Friday, August 22, 2025

Denise Resnik, 2023 Arizona Historymaker, is leader with First Place Arizona


Denise Resnik, 2023 Arizona Historymaker, respected leader in autism research with First Place Arizona.  

Denise Resnik at Arizona Heritage Center Historymaker Exhibit
August 10, 2025 article in Arizona Republic 








GROUND BROKEN FOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING

NJ apartment project is led by mom seeking independence for son with autism

Olivia Liu

Asbury Park Press
USA TODAY NETWORK – NEW JERSEY



RED BANK, NJ – Karen Fluharty is bringing her son home – a journey that has already taken eight years and will likely take an additional two.

First, she needs to build an apartment building, arguably one of the easier steps in the decade long process.

Her son, Ryan Fluharty, has autism.

Finding housing that will not only fit his needs but allow him to flourish exists in such short supply that Karen Fluharty decided she had to build it herself.

“Failing to plan for his future was simply not an option,” she said. “That quest was certainly much longer and much harder than we expected.”

In the blazing 95-degree heat on July 30, Fluharty’s nonprofit Parents with a Plan broke ground on Thrive Red Bank, a first-of-its-kind apartment building with 32 one-bedroom apartments for neurodiverse adults who would benefit from supportive housing.

In a unique partnership, Rutgers University will send staff and students to get to know the residents and develop customized support and schedules.

One resident’s schedule could involve taking a bus to No Limit Café in Middletown, New Jersey, which employs people with intellectual disabilities, and then spending the evening at a Red Bank church.

Another resident’s schedule could include swimming at the YMCA, learning financial literacy at Manasquan Bank and getting groceries with fellow residents before heading home.

Fluharty estimates that the apartment building could open in early 2027 with rent running $5,000 per month. Five of the 32 apartments for residents would be set aside as affordable, as part of the borough’s affordable housing plan.

As a single mother, Fluharty flew with her only son around the globe marketing Simon Premium Outlets for her day job.

When her son turned 15, she began to worry that he might graduate high school and end up on her couch without anything meaningful to do.

She inquired and visited about 60 programs across the country that would cater to her son’s needs.

“We wanted programs that would grow his independent living skills, that would create a community around him, prepare him for the workforce, develop loving relationships,” Fluharty said. “I thought it would be easy, like picking a college. And (you) look, you go and show up. But it really wasn’t.”

She found wait lists that ran years long, crippling bureaucracy and programs that were either too insulated from the outside world or not the right fit for her son’s needs.

Ryan eventually did land a spot at the supportive housing program First Place in Arizona, but for his mom, that was too far.

Fluharty planned the for-profit apartment building with philanthropists John and Robin Klein, No Limit Café founders Mark and Stephanie Cartier, and the executive director of the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, Dr. Christopher Manente, among others.

John Klein, former CEO of Simon Premium Outlets, is also a developer on the project.

The property is owned by American Real Estate Opportunity Fund LLC, which is in turn owned by Rumson executive Warren Diamond, according to Monmouth County Property Records. The developer had previously gone before the borough’s zoning board for 10 two-bedroom apartments.

Parents with a Plan also received about $200,000 in state grants for workforce development, according to New Jersey state Sen. Vin Gopal.

While one of the goals is to provide housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the organization stresses that they are not a licensed care facility.

Residents need to be independent enough to eat, clean and get dressed by themselves.

The apartment building cannot support those with violent behavior toward themselves or others.

Since receiving approval by the borough’s zoning board in 2023, Fluharty said her organization has already received 50 applications and more than 5,000 apartment-related inquiries.

What Manente with the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services finds appealing with the partnership is the potential – the potential to improve lives, the potential to harness data and replicate their services at scale, and the potential to professionalize a disregarded job.

Christeen Scarpa of Rutgers, who will serve as chief quality officer, plans to spend two or three days every week at Thrive, work with the residents and collect quality of life data points on residents’ adaptability, socialization and safety skills.

