Read On Express
By Patti Daley
“Read On Express” has become a downtown Christmas tradition. On Dec. 14th, the historic depot decked the hollies and people came from Globe, Miami, San Carlos, Payson and the valley to enjoy the festivities and support early literacy.
“The main goal of the event is to get a book in the hand of every child,” says Charlene Becker, Program Manager with Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP).
Charlene organized this year’s Read On
Express with AZYP Director of Community Initiatives, Julie Craig. The two brought together dozens of public, private and non profit organizations to elevate early literacy as a community value and to create something special for kids.
They decorate the depot. They rent a train. They make hot cocoa and cookies, play music, make crafts and even stamp letters to Santa. Spirited adults dress up in costumes.
Charlene’s daughter, Jessica Wider, an ELA Special Education teacher at High Desert
Middle School continued her 5-year reign as Mrs. Claus. Julie Craig’s son was Santa. “Children take a photo with Santa, and pick out a book,” Charlene says.
With over 1000 books to choose from, thanks to private donations and United Fund monies, Library Directors from Globe and Miami were on hand to help kids pick out a book to match their age and interests.
READ ON EXPRESS, Continued on page 7
San Carlos Unified School District’s strengthened community partnerships and cultural responsive approach
by David Abbott
The San Carlos Unified School District (SCUSD) recently held a series of meetings with a broad range of community stakeholders to track the progress of its schools and plot a roadmap for future success.
The meetings, dubbed “A Journey of Progress and Resilience,” explored several aspects of district schools, from curriculum to the learning environment to parent and community participation and student performance, with an emphasis on specific aspects of the state’s letter grading system for public schools.
Stakeholders included the San Carlos Police Department, representatives of state and federal elected officials and a
number of academic institutions, including San Carlos Apache College, Gila
Community College as as well as the San Carlos Education Department.
After an initial strategizing session, SCUSD administrators presented their concepts to the District Board and then to the public.
“Students are receiving a well-rounded, culturally responsive education experience and we are excited by what is taking place,” says Assistant Superintendent Shawn Pietila. “We’re producing talented and culturally rich students who have gone on to become entrepreneurs, business owners, architects, engineers, teachers,
SCUSD, Continued on page 8
Pueblo
Dr. Dennison and San Carlos Police Chief Sneezy interacting with Senator Mark Kelly Advisor Maria Keddie and Arizona Central Office Director Taylor Rogers. Also pictured Jaymie Swift-Hooke Director of Higher Learning San Carlos Education Department, and Everybody Matters C.E.O. Lori Madrid
Publisher
Linda Gross
Editor
Patricia Sanders
Creative Designer Jenifer Lee
Contributing Writers
David Abbott
Patti Daley
Linda Gross
Carissa Pool
Contributing Photography
Linda Gross
Yevette Vargas
Deb Yerkovich
Copyright@2024
Globe Miami Times
Globe Miami Official Community Guide published annually
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That's a wrap!
As we wrap up the year, I want to express my gratitude to our readers and cheerleaders who continue to support us year after year and buoy our spirits. Globe-Miami is a community of small businesses, and like GMT, each began with a simple idea fueled by a passion for the mission and sustained by dedication, heart, and little successes along the way. For every small business, every sale matters. Each customer who walks through the door or makes a purchase provides the foundation for that business to stand firm, survive, and succeed.
From the coffee shop down the street which gives us a place to gather with friends, to the store full of beauty and delightful items that make us smile, we are enriched by their presence. We are sustained, literally in many instances, by the mechanics, tradesmen, and service providers who bring their expertise to our day-to-day challenges. And we are rewarded by those offering up entertainment, laughter, and good times for chasing away the blues, or simply enjoying ourselves.
So, yes, thank you! Each of you as a customer and a creator, for this community life.
This month, we bring you the story of the Independent Riders and their toy run, unlike any other. I was surprised by this story, and was surprised that I was surprised.
I’ve been in Globe for just about as long as they have been doing the toy run, and have known of the group for years. They even worked with me on a story for the “Five & Dive” summer tour, and we did a photo shoot at 5 a.m. down Broad Street with all the bikes, which was a memorable moment. I had heard they did a toy ride, but I imagined this to be similar to the rides I knew about, including donating lots of toys under a tree.
But this toy run is so much more than that, and goes to prove that when you take the time to learn the back story, it is always worth the effort (p. 1). Yes, the idea of their unique brand of toy drive started with three guys and was implemented by the group, but it has been sustained and strengthened because of the support from the many small businesses who continually give back. A great storymay it continue to inspire and thrive, reminding us all of the power of community and generosity.
Warm Regards,
Gross, Publisher
OPINION
UNKNOWN Unknowns
by Patricia Sanders
The idea of “unknown unknowns” was popularized by Donald Rumsfeld, the US Secretary of Defense prior to the Iraq War, talking about the potential that Iraq was supplying weapons of mass destruction to terrorist groups. It was suspected, but no one knew for certain.
The idea percolated through culture - that there are things you know (“known knowns”), things you don’t know (“known unknowns”), and then the things you don’t know and don’t even know you don’t know: the unknown unknowns. And that’s where the biggest problems arise.
Known knowns are like your fuel gauge on your carif it’s heading towards empty, you know that and can do something about it.
Known unknowns - the problems you don’t know about, but know you don’t know - would be like how much gas you still have in the tank when the needle actually hits the E. There is uncertainty, but you can still prepare.
But an unknown unknown is like you have a leak in the gas tank and aren’t aware of it. It will bring about constant problems until you find out about it. It could potentially cause a major disaster - and you might never even know the cause.
For the American government, one of its main reasons to exist is to protect the American people and keep them safe. And that has many facets, from foreign policy to transportation infrastructure to public health.
People can disagree on exactly what should be within the purview of the national government, but in general the common understanding is that the federal government has a responsibility for risks that affect the country as a whole.
