The Lumberjack -- March 3, 2022

THE LUMBER JACK

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH 9, 2022

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FROM THE EDITOR

L

ately my roommate and I haven’t seen much of each other. We are both very busy people — I am always doing something for The Lumberjack or my other various duties within the Media Innovation Center and she is in her first semester of nursing school here at NAU. We used to try to make time here and there to watch a movie together, bake a cake or just talk about our days but that’s become more difficult in the past few months. She’ll leave before I wake up in the morning and I won’t be home until she has gone to bed or vice versa.

It’s interesting how you can quite literally live with someone but not see them for days on end. Spring semester is quickly burning both of us out but CAMILLE we try to keep each other as updated as possible. As an example, here are a SIPPLE few messages I received from my roommate over the past couple of weeks: “Hello I am in an HLC study room right now. Will be here until I can’t, MANAGING or 10 p.m. and change my habitat to the library. I’ll probs plan on seeing ya EDITOR tomorrow bc I’ll be home late.”

“P.S. I have your child in my room, she lay w/me in the quiet until she’s done (realistically she gets up when you come home lol)” My cat — as referenced as my “child” — tends to check on both of us when the other is out being a busy, hard-working woman.

I guess my suggestion to anyone experiencing the same roommate/bestie shaped crater in their lives as me is to try to make time for each other when you can. Whether that’s putting butcher paper up on a wall so you can both write how you’re feeling at any given moment or simply taking all your homework to the library together to share a study room for the day — I personally endorse both of these ideas.

This week, all I ask is that you check in on your roommate or maybe a friend you haven’t seen in a while. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 113 ISSUE 7

Editor-in-Chief MacKenzie Brower Faculty Adviser David Harpster

Managing Editor Camille Sipple Print Chief Lauren Gomez

Director of Marketing Lydia Nelson

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

NAU political debate sparks bipartisanship Continue reading on Jackcentral.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Copy Chief Kylie Soto Director of Digital Content and Social Media Emily Gerdes

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board News Editor Mark Fabery Asst. Op-Ed Editor Jessie McCann

Asst. Culture Editor Haylee Sorensen Director of Illustration Brittani Poeppel

Senior Reporter William Combs III

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Asst. News Editor Daisy Johnston

Online News Editor Josh Ostby

Op-Ed Editor Marley Green

Features Editor Hannah Elsmore

Asst. Features Editor John Chaffeur

Culture Editor Katelyn Rodriguez

Asst. Sports Editor Will Hopkins

Sports Adviser Rory Faust

Sports Editor Brenden Martin Director of Multimedia Shawn Patti

Senior Photographer Madison Easton

Director of Photography Brian Burke

Senior Photographer Jonah Graham

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Asst. Dir. of Photography Megan Ford-Fyffe

Asst. Print Chief Lian Muneno

ON THE COVER The Mr. and Ms. BSU crowns sit on mannequin heads at the front of the du Bois Ballroom at the BSU's fifth annual Black Renaissance, Feb. 26. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email MacKenzie Brower at msb389@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Feb. 21 At 12:03 a.m., a student reported a separate student had been followed near the Health and Learning Center (HLC). NAUPD responded, but no criminal activity was witnessed.

At 11:19 a.m., a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported a vehicle stalled on McConnell Drive, west of Pine Knoll Drive. NAUPD responded and located the vehicle, but found no one in the vehicle. Flagstaff Police At 5:01 p.m., a student Department will handle the reported the theft of their case further as the vehicle was vehicle’s tailgate in lot 62. found off campus.

NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 4:41 p.m., a subject reported multiple people At 7:20 p.m., a W.A. sledding down the roof of the Franke College of Business Skydome. Officers responded, building staff member but no contact was made. requested assistance locking their door.

NAUPD At 5:46 p.m., a subject responded, and assistance was reported a person sledding provided. down the roof of McDonald Hall. NAUPD responded and Feb. 22 advised the subject to stop.

At 12:58 p.m., a student reported an abandoned At 10:03 p.m., a student scooter outside of Wilson reported multiple subjects Hall. NAUPD responded and throwing snowballs at passing the item was brought in for vehicles in the San Francisco safekeeping.

Parking Garage. NAUPD responded, but no contact was At 4:41 p.m., a staff made. member reported a possible bomb threat at an unknown Feb. 24 location. NAUPD responded, At 1:05 p.m., a and the case remains open Performing and Fine Arts pending an investigation. employee reported that another employee fell and hit At 9:04 p.m., a student their head. NAUPD, Flagstaff reported someone hit their Fire Department (FFD) and vehicle and fled the scene at Guardian Medical Transport the intersection of Knoles (GMT) responded, and the Drive and University Drive. employee was transported to NAUPD responded and took Flagstaff Medical Center. a report.

At 11:29 p.m., Sechrist At 10:44 p.m., officers Hall staff requested assistance reported assisting several locating the strong odor of nail motorists stuck in the snow in polish. NAUPD responded lot 31. and assistance was provided.

Feb. 23 At 12:26 a.m., a University Safety Aide reported he had taken NAUPD property to his Gabaldon Hall residence. The Aide requested an officer meet him to return the property; assistance was provided.

Compiled by Mark fabery

At 2:29 p.m., a student requested an officer standby while retrieving property from an ex-girlfriend at McConnell Hall. NAUPD responded but the student was not in her room.

At 7:07 p.m., a Cowden Hall RA reported damage to multiple room placards.

NAUPD responded and took a report.

Feb. 26 At 11:52 a.m., a University Union Field House staff member reported a subject acting disorderly. NAUPD responded, but no contact was made with the subject.

At 5:11 p.m., a HLC staff member reported a subject that had passed out. NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded. One non-student was identified and warned of trespass.

At 11:01 p.m., The Coop staff reported a water leak in the ceiling. An officer was able to shut off the water until maintenance arrived.

Feb. 27 At 4:07 a.m., a fire alarm was reported going off in Allen Hall. NAUPD and FFD responded; the alarm was caused by someone using a fire extinguisher.

At 4:48 a.m., a Hilltop Townhomes resident reported another student knocking on a door. NAUPD responded, and found the student had been locked out of their apartment.

Feb. 25 Staff was contacted, and At 8:17 a.m., a Student assistance was provided.

Athlete High Performance Center staff member reported a student with chest pain.

NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded, but the student refused medical transport.

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MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Southside residents tired of excessive noise Josh Ostby

S

ome residents of Southside neighborhood have said they cannot sleep, and they want the city to do something about it. Nights when Downtown Flagstaff may be the most vibrant, with bars and restaurants packed with college students and tourists, are the same nights that homeowners in the area feel they are the most distressed.

Southside resident Candace Ryan has lived in her home for five years and feels that over time, the noise has progressively worsened. Specifically, she cites the changing of new owners in some Southside bars and clubs like the Southside Tavern as a reason for this.

“The first owner, we had no problem,” Ryan said. “It was run as a tavern or as an eatery. So there was just some live music here and there, but it would stop around dark. Then, the second owner continued that model and then changed it to this kind of college nightclub.”

Ryan said while the business model changed during the second owner’s tenure, whenever she had a problem, the tavern would accommodate it. Now, she sees it happening again with the

third owner, but accommodations have not been made.

This culminated in Southside Tavern facing prosecution by the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) for not complying with noise complaints. Ryan testified against them in court, however, the charges were dropped.

“This is beyond noise,” Ryan said. “This is a social justice issue too because research shows that there’s more noise pollution in minority and lower income areas and I would say the Southside definitely falls under that. So it’s not just noise. It’s not just us.”

Recently, Ryan made these complaints a matter of public record when she and another Flagstaff resident, Malisa Szalkiewicz, appealed to city councilmembers to consider drafting a new noise ordinance for the Southside area.

“I think it’d be great if we could create a code that was more specific to the south side of the tracks,” Szalkiewicz said. “The north side [by] Wheeler Park has some limitations and the city has already become very active in the residents of Wheeler Park.

[They help them] with the ability to sleep well and not be affected by the noise levels.”

There are already codes in place that attempt to prohibit large and noisy gatherings such as the Party Nuisance Ordinance

that has been in effect since 2015.

FPD’s public information officer, Sgt. Odis Brockman, explained the benefits of the prior ordinance and said it has shown to be effective.

