Longtime Girl Scout Leader Named 'Woman Of Distinction'

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A woman who has devoted her heart and years of dedication to Girl Scouting was honored recently for her lifetime of service.

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming announced that the 2018 “Woman of Distinction” award from the 2nd Legislative District was bestowed upon Linda M. Blowe of East Hampton; Blowe was honored at the Woman of Distinction luncheon held at the Suffolk County Legislature on March 20.

Blowe, Fleming said, is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA and belongs to the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Council, to whom she has given 15 years of volunteer service, a release said.

She has served as a national delegate, has been a troop leader for two East Hampton Girl Scout Troops — mentoring them from elementary school through high school — has served as the local service unit coordinator for many years, and has served as a Food for Friends committee member and as a past President’s Scholarship Committee member, Fleming said. In addition, she is part of the service unit’s Camporee Committee, helping to organize and facilitate camping events for the girls and joint ventures with local Boy Scout troops, Fleming said.

Blowe, the release said, "is sincerely passionate about Girl Scouts. Empowering young girls to reach their full potential is of the utmost importance to Linda. Linda’s dedication to the Girl Scout organization has been recognized through several awards including Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Leader, Service Unit Star Award, President’s Circle Award, Outdoor Enthusiast, and Cookie Champion," the release added.

Blowe is a leader in the East Hampton community, striving to impart the joy of giving back and volunteering with the young women whose lives she touches.

"She endeavors to promote diversity, equality and compassion in all things and believes it is imperative to lead by example," the release said.

Blowe also belongs to the Calvary Baptist Church in East Hampton where she serves as treasurer and member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship committee; she is a vice president of The Community Council of the Town of East Hampton where she has been a member for 15 years, and is a member of the NAACP and Blue Knights International, a nonprofit fraternal organization whose members travel by motorcycle across the U.S and abroad for recreation and to raise funds for various local and international charities.

But her philanthropic nature doesn't stop there: Blowe also volunteers with The Retreat, Maureen’s Haven, the East Hampton Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior — Hamptons Soldier Ride, the Hamptons Marathon, the Travis Field Baseball Memorial Scholarship Tournament, The Kendall Madison Foundation and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

In addition, she works with the East Hampton Ambulance Association and East Hampton Healthcare Foundation to coordinate CPR and AED training for both her church and her place of employment. She is a supporting member of the Bonac Booster Club and a volunteer for the East Hampton High School's music department and East Hampton High School theater club.

"Linda believes that being prepared, being aware and getting involved are key components to making our world a better place," the release said.

Blowe is First Aid and CPR certified, certified in safeTalk suicide alertness and trained in opioid overdose prevention with the use of Naloxone.

“I’m just delighted to have the opportunity to honor and recognize Linda Blowe for her outstanding contribution to our community over many years," Fleming said. "The exemplary character of our community as a whole depends on the commitment of wonderful volunteers like Linda. She sets a standard for each of us to follow. I’m deeply grateful for her service.”

Patch courtesy photo.