In so doing, there are known knowns - the risks that we know, like cyber threats to the electrical grid. There are known unknowns, like when and from what direction the next hurricane will strike. We can prepare for those.
And there are the unknown unknowns. Risks no one is anticipating or preparing for.
Meeting all these risks, of every type, depends on the government having experienced people in place who understand the risks and know how to put solutions and defenses in place.
“It is the innovation that never occurs, and the knowledge that is never created, because you have ceased to lay the groundwork for it. It is what you never learned that might have saved you.”
– Michael Lewis
Every four or eight years, as the country changes administration, there’s a handoff of these responsibilities. Ideally, the new staff are up to speed on all risks and will be able to hit the ground running.
Not doing so poses enormous dangers.
The book “The Fifth Risk,” by Michael Lewis, delves into the ways the national government works to keep the American people safe - and what can happen when the people at the helm don’t bring experience, knowledge, and integrity to their task.
For example, after Donald Trump took office in 2017, he nominated Barry Myers to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA runs the National Weather Service, which is the country’s official source of information about life-threatening weather. There are local and regional sources of weather news, but they all depend on data they get from the National Weather Service.
At the time, Barry Myers was the CEO of AccuWeather, a privately owned media company that focuses on providing weather forecasts. Essentially, AccuWeather took free data from the government and repackaged it to sell to their customers.
Previously, Myers had lobbied to prevent the National Weather Service from being able to provide weather information directly to the public. A move that would have benefitted his company enormously, as people would have had to turn to private companies for their weather information.
The NWS creates all data on which weather forecasts are based, providing a priceless service that only the government has the resources to perform - and then the data is provided for free to businesses and individuals, who’ve already paid for it via their taxes. We, the people will lose if it is ever made for the benefit of private companies and put behind a paywall.
Imagine if you lived in an area prone to some kind of weather disaster - flooding, fire, or hurricane, say - which most people do - and your only source of information was a paid subscription to a private company like AccuWeather. Meanwhile, your neighbors up the road have a premium subscription so they get more detailed information, faster, and can be the first out of town, or to the Walmart for supplies, when a disaster is imminent.
If Myers had become head of the NOAA, he would have been in a powerful position to restrict the activities of the National Weather Service to the benefit of AccuWeather. Concerns were raised, and in the end, Myers withdrew his name from consideration, citing health concerns (he had cancer).
Here’s another eye-opening example of a known unknown: What’s happening to all the weapons-grade plutonium and uranium that’s unaccounted for around the world? The job of tracking it - so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands - belongs to the US Department of Energy. Every year, on average, the DOE tracks down enough of these materials to make 20 nuclear bombs.
I’d say this is important work. But when the Trump Administration took over the Department of Energy in 2017, they didn’t seem to realize exactly what it did. It’s the Department of Energy, not the Department of Defense, that oversees the country’s nuclear weapons arsenal, as well as all nuclear energy sites - and those rogue materials.
The new administration in 2017 didn’t seem to be paying much attention to DOE at all. The head of the department - a retired 3-star Air Force lieutenant general - didn’t even receive a message or phone call letting him know whether he would or would not be staying on in the job. Not knowing what else to do, he just packed up his things and left.
This is the head of a $30 billion department, essential to national security and infrastructure, just being left out of the loop. The Trump people soon figured out that they’d made a mistake, and asked him to come back.
But the real focus of the book is the unknown unknowns - what the author calls the Fifth Risk. The risks that are coming down the pike that no one can anticipate. Having experienced and capable people in place, who know what threats to look for, can work to mitigate these in real time and can prevent a crisis from turning into a catastrophe. These people are the reason the country has avoided many worst-case scenarios.
“The Fifth Risk” spells out the importance of a wellfunctioning government staffed by competent and experienced individuals, who are willing and able to do exactly what they’re supposed to do: safeguard the country from large-scale risks.
As America approaches the transition to a new administration, there is once again a focus on style over substance. And cutting, what should not be cut; experience.
In doing so, America is being set up to learn about the unknown unknowns the hard way.
Patricia Sanders lived in Globe from 2004 to 2008 and at Reevis Mountain School, in the Tonto National Forest, from 2008 to 2014. She has been a writer and editor for GMT since 2015. She currently lives in the Azores. You can follow her writing on the website medium.com, under the pen name SK Camille.
NOTICE ON INTENTION TO INCREASE WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES: A notice of intent was approved by council at the October 8th meeting to consider raising the water and wastewater rates. At the November 7th meeting, a water rate study report, prepared by Wildan Financial, was presented and explained. City staff then made a presentation to council on the different scenarios, justification, requirements, and potential amounts. It is important for our residents to hear the facts and justification and understand the importance of continued upgrades to our aging infrastructure. There have already been many improvements completed with the help of outside funding resources, that have covered the costs and kept it away from our taxpayers, but there is much more to be upgraded. We have begun the trend of being proactive and not just reactive when repairs are needed. The longer we delay any needed projects, or upgrades, the more it will cost in the future due to inflation. The decisions we make today will affect the sustainability of the future of our city for the next 10-20 years and beyond. The next step will be a Public Hearing that is scheduled for the next council meeting on December 10th at 6 pm. This is an opportunity to get the facts and justification of the rate increases and the opportunity for public input.
CITY AWARD OF MERIT: The City of Globe received the Award of Merit in the category of “Special Events” for First Fridays at the annual fall conference of the Arizona Association of Economic Development. The Golden Prospector Awards were established by AAED to encourage and recognize excellence in economic development within the State of Arizona. We are honored to share this award and give a huge THANK YOU to our city staff, to all our participating businesses, vendors, and cruisers that make First Friday such a successful event that has been recognized throughout the State. This award is a reflection of your efforts.
WASHINGTON FEDERAL BANK: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plans and design by Driftmier Architects for the construction of the new 2,295-square-foot Washington Federal Bank at 996 North Broad Street. This is the site of the Old Town Plaza that will be torn down to make room for this new state-ofthe-art bank.
DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT:
You may have seen several surveyors working on Broad Street in the downtown historic area. They are with a company called Ardurra. This work is the first step in creating the design work for the sidewalk replacement project. The city was awarded $192,600.00 from the Arizona Department of Transportation with a city match of 11K, for a total grant of $203,600.00. Once the design is completed, a request for funding for completion of the project will be submitted.
GRANT AWARD FROM RESOLUTION COPPER: At the December 7th meeting, the council accepted a grant from Resolution Copper for $150,000.00 to support the revitalization of the Michaelson Building located at 157 South Broad Street. This project is a partnership with Gila County for the business incubator project as a continued effort to support economic development.
HILL STREET SCHOOL APARTMENTS UPDATE: The city anticipates issuing a certificate of occupancy to the Gorman Company to allow the opening of the Hill Street Apartments in December. A media-only date is scheduled for December 11th. They are accepting calls for applications to get information on residency at 928-2555605. Their staff requests patience if you are still waiting for a call back. Each application needs to go through a process to ensure qualification. The city had a traffic study completed for this area and determined that a three-way stop was warranted at Hill and Maple. Stop signs will be installed in December. The council also approved a letter of recommendation to the Cobre Valley Transit board to submit an application to ADOT for a transit stop at the Hill Street Apartment location.
BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCESS UPDATE: Council heard a presentation by Community Development Director Tony Manfredi, at the November 19th meeting on the business license application and renewal process update. Under Ordinance (Section 8-1-8), all businesses, occupations, professions, and trades within the city of Globe jurisdiction must have a business license. A business license allows a business to operate legally within the city, ensuring compliance with state tax reporting and local laws. The business will then be issued a Certificate of Occupancy that ensures that a building has undergone life safety inspections by both fire and building departments, ensuring safety to staff and patrons
2024 Year in Review
Partnered with BHP for the reopening of the Old Dominion Mine Park Playground & partial trails!
Restructure of the Magistrate Court!
READ ON EXPRESS, continued from page 1
“Everything is oriented to the children, it’s magical."
“Everything is oriented to the children,” says Charlene, “it’s magical.
It’s also practical.
Early exposure to books stimulates brain development. 90% of brain growth occurs in the first 5 years of life. Making sure that children, ages 0-5 have what they need makes practical sense.
Read On Express is grant-funded through First Things First (FTF), Arizona’s only public funding source dedicated to early childhood. The FTF budget is supported by a tax on tobacco products. There is no legislative appropriation. Funds are allotted to Arizona communities based on the number of children in the age range birth-5 years.
FTF reports that the Gila region has 2688 children under age 6. 35% of them live in poverty.
The most effective known intervention for reducing some consequences of poverty is to provide more stimulating and supportive environments for children, both at home and in early childcare and preschool settings.
FTF Gila region is focused on improving the availability of quality childcare and preschool programs. In 2024, 330 children attended Quality First preschools and childcare programs. 87 received scholarships.
Another FTF priority is practical education for parents. In addition to her hands-on role with Read On, Charlene runs classes on healthy pregnancies and childbirth and is a lifeline to teen and young families overwhelmed by the responsibility. Everything from how to install car seats to
“Healthy outcomes, healthy families benefit the whole community.”
how to get sleep. She aims to help teen moms stay healthy and stay in school and to get help to mothers of any age struggling with addiction. The services are available to all.
“Healthy outcomes, healthy families,” says Charlene, “benefit the whole community.”
judges, members of the military and police officers to name a few professions. There are a lot of success stories, but what we commonly hear about is poverty and unemployment on the Reservation.”
Pietila adds that focusing on negatives instead of improvements taking place within the District distracts from progress that is being made.
“We need to abandon the deficit mindset thinking we are ‘less than’ because of the challenges we face,” Pietila says. “Instead, we are in the process of asset mapping and focusing our energy into the tremendous resources available to our community that spans over 1.8 million acres.”
Many of the social indicators presented paint a dire portrait from a statistical point of view, and the school grading system is often slow to react to improvements, particularly for schools in rural Arizona.
The San Carlos Reservation has several disadvantages over its neighbors to the west, with an unemployment rate of 65%, well above the national average. According to a recent presentation by the school district to the public.
As to higher education, only 4% of San Carlos Apache students are likely to attain a bachelor’s degree or higher, falling behind the U.S. average of 36%.
Another problem with perception is the A-F Accountability System, letter grades the state assigns to public schools. The letter grading system was put in place by the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 to create federal standards of measure for a school’s performance. When NCLB was repealed in 2015, it was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act that relegated the grading system to the states.
Grading is based on various criteria, such as student achievement, growth, and progress, although the criteria for letter grades has changed multiple times since inception of the scale.
In addition to byzantine complexity of the system, grading was suspended twice over the past decade. From 2014-2017, the Arizona Board of Education suspended the program due to problems with a new statewide standardized test. Additionally, when the COVID pandemic shut much of society down in 2019, Grading was again suspended from 2019 to 2021, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several other factors converged to perpetuate low initial grades for the District, but since Dr. Deborah Dennison, Superintendent began her tenure, school performance and student achievement has improved substantially.
“When I started here in 2016, we had similar types of meetings with different districts in the area,” Dennison says. “We used that to develop our mission and our vision and moved forward from there with our strategic plan, which has been in place since the 2016-17 school year.”
The plan focused on student achievement, but also on improving the lives of San Carlos students suffering the ill-effects of poverty and marginalization.
Many of the improvements have come out of the philosophy of SHIŁ GOZHÓÓ, which means “I am happy; I’m in harmony, I am balanced,” according to Dennison.
The District also created programs focused on teaching and perpetuating San Carlos Apache language and culture in order to provide students with an identity to help them navigate their problems and interpret the wider world.
To provide further stability in the learning environment, SCUSD implemented its Cultural Success Coaching Program to offer a safe space for troubled students as well as counseling and material support during the school year.
