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magazine January 1 – February 28, 2018 Volume 11 – Issue 1 PUBLISHER & EDITOR Kathy Lee COPY EDITOR Charlene Paul LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGN Aloree Smith Designs GRAPHIC DESIGN Tara Terwiske WRITERS Ron Bird Michelle Brooks Keith Buchhalter Mayor Geoffrey Chesnut Callie Clark David Cordero Cassandra Cousineau Rachel Dahl Debbie Dorn Laura Draskovich Donna Eads Linda Faas Linda Gault Abbi Herrick Patty Holden Helen Houston Kevin Jackson

Barbara King Celece Krieger Rob Krieger Elpeth Kuta Karen Monsen Darlene Montague Judi Moreo Paul “Q” Noe Charlene Paul Lani Penney Hanna Pollock Mike Prince Janel Ralat Rod Ross Sue Santarcangelo Ngoc Thach Katie Woo

ADVERTISING SALES Kathy Lee ADVERTISING EMAIL ads@ViewOnMagazine.com SUPPORT STAFF Bert Kubica DISTRIBUTION View on Magazine Staff WEB DESIGN Trevor Didriksen PUBLISHED BY View On Magazine, Inc. 742 W. Pioneer Blvd, Suite D Mesquite, NV 89027 Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955 GENERAL INQUIRIES info@ViewOnMagazine.com ONLINE ViewOnMagazine.com Facebook Twitter 2016-2017 View On Magazine, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission from the publisher, including all ads designed by the View On Magazine staff. All articles submitted by contributing writers are deemed correct at the time of publishing, View On Magazine, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates accept no responsibility for articles submitted with incorrect information.

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Letter from the Dear Readers,

Every year at this time, people from around the world resolve to do things that will make their lives a little better. From getting back in shape to showing more patience to finally going through that box of odds and ends that has been taking up space in the garage for a decade or two, resolutions are made and written. There is an inherent need to make everything shiny and new for the year ahead. One of my ongoing resolutions is to be more organized. I have been following Janel Ralat, owner and founder of One Organized Mama for a while now. She has so many wonderful ideas for helping people organize their homes and their lives. Her words are so encouraging and inspiring that I reached out to her and asked if she would be interested in writing a series of articles for View On Magazine. She enthusiastically agreed. As I read her article for this issue, she inspired me to do something I have only dreamed about for a very long time – organize my pantry. As you can see in the photos, my pantry was filled to overflowing with this and that, and it was impossible to really know what it contained without doing some very creative gymnastic moves. So, I took her ideas and went to work. Twelve hours later, I gazed in utter disbelief at the beauty that had once been total chaos. I was so proud of my accomplishment, and vowed to organize closets, drawers, and the garage. But calculating the time it took for my pantry, I realized it is probably time to call One Organized Mama and ask for her assistance. As you read through the articles in this month’s issue, you will find ideas to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolutions and to stay on track while you work on them. You will find advice from older married couples on what it takes to make a strong marriage. You will be inspired to take a road trip, or plan that dream vacation. You might even find a few tips to help improve your tennis game. It is our hope that this new year will be filled with new adventures, new joys, new experiences, and new connections. From our family to yours, here’s to making 2018 the best year yet! Sincerely, Kathy Lee Editor-in-Chief

BEFORE

AFTER 3

frequent CONTRIBUTORS Laura Draskovich is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. With more than 15 years in the fitness industry, Laura currently teaches a wide variety of group fitness formats and trains clients at the Mesquite Fitness Club. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she attended Central Washington University, majoring in Community Health Education. Mother of three, Laura is a national level NPC figure competitor, who is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and dedicated to reaching goals. Email Laura at lauradraskovich@yahoo.com or call (702) 600-8953.

Charlene Paul is the owner of Proof It Up, a proofreading and copy editing company. She lives in southern Nevada with her husband. Their original family of eight has grown into a crew of 25, including 12 of the cutest grandkids on earth. She loves spending time with family and friends, singing, writing, playing the piano and organ, reading, crocheting, sewing, and talking – a lot! She can be reached at (702) 398-3842 or email her at charlene@proofitup.com.

Judi Moreo is one of the most recognized personal growth trainers and coaches in the world. She is the author of 11 books, including 2 international bestsellers, You Are More Than Enough and Conquer the Brain Drain. A self-made success, Judi started her first business with $2,000 and a lot of chutzpah. Judi learned to succeed step-by-step over many years, and now has a worldwide following of clients who are enjoying outstanding success as a result of her guidance. You can reach Judi at judi@judimoreo.com or (702) 283-4567.

Helen Houston Creamer is the owner of Hues & Vues — Inspired Walls and Windows. Helen also owns a new business, Staging Spaces — Designing Your Home to Sell. She holds certifications as a Drapery and Design Professional, Certified Staging Professional, and Certified Color Consultant. She has been a contributing writer for View On Magazine for the past six years. Her creative writing features articles on home fashion, home staging, and entertaining. Helen is a published author in several national design and trade magazines. She can be reached at helen@huesandvues.com or helen@stagingspaces.biz.

Linda Faas was new to desert living when they arrived in Mesquite in 2004. They started exploring their surroundings and meeting new friends, and love what they found. Linda has immersed herself in arts and outdoor groups, and is a reporter and feature writer for local and regional publications. She volunteers with several community organizations, and is always seeking new adventures.

Donna Eads and her husband moved to Mesquite in 2010 from Palm Desert, California and loves the small town atmosphere. Her writing experience extends from high school and college newspapers to professional manuals as a critical care nurse. Her passion for tennis is evident in her frequent articles for View On Magazine.

frequent CONTRIBUTORS Janel Ralat is a married mom of three and the founder of One Organized Mama, LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada. Janel found her passion with organization while managing her busy family and realizing the importance between time management and keeping life running smoothly. She currently mentors and trains other professional organizers. Paul “Dr. Q” Noe has been in the nursery industry for over 50 years, with experience in retail and wholesale sales as well as landscaping, plant maintenance and growing experience. Paul has lived in southern Nevada for 34 years. He became a California Certified Nurseryman in 1968 and a Certified Horticulture Advisor in 1993 by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service. Karen L. Monsen is a freelance writer who lives in St. George, Utah. She covers outdoor topics, nature, science, research, and human impacts. She taught French and Social Studies in public schools, served as a technical training coordinator, and designed and delivered business and technical writing seminars for corporate clients. Elspeth Kuta is the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum Coordinator, where it is her privilege to share local history of Mesquite and surrounding areas with the community and visitors alike. She and the museum strive to bring history to life, and preserve and protect the local tales of yore.

Rob Krieger is a 20 year PGA Member & former Director of Golf in Mesquite & Greensboro, NC. He is currently the Director of Instruction at both his own Red Rock Golf Center and the Southgate Golf Club in St. George, and is experienced in teaching all skill levels from beginners to low handicappers. Rob has been writing for View On Magazine since 2010. For help with your game or to schedule a lesson check out his website www.stgeorgegolflessons.com or email Rob@sgugolf.com.

Dawn McLain is the Owner and President of Write It Up!, a small, fullservice advertising agency based in St. George. Over the past 20 years, the firm has grown to include comprehensive PR and marketing services, as well as media buys, blogging, corporate facilitation and much more. To get in touch with Dawn, email her at dawn@writeituponline.com.

Celece Krieger is the owner of The Travel Connection, located at 1373 East 170 South in St. George. Travel is her passion and she’s spent the past 24 years planning dream vacations around the world. Her favorite vacation is the South Pacific with her “toes in the sand.” Reach her at (435) 628-3636 or celece@stgeorgetravel.com.

Enoch

Message from the Mayor Dear View On Magazine Readers and Enoch City Residents,

Greetings from Enoch City, Utah! It has been a beautiful and warm fall thus far, and we all wait with anticipation for some much-needed stormy weather. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, it will come, my friends. Most travelers along I-15 in southern Utah pass by Enoch City without much notice. It surprises many that Enoch City is home to approximately 6,500 residents who work and play in the area. Our quiet residential community is home to over 2,000 households who serve one another. As a consequence of the growing economy, the Enoch City Council and Staff are working diligently to maintain the basic services that we might take for granted. Water, wastewater, stormwater, and road projects are being planned and completed for the long-term benefit of our residents. New residential homes continue to be added to the community at a consistent rate of 3%. The expectations of current and future residents is the highest priority. Infrastructure additions include new storm water drainage basins, a new well, future addition of storage tanks, and paying off a large sewer bond. Having saved funds for many years, the planning will soon come to fruition with the construction of a new animal shelter. Our current nokill animal shelter and the partnerships with many animal adoption organizations has been crucial to the success of this endeavor. An additional partnership with Festival Country K-9s will provide the first dog park in Iron County, and will be built on property next to the new animal shelter. The Enoch Dog Park will be built with donations from many Iron County residents. Prosperity is not always about finances and the ownership of things. Prosperity is also a state of mind and heart. I am grateful for the good people who I live and work with, and hope for the blessings of prosperity and kindness for all of our great southern Utah families. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mayor Geoffrey Chesnut

Contents

FEATURES

26 26 Recipe 66

cover photo by Dave Amodt Photography

54 76

view on ORGANIZATION One Organized Mama

Oreo Truffle Hearts

54 view on BUSINESS 76 New at Mesa View Mesa View Regional Hospital Offers the Latest Technology MRI Cactus and Lace

Contents

VIEW ON 12 STRONG WOMEN 14 TRAVEL 22 PETS 30 OUTDOORS 36 EDUCATION 42 MOTIVATION 52 FITNESS 56 THE ARTS 74 DESIGN 88 URBAN LEGENDS 92 GARDENING 94 ENERGY 98 GOLF 104 INSPIRATION Resolutions

Strong Woman of St. George Shirlayne Quayle

Top 5 Vacations to Consider for the New Year

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary A Place You Have to Experience for yourself

Crossings and Wildways Where Wildlife Meets the Road

Hope Through Fire & Ice Dixie Foundation Provides Need-based Scholarships Make This Your Best Year Ever

Ditch Your New Year's Fitness Resolution

Mesquite Western Roundup

The ART of Hanging Art

The Kissing Tree

Green Is The New Black

Mayors and Governors Holding Front Line in Clean Energy Use Proper Weight Distribution for Power and Accuracy

30 94

St . George

hy do I love living in southern Utah? Easy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most incredible place on earth, though I should probably give some context to my answer. My wife Lyndsey and I moved here in May of 2017 to pursue a career with Merrill Lynch. We come from the tundra, Provo, Utah. I was tired of sketchy road conditions and shoveling snow. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been drawn to southern Utah. Both of us frequently vacationed here with our families while growing up. This place is just beautiful in every respect. The people, landscape, and family-oriented atmosphere are priceless pieces of this work of art. The harmony between the red rocks and crystal blue sky entices us daily. You could be golfing one minute and skiing the next. The growth of southern Utah really should appeal to any young family looking for change and opportunity. I could go on and on about my love for southern Utah. It is flat-out, the best!

Mesquite ~Marc Cabanilla

n April of 2004, my wife Kathy and I came to Mesquite to enjoy a golf vacation. We stayed at the Oasis. We enjoyed the golf, gambling, and restaurants, and especially the people of Mesquite. While here, we decided to look around and ended up buying a condo. On the way home, I said to Kathy, "What the heck did we just do?" She replied, "I don't know but your Corvette is going up for sale!"

After retiring two years later, we became snow birds for a couple of years and then became full-time residents. What a great decision we made. We both became involved in a variety of organizations. I have been involved with the Mesquite Veterans Center. We have had a terrific experience meeting and making new friends. I love Mesquite because we have a small town atmosphere where people are wonderful. The golf courses are awesome, the casinos are great, and the weather is good except for a little warm in July and August. One of our favorite things is our association with Mesquite Jeep. We are an off-road group that takes trips together. The people in the group are just terrific. We have had the opportunity to see sights that we never even thought existed. We can't think of any other place where we would rather be retired. ~Jim Carrick

Moapa Valley W

e came to Moapa Valley 22 years ago seeking a slower lifestyle for our family of seven. My husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business was located in Las Vegas, and since Moapa Valley was only an hour away, it felt like the perfect fit.

Fast forward 22 years. We came to Moapa Valley seeking a slower pace, which we found â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but we also found so much more. We found a community of people willing to put themselves out there for others. A community that, no matter what your circumstances are, is willing to come together for a neighbor in need. I have attended many community barbecues, carwashes, etc., whose proceeds provided for a local person or family struggling with the misfortunes of life. Although life has not been perfect, it has been good. Our children have all grown up and moved away, yet Moapa Valley remains the home of their hearts. It is in this desert surrounded by mesas that we found, not just a home, but a life worth living.

Hurricane ~Julie Masters

y husband and I love living in the small southern Utah town of Hurricane. The climate is suited for the kinds of activities our family enjoys. Trips to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park are an easy drive. We love four-wheeling or taking the RZRÂŽ out for a day of exploring around Sand Hollow or points north, south, east, or west. Our two boys love camping, and the mountains we love are so close. It seems there is always something going on in our community or in the neighboring communities of Washington and St. George. Car shows, plays, movies in the park, farmers markets, holiday lights, and so much more fill our weekends. And many of these activities are free, which is a definite plus when raising a family. There is never a reason to be bored in this place. We love our neighbors and they love us. Hurricane really is a special place, and we feel privileged to call it home. With any luck, our boys will feel the same when they are old enough to raise their families. ~Heidi Higgins

view on INSPIRATION

Resolutions by Charlene Paul

here once was a woman who lived in a small town. She wasn’t a young woman, but she wasn’t an old woman either.

At the end of each year, the woman would sit at her little table and review her resolutions of the past year. Rarely did this bring her peace as she realized, year after year, decade after decade, most of her resolutions had gone unfinished. She remembered reading somewhere that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different outcome. As she began to write her resolutions for the new year, she realized they were much the same as they had been year after year, decade after decade. “I must be insane,” she thought. With thoughts of despair and disillusion, she went upstairs to bed. Her dreams were suddenly interrupted by a balding, chubby little man with a lisp. “You, insane?” he asked. “Inconceivable.” “What? How did you . . . ?” she struggled to complete the sentence. “Who are you?” “Never mind,” said the strange little man. “Come with me.” When the man took her hand, she found herself sitting in a musty old theatre watching actors on a grand stage. Startled, she saw that it was her on the stage. In one scene, she stood next to her husband on their wedding day. In another, she lay in her hospital bed snuggling her new baby daughter. In still another, she took her six young children to school and practices and church. The action continued as she baked, sewed, cleaned, and cared for friends and neighbors. “What is this place?” the woman asked. “As I told you, it is in all ways, and in all things, totally inconceivable that you are insane,” replied the little balding, chubby little man with the lisp. “You just keep writing the wrong resolutions.” The woman began to protest, but found she was back in her warm bed. The stranger was gone. She lay there until her heavy eyelids closed in sleep once more. She was abruptly awakened by a sword-yielding Spaniard, with black shoulder length hair and a black mustache.

The woman pulled the covers up around her neck as she exclaimed, “Get out of my room!” “My name is, . . . ,” stammered the man. “Never mind. You write the wrong resolutions. Prepare to fly!” And with that, he took her hand and soared out the window into the night. “Where are we going?” asked the startled woman. “Your true life awaits, yet you resolve to live another,” he answered. When they landed, she saw herself holding her dear mother’s hand as she breathed her last breath. She turned her head and saw herself baking, talking, drinking hot chocolate, climbing hills, and watching movies with twelve grandchildren of all ages. She turned her head again and saw herself hugging and kissing her husband after a long day’s work. She watched herself taking dinner to a shut-in down the street, and serving meals at the local soup kitchen. “This is my life. Why are you showing me this?” the woman asked. “If you look before you, you might see what is already there.” The man reached for her hand once more and commanded, “Prepare to fly!” Back through the night they flew until she found herself, once again, in her cozy bed. It seemed only seconds before a third visitor appeared. He was a giant as far as she could tell. His hands were the size of platters, and his waist had the girth of a huge oak tree. This visitor didn’t speak; he merely beckoned her to follow. When she looked, she saw she was quite old. Although the visitor had explained nothing to her, she knew she was all alone. Her once youthful, positive self had been replaced by a frail, frightened, unsure woman she barely recognized. Her heart was heavy and her mind was cluttered by thoughts of all the resolutions that had been left undone. “I don’t want to see this!” she cried out. “Why are you showing this to me?” The visitor spoke not a word.

“Is this what is to become of me?” she cried. The visitor slowly nodded and then shrugged his massive shoulders. The first rays of morning peeked through her window as she awoke. She thought about her night visitors. Had they been real, or had they merely been restless dreams brought on by an upset stomach? She remembered sitting at her little table thinking about her resolutions for the coming year, and how futile it all seemed as year after year, decade after decade, her resolutions went undone. The balding, chubby little man with the lisp had told her she kept writing the wrong resolutions. The sword-yielding Spaniard, with black shoulder length hair and a black mustache had claimed she was resolving to live a life that wasn’t hers. And the giant with hands the size of platters and the girth of an oak tree had shown her where her life was headed. Maybe insanity was not the problem after all. Maybe, just maybe, her resolutions did not reflect her life. There was no room in them for ups and downs and challenges and change. They focused on what she needed to do or what she needed to improve. They never reflected her accomplishments, or those things she was doing well. The woman quickly dressed and hurried downstairs. Once again, she sat at her little table contemplating what to write. But instead of setting resolutions, she bowed her head and thought about her life. Year after year, decade after decade, she had set resolutions without any room for living. Year after year, decade after decade, she wrote the same things expecting the outcome to somehow be different. But she wasn’t insane; she had just written the wrong resolutions.

1982 2014 2022

She glanced at the window from which she had flown the previous night, and with tears in her eyes, the woman finally understood. Epilogue: There once was a woman who lived in a small town. She was not a young woman, but she was not an old woman. She was just a woman who did her best to live. And finally, she was at peace.

The End

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view on STRONG WOMEN

Strong Women of St . George A few years later she married a great guy named Jeff. And she never gave up. “I knew earning a degree was something I had to do in order to be true to me.” Part of earning that degree was making the decision to study what she loved instead of studying what would lead her down a specific career path. Her choice to “study for life” rather than “study for career” made all the difference. After receiving her degree in cultural anthropology (a choice she has never regretted!) she returned to school and earned her MBA. In graduate school, she discovered a strong desire to work both locally and globally. She has a natural ability to see patterns in seemingly unrelated issues and bring new perspectives into consideration. This was especially helpful in building international partnerships, which she did very well.

hirlayne grew up exploring Utah’s rugged mountains with her family. Summer vacations in the great outdoors are some of her earliest memories, and weekend trips were a normal part of life. Those experiences instilled a deep respect for our natural world and inspired her love of travel and exploration. The first in her family to attend college, she had an unwavering determination to earn a degree. Her mother and grandmother both had careers and were strong role models for her. They also always found a way to put family first. “My mom was my biggest supporter. She always talked to me about going to college. I knew I’d go and knew it was a starting point for a career, but once I got there I really didn’t know what I wanted to study.” College turned into an exploratory journey. In her early 20s, she took a job at the University of Utah to qualify for tuition reduction. “I was putting myself through school and had a to find a practical way to make it happen!”

“My first trip to India changed me. We were working with an Indian company to develop HIV prevention technologies that gave women control over their own health in a culturally acceptable way. I had learned about cultural implications for women before, but seeing first hand the challenges women face in different parts of the world sparked a passion in me. This work became grounded and real.” It became even more real when she became a mother. During graduate school, Shirlayne and Jeff made the life-changing decision to adopt a child. After a three-year wait, they traveled to China to meet their eight-month-old daughter, Jaxin. “For me, becoming a parent was soul-shifting. Suddenly, there were these beautiful, curious black eyes staring into mine, full of new opportunities for love, joy, and growth. It changed the way I saw myself. It changed how I wanted to live my life.” Her work in India led to invitations to attend the first U.S.India joint commission in Washington D.C., mentor budding entrepreneurs from around the world, attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summits in Morocco and Kenya, and join Horasis, a European-based global visioning community where she advocates for gender equality.

Shirlayne Quayle These invitations came because she worked hard and with heart. She believes when you are doing good things for the right reasons, the right opportunities present themselves. From there, it’s up to you to take the reins, explore, and act. In 2011, her inner explorer began knocking. Luckily, Jeff was up for a change as well. They sold their home and Jeff’s business in Salt Lake and moved to Hurricane with their four-year-old daughter. “Moving here was a fabulous adventure. I was consciously stepping into what I have come to call SASI – living a soulful, authentic, strong, inspiring life. We were feeling the pull of the desert’s powerful serenity and dramatic landscape. My intuition was shouting ‘This is where I’m supposed to be!’ ” Shirlayne immediately engaged. She worked with a start-up charter school, started a leadership coaching and consulting business, worked and taught at Dixie State University, and

helped community and business leaders develop entrepreneurial initiatives to strengthen and diversify our local economy. While at DSU, she was chair of a state-wide women’s network and a founding member of the DSU Chapter. Leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship are running themes in her life, and Shirlayne believes developing her own skills and supporting others in developing theirs is imperative.

