The 2011 Miami Boomtown Spree was considerably different than those of years past.  The major difference was the moving of the event from Sullivan Street to the Bullion Plaza property.  This decision was one that was met with mixed feelings by most local people I talked to.

Boomtown Spree was held at Bullion Plaza Museum & Cultural Center this year.

Most, I would say, did not like this move, either because they liked it as in the past, or because of the issues that became apparent as the event went on such as parking, scheduling, and problems with the facility itself.

The Haul Pack Stage was kind of neat in one sense but there was no seating and a total lack of shade in the area where an audience would have sat for performances.

One good thing was that the weather was very cooperative other than some occasional wind.  Saturday morning the temperature for the start of the race was 61 degrees with a predicted high of 84.  This is the kind of weather we live in Arizona for! I personally feel that the Boom Town Spree should be utilized to showcase the historic downtown area, promote tourism and assist those who have invested in our town’s main street.

Copper Crawl Hill Run…

Of all of the events, The Annual Copper Crawl race was the most successful with a total of 204 participants essentially doubling the numbers from years past.  Kudos to Brandon Parker who, according to what I learned, was largely responsible for this increase.  The only issue was the delay of the awards ceremony because they had so many more participants to deal with.

Rene Lazos, from Superior, took 1st in the 13K in his age group (40-50yr) and 1st OVERALL with a time of 1:00:34. The 2nd fastest time of the day was put in by Aaron Bechdolt in 1:02:25. Third fastest time was,Mark Babieracki ,of Globe, in the (30-39 age group) with a time of 1:04:58

The 5K race was completed in a time of 24 min and 31 sec by Brandon Thompson, age 17!  A huge surprise was a time of 30 min 09 sec recorded By Aakala Hatch, age 9!  The fastest time set in the 13K race was 1 hr 34 sec by Mr. Rene Lazo, age 41.  Crossing the line second was Aaron Bechdolt at 1 hr 2 min 25 sec.and third was Andrew Salcido just two seconds behind Bechdolt.  The first woman to finish was Carley Breman, age 25 at 1hr 17 min 30 sec followed by Janet Gensler age 58 at 1 hr, 17 min 58 sec. Go Janet, can you imagine beating out the rest of the field at 58 years old!  Janet is from Queen Creek and was running the Copper Crawl for the first time.

The contestant who traveled the furthest I’m told was from Switzerland!  Check the GMT for complete race results and stats:  Copper Crawl Hill Run Results

Arizona Mining Championships…

Matt Decker, All Around Mining Champion 2011

The Arizona Mining Championships were entertaining and included eleven men with a crew of four miners from the Gold Road Mine in Kingman AZ.  The All Around title was secured by Matt Decker who placed 1^st in Hand Mucking, Hand Drilling, Spike Driving and Team Drilling and 2^nd in Machine Drilling.  Eight ladies competed in the women’s events with Billie Parish finishing first in Hand Mucking and Sheryl Cormack in Spike Driving.

No Bed Races…

On Sunday, the only event which came to fruition was the children’s mining events as the ever popular Bed Races were canceled.  I heard several different reasons for this canceling but I believe it was because there were issues regarding where the races would be run as cars were lining all of the streets surrounding the Bullion Plaza property.  In any case, there were quite a few kids who participated in the Children’s Mining Events of Mucking and Spike Driving and a good time was had by all.  I was told by the organizers that about 8 different vendors did not return for Sunday but all of the food booths were open.

Despite the issues which arose mainly from the moving of the event from its original location, the Miami Boomtown Spree for 2011 was still a success.  I’m sure discussion will continue for some time regarding the move and I would like for the organizers to at least consider returning the event to the original location next year.

I can’t believe I am sitting at High Desert Middle School’s auditorium waiting to see the Globe High School Band, and the Miami High School Band and Choir perform together in a concert. For all I know this is a first time event. I feel as if we are on the brink of a monumental moment. Our communities share families, students, visitors. We share jobs, businesses, parks. We share the community events that bring us all together. It feels inspiring that Globe and Miami bands have collaborated, embracing a new tradition, setting aside an ancient tradition of fierce rivalry.

