This last weekend, Dik Mickle, who owns the Howlin’ Javelina in Miami AZ opened up his bar early and invited his friends over for an early morning jam session for riders who are participating in the Five and Dive Summer Tour.

I took the opportunity to catch the group on a video clip which includes Dik Mickle, Dan Corradi, David Cluff, Sal Pizzo and Tim Hileman. Drummer/Songwriter, Tim Hileman toured nationally before coming back to his roots in Miami, and Dik Mickle and Sal Pizzo both used to play in various rock-n-roll bands in and around Tempe as far back as 1967. Although they knew of each other – they hadn’t met until now, but give that feeling of having played together for years. Dan Corradi, on electric guitar relocated to Globe several years ago where he and wife opened up a Radio Shack store, but music is still his passion. And the youngest member of the group – David Cluff- moved here from LA  to “take a break”.  He fills in with base guitar when needed, but can play anything.

There are others who join the core group for Fourth Friday’s including some ‘famous’ folks. Several months ago, Amy Schugar, sat in with the group. You just never know what talent will show up on stage at the Javelina….but it’s a show you don’t want to miss. Everyone has a good time and it’s hometown entertainment at it’s best!

Get your punch cards at these locations:

Apache Junction: Superstition Harley Davidson

Globe: The Huddle Sports Bar, 2 Lanes Bar, The Drift Inn

Roosevelt: Butcher Hook

Tonto Basin: Jakes Corner Bar

Get your Clues, Weekly Updates on the Tour

GLOBE MIAMI TIMES Website has an Events Page for the Tour & Links to

FIVE AND DIVE FACEBOOK PAGE

Sign up for the Email: We have put an Email Opt-In sign up on the Front Page of GMT econnect.com. Put in your email on the left-hand side and hit Submit.  You’ll get an email every week with the Clues and Weekly Info for the Tour. EMails come out Thursday Night.

There are storied moments in history which shine light on those who made history and those who remember it long past the actual event. The Dream Team of 1951 made up of  mostly Mexican kids from Bullion Plaza led by Vandals Coach Ernie Kivisto created many magic moments during that season which still resonates nearly 60 years later with the re-telling.

Playwright and journalist, James E. Garcia of the New Carpa Theater was introduced to the story by Robert Revelas ( who graduated in 1951 from Miami) nearly two years ago.

“He was familiar with my work and invited me to Miami to look around. We knew there was a story here.” The two ended up at the Miami Sports Hall of Fame- housed in the Miami Library.  In a sea of awards and accolades which have been heaped on Miami coaches and players over the last fifty years, it was the ’51 Season of the Mighty Vandals which stood out in Garcia’s mind. “This is the story I wanted to tell,” he says. “It is about perseverance… and going against the odds to achieve.”

The story takes place in 1951, just three years before the Supreme Court ruled on school segregation, and here in Globe-Miami, Bullion Plaza Elementary was the school for mostly Mexican American and Apache kids. They came from “less than privileged” backgrounds and were used to playing with hand me down uniforms and shoes.

It wasn’t until Coach Kivisto fought to get the team new uniforms and new shoes that many of the kids put on “new” for the first time in their life. As one player recounts, playing sports was “…a good way to keep our minds off how poor we were.” No doubt the kids from Miami were athletic.

There had been Vandal success stories before Kivisto arrived in ’48, but it was Kivisto’s new style of basketball involving “The Fast Break,” and his ability to pull his players together into one smooth scoring machine which helped push the Dream Team to break all State Records that year. Even their own.

James Garcia and his New Carpa players put on a shortened version for a group of Globe-Miami school kids at the Hersberger Theater.

On their way to the class B State Championship that year they inspired accolades from the community, sports writers and even big city sportswriters who scrambled to come up with new superlatives to describe the players and their amazing performances on the courts.

This was a team which consistently beat others by 40-50 points and averaged nearly 85 points per game. And at a time when coaches could be fired for loosing too many games, Coach Kivisto and his boys were instead criticized by some for winning too much and scoring too many baskets against the other team. In fact, in a pre-game lead up to the Clifton game, the team received “ two anonymous letters threatening violence if Acevedo and Truijillo shot over 15 pts in the game.” A Sheriff’s detail followed the team that night to the game and the Mighty Vandals won over their #2 rival Clifton: 122 – 58.