“The current ordinance enacted in 2015 is a civil offense where the fine increases with repeated offenses,” Brockman said.

“The benefit to the city and its residences was to have a more effective ordinance to address a concern in the community. With the new ordinance we have seen a decrease in repeat offenses.

However, these parties do still take place and officers have the ordinance available to take appropriate enforcement action if it is necessary.”

When Southside Tavern was cited for noise complaints, the charges were dropped since the Party Nuisance Ordinance only applies to residential homes and not businesses.

College fraternities are typically the focus of this kind of police intervention, though Southside residents and fraternity members feel like this attention is misdirected.

John “Jack” Piekarz, a Delta Tau Delta member since 2020, said he has some experience with police cracking down on their events that left a bad taste in his mouth. He described unfair

Snow melts on the outside of Southside Tavern, a restaurant in the Southside neighborhood of Flagstaff, Feb. 24. Jacob Handley| The Lumberjack

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NEWS treatment from police and neighbors for events that do not warrant cops showing up.

“They came over to our place at the beginning of last semester when we were having our poker night,” Piekarz said.

“The neighbor texted the host, like, ‘Hey, I hear noise.’ It was because someone won and they yelled and then all of a sudden she’s like, ‘I’m calling the cops.’ We tried explaining that someone had won and we would be quiet but … then, we had to end the whole thing at like 10 p.m.”

Piekarz described another event where the fraternity hosted a charity pie sale downtown that also got shut down because it was too rowdy for the neighborhood.

“It was for charity!” Piekarz said. “It’s just unfair how close they watch us.”

Other fraternity members share the same belief that their events get unfairly monitored, especially on their unofficial “greek row” on Fontaine Street.

Pi Kappa Alpha member, Drew Elliott, said he feels the police should focus more of their energy on monitoring downtown, especially if that is the area where the majority of Flagstaff residents are having issues.

“Fontaine is just a rinky-dink little Greek Life row where people just party,” Elliott said. “If people are having those same issues downtown, too, and it’s not being taken seriously in the cops’ mind then I feel like that’s an issue people should go after, because, at the end of the day, that’d be annoying the crap out of me, too.”

Elliott added police patrol their street every night. He said it will happen when they are not even throwing a party so he knows the calls are not coming from neighbors, who Elliott says they are all close with.

By focusing on the fraternities over the Southside problems, Elliott worries that it could lead to a worse situation occurring downtown that the police would not be there to handle.

“What if one time a cop is patrolling our freaking street when he needs to be downtown, and somebody is in trouble,” Elliott said. “So honestly, you just never know and I feel like a more concentrated force downtown would be helpful for everyone in the city.”

So far, the only solution would be the one already proposed, a new noise ordinance which would have stricter evaluations for noise that utilize methods like decibel monitoring to gauge residential disruptions.

“A separate noise ordinance may be necessary to address noise concerns outside of a large party setting and to address the vehicle noise concerns that have been presented to council,” Brockman said. “At this point any changes to the ordinance are up to the Flagstaff City Council and will be decided by them.”

However, Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy said he feels a new noise ordinance should not be hastily implemented.

He said if the city starts considering variables like decibel monitoring, it is going to start infringing on private residents too much.

“There’s different ways to measure sound,” Deasy said.

“There’s a difference between holding a private residence responsible for a couple of patrons who are laughing on the side of the street, as opposed to a loud bass [from a bar] that shakes people’s windows while their 4-year-old needs to sleep. We need to be careful distinguishing between the two and charge those separate acts appropriately.”

Councilmember Jim McCarthy, a mechanical engineer

“There’s a difference between holding a private residence responsible for a couple of patrons who are laughing on the side of the street, as opposed to a loud bass [from a bar] that shakes people’s windows while their 4-year-old needs to sleep.”

– Mayor Paul Deasy who did his master’s thesis on “noise issues,” described this issue as complex, though he admits he understands where the homeowners are coming from, and said he has definitely heard some “big ass noise” coming from downtown bars.

“We’re trying to strike a balance: Protect the rights of the bar owners, but also protect the rights of the neighbors that need a little peace and quiet in their own house,” McCarthy said. “So, that’s sometimes not an easy thing to do and neither side would probably be happy in the end.”

When asked if a decibel-focused ordinance would be the best solution for combatting incessant noise, he said it was only one part of the equation.

“The number by itself is completely meaningless. So that’s what we’re kind of working on and it’s probably going to be a few more months before we resolve that issue,” McCarthy said.

Until then, residents like Ryan are hopeful the bars will listen to their complaints and lower the noise until a motion is made by the city that will help them sleep. Ryan said she holds no ill will, she and her neighbors just want this problem to be treated with consideration.

“The college is vibrant and brings a lot of great things to this town,” Ryan said. “So this isn’t about not liking a college town or anything specific like that, and we love small businesses. But this is a funny area. The Southside is a very unique area. I don’t think that it comes from not caring per se, I think there’s just a lack of understanding of how the sound actually moves through the neighborhood.”

The owners of Southside Tavern were not available for comment at the time of writing.

A crow perches in front of the sign for the Motel Downtowner, a historic motel in the Southside neighborhood of Flagstaff, Feb. 25. Jacob Handley| The Lumberjack

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Ducey gives “State of The State” address

Two students join in support and hold up signs promoting public education for the students of Arizona outside of the High Country Conference Center in hopes of having Gov. Doug Ducey see and hear them, Feb. 18. Madison Easton| The Lumberjack

William Combs III

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ov. Doug Ducey gave his “State of the State” address at the NAU High Country Conference Center Feb. 18, which sparked a protest from some students.

Ducey spoke before the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce (GFCC) annual meeting luncheon, a business gathering with appearances from Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy and some members of the state legislature. The meeting also hosted the ATHENA leadership awards, which recognizes female business leaders.

Starting off his eighth, and last, annual address Ducey listed off his administration’s work over his two terms. He said those accomplishments were a result of his conservative policies and focus on the taxpayer over big government.

“It’s really not that complicated; it’s just basic common sense,” Ducey said. “Government takes in more than it needs to pay the bills, and the taxpayer should get to keep his or her hard-earned dollars.”

Ducey then went on to speak on the future of the state, and what he has in place for the next year before his term ends. Regarding COVID-19, he acknowledged the loss in education many K-12 students faced as a result of online learning. To get students back on track, he announced a summer camp starting in June with a focus on math, reading and American civics.

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“Families have seen their kids fall behind,” Ducey said. “There’s been too much attention put on masks and not nearly enough placed on math, a focus on restrictions rather than reading and writing.

And it’s students of color and those in poverty who have been most impacted by the COVID-era posturing and politics of some school board bureaucrats.”

Ducey wrapped up his speech by speaking about plans for the future. He announced a proposal for a $1 billion desalination plan, stronger border security and infrastructure improvements.

Following Ducey’s speech, GFCC CEO Julie Pastrick, announced the recipients of this year’s local ATHENA leadership awards. The nonprofit organization focuses on educating and honoring female leaders across different fields. The awards are given to women who have shown excellence in their field and have helped other women along the way.

Since 2007, the GFCC has included The Young Professional Award, along with the main ATHENA award to recognize emerging female business leaders who have inspired young women in their field.

Pastrick announced Amanda Guay, director of Community Health at North Country Healthcare, as the recipient of the ATHENA award. This year’s recipient of The Young Professional Award was Holly Lauridsen, a product specialist for W.L. Gore and Associates.

As the meeting came to an end and people began to walk outside, shouting could be heard from the sidewalk across the street. These shouts were calls of protest from a group of NAU students,

NEWS organized by members of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA).

Alexa Franco, community organizer and member of LUCHA, said the group is trying to bring attention to many bills in the Arizona legislature that have been ignored. Franco also said Ducey only respects and acknowledges the views of his party, not all his constituents.

“We are out here today because there are a lot of bills in the Arizona legislature that are not getting enough attention,” Franco said. “For example, the voting bills, CRT, AEL are being overridden which is only a temporary Band-Aid solution, as well as other things like workers wages and things like that.”

The Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) was passed in 1980 by a ballot initiative that limited how much K-12 public schools can spend in a school year. The state has already reached the limit for the 2021-2022 school year. Consequently, Arizona legislature has been

deciding between overriding the limit school districts can spend or deal with a 16% budget cut that would lead to layoffs and increased class sizes.

