DARLINGTON — At the Colonel Benjamin Harrison Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution Centennial Dinner, awards were presented to four members of Southwest Wisconsin communities. In order to earn the awards the chapter completed applications to the national and state DAR organizations and provided documentation of achievements and service as well as letters of recommendation.
Sergeant Antonio “Tony” Ruesga of the Darlington Police Department was presented with the “Distinguished Citizen Medal” that is awarded to an individual who fulfills the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism, and who has contributed to the defense and/or security, and thereby the freedom, of the community, state or nation in an exceptional manner. Support for Sergeant Ruesga’s award included biographical information, published articles regarding special events and awards, and examples of his regular newspaper column and other efforts to unite the community.
Marion Howard of Darlington, who is part of DAR and the Lafayette County Historical Society, was presented with the “Historical Preservation Recognition Award” that is to recognize worthy individuals for outstanding achievements in all areas of historic preservation, including buildings, landmarks, monuments, historic manuscripts, documents, archival materials, writing or compiling books, genealogical records, photographic or museum collections, or serving as historical interpreters, guides or docents. Recipients are expected to have contributed to their community in an outstanding manner. Support for her award included many news articles and a long list of roles from librarian to historian, museum curator/archivist, genealogist and musician.
Kate Bausch of Darlington and owner of “The Happy Palette,” a painting and art shop on Ann Street in Darlington, was presented with the “Women in the Arts Recognition Award” that is to recognize worthy women at the community level for outstanding achievements in the non-performance arts. The recipient is expected to have contributed to her artistic field in an outstanding manner beyond mastery of technique. This may include innovative design work, featured exhibitions, and technique development. Bausch’s artwork is well-known in southwest Wisconsin. Her commissioned art is hanging in area universities, and she has had exhibitions in the area. She is also instrumental in creating magic in the theater by creating three-dimensional worlds on flat set backdrops. Recently she painted wings on a building’s exterior that support the community and inspire people. She employs art as therapy and as a means of expression. Support for Kate’s award included letters of recommendation from attendees of her art workshops, professional people that have appreciated her artwork in the community, Longbranch Art Gallery of Mineral Point, and the theater company, The Pop Factory Players.
Bea Patterson of Juda, and frequently Argyle, was presented with the “DAR Community Service Award” that is to recognize persons who have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through cultural, educational, patriotic or historical ways, or citizenship, conservation or by participating in community activities. Patterson was nominated for the award by several members of the chapter because she is known for her tireless work with Badger Honor Flight, which helps area veterans make the trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. Support for her award was easy with sincere letters from Badger Honor Flight and American Legion Post 251 of Argyle.
Four different people from this area, but so much in common. They all said it seemed strange to receive an award for doing what they love or doing what comes naturally. But people who serve their communities because it’s “just what they do,” are the glue that keep us together and that’s worth some positive press.
Our DAR chapter feels much the same. DAR is a service organization dedicated to historical preservation, education and patriotism. For more information go to dar.org or colbenjaminharrisondar.org.
