ARLINGTON — She may have been forced to slow down her hectic pace, but Virginia Hatch still plans to stay active in the Arlington community, and Hatch’s tireless spirit was one of the reasons cited for awarding her this year’s Kiwanis Club of Arlington’s Community Service Award.

Arlington Kiwanis Secretary Jan Bauer credited Hatch with helping to start the free “Music in the Park” and “Movie Nights at Terrace Park” projects, which include free popcorn and bottled water provided by the Arlington Kiwanis.

Bauer likewise praised the active roles Hatch has played in the Arlington Garden Club, the Arlington Arts Council, Dollars for Scholars, the Friends of the Library, and the city of Arlington’s Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission, the latter of which she once chaired, as well as in other organizations.

“In looking around the Arlington area, one can see Virginia’s hand in many wonderful accomplishments,” Bauer wrote in a statement to the press. “When Kids’ Kloset was getting started, she helped out by sorting clothes and getting everything ready for the opening. When Jensen Park was being built, she rallied the Arlington Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs to work together to build the playground set, and she saw an opportunity for an artist to paint a scene on the picnic shelter.”

Bauer further cited Hatch’s influence in rallying these and other service organizations to purchase benches for bus stops where people were sitting on the ground, as well as to install the city’s downtown labyrinth. Most recently, Hatch has been involved with the Arlington Food Bank and Hands Together, a group devoted to helping people in need.

“Virginia is first and foremost for the kids and wanting to provide activities and a safe place for them to play,” Bauer said.

Hatch described herself as surprised and honored by the award, which she received Oct. 6.

“In a town like Arlington, there are so many volunteers that I hesitated to be singled out, because there are so many other people who have been giving back for decades,” Hatch said. “I greatly appreciate it nonetheless.”

Hatch explained that health issues have required her to ease up on some of her many commitments, but pledged to remain active in the Arlington Arts Council and Hands Together.