Fluharty said she hopes the model at Thrive Red Bank can be replicated in other towns.

Direct support professionals, the title for caregivers to adults with developmental disabilities, is a poorly paid, high-turnover job that needs reform, according to Manente. Nationally, about 7 out of 10 direct support professionals will leave their job in a year, Manente said.

Most are paid minimum wage with limited chances for career advancement.

Many workers take on second or third jobs and lack health care.

“What needs to happen is direct care staff need to make an annual salary on par with what professionals in public schools make. And that is generally at a minimum $40,000 to $50,000 a year,” Manente said. “And those jobs should come with full benefits.”

While special education jobs require a master’s degree and comprehensive training, direct support jobs often only require a high school diploma and a clean criminal record.

The partnership with Thrive Red Bank, in Manente’s eyes, will develop a pipeline of direct support professionals.

Rutgers students “from a variety of academic backgrounds (will be trained) to become effective, compassionate and culturally competent support staff for neurodivergent adults.”

Parents like Fluharty are working to build a society for their children.

Stephanie Cartier, who runs No Limit Café, has a daughter with Down syndrome. She said her daughter was one of the applicants for Thrive Red Bank.

In two years, if all goes according to plan, “she’s going to have her own life and her own goals and dreams and independence because of this,” Cartier said. 


Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Celebrate Tucson at 250 years

 Tucson will be turning 250! 🎉 Join us Saturday, August 23 at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson, as we commemorate 250 years since the city's founding. Enjoy FREE admission from 10 AM - 3 PM on Saturday, August 23 and explore the rich history that shaped the Old Pueblo.


To celebrate, be sure to check out the #JournalofArizonaHistory were we have made select articles on Tucson's past FREE to read online for a limited time!


📸: c. 1884-1888, the intersection of Congress Street and Meyer Street as it appeared in the 1880s; REF: 100-0002001



Monday, August 18, 2025

2017 Historymaker Wink Crigler named 2025 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee

Honored as an Arizona Historymaker in 2017, Wink Crigler continues to support ranching and is recognized for her work. She is highly respected for her contributions to conservation planning, resource and livestock management, and community service. 

Congratulations on her latest award:

Sarahmarge “Wink” Crigler – Arizona

At the X Diamond Ranch in Arizona’s South Fork Canyon, Wink Crigler carries on a legacy that began in the 1890s. A fourth-generation rancher and passionate steward of the land, she co-founded the Ranching Heritage Alliance and has been nationally recognized for her commitment to conservation. Her ranch has become a symbol of sustainable Western hospitality, and her voice remains one of the strongest advocates for preserving rural heritage.






Friday, August 15, 2025

Ira Parsons "What has studying the past taught you about the present?"


In response to Washington Post reporter Alyssa Rosenberg's solicitation,  
"What has studying the past taught you about the present?", NHD student Ira Parsons submitted this brief paper. He commented, "Although it was not one of the few she published, it was a great opportunity to express what NHD has taught me."

And don't forget, Ira won the Library of Congress medal (“Discovery or Exploration in History”) at 2025 National History Day finals, becoming the first person ever to win it twice. 


 NHD Nationals 2025

Washington Post: “What Has Studying the Past Taught You About the Present?”

Response from Ira Parsons


I have learned that, although our times, technology, languages, and cultures may vary, the people we study in the past are the same people we are today.  Throughout history, most people have worked to better themselves and their families, hoping for a brighter future, and it is easy for me to see myself in them.  History is as much what happened a thousand years ago as it is what happened five minutes ago.


Studying the past reveals mistakes and miscalculations that humans have made, providing an opportunity for us to learn and change our behavior.  It has shown me the power of human resilience, offering inspiration to face adversity, and perspective on how people thought about themselves and their world, helping to understand how we view ourselves and our world.


Studying the past has taught me that change is constant, and that any predictions we have now about the future are as far-fetched as 1960s visions of personal jetpacks.  It also has shown me how easily people can be misled, emphasizing the importance of reliable sources, verifiable facts, and critical thinking.


