Ping Golf Factory Tour

This was not our typical historical tour but after 50 years being in business, the Ping Golf factory fits the reguirements. Twelve League members enjoyed the guided tour April 16 and learned a lot about manufacturing. Ping is trying to have all the products made entirely in the USA and they are close to doing that. The exception is one driver going to China for titanium coating but most of the machinery from Mexico is now here in Phoenix.
Joan Galloway and Delores Tomasek stand by Ping color chart.
Karsten Solheim was an engineer and, admittedly, a terrible golfer. After a disastrous round of golf on a company picnic, he experimented with a popsicle stick and a sugar cube deciding he could create a better putter...and he did. Any pro golfer who wins a major tournament with a Ping putter now is awarded one in solid gold. Ping also keeps one in gold plate. They have so many putters now in the vault, they are expanding the room. Linda Fritsch, Pat Faur and Sharron McKinney take their seats at the presentation.
Ping must treat their employees well because so many of them have worked there for 15-20-25-30 or more years. That type of retention speaks volumes for a company with almost 1,000 employees.
Gail Lucky and Ruth Ann Hogan adjust their ear phones and glasses prior to the tour.
I was surprised to find many small buildings grouped together at their factory, not a huge modern plant. Karsten slowly acquired land and existing buildings as his company grew, including an old bank on the property.
A driving range is available to try out new clubs and it is now surrounded by tall, green mesh fences. Apparently pro golfer Bubba Watsen hit a drive 362 yards past the range and into the city of Phoenix bus depot. oops.
Lunch was enjoyed at the Art Institute of Phoenix culinary school. Pam Ryan inquires about the menu with her young waiter.

Dr Peter Welsh writes for Front Doors Magazine

Wonderful historic photo and article by Dr Welsh in the latest frontdoors.biz page 17. Party at the Tafel House is from Christmas 1906 in Phoenix. Check it out.

Governors Award Winner Gerry Murphy

Congratulations to a long time League supporter Gerry Murphy for his award. There is a write up about this in frontdoors.biz page 17 along with a great picture of Peggy and Gerry. He deserves the recognition after so many years of dedication to the arts.

MYCE opening day Saturday, May 9

Lots of talking, laughing, speeches, children, parents, dignitaries (including Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman) and excitement...that was the opening of the Museum Youth Curators Experience at the Museum. Honor students from the 8th grade at Greenway Middle School worked since September to research and create exhibits with the theme "From the 60's and 70's". Kudos to Megan Gately, Heidi Cocco and Kyle McKoy for all their hard work and inspiration to so many students. Everyone enjoyed themselves, tasted sweet treats and followed the students through the exhibits. They will remain open for several months. My daughter, Candice, and I learned more about the program from Megan. It is rewarding to see that funds raised from the Historical League go to such great community outreach educational programs.

Chocolate Lover's Delight Pie pg 152

My mouth is watering. Look at this rich, sinful, luscious pie. Two ladies made the same pie for the League meeting Monday and every morsel was gone. Nancy Evans is holding her creation with the beautiful topping of chocolate curls. Tobe Daum learned quickly that this pie cannot survive the drive to the museum in the 100 degrees. Hers went right into the freezer to "firm up". Nancy transported hers in an insulated container. Tobe also made these Sour Cream Muffins pg 41. By the time I got in line for the buffet, they were all gone so guess I have to make them myself.
The guest speakers, George and Donna Hartz, were very informative about their book, "The Phoenix Areas Parks and Preserves." George also serves on the Museum Board. Kay Holcombe and I tried to buy the book at the Museum gift shop but they were sold out so I will go online to purchase it...a "must" read. The League presented the Hartz's with a copy of "Tastes & Treasures."

Spring Party a Success!

53 guests attended our annual Spring Party, which is a celebration for all the hard work and money raised for AHS by League members. Hosted by Joan Galloway (in photo) at her lovely home, the party featured a delicious Mexican fiesta menu. Table centerpieces showcased large margarita glasses filled with limes and sunflowers. Margaritas were a highlight of the beverages offered, and delicious cakes with whipped creme and a variety of sauces were served for dessert.

Reported by Tobe Daum and Nancy Evans.

4th Grade Tour of Museum

The AHS Museum was closed to the public today but not to the 4th graders from Lookout Mt school. Studying Arizona history was not boring for them this morning. Dee Steen took a group through the Transportation Exhibit. It is a hands on, climb in the old wagon or sit on a saddle and watch a movie type of exhibit. Lots of noise and laughter coming from the students. Dale Frankel began her tour with the importance of water to the desert. The children were very interested in all of it.