Wade

wade 2014 CSPress Portfolio

Self-Analytical Evaluation Being an editor for the first time, this semester brought many

portunities. This semester we did not need advertisements

firsts and lots of time spent learning new things. Creating a

as much as we will next semester, but I feel that my page will

page opens a new door to exercising my production skills.

gain a lot of sales. The tactic should be to interview business

I had to learn how to use InDesign, a program I was com-

owners and other people around town, and as they begin

pletely foreign to, and produce pages. Deadlines became even

to feel involved in our paper because they are being written

more important this time around because to create a page,

about, we ask them if they would like to purchase an ad. I am

I relied on having everything turned in. I found it easier for

certain that almost all of the business owners we have written

myself to recognize that I need to get my articles done on

about would love to buy one or more.

time, because I could sympathise with editors who did not

My journalism ethics have only grown in my second year of

get articles for their page in. While there were times I strug-

newspaper. I rely more and more on interviews and research

gled to get certain pieces in, I feel that I managed it better

to get my story, instead of just my sole understandings. In-

than I did last year. All the same, I need to be more strict to

terviewing people and getting quotes also writes most of the

the writers writing for my page that I need their work.

article, and I have noticed it makes it a breeze to write. I am

Instead of just being a writer this year, I had to take more of

also faster and coming up with ideas for articles as well as

a leadership role. Saying this, there was a push for teamwork,

how to go about an article. My amount of dedication to the

this refers to all of editors working together, the people

paper has tripled this year. I have a page that is new to the

working on your page, and the people sitting at your table. I

paper. My page is something that I am passionate about and

definitely had to focus more on patience this year. There were

want to make the best out of it. I spend hours at production

times when I had to wait for people to get me photos, or one

day perfecting it. I want all of the articles to be at their best

last interview. While I could be stern, I could not be too scary

and I want the writers to feel the same passion I do towards

because I did not want to scare people away from writing

these articles.

for my page. I also had to help some people when it came to

I plan to use all of these skills throughout my entire life. I

writing newspaper articles if they were not sure of exactly

hope to do something with Public Relations, and having a

what they were doing. This helped teach me more leadership,

background in newspaper is vitale. I have learned to pay at-

as well as working together for someone to understand some-

tention to deadlines and get things done on time, which will

thing. I am not usually a fan of teams, but newspaper is the

always be something a boss is looking for. Teamwork is also

one area that I am tolerable of it. The staff has to be a team in

something that businesses play into, and I understand the

order for this newspaper to work. I am thankful that newspa-

basis of working together to create something award win-

per pushes me to work together more.

ning. My dedication to the newspaper will also carry through

My Creeker page offers a lot of room for advertising op-

to the real world in finding passion to do my job well.

Reflection 1: The article that I put the most passion and effort

from quotes. This took a little more work because

into would be my editorial on Mississippi college

I rely on interviews most of the time. I was a little

football. As most people would realize by now, I

scared to discuss the games, and actually has to

love my football teams. However, I never had the

watch recaps and read interviews with the teams

chance to write about them, and I also never felt

after the fact. I paid more attention to this article

equip to write for the sports page.

as well because it was definitely something I was

When my favorite team took to the ranks and

going to have to show my family.

were getting attention, I had to write some-

My article evolved over the course of it being

thing about it for the newspaper. I immediately

written, especially when I needed to follow the

proposed the idea when I went back to school

rankings. More things would come out about the

because I felt so passionate about it. When I

teams and I would need to edit them in. By the

requested to write the article, I wrote it the second

end, it was just where I wanted it. It showcased

I got to my computer. Which is completely out of

the football programs, the growth, and I was able

the ordinary considering I procrastinate on all of

to explain everything I love about Mississippi

my work. This aspect of writing showed me that

football. This was very much my piece of work,

if I actually got to it, I could write something that

instead of a basic news article that I have grown

truly is to high standards.

accustomed to writing. I was proud of it's out-

This article was also a tad different from what I am

come, in fact, I sent it to my admission counselor

used to because I always have interviews, instead,

that I am friends with so that they could see that

this was all about my take on the games. I had to

their programs are being talked about all the way

create the story, without anyone else's opinion

in Arizona.

Mississippi is a state of pride and passion, especially when it comes to their football teams, and for the first time in history both Ole Miss and Mississippi State get to share their victories as they rank in the top 20 for college football.

The SEC is spoken for as the toughest division this year. For two teams who are used to being on the bottom, nothing feels better than finally being on top.

October 4th started the hype that has swarmed the Magnolia State. Mississippi State started the day off beating number six in the polls, Texas A&M. Ole Miss’s turn was next as they beat one of their biggest rivals and best team in the SEC, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ole Miss had not experienced a win against the Crimson Tide since 2003 when Payton Manning was playing for the Rebels.

Hopes were low for the Rebels, however they did have home advantage, College Gameday in Oxford for the first time, and Katy Perry. The Rebels did not disappoint, and while Alabama could complain about injuries, Ole Miss proved it was their time to take down the Tide.

The Aggies began to see their defeat as Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns. Starkville rejoiced with the final score of 48-31. The bulldogs began to see their struggling program turn into a powerhouse ready to take on the next weeks game against Auburn.

After the two games, Ole Miss and Mississippi State shared the number 3 ranking in national college football polls. The teams are used to being rivals, but as they both experienced some of their greatest victories, the state of Mississippi came together and celebrated as a whole. Facebook posts varied from Bulldog fan’s statuses being “Hotty Toddy” and Rebels posting “Hail State”, for the most part being the fans’ first time uttering these words.

ESPN’s College Gameday had never been to the state of Mississippi, and after a weekend in Oxford, they decided to stay for another week and go 98 miles south to Starkville. The iconic show embraces fans and how they tailgate, and Oxford and Starkville threw them a party. The Grove in Oxford is famous for their tailgating, but Starkville was claimed to have a bigger than average tailgate for the show all the same.

Hugh Freeze, the coach at Ole Miss, and Dan Mullin, Mississippi State’s, have proven that they know how to rework programs. Both of the universities programs have settled for “progressive” and “almost-there”. Now, the football universe is calling them the best in the nation and ones that other teams need to look out for.

Defense on Ole Miss, referred to as landsharks to fans, have also proven to be just that. In this seasons SEC games the Rebels defense has shown that they can prevent, block, and make some serious interceptions.

Dak Prescott of Mississippi State and Bo Wallace of Ole Miss are some of the most watched quarterbacks of the season. Prescott and Wallace are completing their passes at high percentages.

If Ole Miss and Mississippi State continue to shock the nation, the Ole Miss versus Mississippi State game, which wraps up the season, is going to be the game of the year to watch.

Reflection 2: At some point in every semester I slack off on an article or two. This is inevitable when you have to get to a certain amount of words, and I cannot be passionate about every article. My conspiracy theory on the Phoenix lights article was not my best piece. When the article was first proposed it was going to be about Arizona conspiracies, yet there were not enough to break into an article. Therefore, we moved it to the Phoenix lights, which I was not familiar with. After some research, I had a good enough idea of what it was, but then it was a matter of how I was going to write about it. I was not sure of who might know about these Phoenix lights and it was a struggle to find people to interview for it. I wrote the meat of the article first, and then finished my interviews, which is never a good idea for me. When I do this, I lose a lot of what I can write for with my interviews. I ended up having to change it around once I started to work my quotes into it. After that, the story got jumbled and confusing. I wish I had worked harder in the beginning of the process to find people to interview so that I could base my story around what they said. With Christina’s help, and a lot of editing on my part, we were able to get it to where it needed to be. The finished product is just average to me, not something special as it could have been with it being about such an interesting topic.

Phoenix Lights: Sixteen years ago, a bright formation of lights appeared over the Phoenix night sky, raising concern and fright as to what was happening overhead.

"They were lights coming down parallel of South Mountain, and I didn't see them in the beginning but someone called me and told me to go out and check it out," Mark O'Bryan, math teacher and believer in conspiracies, said.

The silent red lights appeared in a diagonal formation, and much closer to the ground than a typical aircraft.

These lights were bright, big, and out of this world. According to local Fox News, thousands of people reported seeing these lights in the same way.

Today, the Phoenix Lights is still an unsolved mystery. However, for many of the Phoenicians who witnessed this deemed it as an alien spaceship.

The conspiracy is that the The United

States government covered up this incident and ignored most of its happenings. This also lead conspiracy theorists to believe that the government was in contact with the extraterrestrials.

"I actually remember bringing up a UFO and my parents began talking about these Phoenix lights. They said everyone saw them and was startled and that they really thought it was a UFO in the moment," Emily Thomas, a senior, said.

Others believed that the lights were part of a government ship being tested.

"Every time I hear or see something like that I think it's government weapons, like working on some type of new airplane," O'Bryan said.

More controversy ensued two days after the incident as an anonymous hoaxer told a local television station

that he created the lights. The man said he formed them with road flares and helium balloons. While some people settled for this explanation, other UFO believers were angered and did not agree.

"My cousin is into conspiracy theories and alien things and if you bring this up he will tell you how certain he is of it being a UFO and that the government is hiding something," Bailey Gear, a senior, said.

Military officials said that these were flares being dropped by an A-10 Warthog. After seventeen years, a UFO researcher, whose name is disclosed, and was investigating the Phoenix Lights went to court to disprove the military officials statement.

As the lights went away, they did not fly swiftly like an aircraft, but one by one drifted off.