“We’ve been designing the systems that will meet a reconciliation of knowledge and wisdom,” Dennison says. “Knowledge is Western academic knowledge and the wisdom is the Apache elders added to the work we do in using cultural relevancy to address the needs of our school district.”
The cultural program is an example of partnerships outside of the District, with many of the program’s success coaches coming from the San Carlos Wellness Center. Stephen Pahe, grant coordinator for the Center, was on-hand at the public meeting to show support and seek new ways to partner with the District to improve the lives of students.
“The schools give us a great opportunity to hold classes, sessions, outreach, and prevention presentations we have on drugs, alcohol and suicide,” Pahe says. “We continue to provide services for the school so that we can build on this relationship, and that’s what I like about people seeing the difference we can create, and the importance of collaboration here in the community.”
While cultural heritage plays a prominent role in improved outcomes for San Carlos students, school safety is also important to ensure a good environment for students to function.
San Carlos Police Chief Elliot Sneezy says he attended the meetings to address a need for a School Resource Officer and the possibility of creating a program to recruit candidates to work in the SCPD.
Sneezy says that one reason there is no SRO for the District is because it is hard to find enough officers to patrol the Reservation’s 1.8 million acres. He also wants to increase the number of officers familiar with the Reservation and its people.
“I’m trying to make sure I have contacts with the school so that if somebody doesn’t know what they’re going to do after high school we can develop them and train them, like the Explorer Program,” Sneezy says. “In San Carlos, we lose a lot of good applicants because of the bad activities they sometimes get involved with between the ages of 18 and 21 and they no longer become hireable because of Arizona police standards.”
Thanks partly to stability achieved under Dennison’s leadership, individual school grades are on the upswing. The District is currently appealing the “C” letter grade of San Carlos High School in hopes of raising it to a “B,” and the letter grades for Rice Elementary and San Carlos Middle School are a few points from the next level—Rice is 5.5 points from a “C” and SCMS is 1.97 points from a “C.” Gilson Wash Councilman Simon Hooke attended the meeting to determine where the Tribe’s visions for the future align with the District’s goals for improved students outcomes.
Hooke says it is important to recruit Tribal members for positions within Tribal government and for concerns such as the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation. He says that about 70% of workers at SCAHC are Tribal members from San Carlos.
“We’ve got the hospital with homegrown nurses and we’ve got San Carlos Apache Telecommunication Utility Incorporated, and 95% of those employees are tribal members,” Hooke says. “We have the tribal farm, those employees, the manager and others, are tribal members, and they’re doing a great job.”
He adds that while improvements take time, the focus on homegrown talent can also benefit the SCUSD and other Tribal entities in the future.
“Students can get involved with the schools, or somewhere in the education field so they will be able to become teachers or part of the school district,” Hooke says. “We just need to encourage them more so we can have more community members involved in the education of our students.”
High points of the District’s recent improvement include increased graduation rates of 70% to 82% at SCHS with chronic absenteeism dropping by more the 20% over the course of the past two years. Teacher retention at all schools has improved and leadership turnover has decreased during Dennison’s time as Superintendent. Increased enrollment and improvements to curriculum and instruction have also played a role in the turnaround.
“Considering where we started in 2016 and how low the school district was, and all the things that went into getting it restructured, reorganized, putting the pieces in places, we’ve moved forward a lot,” Dennison says. “It’s like building a house: you have to put the foundation in place, and you have to build a strong foundation, and then start building up from there. If you build a house without putting down a foundation, you won’t succeed.
SAN CARLOS, continued from page 1
Dr. Deborah J. Dennison, Superintendent
San Carlos Police Chief Elliot Sneezy
Miami Unified School District Miami Unified School District
SPONSORED CONTENT
Miami High School Students Grow Through SkillsUSA Leadership Program
Miami High School (MHS) is home to a transformative afterschool program that equips students with leadership, teamwork, and technical skills for life beyond high school. SkillsUSA, a nationwide career and technical education (CTE) organization, has been making an impact at MHS since 2010 under the guidance of advisor Mary Yazzie. What began as a small initiative has become a thriving program that fosters personal and professional growth for its participants.
SkillsUSA at MHS was initially introduced by a former teacher and was further developed when Mary Yazzie took over in 2010. As a visual arts and graphic design teacher at MHS since 2008, Yazzie saw the program’s potential to equip students with skills far beyond the classroom.
“SkillsUSA is about teaching kids how to be leaders and preparing them for the workforce,” Yazzie explains. The program, funded through the Perkins Grant, Priority Grant, and the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (based on CTE enrollment at the MHS campus), is available to students in CTE programs such as graphic design, construction, and coding. Participation has grown steadily, with 15 students enrolled this year, the largest group yet. Two advisors have also joined the program – Mrs. Schiefert, advisor for the coding program; and Mr. Palmer, advisor for the construction program.
Students meet weekly to plan events, participate in training, and organize initiatives like the 8th Grade Leadership Conference. At this conference, MHS students design and lead sessions aimed at encouraging younger students to explore CTE programs, showcasing the skills and opportunities they can provide.
The program also offers competitions at state and national levels, with categories ranging from construction to graphic design. Participation requires dedication and teamwork, and students often fundraise through community events like Trunk or Treat and face painting at local gatherings and school events to support their activities.
Yazzie has seen firsthand how SkillsUSA transforms students. “Freshmen join the program shy and unsure of themselves,” she shares. “By senior year, they’re running entire programs, speaking confidently, and walking with pride.”
These observations are echoed by students like Ysabel Eylicio, a former SkillsUSA president at MHS who participated from 2014 to 2017. Initially drawn to the program by friends, Eylicio credits SkillsUSA with helping her develop communication and leadership skills that have propelled her educational and professional journey.
Eylicio, now a Process Control Technician at Capstone Copper, reflects on how SkillsUSA prepared her for success. “The program gave me the opportunity to ‘open up’ and become more vocal from my original shy and quiet demeanor,” she says. The teamwork and public speaking skills she honed in SkillsUSA were instrumental in earning scholarships and thriving in her career.
