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Ray’s Barber Shop Serves as ‘Clubhouse’ for Men

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Owner Miles Diaz is thrilled that customers drive a great distance for a cut.

A brief stopover in Tuba City from New Hampshire provided just enough time for Miles Diaz to be born. Although there’s been much hardship in his life, Diaz has managed to clip through it all. Today, he owns Ray’s Barber Shop, opened by his grandfather, Lazaro Adame Diaz, in 1961.

“My parents named me Miles, because I was born so many miles from home,” said Diaz, who became the barbershop owner about a year ago. “When I was 4 years old, I used to come in and sweep the floor for my grandfather. I would listen to the old guys talk and it was like a clubhouse for my grandfather and his friends. I knew then that when I grew up, I wanted that for me, too.”

“It was my clubhouse, too, because my grandfather and I were always together here. He was my bulwark and we were super close. After he passed away, I didn’t want to see his legacy die. I have one client that’s been coming here since 1966. He told me that he was glad I’m younger than him because I can cut his hair until his dying day,” said Diaz.

Well-mannered and gregarious, Diaz doesn’t hide the fact that he made a lot of bad choices in his life. “I went down the wrong path for a while and I was incarcerated three times.”

Diaz noted with a chuckle that today some of his clients are law enforcement officers. “I tell them that I went from  er Shop and I show up for a few minutes most days just to say hi and see how everyone is doing.”

Ray’s Barber Shop was named after Lazaro’s best friend, Ray Casina, who was also a barber. The original location was next to Macy’s European Coffee House on Beaver Street. “It was a small shop with only two chairs,” said Diaz. “It was like a closet. Maybe the size of my break room.”

Working alongside Diaz are barbers Lucas Barbaro and Salvador Floriano. “Many people think Salvador is my son because he looks like he’s 12 years old, but he’s actually 21. He’s a talented barber and customers love him.”

Retired Army Officer and Northern Arizona University (NAU) Civil Engineering Student Doug Harman is a regular customer at Ray’s Barber Shop. “Salvador is probably one of the best barbers I’ve ever had. Everyone here is super friendly and they always greet you with a big smile.” Harman’s dog, Liberty, is also welcomed and waits patiently while Harman gets his hair cut.

Historically, barber shops were places of social interaction, and Ray’s Barber Shop fits that description. The ambiance is warm, neighborly and razor sharp clean. Models of old cars, tonic bottles, antique razors, old pictures and other memorabilia are displayed throughout the shop. “We even have a flag from my grandfather’s shop,” said Diaz.

A magazine rack showcases issues of Gentleman’s Quarterly, Classic Cars and fishing and hunting magazines, catering to customers’ interests.

“We have a great mix of customers, “said Barbaro. “People come from all over. There’s an attorney from Winslow, a few from the Grand Canyon and one guy travels all the way from Scottsdale.”

“It seems like we have the old-timers in the morning and college kids in the afternoon, and young professionals throughout the day,” said Barbaro.

Though there are a few female clients, Barbaro likes to call it his “man cave.”

Retired schoolteacher and longtime Flagstaff resident Diana Gabaldon, cousin to the Outlander series author who shares the same name, remembers Ray’s Barber Shop from almost 20 years ago. “I was looking for a place to get my grandson’s haircut. He is autistic and also had long thick ringlets. He didn’t like anyone touching his hair.  I explained our situation to the barber, Felix, and he did an amazing job. My grandson sat still, which is a miracle in itself.”

According to Barberhead.com, Ray’s Barber Shop is considered one of the best and most popular barber shops in Flagstaff and was rated 4.5 out of 5 by 122 unique and verified visitors. Along with haircuts, offerings include beard trims, and Barbero offers a chest and back shave.

Recalling his troubled youth, Diaz is working with a non-profit to provide free haircuts to troubled kids.  “If they look good, they’ll feel good about themselves,” said Diaz.

With four children, two boys and two girls between the ages of 12 and 17, Diaz and his wife, Brenda, who is assistant manager of Facilities at Northern Arizona University (NAU), spend as much time together as possible.  “My wife and kids are all amazing,” said Diaz.

He also spends time with his grandmother, Sferina Diaz, former Flagstaff school teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Diaz’s brother, Arty, is finishing his barber training and will be joining the team sometime in the future.

Ray’s Barbershop is located near Visible Difference Art and Drafting Supply and next to Floral Arts of Flagstaff at 122 South Beaver. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. To reach the shop, call 928-225-1067.

BEST ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS

Be confident, relaxed and self-motivated.

FAVORITE MEAL

Tomahawk steaks from Sam’s Club. I often eat them for breakfast and sometimes I grill out in the back of the shop.

CURRENT HOBBY

My family and I are working on a project restoring my grandfather’s car. He’s been driving since he opened the shop. It’s a 1956 Oldsmobile that gets 9 miles to the gallon going downhill. I still drive it to this day, but not in the wintertime.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT

Rocky Point, Mexico.

CHARACTER TRAITS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME

Very outgoing and sharp. It’s hard to put one over on me. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Miles Diaz says clients drive from Phoenix for a cut.

Motivated to Excellence

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Entrepreneur, foodie, business leader, athlete Jamaal McCoy values authenticity.

Jamaal McCoy’s early years set the pattern for his future. The highly successful Prescott businessman began his life as an Army BRAT who traveled widely with his family.

