Jo Reed Award 2023
2024 Jo Reed Award Recipient Allyson Smothers
Our recipient’s commitment to the Kiwanis Club and the Germantown community is truly inspiring. Her contributions often fly under the radar, as she humbly performs countless acts of kindness without seeking recognition. So today, we shine a spotlight on her invaluable impact and proudly announce Allyson Smothers as the well-deserved winner of the 2024 Jo Reed Award.
Allyson has been a vital member of the Kiwanis Club of Germantown for over 30 years. In that time, she has held roles such as District Lieutenant Governor and was elected the first female President of the local club. But her dedication goes far beyond titles. Allyson consistently works behind the scenes to enhance the lives of others. From co-sponsoring the Key Club at Southwind High School to organizing events like the annual Pancake Breakfast, Allyson's efforts have nurtured leadership and community spirit among both youth and adults.
Allyson's leadership extends beyond the Kiwanis Club. The Iris Orchestra depends on the community’s willingness to host musicians in their home. For many years, Allyson’s welcoming nature has made her guests feel warm and comfortable as she hosted members of the Iris Orchestra from all over the country. Those guests became lifelong friends with Allyson, a testament to her hospitality and southern charm.
She has been a quiet yet impactful leader in various civic activities, including serving as Chairman of the Neighborhood Preservation Commission. Allyson loves helping with impactful community events like the Neighborhood Summit and the Tour of Homes. Additionally, her dedication to community engagement has made a lasting impact on Germantown neighborhoods.
As a realtor with Crye-Leike, Allyson loves her clients and co-workers in the Germantown office. Allyson's loyalty, integrity, and generosity are qualities that everyone admires. Her reliability in personal and professional dealings, along with her commitment to doing good things for others truly define her character. These traits, along with her baking skills, have earned her the respect of colleagues, friends, and community members alike.
Allyson Smothers' life of service and leadership is incredibly inspiring. Her dedication to her community, and her giving spirit make her the perfect candidate for the Jo Reed Award. As one of those who nominated Allyson put it. “Allyson is always helping her friends and clients. If someone needs a ride to the doctor, help finding a repairman, or caring for someone’s pet while they are out of town. Allyson does not know the word NO. To a fault, Allyson is a Giver.” I am thrilled to offer my congratulations and to applaud the significant impact she has made on Germantown and beyond. Let's give Allyson the recognition she deserves for her tireless efforts to make the world a better place. Thank you, Allyson Smothers, for all the care you give for our neighbors!
2023 Jo Reed Award Recipient Mindy Fischer
This annual award is presented in memory of Jo Reed, a beloved and dedicated Germantown citizen. The recipient is honored at the City's annual Commission Dinner, held in November. Mindy Fischer is the recipient of the 2023 Jo Reed Award.
The Jo Reed award is sponsored by LGAA because the cornerstone of both LG and its alumni association is servant leadership. In the words of Vice-Mayor Gibson, “Jo loved Germantown, and she loved folks who worked hard to make Germantown the community of choice that it is today.” Once you've read about Jo and the countless hours she spent volunteering, you will see she was always selflessly “getting the work done.”
There are a lot of wonderful volunteers all around us and they make a difference in our community.
However, when presented with our award winner’s nomination, the panel was astounded at the AMOUNT of places our recipient spent volunteering for; schools, boards, commissions, community events, and foundations. Not only volunteering in Germantown, our award winner has had a profound impact on lives in the community at large. Working alongside Mindy you can see that, just like Jo Reed, this person selflessly "gets the work done".
In addition to volunteering for all the PTOs, schools, Germantown Commissions, and Fundraising Boards, this “professional volunteer” began donating her time more than two decades ago to be on call twenty four/seven to comfort and console families and loved ones during the most difficult times of their lives, during the loss of their loved ones. Mindy is truly one of a kind!
2022 Jo Reed Award Recipient Kyle Eaton
Each year LGAA is privileged to sponsor the Jo Reed Community Service award. This honor recognizes selflessness, humility and dedication through volunteerism in our community.
This year's recipient is Kyle Eaton, LG Class of 2019! Kyle serves on the City’s Historic Commission and the Education Commission and is very involved in his neighborhood and other endeavors throughout Germantown and the larger community.
Congratulations, Kyle!
2021 Jo Reed Award Recipient Greg Marcom
“It is certainly a great honor to be recognized by the Leadership Germantown Alumni Association. To be named alongside people like Sharon Goldsworthy, Henry Evans, Billy Brown and other great leaders and volunteers in this community is very humbling,” he said. “It has been my pleasure to serve the community that I grew up in, raised my family in and still live in today. Germantown is one of the greatest communities in this nation, and much of that distinguishment is due to the great volunteer spirit that is exhibited by its citizens.”
The Joe Reed Award
The Leadership Germantown Alumni Association is proud to sponsor the Jo Reed Community Service Award. In the spirit that makes Germantown such a great place to live and work, this award is presented each year to an individual who represents sincere caring and volunteerism for our community, with no concern for applause or a thank you. Jo Reed was very engaged in the Germantown Community. She was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Germantown, senior citizen groups, the Germantown Performing Arts Center, Shelby County Republican Women, a charter member and past president of the English Meadows Homeowners’ Association and member of the Germantown Environmental Commission. Jo Reed was active in many other ways in our community without publicity. She spent innumerous hours assisting at City Hall with various tasks, such as stuffing envelopes, addressing mailings, helping with census projects, volunteering for Amnesty Days, and countless other projects. She was also a regular at City meetings, rarely missing a Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Jo Reed did whatever was needed to serve her community. This was usually done behind the scenes with little fanfare or notoriety. Killed by a car on Poplar Pike in May 1996 while pulling up illegally placed garage sale signs from lawns, Jo died as she had lived, caring for her community.
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