SkillsUSA’s impact extends beyond the local community. MHS alumni have achieved incredible success in diverse fields, from engineering to the arts. Yazzie proudly recounts stories of former students, including a Japanese exchange student who now works in hotel management, a gallery owner in Paris, and a pilot. These success stories highlight the program’s ability to prepare students with practical skills that have a lasting impact.
Miami Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Richard Ramos sees SkillsUSA as a vital part of the district’s mission. “SkillsUSA empowers students to take ownership in their school community through leadership and service,” he says. “Aligned with the SkillsUSA philosophy, students build leadership skills to support college and career, and vision for future endeavors. These features go hand-in-hand with the student agency we are establishing.”
The program’s focus on leadership and community aligns perfectly with other district initiatives, such as the
Kids at Hope framework and CTE programs. By teaching students to collaborate, communicate, and problemsolve effectively, SkillsUSA prepares them to meet the demands of today’s workforce.
SkillsUSA at MHS also provides students with opportunities to attend conferences and leadership training camps. A recent trip to Camp Champion in Williams, Arizona, brought together 400–500 students from across the state, offering an environment for learning and networking.
For some students, the program opens doors to national competitions and trips, such as a past visit to Washington, D.C., for National SkillsUSA. These experiences not only expose students to a broader world but also enhance their résumés and prepare them for future academic and professional challenges.
Recruitment for SkillsUSA begins early, with initiatives like the 8th Grade Leadership Conference playing a pivotal role. High school students design and lead interactive sessions, inspiring middle schoolers to consider joining CTE programs and SkillsUSA when they reach high school.
The program’s inclusivity is another hallmark. “SkillsUSA is for those kids who want to grow and find their place in the workforce, even if they do not continue to a 4-year college or university,” Yazzie explains. “This really creates an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Students interested in joining SkillsUSA can contact Mary Yazzie (myazzie@miamiusd40.org) or attend one of the program’s Thursday meetings. As part of a nationwide organization, SkillsUSA offers a wide range of resources, from competitions to mentorship opportunities, all designed to help students succeed.
For students like Eylicio and countless others, SkillsUSA has been a launchpad for success, proving that with the right support and opportunities, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Skills USA Team at Camp Champion in Williams Arizona held on November 6, 7 and 8. (L-R) Adrina Kauailty, Kaylynn Porto,Christian Lott, Adrian White, Vyncent Vargas,Logan Peel, Nathan Hermosillo and Lelynd Marquez
Welcome to Globe-Miami
Miami Historic District
Globe Historic District
The Independent Riders’ Toy Drive
story and Photos By Linda Gross
It started with three friends, a few beers, and a crazy idea to spread some holiday cheer. The year was 2002, and Billy Mata, Al Nader, and Bobby Pena – the ‘three amigos’ of the Independent Riders – set out on a mission to help local families in need. For a group defined by their mantra “No Rules. No Dues. No Shit,” this mission would grow into something far bigger than any of them imagined.
What they called a toy drive was never just about toys. From day one, it was about real help – rent payments, work boots for struggling parents, warm jackets for kids. Toys were part of it, but so were socks, shoes, underwear, and Thanksgiving dinners complete with a turkey and all the trimmings. The Riders’ mission was finding out what families needed most and answering the call.
“One year, we bought 10 beds for kids who were sleeping on blankets. And not just beds— pillows, sheets, blankets, the whole thing.”
Over the years, the Toy Drive became a community effort. Jeffrey Burke, a prison employee and rider since 2019, introduced custom toy boxes built by inmates who volunteered for the work. Using locally donated supplies at no cost to the prison, the inmates construct and hand-finish 3-foot wooden boxes, which are filled with wrapped gifts, clothes, and treats for kids.
Brian and April Fogle joined the Independent Riders in 2007, stepping in to manage the critical family selection process.
“We work with the Salvation Army, Head Start, and word-of-mouth to find families who truly need help,” explains April. “They agree to an in-home interview, and if they’re not comfortable with that,
we move on to another family. We want to make sure every donation goes exactly where it’s needed most.”
The interviews are personal. “We ask about bills, car troubles, and even whether the kids have a place to sleep,” says April.
“One year, we bought 10 beds for kids who were sleeping on blankets. And not
just beds—pillows, sheets, blankets, the whole thing.”
The Riders work to meet needs before the holidays roll around, ensuring families have Thanksgiving meals and Christmas trees decorated with care.
All of this is made possible by the community’s unwavering support. Local
businesses have backed the Toy Drive from the start, keeping donations steady at around $10,000 a year. In 2024, contributions hit $12,000, and every penny goes directly to families, with no overhead costs.
The Toy Drive has expanded its impact, too. This year, the Independent Riders
The new “three amigos” Al Nader with April and Brian Fogle
Presents are wrapped and addressed to individual family members. Original logo. 2002.
Wrapping up the wrapping party at the Huddle.
Two Decades of Changing Lives, One Family at a Time
“Sometimes all they want is a warm cardigan, cozy socks, or a bag of Nutter Butters.”
restocked shelves at the Salvation Army and Food Bank, and even fulfilled requests from senior residents at Heritage and Haven Healthcare.
“Sometimes all they want is a warm cardigan, cozy socks, or a bag of Nutter Butters,” April shares with a smile.
What began as a one-man operation now thrives as a team effort. “Billy Mata used to do everything himself—vetting families, shopping, the works,” April recalls. “Now, the workload is shared among all the Riders, with younger members stepping up to carry the mission forward.
“It’s incredible to see the next generation keeping this alive.”
Like so many things, the Toy Drive hit a pause during COVID.
“Businesses were struggling, and we couldn’t ask them to give,” says Brian.
But in 2022, when the Riders picked up
where they left off, the community stepped up once again.
