text: COTTONWOOD -- Betty Boyd was named 2011 Volunteer of the Year at the Cottonwood Public Library Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Tristen Stanley was named 2011 Teen Volunteer of the Year. Each received a plaque expressing the gratitude of their good works. Every year the staff at the library chooses the most deserving adult and teen volunteer from amongst the many candidates. "It's not an easy task," says Mary Griffith, Library Coordinator. "If we could, we would name each and every one of our volunteers the Volunteer of the Year!"
  Library Manager Vanessa Ward commented, "It is a privilege to serve our community with such a great group of volunteers. The volunteer luncheon gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation." She added, "Donations provided by the community businesses for raffles also lets our volunteers know that the entire community appreciates them."
  Each year, the library celebrates National Volunteer Week by honoring their 80+ volunteers with a luncheon and entertainment. "It is an honor to acknowledge the many dedicated volunteers who provide the library with so many years of service," said Griffith. One, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, forty-five, and fifty-year service awards were handed out. Ruth Ann Haenny has been serving the library for forty-five years, and Thelma Fisher has volunteered at the library for 50 years. "It is a pleasure to work with such fine people," said Griffith.
  Keeping with the western theme, the ever-popular Ken and Lynne Mikell of "Harpy Trails" provided musical entertainment. The library staff showed their appreciation by performing a short play, Bubba, the Cowboy Prince, a western takeoff of Cinderella. "The staff had such a good time providing much laughter during their western skit," Ward said. Mayor Diane Joens was on hand to commend the volunteers for their hard work. She extended her appreciation for their service to the community.
  Ward concluded, "Thank you to everyone who donated to make our luncheon a success." Those donators include the Cottonwood Public Library Board of Trustees, Krazy Kyote Activities and Tours, Verde Canyon Railroad, Ming House Restaurant, Enchantment Resort, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, The Printing Place, Pine Shadows Golf Course, Cliff Castle Casino, Bobbi Gooslin, Blazin' M Ranch, Wal-Mart, Vanessa Ward, Crema Café, Safeway, Mai Thai on Main, Mary Eichman, Arizona State Parks, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arizona Museum for Youth, Red Lobster, Wet n Wild, Big Surf Waterpark, Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center, and the Children's Museum of Phoenix.