Although the Arizona legislature voted to override the AEL on Feb. 22 for the current year, Franco and the protesters said it is not enough, and argued for a larger solution to this problem.

Franco said she was there to demonstrate against Ducey’s political tendencies, but also against the ATHENA awards, which she added do not include enough women of color.

“I heard from the inside it was predominantly white women, and the title of the awards ceremony was for women that don’t get recognized, but in my experience, women of color do not normally get recognized so that was disappointing to me,” Franco said.

Franco said she wants more people to be aware of the bills passed in the state legislature so that the constituents make more informed decisions at the polls.

To read Ducey’s entire speech, go to his official website.

“I heard from the inside it was predominantly white women, and the title of the awards ceremony was for women that don’t get recognized, but in my experience, women of color do not normally get recognized so that was disappointing to me.”

– Alexa Franco, community organizer of Lucha

Left: Two women take a selfie as Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey presents his keynote speech for the annual ATHENA awards ceremony at the High Country Conference Center, Feb. 18.

Right: NAU’s LUCHA, Living United for Change in Arizona, stand outside of the High Country Conference Center protesting the education policies upheld by Gov. Doug Ducey, Feb. 18.

Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Faculty cope with SBS West overheating Xavier Juarez

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he College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) West building has been experiencing heating issues in recent weeks. It has been a recurring problem for those who spend time in the building, however some say the issue started around Feb. 18.

Kendra Garland is the academic program coordinator for the Department of Social Work and works on the bottom floor of SBS West. She said the heat has caused a slight shift in how she and her department works.

“We’ve had to take more breaks,” Garland said. “I know, working down here, with students, we have to go outside because it gets too hot to work. It’s definitely taking a toll, and I feel like it makes things a little more on edge.”

Garland said the heat has been an ongoing issue for the building. Having worked in SBS West for the past two years, she noted it is common for heating issues to coincide with weather changes.

While she does not mind the heat, Garland said it can be annoying to adapt to new temperatures. Even with a separate temperature control unit in her workspace, Garland has had to face the increasing temperature head on.

“Anytime that there’s a change, it’s either super cold or just super hot,” Garland said. “We always bring layers, and we end up taking more breaks and do different things like that — I have faculty who have blankets in their offices because it can get super cold.”

Garland warns that if the heating remains an issue, students should be prepared.

“I just feel like students need to know — my opinion would be that you just come prepared,” Garland said. “Whether that’s a tank top or a sherpa, you come prepared. Dress in layers, [that is one of the] Flagstaff rules.”

Garland said the heat on the second floor was much worse due to the higher number of classrooms and offices. She noted there was a tangible difference in the temperature between each floor — her’s being the coolest of the three.

The overwhelming temperature of the building has even been the punchline of professor Charles Hammersley’s jokes about a staff lounge overhaul.

“We’re going to start a terrarium, a commercial terrarium, for tropical plants,” Hammersley said. “[It will be] in the faculty lounge area. That way we can start making some money off of it.”

Hammersley was not alone in thinking the heat was excessive.

Amber King, the Administrative Services senior assistant for the geography, planning and recreation department, said the heat came as a surprise for her.

“It’s been fun, although a bit on the warmer side,” King said.

“I brought in my own little baby swamp cooler from home because my office was probably about 85, 86 degrees. I was dressed like summer, and then the rest of the staff was in coats.”

King, who is a new staff member, said the problem was unexpected. Having only worked for NAU since December 2021, she had no idea it would get like this. To combat the heat, King has added a small fan to her office in addition to the cooler.

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She said these have helped her stay cool over the past week, a luxury she acknowledged students have not been afforded in the classroom.

“It felt like summer,” King said. “It was so warm that when you touched the door, it felt like sun was shining on the door. We had a classroom downstairs, our room 117, that was even warmer.

At least I could bring in things for my own personal use.”

King said the department chair tried to see if it was possible to get a portable air conditioning unit or a swamp cooler, but the lack of an exhaust for the machines meant it was not likely

to happen.

In order to avoid the heat, King said, she knew of some faculty who chose to work remotely while others opened up the windows they had in their office to let in some of the cool air.

As a result of this, she said she has had to go the extra mile in layering her clothes to make the most of the weather while also not overheating in the building.

NAU Operations and Maintenance did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

The exterior of the Social and Behavioral Sciences West Building is depicted with snowfall around it, despite the inside feeling warm and being met with complaints from students, Feb. 25. Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

NEWS

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

Etsy provides important opport Emily Gerdes

According to TikTok, you may not be “that girl”

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ikTok is known for creating new trends very quickly. Containing a base of over 1 billion users, this does not come as a surprise to me. However, the messages these specific trends push toward women are discouraging.

Over the last month, there has been one consistent trend on my “for you page.” It usually consists of women LAUREN GOMEZ showing what I would consider nearPRINT CHIEF perfect snippets of a day in their life.

With its hashtag acquiring over 1.4 billion views on TikTok, this trend is commonly known as the “that girl aesthetic,” or the “that girl” trend.

Don’t get me wrong — I have found myself one or two hours deep into the rabbit hole of these videos because, to be quite frank, they are pleasing to watch. Still, it is hard for me to watch these videos and not feel a little frustrated.

When did we decide the definition of “that girl” includes wearing matching workout sets, drinking green juices and waking up before the crack of dawn?

The trend has created an unhealthy comparison to someone whose daily life does not consist of these things. It feeds into the idea that if you do not relate to these lifestyles, then you are not what people consider to be “that girl.”

Natalia Seliger, a TikTok creator, posted a video this past week discussing this very matter.

“While this trend might look aesthetically pleasing, healthy and inspirational, it can be very toxic in the way that it only shows the highlights,” Seliger said.

Most creators who post about the trend discuss the common idea that the “that girl aesthetic” videos are often deceiving; they are filmed solely for TikTok and are not an accurate representation of their day.

Yet, the aesthetic does not stop at what you eat and what you wear. Other components of this trend also include having a minimalistic style in one’s house or apartment, which is hard to achieve as minimalist decor is known to be expensive.

The more of us, TikTok creators or not, who bring this matter into conversation, the better women will feel about their not-so-perfect everyday lifestyle.

The “that girl aesthetic” translates to having consistent healthy habits and doing what makes you feel good. So, if this means waking up later in the day, eating ice cream for dinner and only exercising once per week, then you, too, are “that girl.” Don’t let any TikTok creator tell you otherwise.

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tarting a business can be hard, especially in today’s society. Etsy provides an accessible opportunity for those passions to be pursued.

Everyone from 13-year-olds selling duct tape wallets to widows selling linen aprons can find their place on the platform.

Customization is also a very large part of Etsy. Consumers can find postcards, frames, photo collages, coffee cups, book memorabilia and endless paraphernalia for movies, books, fandoms and music.

Some of my favorite presents I have gifted or received have been custommade on Etsy. When products are personalized, it gains more sentimental value and have a greater chance of being preserved and cherished for years to come.

There is also a human element present on this site ­— the customer can

have a conversation with the person making their product. In the world of mass production and fast fashion, it is easy to forget an actual person is making your leather wallet, the stickers on your computer, the pin on your backpack or your favorite bookmark.

Within “c o r p o r a t e A m e r i c a ,” starting your own business can be a very costly and time consuming endeavor.

Etsy eliminates many barriers of the traditional business pathway.

Illustration By Tonesha Yazzie

Etsy takes advantage of s Maria Rodriguez

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hether it’s handmade earrings, clay mugs or art prints, Etsy will find some way to make money from your goods.

Founded in 2005, Etsy is an online marketplace which allows anyone to sell or buy products, crafts, art, clothes, jewelry and more to 31.7 million active buyers. Many sellers on the platform are small businesses that making or procure the items listed on the site.

As Etsy shop owners and online buyers know, fees can add up at the blink of an eye. One second you make money, and the next, Etsy swoops in for the steal.

According to Statista, in 2020 over 4,000 active sellers were listed on Etsy — a 61% increase from the previous year.

That’s a lot of competition for product visibility, and Etsy hasn’t made it easy for small businesses to stand out.

On one of Etsy’s community forums, RedBarnCandlesCo posted

about its difficulty with the search engine optimization (SEO).

“After over a year of consistently showing as #1 for the majority of searches pertaining to my product, we seem to have fallen off a cliff about a month ago.