It wasn’t all about basketball though with Coach Kivisto. He coached them off the court as well and required all of his players to wear a suit and tie on game day. If they couldn’t afford those things he paid for them out of his own pocket. He fought for new uniforms – silky rayon, not cotton, and the team was the first in the League to play in white high-top tennis shoes. Kivisto wanted them looking like the all-star team he knew them to be.

Years later Kivisto said of the 1951 team, “ The 1951 Miami High School team was without a doubt the best high school team I have ever seen or coached, even today. They would fast break any team I have ever seen, coached or will ever coach. I shall always be thankful for that great opportunity to coach such a dedicated group of fine boys…I was fortunate to be at Miami when I was blessed with the finest, dedicated talent any coach could ever ask for.”

The ’51 Season has been recorded in numerous articles and in 2008 Sony Pena, compiled and authored a book which pulled together all the press clippings of that amazing season entitled: “The Might Miami Vandals.” It is available through the Miami Public Library and the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues.

But it is James Garcia and his New Carpa Theater Co. which is bringing the story to life on the stage. The New Carpa Theater which was formed by Garcia, focuses on Latino and multicultural theater works. Last September, he produced a one-hour play for the lunch theatre at the Hersberger Theater Center in Phoenix. Using just  7 actors, the play deftly conveys the story of this remarkable team and their coach.

Kivisto was a coach who taught them “the importance of teamwork in competitive sports and that sports belonged to everyone.” The message was clear. Basketball was a way of leveling the playing field for kids who came from a less-privileged life with working class parents. Kivisto was a coach who cared about those things that matter most in life: Heart and Hustle. And he found both in the kids from Miami.

This is a story worth the re-telling again and again and James Garcia and his New Carpa players are doing just that. Garcia hopes to premier the full length version of the play this Fall Miami if he can find the right venue to handle a crowd…because anyone knows that when you bring The Mighty Vandals to town, you’ve got to be prepared for a packed house!

Local Author,  Sonny Pena published “The Mighty Miami Vandals” which compiles all of the newspaper clippings of the Kivisto years and that amazing ’51 season. You can see an excellent book review at The Book Bank - Blog.

Christine Marin has also published an excellent account of those years with Kivisto entitled, “Courting Success and Realizing the American Dream: Arizona’s Mighty Miami High School Championship Basketball Team, 1951.
It is available on-line as a PDF at gmteconnect.com/Mighty Vandals.

Side Bar:

Kivisto introduced his players to a new style of play called the “Fast Break” – something the Phoenix Suns today are known for today – but back then Kivisto was the first high school basketball coach in the state of Arizona to initiate the fast break and the “weave”, or “figure 8” on the court. Combined with his kids athletic ability and determination, the 1951 Vandals broke all kinds of national records that year including:

Had 3 time outs to opponents 125 in 27 games
Scored 970 points in 10 home games for an average of 97 per game
Average of 84.7 in 27 games to break former average of 70.1-set by Miami in 1948
In 27 games outscored the opponents by an average of 40 points per game.

“Former East Aurora coach Ernie Kivisto — to his dying day — insisted the shot came after time expired. It remains vivid in East-West lore, however. West went on to place third in the state.”  Quoted in Tulsa Daily Herald in 2007 .

By: Laura Stennerson

Good times at Howling Javelina. Fourth Friday at Howling Javelina, 508 W. Sullivan Street in downtown Miami, is an experience not to be missed! I have loved visiting the Howling Javelina ever since Dic and Marilyn Mickle first opened. I thoroughly enjoy talking to Marilyn and Dic. Dic is the type of person who focuses on meaningful conversation. After talking with him, I feel renewed. Conversations with Dic do not just end, instead they are a jumping ground for my own thought extensions. I think all good conversations are like that, they make me think. They alter my perspective, they inspire me, change me. I can probably recall every conversation I have had with him. That is a huge thing for me to say, considering how much I forget.

Marilyn is a beauty inside and out. Smiling, genuine, caring, she has the sweetest soul with the most amazing hair. When she speaks, she has the faintest drawl. She has the voice of a singer. Even though I have never heard her sing, I envision her on stage belting out soulful melodies. She just seems balanced, a sweet soul that exudes a passionate soul as well. Their friendliness is a huge motivator for me to visit when I can.