This is progress! I grew up in Miami, my mother grew up in Miami, my grandmother grew up in Miami. My great-grandparents, moved from Juarez, Mexico to Miami, Arizona around 1900. I have roots there. I visit Miami and contribute to businesses. I have friends who live in Miami. I work and live in Globe. My children attend Globe schools, one having already graduated from Globe High School. I have friends who live in Globe. I have roots here. Our communities are combined in my mind. Separate, but whole. United. I have found I do not need any misplaced loyalty to either town. We are more connected than divided.   And, I have noticed, there seems to be a new understanding of the need of our communities aligning. One town’s success, is the other town’s success. We impact one another with our decisions, good or bad.

This concert of merging minds, and musicians, coupled with hard work, and passion is a joy. In my mind I begin to see this event as a catalyst for change. I see future events between towns and schools. Art shows, perhaps even class credit exchanges between high schools, especially if there is a lack of a qualified teacher at either school. For all I know this could already be happening, so if it is, leave a comment. I also start dreaming of one of those miles long antique/yard sales, that runs from the west of Miami to the east of Globe. I have a keen sense of visualization, and I can see the treasure I find at this collaborative sale. A rhinestone broach, a piece of American pottery, a book of botanical prints, and maybe even an old watering can. I smile at the image and bring myself back to the moment.

Seats are filling up. I feel so grateful I did not fall into the temptation to just collapse after work. I am glad I am here with my daughter. I want her to be inspired by these young musicians and this event. Looking around, I realize I hope everyone is inspired tonight. And in my usual visualizing mind I begin to see global change brought on by tonight’s concert. If Globe and Miami schools can come together in a celebration of music performed by their students, then who knows, maybe the animosity held by towns, cities, countries, and lands across the world will dissipate into oblivion. It could happen. You never know where critical mass may begin. It could begin here. Or should I say, it is beginning.

Nolan Frost, Miami High School Band and Choir director, and Richard Franco, Globe High School Band director, each told their own story of inspired and dedicated students, hardworking booster clubs, generous sponsors, and faithful families. Their outpouring of gratitude cheered my heart. And I certainly was not the only person who saw the significance of rivalry transcended. Nolan Frost called music a “thrilling language,” and it is. Music moves. It resonates through us, connecting us. It fuels our moods and desires. Music wraps us up in color and light. We have created, and continue to create original music, instruments, and musical thought. Music is a part of who we are as a species. Brain research indicates that humans may be “hard wired” for music appreciation, and not from just one part of our brain, but from many different areas of the brain. It is a language that doesn’t necessarily need a translation. I can be fully engrossed in the opera, La Traviata, by Giuseppe Verdi, yet I do not speak Italian. I can listen to a piece of music with no words, yet it speaks to me. Music is magic.

Richard Franco expressed much gratitude to the parents and families of his band students. He recognizes their everyday dedication to their children. He stressed the importance of parents in the lives of their children. He understands what it means to be a good parent because his parents are role models. He completely appreciates his parents for his successes. He praised his students for their diligence to playing music at Globe High School. Mr. Paul Allison, president of Globe High Booster Club, was introduced as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Mr. Allison further remarked on this portentous gathering. He also praised the students, and the community support. He also sent out a plea for further support of the schools’ endeavors to continue music education at our districts. He emphasized the value of music to education as a whole.
Ms. Cindy Parravano Globe High School principal spoke also. She likened being a band member to an athlete. She admired the band members’ drive and spoke how they worked as hard as an athlete. Ms. Parravano was funny and entertaining as she spoke, remembered how her siblings practiced band when she was a child. She commented on the importance of our Miami and Globe students working together for this concert.