I’m quite experienced with SEO and have two successful businesses on Amazon.com … However, Etsy is quite a joke in my opinion,” RedBarnCandlesCo said.

Etsy’s solution to a difficult search result system is to advertise shops above others for a fee.

The “Risk-Free Advertising Service,” which Etsy automatically enrolls users in, promotes businesses to consumers and then charges sellers 15% for every sale referred.

Etsy shops that have made $10,000 or more from sales within a year are required to participate in the advertising service.

If a shop never makes $10,000 in a year again, it will still be forced to pay for advertising it might not want or even be able to afford.

The company gives those small businesses a discounted rate. Instead of

charging 15% for advertising fees, it is 12%. But that’s still 12% of potential profits for small businesses that is placed in Etsy’s pocket.

But the fees don’t end at advertisements. Users pay 20 cents for each listing on their page which expires after four months, with an additional 20 cents re-listing fee after a sale in order to continue selling that item. If you sell multiples of a product, it’s 20 cents per additional quantity.

For example, a person making coffee stickers has 10 to sell. They would pay 20 cents to add those stickers to their shop from just selling the one sticker design.

When someone buys all 10 coffee stickers, the seller pays 20 cents for each sticker sold — an additional $1.80.

If the shop owner wants to continue selling more of those coffee stickers, they’d be charged for the listing again and then pay more if they want to add different stickers or other merchandise to their shop.

From the sale, Etsy then charges a transaction fee that’s 5% of the total sale,

tunities for small businesses Typically, business owners would need to establish their own website, understand search engine optimization, how to cater to their audience and how to attract an audience — in addition to the financial component of running a business. Etsy provides the steps and support needed to start and continue a business, which can be comforting to a new business owner.

This guidance would not be possible on a larger scale, where mistakes can mean the end of a contract with a retail company. There is little room for a learning curve.

They are also very supportive of Blackowned businesses and other marginalized individuals who use the site to sell their products.

Etsy has created sections of their website where these businesses are given additional attention, and female-owned businesses are spotlighted in their email newsletter.

Etsy’s 2015 “Building an Etsy Economy: The New Face of Creative Entrepreneurship” report revealed 86% of their sellers were female, many of whom were young adults on top of that. Whereas on a nationwide level, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council noted

40% of businesses were owned by women in 2018. These two numbers show Etsy is a platform that empowers female sellers to start their own businesses.

Etsy has provided owners with the capability to close their storefront while they restock. If the people running the shop are going through a rough time or simply want to take a break, they have the ability to do so. Running a business alone can be overwhelming, and allowing sellers to temporarily stop production shows the value the company sees in them.

Etsy wants to see their sellers be successful.

It has created a user-friendly interface, not only for the buyer, but the seller as well.

Its algorithm allows smaller businesses to appear beside larger ones in consumers’ search results.

As a corporation, Etsy also acknowledges its impact on the environment, which is why in 2020 it began offsetting carbon emissions from shipping and packaging.

In addition, Etsy has taken the extra step to run entirely off of renewable energy. Etsy has set an ambitious goal and a precedent for larger

companies to follow with the plan to have net zero emissions by 2030.

The site also hosts a multitude of plasticfree storefronts. When working with a large company, shipping and packaging with entirely compostable products is difficult, if not impossible. Etsy provides shipping options for environmentally-conscious consumers.

The company also encourages a hybrid workplace for its employees, which has been proven to create a much healthier work environment and increase productivity.

A study by Great Place to Work, which analyzed Fortune 500 company employees, proved productivity, adaptability and general morale all improved when a hybrid workplace was instituted. By initiating this change, Etsy demonstrates appreciation for its employees and an effort to prioritize their wellbeing over increased profits.

In the past, Etsy has been associated with some problematic behavior from sellers imitating art, among other issues. However, these should not discount the small businesses that have made a home on this platform.

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Those who stay up until late hours of the night processing orders, designing websites, filing their own taxes and responding to direct messages should not be punished for a few bad apples.

Without the presence of Etsy, an independent jewelry designer would not be able to sell their product to a range of customers in every state. Storefronts that take advantage of the platform should be held accountable, but the millions of other users should not have to suffer at the other’s expense.

The next time you are desiring a customized product, a niche gift, or a homemade item, I urge you to look toward the small business owners who call Etsy their home.

small businesses with another 5% for the shipping transaction fee, calculated from the paid shipping price.

It can become expensive quickly if users also decide to offer free shipping, like in this TikTok video. The shop CargoThrifts showed a portion of their Etsy receipt, paying $31.35 for just shipping on only one of their orders.

For all of the lucky Etsy users who reside in the United States, they also get the privilege of paying for a payment processing fee that’s 3% of the total sale, plus 25 cents.

Not to worry, it’s not all bad. The company does make one notion extremely simple for business owners to grasp: If you have a negative balance after a month, you’ll be stuck paying Etsy on the first of the next month.

When a website meant to sell items can leave small business owners with a negative balance, it might take higher prices to make a decent profit. Just make sure the prices aren’t too high, or people will then buy from other sellers with lower prices.

The lure of free shipping might help with sales too, but as the TikTok and Etsy user from the video explained, it can come with a steep cost.

Thankfully for the company, Etsy doesn’t have to deal with the trial and error process of deciding prices or how to pay for the upfront costs associated with listing products to sell. It leaves all the confusion, anxiety, fees and stress to the sellers.

Some users rely on Etsy for their livelihood, a way to support their family. But given how the company treats them based on their growth of popularity, it can be too much of a gamble. Who knows what mandatory rules and percentage changes will be implemented in the next year?

Etsy is certainly well-versed in taking advantage of entrepreneurs.

Depending on Etsy means sellers have to accept the fact that it will take its cut of their hard-earned money, and not everyone will benefit from it.

I can only expect Etsy — like most corporations — will continue to secure more profits taken from the earnings of small businesses.

Etsy’s profits demonstrate capitalism at its worst. If Etsy wanted to, it could charge less, but why would it do that?

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

The return of the Black Renaissance B John Chaffeur

lack and brown Americans have popularized Black history and culture in new, creative ways of thinking about music, media, fashion and more.

There are Black Student Unions (BSU) at universities across the country. BSUs are an important step torward creating a more inclusive community for Black students at predominantly white universities. Additionally, they provide a platform to people from all walks of life to celebrate Black excellence and provide a safe space for members to express themselves.

BSUs aim to share Black history and culture with everyone who is willing to be part of the community.

Senior and BSU member, Tehya Morison, emphasized that the BSU is hospitable toward everyone.

“I put emphasis on Black students because it is held by the Black Student Union, but anybody is welcome. We don’t judge or anything,” Morison said. “We actually hope that other people of other cultures’ backgrounds come to this event because it is showcasing who we are.”

NAU’s BSU hosts many events that celebrate the history and lived experience of Black and brown history and culture, allowing people to feel accepted for who they are.

One of these events is the annual Black Renaissance.

“We the BSU have a mission to uplift Black and brown individuals to know that they are Black excellence,” the Black Renaissance pamphlet stated.

The BSU hosted its Black Renaissance Feb. 26. The event was filled to the brim with performances, heartfelt speeches, food and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. BSU. Sophomore and BSU member Amya Anderson was the host for the event.

“This was kind of a starting point for me to do public speaking more, so I was pretty excited to get the opportunity in the first place,” Anderson said.“It was just pretty fun interacting with the crowd.”

Anderson said her goal as the host was to provide a platform for the BSU and its members.

“I was talking about how it’s to not take for granted sharing who we are, sharing our expression, what it means to have the opportunity as Black people to be present right now … no other ancestors have had this opportunity as we do now,” Anderson said.

BSU President, senior Kobe Lee, said the performances and speeches were her favorite parts of the evening.

“It was really exciting for me to see unique artists that I care about so much come up and be themselves, speak on their creativity, being open or uniqueness,” Lee said.

Two of the performers, senior Dion Jones and freshman Makayla Wilbon, both took the stage along with others to perform their works of art and tell stories.

Jones said he fills his poems with eloquent wording and verbiage through telling his personal life story and lived experiences.

“I know, from my perspective, that poetry starts with an idea; even if it’s not perfect, just move from there,” Jones said.

Wilbon said she was proud of everyone who attended the event.

