T H E L U MBE R JAC K
JUNE 2 - JUNE 29, 2016
t ho s E s u m m e r nig h ts PAGE 16
n this issue, we highlight one of Flagstaff’s greatest treasures: our night skies. Just before Halloween in 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky City because of our exceptional prevention of light pollution. But even as early as 1890, Flagstaff had a sky friendly reputation and was dubbed the “Skylight City.” Shortly after, in 1894, Percival Lowell founded Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff astronomers discovered Pluto in 1930. As early as 1958, Flagstaff was passing “tough” ordinances restricting nighttime sky pollution, and creating coalitions and organizations to protect observatories from wasteful lighting. Because residents of Flagstaff turn off their lights, they are privy to this amazing natural phenomenon. Also in this issue, we have articles on some of northern Arizona’s hotshot firefighting crews, performances by indie favorites HAIM and STRFKR, the Flagstaff favorite Bike to Work Week and Prop 123, a measure that passed by less than 20,000 votes. Zac Velarde’s piece on a female hotshot in an all-male team opens insight into the culture and challenges of firefighting, from the perspective of someone from a family of firefighters. We also have an accompanying piece in the news section on three wildfire near Flagstaff. One of the most informative articles in this paper is Hannah Cook’s comprehensive piece on Prop 123. Prop 123, which narrowly passed, will GRACE devote $3.5 billion of the state’s general fund and land trust fund toward FENLASON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF education. This is an important issue for Lumberjack readers and NAU students. In a recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the state of Arizona is spending 56 percent less on education while students are paying 88 percent more. Our article presents both sides of the issue. This is my first issue as sole editor-in-chief for The Lumberjack and I couldn’t be more proud to begin this paper with a tribute to the summer sky. So this summer stop and look up more often. From our famous Arizona sunsets to our glowing night sky, the Flagstaff sky-line is a treasure and summer is the best time to enjoy it. Thank you for reading.
T H E LU M BE R JACK
T HE L U M BE R JACK
APRIL 21 - APRIL 27, 2016
APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2016
the spark
Danielle Herrera, sculptor and welder
THE H EA LT H ISSUE
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Congratulations graduates! T H E L U M BE R JAC K
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ce l su ebr c c at es in s g
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Online at JackCentral.org
From the Editor
MAY 10 - JUNE 1, 2016
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campus protests lead to arrests
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Graduating student athletes starting on page 31
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T H E LU MBE R JAC K
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VOL 102 ISSUE 30
Managing Editor Scott Buffon Faculty Advisor Jennifer Swanson
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Just one of the telescopes inside Lowell Observatory on a starry night. (Photo by Halie Chavez)
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On the cover
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Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email gracefenlason@nau.edu.
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NEWS
One man fatally wounded by police near Milton Avenue
E
BY SCOTT BUFFON
arly in the morning of May 23, a Tuba City man later identified as Verl Bedonie, was fatally shot and killed for repeatedly brandishing a firearm at officers from the Flagstaff Police Department. According to media releases from the Department, the officers were responding to reports of an armed suspect at the High County Conference Center in the Drury Inn. Upon discovering the man, they observed him holding a firearm in his right hand. He left the Inn and walked along Butler Avenue and across Milton, where he was later shot after allegedly threatening a taxi cab driver and innocent bystander and firing his weapon twice. Several officers responded to the call. When the suspect brandished his gun at police at the Drury Inn, the two officers, identified as Corporal Ben Sandoval and Officer Eric Tomperi, fired off a combined five rounds. In bodycamera evidence released on the department’s Facebook page, the officers can be heard attempting to convince the man to relinquish his weapon. “Stop, Police Department. Stop, stop, stop,” said the officer who engaged Bedonie before the victim took his weapon out of his pocket and pointed it at the officers. It is at this point that the officers fire two shots at the man. “Stop, put that down now. Put that down! Stop!” Three more shots are fired as Bedonie began to cross Milton road during heavy-morning traffic. Schools in the area were informed and placed on lockdown to avoid potential injuries. The officers proceed to follow Bedonie through the streets behind the busy Milton intersection near the Natural Grocer grocery market where he invades a passerby’s vehicle. In order to defeat the possibility of a hostage situation in a car chase, an undercover officer rammed a large truck into the sedan holding the suspect — incapacitating the vehicle. The police later learned Bedonie pointed a gun at the man
and told him to take him to Phoenix. At this time, Bedonie exits the vehicle and brandishes his weapon at the officers once more, firing a single round. Then the two additional officers, Sergeant Collin Seay and Officer Dillon Jenkins, both fired at Bedonie, resulting in his death. There is no current mention of whether the officers have been placed on paid administrative leave after killing the suspect. Of the shots fired by officers, one stray bullet piercing a dog in his home on the 300 block of Phoenix Avenue. “The animal ambulance was called and the dog was taken to the vet for treatment, and is expected to recover after surgery,” said Margaret Bentzen in a media release. No other stray shots were reported. Nearly all of the people responding on the department’s webpage seemed thankful the police subdued Bedonie. Nationally and locally, the debate over police brutality still continues in areas where police have been involved with a minority’s death. In this case, Bedonie was a Native American. Another Flagstaff shooting also happened just two days earlier on May 21. The man killed, Mark Nelson, was reported by his mother to be suicidal. Coconino County Sheriff ’s Deputies arrived on the scene and after he pointed his rifle at himself and officers, he was shot. “Medical personnel rendered first aid. Mark Nelson was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased,” said the Coconino County Sheriff ’s Office press release. According to the Flagstaff Police Department’s most recent annual report from 2014, Flagstaff has seen a rise in civilian-committed homicides. The 96-page report lists, indepth, the events behind the three homicides in 2014 but does not have a section counting police-assisted suicides or homicides by police. It is not immediately clear if this is because there are no
police-assisted suicides or homicides in Flagstaff, or because they have not listed them. “The future of policing lies in the strengthening of community partnerships, the investment of technology like body cameras, the development of best practices recommended by the Department of Justice such as red flag warning systems, employee wellness programs, strong citizen complaint programs, problem solving and organization transformation,” said Flagstaff Chief of Police Kevin Treadway in the 2014 report. He also said their department included these recommendations to their workforce before the national discussion began. The statistics available on the City of Phoenix’s website also made no mention of police-involved shootings. Another website, killedbypolice.net, listed 17 killings by police in Arizona since the start of 2016. Eleven of these shootings were in the Phoenix area, one in Tucson, two shootings in Flagstaff, and four shootings outside of the major metropolitan areas.