For 20 years, the Independent Riders’ Toy Drive has been more than an event. It’s been a lifeline—bringing hope, dignity, and a little holiday magic to families who need it most. And with a new generation of Riders ready to take the reins, the Toy Drive’s legacy of giving shows no signs of slowing down.
What sets the Independent Riders apart is not just their generosity, but the relationships they build along the way.
By getting to know the families they help, they ensure their efforts meet real needs— whether it’s a toy to bring joy, a bed to offer comfort, or essentials to ease a burden.
Their work goes beyond charity; it’s about connection, understanding, and showing up for their neighbors in meaningful ways.
Proving that the greatest gift is knowing someone truly cares.
Tracy Quick, owner of The Huddle Sports Bar in Globe, has supported the Riders since 2003 and buys all the shoes each year. “I give her the list of sizes and she orders everything on Amazon and has them shipped to the bar,” says April. L-to R: April and Brian Fogle, Tracy, Al Nader, Jeffry Burke and his wife Devyn.
The Huddle is the unofficial home to the Independent Riders
Wrapping presents is an all night affair and requires many hands on deck. Jeffrey Burke and Al Nader in foreground.
Gathering at Judy’s Cookhouse before heading out in trucks loaded with gifts and Elves on motorcycles, the group prepares to spread some joy.
Copper Cities Community Players presented their holiday play
“Christmas on the Orient Express”
December 6 & 7 | Cobre Valley Center for the Arts
The Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Downtown Globe coincided with First Friday. Councilman Mike Stapleton does the honors. December 6
Read-on Express Delights Crowd
Globe Historic Train Depot November 30
Carolee Jackson as Mrs. Claus and her Elf Alainn White
The Book Elf, Alexandra White
Elaine Rayes Stone. Bartender for the evening.
Tom Thompson, Tanner, Wendy and Sadie Hunsaker, Jim and Nancy Mackay
LeeAnnPowers, AnnaBelle Gregory, Sara Saraoke, Laura Nordan
Kelly Stennerson, Rudy Amador and Jason Marr
Copper Cities Community Players
Bill Roten, Gina Miranda, Molly Cornwell, Chris Jones
Rim County Hikers
Annual Holiday Chamber Mixer
Co-Hosted by CVCA and Chamber December 12 Cobre Valley Center for the Arts
Jennifer Cavin (L) and a group of the Rim County Hikers came down from Payson to hike the Stairizona Trail and the Press Dog, Deacon and I got to tag along! The Stairizona Trail continues to attract and delight visitors!
A most unusual tree in the image of Rose Mofford! The Glitter Bats are in recognition of her career with the Cactus League before taking over. As Arizona’s 18th governor, serving from 1988 to 1991.
Jonelle Brantley, Michelle Harrison, Gina Miranda and Wendy Hunsaker were CVCA ‘Catering crew’ for the night’s festivities. Delish Girls!
Steven and Zenada Palmer. Zenada says she decided to go out after a long week of work and ended up walking out with "The Most Zenada Gift of all” a cordless rotary tool, courtesy of First Choice Lumber.
Danny Trammel and wife Shoshanna
Bunny Kessler with her daughters Eris and Circe. They brought the magic to the Tree Festival, offering up multiple trees for this year's display, including the unusual “wine cork tree.”
Paul Wolterbeek, Amanda Moors and Tanner Hunsaker
Linda Gross and Aurelie Flores
Creating Opportunities – Building Futures
CVIT Health Careers Students Make a Difference Through HOSA Service Project
The health careers students at the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT) aren’t just preparing for future careers—they’re making an impact today through their involvement in HOSA: Future Health Professionals. The international organization, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, provides leadership opportunities and hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom, empowering students to contribute to their communities while exploring healthcare professions.
For the past three years, CVIT students have participated in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) service project under the guidance of advisor Aja DeZeeuw. This year, HOSA Chapter President Ria Das has taken the lead on the initiative, supported by DeZeeuw and co-advisor Jennifer Carlson. The project focuses on educating communities about the importance of joining the bone marrow donor registry and raising funds to support patients battling leukemia and other lifethreatening illnesses, as well as the donors who save their lives.
“HOSA gives students the chance to make what they learn in class come alive,” said Aja DeZeeuw, Central Campus Counselor for CVIT. “It’s amazing to see how projects like these help them grow both personally and professionally.”
Ria, a junior at Globe High School, embodies the growth and passion that HOSA inspires. Having completed the Nursing Assistant program last year and currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant program, she is enthusiastic about the opportunities CVIT and HOSA have provided.
“CVIT really helped me take the first step,” said Ria. “I didn’t know there were so many specialties within nursing. With the help of my instructors, I’ve been able to explore what I like best and find a career path that fits me.”
For the NMDP project, Ria and her fellow HOSA members are focused on raising
awareness and getting individuals to join the registry. The process is simple: eligible individuals aged 18 to 40 can register online and complete a cheek swab to determine if they’re a match for someone in need.
“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible,” said Ria. “Even if someone isn’t eligible, they might have family or friends who are. Every new registrant increases the chances of saving a life.”
The chapter has raised $267 so far, with a goal of $500 by March. Efforts include community outreach at local events such as First Fridays and the Farmer’s Market, where students distribute QR codes to streamline registration and collect donations.
The impact of the NMDP project and HOSA involvement extends beyond fundraising. Last year, Ria attended HOSA’s International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Houston, where she witnessed a marrow recipient meeting their donor—a HOSA member—for the first time.
“It put everything into perspective,” Ria said. “Seeing that moment made me realize how much of a difference we can make through HOSA.”
The ILC is just one of many opportunities available to CVIT HOSA members. Students can compete in over 100 healthcare-related
events at regional, state, and international levels, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Ria’s own journey included a Family Medicine Physician competition, where she researched the career’s demands and work-life balance, ultimately winning first place at the regional level and qualifying for state.
