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Pruning Tomato Plants by Nick Boulton
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Add Flair to Your Events by Casey Ritter
Association Living by the Numbers by Justin Kailing
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Luau at the Villas
Leaving for the Summer?
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The Role of a Professional Community Manager by Kamarie Naase
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SunWest Services Specials
Around Town - Atkinville Park
No Gym? No Problem! by Tristan Martin
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This publication is provided for informational purposes only. SunWest Management does not endorse any of the businesses, products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility or liability for the statements made in this publication.
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Creating Community since 2000
For advertising information, or to submit articles or other content for The SunWest Life Magazine, please contact sandy@swmlife.com or 435773-6456. Sandy Naylor has infused her creative passion as editor & designer into SunWest’s publications for over 12 years. She loves createing educational & entertaining products for our customers. sandy@swmlife.com
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Who is ...and what makes us us special? SunWest Management is an Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC®) that specializes in helping you develop and promote a strong sense of community, as well as harmony in your community. Prudent financial management, the best governance practices and maintenance strategies, yeah, we’re good at that too! The AAMC accreditation demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing the unique and diverse services community associations need and ensures that their staff have the skills, experience, and integrity to help communities succeed. Its managers have advanced training and demonstrated commitment to the industry. These are all values that SunWest exemplifies. We work with you to keep your property values high and your community thriving. Our digital magazine is another way we share our passion and commitment to serve community associations everywhere. Read on for best practices, tips and offers to enhance your home and community! For over 20 years, SunWest has supported association boards and the communities they serve to achieve their goals. By taking care of the heavy lifting, we make it enjoyable and even fun for resident volunteers to lead and contribute. And our efficient management pricing model ensures your community will receive the highest value! Contact us today to discover how your community can start living the SunWest Life! Welcome Home! #sunwestlife
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to your next dinner or party with folded napkins! By Casey Ritter, Events Superstar With just a few creative folds you can create something amazing that will enhance the feel you’re trying to create at your party! Try this fantastic and easy fold called bird of paradise. If you attended the Luau at the SunRiver Villas, you got to see it in person! If you happen to run into Justin Kailing, the Villas Community Manager, be sure to ask him to show you his mad napkin folding skills!
For paper napkin instructions, Click here! For linen napkin instructions, Click here!
As the Event Coordinator for SunWest Management, Casey Ritter infuses her creativuty into all the fun activities and events she plans for our communities. Some of you might also know her from the St George Senior Center, where she taught Cardio Drum and Stretch fitness classes. She is a former dancer with the Rocky Mountain Repertory Ballet, and loves meeting people and creating friendships. casey@swmlife.com 4 l www.swmlife.com
Pruning Tomato Plants By Nick Boulton, Landscaping Whisperer As a boy I enjoyed helping my mother’s father, my Papa, work his farm. I also enjoyed the many great things that came from all his and my Nana’s (and sometimes my) hard work. A lot of care and time went into growing the garden, as well as cooking and preserving all the produce that came from it. Throughout the entire year they shared pies, cobblers, and meals prepared from the harvest of their garden. Their kitchen would be filled with the aroma of baking cobblers, and the pies, breads, spaghetti sauces and other canned food, fruit leather, and meats we were treated every time we visited! To this day, my favorite was strawberry rhubarb pie. For weeks in advance Papa would tell us to stay out of the strawberries and not to eat them so that he could make the pie for us. Otherwise, all the strawberries would “disappear.” I particularly remember my Papa pruning his tomato plants. As a child I never understood why pruning was done and how this would help the plant and not hurt it. He explained that it is a way of not only training the plant, but maintaining the plant to help it reach its fullest capability. It will also help with more air flow and less leaves prone to infection with pests. Pruning is obviously an optional technique, and some may choose to not do any pruning at all. But I have to say, the yield that my Papa got every year was amazing! Before you attempt to prune a tomato plant, check the variety to make sure it is an indeterminant variety and not a determinant. If it is a determinant plant you could hurt the yield quantity and quality of the tomatoes that will be produced by pruning it. In the early to mid-season, remove all leafy suckers just beneath the first cluster of blossoms so that they will not slow the continued growth and development of the fruit. Suckers are the tiny shoots that form in the spot called the axil. This is where the leaf stem attaches to the main stem. In our warm climate it is often recommended to practice what’s called Missouri Pruning. This technique requires pinching off the leaflets on the end of each sucker, leaving only the two base leaflets in place. As these leaves enlarge, they can help with shading the fruit and protecting it from Sunscald. Good luck with your tomatoes this year! When Nick Boulton joined SunWest Management as our Landscape Coordinator he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. He is a great resource to have in your back pocket. If you would like help with your yard or have questions about plants, Nick would love to connect with you, just contact us at services@swmlife.com or 435-773-6456. www.swmlife.com l 5