TOP RIGHT: After Bedonie enters a passerby’s vehicle, an unidentified police truck blocks the driver’s path on Milton Road. Bedonie jumps from the open passenger door and runs in the opposite direction of the on-foot officers. Several officers are on site. BOTTOM LEFT: Just minutes after exiting the passerbys vehicle, Bedonie is fatally wounded by a police officer. BOTTOM RIGHT: Verl Bedonie runs toward Milton Road while brandishing his weapon toward two police officers. (PHOTOS Courtesy of Flagstaff Police department)
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NEWS
Proposition 123 squeeks out a win; Arizona educators still want more
I
BY HANNAH COOK
n a closer-than-anticipated election, Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed Proposition 123 barely managed a win. On May 17, Proposition 123 — a measure to increase Arizona’s funding for public education by $3.5 billion over the next 10 years — passed by less than 20,000 votes. This proposition serves as an extension of the 2000 Proposition 301 which increased sales tax by 0.6 percent to increase the amount of state aid given to education and also guaranteed adjustments for inflation each year in the amount of state aid given to public education. In 2010, however, school districts across the state accused the government of refusing to honor the proposition’s promise of yearly increases in funding to match the rate of inflation. Proposition 123 was introduced by Gov. Doug Ducey to settle that lawsuit. In the beginning, most voters were only aware of the ‘Yes on 123’ campaign. The campaign began with $5 million and the support of Arizona’s most prominent leaders including Ducey and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. The ‘No on 123’ campaign, on the other hand, started with $15,000 and didn’t receive the same recognition until just a few months before ballots were cast. Though the proposition up for vote was to decide if public schools should see a budgetary increase or not, many voters instead saw it as a vote to hold our state government accountable for their previous neglect of Proposition 301. Proposition 123 will use money from State Trust lands which were granted to the state in 1912 to generate revenue for public services. In 2013, Arizona’s Trust lands generated $318 million with K-12 education being the largest benefactor. “We’re in a huge crisis right now. We need to spend way more money on education. We have a budget surplus per capita — which is what our group has been pushing the governor and the legislature to use — and we need spend it and we need to keep as many teachers as possible in the state before they flee to other states,” said Morgan Abraham, Chairman of the ‘No on 123’ campaign. In 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Public Education Finances report, Arizona ranked 48th in the nation for education funding — the state spends only approximately $7,208 per student. Only Utah and Idaho spend less per student. The decision whether to vote yes or no was tough even for elementary and special education major Leslie Lerma. “It’s sad that I didn’t vote, but I didn’t want to vote for the least bad option,” Lerma said. “I obviously want the funds for students, but there are things our education has to sacrifice.” For the 2016-2017 school year, the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) will be given an additional $2 million for the purpose of increased salaries and benefits of teachers. Jeffrey Taylor, a chemistry and environmental science teacher at Flagstaff High school, was the elected high school representative for the FUSD negotiations committee. He worked closely with teachers and education supporters across Coconino County to demonstrate the benefit of additional funds to education. 1. How much additional funding are you expecting the district to receive per year now that Prop 123 has passed? FUSD will receive about $2 million next school year. This
is money the district should have already have been receiving for the past 7 years had the legislature properly funded the Prop 301 inflation factor. 2. How will the money be used across the district? Approximately 75 percent of the Prop 123 money will be used for teacher and staff salaries. Salaries and benefits make up about 84 percent of the FUSD budget currently. A slightly smaller percentage was agreed to by teachers and staff in negotiations with the district administration because there are some increased costs coming to the district including higher health insurance premiums, inflationary increases to utilities and other expenses. In addition, because the state has been decreasing the funding for capital projects like building maintenance, some money needs to go to shore up those accounts. 3. Is $3.5 billion in the next 10 years enough for Arizona overall? Absolutely not. $3.5 billion is only approximately 70 percent of the money the state owed the schools based on Prop 301. Even with this influx of money, Arizona will STILL be ranked 48th in the nation in per pupil spending. At the same time, the legislature has been continuing to decrease the amount of money they give to capital projects, which is a separate funding stream. Thus, districts around the state have been forced to divert money that would have gone to staff salaries and curriculum materials to simply repair buildings and other maintenance needs. The district cannot afford to buy new buses and if a new school ever needed to be built, that would be virtually impossible. After this initial influx of money to make up for the lack of inflation funding in the past, funding will only increase at the rate of inflation. Unfortunately, that means districts will begin to decline again in real dollars because certain expenses like health insurance are increasing faster than the rate of inflation. FUSD is projecting budget deficits in its future after this initial wave of money shores things up for a while. 4. In your experience, were more teachers for or against Proposition 123? Why? Like most of the education community in Arizona, teachers were very much on the fence about Prop 123. On the one hand they realized that tapping into the State Land Trust to fund education was not the best long-term solution, especially when the legislature was sitting on hundreds of millions of dollars in the budget surplus and the Rainy Day Fund. On the other hand, they realized how dire the education funding situation in Arizona is and that any influx of money, especially money that had been owed to the districts from the state for many years was critical. With teachers fleeing the state, there were thousands of unfilled positions across the state. Arizona has one of the lowest teacher retention rates in the country due to our low salaries, large class sizes, poor academic performance nationally, and low morale related to the lack of support both financially and rhetorically from the state legislature. The feeling was, you have to take whatever crumbs you can get when you can get them because you never know when the next opportunity will arrive. Yes, people were concerned about the long-term