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“I am so excited, it turned out very well, I’m so proud of our BSU group, the girls that ran for Mrs. BSU, the guys that ran for Mr. BSU,” Wilbon said. “It was a great experience for my first Black Renaissance.”

Jones and Wilbon are also members of Soul Sugar, another club that collaborated with the BSU for this event. Soul Sugar focuses on different art forms that students express and perform in front of each other at open mic nights.

Included in the evening was the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. BSU. Seniors Hannah Imohi and Charles Watson were crowned the winners.

“I’m so excited to be Mrs. BSU because I love my community,” Imohi said. “I’ve been a part of the Black Student Union since [I was a] freshman.”

Imohi also spoke about their own personal growth at the university and with the BSU. “Before I came here [NAU], I wasn’t confident in my blackness, I wasn’t confident as a woman, I wasn’t confident in my queerness, and because of BSU, because of the people I met, I’ve become a better person, I’ve grown from that,” Imohi said.

Watson described how it felt being crowned Mr. BSU. “It feels like I just won the NBA Finals,” Watson said. “This is my first Black Renaissance actually … after just winning it and seeing all my friends performing stuff like that, it’s been such a great night.”

Hosting an event like the Black Renaissance takes months of planning and organization. Senior and BSU member Mykael Cooper talked about the work it took to cultivate a night such as this one.

“This is hard work, but it is worth it in the end … when you get to see all your people and guests come in and just enjoy themselves and have a good time, I feel like that is the reward for all of our events,” Cooper said.

Cooper also conveyed the larger meaning of this event and others similar to it.

“Just the importance of Black History Month, Black Renaissance, MLK Day, and all of these events are coming together and having a good time enjoying one another’s company, and getting to know more and more about our culture,” Cooper said.

Although the planning for the Black Renaissance was a success, there were still barriers due to COVID-19 — which led to the cancellation of the event last year.

Senior Makenna Billingsley is the BSU social media manager.

She spoke about the effect COVID-19 has had on the BSU, and said this event provides an outlet for members of the community.

“Being able to have it this year I think is really important, and also a lot of them didn’t have prom night and those kinds of things, just events like this bring us all together,” Billingsley said.

“It’s a safe space, it’s an outlet, it’s somewhere for people to have their voices be heard.”

NAU is home to just over 1000 Black students — approximately 4% of the student body — and COVID-19 significantly impacted their sense of community, Morison said.

“Last year it was really hard because everybody was either home or in their dorms and campus was pretty much a ghost town. It was really hard to connect with others, especially being

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“Before I came here [NAU], I wasn’t confident in my blackness, I wasn’t confident as a woman, I wasn’t confident in my queerness, and because of BSU because of the people I met, I’ve become a better person, I’ve grown from that.”

– Senior Hannah Imohi at a PWI [predominantly white institution],” Morison said.

Morison brought up how the Black Renaissance allows people to truly be themselves.

“Some people are out in traditional African wear, dreadlocks or wigs or whatever that we do with our hair, with our clothes, with our culture,” Morison said. “It’s just really nice to see other people come in and not only embrace, but also interact with us and ​​try and change some perspectives out there.”

Morison also said it is important to have events like these so people can have the opportunity to have an open mind and bring new conversations to the table.

Billingsley expressed the importance this event has for Black students at NAU. “I think that that’s super important for specifically the Black community to feel like their voices are heard and to feel uplifted because that voice has been stripped from us for so long,” Billingsley said.

One of the objectives of the BSU and the Black Renaissance is to uplift Black voices and share the experience of living in a world that historically discriminates. The BSU shares the history of the contributions of Black people to the world as a whole.

Martin Tease, adviser for the BSU as well as coordinator for the Office of Inclusion, said how happy he was for his students and their ability to connect with one another. He also shared the many contributions that Black students have had at NAU. “I think it’s always a benefit for this university, for other students who may not identify within the Black or African American community, to understand the greatness, the contributions, the hard work that has gone on, the period around the world globally … and even when you look at a little town in Flagstaff, we make history here,” Tease said.

Tease said the additions of Black heritage to American culture have been massive for the country and it is important to uplift those stories. That is why events like the Black Renaissance are so important, he explained.

“They have their friends from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, clubs, and organizations here, and I think it lets them know that they’re loved, that they’re respected, that their presence is needed and warranted on campus,” Tease said.

Tease said the Black Renaissance gives Black students a space to feel conformable and see each other “shine.”

“Black history is American history, and it’s something that should be celebrated year-long,” Tease said.

Information on upcoming BSU and Soul Sugar events can be found on their social media.

FEATURES

Hannah Imohi and Charles Watson stand together after being announced as Mr. and Ms. BSU during the BSU’s fifth annual Black Renaissance in the du Bois Ballroom, Feb. 26.

Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

Tracye Moore dances with students at the end of the BSU’s fifth annual Black Renaissance in the du Bois Ballroom, Feb. 26. Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

The Mr. and Ms. BSU crowns sit on mannequin heads at the front of the du Bois Ballroom at the BSU’s fifth annual Black Renaissance, Feb. 26. Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

Ms. Bernadine Lewis gives an inspirational speech at the BSU’s fifth annual Black Renaissance in the du Bois Ballroom, Feb. 26.

Omar N. Gonzalez| The Lumberjack

Karla Wilkins gets her picture taken at the photo booth during the BSU’s fifth annual Black Renaissance in the du Bois Ballroom, Feb. 26.

Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

CREATIVE CORNER

The seasons are changing, why aren’t I?

I

used to be so fond of the cold. Gloomy weather comforted my clouded mind. The rain reminded me that everything, even the Earth, must cry.

Snow — like my impertinent judgment — engulfs the truth and buries it for months.

The fog came in from the ocean, thick and cold, leaving no sign of what lies among it. I remember wishing that fog could encompass my brain, blurring the thoughts that kept me up at night.

HANNAH ELSMORE FEATURES EDITOR

Dusk would arrive, and the world was dark. The sunset marked another day wasted. Another day closer to the warmer months.

The seasons are always changing.

I hated the spring. The flowers would bloom without me. I always wondered, “When is it my turn?”

The summer was the worst. If the sun was out, why did I just want to remain inside? This gave me no excuse to hibernate in my quarters.

“Want to go to the beach?” No. “Want to go on a hike?” No. “Want to have a picnic?” No, no, no.

Everyday, I wondered when it would be my turn to let the light in. To befriend the warmth. To be held by the ocean.

The seasons are always changing.

Last spring, the wind felt stronger. The wind became its own character. I imagined it was dancing around me, picking me up and placing me down.

Wind is a lot like me: present in most spaces, but only acknowledged when it is too loud or too strong.

The gentle labors of wind are never noticed. ​​

The spring was gentle to me.

The flowers were the colors of bliss, and the neighborhood stray cat finally let me pet her.

The plant I bought over a year ago was growing. The small flowers blossomed, and I remember thinking, “Maybe it’s my turn.”

The seasons are always changing.

The spring was coming to an end. I was terribly aware of summer’s approach. The consistent rise in temperature felt taunting — but this time — I was prepared.

I needed to have a conversation with the sun.

Continue reading on Jackcentral.com

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THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

Top: Students walk past the University Union on central campus following the winter storm, Feb. 23.

Middle: Students with sleds walk past Reilly Hall as it continues to snow, Feb. 23. Bottom: A person shovels snow beside the Galaxy Diner near Route 66 and West Riordan Road following the winter storm, Feb. 23. Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

AUG. 26 , 2021 – SEPT. 1, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT

Madison Easton M

y first camera was purple and covered in Hello Kitty stickers. The photos consisted of zoo animals and family members from the perspective of a 3-foot-tall 5-yearold. Without a doubt, my skills have progressed alongside my interest and I have found that performance, concert, and really any photography that can capture the life and passion of people is something that fills me with happiness. As I currently seek Biology and Spanish degrees, I’m frequently asked by my colleagues, “What are you doing here?” and to be honest, I often ask myself the same question. Yet, working as a photographer for the student newspaper has proven to be the most fulfilling aspect of my college experience thus far. The speedy deadlines, the breaking news, working with anxious newcomers, unresponsive photo subjects and ever changing management is life-enhancing.

Regardless of my future career, I know that photography and being able to capture that which the world has to offer will hold a place in my life forever.