Reflection 3:

I do not take many pictures for newspaper unless my page is in need of one last minute, and even then I try to get someone else to do it. I enjoy taking pictures and do not think I am the worst, however my photography skills could use some improvement. I took one photo this year for my online coverage. This is a photo from the Saves the Day concert. I did not have any pass to really get up close and caption the heart of the action, however I did my best to get to the front to capture something good. The photo follows the rule of thirds, slightly, in that my focus is in a square and there are other centers of focus in the squares.

There is definitely a center of visual interest, that being the lead singer. I think the lead singers far stomach is what draws you to the pictures, it is bulging out and your eyes cannot help but go there.

Reflection 4:

Moving up as an editor, I felt like more of an asset to the publication and the staff. There is more to be expected of me, in that it is my second year and I should know what I'm doing, and I am here to make a page. I think I took on this new page very well and created something that the student body enjoys reading and looking at. I also think, and hope, that writers enjoy writing for my page. I help writers figure out who to interview, and occasionally go with them to do so. The articles I choose for my page push writers to do more extensive interviews in order to create a good story. I have different ideas for articles and I think it has made the newspaper feel more local like it should. Next semester I believe that my page, and me as the editor, will be able to help more with advertisements as well. Being on the newspaper staff is something I take pride in, therefore I have been committed to putting in my hardest work.

Reflection 5: Newspaper can be a difficult class at times, considering

it is more of a job than an elective. Last year I struggled immensely with getting interviews done. I would like to think I did a better job at that this year. This year, however, I struggled with getting people to write for my page and dealing with some of those who did. While I thought I was a pretty stern person, I realized that I am quite the pushover when it comes to being an editor. Countless times this semester writers would not have their articles done on time. Instead of telling them that they needed to get it done immediately, I would let it slide and then would not get an article until the last minute. When this happens I am stuck on production day trying to edit and rewrite their articles. This meant getting interviews for them and completely changing some articles simply because it was not what I wanted or what the page needed. I put it all on me to change it all too, because I would lose faith or just time with that writer. I need to stay on top of these writers so that I am not stressing about their articles while I am trying to create a page. I was nice to the writers and I think it made them feel comfortable writing for my page, but I could have handled it in a more strict manner. Next time when we are checking in articles I will make sure those who did not get theirs done on time with receive a 0. My greatest weakness when it comes to publications is trying to create a page. In the beginning of this semester it took a lot to get my creative juices flowing and I relied on Mr. Adamson and other editors to help come up with page designs. I was never sure how to place pictures or what sort of pictures I would even need. I think this also was because I was not very familiar with InDesign. I hardly knew how to create a headline, nonetheless choose a font for it. Now that I have been creating more pages I have been getting better, but it will still take some work. I plan on paying attention to all of the tiny details Adamson does while he helps with my page so that I can do it myself. I also need to create a better layout plan for my page before I take to the computer.

CREEKER

A MODERN DAY CREEKER

ABBY CARDENAS speaks with a Cave Creek local, Joe Daigneault, or more commonly known as “Coyote Joe.” A man with drive and immense character describes how he started and how he became known in Cave Creek.

“When I decided to marry my childhood sweetheart, who I’ve been with since I was thirteen, I decided I needed to get a real job, and I quit school and became an iron worker,”—Joe Daigneault

4 SAYGE BOLLI

J

By ABBY CARDENAS Staff Writer

oe Daigneault is a man of many names. Some know him as Coyote Joe, a chef featured on local television. Others know him as the Breadman.

Daigneault started out his not so average life as an ironworker, and later found himself a “Creeker.”

“When I decided to marry my childhood sweetheart, who I’ve been with since I was thirteen, I decided I needed to get a real job, and I quit school and became an iron worker,” said Daigneault, a resident “Creeker” who started his life with a sweetheart on one arm and a career on the other.

Daigneault, while on top of his version of the moon, created a name for himself, using his past as building blocks. His experience in writing for the Sonoran News in a food advice column, gave him the push to write his own books, cookbooks to be exact.

Not only were cookbooks on his moon, so was a seventeen episode television series, which was called the Sonoran Grill. The show featured Daigneault cooking in his backyard, and lasted for five years. It later received an Emmy for best conceptual episode.

While the show piled in the dough, it pushed aside his business, Mad Coyote Spice Company, where his other “Creeker” name originated.

"When I worked there, he would come in and everyone knew his name, he was really funny in a dry, sarcastic kind of

way. He would give me a generous tip and say, ‘ I don’t want the reason I go to hell to be because I didn’t tip,’" Jessica Seiferth, Cactus Shadows alumni, said. Daigneault heard about how there was no quality bread in Arizona. Something about the water irrigation, and something about New York. He knew, though, that good bread does not have anything to do with the water, but to do with who makes it, and with what they make it with.

12 years ago, “I learned how to bake real bread, I harvested the yeast out of the desert here, I baked bread and one day a week I sold it to people I knew and gave it out, and I became known as the Breadman,” he said.

He set out to prove that good bread has nothing anything to do with the irrigation system difference between New York and anywhere else. Daigneault left the bread industry after proving his point, and decided to end where he started, by playing music.

“He plays at Janey’s every Saturday morning… he’s really nice, he’s funny, and he has a lot of good stories that he tells us,” Bianca Wright, junior, said.

Daigneault entertains fellow “Creekers” by telling stories over coffee on Saturday mornings at Janey’s coffee shop, or Tuesday afternoons at the Grotto. Maybe it was when he would hand out fresh bread from his hand-made oven that makes people remember the Breadman.

Coyote Joe did what he wanted and would not change a thing, because where would he be if he did not ride the escalator that only went up.

LOCALS ONLY

By WADE JOHNSON Creeker Editor

While Cactus Shadows is located in Cave Creek, and used to be associated with “Creeker Kids,” nowadays most students have no idea who or what the “Creekers” are.

“They are the people who hang around Cave Creek and know the spots to go to.

Like the ones on Black Mountain, and hang around Janey’s and the Grotto,” Cydney Brabec, a junior said. To many kids this description fits, but there is also a deeper and more eclectic group that associates with this name.

The term “Creeker” actually started as a derogatory term. There is an actual creek, far back away from town, where underprivileged families used to lived.

These families set up tents and rickety homes.

Family members would make their way into town and work for cheap labor, and at the end of the day trek back to the creek. Many of the Old Town locals began calling these folks “Creekers.”

These days, the term has taken a different meaning, and covers many of the characters people see hanging around Cave Creek.

“It can mean anything from a cowboy to an artist, and anything in between -- a mechanic, a landscaper, or whatever. It is someone who enjoys all of those things,” Smith says.

A Creeker does not simply refer to the inhabitants of Cave Creek, but more so the ones who bring life to the town.

These are people who color the coffee shops, shuffle into Harold’s and The Buffalo Chip weekly, and bikers who come to the Hideaway more often that just Bike Week.

There are still some kids considered “Creekers,” such as Hollis Johnson, freshman. Her step-dad owns The Roastery of Cave Creek and she finds herself in the Grotto, and other local businesses, hanging out with her step-dad’s past and present employees.

“Knowing most of the Creekers, and being close with some of them, is sort of like having an extended family,” Johnson said.

Creekers are the folks who have created a home away from home in Cave Creek. The community knows them and loves them. The Creek shelters the misfits and those potentially too big for their britches.

“The cowboys and the motorcyclists get along, and it is kind of a weird thing we have going on up here,” Smith said.

Any time a student has travelled to Old Town, they have almost certainly seen or experienced an encounter with a true Creeker. They may have struck up a conversation with someone unexpected, or been welcomed by the employees of a shop.

CREEKER

BREAKING DON A community’s take on Sonoran News

by RYAN DENSON staff writer

Whether one loves him or hates him, it is impossible not to admit Don Sorchych and Sonoran News have made an impact on Cave Creek. With a combative newspaper, Sorchych and the Sonoran News have brought Creekers together for a cause, and at the same time polarized an entire town.

According to its website, "Sonoran News is a good neighbor with a good conscience and a strong community service voice.”

"Definitely Sonoran News has impacted our community during election times and other stuff with promoting candidates and maybe biasing some of their statements to support who they feel should be in office," Treyce Fleming, a senior, said.

Since 1995, Sorchych and Sonoran News have served, in their own words, as a "watchdog" for Cave Creek. Its mission: "It [Sonoran News] is dedicated to exposing corrupt and unethical local, county, state and national business and political practices."

“The Conservative Voice of Arizona,” has some Cave Creek conservatives feeling misrepresented.

"I think when they use the word ‘conservative’ they mean it in the most severe, rightwing sense of the word," Mary Roberts, an active parent, and registered Republican, said.

The newspaper has had significant influence in the decision of bond initiatives and overrides for Cave Creek Unified School District. Sorchych's influence also resonates in Cave Creek's local elections, with 80-90 percent of the candidates Sonoran News endorses winning. Sorchych and the paper sees this as a positive, stating that "There has been a steady improvement in the quality and integrity of Cave Creek town staff, councils, and commissions."

Other endeavors the Sonoran News partakes in are their continuous advocation for the preservation of Spur Cross Ranch, the promotion of the arts, such as the popular “Hidden in the Hills” gallery, and the Black Mountain Conservancy The development of Park West and Southwest Sands were developed with the backing and advocation from Sorchych and Sonoran News.