By studying the past, I have discovered tools to understand and navigate today’s world, which really is not so different from the past. 

Library of Congress Steve Wesson presents Ira with his medal at the awards ceremony.




 

Thursday, August 14, 2025

National Navajo Code Talkers Day August 14, 2025

 Honored as Arizona Historymakers in 2005, hear the story at https://historicalleague.org/projects/merril-sandoval-navajo-code-talker/

Today is National Navajo Code Talkers Day, a day to commemorate those who developed an unique, unbreakable code to help carry our numerous operations in WWII.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Wink Crigler 2017 Historymaker and rancher

 Honored as 2017 AZ Historymaker, Wink Crigler is highly respected for her contributions to conservation planning, resource and livestock management, and community service. Listen to her tell her story at https://historicalleague.org/projects/wink-crigler/






Monday, August 4, 2025

Ira Parsons shares his story about NHDAZ

 After receiving Ira Parsons' thank you letter, we are even more impressed with his abilities and the benefits of NHDAZ.

"My name is Ira Parsons, and I just finished my sophomore year at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale.
Thanks to the Historical League’s sponsorship this summer, I won the Library of Congress medal (“Discovery or Exploration in History”) at this year’s National History Day finals, becoming the first person ever to win it twice, for my senior paper, “Rights Without Responsibilities: How the Framers of International Space Law Failed to Foresee Privatization.”
Competing this year was a great experience: the Washington Post invited us to submit a short essay, the White House Historical Association invited me to participate in a writer’s workshop, and I had fun touring the campuses of Johns-Hopkins and Princeton University.
Over the past four years, this contest has helped me develop not only as a writer, but also as a critical thinker and historical analyst. The important skills I have learned – such as interpreting the historical record, synthesizing research, and developing and defending a thesis – have allowed me to thrive in many endeavors, both in and out of school.
Thank you and the Historical League for your generous support,
Ira Parsons"







Saturday, August 2, 2025

Butterfield Overland Stage Trail exhibit closing

 Butterfield Overland Trail exhibit closes Saturday, August 2 at 3 pm so don't miss this chance to see it.

This vivid exhibit by Marjorie Reed brings to life the rugged journey of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage, one of America's earliest overland mail routes which stretched from Missouri to California, carrying passengers and mail through Arizona. Reed traveled the route of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage from the late 1930s-1940s, sketching out various points along the trail.




In 1858, John Butterfield won a government contract to carry mail from St. Louis to San Francisco twice a week. He employed over 800 people and ran up to 250 coaches, 1,000 horse and 500 mules.
We are grateful to Historical League member Davie Garrison who co-ordinated the donation of painter Marjorie Reed’s Butterfield Overland Stage paintings to the Arizona Heritage Center. Born in Springfield, Illinois, raised in Los Angeles and later living in Tombstone, AZ, Marjorie Reed painted western scenes, including Butterfield Overland Stage coaches and cowboys, horses and people on the Overland Mail Route. Marjorie took organ lessons from Davie as did Mache Tuveson and they became good friends. Dr and Mrs. L.L. Tuveson donated the paintings to the AZHC.


Thursday, July 31, 2025

Alfredo Gutierrez 1945-2025

 Alfredo Gutierrez 1945-2025

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Alfredo Gutierrez honored by the Historical League in 2019 as an Arizona Historymaker.
His life and legacy are documented in video and oral history at
https://historicalleague.org/projects/alfredo-gutierrez/
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.


Tuesday, July 22, 2025

NHD Teacher of the Year Dr. Rebekah West Keur

 Dr. Rebekah West Keur, a truly dedicated educator and a finalist for the prestigious National History Day (NHD) Teacher of the Year Award! Dr. West Keur has been a guiding force in the NHD program at her schools since 2018 including being the first teacher to bring the program to a large school district in Arizona, inspiring and impacting others along the way. She's had the privilege of mentoring around 700 students, helping them dive deep into history through research-centered passion projects.