“I was born overseas in Germany, and we were stationed there again on two separate occasions,” McCoy said. “I have lived all over this great country, because home is where the Army sends you.”

After high school and college in Colorado, he moved to Las Vegas, where he lived for nearly 20 years, and where his business life began. Although involved in various businesses while in Las Vegas, McCoy said he spent the majority of his time in the automotive industry.

Before moving to Prescott with his wife and daughter, he was the general manager of Findlay Chevrolet. “The opportunity of relocating to Prescott was presented to me when the Findlay Automotive Group bought Tim’s Auto,” he said. “The idea of moving our family to a small town for a change of pace was appealing to me, so I made the leap.”

His 21 years with Findlay Auto Group, with five-and-a-half years in Prescott, included starting his career as a salesperson and advancing through the ranks to ultimately becoming a general manager and a partner within the group.

McCoy thinks highly of Toyota automobiles. “I actually own three of them,” he said. “Toyota quality is top of the line. They produce reliable, long-lasting vehicles with the top resale value in the market. Toyota is the No. 1 selling manufacturer in the world for a reason.”

His affiliation with Prescott was solidified by his involvement in the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. He has been on the Chamber Board of Directors for five years and also served as chairman of the board.

“I have been involved with numerous chambers during my career and our Prescott Chamber is head and shoulders above the rest. The Chamber’s mission is to be a leader in the community and provide our business community with the resources to thrive. Whether it is looking for opportunities for businesses to collaborate or helping small businesses develop and execute a business plan, our Chamber is ready to be that catalyst.”

McCoy has also reached out to help others as a motivational speaker, which he says he really enjoys. “I believe that there are no limits to what we can achieve. If we have reasons, such as purpose and a why, they will be the foundations to develop our core values. Our core values will define how we operate in life and what decisions we make. If we follow up with meaningful goals, the compass will be set to create the life of our dreams. I believe our book of life is being written, but it is our choice on whether or not we are writing it ourselves or if someone else is writing it for us.”

McCoy has a variety of other business interests focusing on the food industry. He is a member of an umbrella company, Krave Restaurant Group, which houses different brands and concepts. “We believe we have strength in diversity and leverage as a group. We have had the fortune of utilizing the knowledge attained from each restaurant independently to use it for the good of the entire organization.”

McCoy and Krave currently own four restaurants. “Our first purchase was Nana’s Café, which was formerly known as Café 10, and serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day and I was a frequent patron of the restaurant before we purchased it. Barbudos Mexican Grill & Cantina was our second purchase. Our family loves Mexican food and always thought Barbudos was one of Prescott’s best kept secrets.”

Additional acquisitions included Vibes Juice Bar, specializing in cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls, and the recent purchase of Lucy Dee’s BBQ, with “amazing” flavors in their smoked meats. “I do consider myself a BBQ snob, growing up with parents who refined their BBQ skills while we moved across the South, including Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas,” McCoy said. “Barbecue has always been a dream of mine and we have big plans to expand our BBQ footprint.”

Both he and his wife are fascinated by food. “I would consider myself a food lover and my wife a foodie,” he said. “That combination has allowed us to set specific goals for food quality while refining the menus within our restaurants. As for my role, I consider myself a consultant to each business. We look for the right person to manage the day-to-day and back them up with a strong kitchen. My involvement is culture, processes, systems and profitability. My wife manages the menus and restaurant ambiance.”

In addition to the food endeavors, a different kind of business has recently been added to McCoy’s business portfolio: Prescott Fit Body Boot Camp. “As a former athlete, I know the impact that working out has on not only your physical health but also your mental health. The formula at Fit Body Boot Camp is 30-minute guided sessions that challenge the body and deliver results in a positive, supportive atmosphere. We combine High Intensity Interval Training with active rest and nutritional guidance.”

Where I Find Inspiration

My inspiration has been, and always will be, my family. Specifically, my mother and grandmothers, who I watched work tirelessly to provide for their families. They instilled in me the drive, determination and focus to achieve at the level that I have. As for a role model in business, I am a huge Simon Sinek fan. He is more of an author than a businessman but his philosophies and teachings I have used as blueprints for how I operate in business.

Favorite Leadership Book for Entrepreneurs

I have three books that I always recommend for various stages in the journey. I start with “The Carpenter,” by Jon Gordon, then “The Go Giver,” by Bob Burg, followed by “Infinite Game,” by Simon Sinek.

Favorite Places to Visit

My favorite place to visit is D.C. because of its thought-provoking architecture and history. My favorite place to vacation is Cabo, Mexico, due to the relaxation, beautiful beaches and amazing food.

Favorite Game

Monopoly, hands down. I love that the average game is going to take you a few hours to play, which means more time with family and friends. I also enjoy the ability to watch how different personality types process decisions to make, whether it is buying property, homes or hotels. Monopoly also teaches how certain financial decisions can affect the game’s final outcome.

Most Admired Character Trait

Authenticity. The true value one can give is one’s self. Authenticity in business results in conveyance of intentions through words and actions. Transparency and understanding build trust among associates. QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Photo by Kay Lyons: Business leader and serial entrepreneur Jamaal McCoy drinks from the well of possibilities as an owner in local restaurants such as Vibes Juice Bar. 

Sheila Polk Retires as County Attorney After More Than Two Decades of Service

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“During my career as county attorney, I have been privileged to work with outstanding public servants who strive to do the best for the people we serve,” she said.

