6
The Davey Bulletin | May/June 2017
During the day, Alex Miller, a utility consulting arborist for
Davey Resource Group in Rochester, New York, cares for
trees. During her free time, though, she chops, saws and
throws them.
Miller is a self-proclaimed lumberjill, who is active in
woodsmen's competitions. Also called lumberjack
competitions, these events focus on acknowledging the
significance of logging in the U.S. while also turning a
pastime into a fun hobby.
"It's unlike any other sport I've competed in," said Miller,
who previously played softball. "I love the atmosphere
of woodsmen. It's laid-back because you mostly work
on individual events. At the end of the day, it's between
you and the block."
Since joining the Davey team in July 2016, Miller said
she's now a mentally stronger lumberjill because she
has "the support of one of the oldest leading companies
in the tree industry." Plus, Davey has helped improve her
techniques while boosting her confidence.
In turn, being a competitive lumberjill has improved
and enriched Miller's Davey experience. Through her
extracurricular activity, Miller has learned time and time
again the importance of learning from others. She
continually asks seasoned woodsmen for advice and
insights, just like she does on the job at Davey.
Plus, as a lumberjill, Miller has been reminded that
technique trumps all. During chopping competitions, a
common mantra to repeat is, "Slow is smooth. Smooth
is fast." This prompts competitors to remember that
chopping as fast as possible doesn't win competitions.
At work, the same remains true. Getting the job done
right and safe eclipses other concerns.
Soon, Miller will take all she's learned and hopefully
compete in the STIHL
®
TIMBERSPORTS
®
Championship.
This year marks the first time women can compete, and
Miller will be participating in the Women's Division
Northeast Professional Qualifier in June.
Good luck, Alex!
DAVEY'S VERY OWN LUMBERJILL
Alex Miller of Davey Resource Group demonstrates
her underhand chop at Woodsmen's Field Days in
Boonville, New York (below).
BOARD
BULLETIN
