It is 2024 and time to induct a new class of outstanding individuals from the region into the Lower Verde River Valley Hall of Fame.

The Committee congratulates each of these people as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Inductees from Fountain Hills include Alan Magazine, Bill Craig, Cindy Couture, Dennis Brown, Tammy Bell, Vicky Derksen and Jamie Sunshine.

Dwayne Abbe is the only inductee from Rio Verde. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation nominee is yet to be named.

The celebration honoring these men and women is set for Wednesday, March 27, at the Rio Verde Country Club, 18731 E. 4 Peaks Blvd. This is the second year in a row the event has been held at RVCC.

Consideration for election is based on an individual’s contributions in one or more of the following categories: arts and culture, business and professional, community service, education, governmental activities and religious and spiritual activities.

“From a crowded field of over two dozen nominees, the selection committee had a difficult time narrowing down the final awardees,” said chair Dori Wittrig. “Secret ballots are cast and the highest vote getters are named.”

Biographies of everyone will appear in a future edition of the Times Independent.

Wittrig offers a special thank you for technical assistance to Dr. Peter O’Reilly from the Verde Communities and Sandra Patea of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for their nominations. As part of this year’s awards program, two Legacy Award recipients will be honored, including I Love Fountain Hills (FHCCA) and Fountain Hills Youth Theater/Ross Collins.

“The banquet is always a fun-filled evening for nominees, family, friends and supporters as they gather to celebrate this unique and well-earned honor,” Wittrig said.

The ceremony in March will take on an artistic flair as the organizing committee is seeking donations of art and photography depicting scenes of the Lower Verde Valley.

“We will then be offering these pieces for sale at the banquet and online,” Wittrig added.

Since 2004, the Hall of Fame has recognized individuals, living or deceased, whose history of involvement has contributed in a positive way to the betterment of communities within the lower Verde Valley.

There are more than 150 individuals in the Lower Verde River Valley Hall of Fame. Banquet tickets will go on sale soon. Seating is limited to 230 people for $75 per seat.

The committee serves as part of the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum and Exploration Center, and the event is an annual museum fundraiser. For more information, visit riveroftime.center/calendar_event/lower-verde-valley-hall-of-fame-dinner/.