The Center’s mission is that every woman will be heard, elevated, and will succeed. Launched in March 2017, it has touched more than 200 women and counting. A non-profit focusing on the whole woman, the Center offers support and training across a variety of areas that impact women’s lives daily. This belief and a deep attachment to her adopted southern Utah community led Shirlayne to create the Women’s Influence Center with St. George Area Chamber of Commerce president Pam Palermo. They saw a gap and wanted to make a positive difference for southern Utah women and their families.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work and volunteer around the world, and one thing holds true wherever I go: women thrive with the support of other women. I see it in my girlfriends, in the young entrepreneurs I mentor globally, in the college students I’ve taught over the years, and among my professional colleagues both here and abroad. The Women’s Influence Center is an example of what happens when women come together in sincere support of one another.” So what’s next for Shirlayne? Strengthening the Women’s Influence Center remains a priority, as does her work to foster our community’s entrepreneurial culture. Her focus is also turning to empowering girls. “I’m a builder, and investing in the power of girls has been on my radar for a while. True to my nature, I’ve explored it a lot!” she laughs. “Lifting each other is essential to everyone’s success. I have personally experienced how powerful it can be. It’s one of the greatest gifts we can give and receive.” Research shows that girls’ confidence wanes as they approach their teenage years, and having opportunities to learn and practice meaningful leadership skills builds confidence and selfesteem, two important components to life success. Being a mom to a vibrant girl definitely fuels her interest. She and Jeff try to weave leadership learning into family conversations, activities, and experiences in fun and inspiring ways. “Jaxin is always coming up with new ideas to bring people together to learn and grow. She wanted to start the SASI Book Club when she was nine, and now her friends read stories about real women making a difference in our world. Her dad and I foster her sense of self in whatever way we can.”

Supporting their daughter’s innovative spirit and empowering girls to explore their own potential is a key driver behind what is evolving into a new endeavor, aptly named, SASI. It is a company with heart and a mission to inspire, motivate, and equip girls and young women to thrive as compassionate, innovative leaders. With plans to launch the SASI Speaker Series in 2018, it’s obvious Shirlayne will continue having grand adventures in southern Utah.

“The people and the energy here make it home. I can’t imagine a more inspiring, connected place for our family to live and grow. Whether it’s boating at Lake Powell, camping, hiking, mountain biking, or travelling, we still love to explore.” And true to her nature, she’ll continue doing just that. V

Opens Their Doors in Mesquite

to Serve Their Fresh, Made-From-Scratch Meals to the Community to a strict “no freezers and no microwaves” policy in all of their locations.

afe Rio Mexican Grill recently opened their twelfth Nevada location in Mesquite. The extremely popular restaurant will be offering their fresh, made-to-order meals at their new location at 330 N. Sandhill Boulevard.

Over the years, the company has won hundreds of awards, including the coveted title “#1 Mexican Restaurant in the Nation” by the prestigious Sandelman & Associates for eight consecutive years. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill was recently selected as one of the top brands in the annual list of Top 100 Movers and Shakers by FastCasual.com. The company attributes these achievements and their continued growth to the ongoing dedication in preparing only the freshest and highest quality meals, along with making the customer experience the absolute best that it can be.

The new Cafe Rio features a wideopen kitchen where guests can clearly view tortillas being hand rolled, sauces simmering, team members hand scooping avocados, chopping tomatoes, grilling meats, and squeezing over 1,000 fresh limes each and every day. They adhere

“Our customers in Nevada are truly the ones to be thanking for this opportunity,” states Todd Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. “Without the loyalty they have demonstrated to us, and the request for additional locations, we would not be where we are today. We are

thrilled to be open and serving the entire Mesquite community!” Cafe Rio has moved into the digital world with their mobile loyalty program. Customers who download the app will automatically receive a $5 credit they can use at any location. Additionally, app users will receive ongoing special offers. They can order to-go meals and search for locations. Plus, each app user will receive points with each purchase to earn their way to free food. Find more information at www.myriorewards.com or download at your app store. Cafe Rio offers full catering services and is equipped to feed the hungriest of crews from meetings to weddings and everything in between. With so many options, from their Taco Fiesta Pack to their Enchilada Party pack, Cafe Rio has something for everyone. Find more details on their website at www.caferio.com/catering. Schools, sport teams, and clubs in the Mesquite area are encouraged to sign up

photo by Kris Zurbas

for and promote customized fundraisers at the new Cafe Rio location. A percentage of the sales earned during a determined date and/or timeframe will go to that group. It is a fun way to raise funds and meet your goals! Go to https://www.caferio.com/ community to sign up and request more information. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been serving its loyal customers fresh Mexican food since 1997. Their menu is inspired by the traditional Mexican cooking found in the Rio Grande region of Northern Mexico, Southern Texas, and New Mexico. Cafe Rio specializes in serving its customers the highest-quality, made-from-scratch Mexican meals, using only the freshest ingredients. For more information, visit: www.CafeRio.com.V Twitter: @CafeRio | Blog: http://www. caferio.com/blogs/blog| Facebook:www. facebook.com/caferio LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/company/cafe-rio

My Place Hotel–West Jordan, UT opened early 2017 as the brand’s 30th Hotel nationwide, and its 2nd within the Salt Lake City area.

Welcome to My Place

by Ngoc Thach - My Place Hotels of America

ow more than ever, a guest's first action after choosing a travel location is to get their smartphone or tablet out and look up online reviews for hotels. A recent survey carried out by Search Engine Land found that 88% of people surveyed now trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. While the local team behind St. George’s upcoming My Place Hotel works to

enhance brand recognition in Utah’s premiere travel and leisure destination, the new hotel will lean on a brand-wide reputation of excellent customer service and high-quality amenities as evidenced by thousands of online reviews. Review sites can be a tough space for many growing brands, but on the ground floor at My Place Hotels of America, it’s

where we go to (gleefully) listen to our guests’ feedback and stories. With 36 locations from Atlanta to Anchorage, sites such as TripAdvisor and Facebook have allowed us to hear from thousands of guests who have enthusiastically received our concept. What’s so cool about hearing instant feedback from our guests? For one, learning that such a wide range of short and long-term guests enjoy My Place

Hotels for the same reasons. Take this review from online user "Grangemont" of Idaho who stayed at a My Place Hotel in West Jordan, Utah for example:

The owners and team behind St. George’s developing My Place Hotel is no exception to this rule. Led by owner and developer Craig Larsen and family, My Place Hotel, St. George, Utah will soon open to serve the area’s traveling families, workers, and adventurers. As a Utah native, Craig is undeniably excited to open his third Utah My Place Hotel which will be in St. George, where his family has long enjoyed vacations.

“My husband was working in West Jordan for about 10 days; this was our home away from home,” began Grangemont. “The room was very clean, bed was comfy and staff were friendly.” Or how about this TripAdvisor review from guest Patricia B. who also had a great stay in West Jordan: “Cleanest hotel rooms we have ever had. New bedding. Very friendly staff. Will definitely go back again.”

full-sized fridge for leftovers, and ice from our own in-room freezer.

So, why My Place? The answer is really as simple as our concept. We offer guests the comforts of home with a focus on cleanliness, comfort, and friendly service at the best possible value for both short and long-term guests. It’s made to be your home away from home, no matter how long the stay. Every room has a kitchen with essential appliances for those who cook, but even guests with culinary challenges, like myself, can find something so satisfying in ordering pizza with a supply of paper towels on hand, a

There’s more to our concept and its amenities that can be found chain-wide, of course, but what makes each My Place Hotel special? The people. My Place Hotels of America is a recently launched franchise company, so each of our locations is independently owned by families or partnerships, and managed by a dedicated team of hospitality professionals — all passionate about providing the best in service and quality. As the guests above have mentioned, the people are always top of mind at My Place.

With the area’s diverse range of guests in mind, Craig describes the hotel’s mission best: “Delivering a special kind of hospitality that makes guests feel at home the moment they walk through the door is invaluable,” Craig said. “Having family of our own, we have personally experienced the need for a quality night sleep, with home-like amenities and conveniences, all at a fair price. We all look forward to providing St. George’s travelers with the level of comfort, quality, and value that My Place has standardized.”V To book your stay with My Place Hotels visit www.myplacehotels.com or call toll free (855) 200-5685.

Owner Craig Larsen (in red), celebrated the groundbreaking of My Place Hotel-St. George, UT with City officials and community leaders on October 19, 2017.

view on TRAVEL

Top 5

Vacations to Consider for the New Year by Celece Krieger

don't know about you, but my Facebook feed, emails, and magazine subscriptions are full of lists of the best places to travel in 2018. It seems like I can't read an article without some kind of "best of" list. The lists gave me plenty of inspiration, and I decided it was time for View On Magazine to have its very own list for travel in 2018. After receiving our new brochures and reviewing customer feedback, I composed my own list of destinations to consider in 2018 (in no particular order): 1. Alaska Cruise or Tour: Beat the desert heat and visit beautiful Alaska. Travel from seven to fourteen days and visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and of course, the beautiful glaciers. Tour and rail extensions include beautiful Denali, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. Experiences include everything from helicopter rides and hiking on glaciers to whale watching and fishing. It is always a customer favorite and a great way to really see and experience all the beauty that Alaska has to offer without traveling too far. 2. Australia and New Zealand: This April, Mary Curtis from our office is hosting an eighteenday tour to the land down under. The group will start in Cairns and see the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the famous Opera House, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, the Milford Sound, and so much more. If Australia and New Zealand are on your bucket list, this is a fantastic, convenient tour with almost everything included â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even transfers from your front door to the airport.

photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat company

photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

3. Society and Cook Islands: This July, I will return to what I refer to as “heaven on earth” with a group. This will be my fourth sailing with Paul Gauguin Cruises. With just 332 passengers, transfers from your home, airfare, meals, drinks, and gratuities included, it is a wonderful way to discover the scenic South Pacific. Visit the vibrant blue waters of Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga. This ship even has an onboard marina for guests to kayak and paddle board from the back of the ship. This cruise truly embraces Polynesian culture with onboard lectures, performances, cooking demonstrations, and more.

hosted tours and cruises Tickets are free of charge, but required as space is limited. Call (435) 628-3636 to make your reservation. Celece Krieger is the local owner of The Travel Connection located at 1363 E. 170 South in St. George. For travel information or assistance, please contact The Travel Connection team at (435) 628-3636 or info@stgeorgetravel.com.

4. Christmas on the Rhine: This journey begins with a visit to two of Switzerland’s loveliest cities, Zürich and Lucerne, with a lake excursion, magical Christmas markets, and pristine Alpine vistas. A 7-night Rhine River cruise takes passengers through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region. Heidelberg and Cologne are famous for their majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. This winter adventure concludes in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday décor. 5. U.S. River Cruise: For travelers looking for a river cruise experience without the flight to Europe, consider a cruise on the Columbia, Snake, Mississippi, Ohio or Tennessee Rivers. Unique theme itineraries include everything from southern culture to the Civil War, Elvis and Graceland, and even the Opryland Christmas experience in Nashville. It's hard to limit this list to five. I wanted to include some vacations travelers may not have considered or even known about. It is always wise to book early, and we have some fantastic hosted tours and cruises planned in 2018 and 2019. There are incredible places to see in our big world. Some are close to home and some are far away. As we say in the office, "Don’t just dream it - do it!" V Special Presentation: We have a seminar planned on January 16 at the Cliffside Restaurant in St. George to showcase our new 23

A Valued R Foundation by Charlene Paul

esidents of Moapa Valley gathered at the Old Logandale School on Saturday, November 4, 2017 for the unveiling of the mural entitled Valued Foundation painted by artist Heidi Leavitt. The mural depicts stories of the people who settled in Moapa Valley, and was originally entered in a county-wide competition to select a mural for the Overton Community Center. Leavitt was in the top three of thirty-six entries, but her work was not chosen. When Paul Lewis, Leavitt’s grandfather, learned she had not won the mural competition, he called and told her the mural needed to be finished. The people and their stories needed to be recognized. He expressed his desire to hire her to finish her mural in a location of her choosing. Together, they approached the board of the Old Logandale School and Cultural Society, OLSHACS, which is now a museum for local history. Directors of the museum, Beezy Tobiasson and Robin Maughan did not hesitate to give them an answer. “It’s a magnificent work of art,” said Tobiasson. “It’s a great tribute to all

the families depicted, as well as for all the generations coming up. We’re so privileged to have it here and will value it forever.” Although her original design focused on the treatment of historic old buildings in the area, she said something just felt a little off. “The more I proceeded, I realized the story of Moapa Valley did not lie in the buildings, but in the people themselves,” said Leavitt. “Those were the stories that needed to be told.” Paul Lewis hosted a community barbecue for the unveiling on November 4. “I love the mural and I’m so proud of the artist that painted it,” said Lewis. “I think she did a beautiful job.” “Attendance for the unveiling was overwhelming,” said Leavitt. Indeed, it was standing-room only in the main hall. As the mural was unveiled, Leavitt explained, with deep emotion, each story depicted in the mural’s design. Leavitt said it was a labor of love and that she

felt a kinship to those whose lives were depicted. The mural is oil on Masonite, and measures 8-feet high by 40-feet long. The skillfully painted scenes depict twenty of the founding families of Moapa Valley. The mural begins with a depiction of the Paiute tribe along with the importance of the bighorn sheep in their culture. A portrait of Paiute matriarch Topsy Swain weaving a basket is included in this portion of the mural. History unfolds with stories of people who pioneered the valley: Harry and Martha Gentry; Edward Syphus; Johann and Ann Bonelli; Lyman and Annie Shurtliff; Joseph and Nellie Robison; Ute and Lovina Perkins; Old Mack, Jack Marshall’s famous horse; Leland and Maudeen Whitmore; Warren Harvey Lyon; Paul and Lou Jeanne Lewis; Clarence and Lillian Lewis; and Martin Allen Bunker. Farms and dairies, as well as early businesses including Glendale Service, Moapa Valley Telephone,

Anderson Mercantile, Clark Dairy, Western Auto Hardware, Jones Mercantile, and Cooper’s market are also depicted. For those who missed the unveiling, the mural can be viewed during regular OLSHACS business hours. “I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to anyone and everyone to come and experience a past time in our valley, and view a magnificent mural that tells a story of strong and faithful people,” said Tobiasson. “Heidi has created a beautiful and spiritual painting for generations to come.” Those values handed down from generation to generation, and the foundation they laid are what inspired Leavitt to title her work Valued Foundation. She dedicated the mural to her grandmother, Lou Jeanne Lewis. V OLSHACS is located at 3011 No. Moapa Valley Blvd., Logandale, Nevada. For more information, contact them at (702) 398-7272.

view on ORGANIZATION

one organized

ello! I am Janel Ralat, a professional organizer and founder of One Organized Mama, LLC. It is a great honor to be a contributor to View On Magazine. One Organized Mama was created in 2012 when I was a working mom of three in search of a flexible employment opportunity. I had a strong desire to help others, and through good ol’ fashioned hard work, was blessed to create and grow this wonderful business. So why professional organizing? During those years commuting to work, getting three kids off to school/daycare, then

mama reversing the commute in the afternoon, life was extremely hectic. Despite this, I was determined to make family dinners a priority most nights, and kiddo’s sport/ dance uniforms were usually clean. Occasionally, someone would comment to me about being an organized mom. I would just laugh it off and think to myself, “They haven’t seen the inside of my linen closet!” After all, I am a girl who prides herself on being spontaneous and being organized sounded so stuffy and boring. One day as I balanced a potluck casserole in one hand walking into work, I overheard a coworker comment that organization was simply how you managed your life.

Light bulb moment! It was then I realized organization isn’t about a life filled with perfectly folded fitted sheets. Organization is about creating systems in your life that give you more time. I was good at managing my time, and I could finally admit, “Yeah, I’m pretty organized.” I embraced those organized mom comments and came up with the catchy little phrase, “One Organized Mama.” From that point forward, I researched every home organization philosophy and simplified our process into four little steps we call our One Organized System. These steps can be applied to any project from kitchens to garages to paperwork. We even apply them to assisting our clients with event, travel and move planning. 1. Declutter & Sort 2. Create A Zone 3. Label & Contain 4. Teach & Maintain Step one: Declutter & Sort, is the stage where you’re faced with prioritizing your stuff. As we help our clients purge and pare down their belongings, you’ll often hear one of our organizers say, “If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority.” This can be a difficult stage, so a professional organizer must have a balance of compassion and dedication to walk clients through the step. Step two: once it’s been determined what stays and what goes we get into zoning.

the space for placement and storage. Measurements will be taken, that oversized appliance sitting on your kitchen counter will get a little more scrutiny, and if it is still a keeper, our job is to find it a home. Step three: is everyone’s favorite step! The step where you get to put stuff in pretty little containers and attach cute labels, usually. We’ll guide you on what to consider when choosing labels and containers. It’s important to label your spice cabinet, but no need to label the rice container sitting in your pantry. (We get it. It’s rice.) Let’s not get label crazy. Our job is to keep you in check.

This is the planning stage. Zoning is simply taking into consideration space limitations, need, frequency of use, and sentimentality. As organizers, our job is to map out

Step four: it’s important to keep that neat and tidy space maintained. We teach fun and easy tricks such as our Timer Technique, and kids love a 20-Minute Tidy!! What about when that clutter eventually begins to pile up again? We encourage a monthly purge (Step 1). Once a space is tidy, we repeat the first three steps to maintain. Your

organization systems should be simple and manageable. One Organized Mama’s purpose is to make organization accessible to as many people as possible through classes, consultations, colorful printables/guides, and our P.O.I.S.E. Organizer program. Organization is simply the relationship between our stuff and our time. I leave you with this one simple tip: Set the timer on your phone for 20 minutes. Grab a trash bag and a laundry basket. Walk around your home and place trash in the bag and items that can be donated into the basket. Once your timer dings, it’s time to stop. Take out the trash and place those donations in your car ready to drop off tomorrow. Congratulations, you’ve just completed your first TIMER TECHNIQUE. Until next time.V

view on PETS

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

A Place You Have to Experience for Yourself A Photo by Molly Wald -- Best Friends Animal Society

cross the United States, Best Friends Animal Society – the only national animal welfare organization headquartered in Utah – is known as a leader in the movement to ending the killing of dogs and cats in our country’s shelters. With regional centers in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, Best Friends also leads a network of more than 2,000 local animal rescue groups and animal shelters that are all dedicated to this vision. But the heart of this shared dream will always be where Best Friends Animal Society started: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Located about five miles north of Kanab, Utah, the Sanctuary started in 1984. Back then, there wasn’t a national voice to end the killing. With little money, no master plan, few construction skills, and countless lives hanging in the balance, the founders of Best Friends set out to address a local aspect of a much larger problem. What they created instead was both the largest no-kill companion animal sanctuary in the world, and a national movement to end the killing of companion animals, with the encompassing name of Best Friends Animal Society.

with you. They may walk quite a distance, or walk just far enough to find an especially great shady spot that has an interesting bug to look at. Cats can teach you how to slow down, breathe, and explore your immediate world. And there are other cats who love a different kind of one-on-one experience, like going for a ride in a special screened-in buggy like the royalty they know they are. Meandering along paved paths dotted with benches where a kitty can just sit with the fresh air on their face and their favorite volunteer nearby on the bench, is a recipe for contentment for human and feline alike. Horse Haven seriously reminds you of every western movie you’ve ever seen. Stunning red rock cliffs are the backdrops for the pastures on either side of Angel Canyon Road which meanders throughout the Sanctuary. These incredibly intelligent, intuitive animals come to Best Friends because they were abused, neglected, or simply because they became old, injured, or unrideable, and their families could no longer afford to keep them. Some of them will welcome gentle strokes on their velvet muzzles. At Horse Haven, the equines get good food, room to

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a haven for homeless pets who really need a second chance. The animals come to this Sanctuary in Angel Canyon from far and wide. Some are ill, some have been neglected or abused, and all are homeless. On any given day, about 1,600 animals of various species, welcome visitors on tours. The volunteers who come to work side-by-side with the Best Friends caregivers provide the animals everything they need, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, to thrive and find good homes. For those few animals who are never ready to take that next step, Best Friends is their haven for life. There really is nowhere else on earth like the Sanctuary. Dogtown is a joyously rambunctious place. The dogs live for going on walks with volunteers, glad to get away from the hustle and bustle of their play areas. There is nothing better for a dog than taking a walk with a person, sitting down to look at the canyon, smelling all the smells, feeling the breeze, and getting patted by a gentle hand. And for the human? There is nothing better than just sitting for a few moments, listening to what the breeze and the birds have to say. Just for a bit, there are no deadlines, nothing that must be done other than to just be one person and one dog. Cat World is quieter than Dogtown but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of activity. Volunteers break out the interactive toys that let the cats dash madly after that mouse or bird at the end of a string. Still, sitting on a human’s lap and being brushed is blissful. For those who want a little more action, there are many cats trained to walk on a leash that are eager to share a catting experience 31

roam, and love and attention from staff and volunteers to help them heal both physically and emotionally. The Bunny House is home to around 130 rabbits and a few guinea pigs, too. Some were abandoned outdoors — but domestic rabbits can’t fend for themselves outside — while others were victims of hoarding or excessive breeding. Some have injuries or special needs. And all of them just want to be loved. Rabbits are some of the softest, gentlest creatures on earth, and here at the Bunny House, they get companionship with other rabbits, expert rabbit vet care, delicious fresh veggies year-round, activities and places to dig, and most importantly of all, the chance to heal and feel safe as they wait for their very own forever homes. The potbellied pigs at Marshall's Piggy Paradise take character to a whole new level. Sure, they grunt, snort, and wallow, but that's only because they're happy. And that, along with their wonderful personalities, makes them truly lovable. They enjoy a short, squat, adorable piggy village with warm homes. They enjoy mud baths, healthy food, and exercise, and most importantly, the love and attention from volunteers and visitors which really helps them get adopted.