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

15

NAU Theatre’s production of Camille Sipple

V

ibrant colors stretch across the floor and a projected galaxy of stars blankets the audience. This was the setting audience members experienced upon taking their seats at the NAU Department of Theatre’s latest mainstage show, “Luna.”

Taking place within the Studio Theater, the show debuted Feb. 24 and ended with a Sunday matinee show on Feb. 27. The department describes the play as one for all ages. It tells the story of a young, lonely girl named Soledad who is constantly moving from place to place so her migrant parents may find work. She finds friendship within one of the only constants of her life: The moon. Throughout the play, the moon is embodied and personified by the character Luna, who acts as a friend to Soledad and encourages her to make more friends along her journeys.

The play opens with a song and dance number from Luna, played by freshman Elle Zizzi. Each of Luna’s dance numbers throughout the show are accompanied by glittering colors and lively music. Luna’s eye-catching costume consisted of a silver top and skirt, each embroidered with sparkling floral designs along with an overlaid skirt of silver tulle, twinkling with the lights embedded within it. Streaks of shining silver also adorn Luna’s hair. Zizzi’s character dances across the room with accompanying dancers, dressed in similarly lit-up tulle skirts.

“It’s a big leap to try and make friends ...

We should realize that it’s all ok. We are all weird in our own ways.”

– Sophomore Hayley Diaz The opening number makes way for the entrance of Soledad, a young girl who is constantly distracted by the beauty of the universe around her. Junior Kylie Soto made her mainstage debut with the NAU Theatre department as Soledad. Her character wanders the stage, following her parents as they travel, and one can see the child-like wonder and curiosity in Soto’s eyes as she embodies her character to the fullest extent.

When Soledad’s parents finally coax her to sleep, the stage transforms. Projections of blue galaxies and stars light up the room while Luna makes her way back onstage to greet Soledad.

Luna and Soledad converse beneath the stars — a nightly custom for the two.

Throughout the production, Luna acts as a guiding figure for young Soledad. She consoles the girl when she is friendless and offers advice on how to cope with her family’s constant travels, for each time Soledad gets close to making a friend, her family must leave town again.

At last, Soledad realizes that she does have a friend: Luna.

“The moon is my best friend!” Soledad shouted excitedly after coming to this realization.

Despite finding a friend in the moon, Soledad finally finds human friends as well: A pair of children who share her bookish interests, named Emilio and Frida. Soledad worries about getting

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hurt and losing these new potential friends but Luna, as always, provides her with guidance and advice.

“Taking risks is hard to do, but taking risks builds courage too,” Luna advised Soledad.

Audience members are regarded as “the stars” throughout the production and cast members asked them for advice. Soto and Zizzi said they enjoyed interacting with their audiences and that they had very enthusiastic audience members to work with each night of the production.

“I think our audiences so far have been extremely excited to interact,” Soto said. “I’m in love with it [the show] and I think the audience just had a lot of fun every night.”

Having had past experience with interactive theatre productions, Zizzi said she didn’t mind pushing the audience to respond to her.

Zizzi and Soto’s interactivity with the audience added an aspect of liveliness to the show and its patrons.

Despite a few emotional ups and downs throughout the show — a fight between Soledad and Luna as well as the departure of Soledad’s father — its finale consisted of an immense dance scene involving all of the cast members.

Sophomores Fernando Rubio and Hayley Diaz played Soledad’s new friends, Emilio and Frida. Rubio and Diaz said they truly enjoyed participating in the production because they got to embrace their inner-children to capture the essence of their characters.

“It’s kind of nice because we both fully embodied our characters and they were like the little representations of us,” Diaz said.

There were a few significant aspects of the production that Rubio and Diaz stressed as the main takeaways for their audiences.

“The significance of the show was really friendship and just having courage,” Rubio said.

“It’s a big leap to try and make friends,” Diaz said. “It’s really hard because sometimes you’re worried that you’re too weird or something. We should realize that it’s all OK, we are all weird in our own ways.”

Both Soto and Zizzi emphasized the importance of the bonds they had made among their fellow cast members while producing “Luna.” Zizzi said she is honored to have been able to work with such a wonderful cast while “Luna” developed on the stage.

Soto said one of the most important bonds she made with her fellow cast members was their shared culture as well as creating a new family full of support.

“For some of us it’s a matter of rediscovering our culture and coming back into connection with it and making friends who have similar experiences,” Soto said. “I think it’s been a lot of fun trying to relate it back to the audiences.”

A story of friendship, courage and cultural significance, “Luna” empowered audience members of all ages to take the leap when it comes to friendship — ­­ no matter how frightening it may be.

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School of Art contributes to “Luna” Camille Sipple In collaboration with the theatre department, the NAU School of Art provided students with the opportunity to create oil paintings based upon “Luna.”

Assistant professor Debra Edgerton said she originally tasked her students with creating a piece that referenced the moon and night sky. However, once she was given more information about the play, Edgerton said she provided her students with a summary of the production and let their creativity flow.

“I kept it flexible,” Edgerton said. “They [the students] were able to interpret it as they wanted to because I wanted it to be something creative. I wanted everybody to come in with their own perspectives and their own creativity. That’s the nice thing about working in art. You can have a single idea or theme and it can translate differently based on the individual.”

Edgerton said this was a rare opportunity for her students to use a practical application of their skills and get their artistry displayed for public viewing; the student paintings were hung in the lobby of the Studio Theater during each night of the production.

The students’ final pieces of art in reference to the production were quite impressive, Edgerton said. Each student had extremely different artistic interpretations and each one was beautiful in its own way.

“I thought they did a wonderful job,” Edgerton said. “There was so much creativity. Everybody’s piece was so different from the next person. The colors, and the perspectives, it was just a wide variety of interpretations.”

After the success of her students’ “Luna” paintings, Edgerton said she looks forward to future artistic collaborations with the theatre department as well as other departments across campus.

“There are just so many different ways we can approach and look at different creative endeavors,” Edgerton said.

“Luna” brings life to the stage Kylie Soto (Soledad) and Elle Zizzi (Luna) perform on opening night of the NAU theatre production “Luna” in the Studio Theater, Feb. 24. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

Kylie Soto (Soledad), Fernando Rubio (Emilio), and Hayley Diaz (Frida) perform to a sold out crowd on opening night of the NAU theatre production “Luna” in the Studio Theater, Feb. 24.

Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

Left: Kylie Soto (Soledad), Isaiah Moran (Papa), and Katelynn Garcia (Mama) perform on opening night of the NAU theatre production “Luna” in the Studio Theater, Feb. 24.

Middle: Kylie Soto (Soledad) gestures towards the sound booth during bows after performing on opening night of the NAU theatre production “Luna” in the Studio Theater, Feb. 24.

Right: Elle Zizzi (Luna) sings on opening night of the NAU theatre production “Luna” in the Studio Theater, Feb. 24. Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Sedona International Film Festival: Katelyn Rodriguez

T

he Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) kicked off its 28th year Saturday, Feb. 19 and ran until Sunday, Feb. 27.

This year’s festival featured 142 films from around the world, ranging from narrative and documentary features to narrative, animated and documentary shorts, and is sponsored by Northern Arizona Healthcare.

According to SIFF’s website, the festival “seeks to broaden the understanding of the human condition, raise social consciousness, present thought-provoking film and dialogue, and inspire while we entertain.”

In addition to the films shown on a daily basis during the nine-day festival, it also offered free daily workshops Monday through Friday, as well as Q&A sessions after screenings with directors attending the festival, and a screenplay competition.

Patrick Schweiss has been the executive director of SIFF for 18 years. Prior to becoming executive director, Schweiss, an ASU alumnus, worked for his family’s newspaper, Red Rock News, for 12 years where he wrote film reviews.

Schweiss said the process for selecting films at the festival is rigorous and involves a committee of 30 people broken into teams, based on the categories of films.

“Every film that’s submitted gets seen by at least three people on their own, plus the heads of those committees,” Schweiss said. “They pick their favorites, everything that gets a 4.5 rating and above is in the festival, anything that gets rated below a three is out of the festival, then they look again at that middle section. So that’s probably about how 30% of the films are selected, the other films we’re sent we actually scout from other festivals.”

Each committee includes people from various backgrounds such as doctors, retirees and people in the film business, as well as those who just love films, Schweiss said. The same 30 individuals who decide what films are shown at the festival also determine the director’s choice award, which is given to the three highest-rated films within the categories.

