Bridging the culinary gap between New Orleans and Flagstaff is the goal of Altitudes Bar & Grill Chef Eddie Bibb, whose hope is to bring his version of Cajun Creole cuisine to Northern Arizona “one dish at a time.” “Eddie has become a part of our family,” said Altitudes Bar & Grill owner Lynda Fleischer. “He was a valued return customer and would hang out with us and always talk about his mama and the times he spent helping her prepare meals. Then, we found out about his amazing … [Read more...] about Warming Altitudes with Cajun Spice
Community Profile
American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
If Jack Rodgers’ life had a theme, it would be all about water. On the night this fourth generation cowboy was born, Sept. 23, 1955, the rains came: 17 inches in the little city of Rotan, Texas, near Sweetwater, marking the end of a devastating drought. “I remember my dad talking about the bad drought in Texas that happened in the early ‘50s. It was so bad, they would take propane burners and burn the needles off prickly pear so the cattle could eat the cactus for moisture,” said … [Read more...] about American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
Eric Slack Finds ‘Hidden Gem’ at Flagstaff Ranch
Whether on the golf course or in his new position as Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club general manager, the discipline, experience and drive behind Eric Slack has paid off and gained him an ace in his career. Originally from Forest City, Pennsylvania, Slack started learning the game when he was 15 years old. “I wanted to spend time with my dad, who had recently started to play golf. The population of our small mining town was between 1,500 to 1,700, so golf for us was $10 for nine holes and a pull … [Read more...] about Eric Slack Finds ‘Hidden Gem’ at Flagstaff Ranch
Teen Builds Business Out of Chocolate
When you have been the Flagstaff High School student body president, captain of the football and track teams, and a part of the school’s Governing Board, it’s not surprising that you would be in a business management position at age 19. For Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory Co-owner and Manager Tyler Stickler, starting a business and running it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “I just wasn’t interested in going to college after high school,” said Stickler. “Then, my dad had this epiphany … [Read more...] about Teen Builds Business Out of Chocolate
Former Wrangler Shares Grand Canyon Life Through Art
Although Artist Mary Lois Brown had never traveled more than 20 miles outside of her small town in Pennsylvania, a river trip at the Grand Canyon in the late 1970s swept her miles away to a new home and a new job. Not only did that trip spur a love for the canyon, but also a love for the mules. In 1981, Brown accepted a job as one of only two women wranglers at the Grand Canyon. “I wanted an outdoor job,” she said. “There was one other woman wrangler that year, Shirley Bell, but I was the … [Read more...] about Former Wrangler Shares Grand Canyon Life Through Art
Marlboro Man in Action at the Grand Canyon
Some boys do grow up to be cowboys, and some cowboys even grow up to be Marlboro men. Such was the case for Grand Canyon National Park Service (NPS) Wrangler Ed Forbis. Born on a ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana, from the brim of his hat to his well-worn boots, Forbis is a genuine cowboy. His warm country accent and perfectly-shaped thick cowboy mustache portray the rough cowboy on a bucking horse that he portrayed in Marlboro advertisements. “I grew up living next to Darrell Winfield, who … [Read more...] about Marlboro Man in Action at the Grand Canyon
Challenges Ahead for Alzheimer’s Association Director
Lesley Jenkins, regional director for the Desert Southwest Chapter - Alzheimer’s Association, has a daunting task ahead. It involves creating more awareness and more support groups for what is becoming the most insidious illness attacking Arizonans – dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause – 60 to 80% – of all dementia cases. “Arizona leads the nation as the state with the highest growth rate of … [Read more...] about Challenges Ahead for Alzheimer’s Association Director
Tapping into the Superpowers of Science
Let’s get one thing straight. Christa Sadler is not that woman in the room in the suit and heels with perfectly manicured nails. “Just don’t make me wear make-up,” she pleaded upon accepting the request to lead the 2020 Flagstaff Festival of Science in the W. L. Gore & Associate’s Keynote Presentation. Sadler is most at home outdoors and happiest running rivers, guiding kayaking excursions, digging in the desert and hiking in the mountains. In her garage, she stores suitcases of fossils … [Read more...] about Tapping into the Superpowers of Science
Practicing Management by Walking Around
Edward Keable has had a lot of switchbacks he has had to conquer as the new Superintendent of the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), but without hesitation, he acknowledges that his new position is a “dream job.” “When I was offered this position, it took me less than a second to say yes,” he said. “I’m adapting quite well taking care of one of the world’s natural wonders. I have a great staff that’s helping me acclimate to the park as well as helping me make decisions. From the moment I got … [Read more...] about Practicing Management by Walking Around
Flagstaff Hails Historic Mead Culture
Originating more than 5,000 years ago, mead belongs at the very beginning of the long history of alcoholic libations enjoyed by humans. Mead is mentioned in history and mythology of the ancient cultures of India, China, Greece and Egypt. Simply put, mead is fermented honey, a honey wine made from just water, honey and yeast. Today, this ancient beverage is being showcased in a Viking-style, yet modern, setting in downtown Flagstaff. The new drinking hall, Drinking Horn Meadery, opened on … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Hails Historic Mead Culture