“I think some of the articles are informative about the community and promote local business and events and inspire the community to get more involved. However, when it comes to political commentary or information about the school district, I have seen so much information printed that I know to be false that now I rarely pay attention to anything the paper has to say,” Roberts added.

For almost twenty years, Sorchych and his newspaper have taken the center stage on issues facing Cave Creek. Wherever there is controversy, Sorchych will make sure Sonoran News will be there to cover for their alternate weekend publishings, and growing online news source.

After multiple requests for an interview Don Sorchych could not be reached for any comments.

14

“I think people understand the message. They may not know the meaning behind it but they mouth the word, think of the word, it goes to the universe, and it comes back to them.”

walking man

—John Morton

B

EFORE most Creekers wake in

the morning, John Morton, 65, jogs or walks on Cave Creek Road with his inspirational shirts hoping drivers and passengers take note of his messages.

"I have five shirts that I made up the words for and rotate through everyday. I think when people see them they receive the energy the shirts send from the universe," Morton said. "They are in a certain order so you start with health, prosperity, money, support, and then you pay it forward. It provides people with a blueprint for life."

A couple years ago, Morton had both knees replaced, joints taken out of his foot, and three back surgeries. Not giving up hope, he changed his lifestyle to not only continue inspiring himself, but other people through the universe.

Every morning when John sends his son to school, he begins his journey from Ashler Hills up to Carefree Highway. In less than an hour, he is able to walk the total four miles up the road and back to his home.

A DAILY MESSAGE

"I'm used to it now. When I was a kid I used to ride my bike alongside with him, but I have school now," Jacob Morton, John Morton's son, a junior at Cactus Shadows, said. "He thought of the idea himself and hopes that people see his shirts everyday."

"I think people understand the message. They may not know the meaning behind it but they mouth the word, think of the word, it goes to the universe, and it comes back to them," Morton said. "I try to implement these words in everything I do."

Morton has lived in Cave Creek for ten years with his family and always enjoyed the morning walks in his neighborhood. He eventually became bored with the mile walk in his neighborhood and changed his route to include Cave Creek road.

For about six years, Morton has walked on Cave Creek everyday rain or shine. He also walks when he is on vacation with his family for an hour outside daily.

CHEERFUL GUY

JOANNE AIRE-OAHIMIRE

"Every morning when I drive, I try to wave at him. He seems like such a cheerful man and I've always wanted to know why he does this," Ashley Farrow said. "I have never seen him miss a day even when it's raining."

Morton has three kids, two that have graduated from Cactus Shadows and one that is currently a junior. Jacob Morton, his youngest son, is inspired by his father's idea. He thinks he has made an impact on people.

"My father is my hero and I hope that I can do this one day," Jacob Morton said. "It takes a lot to do this and I am proud of him."

In the years that John Morton has walked, he has only been stopped by people, but never interviewed. He enjoys his time spent outside and often rescues the stray animals, such as dogs, that he sees.

Morton is currently retired and hopes that he can continue this for as long as he can. , you will always see me out here

~JOANNE AIRE-OAIHIMIRE

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

CREEKER

Hats off to originality From beaver skin to diamonds, Eric Watson hand-makes some of the finest hats in Cave Creek.

by CASEY WINDSOR staff writer

“Our highest end hat actually has real diamonds in the buckle set, it is all hand engraved silver and the sweat band on the inside is all hand engraved” said Eric Watson, the owner of Watson’s Hat Shop

SAYGE BOLLI

At age 12, Eric Watson, born and raised in Ohio, started finding his interest in hats because of his love for Indiana Jones and needing to find a hat as good as his.

“I used to make my mother drive me around to antique stores to find old hats and restore them and find old hat blocks and equipment and re-do the hat to what I wanted it to be,” Watson said.

Watson graduated after the economy began to go south and, with everyone struggling to find a job with a decent wage, he was motivated to open Watson’s Hat Shop. He and his mom run the shop and it has become a successful business for two years.

“I think it is interesting how they custom make the hats and he puts a lot of work into them,” Morgan Phillips, a sophomore, said.

The finest quality materials go into making the hats, which has resulted in the store’s success.

“Our highest end hat actually has real diamonds in the buckle set, it is all hand engraved silver and the sweat band on the inside is all hand engraved,” said Watson.

Some of the sweatbands are made out of beaver fur and goat skin. In the future, he would like to start selling something other than hats.

“We’re mainly focused on hats and we’re the only hat shop in the nation that has an in house saddle maker,” said Watson.

With little help and specific qualifications, Watson is producing hats every day for new customers.

“I have one gentleman that helps me make the hats, because it is too much for me to do, and we’re probably going to have to bring another person in too,” Watson said.

Watson would eventually like to sell leather goods that complement the hats. He is thinking along the lines of high end leather belts, which should not be difficult due to his specialty being in leathers.

Watson is his own boss and enjoys not having to listen to anyone tell him how to make the hats, because he knows how to do it all on his own.

“I think Mr. Watson is dedicated to what he does due to how long he has been in the hat business. He is a chill dude with a lot of passion,” Sara Jay, a sophomore, said.

Watson wishes to have more space for his store. They seem to have used up as much space as there is offered, but he plans to move the production of the hats into the back building that they have acquired. The idea of opening up another store is questionable for Watson because of all the special equipment they would need double of.

One of the most special pieces is the conformateur which comes all the way from France and is over 120 years old. It would be extremely difficult to get another one and for right now they have acquired all of the space that they can.

CREEKER

JULIA HORNER, A SOPHOMORE, TAKES a tour inside Cave Creek’s Rare

Gallery, located in Cave Creek, has a extravagant and unique set of rocks from all over the world.

“It’s just a diamond in the rough here,” Stefi Ho, Director of

by ERIKA SODERSTROM International Acquisitions, said.

The Rare Earth Gallery has a Staff Writer diverse rock collection ranging from petrified wood, to glamorous geodes. SinceROM its move in 2012,toThe Rare Earth Tasmania Morocco.

FromGallery has adapted itself to the Creekertolifestyle.

Morocco Sweden, from Sweden to one’s “I would definitely visit the the Cave Creek Rare Earthlocated Gallery back door, Rare Earth Gallery, because it really embodies what has Cavea Creek is all about, in Cave Creek, extravagant and a small town vibe with bigunique city art,” Behymer, a senior, setJamie of rocks from all over thesaid. world.

With“It’s a vast majority of different pieces fromStefi all over just a diamond in the rough here,” Ho, the world, Behymer said, “There are so many different pieces in the Director of International Acquisitions, said. The Rare store that Earth I couldGallery spendhas hours lookingrock at.” collection ranging from a diverse “The beauty has to somebody,” HoSince said.its move in petrifi ed wood, tostrike glamorous geodes.

With rocks fromGallery $20 tohas $225,000, theitself beauty can also 2012, Theranging Rare Earth adapted to the strikeCreeker the wallet.

With a student budget the $225,000, a pure lifestyle. quartz “I crystal mayvisit seem outCreek of reach. wouldcluster definitely thefar Cave RareHowever, Earth Ho explained that there are manyembodies items that are available that do not Gallery because it really what Cave Creek needistoall hurt the wallet. about, a small town vibe with big city art,” Jamie The Rare Earth Gallery contains hundreds of items ranging Behymer, a senior, said. from rings center pieces.

“If you’re lacking Withtoa giant vast majority of different pieces from in allimagination over or creativity come here,” said, Ho said.

Theare Rare contains the world, Behymer “There so Earth manyGallery different glamorous arethat hardI could to findspend anywhere in Arizona. pieces rock in thethat store hourselse looking at.”

Other“The thanbeauty rocks,has the to Rare Earth Gallery also pieces of strike somebody,” Hocontains said. meteorite from Sweden that are$20 available to buy. the Some of those With rocks ranging from to $225,000, beauty meteorites arestrike madethe into wristwatches.

“I mean you can’t can also wallet.

With a student budget the get any more$225,000, foreign than that,” explained a pure quartz crystalHo. cluster may seem far The Rare Earth Gallery is Ho located at 6333 E Cave Rd, out of reach.

However, explained that there Creek are many Caveitems Creek,that Arizona 8533. They Monday through are available thatare do open not need to hurt the walSunday, let. 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

F

Earth Gallery. One of the massive white crystals perched on the wall caught her eye. 4SAYGE BOLLI

Rare Earth Gallery is the Schist

The Rare Earth Gallery contains hundreds of items ranging from rings to giant center pieces. “If you’re lacking in imagination or creativity come here,” Ho said.

The Rare Earth Gallery contains glamorous rock that are hard to find anywhere else in Arizona.

Other than rocks, the Rare Earth Gallery also contains pieces of meteorite from Sweden that are available to buy. Some of those meteorites are made into wristwatches. “I mean you can’t get any more foreign than that,” explained Ho. The Rare Earth Gallery is located at 6333 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, Arizona 8533. They are open Monday through Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

From Tasmania to Morocco. From Morocco to Sweden, from Sweden to one’s back door, the Rare Earth

THURSDAY NIGHTS IN THE CREEK ARE TRUCKING DELICIOUS

by JOANNE AIRE-OHAMIRE Staff Writer

Among the events held by the Rare Earth Gallery on Cave Creek Road, Creekers are now exposed to a never before seen event of Food Truck Thursday.