The Parrot Garden features the noisiest inhabitants of the Sanctuary who also happen to have the intelligence of human toddlers. In truth, parrots should be out in the wild, flying in flocks and living a natural life, but the parrot industry has created a pressing need for rescues because on average, these long-lived animals are rehomed seven to eleven times in their lifetime. Many of these birds have special needs to boot. But, at Parrot Garden, they can rest and heal. In a light-filled tropical environment, they enjoy nutritious meals, top-notch vet care, lots of mental and social stimulation, and the attention they need to recover. For the birds who were never properly socialized and don’t know how to live with other parrots, they enjoy individual outdoor cages during inclement weather days. At night, and when the weather is too cold, they come indoors to other large cages. The parrots who are socialized to other birds live in small flocks inside aviaries.V Truth is, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a place that is always there, but every day is different. Plan your visit at www.bestfriends.org. You can visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah, or call them at (435) 644-2001.

Special Olympics in

Mesquite by Debbie Dorn

pecial Olympics Oath: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.â&#x20AC;? Special Olympics athletes recite this oath before every competition.

Special Olympics provides sports training and competition opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Mesquite, Moapa Valley, and Beaver Dam. Our athletes are like any other athlete. They like to train and compete, and win or lose, they always try their best. The confidence and self-esteem they gain on the playing field carries over onto the playing field of life, helping to make them 34

contributing members of their community. We believe that Special Olympics is more than sports, it is "Training for Life!" Special Olympics Nevada-Mesquite (SONV) is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, education, and athlete health. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs. While a majority of athletes in SONV are youth, 31 percent are adults age 22 and older. Athletes must be at least 6 years old to start training, and 8 years old to compete at a sports competition.

We pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of services to our athletes. Our sports training and competition opportunities provide athletes of all ability levels the chance to play and be part of a team. Skills like being a good teammate, winning with grace, and encouraging others are all skills that carry over into their everyday lives. Athletes train year-round and compete in basketball, bocce, track and field, and bowling — over 3 different sports seasons, fall, winter, and spring. A sports season typically consists of 6 to 8 training practices. Practices usually take place once a week in Mesquite. Each sports season culminates in a regional competition, and spring sports culminates with our signature sports competition, Summer Games in Reno, Nevada. There is no cost to athletes participating in Special Olympics Nevada. (In 2018, we will be piloting an aquatics program.) In June 2017, nine local athletes, chaperoned by two coaches traveled to Reno to compete in bocce for the Summer Games. Our two teams proudly carried home gold and silver medals and three days of memories. Local athlete, Denton Dorn, is one of six athletes chosen from the state to represent the Nevada bowling team in the Special Olympics USA Games 2018 in Seattle. It is expected that approximately 4,000 athletes from all over North America will be participating. SONV is increasing its presence in schools through the Schools Partnership Program to promote inclusion at an early age, and is encouraging the growth of Unified Sports®, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates. Through sports, we are bringing special education students and general education students onto the same playing field, promoting acceptance and respect for all. Although this program is not currently present in the local area schools, it is one I would like to see introduced in the near future at our schools in Virgin Valley, Moapa Valley, and Beaver Dam. Along with athletic programs and work in the classroom, SONV is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with

intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes events, offering screenings and services free of charge. On January 20, 2018, Mesquite Special Olympics will hold their first annual Polar Plunge which will be held at the Mesquite Recreation Center. We encourage one and all to pledge to plunge and support our area athletes. The money raised will help us continue to provide sports training and competition opportunities to the Special Olympics athletes currently being served right in your own community. So grab your family, friends, and co-workers, and let’s Feel the BRRR! ALL PARTICIPANTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST BRING A COPY OF THE WAIVER SIGNED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. For more information, and to sign up, please visit https://www.sonv.org/ polarplunge Our program can be followed on Facebook “Mesquite Special Olympics.” For more information, please feel free to email Debbie at mesquite@sonv.org. Without volunteers, Special Olympics Nevada would not exist. We depend on the time, energy, and dedication of energetic volunteers to fulfill our mission. ANYONE can get involved! Special Olympics

volunteers include students, retirees, corporate groups, professionals, civic organizations, and families. With our vast number of dedicated volunteer coaches, you don’t need coaching experience or specific training working with persons with intellectual disabilities. We have great mentor coaches and coach’s training. If you have a love for the sport, or want to learn more about a sport, time to commit, and a willingness to make a difference, you can help us change lives. V To complete a volunteer application please contact info@sonv.org. 35

view on OUTDOORS

Crossings W and Wildways

here animal paths and roadways cross, collisions often occur. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that nationwide, crashes involving animals cost $8.38 billion annually and average 26,000 human injuries and 200 fatalities. To reduce

Where Wildlife Meets the Road by Karen L. Monsen

animal-vehicle collisions, state highway departments, wildlife resource managers, and nonprofits are working together to improve wildlife passage routes and connect habitat across state boundaries into safer migratory and movement corridors.

Utah Roadkill Costs A Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) report, co-authored by independent wildlife researcher and former Utah State University professor Dr. Patricia Cramer, noted that 3,232 wildlife-vehicle collisions were reported in Utah during 2015, costing over $66 million with approximately 100 human injuries and one fatality. Using a conversion factor counting carcasses, this report estimated 17,000 mule deer were killed in Utah collisions in 2015. Cramer asserts, “Vehicle collisions with wildlife pose safety risks to the motoring public, which lead to significant economic losses and threaten wildlife populations.” The UDOT report further revealed that when wildlife exclusion fencing and crossing structures are working correctly, collisions are reduced on average by 86 percent. Overpasses and Culverts The first wildlife overpass in the U.S was constructed in Utah in 1975 over I-15 south of Beaver. The location was selected based on an abundance of deer and specific land features. According to Assistant Habitat Manager with Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources, Rhett Boswell, “At the time when the overpass was built, the Beaver area was said to have the largest mule deer population in the world.” The crossover spot itself is at the top of a hillside ridge forming a natural bridge where the roadway cuts crucial mule deer winter range.

Wildlife Overpass near Beaver, Utah.

north of Las Vegas on U.S. Highway 93, it is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Pahranagat attracts migratory birds to its lakes and wetlands, and offers wildlife-viewing opportunities, hiking, and camping to more than 30,000 people annually.

A camera on the overpass captured an annual average of 2-4 bull elk, approximately 400 mule deer, and other animals including livestock using the crossover. Just north of this overpass, two culverts dubbed “the Wildcat structures” are the most-utilized animal crossings in Utah. Dr. Cramer’s work for UDOT recorded 16,606 mule deer passages through these two culverts during a 3-year study.

Dan Balduini, Public Affairs Officer for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, states, “The spring-fed lakes and riparian areas make Pahranagat NWR stand out in comparison to the surrounding desert.” The refuge provides wildlife with habitat and food resources, while permitting hunting and fishing in designated places during specific times subject to applicable state, federal, and refuge regulations. Fragmented and small refuges, like Pahranagat, become even more valuable when connected to nearby public lands and privately-owned undeveloped properties.

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Even small habitat parcels become critical links for larger migratory routes. Pahranagat NWR, established in 1963, is a relatively small national wildlife refuge at 5,382 acres. Located in Nevada along the Pacific Flyway, approximately 90 miles

Wildlands Network and Wildways Wildlife managers dedicated to sustaining healthy animal species and transportation professionals focused on reducing roadway collisions are finding common ground with Wildlands Network, a nonprofit striving to link public and private lands into wildlife corridors.

Established in 1991 “to reconnect, restore, and rewild North America so that life in all its diversity can thrive,” the Wildlands Network (wildlandsnetwork.org) envisions four corridors called wildways across the U.S. The 6,000-mile Western Wildway stretches from Mexico to Canada and includes most Utah public lands, national parks, monuments, and forests interspersed with private properties.

“

Humans, too, find freedom and peace of mind in big, connected landscapes." ~ Wildlands Network

Wildlands Network Western Director Katie Davis acknowledges, “Ecological boundaries are in no way reflected by our political boundaries. While this amount of area seems immense, remember that we are looking at wildlife habitat and movement on a continental scale. We're trying to protect the last, best places and the connections between them.” 37

In Arizona, Davis explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the wildway stretches from the Grand Canyon ecoregion, which is centered around Grand Canyon National Park, across the Mogollon Rim, into the Sky Island region, which includes lots of BLM land and the Coronado National Forest. It's hard to conceptualize how all these landscapes fit together until you see it from the air. But the variations in topography and water availability and plant life create unique ecological zones where wildlife species interact, contributing to great biodiversity.â&#x20AC;? By understanding wildlife movements and providing safe roadway crossings, wildlife managers and transportation professionals can reduce costly animal-vehicle collisions. Furthermore, by connecting natural habitat into migratory corridors and wildways, animals and humans will continue to roam freely. The Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act, a bipartisan effort to give federal agencies tools and resources to come up with workable solutions to protect wildlife corridors and connectivity, will be reintroduced in Congress in 2018. V

Bull Elk on the Beaver Overpass Crossing by P. Cramer, UDWR, UDOT, USU.

Targeting Pain: Desert Pain Specialists Have Relief in Their Sights

by Linda Faas

Wells and the Desert Pain Specialists group have served Mesquite for over six years, giving area residents quicker access to pain management facilities. The DPS group operates offices in St. George, Hurricane, Kanab, and Cedar City, Utah, as well as Mesquite. Wells has led the Mesquite office since it opened, and he proudly points out that they now offer Monday through Friday hours. “When we opened six years ago, we served Mesquite only two days a week, but our patient base has grown, and we have been able to expand our staff and hours.”

r. Spencer Wells, MD, beams as he shows off the expansive new offices of Desert Pain Specialists (DPS) at 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Suite 603, Mesquite, Nevada. “We are happy to add new capacity. Our new location places us in the heart of Mesquite’s medical district,” he explains. “This expansion helps us to better serve our Mesquite area patients.”

Pain management providers are specifically trained to diagnose and treat pain symptoms. Unlike other diseases, there may be no specific blood tests or imaging tests which definitively diagnose the root cause of the pain. Additionally, every person’s experience with pain is unique and requires a customized approach to treatment. Wells explains his clinic is not a primary care medical facility. Many of his patients are referred by other physicians, although referral is not required. He explains that diagnosis

and treatment of pain is accomplished through a thorough physical examination. Radiographic imaging is helpful in confirming specific diagnoses and ruling out other problems. DPS uses state-of-theart fluoroscopic analysis when imaging is needed to support a comprehensive treatment plan. “As a physician, I seek to use the least invasive treatment possible to relieve pain symptoms,” explains Wells. “There are four levels of treatment that we might recommend, starting with physical therapy, including massage, acupressure, or chiropractic manipulation, as the least invasive level. The next level is oral medicine, followed by injected medicines, and finally the possibility of surgical procedures.” DPS refers patients to other physicians and surgeons when a diagnosis confirms that need. Wells is a firm advocate of movement as a pain preventative. He sees an active lifestyle as one way to keep one’s body fit and resistant to potential hazards that can bring on pain. Along that same line, he sees physical activity as a key form

of pain treatment, to the extent that a patient is able to follow a regimen that can improve muscle strength and keep joints limber. “Good health can be maintained longer when a person takes responsibility to follow a healthy lifestyle. We now live longer. We need to do our best to make our body last as long as we can. Wear and tear on bones and joints will cause pain to occur.” Wells praises aquatic exercise for its healthful benefits for young and old.

a medical cement and spinal cord stimulation can substitute a pleasant sensation that relieves pain. DPS uses X-ray-guided injection procedures to bring the best results. DPS also offers a minimally invasive procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis that puts patient comfort and safety first. A complete description of their wide range of treatment options is provided when a patient visits the DPS office for diagnosis and consultation.

DPS uses a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. When appropriate, oral medications may be prescribed. As a fully licensed medical doctor, Wells administers pain relieving injections if such treatment is chosen by the patient after consultation.

Successful treatment of the underlying cause of pain and relieving symptoms is the goal that Desert Pain Specialists works to achieve for each patient. “We recommend early treatment. The earlier we address the problem, the more likely it is that we will be able to treat it adequately.” V

“It is worth knowing that we are able to provide shots to those who might benefit from immediate and long term relief from Shingles.” He is quick to say that injections are not a cure for that condition, but those who suffer from the disease know the need to reduce the pain it causes. DPS also employs injections to relieve spinal compression. Application of

If you have pain, don’t wait. Make an appointment for an evaluation. Appointments can be requested online at www.desertpainspecialists.com or by calling (435) 216-7000. To contact the Mesquite office directly, call (702) 346-5037.

view on EDUCATION

Hope through

Fire & Ice The Dixie Foundation Provides Need-based Scholarships for DSU Students

by Hanna Pollock

octors told Averie Turpin there was a chance she would be partially deaf for the rest of her life. She had a hearing defect since childhood, and she finally had an ear operation during her freshman year of high school that would either fix her hearing or leave her partially deaf. Fortunately, her hearing made a full recovery after surgery, but the experience fostered her curiosity for the deaf community. In high school, she took classes in American Sign Language (ASL), and developed a love for the nonverbal language, and decided that was the career path she would choose. Turpin’s plan to attend college came crashing down when she found out she was pregnant after high school graduation and became a mom at the age of 19. She had no funds to cover tuition and the expense of raising a child. She was able to attend Dixie State University for a short time while her mother worked there, but once her mother left, she was faced with costs she couldn’t cover.

Dixie State University Fire & Ice Gala

“I had no choice but to drop out, really,” Turpin said. “I couldn’t afford to pay for school and support my kids with the number of hours I would have to work.” Turpin heard about the Fire & Ice Scholarship, a need-based award given to DSU students, just before she was going to withdraw from school. Once a year, The Dixie Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that exists to support DSU and education, holds a themed formal gala to fundraise for students who would not otherwise be able to complete their schooling

because of financial constraints. She did some research, found she met all the qualifications, and then, with nothing to lose, applied. “The Fire & Ice Scholarship made it possible to keep going,” she said. Turpin is currently pursuing a degree in communication with an American Sign Language minor because of the scholarship she received, and she plans on working in a school district to help children who are in need of an interpreter after graduation in May. She and her three

Averie Turpin

daughters do homework together every night, and she said the Fire & Ice Scholarship made her academic dreams possible. At this year’s scholarship luncheon, she was able to meet with some of the Fire & Ice donors and event organizers who pushed her closer to her life goals. “It’s great to be a part of this community and foundation that gives back,” Fire & Ice Chair Ronda Neilson said. “It helps so many people every year.” Fire & Ice gala attendees come in black-tie apparel and are served fine dining during the themed event, all while a silent and live auction take place. Smaller items, like gift certificates or household items, are placed in the silent auction, while larger items, like golf packages and getaways, go in the live auction. The 14th Annual Fire & Ice Gala will be held on March 2, 2018, in the M. Anthony Burns Arena on the DSU campus. Supporters can either attend the gala for $150 a person or sponsor an entire table. The Dixie Foundation and Fire & Ice participants have helped thousands of students by giving auction proceeds to need-based scholarships at DSU. “This gala helps hundreds of students every year,” Neilson said. “It’s a great event that helps students in need.”V To purchase tickets to the Fire & Ice Gala, visit dixiefoundation.org. 43

Coyote Willows

The Little Golf Course that Could

oyote Willows is a family-friendly, 9-hole, 35 par public golf course located at 426 Hagenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alley, with the entrance at 880 West Hafen Lane, Mesquite, Nevada. Coyote Willows is a small course that is big on stimulating holes and tee boxes for the seasoned golfer, but is also enticing to those who are learning and wish to play 9 holes at a 9-hole price of $25. Back in the day, Coyote Willows Golf Course were cattle pastures and hay fields owned by Gary and Monta Hafen. As Gary and Monta aged, farming and ranching became too difficult. They decided to go

into partnership with their daughter and son-in-law, Sondra and Jay Holmstead, and formed ZMH Development, Inc. to develop Coyote Willows Community and Golf Course on the land where their pasture used to be. In May 2003, the final maps were filed with the city and ground was broken for the project to begin. The golf course was finally completed in February 2005, and Coyote Willows was ready for its grand opening when the 100year flood of the Virgin River occurred, submerging four holes under the river. The course was severely damaged.

Coyote Willows Golf Course did manage to open, offering 5-hole golf, played twice, to make the 9-hole course. Finally, in April 2008, the holes were reconfigured, and by July the 9-hole course was taking shape again. Unfortunately, the recession had hit Nevada, and house sales were dropping. Coyote Willows Housing Community was slumping and the money to rebuild the golf course was waning. By October 2008, all employees of Coyote Willows Development and Golf Course were regrettably laid off.

Sadly, between the economic slump and the rebuild costs, ZMH Development Inc. was exhausted and the bank foreclosed in April 2009. Coyote Willows residents, Chuck Horn, Tony Evans, and Gerry Hart rallied volunteers to help maintain and keep the course open until a new buyer could be found. Saul Gutierrez, the course supervisor, and the volunteers worked together to repair the course. Once again in September 2010, Coyote Willows Golf reopened as a 9-hole course. Nature again, however, had a different plan. In December 2010, a 150-year flood hit. The flood, which lasted for over a week, damaged holes 3, 4, and 7. Once again, volunteers rallied to save the course, this time lead by Roy Zbinden and Judy Hart. The damage wasn't as devastating as the 2005 flood, and by Spring 2011, the course was playing 9-holes. After 9 years of donations and strictly volunteer manpower, this little golf course and its volunteers just wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up, earning it the title of "The Little Golf Course that Could." After nine years of volunteering with no surety of the future, the volunteers were growing tired. That's when Coyote Willow homeowners, Don and Maureen Hembree, and Mark and Shari Ellingson, joined by Bradly and Mary Shurtleff of Mesquite, Nevada, John Roth of Casper, Wyoming, Chris Roth of Fort Collins, Colorado, and another silent investor from Mesquite, Nevada came together to form CW Investment Group, LLC, and purchased Coyote Willows Golf Course in September 2017.

Coyote Willows Golf Course is now a public golf course, and a separate entity of Coyote Willows Housing Development. Each investor brings their past business experience to the course, and big changes can be expected over the next few months, as the course takes on its new shape. Saul Gutierrez, superintendent of the course, with the consulting expertise of John Roth and Don Hembree, has the course looking like a smooth velvety green carpet. Coyote Willows has many ponds and roughs. Due to the locations of the tee boxes, one can easily play 18 holes on this 9-hole course and never play the same game twice. Coyote Willows offers walking rates and youth rates. Coyote Willows has also purchased gas carts for more reliability. The golf shop, managed by Laura Findlay, offers logo-ed merchandise of hats, shirts,

Coyote Willows flood in 2005. Track hoe submerged.

gloves, and balls. They also have snacks and cold drinks for golfers as well. Coyote Willows offers league play Monday mornings for women, Wednesday and Saturday mornings for mixed leagues, and Thursday morning for menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league. Come join us. Coyote Willows still depends on its volunteer base to keep things running smoothly. The new owners wish to thank all the volunteers, our golfing base, and Mesquite for their continued dedication and support of Coyote Willows Golf Course. We couldn't be doing this without you! We look forward to hearing from all of you and making new friends along the way. Our Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting will be on February 16, 2018 at 12:15 PM. There will be drawings of free golf and merchandise to those who attend. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who made Coyote Willows "The Best 9-Hole Course" in Mesquite. V

Coyote Willows flood 2010 hole #4.

Have a Thrive Life by Callie Clark

n this day and age of focusing on our differences, there is one thing every person on the planet has in common – we all need to eat. Whether you live in the mountains, by the ocean, on an island, in the desert, or in the heart of a big city, you need to eat. And the purchase of that much-needed food is a large part of almost everyone’s budgets. Trying to fill our pantries, refrigerators, and freezers with seasonal, fresh, delicious food can be challenging, and when that food spoils or goes out-of-date, it is like tossing money straight into the landfill. What if there was an easy and economical way to ensure your family could enjoy nutritious, delicious meals created with food whose freshness and nutritional values are guaranteed for a quarter of a century? What if there was a way to fill even the smallest storage area with a year or more supply of food? Sound too good to be true? Isaac Steed, a consultant for Thrive Life, is a guy who likes to have food on hand. He has stored wheat, rice, beans, dehydrated food, and other non-perishables over the years as a safety net for his family. One day at work, Isaac overheard Brian, a co-worker, talking about freeze-dried food. Brian told Isaac he was a consultant for Thrive Life, a company that produces freeze-dried food. Being skeptical about anything that sounded like MLM (multilevel marketing), Isaac told him, “You can stop right there. I don’t want to be sucked

into some MLM. But if you know about freeze-dried food, I’d love to hear about it.” Brian replied, “It’s a deal.” Brian drove from Henderson, Nevada to Isaac’s home in Santa Clara, Utah to demonstrate what Thrive Life was all about.