The Howling Javelina sits in an old building in Miami. The Javelina is a tribute to the town of Miami’s past. Old pictures grace the walls. There are collections behind glass. From the tin ceiling to the hardwood floors the place is just cozy, clean, and welcoming. I was excited to actually attend my First Friday Open Mic at the Howling Javelina.

When I arrived the place was filling up. The musicians were setting up their equipment. I was thrilled to see Sal Pizzo hooking up his keyboard. Sal is a long time friend, and I like to see him play locally, so I can enjoy his easygoing keyboard fun more often. Dan Corradi was tuning his guitar and Dic Mickle was everywhere at once, I heard there was a promise that my friend Liz Weibler, artist extraordinaire, was going to sing. I had my fingers crossed, the first time I heard her sing to an audience, she sang acappella at open mic night at Jim Coates, Copper Mine Picture Cafe, and I didn’t write about it. It was one of those situations where I was blown away by someone’s talent I didn’t know existed. All those times, Liz and I sang loudly to Modest Mouse, setting up art shows, and I was not aware of the beauty of her voice. Wow!

So I was anticipating a fun filled evening of good music, and good conversation.

Dan Mickle, Dan Corradi, Sal Pizzo, and John Owenspy started the evening with a few bars of Stray Cat Strut. The jovial patrons on the couch were offering encouragement and suggestions to the musicians. The evening began with interactive motion and sound. The musicians sang and played on stage. The folks on the couch tapped their tambourines, and shook their maracas. These experienced musicians know how to cooperate. They move with each others style, in a free form of structure. It is like they create some form of swirling music mass as they jam together.

Dik Mickles behind the bar

I have mentioned before these musicians should have their own venue, and I guess they do. But where was David Cluff the third “D” of the Jam group, the 3Ds? A little later, I saw Dic on the phone, as he walked by, I heard him say something about needing the band’s bass guitarist, and I was hoping that meant David. After a few more jams, Dave did show up ready to play. The group played the Stray Cats, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, the Animals, and more. Their rendition of Gloria was great fun. I think the whole place was singing along having a wonderful time. I love those scenarios where everyone seems to be in the moment.

Guitarist, Michael Williams, and drummer Adam Buzan, were set to play next. Dic gave them a resounding endorsement. They played three of their original songs. I do appreciate bands that play their own music. They were high energy with good vocals. There were some drum malfunctions, but I think that was due to the sheer energy Adam put into those drums. They are two members of Unknown Spirit a local band. I hope the local community, and me, gets to see them perform again soon.

Liz W. with friends during the Art Walk earlier this Spring

Dic, Dan, David, Sal, and John took up places again entertaining the crowd. Liz Weibler was going to sing! She sang Wade in the Water. Her voice was smooth and blue. The gentleman next to me said smokey and sultry in describing her voice. He sure pegged it. She looked beautiful, and her delivery was calm and focused. It was rather bittersweet. I found out Liz was moving to Tucson. I am going to miss her cheerful fun personality.

Then back with the band. They played some Bob Marley and some other artists I did not take note of. As a matter of fact my notes begin to get a bit sparse here. Liz came up and sang Stay Cat Strut which was a big crowd pleaser. The crowd had been egging them to play that song in entirety all evening long. Actually that is the last thing I wrote that evening, even though the music and merriment went on. Might have been my numerous conversations, or my be bopping to the great sounds, or my consumption of that tasty yet heady Wild Blue, or maybe, I forgot what I was doing, and just had fun in the moment too. Thank you Marilyn and Dic Mickle for opening up the Howling Javelina every fourth Friday for a howling good time.

Don’t Miss the Morning Blues – playing at Howlin’ Javelina for Five and Dive Riders on June 26th from 8am – 10am.  YES, we’re opening up early for this event, so riders can get in a morning ride, catch some blues music, and get breakfast in the area before it gets hot.  Everyone is welcome – even if you don’t come in on two-wheels!

(photos of performers to follow… pending arrival!)

