In recognition of 25 years of self-initiated and non-self promoted commitment to improving their neighborhood, two retired university professors were announced as 2024 recipients of Community Service Awards by the Arkadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Local DAR Chapters are eligible to present annual awards of recognition to individuals or organizations who have voluntarily contributed to their community in outstanding service.

Neighbors Glenn Good and Joe Jeffers received certificates and lapel pins in recognition of their service to the North 26th street area of Arkadelphia as they have voluntarily patrolled their neighborhood on litter and cleanup duty every Saturday for 25 years.

“This service has not been part of any club or organization’s program,” said Shirley Grant Hardin, chair of the Community Service Committee. “Glenn says the idea originated with Joe, and after he observed Joe picking up litter, he quickly joined him.”

The two men work a route from Pine Street to the top of one of North 26th’s steepest hills. If one man is out of town or sick, the other works the route alone. Recently Jeffers has been continuing the work by himself as Good has suffered a recent health setback. Both men said they hope to be able to work together again soon.

Both are retired Ouachita Baptist University professors: Jeffers taught chemistry, and Good taught physics. Volunteerism is not new to these neighbors.

Jeffers is the chair-elect for the History of Chemistry Division in the American Chemical Society and has been on the Executive Committee of that organization for 15 years. He has also served on the Steering Committee of the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence from 2004-2018.

Good has been an active volunteer at the Arkadelphia Arts Center and with second-graders at Perritt Elementary School as square dance caller for Memorial Day activities.”