“He brought tons of food, more than I ever imagined,” said Isaac. “He had a bunch of things already made up, including chicken salad, and he also prepared some right in front of us. I was impressed, but when I tasted the sausage crumbles, I was sold. It was real meat, not a TVP (texturized vegetable protein) product.” Brian explained that everything Thrive Life sells is real freeze-dried food that can be incorporated into recipes, rehydrated, or simply enjoyed straight out of the can or package. The shelf-life for these foods is twenty-five years unopened, and one year after opening. Isaac and his wife quickly began swapping out their traditional food storage for Thrive Life freeze-dried foods. Some of Isaac’s favorite things are the bread and baking mixes. And his wife, Stacy loves the freeze-dried onions – no chopping, no odor, no tears. His kids love to eat fruit and veggies right out of the Snackies bags. “The milk is the best substitute for fresh milk I’ve ever tasted,” said Isaac. “And coming from a farm boy raised on fresh, raw milk, that speaks volumes.” Thrive Life was started by two guys, Steve and Jason, who had a vision. Together, they built the most state-of-the-art freezedrying facility in the world. Before this, freeze-dried food was mostly trail mix and cereal. But they took freeze drying to a much higher level. Taste and nutrition is locked in, and all the bad is locked out; that’s what makes Thrive Life freeze-dried food so delicious.

The real magic of Thrive Life freeze-dried food is in how easy it is to use to create home cooked meals. No more wrangling raw meat. No more peeling and chopping fruit and veggies. No more grating cheese. No more mold or spoilage. Simply pop open the can, pour the contents into a mixing bowl, and voilà! Food that tastes like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen for hours. And for those days when even that feels like too much to think about, Thrive Life created Simple Plate, family-friendly meals that are planned, prepped, and ready when you are. These complete meals need no refrigeration, and have a shelf life of at least three months. Thrive Life believes in giving back. Five percent of Thrive Life’s profits are used to help developing countries build schools, empower women, and build communities. Thriving Nations is helping people become self-reliant through teaching agricultural techniques for renewable crops and livestock, as well as finding sustainable water solutions. V If you are interested in learning more about Thrive Life, or if you would like to schedule a tasting, visit Isaac’s webpage at Steeds.thrivelife.com, or give him a call at 702-281-0987. With Thrive Life in your life, eating healthy is a snap.

“Denim & Diamonds” for Valentine’s Day by Linda Gault ou see them around town at various events, dressed in any number of outfits appropriate for the occasion. It might be black slacks and tops with sequined jackets, matching top hats with feathers, or a complete sparkling outfit with feather headdresses. They could be selling raffle tickets at a fundraiser, or making you feel welcome with light conversation. They don’t dance and they don’t sing, but they do support the many organizations that request their appearance, and they have lots of fun doing it. However, they never rule out new opportunities that may come their way.

Of course, I’m writing about the Mesquite Showgirls. And now you can help this fun and charitable organization while doing something special for your sweetheart. The Mesquite Showgirls are offering a

fabulous night at the Rising Star Sports Ranch to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Denim & Diamonds fundraiser will take place the evening of February 14, 2018 in the Grand Ballroom beginning with a champagne reception, followed by a lovely buffet dinner offering three main entrees, and ending with a special chef’s choice dessert. The band Dealt-a-Straight will provide music for your evening’s dancing and listening enjoyment. inner guests will have the option to D purchase raffle tickets for some wonderful prizes, including a lovely portrait package, and custom framing for your favorite photo. Or maybe a gorgeous one-of-a-kind jewelry set handmade by well-known local artist, Karron Knight, is more to your liking. If you’re looking for an unusual piece of yard art, or even something very special for that perfect space in your home, I’m sure you’ll find that a beautiful handwelded piece by relative newcomer, Matt Thomas — owner of Mojave Metal Works — is just what you’ve been looking for. A weekend getaway is also something you might like. These and other great prizes could be yours that evening — IF you hold the winning raffle ticket. The Mesquite Showgirl organization was founded in 2011 by Jean Watkins. With only three ladies and two outfits, the Showgirls began making appearances. Since its inception, the Showgirls have made over 430 appearances for local organizations and businesses. Today, there are nine showgirls, three guest showgirls,

and a handful of show-guys meeting the growing requests. Denim & Diamonds is the first formal fundraiser for the Mesquite Showgirls. Appearing around town at various functions, they add a little razzle dazzle to events and other fundraisers. “The ladies involved in this organization play a very special role in the Mesquite community with their pleasing, outgoing personalities, and are always asked to come back for the next fun event,” noted Watkins. A sense of fun and community spirit unites the showgirls who are as diverse as the many costumes and headpieces they wear. “We don’t divulge our ages,” event Chair Becky Boyd stated. “But age or size has nothing to do with being a showgirl. If you like meeting other women and are looking for something fun to do, then consider joining this wonderful group — FUN is the name of the game!” So, pull on your cowboy boots, dust off your Stetson, bring out that special dress, and join us for a special Valentine’s night out. The party begins at 6:00 PM, and the cost is $70 per person. For more information and to make a reservation for a great evening of merriment, please contact Joni Robinson at (702) 346-8394. V I’d like to give a special thank you to Showgirls Becky Boyd and Maggie Calhoun for helping with the content of this article and some of the photos seen here. 47

Utah Honor Flight 1,000 veterans and counting

by David Cordero

veterans. The veterans are accompanied by guardians – typically their adult children or adult grandchildren – during the three-day trip.

Utah Honor Flight is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that takes veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials at no cost to the

The gratitude expressed to them along the way – through ceremony and often by complete strangers – is what sticks with them. “I was so impressed with the young people,” says Ed Barberis, a St. George resident and Korean War veteran. “They were standing there – without their cell phones – thanking us for our service. I found that the spirit of our country is alive and kicking. What an experience!”

everal times a year in Utah, military veterans whose yesterdays greatly outnumber their tomorrows agree to travel 3,000 miles to see memorials dedicated to their service. It is closure they seek, something they hope to obtain in the twilight of their life.

The national Honor Flight program began in 2004 when Ohio physician Earl Morse, also a private pilot, flew a WWII veteran patient of his to Washington, D.C. to see the newly completed WWII Memorial. Other veterans showed interest in making the trip, and an idea was born. In the ensuing years, Honor Flight hubs popped up around the nation. In 2013, Utah joined the mix. It started when Richfield resident, Frank Biagi, a Pearl Harbor survivor, saw television footage of WWII veterans having to negotiate barricades to see their memorials during the budget crisis when the government shut down. Biagi’s anger set some action in motion. His friend, Mike Turner teamed up with another Richfield resident and hastily put together the first Utah Honor Flight trip less than a month later. The junket attracted publicity from statewide media, and soon the Utah Honor Flight organization was formed. In April, UHF celebrated taking its 1,000th veteran to Washington, D.C. “Taking veterans to see their memorials is such a treat for us,” said UHF Chairman Mike Turner. “We must honor them while we can.” Long wait worth it Leona Marck was in pain last spring. It wasn’t so much from the 48

fracture of her hip, which required surgery, but it was mental anguish. Because of her medical condition, she was unable to make the Utah Honor Flight trip out of St. George in April. While Marck was devastated, the World War II Navy veteran was also determined. Marck put everything she had into rehabilitation. When her next opportunity came in late September, she was ready. Marck was one of the most popular veterans on the trip, shaking so many hands she decided to wear gloves. While the appreciation she felt was valued, it was the little things that brought joy to her. On the flight out to the East Coast, all the veterans received mail call letters written by friends, family, and local school children. A former teacher, Marck beamed after reading a letter accompanied with a drawing by a Washington City fifth grader. “You have no idea how much I treasure this,” the 93-year-old said while 30,000 feet above the Midwest. Getting their due Typically, Vietnam veterans do not recall stirring homecomings. If it wasn’t indifference, their treatment upon return to the USA was that of outright scorn. Many of these veterans still haven’t recovered emotionally from the experience. In a small way, Utah Honor Flight wants to right this wrong. UHF recently took its first all-Vietnam veteran group at the invitation of the

National Archives, which in November opened a new exhibit, “Remembering Vietnam, Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War.” The National Archives asked UHF to be part of the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “Not only was this trip emotional, it was also very healing for many of our Vietnam War veterans,” Turner said. “Several told me they had felt like ‘they had finally come home’ or that ‘the plane has finally landed.’ It was touching to hear that from these American heroes.” While getting World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C. remains

Utah Honor Flight’s most urgent mission due to the advanced age of the veterans, Turner says the organization isn’t too far off from taking additional all-Vietnam veteran flights. Interested veterans are urged to apply right away so they can be considered for an upcoming trip. Applicants are typically selected on a firstcome, first-served basis. Applications can be downloaded at www.utahhonorflight.org.V David Cordero has written professionally for nearly two decades and is a board member of Utah Honor Flight. For more information go to www.utahhonorflight.org.

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view on MOTIVATION

Make This Your by Judi Moreo

s we start a new year, we have an opportunity to make some changes in our lives. If we want this year to be the best ever, then we are going to have to do some things we’ve never done. Here is my 5-step plan for succeeding this year at whatever it is you choose…whether it’s an organization, a career, or a relationship.

you want to go. The space between the two is called “The Gap.” How will you fill that gap? You need to make a plan of exactly what you will do. These plans are called goals, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set some. Many people call it Strategic Planning. You call it whatever you want. Just do it.

Step #1 - Decide What You Want What would you like the end results to be? What is the dream? If money wasn’t a concern, and the world was perfect, how would it look to you? You are the architect and the builder of your life. And remember that there are not architects or builders that would go out and just start throwing up a building or a home without knowing what it will look like when it’s finished before they start. So, it is important for you to know what you want out of this year before you begin it.

There is an old saying that “None of us plan to fail, we just fail to plan.”

Step #2 - Make A Plan Look at where you are now, and where

Best Year Ever Be sure that your goals are smart, meaning that they are:

• Specific • Measureable • Agreed upon by the people who have to help attain the goal

• Realistic • Time framed

When we achieve our goals, our selfesteem goes up, and when our self-esteem goes up, our success goes up.

Step #3 - Identify The Pitfalls Now this may sound negative, but we must look at what might go wrong so we can have a contingency plan. We have to be willing to cope with, and create change when needed. Change is not a maybe. Change is the only constant we have. Everything is changing. Think of change as a vehicle that is out of control and coming down the road. You are standing in that road and the vehicle is coming right at you. You have three choices about what you can do: You can just stand there and let the change run over you and leave you in a worse condition than you were before you started. You can jump out of the way and let the change go right past you. It’s a good possibility that you let it pass you by and it was headed right where you wanted to go.

Or . . . You can start to run along beside the change, jump in the driver’s seat, take control of that change, and drive it right where you want it to go. If we want people to follow us through the change, then we must be the change that we want to see happen. I was fortunate enough to be working for a chain of newspapers in South Africa during the end of Apartheid, and I had the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela released from prison. I also heard his State of the Union address. I watched as this great man demonstrated what he wanted his followers to do, which was “to forgive and put the hatred aside in order to move forward in peace.” He then demonstrated the change he wanted a nation to follow. And follow him, they did! Step #4 - Take Responsibility for Yourself What you get out of life is what you put into it! Do you have knowledge that you can share? Are you good at decorating? Can you write a press release? Do you have beautiful handwriting? When you use any skill or talent that you have for the benefit of others, you will also benefit. Use your skills. Use your talent. Surround yourself with positive people. Most of us hear an average of five negative statements every hour. It takes between 14 and 20 positive statements to overcome one negative statement. If you hear people being negative, get away from them. Or just say thank you for sharing, but don’t participate.

myself gold stars when I have a good day. It feels really good when you stick that star in your daily planner each day. If you have more than one success that day, give yourself more than one gold star. A few years ago, my life partner, John, gave me a necklace with a gold star pendant. On the back was engraved, “Until the 12th of Never.” As you know, that’s a long, long time. Not long after that, John had a heart attack and died. My point here is that I am grateful I had him for the time I did. He taught me what a really good relationship is. Sometimes where we get to is not where or what we imagined. Be thankful anyway. There are people all over the world that would like to be in your shoes, would like to have your job, would even like to have your problems, instead of their own. As Dr. Robert Schuller once said, “Today’s responsibilities are tomorrow’s possibilities.” So I ask, “Have you set your goals for this year? Have you made your plan? Are you prepared for the changes which will take place in your life?” If not, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. If you want something that you’ve never had, you have to do something that you’ve never done.” V

And remember this, about seventy-percent of the negativity we hear comes out of our own mouths. We say things like, “Ain’t it awful! No one cares about me or what I think. They planned another awful program. The speaker was terrible. It’s a wonder I even came, the traffic was so bad getting here. At one point, I just wanted to turn around and go home, but you know what’s at home. I just didn’t feel like I could deal with that tonight, etc., etc., etc.” Your thoughts create your feelings. Your feelings create your behavior. When you are acting or talking negative, it tells the world that you are not feeling good about yourself, and the reason you aren’t is because you aren’t thinking correctly. Change your thoughts. Practice affirmations. Practice empowering self-talk. Practice saying nice things to other people. When you say it, you are putting positives in your own atmosphere as well as in the atmosphere of others. Step #5 - Be Thankful We need to be grateful for what we have. We have been so spoiled for so long. Some of us get upset if we don’t have an Anne Klein watch, a Ralph Lauren blazer, or a Mercedes-Benz to drive. “It’s just not fair. Other people get those things. What about me?” Start being thankful for what you have, and give yourself some gold stars. When I was 16 years old, my dad taught me to give 53

New at

Mesa View! Mesa View Regional Hospital Offers the Latest Technology MRI

Patty Holden, CEO, MBA, FACHE

ell, here we are looking at the New Year with anticipation and hope for new beginnings and positive things for our families, friends and community! There is something at Mesa View Regional Hospital that has already been a benefit to patients in our community. We recently installed a factory new MRI scanner which has replaced the previous unit that was installed when the hospital was built and opened in 2004. Technology has advanced over time, and we are so thrilled to have some of the latest technology available in MRI right here in Mesquite so patients will no longer be required to travel away from home for more complex tests, including MRI of the breast! MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and is a test that uses powerful

magnets, radio waves, and a computer to take detailed pictures inside your body. Your doctor can use this test to diagnose a condition or to see how well a patient has responded to treatment. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, an MRI doesn't use radiation.

The new unit at Mesa View is made by Toshiba, featuring a 1.5 TESLA magnet and is referred to as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;people-friendly MRI,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; since it has been constructed to provide significant noise reduction for the patient. The amount of time required for the scans,

in most cases, is significantly less than the previous unit, in some instances more than 70% less time. Another enhancement that benefits patients is the ability to provide contrast images without requiring the patient to introduce any contrast substance into their body. The expanded exams now available at Mesa View include: Noncontrast vascular and arterial images; Breast MRI; Abdominal including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, adrenals and pancreas; Pelvis including ovaries, bladder, sacrum and hips. MRI is used for a variety of purposes. For example, an MRI of the heart and blood vessels looks for issues such as:

• Blocked blood vessels • Damage caused by a heart attack • Heart disease • Problems with the structure of the heart

An MRI of the bones and joints looks for things like:

• Bone infections • Cancer • Damage to joints • Disc problems in the spine MRI can also be done to check the health of other organs, and now these types of exams are available right here in Mesquite:

• Breast • Liver • Kidneys • Ovaries • Pancreas • Prostate Yet another benefit of advanced technology is the quality of the images themselves. The images this MRI produces far exceed the industry standard, and the radiologists who read them are impressed with their clarity and accuracy. There are also comfort features, including a sound system so patients can choose what music to listen to or even connect to their own personal mobile device to enjoy during the exam.

Patty Holden CEO

Providing this advanced technology to patients in our community is part of a continuing effort to meet the health care needs of the residents and visitors in the Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley area. For more information about the services at Mesa View Regional Hospital, visit: www.MesaViewHospital.com or call (702) 346-8040. V

view on FITNESS

T I D

H C

Your

New Year's

FITNESS

Resolution

by Laura L. Draskovich, A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer

ew Year, New You. It's as familiar as pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. What is a New Year's resolution? It's a fresh start. It's hope for a better yearâ&#x20AC;Śand it's a great opportunity to set ourselves up for some magnificent failures and disappointments, am I right? The sad truth is, many of us set ourselves up to fail when we make that resolution. Don't get me wrong, when we remove the "all or nothing" attitude, we can accomplish whatever we set or minds to do. However, it's by no mistake the gyms are at their near peak enrollment at the first of the year, but members start dropping like flies within a month or so.

January 17 is the official Ditch Your Resolution Day. Did you even know that is an actual day? It sounds like a joke, and it kind of sort of is, but it is also pretty accurate. The number of people that actually keep their resolutions and are successful at achieving them is only 8%. Gym memberships typically skyrocket in January and by the end of month one, maybe two, many of those sad souls retreat in defeat when reality hits them in the face: Results take more time than we often anticipate and getting to them can be very exhausting. Life isn't always on board with our goals. We have kids, jobs, schedules, and it is often a challenge to get to your New Year's Fitness Resolutions. Depressing, I know! But

having been in the industry for many years, I am giving it to you straight. The history of Ditch Your Resolution Day is as old as New Year's resolutions. In the hopeful light of the dawn in the New Year, we all believe that the next year is going to be different, that we won't go back to our old habits, and we won't let things continue as they are. What a shame, that year after year, New Year's resolutions are shown to be as effective as a hole-ridden umbrella at keeping the rain out. January 17 has been dubbed Ditch Your Resolution Day because it's the most common date people abandon their goal. To help us overcome the odds, every year around this time, the news, television, and the internet are flooded with ideas and advice on how to stick to your goals. How about something positive? I have compiled some ideas and tips to help you avoid the pattern I have been describing. If you or a friend or family member is contemplating a New Year's fitness resolution, these strategies can help you be more successful at reaching your goals. First, talk about it. Share your success and struggles with friends and family . Don't be too too hard on yourself. People are not perfect. You are not perfect. Don't give up because you ate a brownie on your second day of your clean eating plan. Feelings of disappointment and depression can make us feel like giving up. Don't. It's the number one killer of success. Adopt a New Start each month or season. Treat this New Start as a chance to recommit and assess your fitness and goals. This approach will eliminate the all or nothing mindset which can derail your fitness program. Assess your goal. As you start out, you may come to realize that working out for two hours a week for a twenty pound weight loss goal might take longer than you think. Your initial goal may need some adjusting. This is not a reason to quit! You have made progress in learning how to better reach your goal. Make a Fitness Journal. This is a tool which I highly recommend. I have used journaling over the years as a figure competitor to reach my fitness goals. The journal will serve to guide you and can be adapted each week, month, or when you see what works and what doesn't. It will help you build strategies that do work. 1. State Your Goal. If you think it, ink it, and you can achieve it. Example: I will lose 10 pounds by March 1. 2. Objectives. Make a list of steps that you will take to reach your goal. Example: a. Drink 3 liters of water each day.

b. Complete 4 cardio days each week, 45 minutes each session. c. Remove processed food and sugar from my diet. 3. Devise a Plan. In this plan, be as specific as you can. Include obstacles that you may encounter with objectives and how you plan to overcome them. 4. Assess Your Progress Regularly. Adjust daily if needed to keep you on track. 5. Remember the three D's: Discipline, Determination, and Dedication. They will dictate your level of success. The purpose of a New Year's Resolution is change and commitment. The New Year is a time of renewal and hope for a better year, and to continue with positive changes in our lives in becoming happier, healthier versions of ourselves. The Road to Success is often paved with struggles and failures. Bingewatching Netflix and having that birthday cake and ice cream might not contribute to you reaching your goal right away, but in healthy moderation, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s "wiggle room." Allow yourself to be less than perfect, and then get back on track. Happy New Year 2018!!! V 57

Women of Pride and Passion, This is for You! #1. Declutter Do a serious inventory of your living room and ask yourself, “Is this something I truly love?” “Is this something that I use?” If the answer is, “No,” donate the item. Creating more breathing space is often the best change we can make to a room. Practice controlled clutter with collectibles, family photos, or collections.

he passion that women put into themselves can carry over into the pride they have in their homes. You can change any room in your home with simple ideas. Just like changing a lip gloss! The living room is the room we showcase for visitors. It reflects our changing tastes and changing lifestyles. It is a room that can easily feel dated and cluttered. While swapping out a sofa is not something most of us can do regularly, here are four easy steps to freshening up your space:

#2. Change Accent Pillows Something as simple as changing your accent pillows can make a big difference, from the color scheme to the overall look of your sofa and chairs. For example, you can move from orange/reds to blue/greys, from floral to modern. I’ll bet at least one person will say, “Did you get a new sofa?” #3. Improve Lighting Daytime lighting should be as natural as possible, so look for ways to increase natural light by removing obstacles that may be blocking light, heavy window treatments, furniture in front of windows. Lighting can be improved by changing the placement of your lighting or by using a lower wattage light bulb #4.Update Artificial Greenery and Florals These plants seem to age after a few years in both style and quality. New greenery

does amazing things for your room. Out with the old. The biggest challenge these days is the internet. People have so many choices of places and ways to buy since the invention of online buying. You cannot really buy interior design online, although we have seen people try. We specialize in hands-on design with the ability to show people a lot of things in person in order to see and touch fabrics and leathers. There is no substitute for that. Here at High Desert Home Furnishings, we have been providing gorgeous and unique home furnishings, accessories, and interior design for the past twelve years. We are a brick-and-mortar store with a lot of great inventory that can be purchased right off the showroom floor, or can be custom ordered as well. We want people to have great pride in their homes, and have the homes reflect who they are. That is our goal. We have an amazing staff of talented and capable designers and a great delivery team. V Visit High Desert Home Furnishings at 550 W. Pioneer Blvd., Mesquite, Nevada or call (702) 704-3271.

