Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, R.I.P.

Above, Salvatore Chioda at Sammy C's.

The following news certainly came as a shock yesterday.

Salvatore "Sammy" Chioda, known to Gallup and western New Mexico residents as "Sammy C", has passed away.

He was the owner of Sammy C's, a restaurant and sports bar in Gallup, and an announcer of KYAT-FM (broadcasting out of Gallup and Window Rock, Arizona). 

His wife Marie posted the following on Facebook:

It is with my deepest sadness that I have to post the passing of my amazing husband, Salvatore “Sammy C” Chioda. He was the most outstanding husband, father, friend, and pillar of our community. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers at this time. At this time, we ask that all please respect the privacy of our family while we mourn this tremendous loss. Thank you.

I met him several years ago and last chatted with him at Sammy C's just before it closed. He was a nice guy and had a great voice that will be missed on KYAT-FM. 

My condolences to Sammy's family and friends. 

UPDATE: 

A friend of Chioda's said that he died of pancreatic cancer.

The Convention That Wasn't

Above, the front of Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from Gallup.

I went there to attend the McKinley County Republican Pre-Primary convention at Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. It is owned by Sammy Cioda, who is a radio announcer at KYAT-FM for Millennium Media. 

Above, the main hallway/lobby of Sammy C's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got there, there was nothing to indicate that there would be a convention or any kind of meeting at the announced time of 12:45 PM. So, I went to the bar and ordered a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). I hadn't had one in years. It was good.

Above, the bar, where a women's breakaway rodeo was shown on the monitors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I sat down at the bar, Sammy C came in and greeted everyone. He makes it a point to greet his customers. I met him three years ago. We were introduced by Nandoh. 

I wandered around the place to look over Sammy's collection of sports and entertainment memorabilia. It is quite a collection. 

Above, enjoying my screwdriver in the bar.

When 12:45 arrived, I and others asked about it. Sammy said the time was moved to 5:45 this evening. Apparently, the McKinley County GOP didn't tell anyone.

Since we are supposed to get a rain and/or snow shower storm coming in after 2:00, I decided to leave and do some grocery shopping before heading back to Jamestown.

Above, a standee of Sammy C near the main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although disappointing, it wasn't a wasted trip as I got out of the house and enjoyed looking over Sammy C's memorabilia.

It's "Monster Mash" Time!

It seems like it has always been around, especially at Halloween time.

Every year at this time leading up to Halloween, Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "Monster Mash" is played on radio stations across the country. It is even being played several times a day on the local Navajo Country (KYAT) station originating from Gallup, New Mexico and Window Rock, Arizona.

Strange at it may seem, it only debuted in August 1962. It seems much longer than that.

In the song, Pickett does imitations of horror stars Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Peter Lorre.

From Wikipedia:

"Monster Mash" is a 1962 novelty song by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. The song was released as a single on Gary S. Paxton's Garpax Records label in August 1962 along with a full-length LP called The Original Monster Mash, which contained several other monster-themed tunes. The "Monster Mash" single was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 20–27 of that year, just before Halloween. It has been a perennial Halloween favorite ever since. Nearly 60 years after its release, "Monster Mash" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 37.

Did Boris Karloff like "Monster Mash"?  Yes, it turns out he did and even did his own version on Shindig.

According to American Songwriter:

“One of the London Records promotion men, a guy named George Sherlock, ran into Boris Karloff at Wallach’s Music City as he was buying a copy of the Monster Mash album,” Pickett said. “Karloff told him he loved the record. Karloff later did his version of the ‘Monster Mash’ on Shindig for their Halloween show of 1965.”

20th Anniversary of Waylon Jennings's Death

This past week, I have been hearing a lot of Waylon Jennings music on the radio (I listen to KYAT out of Gallup, New Mexico and Window Rock, Arizona). 

Now I know why.

Today marks 20 years ago today since Jennings passed away at age 64 from complications of diabetes. He died on February 13, 2002. It doesn't seem that long ago. 

Martin Link To Be On KYAT-FM Sunday Morning

Gallup historian (and host of our monthly dinner gatherings) Martin Link and the rest of the committee working to preserve Fort Wingate will be guests on "Impact" on KYAT-FM 94.5 to discuss the progress being made on their preservation efforts. The show starts at 6:00 AM.

Above, Martin Link. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I am an early riser, I should be able to listen to the program. Link told us last Sunday that progress has been made on their preservation efforts of Fort Wingate.

About KYAT-FM:

Today’s Navajo County is on 94.5 FM K-YA-T. This one of a kind station provides the best access to the predominant “buying demos” in this market. The audience is comprised of active consumers with both first-time big-ticket purchases and participation in entertainment activities. The format is full of energy and connects with its audience through Navajo language announcing 24-7. Navajo County blends currents, re-currents, and 70s and 80s country hits to create a mix that sizzles.

Back In The Barn

Above, after getting The Beast back in the barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No sooner than I got back into the house after putting The Beast into the GOCO Beast Barn, the announcer on the radio (KYAT-FM) said that another storm is moving across Arizona and will bring 4 to 6 inches of new snow.

Well, it's a good thing I got The Beast inside (although it is in good shape as far as weather is concerned) now instead of waiting. My main concern was getting The Beast stuck in mud. Since the ground had a good layer of snow, I had no problem.

With the heater inside the GOCO Beast Barn, the temperature inside was at 50°. So I don't have to worry about the holding tanks and plumbing freezing over even though I have antifreeze in the system.