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consequences to the State Land Trust. But, there was also an entire generation of children who would benefit from this money. I have a 2nd grader. With this ten-year plan, that will cover her entire schooling here in Arizona. She should not have to suffer while we wait for the court cases to continue over the next few years. By the time it would be resolved, she would be out of school and there is no way to make up for it. So, most teachers in the end followed the lead of the Arizona Education Association, the lead plaintiffs in the case who negotiated this deal. When AEA assured us this was the best possible deal we would be able to get with this legislature and this governor, we had to trust them and most teachers voted in favor of Prop 123, even if with hesitation. 5. Looking forward to the future, do you see a path to get Arizona away from its 48th ranking for education? Actually, the concern is that we will drop again. Prop 301 expires in 2020. That is the 0.6% sales tax that goes to education and primarily to teachers. If it expires, that will be an immediate 15% pay cut from all teachers in the state. Want to see what a mass migration looks like? Watch as thousands of teachers leave the state immediately if that happens. Prop 301 will need to get on the ballot prior to 2020 and approved by the voters to be extended. It really depends on the mood of the electorate at that time. If the electorate is in an “anti-tax” mood in that election, it could have dire consequences. However, something that proponents of Prop 123 were trying to say to our pro-education allies opposed to Prop 123 is that this was not the right battle to fight. The real battle is in November, to elect pro-education legislators. We need a legislature that supports education and is willing to properly fund it. We need a legislature who is willing to use the enormous budget surplus and maybe some of the Rainy Day Fund to address issues like capital improvements and to properly fund special education. We need a legislature with enough courage to stop cutting taxes for corporations and maybe raise taxes to support education. There is an old saying “you get what you pay for.” Some people complain states like Massachusetts, Maryland and Vermont have taxes that are too high. But, guess what...They also have the highest rated public education systems in the country, the highest percentage of citizens with college degrees, and the highest median income levels. Arizona needs to change the dynamics of this state. If they start looking at themselves as a center of a highly educated workforce, then the companies will relocate here to hire that workforce. Tax cuts alone will not do it. It took the state an additional three days to count the votes to determine the fate of Proposition 123. The proposition was finally declared a winner on May 20 with less than 2 percent separating the yes and no votes. Yes garnered 50.92 percent of the overall vote while no followed closely with 49.08 percent of the vote. “This vote proves that voters are very frustrated with the direction Arizona is heading,” Abraham said. “I think that sentiment can build and build and build, and when enough voters are voting in elected leaders that care about education that’s when things start to change.”
Arizona fire season begins: Three wildfires ablaze near Flagstaff BY ADRIAN SKABELUND
I
n the past two weeks, the Coconino National Forest experienced the start of at least three distinct fires. The Cowboy Fire, the Mormon Fire, and the Pivot Rock Fire — all results of lightning strikes — are located south of Flagstaff and the smoke can be seen from NAU. Only the Cowboy fire, however, has posed any threat. According to George Jozens, a deputy public affairs officer for the Coconino National Forest, the danger from the fire is not from the flames themselves, but from the smoke. The Cowboy fire, which is in close proximity to Interstate 17 (I-17), has drastically reduced visibility and has made road conditions hazardous. Despite the sky-filling smoke, the fires only burn on the forest floor and are less dangerous and less destructive than those which jump to the crowns of trees. Thus, the Forest Service has decided not to suppress the fires, but instead to control them and allow the wildfire play its natural role in the ecosystem. “The forest thrives on fires such as these that are low severity and creep across the forest floor reducing fuels [and] the risk of severe wildfire, creating safer conditions for residents and visitors and restoring wildlife habitat by promoting future healthy vegetation,” Jozens said. The three fires continue to grow in size. As of May 30, the Cowboy Fire has burned approximately 2,139 acres, the Mormon Fire approximately 1,206 acres and the Pivot rock fire has burned around 1,629 acres. According to Brady Smith of the Coconino National Forest, the Forest Service may allow more natural fires to burn in the future to help return the forest to a healthier state. “At present and in the future, we will be allowing natural wildfire — that is not
severe — to fulfill its role in the ecosystem and allowing it to work across the landscape safely,” Smith said. “However, if the weather and forest conditions are such that a severe wildfire is going to spread rapidly and destroy soil, property and endanger life, it won’t matter if it’s a natural start or human-caused because we will suppress and extinguish it as soon as possible.” Smith said the majority of the fires that cause damage are human caused. The Forest
Service is able to suppress around 98 percent of them before they get out of control. But these initiatives are not just about creating a healthier ecosystem — safety for Flagstaff and the outlying areas are also a concern. If the Forest Service does nothing, Smith said, today’s forests are a catastrophe waiting to happen. “In the early 1900s, the forest around here had wider spaces that were more open and averaged about 100 trees per acre,” Smith said. “At present, we have found that the average is near 1,000 trees per acre, which results in a forest that is overgrown, unhealthy and ripe for severe wildfires. So, the goal is to get the forest back to what it used to look like [so the forest and town] can be protected for future generations.” In a recent update, the Coconino National Forest announced the closure of the land to the east of Mormon Lake and Mormon Mountain due to the Mormon Fire. These areas may not be open again until mid to late June. For now, motorists are asked to remain cautious as they drive through the smoke and to give themselves extra travel time. “[The] Arizona Department of Transportation, the Forest Service and other area public [agencies] have placed signs [to remind] motorist to slow down and drive safely,” Jozens said. It is uncertain when the I-17 will be smoke free.