"National History Day means so much to me as a scholar and an educator," Dr. West Keur shares. "This program allows all students to immerse themselves in history and historical thinking through research-centered passion projects. This offers them the opportunity to excel academically and as people."




Sunday, July 20, 2025

NHD Teacher of the Year Laura Shafer

 "I am so honored to be nominated for the NHD Teacher of the Year!" Laura Shafer has been a history teacher for 21 years in Arizona. "I started getting involved in NHD in 2016, first as a judge and then by having my students compete at both the middle and high school levels. There is no other opportunity like NHD to have my students engage in historical research. My students truly become historians, diving into archives, meeting with librarians and even interviewing historical witnesses. They become experts on their topics and build confidence in their academic pursuits. Having a 12 year old create a 10 page annotated bibliography is an accomplishment in and of itself! I have students come back and compete year after year, growing in their abilities and confidence as researchers. NHD is a unique opportunity for students who love history!"






Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ethan Tsay appreciative of NHD and Historical League

Congrats to NHD student Ethan Tsay on winning Best Arizona Story sponsored by Historical League; Best Western History from Charles Redd Center for Western Studies; Best Environmental History sponsored by Coalition of Environmental History.

He designed a Senior Individual Website, A Toxic Legacy: Uranium Mining in the Navajo Nation https://89080652.NHDWebCentral.org

Ethan's grateful note describes, "The most rewarding part of competing in National History Day is learning about lesser-told aspects and stories of a broader historical context. It is important to unearth the stories of underrepresented minorities to preserve the truth in history. The most stressful part is making sure to finish the project to the best of your ability within certain deadlines and time constraints. I learned how to create a historical narrative that is not only cohesive but also tells a story."

Thank you so much!
Ethan

Arizona students at Award Ceremony Parade




Teacher Stacey Trepanier, Ethan and NHD students explore Washington D.C.

Josie Pete and Cathy Shumard with Ethan at State Finals





Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Jessica Finnie thankful for NHD program and Historical League

My senior paper was The Responsibility of Remembrance: The Discarded Rights and Legacy of Annie Hamilton Brown." I am honored to have won the Untold Stories in History prize at Nationals. 

Thank you for the Historical League's generous sponsorship for NHDAZ. I sincerely appreciate the scholarship; attending both NHDAZ and the National NHD competition were incredible experiences! I enjoyed connecting with like-minded students who share a passion for history.  I am delighted to have attended this year. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the NHD programs.

The most rewarding part of competing in National History Day was conducting primary-source research at the National Archives, writing about a lost figure in history, and bringing an untold story to light.

The most stressful part of NHD for me was keeping within the word count of the paper while meeting the key objectives of the paper rubric. 

Over the course of participating in NHD, from Arizona to the National Level, I learned how important studying history is as a young scholar. It was amazing to find a community who shares my passion for historical research and exploring history.

Participating in NHD has been a wonderful experience that has changed my life. First-person, primary research was essential to my work. I first discovered Annie Hamilton Brown while transcribing documents for the National Archives as a Citizen Archivist. In my research, I quickly found that I was limited by what I could discover online--so I traveled across the country to the East Coast to conduct primary research in Massachusetts (where Annie Hamilton Brown lived) and Maryland. To clarify, I researched at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland; traveled to the Massachusetts Historical Society, where the Massachusetts Audubon records are held; went to Stoneham, Massachusetts, where Annie lived, and visited her gravesite; and read Annie's original will at the Judicial Archives of the Massachusetts Supreme Court. I discovered a passion for conducting historical research through this passion project. I am delighted that I was able to share Annie's untold story with a wider audience, and am honored to have represented Arizona at the national level. My work for Annie Hamilton Brown continues. It is my goal to publish Annie's untold story and have her legacy recognized today as a prominent conservationist. She was an incredible woman who deserves to be remembered today. I am sincerely grateful for Arizona's NHD program and the opportunity to participate.