Retired Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk said she had one thing at the top of her bucket list when she officially retired Dec. 31. “I’m going to learn how to sleep beyond 4:30 a.m.”

Polk’s career in public service spans more than 40 years. Following graduation from law school at Arizona State University in 1982, she clerked for one year at the Arizona Supreme Court for Justice Jack D.H. Hayes. She then joined the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, where she worked for 11 more years.

In 1994, she and her husband, Tom, and their young family moved to Prescott, where she began work in the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office and was elected as county attorney in 2000.

“During my career as county attorney, I have been privileged to work with outstanding public servants who strive to do the best for the people we serve,” she said. “I think I have led an office that excels in quality, seeks justice for all and models the core values of ethics, excellence, respect, opportunities for growth and work-life balance. I am proud of our work and the important role we perform in maintaining a low crime rate with a high quality of life in Yavapai County.”

Achievements worth noting in her career include:

  • – Establishing an Early Deposition Court.
  • – Partnering with PANT, the countywide multi-agency drug task force in apprehending and prosecuting traffickers of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
  • – Supporting the county’s therapeutic courts, including veterans’ court and drug court.
  • – Forming the Diversion Program, which holds low-level offenders accountable while giving them a second chance at a crime-free lifestyle.
  • – Creating a public-facing website to provide accessible data regarding criminal cases.
  • – Transitioning the County Attorney’s Office to a paperless environment.
  • – Most recently, implementing a remote work option to attract and retain quality employees for every office.

“I have always believed that being a good leader starts with following your passion. I will forever be passionate about safe communities, a low crime rate and doing what I can to create a high quality of life for everyone.”

In addition, she says she will always value her role as lead prosecutor in the criminal trial of James Ray, a self-help guru who caused the deaths of three of his followers. She also is proud of her office’s success in stopping retailers throughout Yavapai County from selling dangerous synthetic drugs called “bath salts” and “spice.”

Polk says she looks forward to spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren, and will continue to help the greater community by staying involved with MATFORCE, a poster contest that raises awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse, and teaching “Lessons from the Holocaust.”

“I am eager to study Spanish, sketching and reading,” she said. “I will miss the job and all the outstanding people across the state I have worked with and the incredible opportunities that have come my way. But I also know I will be as enthusiastic about this next phase of my life as I have been about my career.”

Best Advice
In law school, I did not know what I wanted to do as a lawyer. My first job involved working for Justice Jack Hayes at the Arizona Supreme Count. He’s the person who urged me to consider a career as a prosecutor, which I did. Here I am, 40 years later.

Book That Had the Greatest Influence
I choose “All But My Life,” by Gerda Weissmann Klein. I met Gerda, a Holocaust survivor, and we became close friends. She was the inspiration for my course about the holocaust, “What You Do Matters – Lessons about the Holocaust,” which is taught throughout the nation. Her book about her life before Hitler, her capture and life in a series of labor camps, is inspiring.

Favorite Holiday
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday because I love parades, the rodeo, the family visits and especially saying the Pledge of Allegiance with a crowd of people.

Recreational Activities
As a child, I loved sports and competed well in college, where I played softball, volleyball and basketball. But today, I play golf, racquetball and pickleball. I just love hiking in the woods with my dog, Leia.

Favorite Music
I enjoy Big Band and soft rock. My go-to radio station when driving is The Coffee House. I like calming music that helps me slow down and gain composure. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo By Ray Newton

Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up

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UniSource Director Martin Anaya is passionate about the business and communities he serves.

Off the top of his head, UniSource Energy Services Director Martin Anaya can easily quote the dates and positions of his 41-year career in gas utilities, which began in 1981.

Working literally from the ground up, Anaya’s first position was installing gas lines. As he progressed, his work kept steel pipes from corroding underground. “I started with Southern Union Gas and moved into doing corrosion control, also known as cathodic protection. I stayed in that discipline for many years. It is my passion.”

His goal was to keep UniSource gas pipes looking brand new and in excellent condition. “Anything metal has to have some kind of corrosion control such as bridges, skyscrapers, anything that is made out of steel should have some form of safeguard against deterioration.”

Anaya worked toward many industry and professional certifications based on the discipline of corrosion and moved into a supervisory role for Arizona and beyond. “Southern Union Gas was then sold to Citizen’s Utilities, so once that took place, my duties expanded to Louisiana and Colorado.”

A native of Flagstaff, Anaya continued to live in Flagstaff but traveled a lot. He also continued to advance within the company, serving in several directorship positions.

“Martin is a committed and dedicated leader who is passionate about doing what is right for employees and the communities that we serve,” said UniSource Energy Services Vice President of Field Operation Terry Nay. “I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for his all-encompassing knowledge of the gas business. With his many years with the company, he has served in almost every position possible. With his depth of knowledge, he truly understands the perspectives of our employees, and this enables him to be their best coach, mentor and champion.”

UniSource Energy Services in Flagstaff currently has approximately 60 employees. “In total, we have about 180 employees in the areas we serve in Northern Arizona, Prescott, Cottonwood, Williams, Mojave County, Lake Havasu City, Kingman and Verde Valley. I also oversee the technical aspects for Santa Cruz County, Nogales, Tubac and Rio Rico.”

