Volunteers go above and behond

Working towards the Arizona Centennial Historymakers Gala and Reception Program has been a 2 year journey for Historical League volunteers. The chairmen always contribute more but this year our volunteers have gone far beyond the usual donation of time, talent and resources.
Pictured here is our "Computer Guru" Joan Robinson with "Writing Guru" Zona Lorig. Margaret Baker and Pat Faur are two of many who have helped edit the AZ Centennial book and Historymakers Gala program. Thank you to all involved.

Who doesn't like Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Warm from the oven or chilled, these cookies are the best.

Special Chocolate Chip Cookies

From Tastes & Treasures cookbook, page 191

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups (12 ounces) cholcolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together. Combine the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl of a stand mixer and beat until creamy, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the eggs once at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture and beat until smooth. Mix in the oats and fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a nonstick cookie sheet or a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute and remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 3 to 4 dozen.

Centennial Historymakers Commemorative book

With deadlines looming, the volunteers working on this book have been amazing. Thanks to all of them but especially Linda Cathey and Norma Jean Coulter proof reading here with co-editor Zona Lorig. Computer guru Joan Robinson-Blumit continues to astound us with her talents in creating this 320 page book as co-editors Ruth McLeod and Zona look on.
This book is part of the Centennial Legacy Project and it is a huge committment involving thousands of hours but well worth it. Arizona Historymakers have been honored for their contribution to the growth of the State. This book details their accomplishments and stories.

Historymakers Gala committee has success

Historymakers Gala and Recognition Committee has been busy on this event for months. All this hard work is coming to fruition resulting in table reservations, fund raising, commemorative Centennial book, video of Historymakers, photographs, artifacts, sponsors, contributions, decorations, guest speakers, website, Legacy Project and more. Thanks to all the volunteers who continue to make things happen for the Historical League.

Moist and Delicious Apple Pancakes

Modified from Tastes & Treasures Lemon Souffle Pancakes page 52 from Hassayampa Inn, this delicious treat is filled with fresh chopped apples to make it moist and sweet. You can try this pancake recipe to impress early morning risers. Of course, you can also go to Prescott and enjoy the Hassayampa Inn's cuisine.
Preparing apple pancakes on a cast iron grill is the traditional way. We decided to try the George Foreman grill for an unusual "grilled" pattern on the pancakes and it worked very well.

Vendors with great gift ideas at Childrens Holiday Party

Last minute gift giving became so much easier this December with the wonderful choices available at the Children's Holiday Party. Thanks to Kay Holcombe for setting up such great vendors. Love the books for both children and adults, clothing, Christmas decorations, purses, jewelry, art and so much more. Here is a list of the vendors

1.The Arizona Historical Society Museum Gift Shop at Papago Park www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org

2.Bellissimo Handbags & Jewels Donna_vorr@yahoo.com

3. Adventures in Literature with CONRAD J. STORAD cstorad@cox.net

4. Copperworks By Deborah Spencer oop_deb@yahoo.com

4. Fancy Faux – Quality Replica Jewelry babbsjw@aol.com

5. Arizona Rock Candles with Base Oil Reservoir willdonal@gmail.com

6. Historical League, Inc. Cookbook and Centennial Aprons www.HistoricalLeague.org

7. Custom Imprinted Napkins, Guest Towels & Tabletop Hostess Gifts LTodish@aol.com

8. Patchwork Pig Boutique for Ladies Clothing www.patchworkpig.net

9.Premier Designs Jewelry JRthejewelrylady@cox.net

10. Pretty Hair Things & More by Nana Diana Prettyhairthings@yahoo.com.

11. Fun and Funky gifts www.Studionicole.net

12. Tree Trinkets specializing in holiday decorations and gifts. Spumoni72@cox.net

13. CRAZY CRUIZERS - crazycruizep@gmail.com

Ethnobotany - What is that?

Our January 10, 2011, the Historical League will have Ron Dinchak speaking on “Ethno botany- More than just how our indigenous peoples use native plants”. He will bring some demonstration materials for the Arizona Historical League to observe.

Ron Dinchak has been a Life Science professor at Mesa Community College for 38 years. He has done graduate work at many universities as he studies unique ecosystems. He has developed courses in botany, environmental biology and natural history of the Southwest. His concern about science education has led him to teach a cohort class of environmental biology for education majors. He has worked closely with Arizona Game and Fish departments in facilitating Project Wild classes.

Mr. Dinchak has written two well received publications entitled “An Illustrated Guide to the Landscape Trees of Southern Arizona” and “An Illustrated Guide to the Landscape Shrubs of Southern Arizona”. He has written laboratory manuals for botany and environmental biology and co-authored manuscript for natural history of the southwest. Ron is a landscape designer and consultant, as well as educator.

Ron has also been very involved with community education of homeowners in landscaping method that emphasize sustainability in water conservation, wildlife habitat and organic gardening and has written a comprehensive xeriscape manual.

Childrens Holiday Party a Success

This event is everyone's favorite of the year. Held at Desert Ridge Marriott in December and filled with entertaining musicians, singers, dancers, clowns and delicious food . . . what's not to like?