ViewOn Magazine July/August Home and Garden Issue

July - August, 2023

Volume 16 – Issue 4

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Kathy Lee

MANAGING EDITOR / ART DIRECTOR

Erin Eames

COPY EDITOR

Elisa Eames

COVER IMAGE

Photographed by Nancy Van Matre, owner of Cosy House, St. George www.BeCosyHouse.com

WRITERS

Linda Cotton, Stephanie Hughes, Donna Eads, Kaylee Pickering, Cliff and Ilene Bandringa, Allan Litman, Helen Houston, Ashley Centers, Rob Krieger, Anita DeLelles, Nathan Hughes, Karen L. Monsen, Judi Moreo, Alli Kellogg, Linda Faas, Randi Fuller, Jared Durrant, Claire Bernay, Elisa Eames, Linda Gault, Wyatt Oliver, Bailey Logue

ADVERTISING SALES

Kathy Lee

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SUPPORT STAFF

Bert Kubica

Cheryl Whitehead

DISTRIBUTION ViewOn Magazine Staff

PUBLISHED BY ViewOn Magazine, Inc. Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955

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Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

It is time to celebrate our homes and our gardens! Whether you want to head outdoors and be active or take it easy and enjoy a spectacular sunset on your patio, the desert Southwest is an amazing place to call home!

In this issue, you will find many new ways to make your home a place of peace and refuge. You will learn all about sprucing up both the inside and outside of your home. Summer is a great time to finish off your landscaping with a potted plant here and there.

There are so many interesting articles in this issue, and we hope you will enjoy reading all of them. Please make sure to read ViewOn Motivation by Judi Moreo. Her article speaks to everything that our Home and Garden issue encompasses.

We have included many garden articles, including “Exercise to Make Our Home and Gardening Lives Easier” by Ashley Centers. If you are in the mood to do some shopping, please see the article about Cosy House. Our ViewOn Design article by Helen Houston is a must-read, taking yesterday’s plastic ocean waste and turning it into today’s home décor. We have also taken a deeper dive into two of our very special community members and have included an article from the Mesquite Police Department that provides us with some great safety tips for our homes.

We hope that you enjoy this issue, and as always, please visit our advertisers! It is because of them and their decisions to invest in an ad or two in our magazine that we get to continue to greet you every other month with yet another informative and entertaining issue. By patronizing our advertisers, you support our local business community and allow us to enjoy the wonderful benefits we get from living in this amazing area. Visit our website for the latest information at www.ViewOnMagazine.com, and don’t forget our Facebook page.

May you always feel that your homes and gardens are your safe-havens,

Kathy Lee Editor in Chief

Frequent

Anita DeLelles, LMT, is a certified Equine and Small Animal Acupressure Practitioner with accreditation from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute. Her studies included two consecutive summers in Bath, England, as well as coursework in Colorado and California and a BFA from UNLV. Anita is certified in small animal massage from the Northwest School of Animal Massage as well as in human massage. In 2014, Anita and husband Ron opened WOOF! Wellness Center and launched their website www.ShopMeoow.com.

Rob Krieger is a 20-plus-year member of the PGA of America and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He came to the area as the Director of Golf at Conestoga and now owns his own golf instruction business in St. George called Red Rock Golf Instruction, which is based at Southgate Golf Course Driving Range. He has been writing for ViewOn Magazine since 2010. He is also a Utah PGA Player Development Award Winner. For help with your game, please visit www.stgeorgegolflessons.com or email him at rob@sgugolf.com.

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.

Elisa Eames is a freelance writer and bookkeeper. Her love of creative writing began in the fourth grade when she wrote her first story. She has a bachelor's degree in humanities with a French minor and an accounting certificate. Her other loves include writing stories, running/hiking, acting/singing, and laughing. She can be reached at elmeames@gmail.com.

Donna Eads and her husband moved to Mesquite in 2010 from Palm Desert, California, and she 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 ViewOn Magazine.

Linda Faas and her husband arrived in Mesquite in 2004. They love the friends they have made here and love exploring the beauty of the surrounding desert. Linda has immersed herself in community life and volunteers with education nonprofits. She is a reporter and feature writer for local and regional publications and is always seeking new adventures.

Judi Moreo is one of the most recognized personal growth trainers and coaches in the world. She is the author of 11 books, including two international bestsellers, You Are MoreThan Enough and ConquertheBrain 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.

David Cordero is the Communications and Marketing Director for the City of St. George. A southern Utah resident since 2006, David has extensive experience in writing, public relations,

marketing, and public speaking. He has also served in a variety of volunteer capacities over the years, including Utah Honor Flight, American Legion Post 90, religious education, and as a coach for his son's athletic teams. Email him at david.cordero@sgcity.org.

Ashley Centers is the former General Manager of Anytime Fitness Mesquite, and her passion for fitness runs deep. She fell in love with competitive powerlifting as a preteen. She set many state records and national qualifying totals during her lifting career prior to her competitive retirement while attending college. Ashley is now an ISSA Elite Level Trainer, Certified Fitness Nutritionist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist and is training for Strongwoman competitions. She is an inactive board member for the Mesquite Senior Games and is excited to remain a contributor for ViewOn Magazine and to write about her passion for health and fitness!

Helen Houston is the owner of Staging Spaces and Redesign in Mesquite, Nevada. Helen holds certifications as a Drapery and Design Professional, a Certified Color Consultant, and a Real Estate Staging Professional. Helen has been a contributing writer for ViewOn Magazine for the past 13 years. Her creative writing features articles on home fashion, home staging, and home entertaining. Helen is a published author in several national design and trade magazines. She can be reached at Helen@StagingSpaces.biz or (702) 346-0246.

Cliff and Ilene Bandringa are authors and the creators of BackRoadsWest.com. They have been traveling and photographing the world for more than 20 years, with a motto of finding the lesserknown, off-the-beaten-path places and then sharing their experiences with others. They do this via their blog, the virtual tour guides they've written, lots of YouTube videos, magazine articles, and a sister website of highquality and stock images. You can find all of these at www.BackRoadsWest.com.

Nathan Hughes is a financial advisor with Raymond James. A native of Mesquite, Nevada, Nathan is dedicated to managing and preserving wealth for you and your family. By establishing deep and valued relationships with you, he is able to gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs and goals. Nathan works hard to enhance and preserve your investments while assisting you in realizing your goals through long-term financial solutions. Contact Nathan by phone at (208) 277-9239, by email at nathan.hughes@raymondjames.com, or visit the firm’s website at www.CoeurPrivateWealthManagement.com.

Message fromthe Mayor

Housing in Mesquite has been a hot topic ever since I moved here nineteen years ago. The City of Mesquite has grown consistently because of its desirability—with the exception of during the last recession. We all know that after years of unprecedented growth in the housing market, there has been some shifting, and the experts tell us we are in a correction. As mortgage rates rise and affordability reaches its lowest point in decades, home buyers can no longer rely on the property value growth seen since early 2020. I don't see this as a bad thing for Mesquite. We are truly a diamond in the desert, and I believe that with all we have to offer, we will continue growing at about the same rate as before. I'm not a real estate expert, but with the changing market, I see opportunities.

In March 2023, Mesquite home prices were up forty-nine percent compared to last year, selling for a median price of $369,000. When you compare this to so many less desirable locations with higher prices, we are a bargain! On average, homes in Mesquite were on the market somewhat longer this year compared to last year, but they are still selling rather quickly. Most homes sold have been less than four percent under the listing price.

We are seeing a steady migration of former residents of southern California, followed by the metro areas of San Francisco and Seattle. It's a fact that the majority of these new residents have cashed out their overpriced properties and found Mesquite a bargain. With Mesquite being the second safest city in the state and with its clean air and minimal traffic, you can see just a few of the reasons why people move here. Toss in all the new companies coming in, and the need for housing makes us wellpositioned for the future.

There have been some questions about water, but we are addressing these issues, and the data shows we are in good shape for many years to come. Our water district will be implementing a water conservation program and, of course, exploring additional sources of water for our future. We are proactive and will continue to be. Mesquite has always thought ahead with well-designed neighborhoods, quality builders, and proper zoning.

Yes, we, like the rest of the nation, are lacking in workforce housing, but that too will come. Moving here and purchasing a home does not mean you should go out and buy just anything because Mesquite is a great place to live. We have a number of excellent realtors that will guide you in your purchase. In Mesquite, you are in good hands.

Allan S. Litman, Mayor, City

of Mesquite

Why I Love

Cedar City

My favorite thing about Cedar City is the recreational sports! As a stay-at-home mom to five little girls and the wife of a small business owner, life is a little bit busy and sometimes overwhelming. Being able to connect with the adult world while getting some exercise and having fun has been such a delight for me. I am so grateful for the friends I have made through the rec league in Cedar City.

If you can’t tell, I love sports! So another one of my favorite things about Cedar City is the Utah Summer Games. I remember playing basketball in middle school for the games, and now I get to be involved with volleyball. There’s something for everyone, and it’s such a fun atmosphere to watch and compete in.

Summers in Cedar City are the best! My kids especially love going to the $1 movie on Tuesdays at the Megaplex and eating our weight in popcorn! Then we head to the aquatic center with our summer passes to play in the water and enjoy the sun.

We love Cedar and are so grateful to be back and raising our family in such a great community.

- Stephanie Hughes

Why I Love

Mesquite

Imoved to Mesquite for the first time in 2007, leaving Palm Springs, California. I retired and moved away from Mesquite in 2014 to Idaho Falls. After eight years, I had had enough cold and snow and decided to move back to Mesquite.

I have always remembered the beautiful night skies, beautiful mountains, and the small-town appeal. I love that I can do a lot of errands and be done in an hour's time and have the rest of the day to enjoy myself.

Mesquite has a great many things you can do year-round.