“I really like the idea of this. We didn’t have it on the East Coast,” Rowan Hanson, a senior, said. New to Cave Creek, this event attracts nearly 200 people and a few food trucks each week on Thursday from 5 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

Each food truck has a different menu, similar to a restaurant, and offers a variety of entrees and snacks. Some entrees that can be found are gourmet burgers, Mexican food, fire cooked pizza, and more. The average cost for a meal is $9 and customers can wait for their meal in front of the truck, or at 14

a table for it to be delivered.

“It is really easy for us because we can make it on the spot,” Adam Allison, head cook at Frank. food truck, said.

“Our menu is small and you can add a lot to each item which allows us to cater more to our customers,” Allison said.

Unlike a restaurant, the average menu for a food truck is shorter and tends to have variation of one specific item, such as Frank. with their hot dogs.

In order to own a food truck, the truck must pass all food and health regulations provided by the county.

There does not, however, need to be an affiliated brick and mortar restaurant to operate, these trucks can stand alone. In addition, food trucks are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages unless it is a private event and the liquor is in a closed con-

tainer, moreover, a liquor license must be acquired prior to the date.

“Our food truck rolled out last October and we have definitely received a positive feedback,” Allison said.

This truck not only comes to Cave Creek with their gourmet hot dogs, but it also travels to corporate events, birthday parties, and schools. “We have a great social media following that follows us as much as they can to events like these.”

At this event in Cave Creek, there seems to be a lack of variety regarding different courses. One thing Hanson mentioned is that there are no appetizers or small finger foods located on any of the trucks.

Moreover, the only things they have are dinner or lunch options and no breakfast meals.

There is also a lack of dessert options located at this event.

“I was kind of disappointed that there was no dessert,” Hanson said, “hopefully, they will change that soon. But overall, this is a great idea.”

Through the advertisements on the Rare Earth Gallery Facebook page and fliers around town, this event garners more customers each week.

“Most of the time, we have around three trucks and we are hoping to see it grow every week,” Riley Becquet, senior and event coordinator at the Rare Earth Gallery, said. “As of today (October 23), this is the third week of Food Truck Thursday and it is already showing a lot of progress.”

Located on the corner of Cave Creek Road and Schoolhouse Road, this event can be found on the land owned by the Rare Earth Gallery each Thursday from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. with free admission.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

CREEKER

Have a cup of Jo

O

by GRACEofROWETT WNER the English Rose Tea Room Style Editor and an active member of the community, Jo Gemmill has enchanted the town of Carefree with her talent, passion, and English charm.

Sixteen years ago Gemmill and her husband decided to move to the United States from Southern England.

“I moved to Seattle first with my husband, and stayed there for about three years before we moved to Arizona,” said Gemmill.

Prior to moving to America, Gemmill was part of a ordinary, nine to five job. When Gemmill and her husband moved to Seattle, Gemmill did not work. After moving to Arizona, Gemmill started to crave the traditions from England that she grew up with.

“Coming to Arizona, I started to miss the things that I was used to having around me, and that’s mainly why I started to do this,” said Gemmill.

Another reason Gemmill decided to open the tea shop is because she sees America as “The American Dream”.

She knew there was so much opportunity and she knew she could do anything she wanted to do. The point was to do something that she never did in England.

A couple days after the tragedy of 9/11, doubt loomed over the idea of opening something new, but Gemmill took the chance and opened up her tea shop in Carefree.

The objective was to make it as close to home for Gemmill as possible.

On the opening day, Gemmill pulled down the curtain in her store, expecting to see a handful of people. To her surprise, a line of people was wrapped all the way around the shop.

“Jo has created such a staple in Carefree, and every girl, and perhaps some guys, enjoy the Tea Room,” Sarah Nelson, a sophomore, said.

Since the opening day, The tea room has become so well known that many famous people have paid a visit to the quaint lunch getaway. For example, a nutritionist for the US Olympic team always comes in, as well as numerous Broadway stars.

“It is a good place to go if you are in the mood to dress up and have a day out with your friends, but you don’t feel like going too far or going all out,” said Robertson.

The English Rose brings the timeless traditions of England to Carefree. The atmosphere, menu, and staff reflect the British customs that Gemmill knows and loves.

Gemmill is also known around her town of Carefree for all of the community work she takes part in. The Tea Room has hosted fund raisers, events for the Royal Family, and countless parties. She feels like the community has given so much to her, that she needs to give just as much, if not more, back.

“I founded the Cave Creek Christmas Festival. It is kind of a big deal considering it brings in 20,000 people every year. I am also involved in a lot of nonprofit organizations in the area. I would definitely say I am a very active member in the community,” Gemmill said.

OWNER OF CAREFREE’S ENGLISH ROSE TEA ROOM, JO GEMMILL, poses with her lemon cupcakes. Her Tea Room was packed for her Derby Days event, hence her big green hat in honor of it. 4COURTESY OF

JO GEMMILL

FOLKS FLOCK TO BIG EARL’S FOR TASTY FOOD, VOLLEYBALL

By CHRISTINA HOLMES Editor in Chief

In the heart of Cave Creek, previously a gas station, Big Earl’s Greasy Eats is a restaurant that attracts tourists, as well as locals, to stop by and enjoy their food and volleyball.

Coming in both directions on Cave Creek Road, a big sign with a hamburger can be seen before approaching the diner, with decorative horse water troughs that are re-purposed for planting.

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

The retro diner is quaint and welcoming with smiling servers ready to take ones order and chat with customers. The food is never less than par and leaves customers full and pleasant.

The milkshakes are a tasty treat that can satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth when cruising through Cave Creek.

They only take a few seconds to make and a few minutes to enjoy. Their french fries with the food is more than excellent, making

it fresh, and their meat is natural and hormone free.

The price range is moderate, only ranging from $1.99 to roughly $10. They have vegetarian options, a kids menu, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a for sure stop for anyone driving by that would like to enjoy fast and moderately healthy food for a decent price.

With a volleyball court in the back that hosts games, there are league nights every

Thursday that start around 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., depending on who shows up when. People are welcome to sign up for league nights on the Big Earls website under the tab ‘volleyball.’ Rules and guidelines can also be found there as well.

Presently there are only four teams that play every Thursday. The court is open during the day for the community.

  15

CREEKER

Wild at Heart

by GRACE ROWETT style editor

Operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Wild at Heart is an all-volunteer organization in Cave Creek that has been operating since 1990. This conservatory is dedicated to the preservation of Arizona’s wildlife.

“I really enjoy volunteering at Wild at Heart because it combines my passion for giving back to the community and my love for animals,” Sarah LaRue, a senior, said.

According to their website, since their opening in 1990, Wild at Heart has had a yearly average of 400 to 600 rescues with birds such as owls, hawks, and falcons.

“Our mission is to get our name out there, as the mayor of Cave Creek said we are one of the most secret treasures in the area,” Jack Holloway, Wild at Heart volunteer, said.

Wild at Heart has around 51 aviaries, or sanctuaries, on sight and are in the process of constructing a new one. With the aviaries they have, their goal is to have the public get a hold of them when they come across an injured owl or hawk, and then volunteers from Wild at Heart will go and pick up the injured bird so they can treat it at their facilities. They will then determine whether the bird needs fluids, food, or bandage for setting the wing.

“The only birds we use for education are permanently injured birds. If there is any hope of them getting back into the wild, we don’t want them exposed to people,” Holloway said.

Birds who are not as severely injured will be kept away from people. They are not allowed to be hand fed and they have as minimal human exposure as possible so they can get back into the wild and stay away from people as well.

Once the birds are treated and start showing signs of improvement, they will be transferred to one of the several aviaries that Wild at Heart

has so the bird can get a feel for what it is like being independent and get the strength to fly again.

Between February and July, Wild at Heart has many owls and hawks that come in as orphans.

What the workers do is put the orphans with a pair of their foster parent birds, and those birds will take on the young as their own.

While Wild at Heart does not pick up nonraptors, other animals such as quails, baby rabbits, and other critters from the area are brought in by local residents for temporary care. The workers only care for those animals until they can send them off to rehabbers, who specialize in the treatments of those types of animals.

“We not only take in birds from across Phoenix, but all across Central Arizona as well like Glendale and Flagstaff,” Holloway said.

Outside of the institution itself, workers at Wild at Heart bring their birds to schools to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife in the state. These programs are nonpolitical, and they are meant to encourage understanding and compassion for these animals.

This facility continues to find new ways to involve the community in innovative ways, especially for junior volunteers and people with special needs. Junior volunteers who offer to help at Wild at Heart can also go on to help adults with the Burrowing Owls Project that is statewide.

“Volunteering there was a really good experience, I thought it was really cool because I just think owls are awesome, but for some people it may not be what they like,” Suzanna Gormley. a senior, said.

These opportunities help build leadership skills, job skills, and self-esteem while broadening knowledge about this state’s wildlife and how important conserving it is.

4SAYGE BOLLI 1

2 8

3

4

1 THE TWO BARN OWLS spend their day napping on their perch.

Interestingly, barn owls only weigh one pound, but due to their feathers they look much larger than what their weight entails.

2 BURROW OWLS are unlike any other owls because they live under ground instead of high spaces. Wild at Heart bring these owls in because their homes are constantly threatened by construction. They have more burrow owls in their sanctuary than in the entire state due to them being an endangered species.

3 THIS FOSTER HAWK and his mate take in baby hawks who have lost their parents. The father is in charge of carrying over the dead mice and the mother rips it into pieces for the babies. Having foster parents eliminates contact with humans so that the baby hawks are better equipped for the wild.