Celebrating New Things in

Moapa Valley A

s we ring out the old and ring in the new, we decided to focus this issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article highlighting some new happenings in Moapa Valley!

benches have been built to last with extra heavy iron tubing for the frames, and a smooth powder coat finish to protect from rust and sun damage.

Street Benches Partially funded by a matching grant from the Nevada Commission on Tourism, Mary Kaye Washburn, a member of the Moapa Valley Revitalization Project (MVRP), has overseen the grant process, design, and creation of ten unique ironwork street benches, and six matching trash receptacles to be installed in downtown Overton. The benches were designed and fabricated by Artistic Ironworks of Las Vegas, and the ideas for the designs for each bench were decided on by the members of the MVRP.

Even with the grant, the MVRP was disappointed to learn that the prices for the benches would not be within their budget. But when the owner of Artistic Ironworks learned that the benches were for a non-profit agency to beautify a small community, he not only deeply reduced the price, he also made an in-kind donation of $9,800 to help MVRP meet the matching funds requirement!

Each bench features a back that depicts a different desert themed design, and these

We are all looking forward to the installation of these benches. Moapa Valley Eco-Squad Partners in Conservation (PIC) is working with the Moapa Valley Eco Squad with

some educational presentations and contests, and helping them install gardens for native plants as part of the high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscaping. The Eco-Squad will be visiting third graders at Grant M. Bowler and Ute V. Perkins elementary schools to speak to them about how to recreate responsibly at Logandale Trails. Students at both elementary schools will be invited to create posters about responsible recreation, and the posters will be entered into a contest to win a small cash prize. The winning posters will be exhibited at the Clark County Fair in April 2018. Judging will be done by the Eco-Squad. For fourth graders, the Eco-Squad and PIC will do a presentation about responsible recreation, and all fourth grade students will receive a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free pass to parks, refuges, etc. The Eco-Squad is also working with other classes to build gardens for native plants. PIC will assist them by helping to select the plants, donating the plants for the garden, and planting the gardens. PIC will also be providing some small plaques to identify each native plant. Depending on funding, transportation, and time, the Eco-Squad and PIC would like to expand the third and fourth grade education programs to the elementary schools in the Mesquite area.

Virgin Valley Ffa-Mitigation Site The Mesquite Mitigation & Restoration Project focuses on removing tamarisks and other invasive plants, while restoring native vegetation along the Virgin River in Mesquite, Nevada, adjacent to the Hughes Middle School. Volunteers and community involvement are key components to the successful completion of this project.

education with the FFA classes of Virgin Valley High School. They recently won the state competition in soil judging, so they will be studying and analyzing the various soils at the mitigation site. We will be seeding native grasses in upland areas, as well as removing tamarisks and maintaining footpaths for public to access the river and wetlands. V

In Mesquite, we have started a new phase of the mitigation site where we will be doing volunteer work and on-the-grounds

For more information about PIC, please contact them by email: picorg@mvdsl.com

Professional Basketball

is Headed to

Rising Star Sports Ranch

by Cassandra Cousineau n an exciting move for the southern Utah and southern Nevada regions, Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort is partnering with the North American Premier Basketball League (NAPB) to deliver a professional team in January 2018. The league’s newest addition will play its home games in “The Barn,” the Ranch’s new 30,000 square foot field house.

The team is already part of the community as a result of a week’s long “Name the Team” social media contest facilitated by Rising Star Sports Ranch. After over a hundred entries, former Virgin Valley boys’ basketball coach, Sean FitzSimons was the first to

present Desert Dogs as the moniker. FitzSimons earned season tickets and a swag bag courtesy of Rising Star Ranch. NAPB is designed to bring ‘pro ball’ to markets that would otherwise not have access to professional sports. Add in the opportunity to enhance the region's quality of life by providing family-friendly, affordable entertainment, and the community has high hopes for the Desert Dogs. “The NAPB is a unique opportunity for our region. It is an opportunity for the Red Mesa Region (Mesquite and St. George) to come together to support a home team,” said Rising Star Ranch COO, Andre Carrier. “Working with the NAPB, we will also be using each home game to raise money for important local charities. Tip off of the Desert Dog’s first game is the start of a new season for our community in more ways than one.” League founder, Dave Magley, announced to Mesquite Mayor Allan Litman at a well-attended press conference hosted at Rising Star Ranch, “NAPB takes a family-friendly approach to connect with fans.” In line with Rising Star Ranch core values, players will be active in the community, spending time at elementary schools promoting leadership and anti-bullying. In addition to the team in Mesquite, the league will have teams across the US and Canada from Albany and Rochester, New York, west to Yakima, Washington, and Vancouver, B.C. Follow Rising Star Sports Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for schedule and ticket information. Go, Desert Dogs! V

Gerri Chasko with "Coach Mo" at the Desert Dogs mascot reveal.

Mayor Al Litman, "Coach Mo", and Andre Carrier at the Rising Star.

Home Schedule Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

12 13 18 19 16 17 1 2 9 10 6 7 11 12 27 28

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Vancouver Knights Vancouver Knights Yakima Sunkings Yakima Sunkings Rochester RazorSharks Rochester RazorSharks Albany Patroons Albany Patroons Ohio Cardinals Ohio Cardinals Yakima Sunkings Yakima Sunkings Kentucky Thoroughbreds Kentucky Thoroughbreds Vancouver Knights Vancouver Knights

*Schedule subject to change. Please see www.RisingStarSportsRanch.com for schedule updates.

New Year, New View – Explore Something New by Lani Penney, Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism Bureau

he beautiful national parks of the Southwest draw millions of visitors each year. Bryce Canyon, Zion, Kolob, Cedar Breaks, and Capitol Reef are all among the list. Year after year, people travel from all over the world to visit our national parks and the surreal scenery they entail. While everyone should get a chance to see the top sights within the national parks, it is often forgotten that the area has other hidden treasures, breathtaking views, and amazing adventures right in their shadows. Visitors and locals generally flock to the most well-known sights. In peak time of the year, this can result in overcrowding. In 2016, Parks100 was organized by a partnership with over 25 entities from Utah, Nevada, and Arizona to celebrate the National Park Service 100th birthday. This organization was designed to help

Three Peaks Recreation Area, Cedar City, Utah.

spread the word about the beauty and adventure found in lesser known parks and recreation areas that are often overlooked. “There is an incredible amount of amazing places that many people don’t even know exist,” said Maria Twitchell, Parks100 member and director of the Cedar City – Brian Head Tourism Bureau. “Parks100 created the ‘Explore Five More’ campaign to encourage people to get out and experience these lesser known places”. As we commence a new year, which often includes New Year’s resolutions and goals, we encourage everyone to include experiencing some new views on your list of resolutions. Below is a list of just a few of these lesser known treasures southern Utah has to offer, with many more available on the Parks100 website. Visit Parks100.com for additional adventures, ongoing activities, and suggested itineraries.

Cottonwood Wash Narrows – Cannonville, Utah This narrow canyon is a beginner-friendly hike that still impresses the experienced slot hiker. It’s a fun, mellow way to behold stunning rock formations and towering Navajo sandstone walls. The trailhead lies 25 miles up Cottonwood Canyon Road after you turn off US-89 from Kanab. Brian Head Peak – Brian Head, Utah From the summit of Brian Head Peak (11,307 feet), look out at Nevada’s Wheeler and Highland peaks, Arizona’s Mount Trumbull, Navajo Mountain, Beaver County’s Tushar Range, and the Paunsaugunt, Table Cliffs, and Aquarius plateaus. Turning west, little-known ranges such as the Never Summer Mountains and the Wah Wahs become visible. The peak is accessible by a dirt road just a few miles south of Brian Head Town. Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Kanab, Utah Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 3,730 acres of uninterrupted salmon pink dunes. It is a secluded playground for hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, or simply recreating in the sand. Hikers not only have the option of exploring the boardwalk, overlook trails, and nature trail within the park, but they also have the opportunity of exploring the wide variety of hikes and ATV trails located just minutes from the park. Spring Creek Trailhead – Kanarraville, Utah Spring Creek Canyon Trail is a beautiful slot canyon hike for beginners, located just north of the well-known Kanarraville Falls. It is easy for hikers to find solitude on this hike, as it is very secluded and

overlooked by many. The hike is about a 4.9 mile out and back, with few obstacles. This makes a perfect hike for the entire family, including dogs (on leashes, of course), being that it is accommodating to all skill levels. Buckskin Gulch – Kanab, Utah One of the longest and deepest slot canyons on the planet, Buckskin goes on for miles and rarely gets wider than 20 feet. Many people make an overnight backpacking trip out of it, leaving a shuttle car at one end. Temperatures within the cave are much cooler than the surrounding sunny red rocks. Be ready to wade through puddles along the trail too. Parowan Gap – Parowan, Utah Wind, water, and sand carved out this natural passageway that was once used as a major thoroughfare by ancient Native Americans. The different cultures are evident by the hundreds of petroglyphs carved into the Parowan Gap. The Gap’s gallery of ancient American Indian rock carvings includes geometric designs, lizards, snakes, mountain sheep, bear claws, and human figures. With over 90 panels and 1,500 figures, the Gap is believed to be one of the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs in the West, and one of the most accessible. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve – St. George, Utah The sprawling 60,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve contains a one-of-a kind convergence of multiple desert ecosystems, jawdropping scenery, and protected species seldom seen elsewhere. Sun City Resident Realtor® Loving, Living the Lifestyle

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Anyone wishing to get a taste of the astonishing juxtaposition of a stark rockscape with delicate, determined life should pay this attraction an extended visit. Bristlecone Pine Trail – Cedar City, Utah When you first see a Bristlecone Pine Tree, the twisted bare limbs look almost like alien sculptures, beautiful yet almost unearthly. That’s because Bristlecone die out in portions, while the remainder of the tree continues to live, resulting in a twisted, tortured appearance. Bristlecone have been the watchmen of the Markagunt Plateau for thousands of years, surrounded by the most stunning scenery in the country. It’s well worth the time to discover these trees, and luckily, there are several hiking trails within the Dixie National Forest that take you to them and the panoramic vistas that unfold below. The best season for these trails is summer through fall, as they are located at a high elevation. Three Peaks Recreation Area – Cedar City, Utah The rolling hills and volcanic rock formations of Three Peaks Recreation Area provide a fantastic location for outdoor recreation. Kids love to run, jump, and crawl over the hunchbacked granite outcroppings expanding across the landscape. A nineteen-mile mountain bike trail system runs through the complex, and is often used for mountain bike races. The trailhead is located just as you come into the Three Peaks Complex near the county recreation area. There are restrooms and water located at the trailhead. Yes, there is something for everyone in southern Utah’s famous national and state parks. But the hidden treasures, breathtaking views, and amazing adventures that lie in the shadows of these well-known parks are worth getting off the beaten path. Come and see what southern Utah has to offer.V 65

Oreo Truffle Hearts

by Katie Woo photos by Robert Dastoli

elebrating Valentine’s Day is a time when we show our devotion with loving notes and — my personal favorite — sweet treats! This year, instead of going with the usual store bought hearts, whip up some of your own to share around the office, with dear friends, or with a loved one over a bottle of sparkling wine. I first experienced these treats years ago at a party for a close friend of mine. When I took a bite of one of her truffles, my mouth watered with chocolatey deliciousness, and I knew I had to have the recipe! The following day, I read the directions and responded with, “That’s it?!” How could something so delicious be so simple? Now, years later, they are a tradition, and I am happy to get to share the recipe with the readers of View On Magazine! Before we get into the logistics, I have to share my favorite part of the recipe. Whether you prefer white or dark chocolate, lots

of sprinkles or none, the nice thing about this recipe is it can be personalized to fit your own taste. The shape and decoration can also be changed so that you can enjoy the recipe on holidays throughout the year — or even just on a Wednesday night. So get inspired. Use different cookie cutters or roll them into balls. Drizzle milk chocolate over the white chocolate glaze. Use sprinkles to decorate, or icing to write a special message on each one. The possibilities are endless, so make the recipe your own, and don’t forget to share with your Valentine!

Ingredients

• 1 package Oreo, finely crushed • 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened • 20-24 oz. Chocolate, melted (I used both White and Dark Chocolate Chips) • Decorative Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Crush whole Oreos. I prefer to use a blender or food processor for this step, but it can also be done in a zip-top bag. In a large bowl, combine Oreos with softened Cream Cheese. Use a mixer on mediumlow until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread it in an even layer about ½-inch thick. (Depending on the size of your cookie cutter, you could make the layer a little thicker.)

Place the tray in the freezer for 45 minutes, or until the layer is hardened enough for cutting. Cut out the truffles with a heart shaped cookie cutter, and place them back into the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Truffles must be frozen before dipping into chocolate. Take the hearts out of the freezer a few, or even one, at a time to prevent them from warming during handling. Make sure your chocolate is melted and easy to work with. Submerge the heart in the chocolate. Tap off the excess chocolate, and transfer the hearts onto a tray with fresh parchment paper. (Optional: Quickly add sprinkles to the hearts before the chocolate hardens.)

The dipping part of the process can be frustrating if the hearts are too warm or the chocolate is not warm enough. It will also be a bit messy, so make sure you’ve got a few paper towels handy. There is no one way to do this part, so find what works for you. If you want your hearts to look perfect, you will most likely need to double dip them. To do this, place the dipped hearts back in the freezer to harden before repeating the dipping process. Refrigerate in an airtight container and serve chilled. The truffles can also be frozen for longer storage. *This recipe makes 16-20 small hearts.V

A Foundation for the Future

year ago, when the massive Clark County School District (CCSD) prepared to fracture into sub-districts, two Mesquite women separately pondered how to effectively donate scholarship money for Virgin Valley High School (VVHS) seniors. Darlene Nelson had worked tirelessly as a mentor and volunteer in local schools for a number of years. Linda Faas, a

community resident, was concerned about making a donation directly to CCSD during a time of administrative reorganization. A mutual friend heard each woman voice concerns, and quickly told each that they had a potential ally. Darlene and Linda, joined by Maury Putnam, coordinator of the Career and Technical

Education programs at VVHS met for lunch to trade ideas. Maury knew the students, and could see that many struggled to fulfill post-high school aspirations for lack of finances. There was certainly common ground to cover. From that core ideal of helping local teens connect with financial resources, Mesquite Community Education Foundation (MCEF) has formed. MCEF aims to help VVHS seniors afford advanced education, and help the community connect to VVHS and its students. By casting a wide net, the three initiators of MCEF quickly found community leaders who shared their vision. Dr. Theresa Ofori, mother of school-age children, carved out time from her dental practice to assist MCEF. Dan Wright, vice president of Bank of Nevada and active community volunteer, stepped up to act as MCEF treasurer. He and Nelson secured nonprofit 501(c)(3) status for the foundation. Shelly Stoiber, a community aide at VVHS, headed a committee to write the organization’s bylaws. In a few short weeks, a strong core group that would lead the foundation was formed. But how to raise money? How to introduce the community to VVHS students and their dreams? A minimal number of Mesquite’s newer residents pay close attention to the area schools because many are recent retirees who have little family connection to Mesquite. Somehow a bridge needed to be built. Food and fun are magnetic attractions, so working through Maury’s connections at VVHS, the new culinary arts instructor, Chris Noone, was persuaded to have his students cook a community dinner. MCEF planned to sell tickets to raise scholarship funds. This magic combination turned into the hugely successful March 2017 “Spring Fling.” Student musicians dazzled the Spring Fling crowd. Abundant raffle prizes, student art sales, and a generous crowd brought in sizable funds. On Awards Night 2017, MCEF presented $1,000 scholarships to eight very deserving seniors headed to trade school and college. Kickin’ it up a notch, MCEF named “Yee Haw” as its theme for an opening fundraiser. In mid-November, the culinary arts kids rustled up a BBQ chicken dinner with all the down home comfort food trimmings. The awesome student musicians outdid themselves again by learning an entire repertoire of classic Western tunes just for the event. When kids rolled their eyes at the music selections, instructors Marie Palmer and Kendra Graf reminded them the average age of their audience would land somewhere in the Grandma/Grandpa range. The wisdom of the instructors was borne out when the smiling audience members clapped hands, tapped toes, and erupted into applause for every song. Guests were also thrilled to win raffle prizes donated by generous community supporters. A “Yee Haw” highlight was an all-feet-on-deck line dance led by the VVHS Pep Squad. The fancy footwork of that dance brought on “da agony of de feet,” as this writer limped home.

But sore feet were a small price to pay for the fun and funds raised that evening. MCEF president Darlene Nelson and her board continue their fundraising work for the class of 2018. Nelson applauds VVHS students and the community for their heart in working hard to help deserving seniors see their way to post-high school education. It is a cause that all can be proud to support. The good that goes around will come around to Mesquite’s young people and their future. MCEF invites businesses and individuals to make contributions to the 2018 Senior Scholarship Fund. Call Darlene at (406) 431-1181, or contact MCEF Treasurer Dan Wright at Bank of Nevada, (702) 346-6600, to get involved. To make a direct scholarship donation, checks may be made to MCEF, c/o Dan Wright, Bank of Nevada, 11 W. Pioneer Blvd., Mesquite, NV 89027. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. V MCEF Board, 2017-2018 • Darlene Nelson, President • Maury Putnam, VP • Dan Wright, Treasurer • Linda Faas, Publicity • Michelle Stoiber, Bylaws • Theresa Ofori, Community Relations • Jon Putnam, Art Director • Ryan Toone, Legal Consultant • Justin Ludvigson, Fundraising • Yori Ludvigson, Fundraising • Clifford Hughes, VVHS Principal, Advisor

BEST WESTERN MESQUITE INN photo by Kris Zurbas

est Western Mesquite Inn opened its doors in Mesquite in January 1995 as an independent limited service property. Nine Years later, they became part of the internationally recognized Best Western Hospitality Brand . Last year, 2016, Best Western Mesquite Inn completed a public space remodelrefresh of their lobby, Business Center, breakfast facility, and guest services areas for a more modern feel and look, as well as a soft goods package with all new carpets,

drapery, sofas, and chairs in all the guest rooms. In 2017, Best Western Mesquite Inn had a major new logo change required by the brand to update all signage and collateral for all 4000+ Best Western Hotels which has been widely seen in Best Western National Media advertising campaigns. Best Western Mesquite Inn has completed an exterior refresh with an all new fivecolor paint scheme, and an LED exterior

landscape lighting package to improve nighttime visibility and safety. Coming in 2018, they will complete their goals with an all new case goods package which includes new headboards, dressers, nightstands, and tables for a contemporary modern look and feel in every room. Lastly, the parking lot will be resurfaced adding to the curb appeal. Best Western International as an international brand is one of the most wellestablished and well-known hospitality brands, with more than 71 years in the industry, and has one of the best loyalty programs offering a “NO CATCH STATUS MATCH!” Best Western points NEVER EXPIRE, and can be rolled over year after year for accumulation or redemption of gift cards, Best Western travel cards, travel, airline purchases, or merchandise . Best Western Mesquite Inn has been in Business in Mesquite for over 22 years, being an integral part of the community, and an active Chamber of Commerce Member since 1995. Misty Buchhalter, Best Western Mesquite Inn General Manager said, “We take pride in our Best Western ICARE philosophy and culture providing superior customer service. We are a big family,

and we are very proud of all our recent accomplishments to enhance the beauty of our property, not only adding value to our guests, but to our community”. Best Western Mesquite Inn looks forward to being part of Mesquite’s future and positive growth for many more years to come. Mrs. Buchhalter added, “We welcome you and your family to come stay with us for a day or two at our recently refreshed property, and to be part of our family. Who knows, you may decide to stay in Mesquite for a lifetime”. “Happy New Year from our Best Western Mesquite Family to yours!”V

view on THE ARTS

Mesquite Western Roundup

by Mike Prince photos by Von Bussma

t wasn't too many years ago that the term “cowboy poet” seldom, if ever, found it's way into polite conversation. The term very likely was considered an oxymoron, a figure of speech that uses seeming contradiction. Cowboy? Poet? Yet today, thousands of people gather at numerous venues to listen to cowboy or western poetry.

that is contemporary. Many people tend to focus on the historic cowboy lifestyle, but the work that cowboys do continues. The cowboy lifestyle is a living tradition that continues in western North America, Canada, and other places as well. Cowboy poetry is still being written, still being recited, and still entertaining around campfires and convention halls.

