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Thank
you for wanting to know more about me and my background!
Shortly
after World War II, my Father and Mother returned as veterans to their hometown
of Charleston and bought a farm to raise me, my brother and three sisters.
Unfortunately, my Father, Lenus Nicholas Pennartz, died in April of 1951 when my
baby sister was only a few days old.
My Mom,
Genevieve Ann Pennartz, raised five kids on our farm, often having two jobs to
feed and clothe us throughout the years. Mom always impressed upon us the
importance of having an education. I guess that’s where I got my love of
learning.
After
graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, I returned to the
River Valley in 1975 to take a position with the Western Arkansas Counseling &
Guidance Center helping to meet the behavioral health needs of not only the
citizens of Fort Smith but also western Arkansas.
One
other lasting legacy Mom gave us was the principal place faith and family have
in your life and one’s duty to use the gifts given from God for others. I guess
that’s why Luke 12: 48 has provided ample guidance for me
– “Much will be
required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of
the person entrusted with more”. These words have as much impact on me today,
as when I first heard them from my mother’s lips.
Please feel free
to contact me. I look forward to hearing your ideas.
PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS
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President, Pennartz & Associates
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Associate Director, Western Ark. Counseling & Guidance Center
--Retiring in the Fall 2006
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Adjunct Professor, Webster University
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Journalist, United States Navy, 1967--1970
EDUCATIONAL
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M.A. 1974, Speech Communication, University of Arkansas
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B.A. 1973, Speech (Radio, TV & Film), University of Arkansas
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High School 1966, Charleston High School, Charleston, AR
PUBLIC SERVICE & COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
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Member, Board of Trustees, Fort Smith Public Library
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Governmental Affairs Committee,
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce
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Member, Fort Smith Literacy Council
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Member,
WestArk Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council
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Member, Fort Smith Art Center
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Member, Legislation Committee, Mental Health Council of Ark.
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Member, Arkansas Mental Health Planning Advisory Council
--Region I Legislative Affairs Chair
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Member, Fort Smith League of Women Voters
Prior Civic & Community Service
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Volunteer, Rheem Golf Charity Classic
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Tutor, America Reads Program
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Board of Trustees, Fort Smith Girl's Shelter
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Board of Directors, Volunteer Connection, Inc.
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Board of Directors, YWCA of Fort Smith
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Co-Founder (1978), Rape Crisis Service, Inc., Fort Smith
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Chair (1977), Board of Directors, Arkansas Valley
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Chapter of the National Foundation -- March of Dimes
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Chair (1977), United Blood Services, Fort Smith
Personal
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Member, Lector & Eucharistic Minister -- St. Boniface Catholic Church
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Homeowner, North 23rd Street, Fort Smith
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