The Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative steering committee is picking up the pace in regard to developing a support structure for the international Route 66 community, Rich Dinkela, Ed Klein of Route 66 World and a legion of enthusiasts are working to save the Gasconade River Bridge, folks in Holbrook are moving forward with the development of not one but two exciting events, and the Route 66 Alliance is pushing an ambitious Tulsa initiative. Even though it is still winter in most parts of the country, if the current pace of developments on Route 66 are any indication there can be little doubt that this will be an exciting and even historic year.
Meanwhile, as these and an array of other developments unfold, and folks drift through the dreary months of winter planning road trips, the long range forecast in our neck of the woods calls for a continuation of days in the mid 70’s with no chance of rain. I am not complaining about the weather but spring in early February doesn’t bode well in regard to what could be a very long, very dry, and hot summer here in the desert southwest. Of particular concern is the dry part. This type of weather is not conducive to focusing on tasks that require my immediate and full attention, especially the ones that keep me chained to the desk or corralled in the office. Unfortunately, those are the ones with the highest priority even though I have a rather lengthy list of outdoor projects on the schedule.
In spite of the staggering array of items that required immediate resolution, at my dearest friends behest I gave in to the urge for road trips, the quiet places, and desert adventures last weekend with the result being our invigorating outing to Topock. This weekend I can not afford such a luxury and will limit my recreational activities to dinner with friends on Sunday, and a movie with my dearest friend this evening.
Even though I would prefer to be on the road or somewhere far from the world of schedules and cell phones there is comforting solace in a day or two spent working in the office. Over the years it has morphed into a mini museum and a treasure chest of memories that fill it with the warmth of friends.
Job one will be to finish what was started last week and that is restoration of the office. That always follows completion of a book since my well laid plans for organization give way to piles of notes, reference materials, and files by the third week of a project.
Next on the list, creating an index file and selecting a cover image for that book. That will be followed with the annual sorting of receipts, invoices, and expense accounts in advance of meeting the tax accountant.
Also requiring immediate attention is evaluation of a contract and proposal for a joint project with Joe Sonderman. I am most excited to serve as his assistant in this endeavor that comes with a very tight deadline.
Then, if time allows I can turn my focus to the writing of Jim Hinckley’s America, Volume One, a project that I am most excited about. This represents my first attempt at self publishing and the goal is for completion of the first chapter by the opening days of March.
My ability to focus on these projects will be challenged by more that the delightful weather. Pondering the last days of full time employment for a company where I worked for ten years and what course to pursue in the coming weeks are obviously a distraction.
As I always strive to answer correspondence in a timely manner, that too is a pressing issue. This will require a bit more time than usual as the interview published in the Kingman Daily Miner last week caused a bit of a spike.
In addition to a small photo shoot for Route 66 magazine, I also have three book reviews to write in the next two weeks. Of these the most intriguing is Motoring West, Volume 1, Automobile Pioneers 1900 – 1909 from University of Oklahoma Press that I will be reviewing for True West magazine.
Then there are a few steering committee issues and a pending meeting that are also requiring attention in the week to come. Among the items that I am eager to address are the crafting of a proposal for the development of an international outreach as well as a means for international participation.To close out this mornings post, here are a few suggestions and ideas if your plans call for a road trip through the Kingman area in coming weeks.
It’s Valentine’s Weekend – With lots of fun choices to keep your sweetheart entertained!
Things to do This Weekend – Provided by JuST Marketing, LLC
Call Jamie 928/530-2056
928/530-2056 if you have events to add.
This Weekend
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February 13th – Celebrate Jimmy Hoffa’s Birthday with Music, fun & great food at Yesterday’s Restaurant (9827 2nd St); from 5 to 9pm. call 928/565-4251
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February 14th – Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance at Yesterday’s Restaurant in Chloride (9827 2nd St); Bring our honey for a special dinner and dancing to the music of Debbie & Bill from 5 to 9pm. Call 928/565-4251
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February 14th – Kingman Master Gardeners present a free Rose Pruning Workshop. Call 928/753-3788
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February 14th, 12pm-2pm Mother Road Harley Davidson Customer Appreciation BBQ. Free food and good company at 2501 Beverly. Call 757-1166 for more information.
