They have their bags packed at all times, but the more than 200 men and women of the Coconino National Forest serving on Incident Management Teams or fire crews are not likely headed for the beach this summer. In fact, they can’t be sure if they’ll make it home for dinner tonight. They soon could be sleeping in the dirt, a parking lot or a jungle; or evacuating schools, clearing trees or doing battle with a wildfire. And they like it that way. “The best part of my job is the … [Read more...] about Local Heroes Ready to Answer the Call
They May Come for the Colts, But Leave with the Beef
They are smart, strong, gentle and dependable. Colts and fillies from Babbitt Ranches’ historic Hashknife heritage draw ranchers, ropers and riders from all over the country during the annual Colt Sale. But as equestrians hope to take home a living legacy of the rodeo champion Driftwood bloodline, something else beyond the sleek buckskin and bay beauties may catch their attention. For the first year, bidders and spectators who come out to the Spider Web Camp event off Highway 89 on … [Read more...] about They May Come for the Colts, But Leave with the Beef
Spin on the Rim
Cycling at the Grand Canyon is not just for your super-athletic friends with zero body fat anymore. Bright Angel Bikes has bikes and tours for just about anyone who can pedal. With fresh air, clear skies, exercise and stunning scenery, Christine and Mark Germano of North Carolina found cycling at the Grand Canyon to be a great way for the whole family to unplug. “We wanted to get the boys away from [electronic] screens,” said Christine Germano about her sons Matthew, age 8, and Ryan, age 5. … [Read more...] about Spin on the Rim
Maintaining CCC Programs without More Funds
Brigham Sorensen fell in love at Coconino Community College. Like many young adults, he was sorting out what he wanted to do in life, taking general college classes and sampling different areas of interest. But it was an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course that hooked him. From that point on, he’s been climbing the ladder of his firefighting career. “I went on to Fire 1 and 2 and several other fire science classes after that. Absolutely loved it. Right after that, I got hired at … [Read more...] about Maintaining CCC Programs without More Funds
Fires Impacting Arizona’s Water
Few things are as refreshing as an ice-cold glass of water on a sizzling Arizona summer day. However, many of us do not look past the faucet to consider the journey water takes to quench our thirst. In fact, most of the water in Arizona’s reservoirs comes in as runoff from our forested uplands. Therefore, scientists say the quality, affordability and abundance of Arizona’s water are largely determined by the health of our high-country forests. Scientists also say our forests are at … [Read more...] about Fires Impacting Arizona’s Water
The Business of Play
When professionals take off their stethoscopes and strap on their helmets, assess the waves rather than the real estate market or assemble their wet bags instead of airplane engines, they are getting fit for business. Whether you are a doctor, appraiser or rocket scientist, serious business people are taking play seriously and romping in the rewards. Those in the business of play say the benefits are visible. Experts say play can improve your bottom line. “Exercise increases productivity, … [Read more...] about The Business of Play
Goodwill Leaping over Barriers
If you have ever gotten to Safeway’s checkout counter and forgotten the cream of chicken soup, changed your mind about the Doritos or decided you could use a hand pushing your grocery cart through a slushy spring Northern Arizona afternoon, you would likely have been happy to see Logan Holmes smiling at you at the end of the grocery conveyor belt asking if there is anything else he can do for you. “I enjoy helping people and feeling appreciated,” said Holmes. You also may be happy to know … [Read more...] about Goodwill Leaping over Barriers