By Justin Kailing, Community Managing Specialist Living in an HOA can sometimes be a polarizing topic, as some owners may not fully understand the value it can bring, not only to their property values but to their general health & wellness. This polarizing viewpoint of living in an HOA can be seen every once in a while on the local news when a homeowner has a clash with the association over some type of rule. It may have been a little exaggerated when, in an episode of the X-files (yes the 90’s science fiction drama television series), they portrayed a storm-drain monster attacking anyone who didn’t adhere to the association’s rules. Don’t believe me? Check out season 6, episode 15 (Arcadia), it’s an episode to watch when you’ve got some time to kill and need a good laugh! Now let’s talk about the positive side of living in an HOA. I recently attended a Utah Chapter Community Associations Institute (UCCAI) legislative update where I learned some interesting facts regarding Associations, both nationwide and here locally. Community Association Institute (CAI) recently conducted a survey of members/owners who live in Homeowners Associations. The survey found these facts.
National Statistics •
89% say members of their elected governing board “absolutely” or “for the most part” serve the best interests of their communities.
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Nationwide, 89% of residents rate their overall community association experience as good or very good (70%) or neutral (19%).
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70% of residents rate their overall community association experience as positive.
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More than half of homeowners and condominium association members nationwide believe that rules in their communities protect and enhance property values.
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74% say their community managers provide value and support to residents and their associations.
• The best aspects of living in a community association are a safe, clean, attractive neighborhoods with protected values.
Justin Kailing, PCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®,, has been a member of the SunWest Management team since 2009. He serves as the Community Manager for the Villas at SunRiver St George, Woodland Estates, and Bloominton Villas communities. Providing quality services with a friendly smile is Justin’s goal. Purchasing a home in a community managed by SunWest is something he wants you to be proud of. justin@swmlife.com 6 l www.swmlife.com
There are over 73,000,000 Americans living in Community Associations today. That isn’t a coincidence. The growing trend of where people want to live is to be part of a community with shared interests, facilities, common goals, etc. So, what’s your experience and what can you do to improve that experience? If there are things you love about your neighborhood, help protect them by being active in your HOA. Likewise, if there are things you’d like to see changed, you can be proactive in that regard too. There are plenty of ways to get involved in your community such as serving on the Board or a committee, share ideas at meetings, attend events, etc. If you decide to get more involved, you are working to protect your property values and promote the lifestyle you enjoy, or work for a lifestyle you want moving forward. Either way, it’s up to you to make your Community the place you love to call home!
State of Utah Statistics • Utah is home to more than 3,360 condominiums, townhomes, and single family homeowner associations. That represents the interest of approximately 680,000 Utahns living in more than 350,000 association households.
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20,700 Utahns serve as volunteer leaders in their community associations each year, providing $18.7 million in service.
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The median home value in Utah is $256,700. Homes in community associations are generally valued at least 4% more than other homes.
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By 2040 the community association housing model is expected to become the most common form of housing
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Southern Utah did a lovely impersonation of Hawaii recently as the residents of the SunRiver Villas wrapped up their Annual Meeting with a very special Luau! Even the weather got in the act and bestowed gentle breezes to the pool-side celebration. Attendees feasted on Kahlua Pork and pineapple catered by Mo’ Bettahs, then settled in to be thoroughly entertained. From the first drum beat, the dancers from Siva Pacefica held the audience in the palm of their hands as they performed traditional Polynesian dances that wowed the crowd. “It was better than the shows we saw when we visited Hawaii!” one excited patron said. What a delightful way to spend a balmy spring evening!
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LEAVING for the Summer?
Heading to a cooler climate for the summer? Lucky you! Before you head off, make sure your home is prepared to spend some time “home alone.” Secure Valuables
Don’t leave any valuables - sentimental or monetary - outside. Take these with you or stash in a safe place. Secure anything left outside so our desert winds won’t give them to your neighbor in your absence.