Prescott UniSource Energy Services Construction and Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Brown met Anaya in 1984. “Martin would bring his crew down to Prescott from Flagstaff to work on our corrosion protection efforts. He is someone who could always be counted on and even though he’s advanced to a top position in the company, he’s stayed true to his roots and treats everybody with respect and hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He’s a great guy and a hard worker, an honorable person who sincerely cares about the people he works with.”

“It’s a blessing to be born and raised here in Flagstaff and have a good job,” said Anaya. “I tell my team to be ready because we’re always one phone call away, but I think it’s important to step away and take time off and experience the beauty around us. My favorite thing to do is hike or camp up on the San Francisco Peaks. That’s my sabbatical and I take no phone. I just lose myself for a few days.”

Married with no children, Anaya said in jest, “It’s just me and my wife, Anita, so we do whatever we want.” Golfing is their sport of choice and Flagstaff Ranch is their favorite destination every chance they get.

UniSource Energy Services and its sister company, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) are among a family of utilities owned by Fortis Inc. Citizen’s Utility was acquired in 2003. UniSource provides natural gas service to Flagstaff and surrounding areas.

Best Business Advice

“Bring your best every day; you owe it to yourself.”

What I’d Tell My Younger Self  

“Pause, think, then act/react.”

Movie I Recommend

“‘Yellowstone Kelly.’ Many scenes were shot on the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks in 1959. We will never see the mountain like that again.”

Who I Admire

“Aldo Leopold, for his forward thinking and observations toward nature and conservancy.”

Goal Yet to Be Achieved

“To be able to give back to all those who have given so much to me and my family in times of need.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Straight-Shooting Gunsmithing Pastor Cares for Heirloom Firearms

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Gene Grimm and son, Dave, repair, restore and customize at High Chapparal Gunsmithing.

When 8-year-old Eugene “Gene” Grimm first pulled the trigger on his grandfather’s Harrington & Richardson Model 999 in Ohio, little did he realize that 70 years later, the same weapon would remain a premier showpiece among many in a collection of what has become High Chaparral Gunsmithing.

In fact, from that very first gun, Grimm’s collection has grown to dozens of his own, as well as many more that he has repaired, restored and customized for clients through his gunsmithing practice. Grimm takes pride in being a certified and highly trained gun expert. “Some of my work is totally decorative and restorative, while other efforts may involve totally rebuilding the mechanical functioning of a gun,” he said.

Grimm is a National Rifle Association instructor. He also is a lieutenant in the Arizona Rangers organization and became a designated lifetime Ranger in the past year. Gene is highly focused on gunsmithing; he had to earn more rigorous certification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and FBI. “Saying you’re a gunsmith doesn’t make you one,” he said. “You have to earn that right.”

Grimm has handled and worked with just about every type of firearm – handmade guns, single-shots, revolvers, automatic pistols and rifles, and a great variety of shotguns. He opened his gunsmithing shop in 1970.

Now he has two complete workshops with sophisticated machinery, technology and tools that allow him handle most any issue that arises. His son, Dave Grimm, is also a professional gunsmith.

“My son began taking guns apart when he was 15.  He continued after high school and attended the Trinidad State Junior College degree program in Colorado. Dave apprenticed with master engravers and has the skills to work in a custom shop. I’m really proud of him – and he has taught me,” he said.

Much of that is because Grimm had a full-time occupation that kept him moving across the country for more than 42 years. He first was a parish pastor in a church in Ohio. He then became a minister in the American Lutheran Church in the same state, and then was called by the national church to consult with congregations in 38 states, seven days a week for several years. “I had weeks when I might be in my car 30 to 40 hours a week.”

Along the way, Grimm earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in theology.

Given his active church career, he says he could not plan on giving active gunsmithing time to service clients on a routine basis. “I never knew where I would be from week to week. But I always stayed contemporary in both disciplines.”

His friends called him “a straightshooter” in two directions – in the church and in gunsmithing.

When Gene retired in 2008, he and his son agreed having a partnership would make a lot of sense, especially because Dave had been trained to handle some really difficult situations in gunsmithing, especially for the high-end clients that they seemed to be attracting.

“At High Chapparal, we pay special attention to the guns people entrust us with. Some of the guns we get are genuinely classics and antiques – in some cases, one of a kind.  For instance, one gun I am adorning for its owner is a priceless shotgun. I am currently creating a custom stock and fore stock, which will have large, ornate large animal carvings, inlaid checkering and a perfectly polished finish. The action and barrel and other metal pieces will be intricately engraved pieces of valuable metal art. I am becoming more and more involved in intricate engraving.”

Grimm says he often loses track of the time when he’s working on guns. “Much depends on what the owner wants: a showpiece? A museum piece that continues to grow in value? Something that can be used for hunting or target-shooting?”

He also works on bows and arrows.

Gene’s wife, Margie, also assists with the gun work. “She’s quite good. In fact, she can be considered highly skilled. What I want people to know foremost about High Chapparal Gunsmithing is that our family takes great pride in keeping a firearm functioning at its best level of performance and reliability. We are trained with the skills to do the job right the first time.”

MY FAVORITE STORY

J.R.R. Tolkien and his creation of an alternative universe in that fascinating book he wrote in 1954, “Lord of the Rings.”

MOST INFLUENCIAL BOOK

“Here I Stand,” the masterpiece biography of 16th century religious leader Martin Luther, who founded the Lutheran Church. Author Rolland H. Bainton blessed us all with that book.”

WHERE I HOPE TO TRAVEL  

Margie and I had hoped to go to the Holy Land and then COVID-19 hit. If it’s possible in the future, yes. But my next favorite travel would be coming back into Arizona and returning to Prescott.”