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As motorists approach the smoky conditions, the speed limit is reduced from 75 mph to 45. No stopping is allowed along the highway and several off-ramps have been closed for the time being. (Photos By hannah Cook)
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WHAT’S COMING UP? 6/1- 6/26 6/1-9
Images on Stone: Petroglyphs of Wupatki National Monument Museum of Northern Arizona 10 am - 5 pm Cost: $12 adult, $8 student
6/4-5
Flagstaff Hullabaloo Wheeler Park Cost: $5 advance, $7 gate
6/4
Mariachi Mexico Antiguo concert The Arboretum at Flagstaff 5:30pm-7:30pm Cost: $18 adult
6/10
Night at the Museum the Pioneer Museum Barn 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Cost: Free
6/11
Roller Derby Bout Mount Elden Middle School 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Cost: $8 advance, $10 gate
6/11
Flagstaff Chili Festival Thorpe Park Cost: $5 per tasting kit
6/18
Route 66 at Riordan Mansion Riordan Mansion State Historic Park 11 am - 3 pm Cost: Free
6/16
Flagstaff Folk Festival Coconino Center for the Arts Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family
6/23
Flagstaff Pro Rodeo Fort Tuthill County Park Cost: $15
6/25
Live Performance and Dance Lesson by Flagstaff Latin Dance Collective Full Circle Trade & Thrift 12 pm - 1 pm Cost: Free
6/26
Pets in the Pines Second Chance Center for Animals 10 am - 3 pm Cost: Free
Ongoing
Dancing On the Square Heritage Square Every Wednesday 7-10 pm Cost: Free
CATCH UP WITH FLAGSTAFF AND NAU EVENTS ONLINE AT JACKCENTRAL. ORG
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE To Advertise, Contact Marsha.Simon@nau.edu
CULTUR E
STRFKR and Com Truise perform at the Green Room to an adoring crowd BY HALIE CHAVEZ
T
he indie-rock band STRFKR took the Green Room by storm May 27. Com Truise and Fake Drugs also set the bar high with their opening act. As STRFKR nears the end of their 2016 tour, fans await a new album after the single “Never Ever” was released in February. STRFKR’s last album, Miracle Mile, was released in 2013. Since its formation in 2007, STRFKR has gained a strong following. The band is composed of singer Sexton Blake and instrumentalists Shawn Glassford, Keil Corcoran and Patrick Morris. The Green Room was the perfect venue for the Portland-based band — the crowd was large enough for crowd surfers but had enough room for the more relaxed concert-goer as well. Fake Drugs opened the night of synthpop with an opening set of four songs. The band also hails from Portland. The band performed a catchy mix of electronic sounds and guitars. The crowd applauded the tunes with loud enthusiasm — a success for a relatively unknown opening act. Com Truise, whose real name is Seth Haley, stepped on the stage next and had the crowd cheering by the end of the first song. The well-known Portland-based DJ’s light show included bright abstract designs, the perfect match for his synthwave vibes. While many were there specifically for this act, some were not as impressed. “I really liked the crowd, I thought everyone was having a lot of fun ... but [Com Truise] wasn’t the most exciting DJ I’ve ever seen in my life. He was definitely doing enough to get the crowd pumped though,” said Carissa Gililand, a concertgoer. She said she had heard of Com Truise before, but was not familiar with his music. Loud chanting welcomed the headlining band as they took the stage. The line outside extended down the street; latecomers anxiously hoped for one of the few remaining tickets. STRFKR’s set was a mix of their older and newer songs. Both were enjoyed by the large crowd. Serious fans would recognize songs from the band’s older albums. Fog was pumped into the air and then colored by the band’s multicolored lights. Those in the front row were practically pushed onto the stage because of the audience’s intense and aggressive dancing. “We had [STRFKR] here back in 2011, and they were smaller then. Now they’ve gotten bigger, and they just put on a really great show,” said Doug Quick, the Green Room’s talent buyer. Toward the end of the set, backup dancers in elaborate astronaut costumes danced out onto the stage and jumped around stage to the energetic beat. Inflatable aliens were thrown to the crowd. A pool raft was used by one of the astronauts to take crowd surfing to a new level. Even after falling off the raft the astronaut made it back to the stage for more dancing. Everyone in the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, loudly singing along with the lyrics. STRFKR’s electronic style pushed the crowd’s level of excitement over the edge with throwback covers of Madonna’s classic hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and British synth-pop band The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me.” The audience went wild for the retro vibes.
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STRFKR performs at the Green Room May 27, 2016. The show was their first performance in Flagstaff since 2012. (Photos by Halie Chavez)
“I saw STRFKR last time they came through town. I thought they blew it away tonight. Their stage performance is great and I think they’ve really worked on it since last time,” said Greg Jones, a fan of the band. Following the performance, the band tweeted, “Damn, Flagstaff gets pretty turnt.” As the band grows, it is clear that STRFKR has been able to maintain a following. Their hit “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second” was recently used in Target ad, underscoring popularity. As far as electronic indie rock goes, STRFKR is here to stay.
CULTUR E
The cast of Mary Poppins perform the song “Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious” during a rehearsal at Coconino High School Mini Auditorium (Photos by Halie Chavez)
Alpine Community Theater’s magical rendition of Mary Poppins BY TAYLOR HAYNES
M
ary Poppins is basically every family’s dream babysitter. She’s funny, friendly, magical and scares off evil nannies. You never really know what Poppins has up her sleeve or in her bag. Mary Poppins shows the world that, truly, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Alpine Community Theater (ACT) is the newest non-profit theater organization to emerge out of Flagstaff. The company is performing the classic and beloved musical Mary Poppins as their first production. The mysterious Mary Poppins first appeared in a series of eight children’s books by P.L. Travers, who began the series in 1934. It was then adapted by Disney in 1964, with power duo Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke portraying Mary Poppins and Bert, the chimney sweep, respectively. The movie was received with critical acclaim and is still widely regarded as one of the best Disney films. In 2006, the classic story was first performed on Broadway. The plot follows the troubled Banks family, whose children, Jane and Michael, are cared for by Poppins. In the end, Poppins brings the family closer together through her playful and charming ways. The story is set in early 20th-century London, which is apparent in posh accents and Victorian-era costumes. Audiences will undoubtedly be delighted by ACT’s version of Mary Poppins. The
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ensemble is the definition of community — everyone from ages 5 and up was welcome to audition for a role. Tammy Jones, the president of ACT’s board, described how the company wishes to reach out to those who have never thought of doing theater, or could not afford it. Acting experience is not required to become a member — only enthusiasm, dedication and a willingness to learn. “We highly encourage families to participate together,” Jones said. “It’s a great opportunity for families to do things together, to be goofy and to be yourselves.” She described the importance of theater for children of all ages: it gives young actors a sense of responsibility, self-confidence and a way to develop lifelong friendships. Jones has known many of the actors for several years through other companies. “It is exciting to see our cast growing up,” Jones said. Jones emphasized the importance of community involvement — this production simply would not have been possible without the support of parents, board members and sponsors. This is especially true because Mary Poppins is not an easy production to direct or perform. Imagine trying to teach a cast of 40 how to spell (and sing) supercalifragilisticexpialidocious on stage, with accompanying choreography. Also, the play requires 103 different costume changes.