Water
You definitely don’t want a leak in your home to go unnoticed, so turning off the water is a good idea. You can turn off indoor water valves on toilets, sinks and the washing machine, or you can use your home’s interior water shut-off valve. Remember to leave the irrigation water on so your plants will be healthy and beautiful when you return after the summer! Consider signing up for SunWest’s Backyard Maintenance program so your backyard isn’t neglected.
Food
Spoiled food will attract unwanted summer house guests; make sure you don’t leave any perishable food around. Emptying the refrigerator, cupboards and pantry will help ensure there is no spoilage, limit the appeal for pests and save you the hassle of cleaning up unpleasant messes when you return. If the fridge is empty, unplug it and leave the door slightly ajar with an open box of baking soda inside.
Electricity
Unplug TVs, lamps, dryer, computer, washing machine, fridge and other appliances. Or flip the circuits off at the breaker box, just be sure to 12 l www.swmlife.com
leave the breakers on that power essential items, such as the irrigation and security systems.
Burglar Proof
If you still have a phone on a land line, turn off the ringer so it doesn’t ring endlessly, and don’t leave a message saying you’re out of town. Be sure to forward mail and stop newspaper delivery while you’re gone. To further discourage burglars, leave window coverings like you normally do when you’re at home and invest in automatic light timers or nightlights so it appears someone is home after dark.
Enlist Help
Be sure to give us an emergency contact so we can let you know if anything comes up you need to know about. Enlist a neighbor to keep an eye on the place while you’re gone, or take advantage of the summer services SunWest offers. We’re here to help! We offer everything from basic items such as checking the outside of the home and looking for struggling plants, to more advanced options like watering the houseplants and adding water in P-traps. Just contact us at services@swmlife.com or 435773-6456
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Your home and landscape professionals Free Estimates l Licensed & Insured
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Is Your Yard Ready for Summer? Let us help with items like:
• Custom Weed Control • Turf & Plant Care: Mowing, Fertilizing, Aeration, etc. • Irrigation Install & Repair the t a Be er m • Pruning m Su at! e H • Rock Installation & Refresh • Outdoor fixture changes • Storm Door Installation • Window Cleaning • Raingutter Cleaning • Debris Haul-away • Tractor Work/Excavation • Garage Shelves Installation
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a f o e l o R e h T
C l a n o i s s e f Pro M n o i t a i c o s As By Kamarie Naase, the Manager’s Manager In our ever-changing world, the role of community managers is as varied as the communities they manage. Each community’s size, vision, amenities, and scope of services all influence the manager’s role. Though, there are aspects every association has in common. Large or small, every association has three primary obligations: 1) collect assessments 2) maintain jointly owned assets 3) enforce rules and standards And owner expectations? Those who purchase in an association expect to see their community thrive and their property values protected. A community manager is the professional who supports the association to achieve its goals. Working in concert with the board of directors, and sometimes on their behalf, the manager is there to carry out board policies, manage the association’s business affairs, and advise the board on best practices. Professional management also provides essential continuity and stability for an association, as they offset the impact of frequently changing boards. 14 l www.swmlife.com
Professionals in the industry also point out differences in community management versus property management, and dedicated onsite management versus portfolio management. What is the difference? Let’s take a look.
Property Manager
A property manager oversees rental units and acts as the middleman between the owner of the property and renters. Responsibilities involve the management of rent, tenants, property maintenance and repairs, owners, landlord-tenant laws, property records, accounting and taxes. Property manager responsibilities are primarily centered around the property.
Community Manager
A community manager is responsible for the management and support of community associations. Responsibilities involve the management of the dayto-day operations of common property and services, regular interactions with a board of directors, homeowners, and vendors, facilitation of community and neighborhood meetings, standards enforcement, budget preparation, and overall community business management. Community manager responsibilities are primarily centered around the common interests of the people in the community.
y t i n u m Com r e g a n a M Portfolio Manager
A portfolio community manager will typically manage several smaller community associations or communities with few services, only visiting the communities for scheduled meetings, compliance drives, and to facilitate common area maintenance. Financial and governance support is handled from offsite management offices.