Mr. Allison introduced the first performer LeeAnna Gourdin, who played a piano solo, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, from Walt Disney’s Lion King. What an appropriate song to begin the Concert. The Globe High School Groovers, played a fun mix of Bob Marley, Step N Wolf, Michael Jackson, Neil Diamond, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, arranged by Richard Franco, who also played the drums. These kids were high energy and seemed to be enjoying themselves which was communicated through their music to the audience. The Miami High School Choir performed next. They were not accompanied by music. They sang Lollipop, and a folk song, The Water is Wide. These young women did a great job singing and I honestly would like to have heard more. I could pick out some very strong voices from the choir. The Miami High School Band played next. They played five beautiful and moving selections. The second piece was called Dance Dirigble by Nolan Frost. The music had an nice exotic feel. Globe High School Band followed with four numbers. The music was well executed and well received. The Globe and Miami Bands combined played , An American Hymntune, by Robert Sheldon. The audience was enthusiastic of each school’s efforts. There were standing ovations, cheers, and ardent applause. The audience went crazy after the last song was played. Standing, clapping, and cheering, the audience was obviously inspired by these performers and their teachers.

The efforts of the band directors, Richard Franco and Nolan Frost need to be commended. Thank you for having inspired foresight for the potential of collaboration and future collaboration between our schools. Kudos to the students and all the people who help in the band enterprises. These undertakings make positive change.

The next day, I asked Mr. Franco and Mr. Nolan if they would give me a few words about the concert. Here are their insightful words. Mr. Franco wrote: “Last night was a culmination of months of work. Looking back on it I would have to say that it was an overwhelming success. The students for both schools prepared extremely well and put together an amazing show. I am grateful for all their hard work and dedication to music. I look forward to working with Miami in the future. It was an awesome and great event for the community.”
Mr Frost wrote: “It is always so exciting when you get a bunch of musicians together. Both music programs are in a rebuilding phase right now, and I think the energy and passion is palpable. Playing with your peers adds something special to what we already love doing. To bring both the communities of Miami and Globe together to celebrate the talent of this generation of young people is long overdue. Wherever you are from, the future of our young people is thrilling and something to be nurtured. As adults we need to be careful not to vicariously live out all of our own passions and prejudice in our young, but allow them to fulfill their own promise.” Mr. Frost went on to state: “I am so proud with what Miami’s Music Program has accomplished this year. We have grown together both as musicians and humans. The love of what we do is infectious and makes teaching for me, a joy! Everyday, we get together first period and wish we could stay in band and choir all day.”
Mr. Franco and the Globe school system has been extremely gracious and generous and I greatly look forward to our continued connection. As a music teacher, I know so very well that success depends strongly on parents, administration and the community. We are ambassadors for our art.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to perform in your great auditorium. We are looking forward to Globe’s visit to our auditorium next year.”

And I thank you both for giving our communities something to look forward to.

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.

The trash at Cherry Flats is largely due to those who use the area for target practice.

Richard Canizales has been cleaning up Cherry Flats which overlooks Miami for several years. It is a favorite of target shooters, and illegal dumping. The only reason this beautiful area does not LOOK like a dump is because Canizales and his volunteers continue to schedule clean-up parties and pick up after those who would use this area as their own dumping ground.

A note from Richard Canizales:

We did the cleanup on Cherry Flats Rd on Saturday the 13^th and we are seeing that this community still has too many inconsiderate people. We collected 860 lbs of shooting trash from one site. Earlier this year we collected 2,540 pounds from this same area (6 March 2010). We as a community must take a stand and let these people know that this is unacceptable. We all know people who like to go out and shoot and that is fine but to leave the trash behind from shells to targets is wrong and takes away from our area. People get upset when areas are closed off but people like this make that a necessity. I look forward to the day when I will no longer need to spend my time cleaning illegal dumping and shooting trash from our surrounding area. I would like to thank the Probation department and its workers for the cleanup.

Trash from Cherry Flats.

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!

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!)

It’s a fact that Arizona Summers are sizzling hot and, as a rule, most sane people will spend the next six months in a mall or on their couch in air-conditioned comfort in front of their Big Screen.

Not Bikers. Bikers are always breaking the rules.

Few things in life will keep one from riding. They’re like those mail carriers who brag:

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds”

Bikers? They have a different motto.

“Whatever it is, it’s better in the wind.”

So, this summer, long after the last of the winter visitors have left for cooler climes, and even lizards have disappeared under their rocks to get away from the heat, we’ve designed a Summer Road Tour for The Children of the Wind.

