[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)] [Senate] [Page S7957] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JONES CENTERMrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I commemorate the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Jones Center For Families in my home State of Arkansas. The Jones Center, located in Springdale, is a 220,000 square foot facility that provides educational, recreational, health, and community programs and various services to individuals and families across northwest Arkansas. The center will celebrate its 15th birthday with a public festival on Sunday, October 24, featuring a proclamation by Springdale mayor Doug Sprouse and family activities including children's crafts and games, pumpkin painting, live music, birthday cake, and ice cream. The event will be open to the community free of charge, including access to all swimming pools and the ice skating rink. The Jones Center opened in 1995 as a gift to the community from the late Mrs. Bernice Young Jones, wife of Harvey Jones, founder of the Jones Truck Lines. According to its mission statement, the center is proud to provide a place where ``all are welcome'' in the heart of northwest Arkansas. In keeping with Mrs. Jones' wish that no one be turned away, the center offers facilities and services at minimal or no cost to everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or economic status. Under the leadership of Rick McCullough, executive director, the Jones Center welcomes more than 1 million visitors per year, with an operating budget of $2.4 million. Programs and amenities at the center include an ice rink, junior Olympic competition swimming pool, fun pool with slide, fitness room, a chapel/auditorium, a computer center, and numerous other meeting rooms, playgrounds, and athletic courts. I have visited the Jones Center often, and I commend the staff and volunteers for their efforts to better their community and provide recreational and social opportunities in a safe, modern facility. I salute the entire Springdale community as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of this unique gathering place in the heart of northwest Arkansas. ____________________