On the other hand, the audience choice award is determined by festival attendees over the nine days. Prior to each film, ticket holders receive a paper ballot marked with the numbers one through five. After the film is shown they then tear the ballot through the number they’ve decided to rank the film before handing it to volunteers waiting at the doors as they exit the

18

theater. These votes are then counted and the winners are based on the highest rating.

“The audience choice awards are really, really important because that helps these films get distribution deals and get out in theaters rather than just playing film festivals,” Schweiss said. “When a film wins a lot of awards at festivals, that means a lot and it looks like there is a market for it to the distributors and they help get these films out then. So the awards process is very, very important.”

Additionally, two major awards are given out at the festival annually: The Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievement awards.

This year the Humanitarian Award was given to Dr. Elvis Francois, a spinal surgeon from Atlanta best known for his viral video of him singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” while colleague, Dr. William Robinson, played piano.

Schweiss said Francois was chosen for this award because of how much he has done to help others get through the pandemic, as well as becoming an inspiration to other healthcare workers and first responders.

“He’s just got a heart of gold and he represents everything we feel our festival represents: Making a difference in the world, making the world a better place,” Schweiss said.

On the other hand, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Emmy winning actor and mental health advocate, Mariette Hartley. On Feb. 26, Hartley and her husband Jerry Sroka premiered their film “Our Almost Completely True Story” — which they starred in, alongside some of their famous friends, and tells the story of how they met and fell in love — at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The award was presented to Hartley after a postscreening Q&A with her and her husband.

Festival volunteer Dee Manges, a retired Hollywood makeup artist, has been volunteering at SIFF since 2010. Manges said her interest in films sparked from working in the television industry for 30 years. She said she began to volunteer at the festival after she retired in 2007 and that it was a natural transition for her.

“It’s just kind of got my heart, you know,” Manges said. “I love being around filmmakers and people in film, so it was the natural thing for me to do.”

Manges said herself and fellow SIFF volunteers were shown eight of the films prior to the festival’s opening day. She said her favorite film was 2021’s “Delicious,” which was directed and written by Éric Besnard who hails from France.

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Sedona International Film Festival Winners AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNERS:

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS:

Best Animated Film: The Park Bench Best Short – Drama: Good Night Best Short – Comedy: Johnny the Dime Best Student Short: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Best Documentary Short: From My Window Best Documentary Feature: The Conductor Best Feature Drama: Black White and the Greys Best Feature Comedy: Our Almost Completely True Story Best International Film: Betrayed Best of Fest: Delicious

Best Documentary Feature: Refuge Best Documentary Short: Lydia Emily’s Last Mural Best Short - Drama: These Final Hours Best Short - Comedy: Gum Best Short - Dramedy: Book of Ruth Best Feature - Comedy: Americanish Best Feature - Drama: Peace by Chocolate Best Animated Short: Space Race Best International Short: Masque-19 Best Student Short: of our trespasses Best Humanitarian Short: Distances Best Indie Spirit Short: Sproutland Best Environmental Documentary Short: Voice Above Water Best Humanitarian Documentary Short: Second Sight Best International Documentary: A Crack in the Mountain Best Environmental Documentary: After Antarctica Best Humanitarian Documentary: Life & Life: A Story of Redemption Best Indie-Spirit Documentary: The Addict’s Wake Special New Visions Award: Portrayal Best International Feature: Delicious Best Humanitarian Feature: Dear Zoe Best Indie-Spirit Feature: Albatross Best Impact Film: Wake Up Marion Herrman Excellence in Filmmaking: State of the Unity Heart of the Festival Award: John Snow

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNERS Best TV Pilot Screenplay: Sister

by Alex Blumberg Best Feature Screenplay: A Need for Something New by John T. Frederick Best Short Screenplay: Something in the Clouds by Johnny Ray

CULTURE

: Providing 28 years of movie magic

Attendees of the 28th annual Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) wait for the premier of “Our Almost Completely True Story” to begin, Feb. 26. Katelyn Rodriguez | The Lumberjack

In addition to giving films more exposure than they may not otherwise receive, Schweiss said representation is another important part of the festival.

“We have, for example, probably our strongest lineup of female film directors this year, foreign films, Hispanic directors [and] Hispanic films, we’ve got a lot of Native American films in the lineup this year [and] we have an incredible number of African American directors [and] actors,” Schweiss said. “We really strive to have that balance.”

Carl Reed, president and co-founder of Lion Forge Animation — the only Blackowned animation studio in the United States — attended SIFF to screen a new animated short film called “The Park Bench.” Reed also won an Academy Award for producing 2020’s Academy Award winning animated short film “Hair Love.”

“The Park Bench,” which is a collaboration with Aflac, ran in the festival’s shorts program on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26. It tells the story of a young girl named Bella whose father was diagnosed with sickle cell disease and the impact of the diagnosis on the family. It was written by Academy Award nominee Rob Edwards, best known for writing Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” produced by Reed and features a musical score by Grammy winning rapper Nas.

Reed said making “The Park Bench” was an amazing experience because of the team he got to work with during the time it took to bring the short to life. He said the partnership with Aflac gave the additional boost and helped support the group, especially since the insurance company’s mission aligned with what they wanted to convey through the film.

“Because it aligns with their mission, [Aflac] was able to provide some direct stats where we’re like ‘wow,’” Reed said. “Outside of our personal experiences with the content, to see that it impacts so many, it just cements you in that mission of ‘OK we have to make something that has an impact because it’s going to affect so many people.’”

Each person working on the film included personal touches in it based on their experiences, which added to its realism while making it all the more touching to those involved, Reed said.

In terms of minority representation within film, Reed said everyone deserves to see themselves within media and understand that they matter and exist in the world, whether it be groups that are underrepresented or those who have certain illnesses, like Bella’s father does in the film.

“If you tell a story people are actually going through, you don’t have to suspend belief,” Reed said. “Even if you didn’t go through it, it’s a

SIFF Executive Director Patrick Schweiss (left) poses for a photo with Lifetime Achievement Award winner actor, Mariette Hartley (center), and her husband actor, Jerry Sroka (right), Feb. 26. Katelyn Rodriguez | The Lumberjack

window you can see in and learn through those opportunities, and it’s a mirror to those whose experiences it reflects.”

The Sedona International Film Festival is a week filled with a collection of some of the best films from around the world. It has provided attendees with unique opportunities to get up

close and personal with the filmmakers and other creatives who have made the festival possible for 28 years and show no sign of slowing down.

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE Students walk through a thick patch of snow in Central Quad, Feb. 23.

Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

Freshman Leo Pizzimenti snowboards off the room of McDonald Hall after a snow storm left a foot of snow in Flagstaff, Feb. 23..

Brian Burke| The Lumberjack

Students play in North Quad after a storm left a foot of snow in Flagstaff, Feb. 23.

Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

Students walk toward Allen Hall in the snow, Feb. 23.

Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

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CULTURE

MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022 | THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

NAU needs to look local

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KRISTEN CHANCELLOR WRITER

AU Athletics is a Division I program that brings in new talent each year. In Flagstaff there are two local high schools that have the potential to bring in Lumberjack athletes.

While NAU may look local, it doesn’t seem to offer a lot of local roster spots.

If you look at the rosters of NAU teams right now there are currently nine local players across all 11 NAU collegiate programs — which does not show a lot of support for the community they play in.

NAU coaching staffs have taken a look into local talent and have offered positions, but is nine an acceptable

number?

The community of Flagstaff and NAU have had some issues, but we still hope to see more from the athletic department in terms of recruiting. If you look at football, some of the best high school players in the city aren’t even considered for positions or walk-ons, yet they have offers from bigger schools. NAU football coaches do try to look in Arizona for talent, but seem to be overlooking the talent in the community.

NAU soccer coach Kylie Louw has said staying local is a goal for her team as three of the nine players on the roster are from northern Arizona. Louw thinks it’s important to look across the country as well as to recruit those who can bring support to games.

If the university wants to gain more fans and talent for the rosters they should recruit locals. Local talent brings fans and fans bring more income.

There are positive ways NAU could recruit from high schools through current connections. Flagstaff High School football plays its home games in the Skydome. In 2021, the NAU soccer team played at Flagstaff High School’s field.

Without these players, connections or mutual respect, there would not be opportunities like this.