This was the scene this morning around 7am, as race organizers began sending off the groups of bicyclists according to their category.

by: Linda Gross

The Arizona State Road Race Championships are taking place today in Globe. The event is estimated to bring in over 400 riders in age categories from ten years to seventy years. This will be the fourth year that ProCon, the race organizer has held the event in Globe. Several years ago they held a 3 day event with a short course in Downtown Globe which blocked off streets. This proved to be too problematic for local residents and race organizers, so they have evolved into a one day event which takes place outside the Globe City Limits and utilizes the long stretches and hills between the junction of HWY188 and HWY60 and Roosevelt Lake.

Riders who are 10yrs and up compete in this race

So, be on the lookout for bicyclists today – there will be alot of them on the road heading out to Roosevelt.  The course includes a 39, 59 and 89 mile loop with the finish line at the Cobre Valley Country Club. Race organizers estimate that this event brings 20-30K to the community through food, gas and lodging sales.

Globe Hot Shots

By Linda Gross

This morning was the 9th running of the Copper Hill Crawl which starts at Adonis street and winds it’s way into the hills above

Miami, Az. It was perfect weather and the run attracted over 100 runners:.both local and out of town-ers.  According to race organizer, Brandon Parker, there were over 40 new entrants from people outside of Globe-Miami this year.

This year, also saw the local Hot Shot crew, headed up by Mark Babieracki turn out for the 13K; including Dennis Woods, Nate Barrett, Barry Johnson, Adam Pahl, Phillip Daw, William Roller,

Globe Mayor Fernando Shipley, Pat Ricklefs,Bill Nowak and Kandi Gabler were on hand this morning at the start of the Copper Crawl. Kandi & Pat were there supporting Justin Gabler who was signed up to run the 13K.

Aaron Bechdolt, Michael McCoy, Thomas Dowd, Tyler Lewellyn, Brend Sheppard, Anne Sharpe, Conner Hughes and Nate Lane.

Deborah Harper, came in from Florence and Teresa Durbin from Queen Creek for the race.

The race attracts runners ages 8 – 80 and every age in between. Although everyone has to do the HILL, which is walked by 9 out of 10 participants, the course cuts back home after the hill for the 5K participants while the 13K takes them all the way to the top of the water tower and through the back hills.

Matt Kannegard was in for the 5K run this morning. He and I talked about my exercise program.We both started at Globe Gym, months ago. Matt, stuck with it; has lost 40+ pounds and still going...AND he is running now ...And I...well, i was a drop out. Kudos to you Matt!

Miami's Volunteer Fire Department was on hand for any emergency

Sisters, Cheryl and Deb Yerkovich share many things. They are both competitive, signed on for the 5K...and are expecting their first child this year. As Deb says...yeah, but I'm due first!

Brandon Parker, race organizer, goes over the rules

Steven Patten, with the San Carlos Young Warrior Program (working with local youth), and Nathan Bendle of Globe's Engine Crew were entered in the 13K.

Photo by LCGross. Bullion Plaza originally served as a school for Native American and Mexican kids, but was de-segragated in 1954. It wasn't until the early 1990s that efforts to create a museum and cultural center were begun.

By: Linda Gross

Jo Foti,and husband Vince in front of the Bill Hardt display at the museum.

Last night, Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum hosted the monthly Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce mixer and many in the community turned out to see the progress being made after months of hard work by the Executive Director, the Board and several dedicated volunteers who put in hundreds of volunteer hours to re-paint, strip wood, build exhibits, showcase historic photos and more.

The results are stunning and those in attendance last night marveled at the Red, White and Blue room which highlights the careers of many politicians and state leaders who hail from Miami including Senator Bill Hardt, who became a Senator at 60 and spent 30 years in political office – retiring when he was 90. His daughter, Jo Foti and husband Vince, were on hand last night to support the efforts of the Museum.

Current Senator, Ed Pastor provided his desk which sits proudly in the lobby and serves as a reminder of the leadership which is still coming out of the area.   Board President Joe Sanchez and Board member Linda Pearce welcomed guests at last nights event.

Rosemary Castenada, who is also on the Board, worked with her former employer, Bank of the West, to secure copies of historic photos which the bank purchased years ago to hang in the museum. The images were blown up and re-matted and now hang throughout the lobby of the Museum.