It’s the people who really make the difference living in Mesquite. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help out when needed.

I have enjoyed the rain we’ve had this spring. I love the smell of everything after a rainfall.

- Linda Cotton

Transforming Spaces

by Judi Moreo

Our homes are not just physical structures; they are our sanctuaries, reflections of our personalities, and canvases for self-expression...

The world of homes and gardens offers a myriad of possibilities to ignite our motivation and create spaces that inspire us daily. In this article, we explore how harnessing the power of homes and gardens can positively impact our lives and provide motivation for personal growth and fulfillment.

CREATING A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

Our surroundings greatly influence our well-being and motivation. A well-designed and organized home and garden can foster a sense of peace, harmony, and creativity. By decluttering, arranging furniture thoughtfully, and incorporating natural elements, we can create spaces that support our aspirations and provide environments conducive to personal growth.

CULTIVATING BEAUTY

Gardens and green spaces have a unique ability to captivate our senses and inspire us. Whether it's cultivating a flower garden, growing herbs in the kitchen, or creating a serene backyard oasis, the act of tending to plants and witnessing their growth can be a metaphor for our own personal development. By investing time and effort in nurturing beauty, we learn patience, resilience, and the rewards of consistent care, which can translate into other areas of our lives.

OUTDOOR LIVING—A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

The outdoor spaces in our homes offer a wealth of inspiration and motivation. Whether it's a cozy patio, a vibrant garden, or a serene backyard retreat, these areas invite us to embrace nature, recharge our spirits, and engage in activities that spark joy. Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity, provides a change of scenery, and stimulates our senses, ultimately rejuvenating our motivation and boosting our overall well-being.

DIY PROJECTS

Embarking on do-it-yourself projects in our homes and gardens not only saves money but also provides an opportunity for personal empowerment and skillbuilding. Taking on projects like painting walls, refinishing furniture, or constructing raised beds for a vegetable garden enables us to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and experience the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. These projects remind us of our resourcefulness and ability to adapt, fostering a can-do attitude that extends beyond the home.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING—A MINDFUL APPROACH

Embracing sustainable practices within our homes and gardens not only benefits the environment but also fosters a sense of purpose and motivation. By incorporating ecofriendly design elements, conserving energy, and practicing responsible gardening techniques, we contribute to a healthier planet and inspire others to do the same. The knowledge that our actions make a positive impact can fuel our motivation to make conscious choices in all aspects of our lives. Our homes and gardens have the potential to be powerful catalysts for motivation and personal growth.

By intentionally creating nurturing environments, cultivating beauty, engaging in DIY projects, embracing outdoor living, and adopting sustainable practices, we unlock the transformative power of our surroundings. Let us embark on this journey, harnessing the inspiration and motivation that our homes and gardens offer, and unlock our full potential for a more fulfilling life.V

Judi Moreo is the author of 24 books, including two international bestsellers, You Are More Than Enough and Ignite the Spark. As a personal achievement coach, hypnotherapist, and NLP practitioner, Judi will help you discover that you really are More Than Enough to achieve the success you desire. She has informed, inspired, challenged, motivated, and entertained audiences in twentynine countries around the globe. To contact Judi Moreo, email her at judi@judimoreo.com, or call (702) 283-4567.

find your dream home at

by

It takes a special kind of person to be as good at recognizing a need and meeting it as Nancy Van Matre is. In fact, she has been doing this her whole life—bringing joy and beauty into the lives of others. When she was little, she delighted her neighborhood by putting on carnivals, giving as prizes used toys that she had repackaged beautifully. And when she became a mother living in southern California, there were no hair bows to suit her little girl, so naturally, she began making them herself and soon progressed to stylish children’s hats. Before long, boutiques and Nordstrom’s from San Diego to Santa Barbara were selling her products.

She also noticed that the only options for children’s portraits were lackluster, generic, and expensive, so she began taking photos of neighborhood children using largely unprecedented features such as natural settings and black and white film. Of course, her dabbling in photography turned into another business. “I see where I would want something that isn’t available, and I figure out how to make it and ask myself if it’s good enough to sell,” she says shrugging. “It’s a way for me to be creative.”

Despite her uncanny and consistent success, she decided to step away to focus on being a mother, which is very important to her. “I was raised in

a home with a mother who worked and was jealous of my friends who had stay-at-home moms, so I wanted to be hands-on and available and present in [my children’s] lives.”

As her children grew up and left home, Nancy found herself with time for another adventure. A former resident of Washington, she enjoyed running a home decor store there, and after moving to St. George “for the sunshine,” she decided to pursue this path again. Though she took interior design classes in college, she considers herself a shopkeeper and stylist rather than an interior designer. “I love having a shop. I love the customers. I love

going to their homes and helping them put it all together and helping them pick out pieces.” She was able to find a space for her new shop in historic St. George, opening in 2018.

However, to meet growing demand, she moved from 1,200 square feet to 5,000 square feet after only three years of business. The current store space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. The entire shop glows with natural light. Discover a meticulously designed kitchen area, featuring an open marble-topped island, and fabulous vignettes depicting conversation areas, bedrooms, dining spots, and more. Everything is

Elisa Eames | Photography by Nancy Van Matre, owner of Cosy House

accessorized to inspire customers with ideas for their own homes. With her three employees, Nancy enjoys providing “super hands-on” service. “I’m here every day, and I'm personally helping people put rooms together with unique pieces from my shop,” she says happily.

When customers aren’t sure how to combine different elements or where to put things to create a beautiful space, Nancy is there to help with everything, including details and proportions. If the scope of the project is beyond what she and her team can do, such as for a new build, they’ll bring in outside designers and work closely with them to realize the customers’ vision. But despite her best efforts, Nancy hasn’t yet figured out how to be in two places at once, so in order to be at the shop, she is unable to design full-time.

It can often be unexpectedly difficult to find pieces she wants to put in her store as she is quite particular about what is good enough for her customers. She goes the extra mile by combing through market after market, going to Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas, and L.A. to find things she loves and that her customers will love. Because of this fastidious approach, the shop constantly carries fresh, new things and is always current. In addition to decor, they sell lighting, rugs, and art; there is something for everyone. “We can help you get ready to change out everything from your bar stools to your chandelier. We go to homes to determine what will update things without breaking the bank, or we can do a whole new everything,” she says excitedly. “When I buy new products for the shop, I’ll be told by representatives, this is a hot seller, you need this in your store, but it doesn’t

WHEN PEOPLE ASK WHAT MY STYLE IS, I’M NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY. DO WE HAVE TO HAVE A LABEL? If you like it, then it’s your style.

speak to me. When people ask what my style is, I’m not sure what to say. Do we have to have a label? If you like it, then it’s your style.”

The pieces offered at Cosy House are not only beautiful and unique but practical, too. “We’re all about the details that make your house a home. Things need to be comfortable and pretty but also have a purpose,” Nancy says. Any shopper knows finding things that are your style or that are pretty as well as functional can be tricky. Nancy aims to remedy this by providing unique, beautiful, and useful items. “A beautiful juice glass could be a vase or [even] go in your bathroom to hold toothbrushes. This is economical, [innovative], and creative,” she adds.

A particularly delightful feature of the store is the children’s corner. “I always appreciated when I went to stores and there were places for my kids to sit and play,” Nancy explains. Naturally, she wanted to pay it forward, so Cosy House offers a fun space with tables and chairs where children can enjoy beautiful books and wooden toys while mom shops. You can also find many lovely items that make great gifts for a baby shower.

And if you’re looking for a knock-your-socks-off holiday experience come December, don’t miss their yearly Christmas displays. “We go all out for Christmas!” Nancy enthuses. A sampling of yuletide offerings includes fresh bay leaf wreaths, fresh magnolias, faux garlands, greenery, candles, ornaments,

faux tabletop trees, bells, tinsel, lights, and loads of decor. You can even find paperwhite flower bulbs for planting.

But Nancy hasn’t stopped there in working to give her customers the best she can. In addition to combing markets and conventions, she searches the internet for exquisite pieces from other countries. “American-made is absolutely important, but imports are also fun,” she says. Cosy House supplies vintage goods from Sweden, marble and wood pieces plus hand-made toys from the Netherlands and Denmark, porcelain from Japan, and hand-made pottery from Peru. “I look for stuff everywhere. If I see something I like in a home, then I research where it’s from. When I find something I love, I look for the company and get an account with them and get approval,” Nancy reveals.

The foreign companies that she contacts need to make sure that they want to allow Cosy House to sell their products and often want to see the store. Nancy is currently a representative of the Danish Maileg brand, which is known for its popular hand-made soft mice toys and accessories. As the company is very selective about who they allow to represent them and sell their products, their approval is significant.

THEY’RE SO NICE, AND I LOVE HELPING PEOPLE. I LOVE WHEN THEY GET SO HAPPY TO TAKE THESE THINGS HOME AND THEN SEND ME PICS OF WHAT THEY’VE DONE WITH THEM.

I love seeing how happy they are.

I have the best customers.

Cosy House was also asked by Circle A Builders to accessorize and style a home for the 2023 St. George Parade of Homes. Nancy and her team were responsible for every detail and every finishing touch in the home down to the lighting, art, and even the bedding. “Lots of people with second homes want a fresh look,” Nancy explains. “But they aren’t there to take care of plants.” So she uses a generous amount of luxurious faux greenery, though when most people think of fake plants, an image of cheap and awful-looking plastic comes to mind. Be assured that the team at Cosy House avoids this like the plague, using only realistic, beautiful, and lifelike greenery. Readers will not be surprised that the home not only sold, but the buyer wanted everything inside that Cosy House had staged, including every book, basket, and pantry item.

