Gant receives Henry Award

By Tamara Thomas, Editor

Mayor Ron Badowski (left) presents Dallas “Rusty” Gant with the Henry Award. See more photos of the event on Page A-11.

Dallas “Rusty” Gant was the recipient of the coveted Henry Award for 2008 at the Town of Wickenburg’s annual Appreciation Dinner last Friday evening (May 16). Gant was one of several to receive awards and recognition at the event.

The Henry Award is a bronze miniature of the bust of Henry Wickenburg created by artist Clyde Ross Morgan. It is a prestigious award that is given for extraordinary service or actions for the community of Wickenburg.

Gant was selected for his lifetime of service and contributions to the town and state. Gant is currently a member of the Destination Wickenburg Task Force and the Airport Advisory Commission, and is a past councilman and mayor of Wickenburg, as well as past president of Wickenburg’s Chamber of Commerce. He has served as chairman and board member with Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Hotel and Motel Association, National Hotel and Motel Association, and Desert Caballeros.

Awards of Special Merit went to Bar S Animal Clinic for “Best New Commercial or Residential Project or Development for their new building in the industrial park. The award for “Most Improved Property” went to The Remuda Ranch Office Building on North Tegner, owner Don Nelson.

“This award (the ‘Economic Impact Award’) is a long time in coming,” declared announcer and Councilwoman Kristi Henson. “This winner has consistently contributed to Wickenburg for the last 73 years, and the impact is dramatic and significant.” The award was presented to the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Julie Brooks accepted the award for the Chamber.

Two “Enhancing Community Character” awards were given. One to Bucky Walters for his many years of service to the town and his unique Western style. The second award went to Daryl Singleton.

“This awardee is so visible in the community,” said Henson, describing Singleton. “How can you miss a white horse-drawn carriage on the streets of Wickenburg?”

Recognition was also given to the recently formed Citizens on Patrol volunteers.

“This group of people volunteered more than 3000 hours in the last year, making this town safe and supporting our Wickenburg Police Department,” said Vice Mayor Jim Gerard as he introduced Citizens on Patrol Coordinator Tammy Hankins. Hankins distributed recognition pins showing hours of service to each of the Patrol volunteers, including Janice Johnson, D.J. James, Susan Fowler, Will Burdick, Larry Chalsma, Edward Dehorty, Robert Dehorty, Louis Disser, Larry Edge, Jack Finegan, Robert Fowler, Jeannie Maglio, Joe Maglio and Frank Whitney.

Five-year service awards were given to Stephanie Fornoff for her service on the Library Board, Denny Tryon - Airport Advisory Commission, Jim Zimpher - Downtown Revitalization, Kevin Shumway - Planning and Zoning, Pete Weinelt - Recycling Committee.

Ten-year awards were given to Susie Mills - Library Board, Jim Hartman - Economic Development, Ron Badowski - Finance and Audit and Personnel Committee, and Bill Johnson, Slim Rottmayer, Phyllis Papin, Peter Vergalla and Dave Underdown for their service on the Rodeo Grounds Committee.

Two were awarded for 20 years of service: Bob Way on the Airport Advisory Commission and Ray Baum on the Board of Adjustment.

Councilwoman Henson set a lively pace as announcer and spiced the evening up with theme songs from old Western movies and television shows. The delicious meal of shrimp, steak, chicken and vegetable medleys was catered by Caf/ Azure - Culinary Visions’ Greg Calloway. Katie at the Red Flower Barn provided the floral arrangements.

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