Executive Director, Tom Foster, Photographer Linda Gross, and Board Member Rosemary Castenada with just some of the original historical photographs owned by Bank of the West, who graciously allowed them to be reproduced for the Museum's use.

The Museum includes many displays including a large room showcasing the Bob and Charmion McKusicks work  which spans nearly 50 years and includes an “almost forgotten 13th century technique” which allowed them to reproduce the Moorish-style types used in the original haciendas, as well as work tile series which depict desert animals and Native American symbols. The Walls in the McKusick room are lines with articles and accolades of their work and today, they continue to produce ceramics for health care and industry.

Other displays showcase the ranching and mining history in the region, as well as those who have served in the military.  If you missed your opportunity last night to see what’s new with Bullion Plaza’s Museum, be sure to put it on your list when you are in the area. It is worth the stop.  The Museum is kept open Fridays and Saturdays  11am – 3pm. (Although, since these are volunteer hours – they may vary)

And, you can also reach Tom Foster, Executive Director to arrange for a special tour of the facility by calling  602-432-7474. (Except April 30th – May 15th when he will be in China)

Rosemary Castenada, along with Fred Barcon and wife Joannie

The wildflowers are in full bloom along the road from Phoenix to Globe and large fields of poppies can be seen on the drive from Globe to Safford. So if you’re planning a trip out this way, remember to bring your camera and give yourself enough time to stop along the way and get some shots.

If you want to know more about these desert beauties, you can always make a stop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, just outside of Superior where there are plants from all the Deserts of the world, and the staff is both knowledgeable and amenable in answering your questions.

This weekend at Boyce Thompson there is the Herb Festival and a Guided Walk with Jean Groen and Don Wells who will share their knowledge about desert plants…

April 10 Herb Festival
April 10, Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Spring’s the season to celebrate herbs — join us April 10 for a chance to learn about the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs, tour our own Wing Memorial Herb Garden, enjoy live music beneath the trees and near the fragrant rosemary and savory plants — and check out a variety of herbal products available from the Arizona Herb Association and other vendors invited to attend our event.

Edible and Medicinal Desert Plants Guided Walk April 10
April 10 at 1:30 p.m., then again April 25
Apache Junction authors Jean Groen and Don Wells are special guest tour guides April 10, Saturday, sharing their knowledge about desert plants which have fed, healed and clothed Sonoran desert peoples for more than a thousand years. Don’t hurry to leave when the tour ends — Jean usually shares homemade desert edible snacks back in the visitor center after the walk. Ethno-botanist and Choctaw Tribal Nation member Dave Morris leads this walk on April 25. ** Please note: this tour explores the Curandero Trail, which has steep sections that are not suitable for visitors who use wheelchairs or walkers.
Read more about jojoba, creosote and prickly pears

By Laura Stennerson

(On the eve of this piece going to press, we are two days away from another Open Mic night at CopperMine Cafe over in Miami, so put it on your calendars!)

Have you ever had one of those days where you just couldn’t keep the smile of your face? I had a day like that on Friday, from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, I smiled. I know this smile had a lot to do with a severe lack of sleep, the fact the students didn’t vote me off the island yet, the dawning of Spring break, and Open Mic Night at Vida e Caffe. I first stopped off at another establishment to see friends that I have solely neglected and then, with smile in place went to Vida.

As I was navigating through tracks and traffic, having only been able to find a parking place in front of the Silver Belt, I hear,  “Mrs. Stennerson! You Missed our act”.  Oh no. I was late again. I missed Brandon Buchanan, Josh Dobbs, and Michael Cook. I said my apologies, but all was not lost. Thanks to the miracle of technology I was able to watch the video tape of their performance. They played their own version of the famous Eagle’s song, “Hotel California”, but with a twist. They played “Hotel Arizona”. So before I even made it to the door I watched my first act. What a great life!

With a chuckle, and that crazy smile on my face I walked in to Vida. Packed again! The place was buzzing with energy, music, conversation, and the omnipresent buzz of the espresso machine. As I settled in, which was tricky due to the sheer number of people, I saw familiar faces and new faces. As I stayed put for a few minutes, as I watched my second favorite man in black, David Haynes. I hear he has a new guitar to play to us now as he sings those ballads. Nice David! Earl Knoob played next, as I was wandering around again, he did a favorite Bob Dylan. Brought those old memories back. Thank you Earl.

