The Graham County Historical Society will accept nominations from the Gila Valley community for its annual Heritage Award, which will be given Jan. 24, 2009, at the Gila River Roundup.

The purpose of the award is to recognize local people for their sacrifices for the Gila Valley, said Bunny Dryden, society member. The 2009 award will be the fourth given.

The group asks that family, neighbors and friends send in nominations.

The group’s board of directors has established four main criteria to serve as a guide to those who would like to make a nomination. If possible, the nominations should be kept confidential from the nominee so the recipient will be surprised.

• The recipient should have made a contribution to the ranching/farming industry of the Gila Valley during his or her lifetime as a resident.

• Nominees should have been involved in organizations promoting the Western lifestyle in the community, such as 4-H, FFA, gymkhana, Boy Scouts, etc.

• Residents of the Gila Valley should have benefitted from the services of the nominee. Those services could include law enforcement, member of a board of directors, education, etc. Those making the nomination should describe the nominee’s service or support.

Nominations must be received by the Graham County Historical Society Museum no later than 4 p.m., Nov. 1. Documen-tation of nominees not selected will be kept for future consideration.

Nominations can be brought to the Graham County Historical Society Museum or mailed to the Graham County Historical Society Museum, Box 290, Thatcher, AZ 85552.

Previous award recipients were Ross and Melva Bryce, Volley and Chloe Dryden and Garth Lunt.

For more information call the museum at 348-0470 or e-mail at staff@grahammuseum.org.