Women of Distinction event set

The Women of Distinction Awards banquet is set for Jan. 27, and will recognize Kathy Babb, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, Judy McReynolds and Charlotte Tidwell.

Proceeds from the event support leadership development programs, events, camps, and scholarships for girls.

“Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place,” noted the statement from Marian Conrad, the regional manager for Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. “Girl Scouting programs encourage increased skill-building and responsibility, and also promote the development of strong leadership and decision-making skills.”

Tickets for the event, held 6:30 p.m., Jan. 27, at the Golden Living headquarters in south Fort Smith, are $35 each, and may be purchased at the Girl Scouts office (5705 Gordon Lane in Fort Smith), or by calling 452-1290 or e-mailing [email protected]

Following are the bios of the four recipients as written by the Girl Scouts office.

KATHY BABB
Kathy Babb is a dedicated and energetic community organizer. She is a tireless advocate for a diverse array of non-profit organizations and is also truly committed to improving the lives and opportunities of students in our community. She has held the positions of Treasurer and Vice President of the Fort Smith Council of PTA’s and has also served as PTA president at every school her daughter Gabriella attended. Never content to merely sit on a Board of Directors, Kathy generously gives her time, talent and resources to many causes that benefit the entire River Valley community.  Kathy has held or currently holds positions on the United Way of Fort Smith Area Board of Directors, the Board of the Western Arkansas Ballet, the Fort Smith Symphony Board, the Art Guild, the Board of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, and the Bonneville House Board of Directors. These few examples of Kathy’s volunteerism illustrate the level of commitment that Kathy has for improving the lives of people in this community. Kathy is married to Doug Babb, and they have one daughter, Gabriella Nichols, who attends Vanderbilt University.

DR. JO ALICE BLONDIN
Dr. Jo Alice Blondin is an exceptional leader and an energetic, compassionate community servant. Dr. Blondin is currently Chancellor of Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus. She is unwavering in her determination to further educational opportunities for the under-resourced. She donates her time and talents to many organizations and boards and she always has the best interest of her students at heart. She is a positive role model on campus and in the communities she serves. Under her leadership, the ATU – Ozark Campus has grown substantially and the campus infrastructure has greatly improved to offer more competitive opportunities for students. She serves on numerous boards and community action agencies to foster economic development and improve the quality of life of students and residents of area communities. Dr. Blondin serves as a board member for the United Way of Fort Smith Area and the St. Edward Mercy Hospital Board of Advisors. She is very active in the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, ARVAC, and Keep Van Buren Beautiful. Her leadership and creativity have made it possible for the Franklin County Single Parent Scholarship Fund to increase the number of scholarships each year. Dr. Blondin has been honored with numerous awards, including the 1998 Distinguished Teaching Award at Arizona State University and the 2003 Whirlpool Master Teacher Award. She was named to the 2008 Arkansas Business Journal’s “Forty Under Forty” of Young Professionals in Arkansas, and received Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts Emerging Voice Alumni Award. Dr. Blondin lives in Van Buren with her husband, Andrew Fox, and daughter Helena, who is a student at Butterfield Junior High.

JUDY MCREYNOLDS
Judy McReynolds is a pioneer, inspirational leader, and role model. She currently serves as President and CEO of Arkansas Best Corporation. She is the first female CEO of a publicly traded company in Arkansas. The clear vision, thoughtful, positive character, and work ethic that have established Judy as a powerful influence nationwide are apparent in her interaction in the community and with family and friends as well She serves on a number of not-for-profit boards where she lends the same wisdom and efficiency to each as she does to her household and corporation. Judy is a genuine listener and is interested in the stories and lives of people of all ages. She is committed to the positive development of all youth and children, but is particularly attuned to her influence upon young women. Judy encourages young women to think, take action, and serve their community. She leads by example. Judy and her husband, Lance, have two sons, Johnny and Brett.

CHAROLETTE TIDWELL
Charolette Tidwell has literally devoted her life in service to others. As a professional nurse for over forty years, she has served in both staff and management positions at Sparks Regional Medical Center and Beverly Enterprises. In recent years, she has served as Director of Antioch District Family and Youth Services, Inc. – a community social service program provided to the citizens of Fort Smith regardless of church affiliation.. Family support services focus on youth, families in need, and senior adults. For youth, there are development programs, counseling, tutoring, community service projects, nursing home adoption, and theatre/drama opportunities. For qualifying students, arrangements are made to participate in the gifted and talented summer program at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Mrs. Tidwell oversees the food distribution program which is the core service program to families at risk, and senior or disabled adults. Over 700 food boxes per month serve almost 2000 people. These boxes are packed with food, toiletries, and essential household items. Mrs. Tidwell has worked well below the radar of public appreciation and recognition for years, but she has brought hope and comfort to thousands of both young and elderly Fort Smith residents. Recently, she has received the Golden Deeds Award form the Noon Exchange Club for her tireless involvement in the community. She is a 1989 graduate of Leadership Fort Smith, and has served the community in many organizations including the Historical Society of Fort Smith, Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Fort Smith Art Center, Project Compassion, Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, United Way of Fort Smith Area, City of Fort Smith Housing Authority, Gateway House and Lincoln Youth Center.