Harvey Receives 15th Annual Bud Cox Award

LINCOLN -- A Lincoln citizen with a heart for helping the youth is the recipient of the 15th annual Bud Cox award, given out each year at the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.

John Harvey moved to Lincoln in 2003 from southern California and shortly became involved in the community, said chamber President Bryan Snyder in announcing the award.

Harvey served three years on the board for Arkansas Country Doctor Museum, has been an active member of Friends of the Library and an active member of Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce. He participates in Lincoln Schools Community Alliance.

"Most importantly, our winner cares very deeply for our youth here in Lincoln and his actions prove this," Snyder said.

Harvey has served as president of Lincoln Kiwanis Club for three different periods and helped start the Terrific Kids program and establish a Builders Club at the middle school. He also has been involved in the high school's Key Club. Harvey was instrumental in talks that resulted in Lincoln Youth Adventure Club.

"He inspires and challenges others to step forward," Snyder said. "It is easy for him to share his vision of supporting the youth with others simply because it is something he believes so strongly in."

Harvey, in accepting the honor, said he wanted to make a few comments and rolled out a long piece of paper to everyone's amusement. His remarks were short, though.

Harvey told those present that when he and his wife moved to northwest Arkansas, he was not sure "what kind of community Lincoln would be."

He noted, "I found a community working hard at nurturing its next generation of citizens, especially the schools with a lot of community support."

Harvey said he wanted to get involved and attended a Kiwanis meeting.

"Boy, did they ever let me get involved," Harvey joked, adding, "Don't misunderstand me. I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Harvey said he will continue serving the children in Lincoln and thanked each person for helping the community. He encouraged others to get involved in Kiwanis or other organizations.

"I want to thank all of you in advance for your continued service toward making Lincoln the kind of community we want to be," Harvey concluded.