During an impromptu “town council” meeting called by Prescott Valley Vice Mayor Lora Lee Nye during a Nov. 11 gala honoring retiring Mayor Harvey Skoog, Town Council members unanimously approved a motion to rename Civic Center Circle as Skoog Boulevard.
The estimated 450 people attending the dinner heartily endorsed the motion with a standing ovation. The 79-year-old Minnesota native had been a Town Council member and mayor for 26 years. Prescott Valley now has an estimated population of 46,000, the largest community in Yavapai County.
Skoog and his wife, Edna, were introduced to the audience by PV Town Manager Larry Tarkowski. Local radio station owner and businessman Sanford Cohen served as master of ceremonies.
During the evening event at the Prescott Valley Event Center, Skoog was lauded by almost two dozen dignitaries, including Congressman Paul Gosar from Arizona’s District 1, Arizona State Senator Karen Fann; County Supervisor Tom Thurman, and mayors from Prescott, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt. Also honoring Skoog were all the PV Town Council members and several of the staff.
But perhaps the biggest honor was for Skoog and his wife of 59 years, Edna, to have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren present. In all, they have nine children, 61 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. Most of them stood in front of the stage and led a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Skoog, who turned 79 the next day on Nov. 12.
Responding to all the praise, Skoog, in a subdued but passionate voice said, “How much could a guy ask for? This is much more than I expected, and I’m way beyond surprised. What a blessing.”
Skoog officially retires at the beginning of January. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo Captions:
#1Prescott Valley Vice Mayor Lora Lee Nye presented the new street sign to honor retiring Mayor Harvey Skoog and his wife, Edna, during ceremonies Nov. 11.
Courtesy photo by Chris Kissing
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