MY FAVORITE MEAL

“A really good steak, seasoned and grilled just right, with baked potatoes and all the rest.”

BEST PET EVER

“Years ago, we picked up a recue dog – a malamute-shepherd mix we named Jack. He was about 4 and he captured our hearts. When he died at 13, he broke those same hearts.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit www.highchaparralgunsmith.com or call Grimm at 928-925-6057

Moon Rover Continues to Gain Traction

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Inventor Bill Tinnin has global fan base; GROVER to be featured at Star Party.

While Neil Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldrin’s footsteps have been imprinted on the moon and in world history, the Moon Buggy they explored in left tracks on the lunar surface and also in the imaginations of the news media and fans. At 88, the Northern Arizona man who played a role in designing the buggy prototype continues to be tracked down by the news media and fans. GROVER, or Geology Rover, spends its days in retirement in the U.S. Geological Survey building in Flagstaff. Bill Tinnin, the inventor credited with inventing the moon buggy, is retired in Prescott Valley. The two have been connected since the 1960s Apollo moon missions.

Since the first moon landing on July 20, 1969, Tinnin has been contacted by people from 12 states and nine countries for his contributions to the NASA space program. He was never featured in international TV and press the way the first astronauts were, but GROVER was.

Tinnin credits a story published three years ago in the Flagstaff Business News (FBN) and Quad Cities Business News (QCBN) with creating public awareness, especially in Central and Northern Arizona. “I had hundreds of people from just Arizona contact me. Some come visit me. They want to hear even more.”

The really big exposure happened when a television team from the Netherlands visited Flagstaff in June 2019 and read the FBN article. They contacted him at his Prescott Valley home, arranged to film a video and posted that video on YouTube. Shortly thereafter, Tinnin began receiving messages from viewers from around the world. He now has fans from coast to coast and border to border – Massachusetts to Washington and Oregon, and Texas to Wisconsin, and many states between.

International contacts range from the one with the Dutch in 2019 to a more recent one this fall with the Czech Republic. An especially intriguing handwritten letter was from a youngster, Sue Jennings, from Victoria, Australia, who said in part: “What an exciting life you led. You must be very clever to be involved in all the ground-breaking activities you have. Will you please autograph the enclosed photo and return it to me?”

Foreign contacts range from throughout Europe and the United Kingdom to Canada and the South Pacific.

For instance, Bill and his wife, Pam, encountered a British couple while on a vacation in Alaska in 2011. They have remained in regular contact since. The couple did some research about Tinnin and his connection to NASA and the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) where Tinnin worked for decades. The Brits, both teachers and cinematographers, made a video focusing on Bill and Grover and shared it with organizations and groups and put it on travel blogs. That stimulated even more contacts from around the world. The couple visited and stayed with the Tinnins in April.

To be clear, Tinnin did not build the actual vehicles that roved the moon. He built the prototype that astronauts trained in from a wrecked truck and auto parts he scrounged from Flagstaff junkyards. He replaced the original wheels with four battery-driven electric wheels. He stripped an old umbrella frame, turned it inside out and used it as the antenna to send and receive radio signals from the spaceship and Earth.

Asked if he could build a lunar rover, Tinnin said, “Sure, why not?” At that time he was working at the USGS where he began work as a mechanic after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. Tinnin credits Eugene Shoemaker, a distinguished USGS geologist, with having the vision to realize astronauts would need more than foot power to roam a moonscape pockmarked by eons of space debris impacts. Shoemaker also realized the terrain around Flagstaff, with its many craters, lava flows and craggy ravines, would be an ideal location to train astronauts.

Shoemaker and fellow geologists, including the late Gordon Swann, dedicated years of their careers to train and educate astronauts about what they likely would encounter on the moon’s surface. Tinnin traveled with Swann to diverse terrains throughout Arizona and Nevada to train astronauts in GROVER.

“I was one of the lucky ones,” Tinnin said. “I worked with every astronaut who walked on the moon. I have a framed wall display with mission patches and images given to me from every Apollo mission and I’m very proud of it. I’m proud of our team that made it happen – Rutledge ‘Putty’ Mills, Dick Wiser and Walt Fahey.”

The cost for Tinnin’s version of the Moon Buggy was about $2,000. NASA’s version cost $20,000, he said. “And when the ones used on the moon were built by Boeing, it cost more than $1 million.”

Tinnin says he doesn’t have much contact now with the early astronauts and other NASA and USGS personnel. “Many of them are gone now. After all, it has been more than 50 years. But I have my memories, and I have people who still want to learn more. What else could I ask for?”

Tinnin’s achievements are documented in several publications, including “Lunar and Planetary Rovers,” by Anthony Young and “Northern Arizona Space Training,” by Kevin Schindler and William Sheehan. He is cited in dozens of USGS publications.

Guided tours to visit GROVER and other USGS space exploration tools will be offered by the USGS at the free Flagstaff Star Party Field Day, 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, at Buffalo Park.

A SPECIAL MEMORY

Being near CBS newsman Walter Cronkite when he said those now indelible words, “Man is on the Moon.”

A MAJOR CHALLENGE

Building something from scratch for an outer space exploration that had never before been attempted. Our technology then was very primitive.

HOW I DECOMPRESS

Listening to a lot of country music.

