had a great time. It's been a very interesting life," says Eileen Hedinger of Toms River as she marks her 100th birthday.

The centenarian got a raucous celebration in the township to celebrate not only that milestone, but her more than half-century of community involvement.

Eileen co-founded the East Dover First Aid Squad, devoted more than two decades to the East Dover Fire Auxiliary and poured her energies into organizations that support the shore's quality of life.

She's a strong worker on behalf of Deborah Heart and Lung Center, founding the Toms River chapter and raising funds for the hospital for 55 years.

What other world-shaping events happened when Eileen first saw light of day? The Girl Scouts was founded...the Titanic sank...Princeton professor Woodrow Wilson began his first term as President...New Mexico and Arizona joined the United States...and explorer Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated team reached Antarctica.

Eileen's family moved to Toms River from the Bronx, N.Y., when she was three years of age. She grew up in Ocean County and started her professional life as a switchboard operator.

"I met my husband in the late 1920s," says Eileen. "It was the same day they turned over to dial phones in Toms River."

She retired in 1980 and moved to Florida, returning to Toms River last year. Her son Tom lives in the Sunshine State. Her son Len enjoys the Ocean County sunshine along with his wife, New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger.

Eileen's extended family includes four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Thanks to Toms River Public Information Officer Debbi Winogracki for information included in this story.