CULTUR E
This is director Jaci Norton’s first production since graduating college with a theater degree. She discussed the difficulty of creating the magic and illusion that is inherent to Mary Poppins. The play definitely requires creativity to pull off many of the fantastical stunts on stage: how to pull a hat stand out of a bag or how to fly a kite in a windless auditorium. While the process hasn’t been easy, Norton is “overwhelmed by the community’s contributions.” To Jones, the play would not have been feasible without Norton’s experience, expertise and guidance. Of course, ACT’s skillful casting helps put on a successful production as well. Kyle Openshaw’s portrayal of Bert is hilariously energetic — he nails the accent and sprightly dancing. Malia Brown and Harper Bowie are perfect as the Banks children: adorable, talented singers and naturals on stage. It is apparent in the entire cast significant times has gone into practicing.
One of the more intimidating roles to perform in the production, naturally, is that of Mary Poppins herself. Julie Andrews certainly set the bar high — however, this does not deter Casey Garcia and Alia Fischer from fearlessly taking on the lead role in separate shows. Both actresses have adapted and personalized the role to their individual styles. “I have developed such a friendship with the kids, so Mary has become more real to me,” Fischer said. “I’m less prim and proper, I’m more mischievous.” It definitely helps that Fischer, 28, teaches middle school math when she is not acting: she knows how to be with children and have fun. Furthermore, she is a talented seamstress, sewing most of her own and Garcia’s costumes. “The play is a good challenge for kids and [ACT] feels like a family,” Fischer said. Garcia, 21, also adeptly portrays the magical nanny. She has always wanted to play the role of Mary Poppins, and has extensive experience in acting. She has performed in 15
Casey Garcia and Alia Fischer both play Mary Poppins in separate showtimes. The actresses are pictured here at Coconino High School Mini Auditorium. (Photos by Halie Chavez)
shows in Flagstaff. She is also a senior microbiology student at NAU. “Mary Poppins is so whimsical,” Garcia said. “I like that you don’t really know what Mary is. She’s just Mary Poppins and will always be Mary. She plays games and always knows she is going to win — the kids have no idea what they are getting into.” Garcia’s favorite moment on stage is the song “Step in Time,” which features Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps dancing across the rooftops of London, while Poppins and the children look on in awe. This scene is challenging, an audience favorite and entirely choreographed by Garcia. Be sure to catch ACT’s production of Mary Poppins June 3, 4, 10 and 11 at the Coconino High School Mini Auditorium. Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the enchanting story of magic, fun and family.
TOP: Casey Garcia performs as Mary Poppins, while Malia Brown and Harper Bowie act as the Banks children. BOTTOM: Kyle Openshaw, who plays Bert, flies a kite with Bowie, who plays Michael Banks at a rehearsal at Coconino High School Mini Auditorium. (Photos by Halie Chavez)
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Passionate and methodical: La Dispute’s lyrical prowess comes to Flagstaff BY SCOTT BUFFON
I
n an era of bro country, pop-rap and trance music, sometimes it is easy to forget that songwriting was often used to emphasize a single aspect — the lyrics. La Dispute makes lyric writing their primary focus and is the biggest draw to shows like the upcoming one at the Green Room June 2. Their music is described by many as post-hardcore, screamo, punk and emo. And while these genres can begin to paint a picture of La Dispute’s sound, it is not fairly representative. The sound of lead singer’s voice is either the greatest point of interest or disgust. Lead singer Jordan Dreyer’s vocals comes off as if Blink-182’s retired and whiney singer, Tom Delonge, learned to scream, took all of his music and writing seriously and got a master’s degree in creative writing. If you decide to give their music a chance, expect nothing and keep an open mind. And for those not regular fans of the aforementioned genres — like I was when I first heard the band — keeping an open mind may be the hardest part. Trust me: for those who can weather the stylings, listening to their lyrics and letting the vivid worlds and stories play to your imagination will be worth your time and the $17 ticket. Dreyer often employs off-mic whispering, passionate screaming and spoken word. The vocals are undoubtedly the band’s centerpiece, even though they have begun to make their sound more digestible in their most recent album. Interestingly, the band creates atmosphere in an almost progressive punk fashion. Through this, you can tell where the mood of the song has been and where it is going. While the song “Edward Benz, 27 Times” opens to a quiet guitar melody, the band’s harder electric-guitar riffs, deep bass and pounding drums quickly jump in. The song tells the allegedly true story of Dreyer meeting a man named Ed. As they work together Ed tells him a story of his schizophrenic son. I will not spoil it for you, but the interplay between visual lyrics and Hitchcock-like tension creates a memorable song. An empathetic Dreyer narrates the lasting impression this story has left on him — and how unfinished and unresolved the story feels. All the songs in La Dispute’s repertoire feature
Photo courtesy of HAIM
this depth in lyrics. The band’s ability transition from and execute passionate highs and somber lows with the backing accompaniment is really what sets this band apart. Because after all, what’s the point of listening to the lyrics if you can’t enjoy the music? From songs like “King Park” from their Wildlife album, or “Andria” and “Fall Down, Never Get Back Up Again,” off of Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair, their dedication to the scene and story is absolutely clear. Their most recent work, Rooms of the House, offers listeners a bit more mainstream-friendly sound that is mostly absent from songs lasting over 7-minutes long. Still, the songs continue their complexity as the album wraps its content around a concept: a man wrestling with the events of his past to make sense of his present. The album follows the trajectory of the man’s relationship — from its inception to its eventual break-up. “It’s a record about moving on — or if not moving on, learning to re-appropriate these things and incorporate your past into your present and then into your future,” said Dreyer in an interview done by Noisey. “Instead of just completely throwing it away or always being at odds with it.” And while this is their most recent album, don’t expect them to only perform their most recent project — their third studio album has been out for over two years. Their shows are intimate. The fans are close. The intensity is high. The people who are into this band are undoubtedly of a different nature. Not because they were born of different star-stuff, but simply because the band demands such emotional investment, fans are required to be deeply devoted. But the band gives that same level of devotion back to their music. Their current tour is going from May 30 to June 25, with only three days without a show scheduled. Luckily, Flagstaff is one of the band’s first stops — we will likely find them in an energetic and enthusiastic headspace. So, if rock bands are your scene and you do decide to go, you’re going to have a great time. There’s no disputing it.