“These competitions give students the chance to showcase their skills and learn about real-world healthcare challenges,” said DeZeeuw. “It’s incredible to see their growth in confidence and professionalism.”
With 69 students in CVIT’s HOSA chapter, the program has become a hub for collaboration and camaraderie among students from across the Copper Corridor.
“HOSA brings us closer together,” said Ria. “It’s great to connect with students from other schools who share the same goals and interests.”
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of CVIT’s HOSA advisors, Aja DeZeeuw and Jennifer Carlson.
“If there’s anything I’d like to emphasize, it’s the incredible passion and commitment of Aja and Jen,” said Mike O’Neal, Superintendent of CVIT. “The opportunities they create for our students are truly exceptional.”
DeZeeuw and Carlson have worked tirelessly to integrate HOSA’s mission into the classroom. Both have made HOSA projects mandatory in their respective courses—DeZeeuw for Mental Health Technician students and Carlson for Nursing and Medical Assistant students— ensuring every student has the chance to participate.
“HOSA takes education to the next level,” said DeZeeuw. “When students step out of the classroom and see the impact they can make, it changes everything.”
CVIT’s HOSA chapter continues to make its mark, currently ranking #17 in the country for NMDP fundraising. Donations support the NMDP’s vital work, including covering medical and travel expenses for recipients and donors.
With student leaders like Ria and advisors like DeZeeuw and Carlson at the helm, CVIT’s HOSA chapter is more than a student organization—it’s a force for good, proving that the future of healthcare is in capable, compassionate hands.
To help CVIT’s HOSA chapter reach its $500 goal, visit their team page here: https://fundraise.nmdp.org/team/7697.
HOSA volunteer groups at the Globe Farmers’ Market.
Julie Zazueta and Katlin Whipple at First Friday in Globe.
Ria in action at the Globe Farmers’ Market, talking about NMDP.
ROBERT LICANO, SELF PORTRAIT
Remembering ROBERT LICANO
This year, the community lost a cherished chronicler of its life and spirit with the passing of Robert Licano—photographer, Miami councilman, and proud hometown advocate—on November 21, at the age of 58.
"I had the privilege of collaborating with him on several projects for GMT over the years. Robert's photography was remarkable for its depth and detail, capturing the essence of our community in a way few could. His extraordinary body of work will endure, ensuring his legacy remains alive and vibrant for generations to come."
Linda Gross, Publisher/ GlobeMiamiTimes
Miami Town Council swears in new members
The new council voted 4-3 for Gil Madrid and Sammy Gonzales as Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Superior Mayor Recognized by Mining Hall of Fame
And the winner is… Susie
Citation” by the Mining & Mineral Education Foundation at an awards dinner held by the American Mining
In 30 years of the Mining Hall of Fame Special Citation Award , only one other elected official was recognized, Arizona Senator Dennis DeConcinni.
“Working through the Resolution Copper EIS as Mayor has been an important piece of work; I’m proud of the progress we have made collectively to be a town with a world-class mine. We are a small town, with a global impact” ~ Mila Besich
Outgoing Councilman Mike Black accepts a plaque of appreciation.
Gila County Cattle Growers Association Board L-to-R Pete Oddonetto, Jared Lyman, Jill Wilson, Wrangler Huckeby.
2024 Rancher of the Year,James Rasmussen and his wife Marilynn
Mila Besich was presented a “Special
Hall of Fame.
Gila House Holiday Fundraiser
Selecting the winning raffle ticket is Chamber Executive Director Angel Ruiz.
Gila House Board
Hollis Congratulations!
Phil Stewart, Gil Madrid, and Sammy Gonzales take the oath of office.
Outgoing Councilman Mike Black accepts a plaque of appreciation.
EVENING IN MIAMI, ARIZONA.
IN LOVING MEMORY
ARLENE JUDITH LUCAS, March 15, 1941 –November 30, 2024, age 83, of Globe, passed away at her home. (LM)
BEVERLY BISHOP WOODS, March 24, 1956 –November 30, 2024, age 68, of Globe, passed away. Beverly was a seamstress and tailor, and taught quilting at Gila Valley Community College for over 20 years. She was originally from Monticello, Utah. (LM)
DELORES MCINTOSH, July 7, 1964 – November 28, 2024, age 60, of Peridot, passed away at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Globe. (LM)
TRUDIE ANN SHORTEN, December 7, 1962 –November 26, 2024, age 61, of Peridot, passed away at San Carlos Health Care in Peridot. (LM)
NANCY JANE FRIEND, May 19, 1951 – November 25, 2024, age 73, passed away. Nancy worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for 40 years as an X-ray tech and ultrasound tech. She was born in Logan, Ohio. (BM)
RONNIE G DORAN, October 26, 1943 – November 24, 2024, age 81, passed away. (BM)
RAYNESHA SHANEL ORTEGA, April 22, 2000 –November 24, 2024, age 24, of Globe, passed away. Raynesha was a cashier at Family Dollar. (LM)
CHARLOTTE TITLA, April 7, 1940 – November 23, 2024, age 84, of San Carlos, passed away at her home. (LM)
JOVITA LINDA HOWELL, October 6, 1941 –November 23, 2024, age 83, of Globe-Miami, passed away. She was a teacher, administrator, and guidance counselor at Rice Elementary, San Carlos Junior High, San Carlos High School, and in Leupp. (LM)
JERRY WAYNE GARLINGHOUSE, February 11, 1950 – November 23, 2024, age 74, of Wheatfields, passed away at his home. Jerry served in Vietnam and then worked for ADOT. He was born in Globe. (LM)
LOWELL ‘GRANDPA LEE’ ETHELBAH, June 9, 1984 – November 21, 2024, age 40, of San Carlos, passed away in Tucson. (LM)
