Foundation, friends laud coach

Compton celebrates conservation

Conservation-minded community members gathered for Compton Gardens’ Conservation Day Aug. 10 at Compton Gardens and Conference Center in Bentonville. Organizers said the celebration was a “free educational event for all ages to learn about conservation, environmental stewardship and recreational activities in Northwest Arkansas — all issues that were championed by our founder, the late Dr. Neil Compton.”

The day-long festivities concluded with a tribute to Compton by Flip Putthoff, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette outdoor editor and photographer, and David Peterson, Ozark Society president, providing remarks.

Compton is credited with founding the Ozark Society to Save the Buffalo River, which is now the Ozark Society. The group’s efforts led to the river being designated the inaugural National River in the National Park System in 1972, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture.

Those coming together to celebrate Compton and conservation included Ellen Compton, Edra Compton Diaz, Molly Compton, Douglas James, Lynne and Jim Walton, Nancy Martin and Alan Lewis, Sherry Harris and Paige and Kenton Jernigan.

Mike Anderson, University of Arkansas Razorbacks head basketball coach, was the man of the hour at the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation’s Legends Dinner on Aug. 17 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

Scotty Thurman, Steve Smith, Hunter Yurachek and Coach Nolan Richardson shared anecdotes about Anderson as a coach, friend, coworker and mentor. UA Trustee Mark Waldrip served as master of

ceremonies. Charlene Reed, foundation board member, presented Anderson with the organization’s Lindsey/ Reed Visionary Award, named for Jim Lindsey and Stanley Reed.

Marty Burlsworth, foundation chairman and founder, presented the the Courage Award to Titus Grigg, a 15-year-old who has been battling a brain tumor since he was 6. “He’s living his life like a normal kid. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior,” Burlsworth said.

The foundation was established in memory of the late Brandon Burlsworth, who went from walk-on offensive lineman for the Razorbacks to All-American then to being selected as a third-round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts.

For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Amber Nguyen and Mike Anderson Jr. (from left), Ami and TJ Cleveland, Suney and Desmond Alexander, UA Razorback Head Basketball Coach Mike and Marcheita Anderson, Christian Alexander, Yvonne Anderson and Darcheita Bennett gather at the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation Legends Dinner where Coach Anderson was the evening’s honoree.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Charlene Reed (center) visits with Jim and Susan von Gremp at the Brandon Burlsworth Legends Dinner on Aug. 17 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Molly Compton, holding Reid Compton, Carrie Compton, Ellen Compton, Edra Compton Diaz and Parker Compton enjoy the Conservation Day celebration.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Douglas James (from left), Flip Putthoff and Debra Layton, Compton Gardens executive director, visit at the Aug. 10 reception.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Barbara Burlsworth (fourth from left) gathers with the Grigg family, Christian (from left), Amy, Anna, Titus and Donnie, at the Legends Dinner to honor Mike Anderson.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Marty Burlsworth (from left), Hunter Yurachek, Mark Waldrip, Scotty Thurman, Nolan Richardson, Mike Anderson and Steve Smith stand for a photo at the Legends Dinner.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Nancy Martin and Alan Lewis (from left), Kenton and Paige Jernigan, Sherry Harris and Lynne Walton attend the Compton Conservation Day reception Aug. 10 at Compton Gardens and Conference Center in Bentonville.