NAU has a lot of Flagstaff locals that attend classes here, so why not look local?

If the programs want to grow and see success there has to be an improvement in local involvement.

The NAU football team received the top early recruiting class in the Big Sky, but none of which were local talent. The teams at NAU where you see the most local talent are the ones not recognized highly across campus such as swim and dive, track and field, and soccer.

Would NAU recruiting in Flagstaff help the teams and community involvement? Yes. However, will they learn that it is a necessity to look local? Only time will tell.

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BLUE AND GOL Recent Game Scores Women’s Tennis

men’s Tennis

NAU @ Weber State Friday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m. MST Ogden, Utah Edman Tennis Courts Final: NAU 3 - Weber State 4

NAU vs New Mexico State Friday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m. MST Flagstaff, Arizona Aquatic and tennis Center Final: NAU 7 - New Mexico State 0

NAU @ Utah Sunday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. MST Salt lake City, Utah George S. Eccles Tennis Center Final: NAU 0 - Utah 4

NAU vs Grand Canyon University Saturday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m. MST Flagstaff, Arizona Aquatic and Tennis Center Final: NAU 4 - Grand canyon univerity 0

Women’s basketball NAU vs Weber State Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. MST Flagstaff, Arizona Walkup Skydome Final: NAU 49 - Weber State 73 NAU @ Weber State Saturday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. MST Ogden, Utah Dee Events Center Final: NAU 89 - Weber State 77

SPORTS Senior Facundo Tumosa and Graduate student Eban Straker-Meads strategize in a doubles match against UC San Diego at NAU’s Water and Aquatic center. Feb. 18. Jonah Graham| The Lumberjack

LD IN ACTION Upcoming games Women’s basketball

men’s basketball

NAU vs Idaho Friday, March 4, 6 p.m. MST Flagstaff, Arizona Walkup Skydome NAU SEnior Day

NAU @ Idaho Saturday, March 5, 3 p.m. MST Moscow, Idaho Idaho Central credit Union Arena Idaho Senior Day

men’s Tennis NAU vs Eastern Washington Sunday, March 6, 10 a.m. MST Flagstaff, Arizona Aquatic Tennis Center NAU vs Illinois State Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. MST Las Vegas, Nevada Fertita Tennis Complex NAU @ UNLV Wednesday, March 9, 11 a.m. MST Las Vegas, Nevada Fertita Tennis Complex

Big Sky Basketball Tournament women’s Tournament: March 7-11. Women’s championship game: March 11, 1 p.m. MST, ESPN+ Men’s Tournament: March 9 -12. Men’s Championship game: March 12, 6 p.m. mst, ESPNU MARCH 3, 2022 – MARCH, 9 2022| THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

Flagstaff girl’s basketball loses in 4A State Championship; All 4A local teams reach postseason Evan McNelia

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he Flagstaff Eagles lost the 4A Girl’s Basketball State Championship game against No. 2 Salpointe Catholic at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on Monday, Feb. 28. The Eagles fell 65-48, as Salpointe wrapped up an undefeated season.

Flagstaff earned its right to play for the state championship by defeating No. 9 Shadow Mountain 56-34 on Feb. 24. After rescheduling the day prior due to weather and road conditions, Flagstaff defended its home court for the final time of the season, punching its ticket to the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Flagstaff entered the playoffs ranked No. 5 after finishing the regular season 16-2, and going 12-0 in the 4A Grand Canyon Region.

As a top-eight team, Flagstaff skipped the play-in round, and hosted No. 12 Poston Butte in the first round. Flagstaff won 5224 and advanced to the second round, where it hosted No. 13 Greenway, winning 70-40. The win against Shadow Mountain advanced Flagstaff to the state championship game for the first time in head coach Tyrone Johnson’s career.

“It’s about time,” Johnson said, “I’m just so happy for these girls and all the work that they put in, and now they get to play in the ultimate game. Everybody that comes into high school sports wants to play in the state championship game, so now that gets

to come to fruition for them. Hopefully, we can come out there, play the way we know how to play, really compete, and have a chance to win.”

Flagstaff has one girl’s basketball state championship title, defeating Page 77-67 in the 1992 4A Girl’s Basketball State Championship Game.

Salpointe Catholic was last year’s 4A runner-up, losing to Seton Catholic Prep 70-62. They were not satisfied with second place and have not lost since last year’s championship. The Lancers finished the season 17-0, going 7-0 in the 4A Kino Region.

Salpointe beat No. 3 Seton Catholic Prep in the state semifinal round, getting their revenge to advance to their second-straight state title game.

The Lancers outscored opponents with an average of 65.4 points compared to 22.8 points allowed through the regular season and postseason. They held opponents to single digits three times, including in the first round of the playoffs.

Flagstaff girl’s basketball had the most success of the 4A Coconino County basketball squads, but all four from Flagstaff and Coconino high schools made an appearance in the postseason after winning records in the regular season.

Coconino boy’s basketball finished the season as 4A Grand Canyon Region Champions after defeating Flagstaff in the final game of the season. Head coach Mike Moran announced he would be retiring following the postseason after coaching for

five seasons at Coconino, and four years at Flagstaff before that.

Moran achieved his 325th career win this season, a milestone only Tyrone Johnson has also achieved in Flagstaff basketball history.

Coconino finished the season 15-3 overall and 10-2 in the region, earning the No. 10 seed for the postseason.

In the play-in round, Coconino beat No. 21 Mica Mountain 66-56. But in the first round, they were unable to overcome No. 7 Paradise Honors and fell 67-47 to end their season.

Flagstaff boy’s basketball entered the playoffs ranked No. 14 after finishing the season 12-6. Flagstaff finished third in the region behind Coconino and No. 12 Prescott, but was forced into the play-in round.

Flagstaff beat No. 17 Buckeye Union 80-71 at home to secure its spot in the state playoffs. They traveled to No. 4 Deer Valley in the opening round and were run out of the gym 70-36.

Coconino girl’s basketball reached the play-in tournament after finishing the season 10-7, coming in fourth place in the region at 8-4. They were the only team that had to go on the road in the first round and fell short against No. 14 Greenway 58-38.

Flagstaff High School girl’s basketball is pictured after winning in the semifinals of the 4A Arizona state playoffs against Shadow Mountain on Feb. 24. Evan McNelia | The Lumberjack

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SPORTS

NAU commit Colin Sahlman wins 2021-22 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year Brenden Martin

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ewbury Park High School (Calif.) runner and NAU commit Colin Sahlman was named the 2021-22 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.

Sahlman is the second Newbury Park runner to win the award in the last three years.

Current NAU freshman Nico Young won the award in 2019-20.

The soon-to-be NAU runner was given the award in a video posted on YouTube.

“It’s very special to me,” Sahlman said. “It’s the most prestigious award for high school sports.”

The award recognizes high school athletes who excel athletically, academically and show strong character on and off the field. Sahlman was selected from nearly 300,000 other nationwide boys cross country competitors. He maintained a 3.47 GPA and has volunteered at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church to help feed the homeless.

Sahlman solidified his award by earning the individual national title at the Garmin RunningLane Cross Country Championships at John Hunt Running Park in Huntsville, Alabama this past season by posting a 5K time of 14:03.29, the fastest time in United States high school history.

His record time led Newbury Park to a national championship.

After witnessing his good friend win the award while they were teammates, Sahlman was able to do the same not long after.

“Seeing that Nico, my teammate, got it two years ago, that was an amazing experience to go through with him and now that that’s happening to me it’s even more special,” Sahlman said.

Sahlman is the third NAU runner to win the award in the last decade. Futsum Zeinasellassie, who went to North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, won the award in 2011-12.

Zeinasellassie was a key piece on NAU’s first national championship team in 2016. That year, he won Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Athlete for the second year in a row.

NAU’s success since then has led to a cross country dynasty that has seen the Lumberjacks win five national titles in the span of six seasons.

Sahlman will look to add to that legacy when he runs for NAU cross country in the fall. Before then, he will complete his final track season at Newbury Park and compete in the 3,200 meter run at the New Balance Indoor Nationals and the Arcadia Invitational in April alongside his younger brother Aaron, and Young’s twin brothers, Lex and Leo.

Newbury Park High School runner and NAU commit Colin Sahlman hold the trophy after winning the 2021-22 National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. Jason Chauvin | Photo courtesy

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