This planting was part of our Centennial tree planting project: Celebrating the Past, Planting for our Future, a partnership between our council and the Arizona Community Tree Council (ACTC). Through this partnership, 100 trees have been donated to local Girl Scouts to plant in their communities.
https://www.girlscoutsaz.org/news/article/girl_scouts_receive_10_trees_in_honor_of_100th_anniversary

Working in conjunction with the Official State Historian, Marshall Trimble, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa designed the Culturekeepers program to recognize state residents who are committed to upholding the traditions, rituals and culture of Arizona. Established in 2002, the Culturekeepers program has announced and recognized 10 individuals during an annual event at The Westin Kierland. By the state’s centennial in 2012, 100 Culturekeepers will have been honored by the Arizona Culturekeepers program. The selection committee is led by Marshall Trimble, Official State Historian and was originated by Katherine “Kax” Herberger, longtime Valley philanthropist, who passed away in 2003. 

http://www.kierlandresort.com/site_pdfs/2012_Culturekeepers.pdf)

PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 3, 2012) – The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA, Inc.) has overwhelmingly voted that Arizona has the best new license plate in the United States.  Last year, Arizona introduced a beautiful Centennial plate to honor the 100th anniversary of statehood in 2012.  Since 1970, ALPCA recognizes a state with the best new license plate design of the year. This year marks the 41st anniversary of the award and the second award for Arizona after winning in 1996 for its general issue plate.

“I am pleased to announce that the Great State of Arizona is this year’s recipient of ALPCA’s Best Plate Award,” said ALPCA President Greg Gibson. “Arizona’s outstanding Centennial plate topped plates from nine other states.”  ALPCA members worldwide were asked to vote based on two judging criteria: the overall attractiveness of the license plate design and its legibility as a tool for public safety and law enforcement.  “Congratulations to the residents of the Grand Canyon State, Governor Jan Brewer and to the license plate design team in Phoenix,” stated Gibson.  ALPCA’s Best Plate Award Coordinator Gus Oliver said “Many of the members commented about the combination of boldness and simplicity of this plate.  I knew it had an excellent chance of winning the moment I first saw it.”

“The Centennial license plate commemorates an historic milestone for the State of Arizona. To see our emblem receive national recognition on the heels of our 100th anniversary is both an honor and a glowing source of pride for Arizonans,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “I thank the Arizona Centennial Commission, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety for advocating and seeing to fruition this very special plate.”

Arizona became our nation’s 48th and last of the contiguous states on February 14, 1912. Beginning in 2011 and continuing throughout 2012, more than 425 events and projects hosted by organizations and communities across Arizona are commemorating 100 years of statehood, telling the stories of the past while envisioning the states next 100 years.

“We are honored to receive this award for a license plate that commemorates our historic Centennial and distinctively represents Arizona,” said Karen Churchard, executive director, Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation.  “Arizona has one of the best state flags, and we wanted to be sure to incorporate its colors and design into the theme of the Centennial plate.”

Since the Centennial Plate was introduced last fall, thousands of Arizona motorists have bought them. The popular specialty license plate was designed by P.S. Studios of Phoenix and required approval from the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Ironically, the colorful design of New Mexico’s Centennial Plate won the contest last year. Although Arizona and its neighbor are both celebrating their centennials this year, the contest is based on the year the plate was first introduced, which was 2010 for New Mexico and 2011 for Arizona.  Finishing as runner-up and third place to Arizona were new general issue plates from Nebraska and Louisiana, respectively.

A special awards ceremony is being planned in the coming weeks. ALPCAs President will travel to Arizona to present State officials with award plaques. For more information, go to www.alpca.org.

Arizona motorists have the option of buying this special commemorative plate for $25; of which $17 benefits the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Visit www.ServiceArizona.gov to purchase this specialty plate.

About Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA, Inc.).Since 1970, ALPCA has sponsored the annual Best License Plate Award program. Founded in 1954, ALPCA is the world’s oldest and largest non-profit organization devoted to researching, collecting, and promoting license plates. ALPCA currently has over 3,000 members worldwide and over 100 in Arizona.  The Arizona collectors meet at various locations six times a year.  For more information on the national organization visit www.ALPCA.org or for information on the Arizona License Plate Society visit www.ALPSclub.us.

About Arizona Centennial Commission.The Arizona Centennial Commission, through its nonprofit Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation, is the statewide board charged by Governor Jan Brewer with planning and implementing Arizona’s 100th anniversary of statehood. In collaboration with the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, more than 425 projects and events are sanctioned to commemorate Arizona’s Centennial. For information about Arizona’s Centennial visit www.AZ100YEARS.org.

TUCSON – Today on News 4 at 4, Randi Bellassai from the Arizona Geological Survey stopped by to show off The Arizona Experience, a new website launched in honor of Arizona’s Centennial that allows you to see Arizona as never before!

Some of the unique items on the site include: interactive maps and pictures about dozens of aspects of Arizona, from solar energy arrays to historic sites; information for teachers to use in the classroom to teach their students about Arizona’s history and culture; Tens of thousands of photos, and hundreds of videos, about Arizona’s tourist sites, culture, and other aspects of our state; and gigipans that allow you to see incredibly detailed pictures, letting you zoom in so close that you can see individual pieces of fossilized wood on the desert floor.

Check out the video above for a demonstration of some of the site’s features, or just head to: www.arizonaexperience.org

An official Arizona Centennial Legacy project luncheon honoring Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women will be held on March 26 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. Partnering with the Arizona Historical Society and the Arizona Community Foundation  the organization selected the 48 Most Intriguing Women of Arizona who are currently making an impact on the state in a meaningful way. Honorees include business, government  and community leaders.

Local news anchor Lin Sue Cooney will be the master of ceremonies along with an inspiring and renowned speaker who will deliver the keynote address. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and speakers and purchase a coffee table book titled “Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women,” telling the women’s stories in words and photos.

Monday, March  26, 2012

Noon to 2 p.m.

The Phoenician
6000 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Individual tickets and tables can be purchased at www.48women.org or by calling 602-896-9000. Deadline for purchase is March 25.

On Thursday, March 29, the Safford Library will host Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, the author of this year’s centennial book called “Arizona: 100 Years Grand.” As the official book of the Arizona Centennial, the treasury celebrates Arizona’s unique history, highlights its struggles and triumphs, presents its crown jewels and leaves any reader dazzled by the state. Heidinger’s book is a geographical, historical and cultural collection of the state’s best and brightest people, places and events during the first century of statehood. Her book is also the selected title for ONEBOOKAZ 2012.

The foreword includes thoughts from Arizona leaders, and each year from 1912 to 2012 is featured on a double-page layout including photographs by legendary names. Along with 101 main stories, a timeline highlights other important and colorful aspects of our first century.

For Arizona residents who love our state this is a retrospective of its greatest hits. For newcomers and novices “Arizona: 100 Years Grand” educates while it entertains. There are even surprising anecdotes for those who know our state well. “Arizona: 100 Years Grand” is a visual hymn to a colorful place like no other.

Lisa Schnebly Heidinger’s affection for Arizona is as deep as her roots. Learning that the town of Sedona had been named after her great-grandmother, Sedona Schnebly, Lisa became interested in Arizona pioneers and history. She has worked in newspaper, magazine and broadcast journalism around Arizona since 1979. Lisa authored her first book in 1995 and has been writing articles, speeches and books ever since.

Here in Safford, Heidinger will discuss the research and writing of her book. She will also have copies of “Arizona: 100 Years Grand” to sell and sign. The program will begin at 6 p.m. on March 29 in the meeting room at the Safford Library. Call 432-4165 for more information.

Please plan to attend the luncheon on Monday, March 26 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, to celebrate the 48 Most Intriguing Women of Arizona.