Photo Credit: Lacey Alexander

Even with the success of her shop, Nancy acknowledges the pressure to expand into online sales. “We get inundated with people saying we should ship and go online, but I think there’s something about a brick-and-mortar shop where you can go in and touch things and feel them and smell them. You buy something and put it in your home, and it’s a piece of our store.” Cosy House has its own soundtrack and scent for the shop; she and her team work hard to create a warm and enchanting environment. Nancy loves to discover and be inspired by unexplored gems, so she loves to provide this experience for her customers. “You can order online all day, but it’s fun to physically experience things,” she says.

In fact, Interacting with her customers is one of the things she loves most about her job. Relationships with customers are very important to her. “I have the best customers. They’re so nice, and I love helping people. I love when they get so happy to take these things home and then send me pics of what they’ve done with them. I love seeing how happy they are.”

Nancy does understand the eventual necessity of expanding into shipping and says that her shop is currently “at a crossroads” as she and her team make plans to address this. She has also flirted with the idea of opening another store in another city. “We’re definitely growing. Lots of customers come from out of town. We actually have more customers out of town than in,” she discloses. "People come from northern

Utah, Salt Lake, southern Nevada, and California. They’ll bring a trailer and load up on stuff.”

For those wanting to spruce up their home a bit, Nancy advises starting small with what you have. “Are you in the kitchen a lot? Put a little lamp with low wattage in the kitchen or bathroom so you can turn off the glaring overhead light. Soft lighting will do wonders and will create a great ambiance. Lighting goes a long way.” Even things as simple as nice soap and a nice dish brush or your favorite lotion in the kitchen can help you love a space. “I was always on a tight budget, so I know that little things make a difference. For a bigger change, brighten your paint or update some furniture.” Of course, if you have any questions or would like some direction, she would be thrilled to help you.

Nancy still can’t believe that she got this far. “I pinch myself all the time!” she says incredulously. It truly does take a special person to do what she does—to create something from nothing, give others joy through beauty, and cultivate so many deep and lasting relationships. Come visit her and immerse yourself in possibility.V

Cosy House is located at 904 W. 1600 S. in St. George. They are open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find them on social media @becosyhouse on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Reach them at (435) 922-6490 or visit their website at www.BeCosyHouse.com.

Are You Helping YOUR Loved One Buy a Home?

Review Strategies and Risks

Approaches for buying a home for a loved one range from offering a straightforward monetary gift to making the purchase yourself and becoming a landlord. We will help you explore various strategies and their tradeoffs.

Real estate has long been one of the foundational pieces for an investment portfolio. But for younger generations, buying a home has become increasingly difficult. Younger homebuyers face a challenging purchase environment but may not have the ability to come up with a down payment or the earning power to qualify for a mortgage.

That’s where parents and grandparents can sometimes step in—with caution.

BEFORE YOU OPEN THE DOOR

Before you agree to aid a loved one in purchasing a home, consider how your decision will affect your own long-term financial plan. Make sure that whatever support you offer won’t interrupt your own goals for the near or distant future, especially your path toward an ideal retirement.

Before the purchase, you may need to have difficult or emotional conversations about why they need your help, what expectations both parties have, and how long-term costs like maintenance, repairs, and utilities will be paid.

CHOOSE A STRATEGY

There are myriad ways you can help the next generation in home buying, and each comes with its own set of parameters. Here are a few to consider from gifting to lending. With established credit, you may be able to get a better lending rate than a first-time borrower. Your advisor can help you weigh your options.

Nathan Hughes, AAMS, Financial Advisor with Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

1. OFFER A MONETARY GIFT.

This is a straightforward financial vehicle. It will be taxed as a gift if it exceeds the federal gift tax annual exclusion, which is up to $17,000 per individual or $34,000 per couple in 2023.

You will need to provide a “gift letter” to the lender specifying the amount and transfer date to verify the payment isn’t actually a loan.

You’ll incur tax consequences if you exceed your yearly gift minimum.

2. PROVIDE A LOAN OR PRIVATE MORTGAGE.

This requires careful and detailed documentation. It necessitates delicate negotiation of family dynamics and relationships.

You must formalize the loan with a contract and schedule of monthly payments and interest as well as any penalties.

It adds to your loved one’s debt burden just like any other debt.

3. GET A LOAN BACKED BY ELIGIBLE SECURITIES.

This option is flexible and offers ready liquidity should a real estate opportunity crop up.

Securities held in a brokerage account serve as collateral against a loan or line of credit, usually at favorable rates.

You’ll take some risk and could lose your investments if there are defaults or market fluctuations.

You can still obtain a mortgage afterward if desired through a technical refinance.

4. BECOME THE LANDLORD.

You purchase the home with a mortgage or cash and become the landlord, adding to your liabilities or liquidating assets to do so.

This can help build equity for your children or grandchildren.

Consider setting aside rent in a separate account to help tenants buy the home later. (Again, just be sure you're not putting your own financial needs at risk by carrying a loan longer than you truly can.)

This requires careful consideration of all potential longterm outcomes.

5. BE A CO-BORROWER.

You'll be putting your own credit on the line, and your credit could be impacted if payments are not made on a timely basis.

This is a last-resort option.

It could still require a high down payment.

COLLEGIATE THINKING

For many parents and grandparents, the price of rent for an apartment or house near campus is as expensive as a mortgage would be. For that reason, some choose to buy a house or apartment that their children or grandchildren can live in while they go to school. This could be especially advantageous if siblings will attend the same or nearby schools simultaneously.

This arrangement can work in many different ways. Some have their children or grandchildren pay them rent, which they apply to the mortgage, and then transfer ownership of the property at graduation. Some hold on to the property and continue to rent it to students after their children or grandchildren have graduated and incorporate the rental into their total portfolio.

Be sure to factor in normal, ongoing repair and maintenance costs and insurance as you do your feasibility calculations. There are also the costs and time associated with finding good tenants—including background checks and screenings. If you want to be more hands-off or live a long distance from the home, a property manager can be a good way to go. But keep in mind that they will take a percentage of profits, and you will still be on the hook for any direct repairs that need to be made.

This is an approach that requires lots of consideration, clear arrangements with your family tenants, and a long-term strategy before starting to shop the market. Talk through your strategy with your advisor and accountant to determine

what financing vehicles are available and what potential tax advantages would accompany this approach.

Whatever route you choose, look at your long-term plans and goals, do research on the real estate market where you plan to buy, talk to potential lenders, and discuss with trusted advisors to make a plan.V

Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment. Investing involves risk, and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy selected. The foregoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision.

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and your Raymond James financial advisors do not solicit or offer residential mortgage products and are unable to accept any residential mortgage loan applications or to offer or negotiate terms of any such loan. You will be referred to a qualified Raymond James Bank employee for your residential mortgage lending needs.

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., do not provide advice on mortgages.

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax advice. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional. Your advisor can help you weigh your options.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR CLIMATE

by Jared Durrant

Southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada, with their breathtaking landscapes and over 300 sunny days a year, offers homeowners a great opportunity to harness solar energy. As energy costs continue to rise, an increasing number of homeowners are turning to solar power as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.

TYPES OF SOLAR PROJECTS

RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ONLY: Residential solar systems are designed to generate electricity for homes using solar panels installed on rooftops, ground mounts, or carports. These systems are connected to the local electrical grid, allowing homeowners to offset their electricity usage from the grid by generating clean, renewable energy from the sun. In this setup, homeowners rely on the grid when the solar system is not producing enough electricity (e.g., at night or on cloudy days). Excess energy produced during sunny periods can be sent back to the grid, often earning credits through net metering programs.

RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PLUS BATTERY: Residential solar systems with battery storage include solar panels and a battery storage system. The battery stores excess energy generated by the solar panels during the day, which can be used later when the solar system is not producing electricity (e.g., at night or during power outages). This setup provides more energy independence, as homeowners can rely on stored energy rather than solely on the grid when the solar system is not producing power. It also provides backup power during outages, increasing the overall resiliency of the home's energy supply.

COMMERCIAL SOLAR: Commercial solar systems are designed for businesses, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities. These systems are larger in scale compared to residential systems and are tailored to meet the unique energy demands of commercial operations.

OFF-GRID SOLAR: Off-grid solar systems are designed for locations without access to the electrical grid or where a grid connection is not practical or feasible. These systems are entirely independent and rely on solar panels and battery storage to meet all the energy needs of a home or facility. Off-grid systems often include backup power sources, such as generators, to ensure continuous power supply during periods of low solar generation or high energy demand. Off-grid solar systems are popular in remote areas, rural homes, cabins, and among those seeking complete energy independence.

Pay Yourself Instead of the Power Company

Is solar a good financial investment? Kip Bird, a solar consultant at HedgeHog Electric and Solar, believes that for most homeowners in southern Utah and Mesquite, solar power offers a compelling return on investment. “Solar panels come with a 25-year power production warranty, assuring homeowners that their solar panels will function as intended for the life of the system. Most homeowners should expect to reach breakeven in approximately 12 years.” He adds, "Why keep paying the power company for all your electricity when upgrading to solar allows you to create your own power? Solar lets you pay yourself instead of the power company."

FACT VERSUS FICTION: DEBUNKING SOLAR MYTHS

MYTH 1: Upgrading to solar is a ”do-it-yourself" project for homeowners.

FACT: Safety, functionality, warranty, permitting, and tax incentives are all reasons to have a skilled electrician handle your solar installation. A “do-it-yourself” solar installation is impractical for most homeowners.

MYTH 2: The government is paying people to get solar!

FACT: The government provides tax incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in renewable energy solutions. Upgrading to solar is an investment, and financing is available for many homeowners, enabling them to have solar panels installed with no outof-pocket costs.

MYTH 3: Upgrading to solar power doesn't make financial sense in southern Utah or Mesquite.