GREATEST SOURCE OF PRIDE

All 20 astronauts who were sent to the Moon used the vehicles we built to train on the crater fields that surround Flagstaff.

REALITY HIT

When some of those astronauts returned to Flagstaff and shook our hands. We knew it [driving on the moon] had really happened. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Amy Pieh Supplies the Tools Workers Need

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Business owner carries on family tradition.

Missing the collapse of the San Francisco Bay Bridge by seconds during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake is just a shadow of the blessings, hardships and successes of Pieh Tool Company President Amy Pieh’s remarkable life.

“I was on the top of the Bay Bridge and I didn’t feel anything, but the second I got off, the bridge was swinging,” she said.

Brought up in a maze of tools in Burlington, Wisconsin, Pieh’s parents, Bill and Bonnie, owned an internationally known tool company, Centaur Forge, that served blacksmiths and farriers all around the world since 1960. “When my dad died in 2000, it was such a loss to the industry.  People came from all over; it was amazing.” Amy lost her mother 18 months later.

Caring about others was the No. 1 priority for her parents, says Pieh, and through the business, they made a lot of friends. “Their goal was to provide a vast selection of products for the best value,” she said.

Joining the U.S. Air Force after high school, Pieh landed in the San Francisco Bay area. “I couldn’t fly due to a depth perception issue, so I became a metallurgical inspector.  In this assignment, I did non-destructive inspection, where I inspected every part of aircrafts, all the way down to the oil. After separating from the military, I continued as an inspector in aerospace and gravitated to inspection at power plants, nuclear and fossil fuel.”

For a short period, Pieh returned to Wisconsin to help her mother with the business. “I realized there was more to my returning home than just helping out. I was preparing to carry on a 40-year family [business] tradition.” Blacksmithing itself is a 61-year Pieh family tradition.

A visit to Sedona clarified her future. “I was coming into the Village of Oak Creek and just around the first bend by Bell Rock, a vision of my mom and her wonderful smiling eyes came about and I could hear her voice saying, ‘Do it right here.’ So I got an [real estate] agent and found a building in Camp Verde.”

Seeking help from the Small Business Administration mentoring program, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Pieh was able to move forward. “They were a great help developing my business plan and gave me direction to continue my parent’s legacy.”

On May 17, 2003, she says people came from near and far to attend her grand opening, a big event that she hosted five months into her pregnancy.

Down the line, hardship ensued and Pieh almost lost the business, but as a single mother, managed to pull through. “The towns of Camp Verde and Cottonwood embraced me and helped me and my son, William.”

Along with her main office in Camp Verde, Pieh has another retail location in Cave Creek and a third tool mail order business in Anthem.

“I met Amy in Wisconsin through my daughter, Sara, who was also in the Air Force,” said Pieh Tool Company Graphic Designer and close friend, Ann Jackson, who works at the Camp Verde shop.  “Amy is one of the most incredible women I’ve ever known and to do what she has done is incredible.  She continues to amaze me!”

A walk inside Pieh Tool Company in Camp Verde is a well-stocked and immaculate menagerie of blacksmithing and farrier tools, a full wall of horseshoes, anvils, swage blocks, abrasive tools kits, stands, forges, hammers, art supplies for blacksmiths, patinas and everything from aprons and books to beginner blacksmith kits.

There’s even a line of tools under the Pieh Legacy Collection, including a series of blacksmithing tongs named Billy to honor her late father.  “I have my own line of hammers, too, and hoof knives called Billy and Bonnie, also named after my parents.”

“I love working for Amy,” said new employee, Pieh Tool Company Accounting Manager Jackie Bonney. “She is a brilliant woman and as a woman and single mother, she has done everything on her own. Sometimes I have to laugh because it’s such a whirlwind around here, but I have so much admiration for Amy and I can’t believe she’s done so much, especially going through COVID. People don’t realize the impact of not being able to get products and the cost of freight that changes hourly. It’s very difficult but she’s kept people working through all of that.”

Blacksmithing and knifemaking classes are popular at Pieh Tool and are held monthly, nine months out of the year. Master Bladesmith Raymond Rybar, one of 150 Master Smiths registered worldwide by the American Blacksmith Society, is an instructor, along with Prescott-based Oso Blanco Ironworks owner Dylan Cook.

“Amy has done a great job creating a resource for blacksmiths in tool distribution and educational opportunities,” said Cook, who has taught beginning blacksmithing classes for six years at the Camp Verde location.

Currently, customer accounts have totaled more than 50,000. Annually, they produce a 180-page blacksmith and farrier supply catalog.

“I believe my mom and dad would be very proud that I was able to establish Pieh Tool Company and carry on the traditions that they practiced for most of their lives.  I could not have done any of this without their inspiration, motivation and incredible example. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

To contact Pieh Tool Company visit their website at pieltoolco.com or call 888-743-4866.

Strings Attached

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Harpist receives Good Samaritan honor for helping hospice patients.

When Luana Mangold, 87, performs, it is often on a handmade Paraguayan harp she learned to play more than 30 years ago.

“When I play, it’s usually with strings attached,” she said with a smile.

Her strumming these past 20 years earned her a national honor. She was selected from nominees from among all 50 states as winner of the Good Samaritan Society “Ever Forward Champion Volunteer Award.”