HAIM: The big sisters you wish you had BY TAYLOR HAYNES
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he hair-flipping, guitar-slinging powerhouse HAIM took over the Orpheum May 18, to a packed house. The band recently began their U.S. tour, preceding a muchanticipated second album. Every corner of the venue was occupied, with fans belting out the band’s hits at the top of their lungs. Even for someone who did not know the words to the songs, it was impossible to not dance to the catchy beat. The dramatic light show on stage — often synchronized with the snappy percussion, a hallmark of HAIM’s work — added to the excitement while the crowd jumped, cheered and sang in unison. The Haim sisters hail from Los Angeles. Alana, Danielle and Este all sport long, flowing tresses (often swung about on stage) and have an obvious aptitude for music — all three play multiple instruments and sing. The sisters were brought up in a musical home, learning instruments and playing songs together from a young age. It is no wonder they have chemistry on stage. Fast forward several years: the Haim sisters have become household names in the alt-rock scene, completing the ensemble with Dash Hutton on drums. A couple highlights from their resume include opening for Florence and the Machine and Mumford and Sons. Danielle Haim has played guitar with Julian Casablancas and Jenny Lewis. They have attracted the attention of Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and the New York Times, and are likened to musical heavyweights like Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac and Destiny’s Child. And, this is all accomplished before the age of 30. Their first album, Days are Gone (2013), was well received by critics and listeners alike. The album truly brought HAIM into the spotlight, with wellknown singles like “The Wire” and “Don’t Save Me.” NPR’s Ann Powers was a fan. “HAIM’s thoughtful, playful music is good for the radio, good for rock, and good for music lovers of all ages who need to carve out a little space to dream,” she said, in a 2013 review.
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Powers appreciates the imperfection of their sound — the vocals are often interrupted by irregular breaths or pauses — noting it makes their music all the more approachable. HAIM’s appearance at the Orpheum featured several of the more well-known hits, but they also shared fresh songs from their new album with the crowd. “We’ve been stuck in the studio for so long, it feels good to be back on the road,” Danielle said. The newer songs, including “Give Me Just a Little of Your Love,” were similar to previous work, but definitely had a grown-up vibe, showcasing their development as a band and as individual musicians. Long hours in the studio seemed to pay off — both the artists and the audience seemed to enjoy the new jams. “They are just so confident,” concertgoer Brianna Cochran said. “They’re in harmony with each other and with the audience.” HAIM also made a tribute to late rock legend, Prince, with a funky and upbeat take on his 1984 song “I Would Die 4 You,” from the album Purple Rain. The stage was lit in lavender, and the band’s respect for the deceased musician was apparent. In an interview with Pitchfork in 2013, Este described seeing Prince live. “I saw Prince at the Forum in 2011 — that was really the last show where I was blown away,” she said. “At the beginning of it, he went around to each musician and started playing their instruments one by one. Then got back on the mic and said, ‘I just wanted to make sure everything was working.’ It was pretty incredible. It’s so hard to chose a favorite Prince album, but I’d stick with Purple Rain.” Prince was also Danielle’s favorite performer and she owns a poster of his album, Controversy. “I thought I was flying the whole time [at the concert]. I don’t think Prince is human. He’s an alien,” Danielle said. The crowd at the Orpheum went wild for HAIM. Someone even threw a black, lacey bra on stage to show true dedication and love for the band. “This is like a big rock star moment for me,” Alana Haim said in response, as she draped the undergarment across the percussion set. The concert ended with all three sisters on a drum set, taking turns playing different beats. It is obvious HAIM is having fun and about expressing themselves. While they have experienced the fame some groups only dream of, the band retains the ability to connect with the audience in a way that makes you wish they were your best friends or cooler, older sisters.
The Clark Telescope Dome is used for public education during the day and for planet viewing at night. (Photos by Halie Chavez)
Embrace summer at Lowell Observatory BY SCOTT BUFFON
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ith last summer’s record-breaking visitation numbers, over 97,000, Lowell Observatory is gearing up for another great summer on Mars Hill Road. As June begins, it is Saturn’s turn to dominate the skies, so Lowell is planning to give the gassy planet all due flatulence. “[Saturn] is going to be the closest its been to earth in over 1000 years,” said Molly Barker, video intern. “We’re planning on having an event for that … Then there’s the Delta Aquarid meteor shower in July that we’ll have activities for.” But even if gas giants aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, Lowell is planning plenty of other events for all sorts of astronomical topics, ages and price ranges. The famed observatory has a new exhibit, Space Guard, which is geared towards immersing eager space cadets into the research of local Flagstaff astronomers. A word from the wise astronomers at Lowell: tickets are going fast for some of their summer events, so head to Lowell.edu and sign up if they sound interesting for you and your child (or you and your parent, for those children so adept). Also for your consideration, Lowell Observatory offers year-long memberships that pay for themselves in two visits. “With membership here it also allows you access to over 300 science centers around the country,” said communication manager, Joshua Bangle. “I think it’s one of those huge perks that they can buy it here and check it out.”
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But before I lose you to the void, here is a list of some of the events coming to Lowell this summer.
Space Guard Academy, now showing The Space Guard is the observatory’s newest exhibit that currently features multiple ways for children to spark their curiosity. After they login to the Space Guard Academy and receive their special space cadet name, they are able to access all sorts of space-related activities. They can pick up and weigh the difference between meteors, test their knowledge on space and plenty of other activities. The space cadets can have a photo taken of themselves after they have completed their training. Scott Pittman, a father from West Virginia, came with his family to the observatory during a trip to the Grand Canyon. He was excited to see his kids working on the Space Guard activities. “[My three] kids are all really into math and science, it’s the best of all worlds,” Pittman said. “Being able to look through the special sunglasses and things like that are things you don’t get in the classroom. It’s great for them.”