Five and Dive Summer Tour 2010

We call it the Five and Dive and we hope to heat things up (economically) this summer while offering you some cool reasons to ride our roads, meet our people, drink our beer and have a good time. We’re offering up specials to help you save money – while spending money; good causes to help you add to your lifetime-karma points; and clues, riddles and scavenger hunts to introduce you to things you never knew you wanted to know about us – but now you do.

We initially called the tour the Five and Dime which was a nod to our incredible array of cheap thrills and lo-cost fun throughout this region. It also tied in with our feature on Woolworths. (One of those things you’ll want to pay attention to because it is the answer to a clue)

The Open Road at Roosevelt

But then one of our friends suggested the Five and Dive, over beers at The Huddle. And aren’t all ideas better with beer?  It’s seemed tailor-made for what we were putting together. Of course, I now have to pay Gerry royalties for coming up with the idea. (You can help me out by stopping by Pinal Lumber this summer and picking up a few nails, screws, wood, paint,… whatever you can fit on the bike.)

So, back to the meaning of the Five and Dive.

Did you know the spiritual meaning of number Five deals with travel, adventure, and motion?

According to this woman who runs a site, whats-your-sign.com, she goes on to say that Five “draws our attention to the wonder of life, and beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. Five has wild vibrations: primitive and erratic.”

There has got to be a FIVE hidden inside every biker.

Really. Just log on and take a look at what the number two means for instance. You’ll see clearly why TWO does not work here. We could not have a Two and Dive Tour. Wouldn’t work.

And Dive? Well, I don’t have to explain that right?

So, now that I have your attention… let me explain how the Tour works.

It includes a punch card with over 30 merchants and local events throughout this region who invite you to stop in this summer. They have each come up with a special promo just for Tour Riders with punch cards and in exchange for dropping some cash along the way – remember this is an economic stimulus plan – you’ll get your card stamped, a big welcome from these merchants and a good reason to ride!  OK, maybe more – but you’ll have to do the Tour to discover what it is.

The Road Map at Superstition Harley Davidson

As for the clues and the scavenger hunts, we’re going to give you FIVE chances each week to solve a clue, riddle or scavenger hunt which will require some collective brain power. Solving these will result in earning our cool wooden nickels (don’t believe what your father said about not taking wooden nickels.*) worth points towards raffle tickets. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll discover the inside jokes, arcane facts and local lore which will put you one step closer to being
“one of us.”

(*Even if you don’t “tweet”, check out the hottest Twitter account about Father’s advice. The account is Sh** My Dad Says. The author is a 29 year old, living with his 74 year old dad, who just started tweeting the things he said. He has now published a book & been on Larry King. Here is one from last week: “No. Humans will die out. We’re weak. Dinosaurs survived on rotten flesh. You got diarrhea last week from a Wendy’s.”)

OK, back to the Tour.

To begin, you can pick up the Tour Punch Cards at these FIVE locations beginning June 15th. Cards are $5….
(OMG – there is that number 5 again. Must be a sign!). Superstition Harley is waiving the fee for any riders who come into the Dealership to pick up the card!

Ohter locations include:

The Huddle Sports Bar, The Drift Inn, or 2 Lanes Saloon in Globe,

The Butcher Hook, or Jakes Corner up in Tonto Basin.

You can get your weekly CLUES/RIDDLES by going to globemiamitimes.com

Here you’ll find our EVENTS PAGE  and a link to our FACEBOOK PAGE.
Your first tip of the Tour…..  Bookmark these pages.

Since Globe Miami Times is sponsoring this Tour, we have designed it so you will read the paper, check out the website and – get to know us better during the Five and Dive.  You’ll discover answers to clues by looking at the ads in this summer’s edition, reading the stories and following the links on our website. Interesting Mr. Watson. Is this a plot to corrupt the mind? You decide.

Overlook of the Valley between Globe and Miami

Now for the pay off.  Yes, there will be prizes and good things given away to the deserving. But remember what Robert Pirsig said, in his cult classic, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycling”

“The only Zen you find on tops of mountains is the Zen you bring there.”
See you this Summer!