CAROLE LEE MCINTYRE, September 6, 1941 –November 20, 2024, age 83, of Globe, passed away at her home. Carole taught at Tuffy Tiger Daycare Center for 26 years, retiring as director. She was originally from Mason Town, Pennsylvania. (LM)
ROSE JAIME, November 29, 1928 – November 19, 2024, age 95, of Superior, passed away in Superior. Rose was active in her community and church. She was originally from Jerome. (BM)
JOSEPH CHAVEZ GONZALES, September 5, 1940 –November 19, 2024, age 84, of Globe, passed away at Scottsdale Osborn Hospital. He was born in East Los Angeles and moved to Miami after serving in the Army. He worked in the mines as a mechanic, and later for the Globe and Miami school districts. (BM)
ROBERT CASTANEDA LOPEZ, January 14, 1945 –November 19, 2024, age 79, passed away in Chandler. Robert served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne and then worked for Magma Copper for 23 years. He was born at Miami Inspiration Hospital. (LM)
AURELIA JUNE ROGERS, November 11, 1949 –November 19, 2024, age 75, of Peridot, passed away at CVRMC. (LM)
JOHN ESPINO CHAVEZ, August 4, 1937 –November 18, 2024, age 87, of Superior, passed away in Mesa. John worked in the mines his entire career, including at the Magma Mine smelter, except during his service in the armed forces. He was born in Cottonwood. (BM)
VELMA GRANT, January 17, 1941 – November 18, 2024, age 83, of Peridot, passed away at Banner University Hospital in Tucson. (LM)
LEON R. NEWMAN, March 10, 1949 – November 17, 2024, age 75, of San Carlos, passed away at Haven Health in Safford. (LM)
DANIEL PAREDES, August 3, 1952 – November 17, 2024, age 72, passed away in Tempe. Daniel was a Cummings mechanic. (BM)
MERLENA DANE JOHNSON, December 31, 1989 –November 16, 2024, age 34, of San Carlos, passed away at Hospice of the Valley in Chandler. Merlena worked for the Tribal Administration Office in Housekeeping, as well as the Apache Gold Casino. She was originally from Whiteriver. (LM)
VERA MARY (CAMPOS) FERNANDEZ, January 25, 1953 – November 15, 2024, age 71, passed away. She was a foster mother and nursing assistant. (LM)
LOUIS VALDEZ, December 5, 1996 – November 14, 2024, age 27, passed away. (BM)
RALPH ‘CHAPO’ GARCIA, February 15, 1935 –November 13, 2024, age 89, passed away at his home. Chapo worked in mining for over 37 years, first as a heavy equipment operator at the Christmas mine and then as a tank house operator at PhelpsDodge. (LM)
LUCIA ARMENTA ROBLES, November 7, 1948 –November 13, 2024, age 76, of Superior, passed away in Mesa. Lucy worked at Uptown Theater and as a beautician in her younger years, and later taught preschool at the Superior Public Library. (BM)
GABRIEL LEROY BROWNING, December 3, 1981 –November 11, 2024, age 42, of San Carlos, passed away at Chandler Regional Medical Center. (LM)
JOHN AGUIRRE, April 23, 1961 – November 9, 2024, age 63, of Phoenix, passed away at Ryan House. He worked at Asarco as a relief supervisor, classified conv, craneman, and skimmer. He was born in Ray. (BM)
VALENTINO ‘TINO’ BENDLE, February 8, 1968 –November 9, 2024, age 56, of San Carlos, passed away at San Carlos Apache Health Care in Peridot. (LM)
HARLEY ARDEN VICTOR, August 25, 1997 –November 9, 2024, age 27, passed away. Harley worked with TANF Construction, Ranch Creek Apache Sand and Gravel, Apache Gold Casino Convenience Store, and the Sawmill. He was born in Globe. (LM)
BYRON BLACK, July 18, 1999 – November 9, 2024, age 25, of San Carlos, passed away at San Carlos Health Care in Peridot. (LM)
FRANK EUGENE JOY, August 26, 1932 – November 8, 2024, age 92, passed away in Globe. Frank worked for Inspiration/Cyprus Miami Mining as a mobile crane operator for 32 years. He and his wife Mary Ann also owned and operated the Westside Trailer Park for over 40 years. He was originally from Gisela. (LM)
LORETTA HUNTER, September 10, 1941 –November 7, 2024, age 83, of San Carlos, passed away at her home. (LM)
HOWARD ‘HOD’ HOOKE JR., August 30, 1953 –November 7, 2024, age 71, passed away. Hod spent his career in the San Carlos Apache Tribal Food Distribution Program and the Ash Creek Livestock Association. He was born in San Carlos. (LM)
BERNARD STANLEY, November 30, 1950 –November 5, 2024, age 73, of San Carlos, passed away at Haven of Globe. Bernard was a cowboy, and was born in Bylas. (LM)
WILLIAM ERNEST ACKER, June 30, 1953 –November 4, 2024, age 71, of Downey, California, passed away at his home. Bill was an educator and was born in Globe. (BM)
JESUS ROSS, May 16, 1953 – November 4, 2024, age 71, passed away. (BM)
ROSE ANN EVERSON-WRIGHT, March 24, 1924 –November 3, 2024, age 100, of Mesa, passed away. Rose was born in Minto, North Dakota, and lived in Mesa for 46 years. During WWII, she was a “Rosie the Riveter.” (BM)
FORREST CLYDE FORD, January 21, 1942 –November 3, 2024, age 82, of Globe, passed away at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Forrest served in the U.S. Navy and then worked in reproduction and in engine maintenance at Honeywell for 38 years. He was originally from El Centro, California. (LM)
ROBERT ORTEGA, May 18, 1952 – November 3, 2024, age 72, of Winkelman, passed away at his home. He worked for ASARCO his entire career, and was originally from Lordsburg, New Mexico. (BM)
CHERYL MAE KOZIE, October 25, 1955 – November 3, 2024, age 69, passed away at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale. (LM)
Globe Miami Times Community news since
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We distribute to over 125 locations within a 100 mile radius of Globe. The paper can be read online via a subscription which comes in your email each month or can be accessed through our website:
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