Bob and Carla Blinn – BG’s Outstanding Citizens

Bob and Carla Blinn, who share a passion for helping others, were named Bowling Green’s Outstanding Male
and Female Citizens Saturday night by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce.
Also honored were Pamela VanScoder Fahle with the Athena Award and Stan Korducki with the Zeus Award.
Bob, a retired corporate executive, moved to Bowling Green, getting involved with several groups, sharing
his time and experience. He has a special interest in the Wood County Board of Development Disabilities,
promotes awareness of people with disabilities and plays Santa Claus at the Wood Lane holiday party for
students.
His nominators believe Blinn may hold some type of record for making ham and cheese sandwiches for a
community event.
“When I retired I had a lot of time on my hands. I married Carla and moved to Bowling Green. It has been
a great thing for me. I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said.
Other interests are Kiwanis, Honor Flight, Boy Scouts, Wood County Hospital’s Wheeled Meals programs and
the BG School Foundation.
Both Blinns provide the sole financial support for the “Kids on the Block” program offered to all BG
elementary school students.
Carla is an organizational development professional, putting those skills to use to help the Woman’s Club
of BG, American Association of University Women and the Wood County Hospital Guild.
“I am absolutely humbled,” she said. “I’m so delighted for Bob. I hardly know what to say. I appreciate
the kind words. I’ve learned along the way that the best way to be happy yourself is to give back. I
have received much more than I have given.”
She volunteers with Alicia’s Voice, the Cocoon Shelter and Honor Flight and is a member of the speaker’s
bureau for the Wood County Board of Development Disabilities.
Each received a sketch of a section of downtown BG buildings by artist Becky Laabs.
The annual meeting and dinner dance also celebrated the local chamber’s 75^th
anniversary.
(More later)