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On a recent afternoon over 100 people from across Vail gathered to honor Anne Gibson on her 80th Birthday. Someone asked the question: how many of you have served on a committee with Anne? Almost every hand in the room went up! It is likely that most every person who raised a hand was a happy victim of an arm-twisting request by Anne to serve on a committee.
Ever since Anne and her husband Howard opened the Rincon General Store in 1983, she has been connecting and engaging people in building community. Anne says of her time at the store, “We built the Rincon Creek General Store in 1983 and sold it in 1997. It was supposed to be a retirement project, but it was more demanding than we had originally thought. We met wonderful people, hired over 35 students during our time, and I loved feeling like I was every one’s mother whether they needed one or not.”
After Anne and Howard sold the store and boredom set in, she ran for the Vail School District Governing Board in 1999 and again for a total of four terms or 12 years. She served on the Arizona School Board Association Legislative Committee for several years as well.
While on the school district governing board, she joined Rosemary McCain in developing Vail Pride Day and served as Co-chairman from 1999-2008. Vail Pride Day continues today under the watchful eye of Anne’s good friends Heather Stough and Linda Kubiak.
Anne has always had the vision of bettering the Vail community. While the list below is just a snapshot of her service and accomplishments, it shows her dedication to the Vail and Tucson community:
- Built and operated the Rincon Creek General Store – a gathering place for Vail in the 1980’s and beyond
- Served as chairman of the Rincon Valley Festival a Vail Education Foundation fundraiser
- Served as chairman and co-chairman of Vail Pride Day
- Recipient of UA “It Takes a Village Award”
- Recipient of VPD’s “Heart of Vail Award”
- Served on the Vail School District Governing Board for 12 years where she earned her Masters in Boardsmanship, the Golden Cacti Award, and a third Cluster of Service from Arizona School Board Association
- Served as the administrative lead on Vail Community Action Board –– the governing body for Vail
- Certified by Dr. Eva Schindler-Rainman, Dr. Ronald O. Lippitt in leadership and community development, and Dr. Robert F. Paulsen as one of 30 Arizona professionals in community communications
- Lifetime member of UA President’s Club
- Served on several different legislative committees to advocate for Vail
- Continually serves on Citizens of Vail for Education – often as the chair spearheading the several Vail School District Override and Bond Elections
Anne received the Arizona School Board Association’s Honor Roll status a few years ago as well. Her submission stated: While many outstanding teachers and principals have demonstrated the power of high expectations in the classroom, Anne has proven that high expectations are a powerful tool in the board room as well. When Anne was first elected to the Board, she often talked boldly about Vail being “the best” and “showing the way” to others. We are challenged to live up to those lofty expectations. Anne’s soaring expectations for Vail have certainly been her greatest contribution.
Anne’s legacy is that of community engagement and building. May that legacy continue to shine on for years to come!