Hundreds recognized Mangold publicly during June 24 formal ceremonies at the Good Samaritan Society national headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mangold was nominated by Adam Bissell, chaplain for the Prescott Good Samaritan Living Facility and Apartments, 1029 South Drive. “In one word, she’s a saint. As people are transitioning into the next world, to have that harp in the background is sublime. Mangold is someone who lives out the Good Samaritan values of courage, community and service.” He added that as a fellow musician, he has enjoyed her harp playing for more than a dozen years.

Bissell praised her for her commitment to hospice care and its patients. Mangold has played for many events, often weddings and anniversaries, and volunteered in venues ranging from museums, concert halls and hospitals, but most frequently, at hospice facilities.

She said receiving the award in South Dakota was a highlight of her adult career. She was accompanied by her son, Robert Mangold, who filmed and posted a video of her award on YouTube.

An American Indian from a large family of 17 siblings, Mangold was born in 1935 on the Jemez Springs Pueblo Tribe Reservation just north of Albuquerque and west of Santa Fe.  She was removed from her family at a time when Indian students were taken away from their homes and sent to Catholic missionary-sponsored boarding schools. She took classes in music from nuns, and later completed her high school education at Albuquerque Indian School.

She received a full scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico and later earned her master’s degree in health education from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. A longtime Certified Music Practitioner, Mangold received that designation from the Music for Healing and Transition Program Inc., out of Hillsdale, New York.

When back East, she met and married Werner Mangold, a German-born engineer who came to the U.S. as a youngster. He then earned degrees in mechanical engineering and accepted a job that took them to Cincinnati for five years. They then lived in Germany for four years, while her husband was promoted into executive positions.

The couple returned to Rolling Hills, California, where Werner headed Aerojet General until he retired. They moved to Prescott in 1990. Werner died in 2004. They had 50 years of marriage. The Mangolds had three sons, two of whom are still living. Robert is in Las Vegas and Frank is in Denver. “I live in the same house we custom-built when we first moved to Prescott,” said Mangold.

Through classes at Yavapai College, Mangold expanded her dedication to music. Already a talented piano player, she discovered her love for the harp when she heard Cuban folk harpist Alfonso Ortiz play. Shortly thereafter, she bought a harp from him. She later worked in the health department at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and helped launch a music education program for employees. It was then discovered she could play both the piano and the harp for patients. She became known as “The Harp Lady on a mission of music.”

The slender, gray-haired musician describes her affinity for the harp. “I’ve often carried a smaller harp and played for many, many souls who have passed.”

She describes the harp’s mellow and gentle sounds as “heavenly tones.” Her favorite music is traditional hymns. “The sound is so majestic. The sound is soothing and peaceful,” she said.

Mangold performed on May 20 at the Good Samaritan Apartments. Wearing a Native American skirt designed by her sister, she entertained several dozen residents and their guests during a luncheon.

For more than 12 years, she had performed almost weekly at the Good Samaritan Society Prescott Hospice and Marley House. She said as she has aged, it has become more and more difficult to transport her harp from one location to another; thus, she is gently moving toward retirement. “Keeping my balance is sometimes awkward.”

“She has been so gracious and generous with her time and talent,” said Kelly Paradis, the senior living official for Good Samaritan. “Words are not capable of expressing the affection all of us who know her have for Luana.”

Mangold admits it will be difficult to turn down requests, so she may play on special occasions. She says she is grateful to the Prescott community that has welcomed her so affectionately.

“I’m pleased, though, to accept the thought that when you give of yourself, you get back much more,” she said. “I know I feel that way because of my experiences with Good Samaritan here in Prescott.”

WHY I PLAY

I love the gentle reverberations that flow through the body and mind to soothe the person within. That’s especially true when a patient is near death. You don’t come into the world alone, and if you chose not to, why should you leave it alone?

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE HARP

It’s like playing a naked piano. All the strings are exposed, and the sound is so pure and gentle.

WHY I’M RETIRING

I am getting older. It became more of a struggle to transport my harp from place to place, even though it is a smaller one.

IN MY FREE TIME

I still do all my yardwork, housework, daily chores and exercise. And I’ll still practice a lot, even though I’m not playing as often.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE

O, Music. In your very depths, we deposit our hearts and souls. You have taught us to see with your ear and hear with our hearts.  – from Kahlil Gibran. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

New Chef Helps Barley Hound Survive Pandemic

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Tony Burris shares his love for creative culinary cuisine.

I had the opportunity to create a totally new and different culinary experience for diners and I think we’ve done it. But it was challenging.”

That’s how Tony Burris described accepting the role of executive chef at The Barley Hound last October.  The newly remodeled restaurant, located at 234 South Cortez, is in an eye-catching Victorian-style home with roots dating back to the early 1900s.

Burris said owner Skyler Reeves recently had spent a “substantial amount of money” remodeling both the exterior and interior. “We’ve now got not only a distinct visual appearance, but also a varied, diverse menu that we’ll be changing to fit the seasons of the year,” said Burris.

“Chef Tony has created an exceptional menu that’s reflective of his ingenuity,” said Reeves. “He’s been an integral part of building the restaurant into what it is today. We’re fortunate to have him as the executive chef creating our most elevated dishes.”

The restaurant now is being marketed as a gastropub.