FACT: Thousands of homeowners have upgraded to solar, including many of your neighbors and friends. These individuals did their research and found that upgrading to solar helped them achieve their goals. Ask your neighbors why they decided to upgrade to solar.

MYTH 4: Upgrading to solar will entirely eliminate your electricity bill.

FACT: Upgrading to solar may drastically reduce your electricity bill, but if you are connected to the power grid, you will still have a relationship and in almost all instances, a small monthly connection fee from your power utility. You will also benefit from the power company's net metering agreement.

WHAT IS NET METERING?

Net metering agreements are arrangements between residential solar system owners and utility companies that allow solar system owners to send excess electricity produced by their solar panels back to the grid. In simple terms, net metering allows your solar system to "spin your electric meter backward" when it generates more power than your home consumes, effectively crediting your account for that excess energy.

SOLAR POWER BASICS

Solar power works through a system comprising several components, including:

SOLAR PANELS: They capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

MOUNTING SYSTEM: This securely holds the solar panels in place, either on your roof, on the ground, or on a carport structure.

MONITORING SYSTEM: This tracks your solar system's performance and energy production over time, providing valuable insights into your energy usage and savings.

INVERTER:

This converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for use in your home.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

When the sun is shining, your solar panels generate electricity.

If your solar system produces more electricity than your home needs, the excess power is sent back to the electric grid to be used by your neighbors.

Your utility company measures the excess power you send back and credits your account for that amount.

When your solar system isn't generating enough power (e.g., at night or on cloudy days), you draw electricity from the grid, using the credits you've accumulated.

At the end of a billing cycle, you're charged for the net electricity used, which is the difference between the energy you consumed from the grid and the energy you sent back to the grid.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS: These include wiring, switches, and other necessary components to connect the solar system to your home's electrical system.

Every power company has a different net metering agreement. It is important to know the details of your agreement, as it will influence the return on investment you will receive. HedgeHog Electric and Solar has been southern Utah and Mesquite's local and trusted electrician for over 15 years, delivering exceptional service and expertise to our community. Homeowners and businesses can trust HedgeHog to give them accurate information while they explore the benefits of solar energy.

Experience the convenience of receiving a fast, free, and accurate solar quote in just four minutes using cutting-edge satellite technology by visiting www.HedgeHogElectric.com or simply scanning this QR code.V

Trust in HedgeHog Electric and Solar for all your solar needs. Call (435) 635-9793 to learn more about joining the growing community of individuals embracing clean, renewable energy in southern Utah and Mesquite.

Has Outdone Itself—Again

by Elisa Eames | Images

courtesy of Southern Utah Home Builders Association

For those who missed this year’s Parade of Homes in February—your only consolation is in the knowledge that it will be back and better than ever next year. Presented by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) and Zions Bank, the long-awaited 2023 St. George Area Parade of Homes was nothing short of sensational. Forty thousand enthusiastic attendees from all over Utah and surrounding states convened under the peerless blue skies of Washington County.

Builder: Adams

Builder: Cedar Pointe Homes

Builder: Adams and Company Construction

Builder: Anderson Custom Homes

Every year, the St. George Area Parade of Homes showcases the latest in innovative home design and craftsmanship, and this year was definitely no exception. Patrons discovered original architectural styles, fantastic views, and new community developments—all unique to southern Utah. With a focus on fresh ideas and experiences, the Parade always encourages patrons to embrace new perspectives. Each Parade is the quintessential event for anyone searching for inspiration for their residence, and every room in each of the 30 cuttingedge homes in St. George, Washington, Ivins, and Hurricane revealed new and exciting concepts.

Designed to inspire and delight, the homes on display this year offered a number of exciting and unbeatable features. Patrons were astonished by 20-foot ceilings with 17-foot sliding glass doors, a pool with glass walls, waterfalls, 11 fire features, bowling alleys, trampoline rooms, and an infinityedge spa spilling over into a stream and fountain. Additional awe-inspiring elements included: party rooms with 200-inch movie screens; industrial-style home offices with concrete walls; hand-sculpted staircases; indoor sports courts; a grandscale sports bar by the pool; two commercial water slides; and a one-of-a-kind volcano-themed pool. In addition, the Parade presented homes with open views that flowed inside, dissolving indoor/outdoor boundaries, and magnificent wallto-wall sliding glass doors that framed panoramic views.

And as always, there was a wide range of homes in different sizes and prices; the costliest home was priced at $6,125,000, while the least expensive was a comparatively humble $575,000. In each garage, visitors were also able to peruse displays by exhibitors offering fantastic products and services. Virtual tours of each home were available from February 22nd to March 31st.V

Consistently delivering an exceptional experience, the St. George Area Parade of Homes was presented by SUHBA and Zions Bank and sponsored by Dominion Energy, BlvdHome, Burton Lumber, KONY 99.9, KSL Television, KSL.com, and St. George News. For more information on this year’s Parade, visit www.ParadeHomes.com/web/, or contact the Southern Utah Home Builders Association at (435) 674-1400.

About the Southern Utah Home Builders Association

The mission of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) is to support the home-building industry and benefit its members, partners, and communities through education, relationships, advocacy, and service. The SUHBA endeavors to improve the local housing and building climate and promote policies that will ensure housing remains a national, state, and local priority. Chief among the SUHBA’s goals is providing and expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent, and attainable housing.

About the St. George Area Parade of Homes

The St. George Area Parade of Homes began in 1991 and is the largest Parade in the state, featuring 30 new homes across Washington County, Utah. This event has a longstanding tradition of displaying spectacular homes and introducing exciting new trends. Each home is set within the grand landscapes only found in southern Utah.

Builder: Cedar Pointe Homes

Builder: Cedar Pointe Homes

Builder: Cedar Pointe Homes

City of St. George

Arbor Day Celebration: An Experience to Savor

by Claire Bernay

Having lived in an apartment complex for the last four years, I do not own a shovel. And despite 14 years of gardening with my parents at their home, I had forgotten how to remain linked to the earth. But I wanted to feel a connection to nature, to touch soil and greenery, so I decided to attend the City of St. George’s annual Arbor Day Celebration.

This year’s event took place on April 29 at J. C. Snow Park, with the goal of planting 75 trees. I joined about 50 people who came out with gardening gloves on their hands, glowing with sunblock, to help replenish and beautify the park. I wanted to contribute to this effort and was thankful to find a small group to join.

I was lucky to find Ruth and her 88-year-old father, Frank, who let me tag along with them and use their shovels. Ruth works for the city, taking care of three parks, including the Hela Seegmiller Historical Farm. Frank, a Navy veteran, is retired but used to be a welder. As we dug holes, he told me about working on the interstate highway system, including I-15, I-80, and I-70.

They showed me how to dig into the earth by jumping on the shovel, how to measure the depth of the hole with the shovels, and how to aerate the dirt so the freshly planted roots can get oxygen. We pulled back the grass, broke up compacted clay, and made room for the new trees.

Ruth pointed out that we were planting fruitless mulberries, which are gorgeous, flowering trees. Volunteers also planted Chinese pistache and red push pistache trees, both of which turn a vibrant red in the fall. Twenty-five of the trees were donated by the Rotary Club, and the rest were purchased by the city. The trees planted at Snow Park, one of St. George’s older parks, will add immense beauty.

Trees have been among the city’s priorities for quite some time. For the 35th consecutive year, St. George has been designated as a Tree City USA community due to its efforts to maintain tree care ordinances, dedicate funds to a forestry budget, and host an annual Arbor Day celebration.

“The trees being planted and cared for by St. George are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” says Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a press release issued by the foundation. “Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education.”

I experienced this firsthand. The chance to meet other volunteers and the instant camaraderie I felt with these folks made the heat, the sun, and the sweat worth it. Ruth made sure I drank enough water and told me about her dogs (a couple of big boxers) while Frank told me about how he met his late wife (on horseback) and gave advice for my own

marriage. Together, we were responsible for three of the 75 trees that were planted that day. Other groups included young adults and parents with their children.

“Arbor Day is a great way to give back to the community. It's a fun day for me to see all the families with their kids planting trees,” says Ben Neumann, who oversees the Parks Division at the City of St. George. “My kids have helped plant trees on Arbor Day for many years. Hopefully, it will be something the kids will remember for a long time.”

The trees planted by Ruth, Frank, and the other volunteers create hope for a better future. We saw beautification and a connection within our community come from our efforts to enrich the world, and we know that our actions will also help to improve overall health.

As I listened to Ruth’s and Frank’s stories, sweat running down my face, I was reminded that being kind and being in touch with nature is what this world is mostly about. I will go forward with renewed vigor for gardening, and I hope to pick up at least two small potted plants that I can set on my porch.

I think I’ll name them Frank and Ruth.V

Claire Bernay is a graduate of Utah Tech University and recently finished an internship with the City of St. George in its Communications and Marketing Department.

by Kaylee Pickering

Abit taller than the others with faded letters painted on its side, a building that plays a surprisingly large role in Cedar City’s history sits at the south end of Main Street.

Looking their best in the early morning light, sandy bricks in red, pale orange, and gold are accented by brilliant white trim. A set of bright red double doors draws the visitor’s attention while large bay windows invite a glance inside. Exposed wooden beams lead to a lofty ceiling. Pillars line the beautifully

set tile walkway, and gorgeous wood trim accents the walls. During the week, the lobby of the Cedars Hotel often sits empty, but weekend events transform the space and bring back echoes of its once-bustling past.

Now a beautiful and inviting event space, The Cedars Hotel was once the destination of Hollywood elites and travelers from around the world and was the birthplace of Cedar City as we know it today.

The Cedars Hotel stands as a shining example of Cedar City’s historic Main Street architecture. Built from bricks using local materials, the southern Utah hues are brought out by the surrounding landscape. The wood trim and fine details along the roof give a little extra flair to this unique structure. Built in 1913, the building stood out as a grand destination in southern Utah upon its completion. With nine rooms on each floor, The Cedars Hotel was a stopping point for many traveling through Cedar City.

It was in the lobby of the Cedars Hotel that brothers Gronway and Chauncey Parry developed the concept for the National Parks and Transportation Company, later known as the Utah Parks Company. With this idea, the two sold the incredible scenery of southern Utah and the nearby parks to the world. They offered guided tours to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks as well as Cedar Breaks National Monument. Later, it would be the Parry brothers who lauded the beauty of southern Utah to their friends in Hollywood, thus bringing the film industry to our backyard.

Over time, new hotels came and went, and many were built with the greatest new amenities, grand spaces, and more rooms than The Cedars. And while overnight rooms were available in The Cedars until 1982 when lodging rooms closed, the Cedars was also home to an incredible array of businesses. Bakeries, shops, doctor’s offices, and even a controversial pool hall in the basement called this beautiful space home before the building became Jolly’s Ranchwear in 1962.

A favorite among locals and visitors, Jolly’s carried the best array of Wranglers and cowboy hats and offered the best friendly local service for years. It was a go-to place for backto-school shopping, and the “BOOTS” sign painted carefully on the brick of the north side of the building still brings back memories to many as they travel Main Street. When Jolly’s closed, the community was anxious to see what would become of this beloved icon.

As residents watched the old Jolly’s building become The Lobby Events, the historic building would find a new look and purpose through the hard work and restoration projects done by the current owner. With a passion for event planning and a vision of what could be, owner Lyndsey Horito Bingham got to work on developing a destination event space in Historic Downtown Cedar City. With quite the undertaking ahead in transforming a former retail space, she began creating a more timeless and classic canvas for future events.

Since opening in 2021, The Lobby Events has hosted many incredible community functions, parties, weddings, and cultural celebrations. With new life and new owners, the space has added more laughter, joy, and layers to the stories and histories within its historic walls. An elegant and truly unique spot, it’s incredible to see The Cedars Hotel shining and vibrant again with a whole new history and future at its feet.V

Visit www.thelobbyevents.com.

CREATING YOUR PERSONALSanctuary

by Randi Fuller, owner of Mesquite Tile and Flooring

One of the wisest women I have ever had the pleasure of hearing speak is Dr. Maya Angelou, who has spoken extensively about the importance of the home and the role it plays in our lives. "Home is more than just a place where we lay our heads at night. It's a feeling of warmth and security, a place where we can be ourselves and be loved for who we are," she has said. This quote highlights the idea that the home is a fundamental aspect of our identity and sense of well-being. Dr. Angelou believed that the feeling of being "at home" is something that everyone longs for and that it can provide a sense of safety and acceptance that is essential for our emotional and spiritual growth.

In 2006, after receiving my bachelor’s degree from UNLV in human services counseling, I embarked on what would become my first career in social work. I can see now that even then, I had a passion for helping others create a personal sanctuary, though it was in this field that I quickly came to understand how few of us actually have the opportunity to grow up in a home environment like the one Dr. Angelou described.

I define a sanctuary as a place of refuge or safety, a place where a person is respected and valued and where individuals can live in harmony with each other and their environment.

These spaces can take various forms and serve different purposes. Mental, emotional, and spiritual practices, ideas, philosophies, thinking, and ways of being can also be sanctuaries.

In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, it can be difficult to find moments of calm and quiet amidst the chaos. Having a personal sanctuary can provide a place where individuals can escape from the demands of daily life and find solace in their own company. A personal retreat can be a physical space that reflects an individual's unique style, interests, and values. It can be a place where they can express their creativity and indulge in activities that bring them joy, such as painting, reading, or

gardening. It can also provide a sense of control and ownership over one's environment and be a space where individuals have the power to create and curate their surroundings according to their own preferences and needs. Sanctuaries can be our constant in an everchanging, chaotic world.

Creating a personal sanctuary is a highly individualized process, as everyone's needs and preferences will vary. I recommend starting small. Choose one corner, space, or room to focus on. You may decide to turn your outdated master bathroom into a soothing spa retreat, create a relaxing outdoor garden getaway, or turn your unused guest bedroom into that craft room you always wanted.

First

YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SANCTUARY. Do you want a space for relaxation, meditation, or creative work? What types of activities will you be doing? Once you know the purpose of your sanctuary, the other elements will more easily fall into place.

Second, CLEAR THE SPACE

by removing any clutter or distractions that might interfere with your sanctuary’s purpose. This could include unnecessary furniture, electronics, or other items that don't contribute to the overall atmosphere.

Third, SET THE MOOD OF YOUR SANCTUARY.

This will depend on its purpose. For a relaxation sanctuary, you will want to choose calming colors, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture. For a creative sanctuary, you will want warm and bright colors, more natural light, and a space to store your materials.

Fourth,PERSONALIZE YOUR SANCTUARY

to make it truly your own. Add meaningful decor items that inspire you or bring you joy, such as plants or artwork that has special significance.

As an artist, I cannot overstate the value of art as an emotional sanctuary. Author Jeff Goins has written, “The job of an artist is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world.” Art has the power to move people emotionally, create a sense of connection, and provide a space for reflection and contemplation. Through art, people can express emotions that they may not be able to put into words and find comfort in the feelings that it evokes. Art can also be a form of therapy, helping individuals to process and work through difficult emotions or experiences. It can provide a powerful emotional sanctuary for individuals, helping them to connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Too often, we overlook how much our physical environment affects us psychologically. I believe that having some sort of personal sanctuary is an essential part of self-care; it helps individuals to manage stress, cultivate a sense of well-being, and find a deeper connection with themselves—and as a result, they create deeper connections with those around them.V

by Helen Houston

An eco-conscious attitude is top-of-mind for many people these days, and I’m looking to do my part to make the earth a little happier and healthier however I can. Whether you’ve taken up composting or have committed to a no-waste lifestyle, I’m a firm believer that any effort is a good effort.

Personally, I’ve been trying to purchase less “new” stuff as I’ve been furnishing my home lately, and I plan to continue this over the next several years. From scouring Facebook Marketplace to hitting up vintage shops, it has been a rewarding challenge to find new-to-me pieces that fit my style and budget. Anything I do buy new, I try to purchase consciously—and I’m the first to admit that I’m actually surprised at how easy buying sustainably-sourced home decor has become.

Sustainability

Maybe it’s just me, but I always assumed buying something sustainably-sourced (or made) meant sacrificing style. To put it quite simply, I thought things made with being “green” in mind were always a bit… dated? You know what I mean— the types of products you feel good about purchasing but shortly banish to the attic because they’re not actually your taste—but this totally defeats the purpose. Luckily, that notion is changing and changing fast. As consumers focus on purchases that suit their increasingly green ethos,

companies are following suit, and there is now a slew of sustainably-made products out there that look good, too. Even better is that they don’t cost a small fortune.

Benefits of Making Furniture from Recycled Plastic

A lot of furniture, especially fast, industrialized furniture, is made with virgin materials. With brands like IKEA making it incredibly affordable to have “designer” furniture in your home, the furniture turnover rate has increased over the years. Pieces are no longer made to last but rather to be replaced with newer trends.

Trees on plantations and stone and metal from quarries and mining—a lot goes into the furniture bought today. Virgin plastic is increasingly being used in furniture, especially outdoor and kids’ furniture. Now, why aren’t these products made from recycled plastic? It provides a lot of the same qualities that traditional materials do. And when combined with them, it can accentuate the strength and look of the material.

A lot of the metal and wooden furniture needs to be varnished and painted to get the desired look or to prevent it from degrading. If colors are chosen correctly, recycled plastic can easily achieve this without any polishing or postproduction.

Most plastic products eventually end up in our waters, polluting local rivers and streams; ultimately, they end up in our seas and oceans around the world. According to research released in December 2022 by waste-conscious collection service Recycle Track Systems, our oceans currently contain an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste, with another 33 billion pounds of plastic entering the marine environment every single year.

But people are increasingly seeking out sustainably made and/or sourced products that divert that waste and reinvent it into functional furniture and fashionable decor.

Though it’s bucking many current trends, this movement is destined for permanence in the world of home fashion thanks to ongoing innovations in plastic recycling and enhancements in applications across home goods. This is true of everything from case goods and upholstered furniture to fabrics, textiles, and decorative items.

Area Rugs

Add a splash of fun and a unique pattern to your living room or bedroom with a rug woven from recycled plastic food and medicine containers. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s also fade-proof, reversible, and mildew resistant. Truly, have you ever met a rug more qualified for the job? Even as far back as 20 years ago, rug-weavers have been designing and delivering area and accent rugs and home accessories made strictly from recycled plastics, much of it collected from the ocean.

photo credit: www.fabhabitat.com

photo credit: www.fabhabitat.com

Indoor/Outdoor

Summer is here, which means all of our outdoor spaces are in need of a little TLC. Give your outdoor couches or benches a stylish boost with charming printed pillows made sustainably with plastic fibers and a plush filling crafted from recycled water bottles.

Gather ’round a chic modern outdoor coffee table for cozy cocktails or a friendly yet competitive board game with your roomies. Pieces are crafted entirely from post-consumer, recycled high-density polyethylene, mostly sourced from discarded milk jugs. Bonus: think of the impact of keeping hundreds of millions of milk jugs out of landfills.

Is it Velvet, or is it Plastic?

The Sustainable Furnishings Council says that it has noted an “encouraging trend in home furnishings”: manufacturers incorporating more ocean plastics into their product lines. These polluting, single-use plastics are finding new life in beautiful, innovative design pieces.

Seaqual is a trade name for a special kind of recycled plastic fiber that is described as “almost identical” in physical properties to virgin polyester, except the yarn contains approximately 10% upcycled marine plastic (from plastic marine litter) and 90% postconsumer plastic from land sources. Luxurious fabrics made from Seaqual yarn provide additional performance qualities, offering choices for all rooms in the home, and some can even be used in contract-grade projects.

These days, you might be feeling inclined to remove plastic from your life wherever you can, but we can think of a few instances where adding the material to your home is a good—and even beautiful—idea. Buying furniture made from plastic waste retrieved from the ocean (think water bottles and fishing nets) can help save the planet while making your home look good as well.V

Helen Houston is the owner of Staging Spaces & Redesign. Reach her at (702) 346-0246 or helen@stagingspaces.biz.

by Linda Faas

Most families possess an item or two that holds cherished memories. Such heirlooms are often carried along through a lifetime of family relocations. But for lack of space or because of diminished conditions, these treasures often end up stashed in the back of a closet, simply waiting for time to pass.

John and Joyce Sutherland of Mesquite have moved many times in their lives. John grew up in West Alexander, Pennsylvania, served in the Air Force, and then met and married Joyce. They returned to Pennsylvania for college, and John embarked on a career in agricultural science that took them to locations throughout the world. They spent several years in Ghana, where he was awarded cultural artifacts by the local leaders who appreciated his work improving the agricultural viability of the area. Joyce always makes sure these prized possessions are prominently displayed in their home.

This past year, Joyce was sorting through items stored in their garage and came across the violin John played in high school. Over its life, it has suffered nicks and bruises, and it looked the worse for wear. Joyce decided to explore the idea of reconditioning this once-lovely instrument as a Christmas surprise for John.

Searching for a violin repairman, or luthier, Joyce found a listing for

Chris Hobson, who had recently opened The Violin Gallery in downtown St. George. Chris is an Iraq War veteran who has struggled with severe PTSD. Chris was a passionate violinist in his youth, and miraculously, he found that playing his violin was a way to calm his mind. He has focused his attention on music and learned that building beautiful instruments helps repair his own damaged psyche.

After ten years of building and reconditioning violins in a home workshop, Chris and his wife, Jackie, decided it was time to open a violin shop for sales, instruction, and repair. The tiny spot they found was perfect. They were able to secure space in the historic Orson Pratt house on Temple Street in St George. Its décor, beautiful wood floors, and display of classical stringed instruments seemed to exude an aura of quiet calm, and The Violin Gallery was born. In this upstairs retreat, Chris can work on old instruments and nurse them back to health as his music soothes his mind. The story of Chris’s successful journey in reviving his own wellness has relevance to many people in today’s world. And because his story deserves to be told, he and The Violin Gallery have been featured in the St George News and other news outlets.

Connecting with Chris was the best thing that could’ve happened. Hoping to restore it to a condition

where it would be capable of a tune, Joyce took John’s venerable violin to The Violin Gallery. Chris quoted a moderate fee for doing light repairs, and Joyce left the violin in his care.

After three months, with Christmas drawing near, Joyce finally called Chris to timidly ask if the violin had been worth repairing. To her surprise, Chris laid out the story of how John’s violin was not just worthy but was actually “constructed after the studio of Stradivari.” In other words, it was built following the style and highquality standards of the master luthier of all time, Antonio Stradivari

Chris Hobson at his workbench

of Cremona, Italy! Chris discovered that pedigree on a label inside the violin body. A violin built with such care deserved to be returned to fine condition.

Chris went on to say that as he had worked on the old instrument, he saw that the ravages of time had caused parts of it to splinter into tiny pieces. It took many hours for him to painstakingly reconstruct the broken parts, some so small he handled them with tweezers. With time and great skill, Chris was able to restore John’s frail “Stradivarius” to a point where it could again bring lots of enjoyment to a musician.

Joyce was taken aback by Chris’s discovery of such lofty beginnings of John’s violin as well as the story of the painstaking restoration efforts that stretched over months. She nervously asked how this was going to impact the price he had quoted for repairs. “Well, I stand by my original quote,” he stated. Stunned by Chris’s honorable generosity, Joyce gratefully reclaimed the rejuvenated violin.

When Joyce presented John with the beautiful intact violin at Christmas, he reminisced how an elderly neighbor known as “Aunt Gin” had given two violins to his family for John and his sister, Mary, to play in the high school orchestra. John had put his best efforts into learning to play it over the four years he had been an orchestra member. Alas, he had been no virtuoso, so the violin had been left behind when he went off to the Air Force in 1948.

Nobody knows the real provenance of John’s violin. Where Aunt Gin got it was a mystery that nobody thought to pursue. The Sutherlands, like many others in their hometown, had roots stretching back to colonial times, so there were lots of antiques in town that were hundreds of years old. Much more research would be needed to discover the age and origin of the violin that sat out the second half of the twentieth century in the family home. The abandoned violin was reunited with John after his mother’s passing in 1996. He dutifully carried the instrument to his home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and eventually brought it to Mesquite.

Thanks to Joyce’s inspiration and Chris’s skills, John’s violin now holds a place of honor in the Sutherland home, sharing the spotlight with other keepsakes collected over a lifetime.

John’s beautiful violin is displayed on the wall for now, but no doubt another opus waits to be played on this rescued heirloom.

Above: Stradivari copies usually bear labels similar to this Czech version

Below: Joyce and John Sutherland with their beautiful violin

DISCOVER EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY AND UNRIVALED SERVICE

by Elisa Eames | Images by Rey of Light Photography

Who decides to open a flower shop virtually overnight with no floral experience?

The answer is the incredible Charlene Hadden of The Front Porch Flowers and Gifts. A long-time resident of Overton, she originally chose the city as her home because of its rural, close-knit community, abundance of outdoor activities, and proximity to the Valley of Fire. “Moapa Valley just seemed like home,” she says. She especially loves the friends and neighbors she has gotten to know within her community.

Her “out of the blue” decision to open a flower shop was at the advice of one of those beloved friends. “She told me to open one because the local flower shop had just closed. I had never touched a flower in my life, but it felt right. I’m a spiritual, churchgoing person, so I said a prayer that if this was right, please help me, and bring people into my life that need to be here.” After this leap of faith, things began to fall into place. She obtained her business license in 2012 and reserved one of only two spots left in a floral design class at the College of Southern Nevada.

The next task was to find a name for her budding venture. An admirer of Maya Angelou, Charlene has always been moved by the following quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Charlene knew she wanted a name that captured this, and one day, “The Front Porch Flowers” popped into her mind. “I thought, ‘Wow, what a welcoming name—what an amazing place to welcome people!’” From there, she set out to create her “special, homey place” while characterizing the quote. Her goal has consistently been to offer a complete, memorable, and delightful experience to her clients rather than just a shop.

Fast forward to the spring of 2013, and she began receiving her first customer orders at her new shop in Overton. As she struggled to grow her business in those first few months, a number of people close to her in her Moapa Valley community sadly passed away. As a result, Charlene recognized the need for funeral flowers as a community

experiences such great loss. In its first six months, her shop provided flowers for a sobering 25 funerals. Charlene says reverently, “I always have the most special experiences when I sit down with a family and learn about their loved one and design flowers and colors to comfort them and to represent their lost family member.”

In 2017, The Front Porch expanded into wedding services—almost by accident. “I had three daughters get married in a six-month period. They got me into the wedding world. Then I had a client come in and say, ‘I’d love for you guys to set up our whole wedding.’” So Charlene and her team began to offer wedding design, decor, and decorating. They now design their own custom rentals, including everything from greenery to a specially-made donut wall— whatever the client wants. “We have a really nice variety and inventory of wedding rentals. Clients may worry because they don’t see themselves as creative or think that they don’t have time to plan their wedding, but they can hire The Front Porch for everything.”

Before getting started, Charlene and her team will research the wedding venue and visit in person to better understand the space. Then the design work begins, and the result is a completely transformed setting that will delight and inspire the wedding party and guests alike. The lucky couple is truly able to enjoy a stressfree event while The Front Porch handles all the set-up and logistics—down to the guest sign-in table. “We love to create a beautiful wedding setting for the family to enjoy so they don’t have to do anything but walk into the room and walk out,” Charlene explains. A few design tools in their arsenal include the use of archways, bistro lights, linens, table runners, candles, custom decor, and anything else that the client requests. They’ll even hang custom drapery and chandeliers, and to ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time, they can also be present the day of the wedding.

It certainly didn’t take long for word to spread about this new service. “In the first year, we did eight weddings in six months,” Charlene recalls. She and her team are also honored to take good care of their “Pinterest brides.” Many brides-to-be have decided what they want beforehand and come to The Front Porch with a previously-created Pinterest board. “They already have ideas in their minds, and we make it happen,” Charlene says confidently.

Unsurprisingly, because of graduations, proms, weddings, and Mother’s Day, one of the busiest times of year for The Front Porch is in May. October is also a popular month for weddings, and the increase in orders reflects this. In fact, because of the steadily climbing number of clients, Charlene opened a second location of The Front Porch in Mesquite in 2019. As soon as her Overton store began to thrive, she realized she wanted to open another shop. Many of her clients were driving from Mesquite and Bunkerville to the Overton location, making the second store in Mesquite a natural progression. “I saw we could offer and provide different things. I have even thought about a St. George location, but I realized that would be too much responsibility,” she says with a laugh.

In 2021, Charlene was again impacted by tragedy, but this time, the losses were much closer to home. Her father passed away in July of that year and her mother in September. “I had been involved with so many others’ losses, but to go through it myself has added to my experiences and the feeling of what an honor it is to help someone.” Even amid intense grief, she was able to find joy in helping others gain peace, and through her own sorrow, she has developed profound empathy for those who experience devastating loss. This is evident in her one-of-a-kind arrangements that are genuine reflections of the one who has departed. For someone who enjoyed quilting, she once incorporated a sewing box, scissors, and a thimble into the flowers. Charlene calls these efforts “little creative ways that touch people who have ignited this love of sympathy work.”