 

Thank you,

Jessica Finnie





Monday, July 14, 2025

Imani Haven and Carmen Thompson made a huge impact with their NHD exhibit: MMIW

For the first time in school history, two students from Dishchii’Bikoh Community School in Cibecue represented Arizona at the 2025 National History Day competition at the University of Maryland. They didn’t bring home a trophy. Instead, they brought something more powerful: a message that couldn’t be ignored.

 https://www.wmicentral.com/news/cibecue-students-take-mmiw-crisis-to-the-national-stage/article_8ac34ce0-a373-46be-8de1-f9fd9f016a5d.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLf6oRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnY1o4bG5oNFJQVk4yeFpoAR7up8ySb3k3M3bmgFqu9mw4dKoRLALShDYzODBDiE1Uh1y5vTmCdtSB5nLvdg_aem_PTLpw63ccf9hoOXqjhb1FQ

NHD students Imani Haven and Carmen Thompson, Teacher/Advisor Jeron Velasco


Tuesday, July 8, 2025

2025 Arizona Historymaker John W. Graham interviewed for his oral history by Carey Pena

 How do you tell your life story in two hours? Leave it to Carey Pena to know what to ask, allowing 2025 Arizona Historymaker John W. Graham to relax and share his experiences during his oral history interview. He is being honored for his Real Estate development, as well as deep and enduring Community Involvement.

The 2025 Arizona Historymakers™ Turquoise & Treasures Celebration will be held on October 25, 2025 from 3pm to early evening at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park, Tempe. At the celebration, a video presentation will highlight their contributions, followed by a buffet and reception with an opportunity to meet and talk to the Historymakers. Guests will be among the first to see a new exhibit featuring each of the 2025 Historymakers.


Sunday, July 6, 2025

2025 Arizona Historymaker Dede Yazzie Devine oral history interview with Josie Pete

 Sharing your life story can be daunting. Leave it to Josie Pete (left) to ask the right questions of 2025 Arizona Historymaker Dede Yazzie Devine. This took palce during the oral history interview to record Dede's many accomplishments that make Arizona a better place for all of us.

The 2025 Arizona Historymakers™ Turquoise & Treasures Celebration will be held on October 25, 2025 from 3pm to early evening at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park, Tempe. At the celebration, a video presentation will highlight their contributions, followed by a buffet and reception with an opportunity to meet and talk to the Historymakers. Guests will be among the first to see a new exhibit featuring each of the 2025 Historymakers.


Saturday, July 5, 2025

Thursday, July 3, 2025

National History Day Special Honors Showcase Students

NHD News Washington D.C. SHOWCASE Special honors at Nationals for these three students:

- Ruhi Rane was chosen to showcase her junior exhibit at the National Museum of American History on June 11. Title - Pins, Needles, and Responsibilities: The ILGWU and the Fight for Workers Rights.

Historical League members were impressed with her exhibit when they attended the mentoring "Day at the Museum" sponsored by Scottsdale's Museum of the West in May. Ruhi's attention to detail was so impressive. Great use of imagery and research.




- W. Ira Parsons was selected to attend a Writers Workshop sponsored by the White House Historical Association. His senior paper was Rights Without Responsibilities: How the Framers of International Space Law Failed to Anticipate Commercialization.
Ten students (out of 2,895) were selected for a virtual paper showcase at the White House Historical Association (WHHA), covering topics related to the history of the White House or the history of the presidency. These students, along with eight additional students, were invited to attend a writers’ workshop at The People’s House: A White House Experience on June 11.




- Brad Wu showcased his first place winning senior documentary at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Title is Camp Jened: A Revolution Born in the Mountains.
Historical League members got a preview of the documentary in May at Scottsdale's Museum of the West mentoring "Day at the Museum" and we appreciate his work!





To read the full Press Release, click below:
day&utm_content=2025+Pre-Contest+Newsletter