Cowboy poetry is a form of poetry that grew out of a tradition of offhand composition carried on by workers on cattle drives and ranches. At the end of a day’s work, cowboys would gather around a campfire and entertain each other with tall tales and folk songs.

Typical themes of cowboy poetry include ranch work and those who perform it, cowboy values and practices, humorous anecdotes, and memories of times and people long gone.

Contrary to common belief, cowboy poetry does not have to be written by cowboys, though followers of the craft would claim that the authors should have some connection to the cowboy life. Folks who are newcomers to cowboy poetry may be surprised to hear poetry 74

Juni Fisher, singer, songwriter, and one of America's top female western vocalists sums up the lifestyle best when she says, “This is the stuff of our own history. Preserving the writings, stories and poetry, and the music, all of it is part of the weave that makes us, who revere the west, who we are and what we are. I come from a farm background, also rich in western heritage and I chose for myself a ‘cowboy’

lifestyle when I was a teenager. Western music, cowboy music and poetry is for everyone, not only those who live it, but for those who want to visit occasionally. That's the beauty of cowboy poetry. It gives everyone a place to visit.” The 2018, Mesquite Western Roundup will be presented February 23 at 7:00 PM and February 24 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM at The Mesquite Community Theater, located at 150 N. Yucca Street, Mesquite, Nevada. Tickets may be purchased at the MCT box office Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, or one hour prior to the performance. Tickets are also available at one of these Mesquite satellite locations: The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce and Ready Golf. Tickets may also be purchased online at mctnv.com.V For more information visit mesquitewesternpoetry.com, or call Russ Westwood at (385) 241-1123

view on BUSINESS

Cactus and Lace

story by Callie Clark photos by Rey of Light

icture in your mind what your dream destination wedding would look like. Would there be picturesque mountains smelling of pine trees and fresh air? Maybe you would prefer a sandy beach with swaying palm trees surrounded by crystal clear blue water. How about the quiet beauty of a lush vineyard? Your vision might include a rustic barn, complete with sawdust and straw on the floor. No matter what you envisioned, however, I will bet the Mojave Desert, with its arid landscape, cacti, desert critters, and ample rocks and dirt probably didn’t even cross your mind. But one look at the Cactus and Lace website, and your mind might just wander to desert critters, red rocks, and of course, cactus. Owners Lory Fabbi and Rachel Garcia have put together a top-notch team that specializes in small, intimate, romantic elopements and personalized weddings in the scenic Valley of Fire, fifty-eight miles north of the Las Vegas Strip. When asked why someone would choose to come to the desert for their wedding, Fabbi replied, “Most of our brides come from places that don’t have this landscape.” She continued, “One bride remarked how quiet it was. Coming from a large city, a lot of our brides are used to the noise of big city living. It is just so peaceful. It is just you and your little wedding group.”

The team at Cactus and Lace work hard to provide a personalized wedding experience with little effort from the bridal party. With the help of Skype, Fabbi and her team meet with the bride, and sometimes the groom, to get to know them on a more personal level. Most of them have a Pinterest board with ideas for their dream wedding, and that helps the Cactus and Lace team get to know their likes and dislikes. Whether she is traditional or Boho, the team at Cactus and Lace work together to provide an effortless wedding experience. “We have three basic styles to choose from. Once they have made their choice, we take it from there and design something specific for them,” Fabbi explained. “Most of them like the soft and dreamy look of Desert Romance.” Even though it is the same style, each bride brings her own individuality as to what she really wants. After talking and Skyping, the brides trust Fabbi and her team to just get it done. The bride and groom will see the landscape and setting for the first time as they arrive on the day of their wedding. “The looks on their faces tell us all we need to know,” says Fabbi. “Most can’t believe we were able to incorporate their ideas into something so stunning.” The team at Cactus and Lace really do take care of everything, the limo, the cake, the flowers, the decorations, and the photography. 77

Some of their brides come from 4,000 miles away, so the team does all in their power to alleviate stress. They want the day to be sweet and peaceful and calm, just the best day of their life. Some people might be concerned about desert critters. They are definitely out there, but they rarely make an appearance. One wedding party was lucky enough to have a desert bighorn sheep come down for a photo op. An occasional lizard might skitter by, a desert tortoise might lumber on, or a chipmunk may scamper over the sand, but they have never had a snake slither in for a visit. Because it is a desert, Fabbi suggests her brides bring along an extra pair of flats so they can wander from place to place. Although they haven’t been bothered too much by native desert creatures, there was one night the team thought they might be in trouble. Fabbi locked her keys in her car while the team was loading up. She called her husband to bring the extra set, but had to wait about forty-five minutes for his arrival. In the meantime, it got dark – really, really dark. Suddenly, they saw two gleaming red eyes. The creature they belonged to skirted the venue. They were a little scared, but the little red desert fox was not at all ferocious, not something to be frightened of. Valley of Fire does not allow weddings without a special permit that is granted by the Nevada State Parks in Carson City. There are regulations that must be complied with, a lengthy application, a large insurance policy, and a Nevada state business license. “It took months and months to get it all together,” explained Fabbi. “But it was so worth it.”

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Fabbi says they have been blessed to have their vendors and officiants close by. The Front Porch in Overton, Nevada provides the flowers, and most everything else is in Las Vegas. The ladies of Cactus and Lace work well together. Lory is the sensitive one. Rachel is a bit of a wild child who loves artistic photography. Amanda works behind the scenes and pours the champagne. Alexandra loves anything vintage. Reyanna is their professional editing retoucher and back-up photographer Because they are photographers first, they know how to pose people and stage things to make them as beautiful as they can be. As they say, “One picture is worth a thousand words.” Their goal is to convey the love between the couple and the beauty of the surroundings. They believe they create something that will be a legacy for the brides and their families a hundred years from now. “I love marriage, just the thought of it” said Fabbi. “It can be one of the hardest things two people can do, but anything worthwhile is worth working for. Being in the wedding business, we promote marriage.”V If you are looking for a unique place for a small, intimate wedding, commitment ceremony, or vow renewal, contact Cactus and Lace. Fabbi and Garcia and their team will see to it that your day is one to remember. Visit www.cactusandlaceweddings.com for more information.

SBA District Director Visits Mesquite by Rachel Dahl

he Small Business Administration has a new district director in Nevada who hopes to bring his success in the business and finance world to the bureaucracy that exists to serve small businesses in our state. Joe Amato made it clear when he accepted the appointed position in this cabinet level agency that he meant to shake things up and he would probably ruffle some feathers.

of optimism to the small businesses he visits, and renewed vigor to the industry that serves them.

Ten weeks into his new job, Amato has already met with the owners of 169 businesses, and is now reaching out to communities across the state. But instead of ruffling feathers, he is bringing a sense

Tom Martin, one of the lender relations specialists for SBA, stops in Mesquite regularly on his rounds of the rural communities and accompanied Amato to Mesquite where they met with

His recent visit to Mesquite was the first stop in what will be a grand tour over the next few months of every community throughout our state as this east coast â&#x20AC;&#x153;tunnel babyâ&#x20AC;? gets to know the vast and diverse community that is Nevada.

Rachel Dahl, President/CEO of Mesquite Regional Business (MRB), and board member Courtney Sweetin. They toured the community, and visited with several local businesses, including LOADTEC and Primex Plastics, as well as Washington Federal bank. Amato and Martin also met with Brenda Snell and Jeff Powell of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, and Aaron Baker from the City of Mesquite. Throughout the day, discussion centered around the role of SBA and how the community can use the agency to grow small business and strengthen the Mesquite economy.

To some extent, SBA flies under the radar in the world of federal agencies, especially in the west where we’re more familiar with the agencies that manage public lands and parks. But in Nevada, if you drink coffee at a mom ‘n’ pop coffee shop, use a local advertising agency or staffing service, or work for a manufacturing firm, chances are that business has bloomed because of their connection to one of the many resource partners carrying the load under the SBA umbrella. From the Small Business Development Centers to SCORE – the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and the Women’s Business Centers, to Veteran Business Outreach Centers, the SBA funds and facilitates an incredibly valuable resource for the country’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

As a result of the visit from Amato, the Chamber of Commerce, SBDC, and MRB will work with the SBA office in Las Vegas to hold a lending clinic this spring that will provide businesses the opportunity to meet with a wide array of funding providers from banks to non-traditional lenders. If you are interested in more information regarding small business support and resources, please call the SBDC office at (702) 613-0109.V

Besides offering support for lending and funding small business, SBA has numerous resources to support local entrepreneurs with planning, the launch, management, and growth of their companies. Additionally, the SBA is focused on helping small businesses navigate the world of government contracting at both the federal and local levels. Many communities, through their chambers of commerce and economic development organization take advantage of the SBA to offer clinics and educational seminars that promote small businesses and connect entrepreneurs to all available resources. During Amato’s visit, he was intent on delivering the message that SBA is here as a resource and the community should take advantage of all the finance and training opportunities that can help grow the local business economy. “This was a great trip out to Mesquite which gave me the opportunity to observe the mechanism of how Mesquite is working in terms of economic development and the small business environment,” said Amato. “I look forward to working with this community to bring new business opportunity and prosperity to Mesquite.” 81

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Let Helping Hands

Housekeepers

Help You by Aloree Smith

o you ever start off the new year wondering how you are going to get back in control of your home, or even your life? The holiday season has just ended and you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out what your next steps should be. Everyone is picking and dropping resolutions left and right, and you’re still just standing at the starting line wondering what your resolution should be. A little direction is just what you need. A buddy to guide you, keep you on pace, and cheer you on in crossing that finish line. That is exactly what many people have found with Helping Hands Caregivers. Maybe your holidays ended with a bang and you need help cleaning your home. Maybe the end of year was not so nice to you, and you’re physically struggling to get around, let alone keep your home in some kind of working order. No matter what your cause, Helping Hands can assist you in whatever it is you may need. “My caregivers can help you live independently in your home. We’re committed to quality care and compassion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” says Kristi Anderson, owner and caregiver of Helping Hands, “And we are now serving homes from Mesquite, Nevada to Sun River in St. George, Utah.”

This feel-good company offers a full range of cleaning services to help you keep up with your busy life, and uses a checklist to ensure that your home is cleaned exactly the way you want it, every time. Whether you need weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even a one time cleaning, their housekeepers are dedicated to making sure your home is done to your specifications. One thing that many caregiver companies don’t do is make sure your home stays ideal while you are away. With the new year comes new opportunities for travel and experiences. Maybe your resolution is to travel across the country, or halfway around the world. The last thing you want to do as you are taking in the beauty that is aurora borealis, or laying out on a cruise ship making its way to the Caribbean is worrying about your house. Did a water line break? Did you forget to unplug something? What if there is a random storm and your house floods? Don’t stress about those things! This amazing group of people can take care of that, too, with their home monitoring services. They will make sure you don’t have any surprise guests when you return home, and that you enter your nice, clean, and safe home environment. If you think you could use one or more of their services, or know someone that might need them, give Kristi a call at (702) 343-4385 or (435) 680-8758. V 83

The Power of Port rait s by Ron Bird

ne of the most common questions I get is how I came to be a photographer. It certainly has been an interesting journey that got me to where I am today, but the better question to answer is why I became a portrait photographer. Allow me to tell you about my journey so that you can understand why I photograph people for a living, and maybe you will see just how important it is to get photographed yourself. After I graduated high school in Mesquite, I joined the Marine Corps. While serving, I met my wife, who is also a Marine, and we started our family together. When we had both finished our time of service, we moved back here to Mesquite so I could join my father in the family business. I sold life and health insurance for 10 years, all the while, my love for art and creativity

was growing inside me. My free time became consumed with drawing, painting, and photography. I finally reached a point where I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let my creative spirit die away to the mundane life of filling out insurance applications. So, in 2016, I decided the time had come and I told my parents I wanted out of the business. That certainly was not easy, and I truly do miss working with them on a daily basis, but I finally felt that I was heading down the path of using the talents God has blessed me with. At the time, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a solid plan as to what I was going to do. Initially, I thought I would just take on whatever painting, drawing, graphic design, and photography commission work I could get, and pray that enough steady work could keep my family fed. Everything changed when I came

across a woman who would eventually become my mentor, Sue Bryce. Sue is one of the top portrait photographers in the world, and an amazing teacher as well. You see, Sue is one of those charismatic people who draws you in with their authenticity and true passion for what they do. Sue has taught me so much that it’s hard to put into words. I’ve learned not only the technical aspects of my style of portraits, but she also taught me how to make a sustainable business model and showed me that it is possible to make a living in this industry. But the most important thing Sue has helped me realize is the importance of what I do. People have differing reasons for getting their portrait taken. Some do it to commemorate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. Some will have their family’s portraits taken so they can have something to remember each stage of their lives. Others will take portraits so that they can leave a legacy to their loved ones. And some have their portraits taken as a way of discovering themselves, either for the first time, or as a way of reconnecting with the person they used to be. I see this often with mothers whose lives have been so centered around their family that they have forgotten just how beautiful and special they themselves are. Also, a lot of moms, my own included, realize that they have been behind the camera for all those family vacation photos and there is a period of their lives where they don’t exist in the photos. Whatever your reason might be for having your portrait taken, the most important thing to remember is: Don’t wait. Life is short. Ask any widow or widower what they cherish most, and they will almost certainly point to a photo of their spouse. You don’t know when the time will come for you or your loved ones to leave this earth. Don’t be left with regret, wishing that you had taken the time to get beautiful photos to remember them by. Leave your legacy for your loved ones to cherish long after you are gone. While leaving my family’s business was very difficult and took a lot of faith, it’s easy to see why I was compelled. I am honored to

capture people for all time. Please allow me the privilege of giving you family portraits that will be treasured for generations. You can contact me by phone at (702) 706-3784, by email at info@ronbirdportraits.com, or through my website at ronbirdportraits.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram at ronbirdportraits.V

by Charlene Paul he Women’s Influence Center launched in March 2017 with the mission of supporting women in a variety of areas, including health and wellness, leadership, business and entrepreneurship, volunteer engagement, and much, much more.

In September 2015, Women’s Influence Center founder Shirlayne Quayle and St. George Chamber President Pam Palermo began talking about the needs of women in their community. They felt an immediate

connection as they spoke of the gaps not being addressed in meeting these needs. In November 2017, under the umbrella of the St. George Chamber organizational structure, Pam set up the Center as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The board and respective committees are made up of all volunteers. “The great thing about the Center,” explained Shirlayne, “is that it keeps evolving. It becomes whatever the women need it to become. We explain to the

women that we need their feedback in order to understand their needs. We are here to serve you.” On December 7, 2017, the Center hosted an event called Your Best Year Yet in 2018 where attendees enjoyed a highly interactive exchange with other Chamber members, and learned how to create their own personal guidelines for success in 2018. They learned strategies to help overcome what’s blocking them in order to break through to achieve the best results.

They also created a one-page annual plan of focus for 2018, with an implementation and accountability system to ensure success. On February 9-10, 2018, they will host the annual Ignite Your Influence Conference. This year’s theme, The Power of Unity will be two days of learning to how use your voice and ask for what you want and need. It will focus on working together and leaning on one another’s strengths in order to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. The Center’s monthly Powerhouse Series, in collaboration with Intermountain Healthcare focuses on entrepreneurship, business training, leadership, health and wellness, suicide prevention, opioid training, and depression. Visit their website at http://www.stgeorgechamber. com/womens-influence-center/ for more information.

“Helping women evolve from situations including poverty and abuse is so important,” said Shirlayne. “These women are in transition and oftentimes don’t know where to turn or who to ask for help in moving forward. It is so important to give them a voice so they can grow and move on.” Shirlayne explained that women wear so many hats. They raise children, care for aging parents, work outside the home, volunteer, engage in community, church, and school activities. There is a real need for balance as they interact and connect with those around them. Achieving this balance is something the Women’s Influence Center strives to teach. Under the St. George Chamber’s powerful networking capacity, training and resources are available that might otherwise not be possible. The support of companies and organizations is priceless.

The objectives of the Women’s Influence Center are simple, but ever so powerful. By building a strong community of support, they serve and promote all women without discrimination of any kind. Their focus is on connecting and strengthening women, filling gaps not already being addressed, educating and training, mentoring, networking, and supporting. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderfully unique organization, visit their website at http://www. stgeorgechamber.com/womens-influencecenter/, or their Facebook page. There is something for every woman no matter what stage of life they are in, no matter what circumstance they are in, and no matter what their background may be.V For more information, contact Shirlayne Quayle at (801) 244-0542 or Pam Palermo at (435) 628-1659, extension 5.

view on DESIGN

The

ART of

Hanging Art by Helen Houston

rt can inspire. Art can soothe. Art can energize. This makes art the “go-to” when decorating a home. How much art is too much? And, can art go anywhere you want it to? With the increasingly affordability of art, particularly canvas and giclee (zhee-klay) prints, everyone is now taking on the challenge. The key is understanding the fundamentals for each room. So, let’s take a tour. Living Room The living room is the most popular space to hang art, for a number of reasons. We spend a lot of time there; it’s the most visible room; and, it often has the most wall space. When confronted with a massive wall space, the key is ensuring the work of art you purchase to fit that space doesn’t get lost in the void. One of the biggest mistakes made is hanging a piece of art that’s too small. Take time to measure the available space and select an artwork that does the space justice, nicely centered with an equal amount of “white space” or “blank space” above, below and on either side. If you’ve accidently purchased art that is too small or you’re determined to hang a much-loved piece, don’t stress! Simply add more art! You can either add one to two pieces of the same size or style to create a wall series or add five to 10 completely different pieces to create a feature gallery wall. Oh, and make sure to hang your art, particularly large pieces, at eye level.

Dining Room With the advent of open-plan living, the age of the intimate dining room is fast fading away. If your home still has a traditional separate dining room, it’s the perfect place to hang art. Art prints aside, you can get as creative as you like. Think tapestries, ornate mirrors, decorative plates or shelves with ornaments. When it comes to the dining room, the key is to keep it non-controversial. If you decide to invite your boss or mother-inlaw over to dinner, the last thing you want is art that could encourage unsettling conversation. It’s perhaps best to keep the more contentious works of art for the bedroom or reading room. The dining room is meant to be a warm, comfortable, communal space. Bedroom The bedroom is entirely your space, so you have the freedom to decorate as you please. When it comes to choosing bedroom designs ideas, if you want to create something extraordinary, be sure to complement the rest of your décor. Think about the colors of your walls, your floors, your bedding, and cushions. Then decide whether you want your artwork to match or clash – either option is fine. Hallway Transform a small hallway into an art exhibition with either an art gallery series or, if there’s a clear entry point, a single work of art that binds the home together. It’s very unusual for art to work as a standalone feature in a large hallway. Instead, the key to achieving a sophisticated space is to create an area of interest around the art, perhaps with a side table, chair, vase of flowers or even a small rug.

The style of art you choose is completely up to you, but hallways are renowned for featuring some of the most creative art in a collection. Kitchen We often focus so heavily on the functionality of a kitchen that we forget it deserves to be beautiful as well. If you are blessed with a large or open plan kitchen that features more than just cupboards and back-splashes, hanging some stunning art is a must. The kitchen is the perfect place for some inspirational word art or creative food photography. The kitchen is a bright, lively, happy place. That’s why it’s often where the best parties take place! Your kitchen art should enhance this atmosphere with plenty of color, fun and energy. Bathroom The bath is back! And I’m not talking the type that doubles as a shower. Baths are becoming focal points in themselves, the bigger the better. What this means is less tiling and more wall space for artwork. Choose art for the bathroom that inspires relaxation. In terms of colors, think pastels and cool blues. In terms of styles, think marine art, Zen art and watercolors. Anything that conveys tranquility is ideal for the bathroom.V Helen Houston is a certified real estate staging and redesign professional. Helen is the owner of Staging Spaces and can be reached by calling (702) 346-0246.

EXERCISE

The Art of Movement

by Kevin Jackson reetings Everyone! With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays just ending, many of us will have had the chance to enjoy some very tasty culinary delights.

By the way, if you are baking soft oatmeal cookies, please feel free to send a couple my way. My mother always told me there is nothing like a good old fashioned home cooked meal and, wow, was she so right! That said, the holidays have a tendency to help us pack on some extra, and often times, unwanted pounds around the tummy area as well as other areas of our bodies that may cause a lot of us to want to get back in the gym or start an exercise regimen in flash speed, however, the problem is many people through no fault of their own, have no game plan or roadmap in place to pursue, and ultimately attain, their fitness goals. This is especially true right after the New Year when millions of Americans will look for a health club or some other type of fitness regimen to shed those unwanted pounds of body fat and get into shape. I have always been one who likes to enjoy the process as well as the outcome in any endeavor I choose to undertake. With that 90

in mind, I would like to offer a few tips that can help you on your path to fitness success. 1. When choosing a gym, select the gym based on your needs, not on how fancy the equipment is. 2. Find a reputable and successful trainer who gets results! 3. Discuss what your individual goals are in detail, and implement them. 4. BE Consistent! Nothing will deter your success like inconsistency. 5. Understand that to be lean and lose body fat, you HAVE to change the way you eat, period. There are no shortcuts! 6. Learn to enjoy the process, and understand by doing so, your ability to achieve your goal will be much easier and faster. Happy New Year Everyone!V

The New Way to Shop Smith’s

ello Smith’s customers! My name is Abbi Herrick, and I am the E-commerce (Clicklist) Manager for the Smith’s Division. Today, I want to take a few minutes to talk to you about the great things ClickList has to offer. As the weather grows colder and the new year approaches, this is the perfect time of year for ClickList! Offering same day service within a 4-hour window makes ClickList a perfect fit for many of our customers. Order online from over 40,000 items, select a one hour pickup or delivery window and let us do the rest. It’s that easy!

products. We deliver groceries with the friendliest service in the industry in five minutes or less curbside or within a one-hour window for home delivery. Customer satisfaction is our number one goal in the Clicklist department. Fresh, accurate, timely orders delivered with a smile is what we strive for each time. We have 48 locations across the Smith’s division, making it convenient to use. The first three visits are free, and each visit thereafter that is only $4.95. Home delivery to your front door is just $11.95 for each order. That’s a small price to pay for some extra time to do the things that are most important to you.