I guess I wasn’t the only one late. Jared Spencer said he was late and apologized to the crowd, but everything was going smoothly. Jim Vandine, whose guitar playing, I unfortunately missed, got everything up and running till Jared could get there. Thank you Jim. I am sure glad Jared made it. It is pure joy to watch him interact with the music and musicians. His sense of fun and silliness, just makes me happy.

Daniel Dickerson was next, he played commanding acoustic guitar. He played “Free Bird”, and a Jimi Hendrix. Daniel was here in Globe from Mesa, and in town for business. He said he grew up here and was happy to be playing. Daniel, I think you should come up every month and play. Thanks for being a part of First Friday Open Mic at Vida’s. Jim Coates was up after Daniel. Jim played and sang some original music. I am a fan of musicians that perform their original music. Way to go Jim. Dan Corradi, the Radio Shack man, played next. He has the smoothest voice. His cover of Bob Seger’s, “Turn The Page” filled the coffee shop. He is such a professional. I still believe some of our local artists need their own venue or night. Which could easily include Cameron Audette who played next. He covered “Hospital” a song I remember from a few years back by The Cold War Kids, which I didn’t remember. He then sang “In The Airplane Over The Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel. I wasn’t familiar with them, so I checked them out on U tube. The song and Cameron’s delivery of it, struck a chord within me. I must admit, the song is more in line with my personal favored genre. Thanks Cameron for the connection of new to me music I enjoy!

Amy Schugar played next. You can see her again at Humprey’s Two Lanes on Friday April 2^nd.  My dear friend Sal Pizzo jumped in with his keyboard to accompany Amy. Pizzo! You just rock. We, your friends, have been hiding you at our functions for far too long. I am thrilled the community was able to experience your musical and cooperative talents. Thank you Sal! Amy and Sal jammed hard. They are both masterful musicians. I felt privileged to watch them jam. But the jam session didn’t end. Jared Spencer, Steven Sterkenburg, and Cameron Audette, as the Corduroy Nicker Boys, played next. And Josh Greigo, where were you? Were you not supposed to play too? You know I haven’t had the pleasure of watching you yet. Hopefully at Jim Coates’ on Second Friday. The Corduroy Nicker Boys played an original, “Table in the Devil’s Diner”, about the mishaps of eating a cream pie gone bad. Very funny! Thank you for the humor boys.

Musicians were jumping in and out as the jam session kept up. I guess at this point I just sat, smiling that smile, forgetting to take notes, and just enjoyed the show. I was too involved with the music and the action to write anything down. But you should have been there! What a rollicking good night at Vida e Caffe 157 W. Cedar. So come out next month, have a smoothie and a muffin, enjoy the music, good conversation, and support our local talent. A big thank you to all the musicians who I saw there, that did not play, but came out to support. Thank you to the Baker’s at Vida e Caffee, for opening their doors for a great event. Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to get out there and share a bit of their soul. And kudos to all those that come out to support them. See you at Jim Coates Copper Mine Picture Cafe in Miami for Second Friday Open Mic.

Molly is the only woman I know who can go to a fancy-dress party (hair high, neckline low), grab her Craftsman power drill from the back of her truck, and fix the host’s garage door. Then, ladylike, wipe her hands on the back of her cocktail dress and join the other guests. I adore that about her.

Molly, perky at nine in the morning, says, “We have to decide what our Retail Spring Colors will be for the shop…. got any ideas?”

“Black,” I mutter. Nine a.m. is so early.“Aw, come on! Let’s pick something bright, and we’ll do the whole shop in it!”

“Black and, oh… I don’t know. Black. That’s it- black and black.”

“Spring colors, Darin! Spring! Happy-Happy!”

“Molly”, I groan, “I am trying to read the Copper Country News. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made page one again-“

“Please, don’t start. Let’s just run over to the Country Kitchen and get some waffles-“

I laugh. “Hey! The newspaper should buy the restaurant and call it the Copper Country Kitchen! ‘Table for two? God Bless You’.”