Meet an Astronomer Fridays If looking through telescopes and reading informative plaques isn’t enough to satiate your curiosity for the stars, this event is right up your alley. Every Friday, starting June 10, the astronomers at the observatory
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will leave their offices to discuss their work with the public. First up is Michael West, who has been the principal investigator for six Hubble Space Telescope projects, the head of science and science operations at several different observatories, and has been published several times. The purpose of the event is to have astronomers interacting with the observatory’s visitors and to get the public excited about the astronomer’s current research. Besides the research, West will answer any questions the average visitor has about the solar system and our starry skies. Using the observatory’s new MallinCam, visitors will also be able to view real-time images of planets, stars, galaxies and other night sky objects on a large television put up outside.
The Science of Space Gala, June 4 The observatory’s upcoming gala, The Science of Space, is an event for people looking to speak with those exploring the edges of known space. The keynote speaker will be Tom Krimigis, who acted as chief scientist of the Applied Physics Laboratory beginning in 1980 and was promoted to emeritus head in 2004. Krimigis is also the principal investigator on several NASA spacecrafts including Voyagers 1 and 2, the Voyager Interstellar Mission, and the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan. He has designed and built instruments that have flown to all eight planets and to Pluto. Tickets to this prestigious dinner event start at $125. For those with a flexible budget, though, you won’t want to miss this event. A ticket-bearing guest may bring a few additional stargazers with them.
Second Fridays On the second Friday of each month, the observatory will feature experiments for all ages to come and learn. The June exhibit will feature science demonstrations and experiments featuring chemistry. Their July exhibit will hopefully spark an interest with their experiments focused on electricity and magnetism.
Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids, dates and times vary The Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids are designed to foster an interest in STEM fields. The classes are for children of all age ranges and are grouped by preschool, elementary school and middle school-levels. The times and dates of these camps range greatly depending on the child’s age, so check out Lowell. edu for more specific information. The activities also vary based on the age of the participating child. For example, the children in preschool will construct volcanoes and observe them erupting, while elementary school students will construct spectrometers to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. Middle school students will work as a team to build reflecting telescopes and will be introduced to computer coding. While some of the classes are still open, if you are interested in having your child attend one of these camps, the sooner you enroll them the better. Spaces are going fast.
TOP: The Rotunda Museum at Lowell Observatory is open to visitors for presentations both day and night. MIDDLE LEFT: The night sky is visible though the McAllister Telescope Dome at Lowell Observatory. BOTTOM LEFT: A nighttime view from Mars Hill Road near Lowell Observatory overlooking Flagstaff. RIGHT: The Pluto Telescope is available during the day for guided tours. (Photos by Halie Chavez)
JUNE 2 - JUNE 29, 2016 | T HE LUMBER JACK 17
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Flagstaff celebrates 15th annual Bike to Work Week BY ADRIAN SKABELUND
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rom May 22 to 27, Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO) held a number of events to celebrate Bike to Work Week. This was no normal Bike to Work Week, however, as it also marked the 15th anniversary of the weeklong celebration in Flagstaff. Stephanie McCarthy, a volunteer with FBO who works at NAU, has taken part in and helped organize the events from the very beginning, back in 2001. “I was good friends with Jeff Cross who started FBO,” said McCarthy. “He brought us all together and asked who would want to volunteer to put this on and it sounded like a fantastic idea.” Throughout the years, as Flagstaff has grown, so too has Bike to Work Week. It now encompasses a multitude of events for beginning and more experienced cyclists alike. For McCarthy, this focus on making the week so inclusive is one reason it has been successful throughout the years. “We try to bring attention to different aspects of cycling, different ‘user groups,’ so that we make sure everybody is covered,” McCarthy said. “On Tuesday, we had an ice cream social at Sechrist Elementary School and we had the biggest turnout we have ever had at that event. We keep adjusting our schedules and our events so that we can get a maximum number of people to attend.” The week started May 22 with the annual bike bazaar in Heritage Square and a bike parade around downtown and Townsite neighborhood. As part of the bazaar, tables were available to members of the public interested in peddling their wares — even if those wares are indeed pedals. In order to promote safety, helmets could also be purchased for as little as $10. Many of the bike shops in Flagstaff as well as the Coconino National Forest sponsored booths, providing cyclists with information on which trails are closed to facilitate thinning operations. There was even a bicyclepowered blender making free smoothies for passersby. Though students are encouraged to bike to school throughout the week and throughout the year, May 24 was the official “Bike to School” day. In previous years, high schools and elementary schools competed to have the highest percentage of their students ride bikes to classes, but McCarthy said this year worked a little differently. “It just got kind of crazy managing it, to try to get to all the different schools and count bikes so now we’re doing classrooms,” McCarthy said. “Now we can involve the teachers to collect the data on how many kids bike and then the classroom actually benefits because the teacher [of the winning classroom] gets a gift certificate for school supplies.” But perhaps the most popular event of Bike to Work Week was the “Bike to Breakfast.” This event, held May 25, best displays the rapid growth of the biking festival. McCarthy explained that during the “Bike to Breakfast” event, different businesses “will provide $250 worth of breakfast items, juice, coffee, pastries to those commuting on a bicycle. In return, we recommend them on the FBO website and encourage people to stop by as many of the breakfast stations as [they] can.” This event had the biggest business participation in biking week history with over 18 individual Flagstaff businesses and organizations, actively participating, five more than the previous year. “We try to get them dispersed around town so that, depending on where people are intersecting the city, they can pass at least one or two,” McCarthy said. “It’s always harder for the outlying areas like Doney Park and Cheshire. Of course, they’re more concentrated in the downtown but it’s nice that there are opportunities for people who might only get to certain places.” Carl Robbins, a student at NAU, was one of the many volunteers working at the breakfast station on campus. Robbins is new to NAU, having just transferred from a college in Denver but he said the biking community was one thing that made NAU and Flagstaff attractive to him. “Denver obviously has a pretty substantial outdoors community and that’s something I wanted to keep as part of my life,” Robbins said, adding that he has found the community welcoming and inclusive, especially when it comes to events such as Bike to Work Week. At the moment, NAU and the FBO don’t work together often but they do collaborate to make sure there is a breakfast station on campus. “NAU has participated for at least three years,” Robbins said, pointing to one of his fellow volunteers. “Obviously, this is the first year I have volunteered but others have been working on it for a couple of years now.” Nonetheless, Robbins hopes to see more cooperation between the university and FBO. McCarthy agrees, adding that she would not be surprised to see cooperation between the two groups increase, especially after recent events.