Our ClickList associates are well trained and strive to pick the freshest possible

In the words of some of our loyal customers, “ClickList is life Changing.”

“I’ll never step foot in the store again.” “With ClickList, I don’t have to drag my children through the store, I just pull up and they load everything into my car. They even gave my kids a treat.” “The website is easy to navigate and it has my favorites listed for easy ordering.” “I order on my lunch hour and pick up on my way home from work. It’s easy.” To those of you already using ClickList, thank you! To those of you who haven’t tried it yet, give ClickList a try. We know you are going to love it!V Make sure to check out www.smithfoodanddrug.com for store locations and to see if your store offers ClickList.

view on URBAN LEGENDS

The Kissing Tree by Charlene Paul

ith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it only seems right to share a Utah urban legend about the Kissing Tree. The Kissing Tree was a tall Cedar that grew around what is now 600 East in Salt Lake City, Utah. Weary travelers found respite in its shade. Loggers gathered beneath its branches each day before heading off for the day’s work. Children played in its shadow. Sweethearts carved their names in its sturdy trunk. It became a meeting place for the townsfolk. Legend has it that young Marilyn Watson, age 19, came from Scotland to the Salt Lake Valley with the Mormon pioneers in 1847. Like most girls of that age, she loved to dance and meet boys. Eventually, she earned the nickname, Lavender because of the purple dress she always wore. But Marilyn’s dancing days were cut short when she caught pneumonia and died at age 20, just a year and a half after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. Ten years after she died, the Tanner family, including their 20-year old son, Henry, arrived in the Salt Lake Valley to settle down. Henry loved to dance, and he had no difficulty finding girls to dance with, and occasionally take to the Kissing Tree. One night, he saw a girl whose beauty nearly knocked him off his feet. She was wearing a lavender dress and had a beautiful smile. Henry was smitten. He wanted to ask her to dance, and he knew he had better make his move before the other boys laid eyes on her. After the dance, Henry offered to escort the beautiful girl home, and just happened to stop by the Kissing Tree on the way. It was a cold night and the girl had no jacket, so he took off his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. Then he gently lifted her face and leaned down until their eyes met. They shared a kiss and an embrace. But as luck would have it, there would be no second kiss; it had started to rain. He walked her home. The house was dark, and it seemed that no one was there. The girl thanked Henry and then went inside the house. On his way home, Henry thought about her beauty and fantasized about seeing her again. He realized she had not returned his coat, a perfect excuse to go back. The next day, Henry walked to the house and saw tall weeds and a structure that was falling apart. No one was inside and it looked like it had been vacant for years. He was a little confused, and thought he might have mistaken which house was hers, so he asked a neighbor where the girl with the lavender dress lived. He was told that he could find her under the poplar tree at the east end of the city cemetery. He was confused, but when he got to the cemetery, he found his jacket folded neatly over Lavender’s grave stone.

Sadly, someone chopped down the Kissing Tree leaving only a stump. In 1933, the Daughters of Salt Lake County erected a monument and placed a plaque so visitors would know about the legend of the Kissing Tree.

view on

GARDENING

Green Is The

NewBlack by Paul “Dr. Q” Noe, Staff Horticulturist/Certified Horticulture Advisor, Star Nursery

Here are some foolproof tips to get you off to a good start: 1. Drainage: Pick pots or containers with drainage holes. Roots need air to live and planting them into a pot without holes is condemning them to a slow death by drowning. Make sure there are holes in the pot and a drain plate to catch the draining water. Empty that drain plate a few minutes after watering. 2. Light: Check the plant’s needs. Even the most low-light tolerant plants need light to live. Photosynthesis is a plant's well-balanced diet. There should be enough light to read a book by for most of the day. 3. Soil: Not all are created equal. Succulents and cacti are a trendy option for bright indoor spaces. Remember that their needs are different than those of traditional houseplants. Traditional houseplants need a good water absorbing potting soil. Cacti and succulents need the opposite. They need a sandy welldraining soil, and need to dry out between watering. Some tropical plants would also do well with a regular misting of the leaves. It’s important to know what type of plant you’re considering and weigh out how much time you can dedicate to the care.

t’s a new year and for many of us that means new health commitments. Here’s one that doesn’t require a membership, tight clothes, or counting reps: Get a houseplant. The health benefits are at the top of the list for reasons to add houseplants to your living or work space. Studies indicate that indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air. Since most of us spend an average of 90% of our day indoors, the health risks associated with indoor air pollution are significant. Research shows that houseplants can: • Purify the air and help get rid of harmful organic compounds like

• • • •

trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. Reduce stress and lower blood pressure by creating a calming effect. Improve memory and focus while increasing productivity. Contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing. Increase and regulate humidity in the air.

Think you don’t have a green thumb? We've all been there. You finally commit to buying a beautiful houseplant and put it in the prettiest pot and it makes you so very happy. Then, almost as quickly as it came, that happiness fades with the wilting and eventual death of your cute little green friend. ::play sad violin tune::

Here are some eye-catching low maintenance options: • Snake Plant – very low water and very low light • Ponytail Palm – very low water and bright light • Pothos – low water and medium light • Zeezee Plant – very low water and very low light • Dracaena – low water and bright light • Jade Plant – very low water and bright light • Heartleaf Philodendron – low water and medium light • English Ivy – medium water and low light • Arrowhead Vine – low water and low light V

An Incredible Road Trip

by Barb King

e two writers, Nancy Ballou and Barb King, left Mesquite one summer weekend destined to find the Arizona Copper Art Museum, winner of the 2014 Arizona Tourism Award, in the town of Clarkdale. What we found was that “America’s Greatest Treasure is the World’s Most Beautiful.” Upon our arrival, we intermingled with the block party on Main Street. As twilight approached, we headed for our two-night stay at the Arizona Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, tucked away on the top of a mountain with breathtaking views. The next morning, the museum’s curator led us on a tour of the facility. From immaculate grounds sprinkled with sculptures and rare pieces to the light and airy halls and rooms, it was a pleasant change from typical dark, stuffy museums. This magnificent treasure was once a high school. Drake Meinke’s family purchased the 40-year old building and transformed it over eight years’ time. Today, it holds more than 5,000 artifacts. When moving from room to room viewing interactive displays, visitors learn why Arizona is called the Copper State. One hundred and twenty-five billion pounds of copper were hauled out of this area, and at one time, netted one million dollars a month in profit. The processed copper has now come full circle in the forms of paintings, kitchen items, records and musical

instruments, pitchers, license plates, copper pennies, postcards, items with healing powers, World War I shell casings, and much more. Our knowledge of the area was enhanced by George Benatz of Clarkdale’s Historical Society Museum. The history of Clarkdale includes information about its founder, Senator William A. Clark. Not only did he build Clarkdale and its railroad, he also started the town of Las Vegas, Nevada by building a large railroad there. During our four-hour round-trip through Sycamore Canyon to Perkinsville that paralleled the Verde River, we saw Indian ruins, caves, and remnants of mines stretching through pristine scenery. This was the same train that hauled copper ore. Perkinsville is a famous location for old westerns, such as Where the West was Won. We enjoyed lunch and drinks served by a strolling hostess as the train swayed. Narration about our journey could be heard on loudspeakers as we crossed bridges and traveled through dark tunnels. At the end of the line, there were souvenirs in the train museum. In the adjoining town of Cottonwood, we met Mr. Meinke for dinner at the Blazin’ M Ranch. Many unique shops and fun family activities were in this old western town. The dinner bell rang, summoning everyone to the big red barn. Long rows of wooden tables and benches provided seating for 300 people. A chuck wagon dinner was served on tin plates, and tin cups held our drinks. We were served by cowboys and cowgirls as we walked through the chow line. Chicken, ribs, baked potatoes, tasty pinto beans, homemade prickly pear coleslaw, biscuits, and caramel-apple crisp a la mode, along with lemonade, iced tea, and coffee were served up in generous portions, making sure none of us would go hungry. After dinner, we enjoyed knee-slapping comedic, western entertainment. A surprise ghost rider finale brought the day’s

events to an end. Once we left the red barn, we spent the night at the inn. On our way home, we stopped at the historic town of Jerome. We first visited the Copper Store, and parked and browsed through several of the over 60 shops that included arts and crafts, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, hotels, tours, and an old jail that had to be rebuilt after it slid down the hill. Names on the shops included, The Haunted Hamburger, The Asylum Restaurant, Ghost City Inn Bed and Breakfast, Mile High Grill and Inn, Minersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pick Rock Shop, and Haunted Tours. The Nellie Bly Store houses the largest assortment of kaleidoscopes in the world. At Jerome State Park, we saw the Audrey Head Frame, a very deep, glass-covered shaft where copper was mined. It is 1,200 feet deeper than the Empire State Building is tall. The next stop on our journey was Tuzigoot, where the ruins of a Sinagua Indian village, a national monument, are situated on a hill top. At Camp Verde, we tried out a zipline that carried us through the air over Out of Africa Wildlife Park with its large assortment of exotic animals. We headed home, ate in Las Vegas, and arrived in Mesquite early the next morning, having had the most wonderful experiences.V

New Year, New Home!

view on ENERGY

Mayors and Governors Holding T Front Line in Clean Energy Use

by Sue Santarcangelo

wo of the messages that came through loud and clear at the ninth National Clean Energy Summit held in Las Vegas in October were, state and local governments are leading the promotion of sustainable and renewable energy, and there are no red or blue politics in saving the green. Mayor Dale Ross of Georgetown, Texas is one of the highest profile supporters of alternate energy and sustainable development in the country. He appeared in National Geographic’s documentary, From the Ashes, and in Al Gore’s environmental update, An Inconvenient Sequel. Re-elected by 72% of Georgetown voters in May 2017, he is leading his city to become the first in Texas to be powered by 100% renewable energy. “We are red. Very, very red. ... However, in Georgetown we’re fact-based decision makers.” To him, choosing clean energy policy “… was just a math problem.”

Mayors Panel - Former U.S. Sec. of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro (L-R) leads a panel discussion with mayors Greg Stanton, James Brainard and Dale Ross.

Georgetown’s power is provided by a city-owned utility. When evaluating future fuel supplies, the city council found that natural gas companies would only provide 7-year, Solar developers offered 20-year, plus once the facility was paid for, the fuel was free. Hoping to avoid future regulations on fossil fuel supplies, the council put “silly national partisan politics aside” and went solar. Georgetown efforts now include electrical charging stations for vehicles, single-stream recycling, and composting instead of landfill. Ross insisted it is a “quality of life issue” impacting jobs, parks, schools, and a city-wide bus system. “You win the economic argument, you win by default.” Other mayors on the panel agreed. Mayor Greg Stanton of Phoenix, Arizona noted his city was the “least sustainable city on the planet.” To remedy that, they are implementing alternate transportation plans, including bike trails and light rail, have changed 100,000 street lights to LEDs, and have installed 32 megawatts of sustainable power, generating thousands of jobs in the process. In partnership with ASU, they are turning the city’s transfer station into an incubator to spur innovation on how to keep reusable materials out of the landfill. Stanton explained that the key is recognizing the available resources and applying them with “long term leadership.” In Carmel, Indiana, Mayor James Brainard says they are focusing on ways to reduce the use of automobiles. “[The] most important thing we can do is think about city design so the average person can walk or take a very short drive.” They have constructed 110 roundabouts, increasing safety and saving huge amounts of fuel because “people don’t have to sit and idle at street signals.” Brainard’s Republican friends accuse him of “siding with Al Gore,” but he cites a long list of Republican presidents, starting with Teddy Roosevelt, who have supported environmental-friendly institutions and regulations. “It is really a non-partisan issue, and as Republicans, we have to keep making that an issue.” Mayors are not alone. Governors have also been in the race for the last ten years, setting statewide goals and making huge

strides to meet them. Nevada is one of the country’s major solar energy producers, and Governor Brian Sandoval, who co-hosted the summit, has supported Nevada’s “electric highways initiative” to build electric charging stations from Reno to Las Vegas with future plans to ultimately “electrify” all Nevada roads. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker outlined how his state has been rated number one in efficiency for seven consecutive years. Programs to reduce their carbon footprint include, development of offshore wind, an aggressive energy efficiency program, mitigation of issues to ensure all levels of government work together to be resilient and find ways to move away from fossil fuels. An example of success is the completion of 75,000 solar projects while providing 105,000 jobs. Governor David Ige of Hawaii appeared by Skype, saving time and fuel. He outlined Hawaii’s commitment to a 100% cleanenergy economy. He explained that five years ago 95% of energy delivered on the islands came from imported fossil fuel. Today, 23% of the state’s power is provided by renewables, creating thousands of new energy related jobs. Hawaii is also a leader in the use of electric vehicles. It has initiatives for charging stations in parking lots over a certain size, and is considering ways to make electric vehicles more affordable to all Hawaiians. Ige adds that because of the size of the islands, “[There is] no range anxiety except for the island of Hawaii.” The cities and states represented at the summit are only a few of the growing number taking on clean energy initiatives. In Nevada and Utah, local municipalities and the state governments are moving to promote more clean energy resources. A few examples are the City of Las Vegas which is committed to 100% renewables, and three Utah cities, Moab, Salt Lake City, and Park City, with similar commitments.V

Introduces A New Program by Darlene Montague

tudents who have waited for the Medical Assisting Program will wait no longer. The CSN Mesquite Campus will offer complete program courses locally and online beginning in Fall 2018. This will enable students to take the National Certification Exam upon completion of the program.

Recently, we have also added an Introduction to Administration of Justice class which will be taught by Richard Vaccaro. This class will cover the American Criminal Justice System, its development, components, and processes. The class includes consideration of crime and criminal justice as a formal area of study.

The following Prerequisite Courses are required prior to applying for the June 1, 2018 program application deadline:

For more information on any of our classes, contact our local office at (702) 346-2485 and our friendly staff will assist you. V

• COT 127B – Microsoft Office for Offices – Online • ENG 101 – Composition – Online • HIT 118B – Language of Medicine – Online • MA 104B – Intro to Medical Assisting – Las Vegas Qualified applicants must also have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better for program prerequisites, meet with a Health Programs advisor, and complete the Limited Entry workshop. The Mesquite Center will have its own Medical Assisting Lab that will be set up over the next few months, and those who have an interest are welcome to stop by for a tour of the lab. Our spring semester of classes begin January 16, and registration is now in progress. In addition to the Medical Assisting Program, CSN locally offers a Phlebotomy Program, a Nursing Assistant Program, and several general education classes.

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Big Changes for

Ready Golf By Michelle Brooks

"Change is inevitable — except from a vending machine." -Robert C. Gallagher

n the fall, Ready Golf, Inc. went through some pretty big changes, as you may or may not have seen. As all change is, these changes were positive and exciting — even if scary and worrisome. Before opening Ready Golf, my husband Mike and I spent three years doing all the homework, the market research, attended the trade shows, and worked on the many times revised business plan. In 2008, we decided it was time to take the plunge and become small business owners. We found the location we wanted, we ordered our inventory, and got ready to open for business in March 2008 – the busiest month of the golf season in Mesquite. Unfortunately, due to construction delays, we actually opened in July 2008, right at the beginning of the recession, and at the slowest time of the year. We were overstocked in inventory, we had way too many people working for us, and we realized very quickly that our carefully constructed business plan might as well go in the garbage. “You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it. So, go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember that’s where you’ll find success; on the far side.” – Thomas Watson Over the next nine years, we had many struggles and setbacks, as well as many achievements and successes. But through it all, we have been supported and encouraged by a community of people that have become an extended family to us, and for that, we are extremely grateful. We have made many small changes over the years to keep things interesting, but as trends changed, and opportunities arose we decided a big one was in order.

could really use a facelift. After nine years, it was time to mix it up, to get a fresh look! In November, over the course of a very long couple of weeks, we moved Ready Golf & Gear into a new location at the other end of the building – from suite 156 to suite 116. The new location is bright and fresh and what I have lovingly called Ready Golf 2.0. Yes, it’s a bit smaller, but we will continue to stock all the equipment and accessories that we have stocked in the past. We just get to be more creative with where to put it! With this location came a back room that is a perfect space for a private hitting bay which is brighter and easier to hit in than the dimly lit, decadeold simulator of the past. A lot of our business is in custom fitting golf clubs and the new hitting bay, with state-of-the-art fitting software and equipment, will help us to do that more efficiently. Our old location in suite 156 doubled as golf store and E-Z-GO golf car dealership. We had the noise of the power tools hammering away in the back, interrupting people demoing golf clubs. We had golf carts parked in front of the store that gave many new people in town the impression that we were just a golf car dealership. So, the third and final big change for Ready Golf, Inc. was to take the golf cars out of the golf store. Ready Golf Cars, Mesquite has its own home, right next door to Ready Golf & Gear in suite 114. Change is always difficult, but in the end, always seems to be the best thing. We believe that is the case for us, and we look forward to the next decade of serving Mesquite in all things golf from our two snazzy new locations. Thank you for bearing with us, and for all the support you have shown us through these transitions. Come visit us at 550 W. Pioneer Blvd., Ste. 116, Mesquite, Nevada.V

In September, we opened Ready Golf Cars (www.readygolfcars. com) in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas. Through many months of discussions with reps from E-Z-GO (through which we are a golf car dealership and service center), immediate family, and some of our Mesquite extended family, as well as more number crunching and business planning, we decided to give it a go. Meanwhile, while making the plans for Ready Golf Cars, Mike and I realized that Ready Golf & Gear (www.readygolfandgear.com)

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Danville Services of

by Rod Ross

We pride ourselves in providing rich, caring environments and comprehensive care to those in need. Our team of dedicated professionals are ready to serve others with kindness, sensitivity, and with an unwavering commitment to quality support services. One Mission, Many Clients Danville Services is dedicated to helping every client achieve his or her desired quality of life. People with a disability often require assistance to manage life’s daily challenges. We are here every single day, with our chins up and our hearts open, to support these people with love, compassion, and dedication.

anville Services of Nevada has been providing quality support to people with disabilities in Las Vegas since 1992, and in Mesquite since 2004. Danville provides support to clients with a variety of disabilities, including, but not limited to, developmental disabilities, autism, seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, behavior disorders, psychiatric diagnosis, and intensive medical conditions. Our residential and day programs are located throughout the Las Vegas area and Mesquite. Currently, we provide an array of residential and employment support to approximately 150 people in Nevada. Our doors are open to all, as we can also arrange to provide support on a private-pay basis. Residential and employment support are customized according to the needs of each individual client.

We see every person as an individual, unique and beautiful unto themselves. We strive daily to understand everyone’s particular needs, and to build services specific to them. As part of our approach, we develop a “Quality of Life Assurance Plan” for each person. We do so while also providing the least restrictive living environment possible. We work tirelessly to help our clients achieve maximum independence and the joyful feelings of selfworth that result. Comprehensive Services for People With Disabilities Danville Services provides a safe, family-like home, and an array of programs to help support people with disabilities. Taken together, our services provide a comprehensive solution for our clients, many who have been waiting at home or in state-run institutions for an opportunity to join the Danville family. The truth is the need for our services often outpaces our ability to provide them. Nevertheless, we are committed to expanding our reach to communities throughout the west, and to delivering

Now Oﬀering FREE Blind Installation

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Nevada exceptional client care in every location, every day. Our team of professional and dedicated Direct Support Professionals are loving, dedicated super-humans, who make daily contributions to our clients’ health, happiness, and success.

Our Services Are Tailored For Each Individual’s Needs Residential and Supported Living Services Day Services and Employment Person-Centered Support Planning Medical/Health Management Behavior Consultation and Support Planning Financial and Personal Budgeting Assistance Transportation Services

Danville Services of Nevada 718 Hardy Way Mesquite, Nevada 89027 (435) 668-2669

Housekeepers Window Care Services Home Monitoring Services Handyman Services Personal Care & Life Alert Pendants

Se Serving the St. George Area Starrng December 2017 Oﬃce: (702) 346-0600 Mesquite: (702) 343-4385 St. George: (435) 680-8758

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view on GOLF

Proper Weight Distribution for Power and Accuracy by Rob Krieger — PGA Director of Instruction

aily, ever since I started teaching golf, I discuss weight transfer and the proper utilization of footwork to provide more power and hit straighter golf shots. For most amateurs, it is very easy to read one thing or hear a discussion on the Golf Channel and assume it is correct for every type of golf shot. Contrary to this belief, different shots require modifying weight transfer due to the objective of the golf shot. Knowing this can make you a better player. In general, a major issue at impact, the lead or front leg needs to be a solid post, weight is on the instep or center of the front foot, not the outside of the foot, and by no means on the back leg. Here are different shots and the ways to use the ground to transfer weight and the body’s momentum toward the target to achieve the desired results.