Onsite/Large-scale Community Manager
A large-scale community manager typically is dedicated to an association with more than 1,000 homes, complex amenities or services, and an annual budget of more than $1,000,000. The board of directors set policies and establish direction for the association, and as the hands of the board, the onsite manager sees that those policies are in place to handle all the details surrounding complex operations; this is similar to a city manager or COO in other corporations. Most master planned communities also provide a wide range of amenities and services, including large recreation programs, athletic complexes,
community-based sports teams, private streets, parks and lakes, conservation programs, resident home services, onsite security patrol, and extensive event planning services. Each of these community features requires close management. Onsite community management is an ideal solution for sprawling communities with many amenities or for communities that prefer a high service level. Dedicated onsite managers are also deeply involved in the overall strategy and future direction of the community. They focus on long-term strategic planning, recreation planning, and elevating the community’s brand to maintain a solid position in the market. Because their complete attention is devoted to a particular association, onsite managers focus their effort and professional expertise on ensuring the community reaches its full potential. Regardless of the size or type of community, or the management required, it is always a good idea to defer to professionals. Your home and community are worth it!
Kamarie Naase, PCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, is a Professional Community Association Manager who has been affiliated with who has been affiliated with SunWest Management and the SunRiver Communities for over 20 years. Having moved to St. George from a tourist destination she was impressed by the idea of creating a resort lifestyle community enjoyed every day by its residents. She feels privileged to play a part in bringing this vision to life in the communities we manage. kamarie@swmlife.com www.swmlife.com l 15
St George is now home to a new city park! The Atkinville Wash Park was dedicated and officially opened for use on July 2nd! Located at 1211 Copeland Drive, and named after the first settlers of the area, the dedication prayer was led by Ralph Atkins, great-grandson of the original settlers, with St George Mayor Michele Randall leading the ribbon cutting. The park provides residents living in the Villas at SunRiver area a variety of games such as croquet, chess, checkers, bocce ball, horseshoes, and corn hole. A beautiful outdoor fitness area is also available for those wanting to work out in the fresh air. And if lounging in comfy chairs with a good book is your cup of tea, the relaxation nooks are right up your alley! Visit the Atkinville Park for modern amenities that honor our area’s history.
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No Gym?
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By Tristan Martin, CPT & Fitness Guru
Over the past year, our world has changed significantly with COVID. Although gyms were closed, many people still wanted to work on their fitness goals. How does someone with no equipment, low energy and not the slightest idea of where to begin, exercise during a lockdown? Where do you begin? Just like with any workout program you must identify your goal. Ask yourself, “Do I want to lose weight, gain muscle, become more athletic, or even learn a new skill?” Once you identify this, you can begin the journey. Gather as much information as possible, set your goal and learn how to achieve it. For example, with weight loss, you can learn how others have lost weight, how the body gains and loses weight and how to apply the knowledge to yourself. To lose weight you need to burn more calories than you eat, so possible strategies are to be more intense in your exercise to burn more calories, or try eating less. Knowing what type of exercise you need, where to do it and what you can use as equipment is important. You don’t need much space as long as you can fit the area both vertically and horizontally, plus a few feet to spare. Living rooms, backyards or even the driveway can work great. Equipment is a little more difficult to come by. If you can acquire items such a dumbbells or resistance bands, that’s great, but even household items such as gallon water bottles for dumbbells or a sturdy chair for your bench can easily be turned into exercise equipment if you apply some creativity.
Once you’ve gathered equipment and have your goals in sight, you are now ready to start regular home workouts. Typically, the hardest step is staying consistent and motivated. Daily activity is vital to overall health but getting up and exercising every day can seem like a burden. Try listening to music that makes you want to move, or if watching TV motivates you, do that as well. Tips I like to recommend are setting an alarm either early in the morning or an hour before bed to help remind you to exercise. I also highly recommend having someone serve as an accountability buddy - a spouse, a friend or even a coworker – anyone works as long as they keep you going. Staying home and staying healthy are sometimes difficult, but with the right information it is very possible. As any trainer would agree, being educated is the best thing one can do. I applaud anyone wanting to take control of their health. Being someone who started their fitness journey in a barn with old farm equipment, I commend you on your decision to be healthy.
Tristan Martin is a Certified Personal Trainer who owns T Martin Training. Tristan specializes in corrective exercise and bodybuilding. In addition to providing these fitness services to southern Utah, Tristan also teaches fitness classes at Hive Therapy. Contact him at https://tmartintraining.com 18 l www.swmlife.com
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