Two More Awards Earned by NW Arkansas Communities

There are so many valid and varied reasons for the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in NW Arkansas. I’ve written many times about clean air, beautiful scenery, recreation opportunities, entertainment, and more that all of us more or less take for granted.

Now I’m pleased to note that the cities of Bentonville and Fayetteville have each been named a Volunteer Community of the Year. The award was given by the Office of Governor Mike Beebe. A total of 12 awards were given throughout the state.

It’s the second year in a row Fayetteville has earned the title. For Bentonville, it’s the first year (and I’m sure there will be more awards in the future.)

According to city of Bentonville, 12,000 volunteers worked in excess of 163,000 hours during 12 months ended August 31, 2010.

Fayetteville, with its much larger population, logged 38,000 volunteers who donated more than 500,000 hours.

Volunteers serve in a multitude of ways – on committees and boards, in libraries and schools, animal adoptions and shelters, recycling, community events, food pantries, and more.

Every one of these wonderful people deserves our thanks for helping to make our communities great places to live.

My hat is off to them. It’s nice to see them receive some official recognition.