Full Swings—Ball on Ground Max Distance Set Up. Weight distribution for most shots on the ground can be 50/50, all the way up to 75/25, lead to trail foot. This helps encourage hitting the ball first and striking the ground in front of the ball. Take away. The weight shifts laterally or bumps to the inside/center of the trail leg becoming the back post, in which the body can rotate. Shift/ bump first, then rotate. There is no rotation of the hip until after the hands get past the outside of the thigh of the trail leg from the shift/bump. Top of Backswing. The majority of the weight should be on the trail leg or back post, just like a batter in the batter's box. Also, the weight is on the inside/center, not the outside of the back post. Transition Back Toward Ball for Impact. The weight now needs to shift, or bump back toward the lead leg creating the front post. This is a lateral shift-first, slightly, so the weight goes to the inside/center of the foot. This makes for a stable post on which the hips can rotate. The sequence is shift/bump first to establish a solid foundation on front post, then rotate around that post. Impact. The majority of the weight is on the front post, but it is still centered on the front post for stability, power, and accuracy of squarely striking the clubface. After impact, the weight will roll to the outside of the front post’s foot, but never does the weight get there before impact.

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Full swings on the ground, max distance. CAUTION: If the weight gets to the outside of the foot before impact, this creates an unstable base and the arms struggle to maintain a correct path as well as clubface squareness, leading to inconsistent shots lacking power.

Full Swings—Tee Shots Max Distance Set Up. Weight distribution at address should be reversed from when the ball is on the ground with anywhere from 6090% of the weight on the back foot on the inside/center of the back foot. The reason to do this at address is so that it eliminates the variable of shifting weight so you can create a stable back post before beginning the swing. This will also create more incline in the shoulders in which to hit the ball on the upswing. Take Away and Top of Backswing. With the weight on the back post, the lower body can turn easier, but the weight cannot roll to the outside of the foot. A baseball player digs the inside of the back foot into the dirt so they can push off when they need to shift their weight. They do not dig in the outside part of the foot, it is always the inside of the trail foot—no shift, just rotate to start swing. Transition Back Toward Ball for Impact. The weight needs to shift/bump back toward the lead leg creating the front post. This is a lateral shift first, so the weight goes to the inside/ center of the foot. This makes for a stable front post on which the hips can rotate; shift/bump first, then rotate. Impact. The majority of the weight is on the front foot and still centered on the front post for stability, power and accuracy of striking the clubface properly. After impact, the weight will roll to the outside of the front post’s foot but does not get there before impact.

Swings tee shots, max distance. Pitch Shots—Half to Three-Quarter Swings Set Up. The goal here is to control the power and muscle used to have the ball go a consistent distance so you know how far your

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golf shot will travel. Because this is a shorter swing, we open our stance to the target. Think of it as pre-setting your impact position. Place seventy-five percent of your weight on the front foot creating your front post, head is behind the ball. Some players will also close their stance and keep the shoulders parallel to the target in order to better stay behind the ball. Do what works best for you. Take Away and Top of Backswing. The weight remains on the inside of the front post, and there is no weight shift, just a small rotation of the hips with a half to threequarter backswing pivoting on the front post. This is mostly an upper body move. Transition Back Toward Ball for Impact. The upper body begins the move back to the ball by moving the sternum horizontal to the ground and back to the ball, keeping shoulders level, not dipping or dropping them. Weight is maintained on the inside to center of the front post. Impact. Weight is still centered on front post, hips and shoulders are open to target with the head behind ball. After impact, the weight will roll to the outside of the front foot, but not before impact. Improving your footwork and understanding where your weight is throughout the swing allows the body to maintain stability and balance, creating more golf balls hitting the center of the clubface with much more accuracy, power, and distance. Centeredness of

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Pitch shots for half to three-quarter swings. contact is important for consistency so power can be added later once hitting the sweet spot on the clubface is consistent. Good Luck and Alwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Fairways & Greens.V

True Love Through Time Couples of the Valley by Elspeth Kuta ast year around Valentine’s Day, the staff at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum took the opportunity to ask some of the older couples from the valley a few questions: “How did you meet?” “When and where did you marry?” “What was your wedding like, and how much did it cost?” “What is the secret of getting over a fight?” “What is the secret of a long marriage?” “Any words of wisdom?” Their answers were fun and insightful. Here is a sampling of what we learned:

Tuffy and Beth Woods Ruth don’t remember exactly how they met. They remembered seeing one another around, and became friends. Beth explained, “One day, as we were sitting in Vonda’s Café with a group of friends, I made the remark that I was going to college to become a librarian. Tuffy laughed and bet two bull calves against a heifer that I would get married before I went to college. I still wonder, at times, if he didn’t marry me just to win the bet!”

make things go right.” Beth adds, “Life has not been all sweet and fun for us, but we both knew that a good boy and a good girl could make a marriage work if we just kept working at it. I thank our Father in Heaven that when Tuffy was ready to quit, I wasn’t. And when I was ready to ‘throw in the towel,’ he wasn’t. We have been blessed with a stick-to-it-ness that has brought a lot of happiness.”

In a borrowed sports coat and a practical dress that could be worn again, Tuffy and Beth tied the knot at Tuffy’s sister, Grayce’s home. J. L. Bowler was the Justice of the Peace. The next day, Tuffy went back to work. Beth said, “Simple, easy, and okay for us.” Tuffy says, “A good marriage is a partnership. Partners work together to

Melvin and Ione met at Fort Lewis, Washington where Melvin did his basic training after being drafted into the United States Army. While attending church there, Melvin spied a cute girl and started making eyes at her. She made eyes right back, and 108 108

from that time on, he was hooked. They married a year later in the LDS St. George Temple on March 22, 1958. When asked about fighting, Melvin says, “My wife was a such a sweet girl. I never could get her to fight with me.” Their secret to a long marriage? “Put your arms around her and tell her you love her every day. Hold hands when you walk; hold hands when you sit together. Never go out for a hamburger when you have steak at home – in other words, don’t wander. The grass is not greener on the other side.”

Sam and Pat Reber met while hanging out in Mesquite with mutual friends. They were married in the LDS St. George Temple on August 20, 1960, and spent their honeymoon visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and Bryce Canyon. Their secrets to a long marriage are, “Don’t go to sleep mad. Honor each other’s hobbies. Do fun things together.”

Roger and Regena Bunker met at a BYU dance. They spent the entire evening together, and the next day, Roger called and asked for Eugenia. Instead of speaking with Eugenia, however, he had to settle for Regena, the lovely lady he had spent the evening with at the dance. They were married on December 23, 1966 in the LDS Manti Temple in Ephraim, Utah. Their secret for getting over a fight: “Don’t get into one in the first place!” They explained, “In all seriousness, the best way is by listening and trying to understand your spouse’s point of view. Sometimes it is just best to say nothing at all.”

Jim saw Marketta, who he says was the most beautiful girl, with long red locks, he had ever seen. She was setting up a Valentine’s Day display in an Oklahoma Woolworth’s window. Jim thought to himself, “I could handle that,” and walked in and introduced himself. They were married on June 22, 1957 in the LDS St. George Temple. The only money they spent on their wedding was for the marriage license, blood tests, and gas to get from Mesquite to St. George. Marketta borrowed a dress, and friends decorated for their reception. When asked about the best way to get over a fight, Marketta says, “Don’t get into one in the first place. Jim would just walk away, and it pissed me off.” Jim says, “It takes two to fight, so I would just walk away.” True love for these couples who reside in Virgin Valley takes on a variety of shapes and forms. The good times bring joy that binds these couples together and helps them through the hard times. 109

Area Senior Centers Mesquite Senior Center 102 W. Old Mill Rd Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 346-5290 www.mesquitenv.gov St. George Senior Center 245 North 200 West St. George, UT 84770 (435) 634-5743 www.coa.washco.utah.gov Hurricane Senior Center 95 North 300 West Hurricane, UT 84737 (435) 635-2089 www.coa.washco.utah.gov Enterprise Senior Center 165 South 100 East Enterprise, UT 84725 (435) 878-2557 www.coa.washco.utah.gov Springdale Senior Center 126 Lion Boulevard Springdale, UT 84767 (435) 772-0451 www.coa.washco.utah.gov Moapa Valley Senior Center 325 N. Cooper St. Overton, NV 89040 (702) 397-8002 www.clarkcountynv.gov 110

Tennis TNT – Tips N Tricks – by Donna Eads

ver the last few months, I have been working with our players in a clinic called ‘Fast and Furious.’ This clinic focuses on both footwork and movement on the court. Many small moves are needed for a strong volley. So we have been practicing the ‘volley dance.’ This dance should be done until the player does it without thinking. It is easy. If you are right handed, you start in the ready position with your racquet held by both hands. For a forehand volley it is a step forward on your left foot, and for the backhand, a step forward on your right foot. The racquet must stay in front of the player at all times, thus no swing. The player returns to the ready position before each volley. The best volley occurs when the player strikes the ball at the same time as their step. Practice in front of a mirror until you are comfortable. Any attacking movement to a ball should be on a diagonal line like going to the top of the mountain. We have been using colored dots on the court to remind players to move this way. This diagonal movement occurs with any shot in tennis, either at the baseline or at the net. The least popular part of the clinic (perhaps the most important) is the drill that requires you run the lines of the court. If you are working on your footwork and movement, running each line of the court will help with both. To run the lines, you are moving forward, back, and sidewise. On the rules of tennis, remember you should not let your hat or a ball in your pocket fall to the ground during a point. This action could cost you the point. Additionally, do not swing at a bad toss. If you miss it and complete your service motion, that is a fault. See you on the courts!V

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AREA GOLF GUIDE Bloomington - St. George bloomingtoncountryclub.com (435) 673-4687

Dixie Red Hills - St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com/dixieredhills (435) 627-4444

Sky Mountain - Hurricane skymountaingolf.com (435) 635-7888

Canyons (Oasis GC) - Mesquite theoasisgolfclub.com (702) 346-7820

Entrada - St. George golfentrada.com (435) 986-2200

Southgate - St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com/southgate (435) 627-4440

CasaBlanca - Mesquite casablancaresort.com/golf-home (702) 346-6764

Falcon Ridge - Mesquite golffalcon.com (702) 346-6363

St. George Golf Club - St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com/stgeorge (435) 627-4404

Cedar Ridge - Cedar City cedarcity.org/65/Cedar-Ridge-Golf-Course (435) 586-2970

Green Springs - Washington new.washingtoncity.org/golf (435) 673-7888

Sun River - St. George sunrivergolf.com (435) 986-0001

Conestoga - Mesquite conestogagolf.com (702) 346-4292

Historic Beaver Dam - Beaver Dam historicbeaverdamlodge.com (928) 347-2222

Sunbrook - St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com/sunbrook (435) 627-4400

Coral Canyon - Washington coralcanyongolf.com (435) 688-1700

Palmer (Oasis GC) - Mesquite theoasisgolfclub.com (702) 346-7820

The Ledges - St. George ledges.com (435) 634-4640

Coyote Springs - Coyote Springs coyotesprings.com (877) 742-8455

Palms - Mesquite casablancaresort.com/golf-home (702) 346-4067

Thunderbird - Mt. Carmel zionnational-park.com/golf (435) 648-2188

Coyote Willows - Mesquite coyotewillowsgolf.com (702) 345-3222

Sand Hollow Resort - Hurricane sandhollowresorts.com (435) 656-4653

Wolf Creek - Mesquite golfwolfcreek.com (702) 346-1670

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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CALENDAR of Event s JANUARY

SHUFFLE Jan 10 7:30 PM SHUFFLE is a modern-day ensemble that delivers the unexpected. Inspiring and energetic, New York-based chamber music ensemble SHUFFLE changes the rules of performance as we know it. Unique to SHUFFLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances is the manner in which the program is selected. The audience is invited to actively participate in the selection of works to be performed by choosing from a menu of over 30 works derived from 15 different styles, with works ranging from solos and duos, to trios, quartets, quintets, and sextets. Genres vary from classical, baroque and romantic, to Jazz, pop and Broadway. The result is a highly-engaged audience and a high-energy performance. Part of the Celebrity Concert Series, this concert is held in the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center on the Dixie State University campus. celebrityconcertseries.com | (435) 652-7994

2018 St. George Area Economic Summit Jan 11 7 AM In its 22nd year the St. George Area Economic Summit will provide you with information regarding the evolution of the economy here in Washington County, Utah. Keynote speakers, breakout sessions lead by industry experts, and the always popular "Whats Up Down South" session will not disappoint. Join us for southern Utah's largest business gathering for information you need to plan for the year ahead. This event is brought to you by the St. George Area Economic Development Office. Ticket prices vary. Visit their website for more details. whatsupdownsouth.com

Star Sports Ranch. Games are subject to change. Visit RisingStarSportsRanch.com for updates. napbasketball.com

Catfish Campout and Winter Chilly Cookout Jan 13 Lawn mower races, chilly cookout and BBQ, free camping, and Catfish John performs a three-hour show at the Beaver Dam Bar in Beaver Dam, Arizona. This event can be found on Facebook, or you can visit their website for more details. catfishjohnband.com Festival del Sol 2018 Jan 13-15 The Festival Del Sol is a mountain bike festival that focuses on the great riding around St. George, Utah. You will ride the techy trails, including Zen, Kentucky Lucky Chicken, Gooseberry Mesa, and Paradise City (a local favorite often overlooked by tourists). All rides are intermediate to advanced, and will have something to challenge every rider. This event is free, but registration is required. You can register at Eventbrite.com or find this event on Facebook. The Travel Connection Seminar Jan 16 The Travel Connection has a seminar planned to showcase their new hosted tours and cruises at the Cliffside Restaurant in St. George, Utah. Tickets are free of charge, but required as space is limited. Call to make your reservation. See page 23 | (435) 628-3636

Mesquite Motor Mania Car Show Jan 12-14 9 AM-6 PM Mesquite Gaming hosts the annual Mesquite Motor Mania Car Show at the CasaBlanca Resort. Car registration is January 11 from 12 PM-6 PM. Visit their website for event details, and schedules. The public is welcome to attend for a weekend of fun. MesquiteCarShows.com | (702) 348-5512 | (877) 438-2929

Mesquite Polar Plunge Jan 20 Take the plunge at the Mesquite Recreation Center Pool while raising money to help the Mesquite Special Olympics continue to provide sports training and competition opportunities to athletes from your community. So, throw on your costume, make your donation, enjoy the Thrill of the Chill, and receive a BBQ lunch. See page 34 | Mesquitepolarplunge.com | plunge@sonv.org

Nevada Desert Dogs Home Game Debut Jan 13 7 PM Join the Desert Dogs in their professional debut as they face off against the Vancouver Knights at the Rising

Jordan World Circus Jan 22 4 PM-6 PM With three rings of affordable family fun, the Jordan World Circus will thrill fans of all ages. Enjoy aerial acts, and

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animal attractions, including tigers and elephants. Kids will also have the opportunity to ride and pet different types of animals. Washington County Regional Park, 5500 W. 700 S., Hurricane, Utah. visitstgeorge.com | Eventbrite.com Mesquite Balloon Festival Jan 26-28 This annual festival occurs the last weekend in January, and showcases hot air balloon launches each morning. Also, join us in the evening for the night glow and live entertainment in the CasaBlanca Showroom and Skydome Lounge. Spectators can indulge in food, music, art, and many other activities during the event weekend. casablancaresort.com

FEBRUARY BYU Young Ambassadors Feb 9 7:30 PM The Young Ambassadors combine contemporary music and dance for a fast-paced showcase of American musical theatre. These talented performers offer a fresh view of America’s culture and ways of life. Part of the Celebrity Concert Series, this concert is held in the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center on the Dixie State University campus. celebrityconcertseries.com | (435) 652-7994 The Cliffrose Chamber Music Series Feb 18 2 PM-4 PM Go warm up your winter with selections by Tchaikovsky, Gerswin, and Elvis Presley! With special guests Gaye Nelson (Harpsicord), and Lila Williams (Cello). This event will be held at the Mesquite Community Theatre at 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite, Nevada. You can find details on Facebook. Mesquite Showgirls "Denim & Diamonds" Feb 14 6 PM Join the Mesquite Showgirls at the Denim & Diamonds fundraiser for a night of fun. This event will be hosted at the Rising Star Sports Ranch Grand Ballroom. Enjoy a night that includes a champagne reception, a buffet dinner, live music, and dancing. Tickets are $70 per person. Contact Joni Robinson for more information and to make reservations. See page 47 | (702) 346-8394

University hosts its prestigious Robert N. and Peggy Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show & Sale. This year, the Sears Art Museum Gallery will kick off its annual art show and sale with a symposium, preview, gala. and pre-sale on February 16. They showcase over 100 artists from around the west, and more than 200 traditional, contemporary, and sculptural pieces of artwork. searsart.com | (435) 652-7909 Kanab Balloons and Tunes 2018 Feb 16-18 7 AM Visit Kanab for the 4th annual Balloons & Tunes Roundup. See bright, beautiful hot air balloons in the scenic Vermilion Cliffs located near the scenic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The balloons will launch 3 mornings (weather permitting), and bands will compete for the title of Battle of the Bands on Friday and Saturday. Come to the Street Fair located on Main Street and buy some food and one-of-a-kind crafts from area vendors. There will be a balloon glow and lantern launch on Center Street in Kanab on Saturday night at 7 PM. You'll want to stay the whole weekend. Visitsouthernutah.com 2018 St. George Area Parade of Homes Feb 16-25 10 AM-7 PM The 2018 St. George Area Parade of Homes is no ordinary parade. It is the largest parade in the state featuring 28 new homes full of the extraordinary sights. This event has a long-standing tradition of displaying a variety of spectacular homes and introducing exciting new trends to attendees across the state. The homes are set among breathtaking landscapes found only in southern Utah. Tickets can be purchased online or beginning February 15 at Red Cliffs Mall and Lin’s Markets. paradehomes.com Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra Feb 24 7 PM-9PM Join the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra for a night of musical talent. Seating is reserved at the CasaBlanca Resort Casino front desk. Visit the symphony website for more details. Snsymphony.com | (877) 438-2929

SAVE THE DATE Dixie Fire & Ice Gala – Mar 2 dixiefoundation.org

31st Annual DSU Dixie Sears Invitational Art Symposium, Sale, and Gala Feb 16 3 PM Every year on President's Day weekend, Dixie State 119

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

magazine Ace Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 All Secure Storage LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Baird Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Bank of Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Best Western Mesquite Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 C & K Shutters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Checks-N-Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Coyote Springs Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Coyote Willows Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Dave Amodt Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Del Webb–SunCity Mesquite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Desert Oasis Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Desert Pain Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover Dogtown Acres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Eagles Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ERA–Patty Brooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 ERA–Sharon Szarzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Eureka Casino Resort–Gregory's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Eureka Casino Resort–Suite Life. . . . . . Inside Front Cover Farmers Insurance–Bill Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Friends of Gold Butte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Fu3go Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Golden West Restaurant & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Great Clips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Guillen–Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration. . . . . . . . . . . 16 Guns & Guitars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Hangey's Custom Upholstering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Helping Hands Caregivers, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Heritage Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 High Desert Home Furnishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Iceberg Air Conditioning & Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Inside Scoop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 It's A Gimme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Jennifer Hammond-Moore–Health Coach. . . . . . . . . .114 JL Kendrick Company Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Judi Moreo–Speaker, Author, & Coach . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Keller Williams–Joan Fitton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Keller Williams–Deb Parsley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Keller Williams–Beverly Powers Uhlir . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Keller Williams–Neil Sullivan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Kitchen Encounters/Classy Closets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kokopelli Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 La de’ Paws Grooming Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 120

Mei Massage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Mesa View Regional Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Mesquite Department of Athletics & Leisure Services. . . 111 Mesquite Fine Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Mesquite Garage Door Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Mesquite Home Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mesquite Polar Plunge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Mesquite Police Department–OHV Registration. . . . . . . 82 Mesquite Regional Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Mesquite Tile & Flooring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 Mesquite Veterinary Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Moapa Valley Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Mohave Dermatology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Mojave Metal Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 MVP Productions–Kris Zurbas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 NRC–The Reserve–Shawn Glieden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Odyssey Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Permanent Makeup Artist–Nicole Rowley. . . . . . . . . .114 Pirate's Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Premier Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Preston’s Shredding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Proof It Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rager & Sons Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Red Rock Golf Center–Rob Krieger. . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Reliance Connects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Re/Max Ridge Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73 Ron Bird Portraits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Rooster Cottage Consignment Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Rowan Construction 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Sears Hometown Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Silver Rider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 Staging Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Star Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 State Farm–LaDonna Koeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 State Farm–Lisa Wilde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Sugar's Home Plate Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sun City Realty–Rénald Leduc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Tara Terwiske Graphic Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 The Lindi Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 The Travel Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tuacahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover VJ's BBQ Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Wedgies Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95