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Illustration by Alanna Secrest
In the most recent issue of Bi-opic, a publication by the FBO, the group announced they wanted “to recognize Cori Cusker, Derek Hansen and Erin Stam for winning the League of American Bicycles” for their work on the university’s Transportation Action Team which has “resulted in a number of plans and projects to support walking and biking, including [the] designation of NAU as a Bicycle Friendly University.” In the end, however, Bike to Work Week is meant to inspire people to ride their bike yearround. McCarthy hopes those who ride during the week continue throughout the year. “Riding is fun,” McCarthy said. “So get out there and ride.”
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Makenzie Mabery prepares for another scorching summer BY ZAC VELARDE
T
hree miles lugging a 45-pound pack on your back in under 45 minutes is not pleasant for anyone and is very difficult for most people. That is the average weight for a fire bag, and every day of work the Wildland firefighters carry it on their hikes. Makenzie Mabery is a soon to be second-season Wildland firefighter. Her idea of a summer job may be different than most. Born and raised between Sedona and Cottonwood, Ariz., her summers were spent with only her mother. Her brother and father weren’t around because they were out fighting fires. Her first season had its challenges as they moved between states helping different crews, but her hardest day was on the San Carlos Indian Reservation with the Globe Hotshots. “The fire just started ripping up the hill. It was my very first fire,” said Maybery. “The guys put on the bladder bag, which is a 50 pound bag, and full of water. It has two straps and a little pump connected to it. They get me to put that on my back and they say, ‘go get it.’” She also had to keep all the training in her head, such as keeping one foot in the black, meaning to stay close to where the fire has already burnt. A fire will never go back over where it has used all of its fuel and only left black charcoal behind. “That was physically and mentally one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, because it was so hard to get up that hill with all that weight, and keep up with the guys while listening to what’s going on,” Mabery said. “It was a stressful situation but your adrenaline kicks in and ultimately you don’t realize what you’re doing until you get to the top. You look down, and say wow I did that.” That feeling of accomplishment is what keeps Makenzie passionate about wildland fire fighting. Her mother, Glenda Mabery, met her father, Tim Mabery, in the summer of 1976. He was always gone and their dates were cancelled frequently due to fire calls. During the first year of marriage, they tried to barbecue and Tim was called away every time. Finally, they threw the grill away and gave up. Everything circled around the fire season’s schedule. This had an obvious effect on Tim and Glenda’s children. Travis Mabery, Makenzie’s brother, is 15-years older than her and grew up not knowing his dad. “Tim was gone one time for I don’t know, maybe 35 to 40 days and I went to pick him up. He gets in the truck, he’s black, he stinks, he’s horrible. My son was sitting in the middle of the seat, he was 3 years old,” Glenda said. “When Tim got out of the truck Travis looked over at me and he goes, ‘Who is that man?’ I’m like oh my God he doesn’t even know who this guy is! It’s just somebody who comes home with dirty clothes, does his laundry, sleeps with mom, says hi, and he’s gone again. So that’s what Travis grew up with.” Makenzie even thought Travis was her father for a while. With both of the men of the family in the wildland fire fighting business it was just common talk at the Mabery house. “I kind of got into listening to the fire talk around the family hearing about the forest service, and it just kind of got me interested and I guess it’s in my blood,” Mabery said. Another reason she got involved with the fire community is that she loves the outdoors. Her free time is spent hiking and biking the trails around NAU during the off-season. She is finishing her junior year as a forestry major and already has a job lined up. “This past season I was able to spend a whole month in Missoula, Montana,” Mabery said. “Then I spent two weeks in Jordan Valley, Oregon which led to Idaho and Utah. You get paid to go everywhere you got to see places that people pay to see. There’s a saying in the industry that our job is better than your best vacation so it definitely pays.” Glenda jokingly said the best part of the Wildland firefighters is, “the huge ass check,” as the
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pay is quite good for seasonal work. The handcrew average $20,000 for the fire season from April to Sept. “Travis was getting a teaching degree but came home and spent one summer working for the forest service,” Glenda said. “He made more money than any teacher could ever make and he came to me and said, ‘I can’t. I want to fight fire.’” However, Glenda feels differently about Makenzie, as opposed to Travis, because she is one of few women in an all-male crew. “It’s definitely a hard job physically and mentally,” Makenzie said. “You really have to hold yourself accountable, you can’t play the woman card. You have to be just as good as the next person; the crew relies on you.” All that pressure to perform makes the preparations for fire season a necessity. Makenzie mountain bikes to build endurance, frequents the gym and hikes. That is until mid-March when she found out that she tore her meniscus. She knows her options: have surgery and spend six weeks rehabbing her leg back to normal, or use pain management and acupuncture to work through the fire season. Surgery would have her sitting out the first four weeks of her already shortened fire season because of her late start due to finishing the school semester. Working through the season could be painful without the surgery, hiking for miles on two bones pinching her torn tendon. This could put her in danger in times of close fires and limit her ability to maneuver quickly. For her mother, Glenda, that is one more reason to worry about her only daughter out on the fire lines. Makenzie’s background in college athletics help ease Glenda’s worries. She played soccer for Mesa Community College, and knows the physicality required and what she needs to do for a team. “Yes I worry about how the injury is going to hold up,” Glenda said. “But sometimes you just have to take what you’re given and go with it and keep your fingers crossed.” Makenzie doesn’t want to have any office time or for her crew to tell her to stay back. So, with
Photos courtesy of Makenzie Mabery
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