4 WEEBLE WOBBLES because of brain damage he had as a child. His vision has been altered and the only way he can see upright is if he turns his head. Weeble sits on his branch in the infirmary as he progressively gets better.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

CREEKER

Two Tired for Coffee

S

by SIERRA GALINDO life editor

EVENTEEN years ago an old bike shop opened that sold

coffee on the side, now over a century later Kaolin Cummens and Jon Oughterson have created the same atmosphere.

“It was about creating the space that you want to be at. You know, instead of trying to make something that you think people want, you create something you want. I’m a cyclist, I’m an eater, and I’m a drinker of coffee and beer, then why would I not want to create a space that accommodates that?” Kaolin Cummens, owner of The Flat Tire Bikeshop, said.

Back in the summer of this year, Cummens moved his business to the old C4 building.

After settling into his new location, he called his old friend Jon Oughterson and asked him if he would like to use the old kitchen equipment and run the restaurant side of the shop.

“We have a one-year-old daughter so we were really not planning on opening a restaurant at all, but, you know, the opportunity presented itself and we just couldn’t pass it up,” Lauren Oughterson, co-owner of Local Jonny’s said.

Jon Oughterson used to worked at C4 and knew the space prior to opening his new cafe.

The name “Local Jonny’s” draws inspiration from the famous bike shop “Mellow Johnny’s” based in Austin, Texas.

“We thought we’d do a play on words and copy that a little bit, but we then we got worried it would be infringing on somebody else’s idea,” said Oughterson, “My husband’s name is Jonny so it kinda just fit and it was something we went with from the very beginning.”

Although the cafe is connected to the Flat Tire Bike Shop and sticks with the biker theme, they are more than just a cafe in a bike shop.

“A lot of people come in here just expecting us to be just a coffee shop that happens to be in a bike shop, nothing special, but we, Jon and I, each of us have spent over 10 years in the restaurant business. Just working in restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, we just want it to be great, we just happen to be in the bike shop,” Oughterson said, “We do want to follow the bike theme and there are a lot of cyclists who come in and visit on their morning rides and stop in and get breakfast or a beer, but we don’t want to just cater to them. We want to cater to the entire Cave Creek community.”

Upon entering the cafe, the first thing a person might notice would be the smell of all the different drinks; the cinnamon from chai lattes to the scent of a classic, black coffee. Local Jonny’s serves Fire Creek coffee, a company originally based in Cave Creek that moved to Flagstaff.

“The space has a very cool and laid back feel, a lot more bikes in the front than other coffee shops in Cave Creek which I think is perfect, it also gives it a more local feel,” Erika Solberg, a senior, said.

KAOLIN CUMMENS HANGS OUT IN THE CAMP THAT IS PART OF HIS FLAT tire bike shop. Not only does the space offer bikes and coffee, they are also going to begin setting up music in the back once again

4NICOLE NERI

Although the cafe

is connected to the Flat Tire Bike Shop

and sticks with the biker theme, they

prove that they are more than just a

cafe in a bike shop.

SPUR CROSS TRAILS PROVIDE ENDLESS LOCAL EXPLORATIONS

by NICOLE NERI staff writer

Now that Thanksgiving is over and everyone has stuffed themselves sufficiently, it is time to find a way to burn off the extra baggage. Spur Cross Conservation Area provides guided hikes year-round for hikers of every skill level.

Spur Cross is 2,154 acres of untamed desert, split into five segments: Elephant Mountain Trail, Metate Trail, Spur Cross Trail, Tortuga Trail, and Towhee Trail.

About 15 years ago, the area was set to be a developed area. The community, including Senator John McCain, rallied to keep the area DECEMBER 12, 2014

natural and wild.

“Spur Cross is a really great example of people coming together to preserve something,” Michael Murphy, a parent and an avid hiker, said.

The area has a rich history, containing several archaeological sites and petroglyphs from the ancient Hohokahm Native American tribe.

A quick history lesson: in the 1000s, the Hohokahms occupied much of south-central Arizona. Sometime in the 1200s, they mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind elaborate ruins and scattered petroglyphs as the only clues to their existence.

On December 20th, there will be a 2.5-mile

Hohokahm Houses hike, which takes hikers to one of the mesa-top compounds of the Hohokahm tribe to explore the ruins.

Scattered throughout the area are detailed petroglyphs and bits of ancient Hohokahm pottery.

“My sister and I go out to Spur Cross quite a bit and one time we took a different trail and we found pieces of ancient pottery we think,” Cydney Brabec, a senior, said.

It is best to attempt this hike with the help of a guide, because the northern part of the trail can be difficult to follow.

Park ranger Kevin Smith even leads moonlight hikes. The next one is scheduled for January 5th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

“The moonlight hikes are perfect during this time of year. I went on one a bit ago with my boyfriend and we both loved it, despite our lack of hiking endeavors,” Elle Stanley, a senior, said.

Cave Creek runs through the Spur Cross area, allowing large trees and a variety of desert animals to thrive. “It’s so unusual in Arizona to be able to hike next to running water,” Murphy said, “It’s really exceptional to be able to experience creeks in the heart of the Sonoran.”

Upcoming guided hikes, hike difficulty ratings, and trail details can be found on the Maricopa County website under the “Parks” tab.

15

opinion

Wade Johnson

love responsibly

All states face the issue of whether to teach safe sex or abstinence, and Arizona is one of the many states whose law stresses abstinence until marriage.

Supporters of solely teaching abstinence argue that it is the only way to prevent teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as cut down abortions, because teenagers will stop having sex. They believe students must learn that, no matter what precautions are made, there is still the possibility “...religion does not of a contraceptive failing, and in turn, the chance of becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. deserve a place in our While one cannot argue that not having sex is the safest way public schools.” to handle safe sex measures, we cannot ignore the reality of 21st century teenagers. By age 18, 70 percent of U.S. females and 62 percent of U.S. males have engaged in intercourse according to abstinenceforyouth.org The United States alone experiences around 850,000 teen pregnancies a year, as reported on webmd.org. To this day, the United States leads the developing world with the most teen pregnancies. If that does not say enough about what American kids are up to, the 1.9 million cases of STDs that youth under the age of 25 have contracted might just amp up those assumptions.

So far, no statistics back up abstinence-only teachings in preventing teen pregnancies.

However, the government continues to fund these programs.

Safe sex, on the other hand, teaches healthy sexual behaviors and the correct precautions to take when a student decides it is time to engage in sexual activity, including information and directions on how contraceptives should be handled.

Too many times, students hear that contraceptives will not stop AIDS “all the time,” or will not prevent pregnancies “all the time.” While these statements are true, they are not entirely factual, their purpose instead being to scare teenagers. Instead of students going into sexual endeavors understanding how the consequences really work, they are unsure and unaware of how to handle a situation if it does not go as planned.

Many parents believe that this should just be a talk between parent and kid. But if we are getting serious here, too many times “the talk” gets a little too uncomfortable and pushed aside, never again revisited. Often, the “Birds and the Bees” gets a little too confusing and kids are not getting the point, and especially not all of the information they need.

Another reason, probably the strongest one, that safe sex is not taught in schools is because it goes against many religious beliefs. But, as is defined in the first amendment of our constitution, religion does not deserve a place in our public schools.

Abstinence is not being thrown to the sidelines; both abstinence and safe sex should be taught in the same setting, and both stressed as choices. We cannot ignore our students’ actions, we can only enhance their knowledge in how to handle these situations in an adult and safe manner.

SUBJECT

GRADE

Lindsey Murphy

“BOY, DID REALITY STOP THEM DEAD IN THEIR TRACKS.”

From a young age, girls a cally thin and gorgeous, wh for example. The stepsisters to be ugly, and therefore rep This teaches young girls th order to get a man, and plac Also, Disney movies gene cess being dependent in som assumes that all women nee I am sure that women can fi view of the prince as a hero they should always save th being can live up to a standa Some people may say th love. They may say that th starting during childhood, c they are seeing. The inform will be swept off of her feet be the only relationship tha children to believe that a Di So, I say that Disney sho relationships that require w between the prince and pri some struggles. Yes, Disney which focus more on sister Disney still has to make som prince with a more realistic

COMMENTS

The pep rally is not the same as an assembly, and that is w

AY CREEKER

k local, Joe Daigneault, or more commonly known se character describes how he started and how he

“When I decided to marry my childhood sweetheart, who I’ve been with since I was thirteen, I decided I needed to get a real job, and I quit school and became an iron worker,”—Joe Daigneault

4 SAYGE BOLLI way. He would give me a generous tip and say, ‘ I don’t want the reason I go to hell to be because I didn’t tip,’" Jessica Seiferth, Cactus Shadows alumni, said. Daigneault heard about how there was no quality bread in Arizona. Something about the water irrigation, and something about New York. He knew, though, that good bread does not have anything to do with the water, but to do with who makes it, and with what they make it with.

12 years ago, “I learned how to bake real bread, I harvested the yeast out of the desert here, I baked bread and one day a week I sold it to people I knew and gave it out, and I became known as the Breadman,” he said.

He set out to prove that good bread has nothing anything to do with the irrigation system difference between New York and anywhere else. Daigneault left the bread industry after proving his point, and decided to end where he started, by playing music.

“He plays at Janey’s every Saturday morning… he’s really nice, he’s funny, and he has a lot of good stories that he tells us,” Bianca Wright, junior, said.

Daigneault entertains fellow “Creekers” by telling stories over coffee on Saturday mornings at Janey’s coffee shop, or Tuesday afternoons at the Grotto. Maybe it was when he would hand out fresh bread from his hand-made oven that makes people remember the Breadman.

Coyote Joe did what he wanted and would not change a thing, because where would he be if he did not ride the escalator that only went up.

LOCALS ONLY

By WADE JOHNSON Creeker Editor

While Cactus Shadows is located in Cave Creek, and used to be associated with “Creeker Kids,” nowadays most students have no idea who or what the “Creekers” are.

“They are the people who hang around Cave Creek and know the spots to go to.

Like the ones on Black Mountain, and hang around Janey’s and the Grotto,” Cydney Brabec, a junior said. To many kids this description fits, but there is also a deeper and more eclectic group that associates with this name.

The term “Creeker” actually started as a derogatory term. There is an actual creek, far back away from town, where underprivileged families used to lived.

These families set up tents and rickety homes.

Family members would make their way into town and work for cheap labor, and at the end of the day trek back to the creek. Many of the Old Town locals began calling these folks “Creekers.”

These days, the term has taken a different meaning, and covers many of the characters people see hanging around Cave Creek.

“It can mean anything from a cowboy to an artist, and anything in between -- a mechanic, a landscaper, or whatever. It is someone who enjoys all of those things,” Smith says.

A Creeker does not simply refer to the inhabitants of Cave Creek, but more so the ones who bring life to the town.

These are people who color the coffee shops, shuffle into Harold’s and The Buffalo Chip weekly, and bikers who come to the Hideaway more often that just Bike Week.

There are still some kids considered “Creekers,” such as Hollis Johnson, freshman. Her step-dad owns The Roastery of Cave Creek and she finds herself in the Grotto, and other local businesses, hanging out with her step-dad’s past and present employees.

“Knowing most of the Creekers, and being close with some of them, is sort of like having an extended family,” Johnson said.

Creekers are the folks who have created a home away from home in Cave Creek. The community knows them and loves them. The Creek shelters the misfits and those potentially too big for their britches.

“The cowboys and the motorcyclists get along, and it is kind of a weird thing we have going on up here,” Smith said.

Any time a student has travelled to Old Town, they have almost certainly seen or experienced an encounter with a true Creeker. They may have struck up a conversation with someone unexpected, or been welcomed by the employees of a shop.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

4SAGYE BOLLI

mportant will waive rom the them of pensive, eed of

into College Your guide to getting an affordable college education

take the first step and apply WADE JOHNSON looks into what you need for your college application Application season is upon the seniors all over the country, and many students need a recap on what to do before they embark on their application endeavors.

"When it comes to figuring which schools to apply to, totally take advantage of College Board, it helped me whittle my decisions down and find out about schools I didn't know of," Cydney Brabec, senior, said.

College Board provides all the information for student requirements, from grades to test scores, to extracurricular classes. This is typically where students finally pick their choice of schools to begin applying to.

“As long as it is not entirely out of their cost range and won’t take too much time, I think college is a once in a lifetime opportunity and if you don’t try, then you don’t know what options are out there,” Melissa Beverly, school counselor, said.

DREAM ON

The application process starts at choosing the right schools for the student, and not excluding the dream schools.

There are some basic necessities that are needed before pulling up that tedious link.

Personal information is the first course of action, so social security number should be at hand. If a parent or guardian are not close, try to have tax return information already available to fill in.

OMPARED ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

$10,002 per year #142 out of 201 87.9% 82% 73,378 students 3.33 At least one semester of freshman year $9,094 per year 89%, 82% of which is grants $8,892 per recipient

"It's as important to know which colleges accept the common application, a lot of schools have their own application instead," Vanessa Ribeiro, a senior, said.

The Common App and an online app offer two ways to go about applying. While both ask for much of the same information, the common app is best for a student who wants to apply to multiple schools without the hassle of tons of applications.

A letter of recommendation from teachers and a counselor are needed for the common app. So before, or after, filling it out, make sure to approach the teachers and counselor needed for those recommendations. Anticipate giving them around a month’s notice for the letters so they have time to plan it and write a well-thought out letter.

“The benefit to applying to multiple schools if you are accepted is that it can sometimes assist with financial aid, because when you fill out your FAFSA you list the other schools you have applied to. If you only list one school then that says to the college that is the only place they are going so we don’t need to give them a great financial aid package because they are coming anyways,” Beverly said.

Applying early is also key. This gives the colleges more time to not only get interested, but also offer more financial support. As well, more information regarding the best room and board is given to those who have applied early.

WRACHEL WEBB

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

$10,391 per year #119 out of 201 76.9% 78% 40,223 students 3.43 Not required but highly encouraged $9,714 per year 84%, 77% of which is grants $9,748 per recipient

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

$9,271 per year Ranking Not Published 76.3% 73% 26,002 students 3.27 Not required but highly encouraged $8,784 per year 85%, 69% of which is grants $9,128 per recipient

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

STYLE

Model Beh

B

by WADE JOHNSON Creeker Editor

ORN and raised in small town Pinetop, junior Mia

Kerr is now a prospering model with business in Arizona, as well as primarily in Los Angeles, California.

"It was kind of luck I guess, I was born and raised in Pinetop, and I was actually just visiting California and I got scouted at a mall," Kerr said.

A lady who was part of a modeling agency approached her due to her height and lean stature. Kerr was told to come to their agency for interviews and test shoots.

At that time Kerr did not live in California and it was going to be hard for her to take up the modeling job. Instead it was passed up at the time and left for another visit. However, a couple months later Kerr moved out to California with her mother.

Test shoots were set up for Kerr and she was eventually contracted with the agency. The agency helps her create a book from shoots for businesses looking to hire a model. Kerr has a team working on her behalf to aid her in getting shoots.

“There's a team of agents. I have one and she's in charge of beauty and test shoots and I have another that's in charge of big companies like Macys,” Kerr said.

Kerr also has a main agent, Yonta, that helps in terms of personal purposes. Yonta is the agent that Kerr can call and talk to about anything. As well, Kerr sends her food diaries and Yonta provides health and fitness advice.

Some students may recognize Kerr from the music video “Versace” by rapper Mingo. She is dressed from head to toe in lavish clothes and takes on a stylish role. Kerr was merely fourteen in this music video, as opposed to the other older woman in the video.

“It has taken much patience and discipline to keep school and her career going,” Ana Kerr, Mia’s mother, said.

As many shoots that Kerr has been involved in, the best ones seemed to be the least anticipated ones.

"I had this big family weekend and I had this test shoot and I really didn't want to go, and there was me and six other models.

The theme of the photo shoot was cool rock and roll,” Kerr said.

With her mother living in California, Kerr will be moving back as well to pursue her modeling career. She will be living with her sister in Los Angeles to be closer to the jobs she gets offered. The high school in Long Beach offers an independent study in which Kerr will do so she will have a more flexible schedule.

While Kerr recognizes that modeling is not something someone can do their whole life, it offers experience and for her to have the potential to travel more.

4 MIC

MIA KERR has a variety of hea modeling world. “I have different them control what fashion shoots up,” Kerr said.

3,2,1.. SHOOT! STRIK

44%

42%

JFK’S ASSAS John F. Kennedy w and Lee Harvey Os speculation about was put together b

AIDS ORIGIN In 1981, center for official discovery, t to wipe out Africa FROM A POLL OF 100 CSHS STUDENTS TAKEN ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2014.

~ BIANCA DYDYK

LIGHTS OVER AZ MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE ALIEN SPACE CRAFT DRIVERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN FLYING AROUND THE NIGHT SKY OF ARIZONA

S

IXTEEN years ago, a bright formation of lights appeared over the Phoenix night sky, raising concern and fright as to what was happening overhead.

"There were lights coming down parallel of South Mountain, and I didn't see them in the beginning but someone called me and told me to go out and check it out," Mark O'Bryan, math teacher and believer in conspiracies, said.

The silent red lights appeared in a diagonal formation, and much closer to the ground than a typical aircraft. These lights were bright, big, and out of this world. According to local Fox News, thousands of people reported seeing these lights in the same way.

Today, the Phoenix Lights is still an unsolved mystery. However, for many of the Phoenicians who witnessed this deemed it as an alien spaceship.

The conspiracy is that the The United States government covered up this incident and ignored most of its happenings. This also lead conspiracy theorists to believe that the government was in contact with the extraterrestrials.

"I actually remember bringing up a UFO and my parents began talking about these Phoenix lights.

They said everyone saw them and was startled and

OCTOBER 17, 2014

that they really thought it was a UFO in the moment," Emily Thomas, a senior, said.

Others believed that the lights were part of a government ship being tested.

"Every time I hear or see something like that I think it's government weapons, like working on some type of new airplane," O'Bryan said.

More controversy ensued two days after the incident as an anonymous hoaxer told a local television station that he created the lights. The man said he formed them with road flares and helium balloons.

While some people settled for this explanation, other UFO believers were angered and did not agree.

"My cousin is into conspiracy theories and alien things and if you bring this up he will tell you how certain he is of it being a UFO and that the government is hiding something," Bailey Gear, a senior, said.

Military officials said that these were flares being dropped by an A-10 Warthog. After seventeen years, a UFO researcher, whose name is disclosed, and was investigating the Phoenix Lights went to court to disprove the military officials statement.

As the lights went away, they did not fly swiftly like an aircraft, but one by one drifted off.

~ WADE JOHNSON

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT "I think it [the bonds' passage] shows us that the community is willing to support our schools and I think that is fantastic, I can't even tell you. It hasn't really hit me yet," Debbi Burdick, Superintendent, said.

Winning seats on the CCUSD governing board were Mark Warren and Cynthia Weiss, edging out Angelica Petersen. Warren, who was re-elected after a respite, received 31 percent of the vote, Weiss 43 percent, and Petersen with 25 percent.

Cynthia Weiss, a parent and district volunteer who serves on the board of the Cave Creek Education Foundation, hopes to bring her professional expertise in visual arts, technology, and marketing to promote growth in our schools and achieve the outreach she feels CCUSD desperately needs.

Mark Warren, who had previously served on the board as President, seeks to be a voice of reason, and sees his win as an opportunity

Making News

WADE JOHNSON explains how the news team produces the announcements

EMILY THOMAS, a

senior, is recorded in front of the green screen for the announcements. Thomas is a co-anchor and joined because at one point she wanted to be a news anchor and wanted the chance to try it. 4ASHLEY

The November 4 election marks the first time since 2000 that CCUSD 93 has successfully passed a bond.

The newest bond, which consists of 30 million dollars, is expected to fund six to seven years of capital improvements such as roof repairs and updated security systems, as well as bus replacements.

"What I'm excited for our schools is we are going to be able to now get the buildings painted and do all the maintenance and things that really need to happen," Steve Bebee, Principal, said.

Also benefiting from the newest bond's passage will be the district's Fine Arts Center.

In it are funds allocated for the repair of its roof, interior and exterior painting, flooring replacement, stage and theater lighting, and restroom renovations. In the ten million dollar Bond Question One funds have been allocated for improvements in the security system.

"These bonds help our district get itself back on its feet after many years of failure [to pass

ARIZONA LAGS Currently, Arizona is 44th in the nation for per-student funding and has overseen the tenth largest decline in pupil funding for fiscal years 2008-2015 at $663. Only half of Arizona high school graduates attending college, according to the Department of Education, and in their newest study, it was found that Arizona also leads the nation in high school dropouts at eight percent. In the recent fiscal years, the Arizona legislature has cut corporate and capital gains taxes, important sources of education funding, which has ultimately forced them to cut from the education budget.

“We have worked so hard for ten years to get these bonds passed. As you know, CCUSD hasn’t been able to pass one since 2000, so we are just so happy that the community came out and supported the district,” Lori Hart, publications teacher and member of the Citizens for Education and Home Values PAC, which worked to get the bonds passed.

A

S the week begins, Emily

Thomas and Carlos Paoletti are preparing themselves, and the equipment, to create the schools video announcements.

"I knew I always enjoyed the morning announcements and thought it was cool.

At one point I wanted to be a news anchor when I grew up so I decided to try it out," Emily Thomas, one of the news anchors, said.

Choosing the news anchors is not based off of how many years that have been in the film class. For instance, Thomas has been in the class for two years, whereas Paoletti is just beginning in film. Where Thomas is more experienced, Paoletti is able to learn more about technique and equipment with his hand on experience as the anchor.

"Antonio left us a legacy last year, and me being next of kin, took his position to keep the legacy alive," Paoletti said.

Students have reacted to the news segments is a positive manner. Thomas and Paoletti are repeatedly asked for shoutouts, and it creates more involvement with the entire student body.

Carlos and Thomas are stopped by students throughout the week, being greeted with appreciation for their segments.

"I mean, who wouldn't love watching the most beautiful students on campus? I do believe the students enjoy it, and that can

decided to renovate the area near the Sundial in Cave Creek. They are rennovating this area in order to create more business

NATIONAL In national elections, the Republican Party dominated, winning more seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

On November 6, the Sixth Circuit of the United States court of appeals decided to allow same sex marriage bans. This ruling goes against what some of the other court circuits have decided, which may be the set up for a struggle within the supreme court.

On Friday, November 7, Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of sending 32 tanks into their territory. This crossing would be the latest sign of Russia’s aggression.

~LINDSEY MURPHY

be accredited to the presentation our producers create," Paoletti said.

While many students face the fear of public speaking, Thomas and Paoletti do it with ease. With the practice they receive from filming, and being able to watch themselves to critique their presentation, they find that they have almost perfected their technique. Friends and teachers also seem to pick at their possible mistakes, solely for constructive criticism and to better the show for all of the students watching.

Luke Scott, the film advisor, is the one responsible for bringing about the video news announcements.

"At a previous school I taught at we had them, so when I started teaching here the setup was here but nobody took the time to run it," Scott said.

He has created something that is sure to stick with Cactus Shadows and only to grow bigger he suspects. With the technology the school already has, and with more to come, as long as there are people up for the job the show will continue to get better.

Announcements take one period to film and segments can take anywhere from ten minutes to a couple of periods to create.

While many students face the fear of public speaking, Thomas and Paoletti do it with ease.

KRITZSTEIN

OCTOBER 17, 2014

3

FEATURES

WADE JOHNSON digs up the dirt on gardening with Lizzy Satran

O The girl with the shining shears

rganic food and healthy eating is all the hype, but Lizzy Satran, a senior, takes it a step further with having a garden

of her own.

"Personally I see the whole gardening thing as a sort of relaxation, I just go out there, elbows up in dirt," Satran said.

The love for gardening stemmed from her father and other family members such as her uncle. Her father began the garden at home, and as he got busier at work, he passed the job onto Satran.

Satran quickly hopped on board to maintain their vegetable garden.

As she began tending to her father's garden, she found a love for it. She then began her own flower garden that she cares for daily.

"Ever since I showed her how to water the flowers without drowning them, she's been doing it ever since," Mark Satran, her father, said.

Within Satran's vegetable garden are tomatoes, radishes, peppers, seasonal pumpkins, and other basic vegetables. It can be hard to garden in Arizona in certain seasons, due to the intense heat.

For instance, Satran cannot have carrots in the summer for they do not withstand the dry desert.

Having a garden right in one's backyard has endless health benefits such as avoiding looking at the labels and knowing there will be no pesticides. For Satran however, while she enjoys the health perks and it helps in her diet, her family takes part in it just for the joy of gardening. They avoid wasting gas to go to the grocery store, and are able to pick what they want and need in the comfort of their own home.

"I had pumpkins last year and they just took over, and I think they took over maybe two and a half of the plots," Satran said.

Satran has to pay close attention to when she waters, weeds, and plants her garden. She cleans her garden every weekend and removes the leaves and weeds, and waters it every day depending on the plots of vegetables.

"Lizzy loves her flowers. She has flowers in the rose bed, the flower pots, by the pool, and even in a pair of cowboy boots. She loves snapdragons and marigolds just like her grandmother did, and her prize flowers are the amarillos that her great grandmother first planted over 50 years ago," Mark Satran said.

Satran has been tending to her flower garden for years, and it only grows bigger and more lush. She beams as her flowers are brought up in conversation, loving to talk about them.

"She always sends me snapchats and pictures of her flowers, saying things about how they just bloomed, it's so cute," Leslie Doyle, a senior, and one of Satran's close friends, said.

With hungry animals roaming the desert, it can sometimes be hard to maintain her crops during certain seasons. When the rabbits and coyotes are out, her work is at risk. However with the time and care she pours into her gardens she manages to bring it back to life time and time again.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS

Mississippi: the center of college football universe WADE JOHNSON, who will be off to Ole Miss next year, offers her views and opinion on the state of her new state’s football teams Mississippi is a state of pride and passion, especially when it comes to their football teams, and for the first time in history both Ole Miss and Mississippi State are ranked in the top 20 at this point in the season.

October 4th started the hype that has swarmed the Magnolia State. Mississippi State started the day off beating the number six team in the polls, Texas A&M. Ole Miss’s turn was next as they beat one of their biggest rivals and best team in the SEC, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ole Miss had not experienced a win against the Crimson Tide since 2003, when Eli Manning was playing for the Rebels. Hopes were low for the Rebels, however they did have home field advantage, College Game day in Oxford for the first time, and celebrity guest picker Katy Perry.

The Rebels did not disappoint, Ole Miss played a complete game on their way to take down the Tide.

Mississippi State dominated A&M. Starkville rejoiced with the final score of 48-31. The bulldogs began to see their struggling program turn into a powerhouse ready to take on the rest of their schedule including Auburn.

After the two games, Ole Miss and Mississippi State shared the number three ranking in national college football polls. The teams are used to being rivals, but as they both experienced some of their greatest victories, the state of Mississippi came together and celebrated as a whole. Facebook posts varied from Bulldog fans’ statuses being “Hotty Toddy” and Rebels posting “Hail State”, for the most part it was the fans first time uttering these words.

ESPN’s College Gameday had never been to the state of Mississippi, and after a weekend in Oxford, they decided to stay for another week and go 98 miles south to Starkville. The iconic show embraces fans and how they tailgate, and Oxford and Starkville threw them a party.

The Grove in Oxford is famous for their tailgating, but Starkville claimed to have a bigger than average tailgate for the show. Hugh Freeze, the coach at Ole Miss, and Dan Mullin, Mississippi State’s, have proven that they know how to rework programs. Both of the universities’ programs have settled for “progressive” and “almostthere”. Now, the football universe is calling them the best in the nation and ones that other teams need to look out for.

The Defense of Ole Miss is referred to as landsharks to fans. In this seasons’ SEC games the Rebels defense has shown they can fly around, cause havoc, and come up with timely turnovers.

If Ole Miss and Mississippi State continue to shock the nation, the Ole Miss versus Mississippi State game, which wraps up the season, is going to be the game of the year to watch.

23

OUT IN FRONT Matt Svoboda, senior cross country runner, competes at the Doug Conley Invitational at Temp Rolling Hills golf course.

The boys cross country team has many traditions to prepare for meets including, having a cone for a mascot and dressing up in patriotic colors every Wednesday. 4NICOLE TOOMEY

Cross Country relies o

F

by ERIKA SODERSTROM Staff writer

OR some cross coun-

try athletes the state meet holds their last opportunity to run high school cross country.

On November 8 the team ran at the state championship meet.

The boys and girls cross country team both have traditions that help to prepare them for their meets. “I think traditions promote positive team unity, consistency, and gets the team excited to compete,” Jessie Nelson, coach of cross country, said.

The team participates in many traditions, with some more unique than others. They participate in weekly team din-

“I think traditions prom unity, consistency, and g excited to compete.”

said head cross coun ners, create team bracelets and participate in a Halloween run.

The boys cross country team has a cone for a team mascot that they bring to all the meets.

They re-name it every season.

The name this year is Jebediah.

They have a number of other traditions as well. “Every Wednesday we dress like an American,” (dress in red white and blue) Max Solberg, a sophomore runner, said.

Every Tuesday, the team participates in tie dye Tuesday.

In order to prepare for state,

th “T is le m te tiv

pu ev th

th ip su gi

FEATURES

`60s revolutiionizes music, society

Psychedelic music and a controversial war sparked a societal movement in the 1960s that still has influ~WADE JOHNSON ence today in terms of how people make music and respond to controversy.

"Sixties music makes me feel free and makes me want to run into tall grasses and frolic in nature," Russel Del Grosso, math teacher and sixties music enthusiast, said.

The heart of the 1960s revolved around change. During this time the baby boomers were in their teens, which resulted in a mass amount of young adults deciding to rebel against their parents. Music took hold of this revolution and bands began to mirror what was happening in society.

"I think that society in the Sixties changed in that people started looking at others in a more equal way and that really influenced a change in peoples' minds. Equality had been fought for for so long and now integration had been coming into effect. Kids saw what was happening in Vietnam and didn't know how to feel so they did what kids do best and questioned and rebelled,” Riata Wendt, a junior, said.

In the early sixties, big names came out of the Sun Record Company in Memphis, Tennessee, such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison. Presley and the others were a few of the musicians who began to create a gap between parents and their children. Presley had sensual undertones in his music, and this was the time that parents saw a difference in how their children reacted to music.

“As people faced many issues such as the fight for civil rights, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War these events kickstarted the hippie movement,” Amanda Aaronson, a junior, said.

The hippie movement came soon after Presley and others started rock 'n' roll, and other bands began to put their twist on it. The Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, and many others are the ones who set the scene for the mid to late sixties.

"In my opinion, The Doors had a large impact on the '60s music scene, they sang about everything from love to war and violence. For example, "The Unknown Soldier" is obviously related to Vietnam while "Crystal Ship" is related to the generation giving themselves to love and peace. The Doors' music was relatable to a wide range of people and was played on most radio stations,” Wendt said.

Other bands showcased new music or new ways to look at the genre they were associated with.

“The Velvet Underground started the underground punk scene and the Beatles showed that Rock n Roll could incorporate many harmonies,” Aaronson said.

Today's bands channel some of these influences from the sixties. Musicians take hold of what society is disturbed about or use their music to push how they feel. This is seen in pop, rock, rap, and everything in between.

There are musicians who still pick up on the same sound as bands from the sixties as well. As seen in many interviews with today’s artists, they tend to reference music from the sixties as a major influence.

Feverish disco dances into the `70s

It was the era of big hair, free living, and, most importantly, music.

Progressive Rock, Disco/Dance, ~SHELBY NICHOLS Punk Rock, and Funk and Soul were the popular genres of the ’70s and evident through culture of the time.

From bands such as the Bee Gees and K.C and the Sunshine Band to Pink Floyd and Rush with some Ramones and the Jackson 5, this era was bursting with music that reflected the culture.

The era started off with glam rock and singers such as David Bowie and T-Rex. This type of music was very theatrical with lyrics that had a futuristic tone and references to sex and drugs.

“I know a big movie from the ’70s was Saturday Night Fever and that was based on disco. So you could say that the music affected the culture because what was popular in music was being relayed on popular media outlets,” Allie O’Connor, a senior, said. “If a movie like that were to come

television, language, fashion, drug abuse, and sexual liberation.

Dance clubs such as Studio 54 in New York City and the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood were major attractions during this period because they were places where men and women, gay or straight, anyone from a variety of ethnic backgrounds could come together to escape what was happening in the real world.

“When you think of everything that was going on during this time, it makes sense that people would come up with a way to try and escape it for a little bit,” Monica Hamm, a senior, said, “Disco was there and they used it to their advantage and made all of these dance clubs out of it.”

The Vietnam War had just come to an end, Nixon had resigned, Elvis was found dead, and Iran took American hostages in Tehran. Just like it always has been, people generally do not like to hear or deal with bad news. The solution of the ’70s was to dance away the night, and their worries.

An overall theme apparent in most songs of this time is

After School Special SPOTLIGHT

WADE JOHNSON looks into actors and musicians who got their start at Cactus Shadows

THE BOYD NEXT DOOR

SIMPLY SIMS

Many students may recognize him as Link Larkin in the Shadowbox Players production of Hairspray in 2011, or other community theatre leads. Now, Garrett Boyd has landed roles on the Nickelodeon show Sam and Kat as well CBS’s Criminal Minds.

“In my senior year I was found by my agent at a workshop in Phoenix, and immediately signed with her and started auditioning in LA. I would drive to LA for each audition I got, which caused me to miss a lot of school because most auditions are during the week,” Garrett Boyd said.

Due to racking up absences, former vice Principal Jackie Beazley helped Boyd in doubling up on his credits. When it came to December of his senior year he was able to graduate early and make his move to Los Angeles.

Recently, Boyd was offered a role as the killer on Criminal Minds. This has been one of his first major roles, and a big step towards getting his name out. He had also made it a goal of his four years ago to be a killer on Criminal Minds.

“I was actually in my car on the way home from the audition when my agent called to tell me I booked it. I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, as usual, and I was so stoked I just started honking my horn and screaming.

Everyone else in traffic was staring at me, it was hilarious,” Boyd said.

Boyd grew up around supportive friends who pushed him to pursue acting. He mentioned how they were the ones he got inspiration from, and who never held him back in any way.

Moving to Cave Creek in 1997, Ryan Sims has grown to be a Cave Creek favorite, performing shows around the valley with his band as well as just him and his guitar.

“I was a 16 year old kid from Indiana that wanted nothing to do with a dusty desert town. That all changed when I started bussing tables at Harold’s. I would go to work and see all of these great bands playing every weekend and once I started playing out on a professional level the town really embraced me as one of their own,” Sims said.

At the age of 10 Sims realized that he wanted to have a music career. That Christmas he got his first revived guitar and fell in love with the idea of entertaining people for a living.

“Playing guitar and singing was never something I wanted to do, it was something I had to do, kind of like an itch that needed scratching,” Sims said.

The audiences at Sims’s shows are always lively and enthusiastic. His country/rock sound brings a wide range of people who enjoy his music.

“When the crowd is enjoying the music as much as we enjoy playing it, that’s an even better feeling,” Sims said.

Deciding to pursue the entertaining industry can be a difficult decision, considering Sims never really knows where his next paycheck will come from. However, with his drive and passion for his music, he hustles every day to succeed in show business.

TWO MOUTH, ONE MOUTH With the release of their first ever music video, “Two Mouth, One Mouth”, Cave Creek’s Boss Frog has been gaining more recognition across the valley.

Boss Frog was originally formed by Jack Bennett, lead singer, Cody Inglis, bassist, Sam McInerney, then guitarist, and Blake Jarvis, then drummer, all CS alumni. After playing for themselves and Cactus Shadows, they invited Matthew Tanner to jam with them.

“They asked me to play some drums after Blake Jarvis moved and I did so and it kind of clicked right away. They had a few songs written and they were really into the way I played the drums on them so we just went from there,” Tanner said.

When they were about to perform their first show Cody Inglis was in France, so Tanner invited his friend Isaac Parker to fill in for bass.

Later, when Sam McInerney left the band, Parker took over as guitarist and now plays keyboard in the band.

The band now consists of the former mentioned, as well as Dalton Kelchner on guitar and Austin Rickert on the saxophone. These added members have created a whole new sound from where they first began, yet still incorporate their strange and fun lyrics that have been prominent since the beginning.

“Jack is a musical theater dropout so that plays into the sound a lot. It’s Zappa influenced and Beefheart influenced,” Tanner said.

Families of the members have all contributed to helping out Boss Frog kick start their journey. George Bennett, Bennett’s father, has been known for roweling up the crowd and getting the audience involved when they first began performing live.

4 DANI BENNETT 16

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS