IF YOU GOWhat: Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe Distinguished Service AwardsWhen: Noon, April 28Where: Walker County Civic Center, 10052 U.S. Highway 27Reservations: $35 single, $350 for tables of eight. Call 706-861-2860.
By Andy Diffenderfer
Correspondent
Bebe Heiskell and Shirley Smith may hold different roles in the communities they serve, but their dedication to bettering Walker and Catoosa counties has earned both honors from the Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe.
The third annual Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to Ms. Smith, the Catoosa Citizens for Literacy executive director, and Ms. Heiskell, Walker County commissioner, at a noon luncheon April 28 at the Walker County Civic Center.
“We want to recognize those folks that go beyond the call of duty,” said Chris McKeever, past president of the club. “We look at their professional accomplishments, community service and their impact on their community and its families and children. Both of them are very deserving.”
Fourteen people were recommended for the 2010 honor. Since the club has members from Catoosa and Walker counties, an honoree is recognized from each county.
Ms. Heiskell has served Walker County for 27 years and has been its sole commissioner for nine years. She has received the LaFayette Business Woman of the Year Award and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Liberty Bell Award. She also was chosen as the 2008 Walker County Citizen of the Year.
“Commissioner Heiskell has demonstrated great skill in her ability to face the challenges of public office,” said Doris White, a longtime Kiwanis member.
Ms. Smith spearheaded the formation of Catoosa Citizens for Literacy in 1995. Since 1996, she has served as executive director of the Learning Center of Catoosa County, which offers GED, reading, computer, English as a second language, child care, parenting and continuing education classes.
“I have been involved in many events for the betterment of our area, and one of my first picks to ensure success is to get Shirley Smith on the team,” Kiwanis member Leonard Fant said. “She is a warrior for doing good.”
Ms. McKeever said the luncheon will include a silent auction to benefit the honorees’ favorite charities. Ms. Heiskell has selected the United Way, and Ms. Smith has selected the Learning Center of Catoosa County.
Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.