Burris explained, “That’s a coined phrase. It combined gastronomy, a British word that means the art of choosing, preparing and eating food from a given culture, with ‘pub’ – a term associated with popular meeting places for people who want to eat and drink in a very social public place. That’s what we have here: a menu with items to please adventurous eaters, along with some of the more familiar items and craft beers from Arizona. Our cocktails are tailored locally, quite unique. The same is true of our menu. For instance, our oxtail soup or sous vide barbecue prime pork ribs or a Scottish egg are every bit as tasty as a ground chuck cheeseburger and fries.”

Burris and his colleagues routinely change the menu, offering items that fit the time of day and season. One major change too, was the adding of a Sunday brunch to the regular hours. Offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, the brunch menu ranges from traditional bacon and eggs to Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict and Chorizo and Black Bean Breakfast Tacos.

Regular hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The staff has increased to meet the many changes. Four people work in the kitchen, two in dishwashing and eight at the front of the restaurant.

Why Barley Hound?

“Barley refers to one of the ingredients used to make whiskeys – and we have a great selection of them,” said Burris. “Hound refers to the dog-friendly patio, where we encourage our patrons to bring their pets. In fact, customers can actually order a dog bowl – rice and beef – and we’ll serve their dogs on a frisbee out on the patio.”

Burris was recruited by Reeves, a longtime friend and proprietor of the Vivili Hospitality Group (VHG), the largest restaurant group in Prescott. VHG includes The Barley Hound, Rosa’s Pizzeria, Taco Don’s, The County Seat and La Planchada Taqueria. It also supports Hawk & Hound Catering and Events.

Burris was born in Kansas but grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska. He had worked with Reeves earlier in the catering business. “I was excited to move into the remodeled Barley Hound and push people’s boundaries with new culinary experiences,” he said. “I was able to draw upon my experience as a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2008 and then my professional experience at a very upscale resort in Tucson: Canyon Ranch Resort. While there, I was lucky. I learned all stations of the kitchen in this very exclusive full-service resort. It has every imaginable amenity for guests. I had a chance to experience some exciting and exotic menus. I am bringing those concepts to the Prescott area.”

No stranger to the region, Burris first moved here when he was 21. He attended Prescott College and earned a degree in environmental sciences. “I always remember the friendly, small-town vibe of Prescott and the sense of community that was here. That’s what brought me back.”

Now 44, Burris says his focus at The Barley Hound is to push people’s dining boundaries. “The inspiration behind our new menu is balancing the creative spins of comfort food I grew up with in an approachable experimentation of different flavor profiles that will surprise tastebuds.”

Favorite Meal

No doubt, a well-seasoned 12- to 14-ounce ribeye steak with mashed potatoes, sautéed carrots and bell peppers, followed by vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.

Most Difficult Food to Prepare

Seasoned scallops because they require absolute attention at every step – from preparation to cooking. Being especially attentive to cooking temperature is critical.

Best Advice Ever Received

I’m paraphrasing Michael Jordan when he said, “Failure is not a reason to create excuses but a reason to find ways to correct mistakes.”

MUSIC I LOVE

I’ll listen to almost anything, but my real favorites are blues and rock, especially sounds from 20 to 25 years ago when I could understand the words.

Favorite Leisure Activity

Being outside in the natural environment, especially when I have my adorable Australian shepherd Zulu with me. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Barber Joseph Bellone Keeps Clients Stylish

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“I appreciate all the people who came to me and have given me a new life. It’s been a long journey.”

Through willpower and perseverance, Joseph Bellone survived a horrific car accident and has become one of the best known barbers in the Quad Cities area.

The crash occurred on Nov. 7, 2016, in Paulden. Bellone was ejected from the vehicle and severely injured. He shattered bones, crushed his sciatic nerve and suffered head injuries. In the first week after the accident he had eight surgeries.

“It took them six months to put me back into one piece, but I still couldn’t walk,” he said.

One year later, he returned to work as a barber. “I had to work twice as hard, but I kept doing what’s best for my little girl,” he said.

Before the car accident, Bellone also had been a brick mason, but that manual labor had become too much for him. So, Bellone has made shaving beards into an art form.

“I see it much differently. You have to take your time and pay attention to every detail,” he said.

Bellone uses three hot towels when shaving a beard, while most barbers just use one or two. He also uses two different strokes, going with and against the grain to give it the best shape.

“That way, I get it just right,” he said.

Bellone received his training cutting hair and beards while attending a military academy in Queen Creek. There were 450 students who needed their hair cut every two weeks.

Today, he can be found at Smooths Barbershop at the Prescott Gateway Mall. “I have a lot of consistent customers because they feel comfortable,” he said. “I appreciate all the people who came to me and have given me a new life. It’s been a long journey.”

Bellone said that long journey has included being part of a wonderful family. “I’m just happy because the kids are beautiful and healthy,” he said.

Born in Glendale, Bellone’s mother moved to Paulden when he was 2 years old. He now lives in Prescott with his wife, Maddy, and three children.

 

Best Advice I’ve Ever Received

Before the car accident, a friend told me, “Don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot do something, because if you believe in yourself there is nothing that you cannot achieve.”

What Actor Should Play You in a Movie About Your Life?

Leonard DiCaprio because people have told me I have similar facial features…funny.

Places I’d Like to Visit

I want to go to Italy and Ireland. My mother’s Irish and my father’s Italian. Ireland has gorgeous countryside and Italy has a ton of culture.

My Favorite Activity Outside of Work

Any activity with my wife and children. I just like watching the children grow and showing them what life is about.

Last Time I Laughed Hard

No one time stands out because we laugh all the time. We have a lot of good times. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN