Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
People and places
FORTENBERRY HONORED AS WATERSHED GUARDIAN
The Beaver Watershed Alliance recently recognized Alan Fortenberry, chief executive officer of Beaver Water District, as 2017 Beaver Lake Watershed Guardian.
Fortenberry has been a staunch advocate of protecting and preserving the water quality of Beaver Lake and its watershed. In his tenure of almost two decades, he oversaw the development of one of the nation’s first source water protection programs and was pivotal in establishing the Beaver Watershed Alliance.
The Watershed Guardian Award program recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies in the Beaver watershed community who have demonstrated, supported or achieved water-quality protection efforts.
ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS EFFORTS
The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, recently awarded the 2018 Governor’s Arts Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas.
Each year, the recipients are nominated by the public and then selected by a panel of arts professionals from around the state. The recipients will be honored at a ceremony in the spring and will receive an original work of art created by Arkansas artist Patricia Holifield of Little Rock.
Local recipients include Peggy Kjelgaard of Eureka Springs, arts community development award; David Woolly of Alma, arts in education award; and Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville, corporate sponsorship of the arts award.
BECKS RECOGNIZED FOR GENEROSITY
Melanie and Dr. J. Thaddeus Beck of Highlands Oncology Group were recognized as the 2017 outstanding philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northwest Arkansas chapter. The Becks received their awards during the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 15 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
The Becks have been instrumental in supporting many groups and organizations including: University of Arkansas Libraries, St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Fayetteville, United Way of NWA, Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas, Sunshine School and Development Center in Rogers, Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Hope Cancer Resources, University of Arkansas for Medical Science and many more.