Rosemary Castenada, Ray Pini, Marlene Tiede, Darryl Dalley,and Wes Sukosky enjoy the view and the fanfare of the morning

This morning passengers flooded the Old Depot in downtown Globe, Az to board the Copper Spike for a special VIP trip to Miami and back. Over 150 people, made up of mostly local media,  area merchants, and political and community leaders found seats throughout the train’s five passenger cars.

The ride was free this morning. It’s intent to drum up enthusiasm and local support for extending the excursion rail line to Miami.

While this idea has floated around for decades, it seems the combination of Globes’ success in restoring their old Depot and drawing ridership from all over the State, plus the support of Mr. Ellis who owns Arizona Eastern and operates both the freight line and excursion train in this region, and the political will of those in charge at both the City and County levels may just move this idea from pipe dream to possible.

Ken Bitten, Director of Operations and Steve Torrico, Engineer with Arizona Eastern both have strong backgrounds in operating passenger and excursion rail lines.

According to Arizona Eastern engineer Steve Torrico, who is working his 3rd season with the Copper Spike and makes his home in Miami during the Nov-May season, this latest incarnation of bringing rail service to Miami began with the Genesis Group out of Miami, now headed by Susan Hansen, the Miami City Council, Kip Culver of Globe’s Main Street program and the Arizona Eastern Railroad.

“We all wanted to make an effort at building local interest at restoring the track between Globe and Miami and bringing back passenger service between the two communities,” he said.

To do so will cost approximately 1.5 million which includes rebuilding ten miles of railroad to enable the train to go 25 miles per hour. This would reduce the time between towns over what passengers experienced today on older track. (Avg speed was closer to 15 mph). The railroad would need to build a 50 car siding to replace the storage area currently used by the freight trains (which are the bread and butter of any rail operation.) Just HOW it all gets paid for has not been determined yet, but Torrico indicated that funding could come from a combination of City, County, Az DOT, Arizona Eastern, the Federal Railroad Association and grant monies.

Susan Hansen, Councilperson and local merchant, Co-Chairs the Genesis Group with fellow Councilman Darrel Dalley and has worked steadily with Az Eastern and others to bring back rail service to Miami

If the local group can get this idea off the drawing board and into production, Ellis, with the Arizona Eastern has indicated he would restore a steam engine similar to the one which sits in Globes’ City Park, and would add this to the line.

Torrico adds that “…once we have these tracks rehabilitated, it’s possible to run regular transit service.”

While this is still just one of those ideas floating around, it has merit when you look at the gain to both communities and the railroad itself to provide easy (and entertaining) access to both communities via a rail line.With a train depot and departure located in Miami, the Copper Spike rail line is 20 minutes closer

Phoenix and offers more opportunities for the two communities to share tourist traffic during events hosted by either community.

Bob Zache owns the Old Depot in Miami and supports the idea of extending the excursion train to Miami.

As Ken Bitten, with Arizona Eastern noted, tourist dollars brought in by an operation of this nature offer low impact and high return to communities looking for ways to generate income without adding a great deal of infrastructure. In today’s economy that adds up to a winning combination.

Delvan Hayward, stands with her mother's old train book in hand.

Today’s event showed the local community just how far this idea of rail service to Miami has come. Thanks to the vision and volunteer efforts of a handful of people….

A passenger train pulled into the station in Miami for the first time in 77 years.

It probably won’t be the last time.

You can catch the piece done on today’s event by Channel 15 news tonight at 10 and see more photos of the day’s festivities by checking out GMT’s Facebook Page.

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

Fiddler and hometown boy, Bill Bell has returned to his roots in the Miami-Globe area to make a music video for his CD “Vicar’s Son.” The scenes from the music video have Bill walking along familiar terrain for anyone who has lived or visited this area. Some of the most haunting images show Bill playing his fiddle as storm clouds cross over the old Globe cemetery whose graves date back over one hundred years. Bill Bell will be one of the many artists who will be participating in the Miami Loco Artists walk this weekend, along with his wife, Gloria “Toti” Bell who is well recognized for her striking paintings revolving around the Day of the Dead.  The couple lives in California, but has a home in Miami.