Honorees include: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. Other honorees include: Nicola Winkel, Founder of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Gerda Weissmann Klein, author, historian, speaker and Holocaust survivor, Diane Humetewa, the first female Native American U.S. Attorney, and many others.

Part of Arizona’s yearlong Centennial Celebration, the 48 Women project was created to honor women from diverse backgrounds whose leadership and commitment have contributed in a positive way to the future of Arizona. The event will officially recognize the 48 honorees selected from across the state by the governing board.

“Being able to meet and get to know the honorees has been a truly amazing experience,” said 48 Women Chairperson Connie Robinson. “This remarkable gathering will be a memorable event acknowledging the women for the many contributions and accomplishments they have achieved not only within their communities, but throughout the state of Arizona.”

Local news anchor Lin Sue Cooney will be the master of ceremonies along with a nationally renowned speaker who will deliver the keynote address. Other memorable speakers will also be presenting. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to meet the honorees and speakers.

A coffee table book titled “Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women,” telling the women’s stories in words and photos, will be available for purchase during the luncheon for $65. Books will also be available online or at special book signing events, where select honorees will be present. A book signing will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 at the Arizona Historical Society in Tempe, and on Wednesday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson.

Tickets to the luncheon are $300 and $500, with table sponsorships ranging from $5,000-$25,000. Tickets can be purchases through the 48 Women website or by calling 602-896-9000. Deadline for purchase is 5:00 p.m. March 25. To register, or for more information, please visit: http://www.48women.org/events/.

Payson Roundup

Three Rim Country authors Barbara Lacey, Carol La Valley and Carol Osman Brown are among those featured in a new anthology, “Skirting Traditions — Arizona Women Writers and Journalists, 1912-2012.”

The book, produced by Arizona Press Women, is an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project. They will be signing copies of the book at the Rim Country Museum, 700 S. Green Valley Parkway, on Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The book chronicles the lives and accomplishments of 28 remarkable Arizona women who used their writing skills to record history, report news, argue a cause, expose injustice and promote awareness of the diverse people of the Southwest. The biographies were written by 18 award-winning members of Arizona Press Women (a non-profit group). Proceeds from book sales will benefit journalism scholarships in Arizona.

As part of the Arizona Centennial celebration, the Northern Gila County Historical Society is hosting the book signing.

This newly released book will be available in the museum gift shop. Additional information is available at www.skirtingtraditions.com.

The anthology, published by Wheatmark of Tucson, is designated an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

Globe — This year’s quilt show at the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts features some wonderful examples of how the quilters are celebrating the Arizona Centennial.

The celebration quilts, housed in one of the center’s alcoves, feature some of the things people have loved about Arizona for over 100 years.

Lynn Haak has a very intricate piece composed of tiny pieces commemorating the centennial and in the center of it all hangs a real copper star. She has titled it, appropriately — “Centennial Star.”

Karen Fox has a quilt on display titled simply, “Arizona.” Her pieces are put together to form a modified Arizona flag.

Beverly Hawkins’ quilt shows pieces representing the state and through it all, runs a tiny chain of barbed wire. Her title for her work is “Barbed Wire across Arizona.”

Nancy Humphry, who wrote a book about her grandmother, once a resident of Gila County, presented a series of blocks depicting scenes from Arizona and from her grandparents’ lives. She titled the work, “Grandparents’ Arizona Life.”

Marjorie Imperatrice made a quilt called, “Collide-a-scope” mixing an assortment of Arizona Centennial fabric for the “Southwest Beauties” collection.

Jan Pederson’s creation is titled, “Arizona Squared.”

The Centennial Quilts are all being entered into a competition sponsored by the Arizona Centennial Quilt Project. Part of the competition is that the quilter must use cloth officially designated as Arizona Centennial fabric designed by Jason Yenter. The local winner, who is being chosen through popular vote, will see their quilt entered into the state competition hosted by the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame in August.