Gala Pecan Spread from Renee Donnelly

A tireless volunteer for the cookbook, Renee chairs the wholesale distribution of Tastes & Treasures. We are so grateful for all she does for our cookbook. Here is one of her delicious recipes that is perfect for entertaining.

Gala Pecan Spread - Renee Donnelly

Ingredients:
1 8 ounce package cream cheese
2 tbsp milk
3 ounce package or jar dried beef
½ cup finely chopped green pepper
2 tbsp dehydrated onion
½ tsp garlic
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup sour cream

Directions:
Combine and blend cheese and milk.
Stir in beef and seasonings. Mix well.
Fold in sour cream.
Spoon into 8 inch pie pan and cover with sprinkling of chopped pecans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Serve with crackers.

Historymaker/Navajo Code Talker Keith Little 1925-2012

The Navajo Code Talkers and Keith Little were given a wonderful tribute at the Historymakers Centennial Gala February 11, 2011. Keith attended along with fellow Code Talkers Joe Kellwood and Sidney Bedoni. The Code Talkers were honored in 2005 and the Centennial Gala 2011 brought all honorees together for a special recognition.

We realize that the passing of these courageous men must not end the acknowledgements they deserve and we continue to honor them with our Historymakers Recognition program and exhibits at AHS Museum.

When asked why he chose to go to war, he answers simply: "[because] the Japanese made a sneak attack on the US," adding that he wanted "to protect our people, land and country."

Their stories are told in the Historical League's Centennial book, Arizona Recollections and Reflections which is a Centennial Legacy Project. The chapter in Tastes & Treasures from Cameron Trading Post also talks about the Navajo people.

Firehoses, Fun, Food on the Fourth

Pat Faur, Kay Holcombe and I enjoyed the festivities at the Royal Palm neighborhood parade July 4th. The Historical League had a booth to show Tastes & Treasures cookbook, Arizona Recollections and Reflections Centennial book and hand out brochures about the AHS Museum and the Historical League. Granola from page 196 in the cookbook was sampled. Pat also talked about the Children's Holiday Party so we have several interested families.

The Parade is always fun with not one but two fire trucks this year, Veterans on their motorcycles, vintage cars, strollers, bicycles, roller blades, skate boards, Color Guard, flags, songs (Star Spangled Banner led by Claude Mattox) and speeches. Even a submarine replica that drove over two big tubs of ice - ouch. There is always a big crowd starting at 7 am with coffee, donuts, danish and cookies. By 8:30 am when the parade ends, the hot dogs are grilling and the watermelon is sliced and juicy. By 9 am the firemen had turned on their hoses to give the children a gentle cooling spray. All being filmed by Channel 12 News.

Nothing like grass roots America to celebrate the Fourth of July.

AZ Centennial Historymakers Gala

After two years of preparation, the big event is almost here. Most of the hard work is finished. We are pleased to have such a big turnout. It will make for a wonderful evening to remember.

Joan Robinson-Blumit created this great collage of Historymakers 1992-2008. What an outstanding array of people who have helped this state grow. The evening will also feature the Historymakers Video, In Our Own Words and also the Centennial book, Arizona Recollections and Reflections.

We honor the Historymakers at this "Official Kick off to Arizona's Centennial" at Camelback Inn, Arizona Ballroom, Friday, February 11, 2011.

Save the Date - Historymakers Gala

Details: http://www.historicalleague.org/historymakers.htm

Sandra Day O'Connor speaks at Troon Luncheon

A highlight of the year for Historical League members is this Spring Recognition Luncheon and to listen to Justice O'Connor was amazing. Troon Golf Club was the venue with sweeping vistas of Phoenix accompanied by delicious food. Kudos to organizers Gail Lucky and Mary Pat McNamara. Members received lovely thank you gifts from Leslie Christiansen and outgoing President Ruth Ann Hogan. Over 4,900 volunteer hours were recognized this year along with the realization that since it began the League has contributed over $1,000,590.00 to the AHS Museum.
Future plans for the Arizona Centennial "Kickoff" Gala are keeping many League members busy over the summer working on the Feb 11, 2011 event.