Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 11, 1993 TAG: 9303110541
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WENDI GIBSON RICHERT STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL HONORS 11 AS WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Gene Camden hid her graying head behind her program booklet and admitted to a roomful of Girl Scout volunteers and workers that she - gasp - never was a Girl Scout.The retired social worker quickly offered, though, that she was a Girl Reserve in the YMCA.
And with that announcement, the group laughed and tuned its ears to Camden, one of 11 Roanoke Valley women named Women of Distinction by the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council on Tuesday.
The honor, which recognizes women for their accomplishments in business, law and government, medicine, education, and arts/philanthropy/volunteer service, was initiated nationwide last year as part of the 80th anniversary celebration of Girl Scouts of America.
The council accepted nominations from its members and last year's 25 Roanoke-area Women of Distinction. The 1992 honorees pared a list of about 40 nominations down to the 11 1993 winners.
Eight of this year's Women of Distinction, coincidentally, have been active in the Girl Scouts. Two, including Camden, were active in similar organizations. But the Girl Scouts of America honor isn't about that.
What does matter, says Kate Genaitis, council chief executive officer, is the ongoing effect these women have on their community. Additionally, she says, they are good role models for today's young girls.
Indeed, the 7:45 breakfast at Roanoke's Jefferson Club may have been early, with only honoree Georgia R. Curtis admitting a passion for both mornings and breakfast. But as each of this year's Women of Distinction accepted a pin and hug and delivered a brief comment, her vibrance, humble appreciation, friendly jabs and warm laughter made the morning worth greeting.
Marion V. Crenshaw, youth planner for the city of Roanoke, is the law and government honoree. She says her philosophy is: "Treat people the way I want to be treated, and never be afraid to say I am sorry or to apologize when in error."
Women honored in arts/philanthropy/volunteer service are:
Camden, retired social worker, who says her most important accomplishments in 55 years of social service work are her role in attracting a graduate social work education program to Western Virginia and her work with several groups, including the Welfare Rights Organization.
Kathryn Bell Haynie, executive director of Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge, who was a Girl Guide in Canada. She says her most important accomplishment is: "having two children who, as young adults, appear to be happy, successful and nice people"; and "helping Planned Parenthood evolve into a successful nonprofit business with a heart and a mission."
Georgia R. Curtis, a retired teacher, who considers all her volunteer work important accomplishments. But, she believes "the Lord chose me to be president of the Virginia State Council of Senior Citizens, an organization providing a platform for advocacy not only for the elderly, but for all citizens at national, state and local levels."
Arlene W. Stoller, who is a homemaker, churchwoman, volunteer and life member of Girl Scouts of America. She says she lives by the philosophy: "Keep learning, and grow spiritually and mentally. Do what I can, as well as I can, for as long as I can."
Those honored in education are:
Maxine Nicholas Hunt, retired music teacher, who says she lives by the Golden Rule, and cannot pinpoint her most important accomplishment. But, she says she is "pleased to have successfully worked with hundreds of young people in the Roanoke schools."
Mary Steinhardt, early childhood specialist and consultant, who says: "I am an activist; an optimist by choice. We can add beauty to the world in our lives. Human beings can reduce ugliness and hate through individual and community commitment."
Women recognized for business are:
Agnes Morgan, owner of Morgan Discount Drapery, who says her most important accomplishment was starting her business on only $1,500, "and keeping it going for 13 years."
Marilyn Curtis, corporate secretary for Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, who credits the Girl Scouts for starting her on the way to doing "a lot of interesting things." She was the first woman president of the Virginia Morticians Association and is a life member of the NAACP.
Those honored in medicine are:
Shelvy Bratcher-Porter, assistant professor of nursing at Radford University and former Junior Girl Scout leader, who also is a part-time home health nurse through Medical Personnel Pool. She is active in several Roanoke Valley health agencies, including the Roanoke AIDS Project, American Lung Association of Virginia, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and Roanoke Memorial Hospital's ethics committee.
Linda L. Shelton, a registered nurse, who says her most important accomplishment is her son, Samuel, who is a Cub Scout. Her philosophy: "Living your life with Jesus as Lord over your every thought, word and action."