Darin and Molly at the White Porch

I moved to Globe five years ago from Mesa; Molly arrived a few weeks later. She and a business partner- an older woman who favored 1980’s tropical prints- opened ‘Seasons Gifts & Antiques’ in the old Cubitto’s building downtown. It was a sweet store, made so by Molly’s grinding work and her uncanny attention to detail. The shop was filled with shab furniture, fab florals and the delicate scent of exotic candles. We spent a lot of nights there, laughing like teenagers as we tore the shop apart every three months (hence, the name) and with her vision alone, transformed it into a retail version of Home.

The business partner, suffering from a short attention span, wanted out. Seasons came to an end, as seasons do, and Molly moved her shop further south on Broad Street to the Center for the Arts, now calling it The White Porch. We did a few radio ads announcing the new location, always busting each other up (“I do not have hair growing out of my ears!”). The ads were fun- the whole studio thing at KIKO Radio very NASA, 1963- and I’d like to think we sounded fresh and natural.

We grab burgers and malts at George’s, yakking nonstop about all the things that make life silly, sappy or sad. Lounging in a booth and peering over her menu, she says, “I’m so glad you waited until after your friend from Chicago left today before you started giggling.”

“I thought she was hurt!” I reply. “She staggered up to my door like a pack of rabid javelinas were chasing her-“

“Yeah,” she continues, “and then she says, ‘How can you people live here? The sidewalks aren’t even level!’”

“-and then you go, ‘Well no wonder- you’re wearing six inch heels!’”

Giggling, Molly snorts, “I love how she said, ’But they’re Jimmy Choos!’, and then we both said-“

“’God Bless You!’”

The next morning, I’m trying to talk on the phone: the dogs are barking, and Molly has the radio on- loud- in the shower. I bang on the door. “Molly! Can you turn the music down, please? I’m on the phone with-“

The door opens, and she stands in a soft green towel, shaking her head. Her skin is luminescent. “I don’t have the radio on. That was me, singing.”

“Stop. It was what’s-her-name… the blind one, with the big nose and frosted hair-“

“Nope. Me. Sorry.” She closes the door and resumes, softer now, humming.

I rap my knuckles impatiently. “Molly, we must fly to New York immediately and get you a recording contract worth millions!”

The door opens a crack. Her eyes are crinkly. “God Bless You!”

Molly lived with me in my little stucco house for awhile. Because she thrives on coffee and cell phone conversation, working non-stop in her shop and studio, she was rarely home, while I tend to write late at night in my underwear. She was a genial roommate, and she occasionally cooked- something I’ve always considered dangerous, what with blue flames and boiling stuff on top of the… whatchamacallit. Stove. Whatever.

Darin and Molly hamming it up at CedarHill's Bollywood party

Her primary business is the creation and manufacture of copper ornaments and specialty objects, and the designs are clever, organic and Globe-centric. They are one of a kind, ranging from clear copper confections to those with a heavy patina and almost cellular striations. She’s even been working on a ‘recycled’ look lately, with fun designs cut from soda cans. I have two on my bathroom shelf, next to a rubber ducky and my .357 Magnum.

Lots of people thought we were married (‘I just love your wife- she’s so bubbly!’), but we set the record straight. She has her boyfriend, and I have mine.

“You’re wearing yourself out, Bonboncita. Way too much running around, and not enough caffeine. Let’s go for Vida E for coffee-“

“Can we do it Tuesday? We have rehearsal for the play, and then a planning committee for the Benefit. I need lag bolts, too, and then we hang art in the gallery-“

“Who’s Art?”

“So cute! Love you- bye”. And then she’s gone.

An old axiom says if you want to judge a person’s character, watch the reactions of kids and dogs. She has never once cracked wise about my Yellow Lab’s OCD, even though the dog has to spin exactly five times before sitting down. The dog is a joke waiting to be told.

As for youngsters, they visit the White Porch daily to see Molly. These are not kids with charge cards: they come simply to talk with her about what’s important in their lives. Sometimes she has tasks for them, and she pays them. Their relationships are special and honest in the things that are shared and felt. Molly listens and understands. She doesn’t talk down to them, and she won’t make promises she can’t keep. And best yet, she will never ignore them. Molly has never ignored anyone.

Molly is the best of all of us; what is deep in our hearts, what we can be if we just let ourselves love. It’s always about love.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Bonboncita.

And God Bless You, Molly.