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February 15th –Mardi Gras Celebration by the Krewe of Stetson Winery featuring Authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras food! Join the conga line around the winery led by jazz musician K. Brick in his top hat playing Dixieland Jazz. Call Stetson Winery at 757-7206 for more information and tickets.
Upcoming Events
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February 18th – “My Brother’s Voice: How a Hungarian Boy survived the Holocaust” from 11:30 to 1pm at MCC Kingman.
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February 21st – 1st Annual Mangy Mutt 5K Desert Run/Walk & 1K Kids Run. Start & finish starts at 8am at White Cliffs Middle School, 3550 Prospector St. Awards & post-race refreshments. Call Chris Brady at 937-304-9357
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February 21st 2pm; Kingman Rotary Scholarship Walk at Centennial Park. Circuit is fou trips round the walking path of Centennial Park starting t the Ramada on Burbank St. e is $30 per adult, $20 per child over10; T-Shirt included. Contact Erin Cochran for more information.
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February 21st A night in the Spotlight Variety Show at St John’s Methodist Church – benefiting Cornerstone Mission Contact Lisa Beauchamp at 928/757-1535
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February 21st – Chamber Wine& Cheese at the Central Commercial Building, 6-9pm. Theme is “Hollywood Glamour” with a silent and live auction. Tickets are $40 for individual and $75 per couple. Contact the Chamber at 753-6253
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February 21st – Mohave Community Orchestra performs a Chamber Concert featuring Strings, Brass & Woodwinds at Kingman Presbyterian Church (2425 Detroit Avenue) starting at 3pm. Call Art Swanson, 928/753-3902
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February 21st, Topock 66 Foundation invites you to the Flip Flip Affair. This is a margaritaville themed event featuring Jimmy Buffett style live music from Castaway, delicious prime rib dinner from Topock66 Spa & Resort, a live auction and the opportunity to meet with some of the students who are participating in the Build Your Own Future program. 5pm at Topock 66 Spa & Resort 14999 Route 66. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling Autumn at 928/234-6039
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Friday, February 27: “Indoor” Drive-In Movie 6:00 p.m. Car Creation & 7:00 p.m. Show Time “Cars 2”. All ages welcome; FREE (donations welcome) at Palo Christi School Gym. For more info call Kingman Parks & Rec at 757-7919
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February 28th – Biker Fest/Customer Appreciation BBQ at Thunder-Rode Motorcycle Accessories 102 East Beale St. Fundraiser for the Kingman Lions Club. Free food & fun. Call JuST Marketing at 928/753-9740
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February 28th & March 1st – NW Arizona Women’s Expo and Bridal Show at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. Contact Donna Touchette at 928/757-3368
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February 28th – Lion’s 50/50 Golf Ball Drop at Centennial Park. Contact the Lions atlions@kingmanlions.org for more information.
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February 28th – KRMC Mardi Gras at Hualapai Mountain Campus. Contact Scott Kern at 681-8656 for more information.
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February 28th – Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Yesterday’s Restaurant (9827 2nd St); from 5 to 9pm. Call 928/565-4251
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March 6th – Search & Rescue offers up a fajita fundraising dinner at the Kingman Chophouse, 1851 N Kino Avenue. Dinner is from 11am to 9m and includes three tacos, beans and choice of beverage for only $10. Call Louie Vega at 928/530-2824
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March 6-8th, Bluegrass on the Beach at Lake Havasu State Park. Call 209/480-4693
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March 14th at 9:30 am 3rd annual Siren Chaser 5K fun run & walk benefiting Project Playground in Ft Mohave. $25 registration includes, race t-shirt; goody bag, bib and bbq lunch. Call Rebecca at 928/660-3806
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March 14th – AZ Offroad Promotions presents Rattlesnake Hare Scrambles. Bikes, Quads, UTVs PeeWees& Minis at the Route 66 Motorsports Park. Visit www.arizonaoffroadpromotions.com for more information.
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March 14th, Boys & Girls Club St Patrick’s Lucky Night fundraiser. Call Scott Kern at 681-8656 for more information.
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Friday, March 27: Outdoor Drive–In Theater Night arrivals may begin at 6:00 p.m. Movie (TBD) will begin at approximately 7:00 p.m. Families welcome. $10 per vehicle at Southside Park. For more info call Kingman Parks & Rec at 757-7919
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March 28th – Kiwanis Himbo Pageant at the Elks Lodge on Club Drive. Come vote for your favorite HIMBO! Cocktails start at 5pm, dinner at 6pm. Tickets are $50 person – $400 for a table of 8. Monies raised go for scholarships to Kingman students. Call Marcia at 928/715-2029
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April 11th & 12th – 2015 Triple Crown Fundraiser for Healing Hooves. Saturday, Golf Tournament at Laughlin Ranch with dinner and auction at The Aquarius. Sunday Motorcycle Poker Run on Route 66 ending with a Bar-B-Q. Call 928/278-3496
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May 2nd – Historic Route 66 Fun Run and Scholarship Dinner. Full day of cars followed by a fundraising dinner at Beale Celebrations. Catered dinner, music and auction for just $35 a person. Call Jamie at 928/530-2056
Ongoing Events
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The Gunfighters are back in Chloride! The Chloride Historical Society presents High Desert Drifters, every first and third Saturday at High Noon in Chloride. The Drifters will perform skits that are suitable for all ages. Bring the whole family and enjoy the show. Donations are accepted.
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Bike Night at the Hot Rod Cafe Wednesday nights from 6-8pm. The featured charity this month is Sarah’s House Child and Family Advocacy Center. All Raffle proceeds and donations go to Sarah’s House.
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Every Wednesday, from 5-7 Scotty’s Broasted Chicken on Stockton Hill Rd and Deana Nelson State Farm host ‘Cruize Night’. Bring in your favorite Cruizer, relax, have dinner (dinner specials available) and show off your Cruizer. Nothing more to do but relax and enjoy!!
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Every Friday night at 6:00pm you can meet at Bicycle Outfitters located at 3001 Stockton Hill RD for a beginners group mountain bike ride. Call 928-753-7538
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Ultimate Night Frisbee League Is currently having sign-ups for the City of Kingman Parks and Rec for an Ultimate Frisbee League. If you want to come see what it is about they play Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Centennial Park Soccer field on Harrison St. Meet at 6:30 pm for warm-up and the game starts at 7. Contact Megan at 715-7886 for more info or visit our facebook page Ultimate Night Frisbee League.
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Wine Tasting at Stetson Winery in Valle Vista every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4; live music every Sunday from 4 to 7 pm.
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Wine Tasting at Cella Winery in Valle Vista, Friday and Saturday from 11 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 6.
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Spirit Tasting at Desert Diamond Distillery, 4875 Olympic Drive at the Kingman Airport Industrial Park, Monday through Saturday, from 10am until 5pm, and until 6pm on Friday and Saturdays. Tours and Tastings are offered, Tastings of their award winning rums and vodkas offered six days a week. Call (928) 757-7611
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Alpacas of the Southwest welcomes people to visit the ranch to get up close and personal with kid friendly alpacas. Tours are 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Thursday through Monday. Cost is $6.00 a carload. Please call first 702/338-7806
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Every Saturday from 4 to 8pm is Cruise Night at the Magnuson Hotel (3100 E Andy Devine Avenue). Get together spot for classic cars.
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Kingman Back Country Horsemen meet at Calico’s Restaurant the first Wednesday of each month for a no host dinner at 5:30 and meeting at 6:30 pm. Call Carol at 279-8154 or Brenda at 303-4911 for more information.