However, as does everyone else, she has her days of discouragement. But when she feels overwhelmed, a client will step into her store to order something for a family member, and Charlene will remember why she opened her shop in the first place—to help people. “I’ll have the same peace come into my mind. I’ll get an impression and idea of what I should do, and the client will always pick something close to what I imagined. This always reaffirms that this is what I’m supposed to be doing and is where I belong.”

Over the years, The Front Porch has only improved the value and scope of what it offers, and Charlene is proud of the superior quality and service that she and her team provide to clients. At both Front Porch locations, staff members are not mere employees but part of the family, and her penchant for hiring “younger and smarter” talent also makes a significant difference. Her manager has an active role in decisions, and Charlene feels that this is important to the success of her shops. Her philosophy is not only to tolerate feedback and input, but to solicit them. “I put my [team members] in the spotlight, not in the backseat,” she reveals.

For years, Charlene has actually relied on feedback and creative input from the younger population. While many shops tend to become mired in what they’ve always done, The Front Porch consistently trends on social media because of Charlene’s philosophy of evolution. “Flowers are art. Art trends and moves in different directions. We also need to move forward and be

ready for changes in design, color, and vessels. We’re unique and different,” she states proudly. As the younger generations begin to utilize websites less in favor of social media, using Instagram and Pinterest to interact with and book clients has become one of Charlene’s secret weapons. She even follows other florists online that she admires.

Continuing her education is another advantage that Charlene regularly employs to stay current. Conferences and wedding conventions are held frequently by the floral community besides online and in-person classes, including those offered by the American Institute of Floral Design and the Society of American Florists. She has even had the opportunity to learn from well-known floral designer Sarah Campbell, who is the owner of Intrigue Designs and the star of Netflix's The Big Flower Fight.

In addition to flowers, both shops offer a variety of gifts and decor, and each has its own unique dynamic. Patrons can purchase items as unexpected and diverse as bookmarks, jewelry, picture frames, wall decor, silk flowers, wreaths for every holiday, dishes, vases, and even live plants. They’ve also added a body care and soap line and a pop-up boutique called The Home Theory. Find bedding, kitchen items, dish towels, candles, seasonal decor, summer goods, and more.

In the fall, Charlene hopes to give back to the community and share her knowledge by continuing floral design classes at her

shops that were shut down by COVID. She fondly recalls, “It was always nice for someone to come in and make a Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpiece in our seasonal design classes.”

When she’s not charming clients, Charlene can often be found riding the trails around her home in her Toyota Tacoma. The outdoors is a source of joy, as are her clients, but what she enjoys most is being a grandmother. “I love being a grandma more than anything,” she gushes. A mother to six children, five of which were born within five years of each other, Charlene takes off Tuesdays to spend with her grandchildren. As a result, she is known as “Grandma Tuesday.” She says happily, “My children and grandchildren have made for an exciting life.”

In 2023, The Front Porch is celebrating its 10th anniversary. That “out of the blue” feeling Charlene had to open a flower shop over 10 years ago has truly benefited the Overton and Mesquite communities in tremendous ways. The many residents she has touched and served are undoubtedly grateful that she took that first step into the unknown and would certainly agree that she is where she belongs. Here’s to 10 more wonderful years.V

The Front Porch Flowers and Gifts is located in Overton at 259 South Moapa Valley Blvd. and in Mesquite at 12 West Mesquite Blvd., Suite 111. Reach them at (702) 344-5156 or (702) 397-8334 or by visiting thefrontporchflowers.com. Find them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Yelp.

The Mining Town of Goldfield

by Cliff & Ilene Bandringa, BackRoadsWest.com

Goldfield, named for the ore mined around it, was once Nevada’s largest city and the state’s biggest economic and political power. With the discovery of gold in 1902, Goldfield would become the site of a rare major post-1900 gold strike. It also experienced one of the largest gold rushes in Western history. There are plenty of well-preserved remains of these boom years (between 1904 and 1915) that are still very visible today. If you’re interested in living history, old antiques, geology, or mining, you’ll enjoy a visit to Goldfield.

During the boom, the mines of Goldfield recovered over $90 million in ore. After the Comstock Lode near Virginia City (where $300 million was recovered) and the silver mines in neighboring Tonopah (where $148 million was recovered), Goldfield was one of the richest mining districts in Nevada history. Along with attracting thousands of miners and prospectors, Goldfield’s rush also drew the usual getrich-quick seekers, investors, bankers, saloon owners, and other assorted characters. The stories and antics of these personalities are too much to include in this article, but if you dig deep enough on the internet or into books about Goldfield (like we did before our visit), you will find many entertaining and true stories that are just waiting to be put onto the silver screen or in a new Netflix series.

The mining district of Tonopah, just 25 miles to the north of Goldfield, was already booming by 1902, so it didn’t take

long for prospectors to explore the surrounding desert to look for more rich ore. And they found it on Columbia Mountain, which is just north of present-day Goldfield. Instead of the rich silver ore like that found in Tonopah, however, they found gold ore.

By 1904, many mines had been established, and thousands of people were pouring into town, which, at that time, consisted mainly of tent buildings that were quick and easy to put up. The rush also attracted many notable people, including renowned investor Charles Schwab, who came to Goldfield and purchased one of the mines for $75,000. The Earp brothers, Wyatt and Virgil, arrived in 1904, and Virgil became deputy sheriff of Esmeralda County (where Goldfield is located) in 1905. Sadly, he died of pneumonia later that year while still holding his post. Wyatt and his wife, Josephine, were seen regularly in Goldfield and Tonopah during this time, and Josephine strongly encouraged her husband to stay out of the gambling business.

The building boom began in 1906, and by 1908, Goldfield looked like a modern-day city with numerous three and four-story buildings. Unlike many mining districts that quickly faded after the economic collapse triggered by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the mines of Goldfield were unphased. More and more money poured into Goldfield’s economy, and it was known to have some of the finest hotels west of the Mississippi.

However, by 1915, Goldfield had started to decline. Its largest mine ceased operations in 1918, and a fire in 1923 spread over 25 square blocks, destroying most of its notable commercial buildings. Another fire a year later destroyed even more of the once glorious city.

Visiting Goldfield today is quite enjoyable, and there’s plenty to see and do. When we visited in 2020, we originally thought we would spend about four hours there, but we ended up staying the entire day—and we still didn’t see everything. A stop at the visitor center on the northwest end of town is a must, and so is having a meal at the Dinky Diner. Their food is fresh, homemade, and a real treat, considering the remoteness of this town. There were once 49 saloons in town, and two remain today—one being the Santa Fe Saloon. There is also an old mine that is open for tours.

Panorama of Goldfield in 1909

One of many abandoned mines in Goldfield

A new attraction in Goldfield is the “International Car Forest of the Last Church.” Yes, you read that correctly. In 2002, an “independent thinker” came to town with artistic intentions and acquired an old mining claim. He then fired up his backhoe and “planted” the carcasses of several vehicles. Then they were cleverly painted. Over the years, some vandalism took place, and so a local Goldfielder purchased the property and began partnering with artists to improve this unique area. Today, it is visited and enjoyed by many people.

Because of its remoteness, we suggest making a trip to Goldfield as part of a multi-day visit to the area. Goldfield is 180 miles north of Las Vegas on US 95, and since this drive skirts Death Valley, you could spend a day or two there. As mentioned, Tonopah is just 25 miles north of Goldfield and has an even richer and more intriguing mining history. Unlike Goldfield, Tonopah also has casinos, eateries, and a few nice hotels such as the classic Mizpah Hotel. In addition, Tonopah has two very nice museums. Staying a few nights in Tonopah gives you the ability to visit some of the other gems in this part of Nevada, too.

Happy exploring!V

Go on a virtual tour of Goldfield, and learn more about this historical gem by visiting our travel blog at www.BackRoadsWest.com/blog, or search for “virtual tour of Goldfield” on YouTube.

International Car Forest

Goldfield Hotel from 1908

Cemetery and Goldfield in background

TOGETHER We Can Reduce Property Crime

by Sergeant Wyatt Oliver, Mesquite Police Department

Mesquite is consistently one of the top three safest cities in Nevada, and its ranking published in March of this year was no different. Our wonderful hometown was named the second safest city in 2023, and we hold the lowest violent crime rate in all of Nevada! The most significant factor in Mesquite earning the second spot was our property crime rate, but we can do even better. This is where the remarkable relationship between Mesquite residents and the Mesquite Police Department can help push us to the top place.

The Mesquite Police Department prides itself on being consistently proactive in finding and stopping criminals, particularly violent offenders. Property crimes are equally essential to prevent and deter, but offenders can more easily conceal their actions than those who commit violent crimes.

As we work together to prevent property crimes, such as vandalism, vehicle break-ins, burglaries, and more, we will ensure Mesquite takes its place as the safest city in Nevada for residents and visitors. Here are a few ways you, as renters and homeowners, can do your part to keep your home safe:

INSTALL SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS:

Technology in the surveillance world continues to advance, and the cameras keep improving in quality while decreasing in price. There are seemingly infinite options available all the way from easy plug-and-play or doorbell cameras to full, professionally-installed systems. No matter what you choose, having any surveillance camera can be a deterrent because most criminals will choose a different target if they see they are on camera.

INVEST IN HIGH-QUALITY LOCKS FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS:

Simple locks can easily be defeated by even a novice thief, but higher-quality locks with stronger materials can offer extra safety and added peace of mind. In addition to solid locks, a cheap but vital upgrade would be adding reinforcements to the door frame and hinges. There are many options on the market for door reinforcements that strengthen the deadbolt and the area around it on the frame, which significantly reduces the ability of a determined thief to force entry into your home.

DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR:

Just about everyone now owns and carries expensive electronics with them daily. Your cell phone and tablet left inside a vehicle, whether at home or while you're picking up groceries, is a huge target for criminals. Take the extra steps to ensure you don't have any valuables in plain sight, roll up the windows (yes, even in the summer), and lock doors.

BE A GOOD WITNESS:

The adage, "If you see something, say something," holds true here. If you see suspicious people or other odd activity in your neighborhood, please call 911 for emergencies, or call us at (702) 346-6911 for nonemergencies. Provide good descriptions of their actions, their clothing, and what vehicle they are in. Remember that property can be replaced, but you can't be. You won't get hurt if you're reporting what you're witnessing from a distance.

If you follow these easy steps, you can do your part to ensure your home and property are safe, and we can work together proactively to reduce all crime in Mesquite and beyond.V

For more information visit www.Police.MesquiteNV.gov.

THE DIRTY TRUTH:

Debunking the Myth of Faster Dirt Buildup After Carpet Cleaning

by Bailey Logue, Owner, NewVibe Cleaners

Carpets are an important part of our homes, adding comfort and style to our living spaces. But there's a myth that keeps floating around, making people believe that cleaning carpets actually leads to more dirt buildup. This mistaken idea has made many homeowners hesitant to invest in professional carpet cleaning services, thinking it's a pointless effort. Well, it's time to set the record straight and uncover the truth about carpet cleaning.

Myth One: Dirt Builds Up Faster After Carpet Cleaning

Let's start by busting the myth itself. The notion is that after getting your carpets professionally cleaned, they somehow become more attractive to dirt, almost like a magnet. But here's the truth: that idea is based on outdated cleaning methods and misunderstandings. The reality is that modern professional carpet cleaning techniques have come a long way. They use advanced methods like hot water extraction or steam cleaning, which effectively remove dirt, stains, and residues from the fibers. Unlike old methods that left behind soapy residues, these new techniques focus on thorough rinsing and extraction.

Additionally, regular professional cleaning improves indoor air quality. Carpets tend to trap allergens, bacteria, and mold spores, which can negatively affect the air you breathe and even lead to health issues. Professional cleaning eliminates these pollutants, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your family. If you or your loved ones suffer from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, professional cleaning can significantly reduce symptoms by minimizing allergens and improving the overall air quality in your home.

Myth Two: Cleaning Causes Mold and Mildew

Another common misconception is that steam cleaning can lead to the growth of mold or mildew in carpets. However, this myth couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods for eliminating mold and mildew from carpets. The high temperatures used in steam cleaning not only remove dirt and stains but also kill bacteria, mold spores, and other microorganisms that may be present in the carpet fibers. The extraction process ensures that excess moisture is removed, further reducing the risk of mold or mildew growth. Properly performed steam cleaning by trained professionals can help create a cleaner and healthier environment by eradicating mold and preventing its recurrence.

Myth Three: My Carpet Doesn’t Need Cleaning

While it's understandable to think that carpets don't need cleaning if they don't appear visibly dirty, this belief is misplaced. Even if your carpet looks clean on the surface, it can still harbor hidden dirt, dust, allergens, and other contaminants deep within the fibers. Regular foot traffic and everyday activities can introduce dirt and particles that settle deep into the carpet, making it difficult to detect the accumulated grime. Over time, this buildup can contribute to a range of issues, including odors, diminished indoor air quality, and potential health risks. Professional carpet cleaning goes beyond surface cleaning, targeting the embedded dirt and allergens that can't be effectively removed through regular vacuuming. By scheduling regular professional cleanings, you can maintain a cleaner and healthier carpet, even if it doesn't appear visibly dirty.

Why NewVibe is the Best Choice

When it comes to choosing the best carpet cleaning option, NewVibe shines as a superior choice. Our commitment to personalized service, attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction set us apart from larger franchise brands. By making an appointment, you will give yourself the opportunity to experience exceptional results and unmatched professionalism. Visit NewVibe’s website at www.TheNewVibeCleaners.com, and don't let myths hold you back from enjoying clean, fresh, and longer-lasting carpets in your home. Choose NewVibe for the best carpet cleaning experience.V

Exercises to Make Our Home and Gardening Lives Easier!

by Ashley Centers

Happy Home and Garden edition! This year, I wanted to put together some exercises and pointers to help us garden and work to maintain our lovely homes with fewer aches and pains and a whole lot more strength!

The thing I always try to remember is that fitness is fundamental, and many things we do in fitness can help us do daily chores with less pain, more mobility, and better form to help prevent injuries. I’ll start with some important pointers!

#1 STRETCHES AND WARMUPS ARE A GREAT IDEA... NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE DOING!

Whether you’re heading to the gym, the golf course, or out to the garden shed, stretching is important, so use some light full-body stretches to get yourself limbered up before doing any type of activity. Your muscles and joints will surely thank you later!

#2 USE GOOD FORM WHEN YOU ARE OUT IN THE YARD. Try your best to remember that good form isn’t just for the gym. If you’re lifting something heavy, use your legs and don’t just pull with your back. Or better yet, get a helper when needed. It’s never a bad idea to ask for help when you need it. Always make sure you have a solid grip on anything you might be carrying, and map out your safest path before lifting to avoid falls.

#3 STAY HYDRATED!

I can’t stress this enough, but I know it can be so hard to remember to drink water. Keep some handy at all times, and keep drinking it! Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are no joke—maintaining hydration can play a key role in keeping you from becoming ill.

#4 STRENGTH TRAINING CAN HELP YOU MOVE BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY

I've included a few exercises you can use year-round to keep your gardening muscles in gear. While there are many exercises that can help you maintain your strength for working around the house, these are a few very well-rounded ones. They will not only help with gardening but also changing out those pesky light bulbs, cleaning out the garage, and many other things we might be doing this spring and summer—and for many seasons to come.

GORILLA ROWS

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and with two dumbbells between your feet. Hinge your hips back, and bend your knees until you can reach the handles of both dumbbells. Grab the dumbbells, and row them upward one at a time, alternating sides. As you row upward with one side, continue to hold the opposite dumbbell down to the floor. Throughout the entire movement, do not allow your hips or upper body to rise up.

You can allow your torso to rotate and open slightly as you row the weight upward. Continue until you have completed four sets of 12 to 16 repetitions (six to eight reps per side).

DUMBBELL WOODCHOPS

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart while holding a dumbbell with both hands. Rotating your torso to the right, raise the dumbbell until it’s over your right shoulder. Squat slightly while rotating your torso to the left, and bring the dumbbell diagonally across your body until it is close to your left hip. Repeat for 12 reps, and then switch sides, completing three sets of 12 reps per side.

FARMER’S CARRY

Decide how far or how long you would like to go for the exercise. Using moderately heavy dumbbells, squat down and grab a dumbbell in each hand. Engage your core, and pull your shoulder blades downward and back while you stand back up, returning to an upright posture (just like picking up a deadlift).

Keep your head up, shoulders back, and core muscles engaged, and walk forward with the weights in hand until you reach your set time or distance. Stop at that set point, and then repeat for four rounds.

DUMBBELL STIFF LEG DEADLIFT

While holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

Hinging at your hip joint, bend over to lower the dumbbells over your feet. Make sure that your back stays flattened and is not rounded in any way. Continue lowering the dumbbells until you reach your natural stopping point (for most, this is around mid-shin and not the ground unless you’re very flexible). You should feel a slight stretch in the hamstrings at this point. When you feel you’ve reached your stopping point, squeeze your hamstrings and glutes, and slowly stand up straight with the weight under control. Repeat for four sets of 12 Reps.

DUMBBELL OVERHEAD PRESS

Taking a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells slightly above your shoulders while keeping your arms bent and your palms facing each other. Press both dumbbells up until the weights are overhead and your arms are straight (be careful not to overextend the elbow joint). Pause at the very top of your range of motion, then slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position at your shoulders. Repeat for four sets of 12 reps.

So remember to stretch, take your time, maintain your form, ask for help when you need it, stay hydrated, and most of all, enjoy all this time you get to spend investing in your home, your sanctuary, and your peaceful place—all here in the most beautiful of locales!V

Austen Fans Gather in Anticipation of the Utah Shakespeare Festival

by Alli Kellogg

| Photos and graphics provided by SUU Community & Professional Development and Utah Shakespeare Festival

Southern Utah University (SUU) Community Education and the Utah Shakespeare Festival recently hosted a Community Reads discussion at the Cedar City Library revolving around the beloved novel, Emma, by Jane Austen. This event was designed to encourage the community to read the popular love story and engage in conversation in anticipation of the Festival’s production of Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, which premieres later this summer.

The facilitators of the event were SUU Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Lisa Quoresimo and Derek Charles Livingston, the Utah Shakespeare Festival Interim Artistic Director/Director of New Play Development. Quoresimo shared information about Austen’s life and writings while Livingston contributed theater and play production experience, drawing primarily from the musical about Emma.

“I was delighted to take part in this chat about Emma,” says Quoresimo. “Everyone offered passionate opinions about the characters and themes in the book. Some attendees were new to Austen, and some brought a wealth of knowledge about her life and writings, all of which made for a lively discussion with everyone making new discoveries.”

Derek Charles Livingston and Lisa Quoresimo engage Community Reads attendees in a conversation about Jane Austen’s Emma.

The novel is set in Highbury, England, in the early 19th century. It focuses on protagonist Emma Woodhouse, a headstrong young woman whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities causes several romantic misadventures in her friends’ lives as well as in her own.

Livingston remarked on how he enjoyed the discussion and looked forward to seeing the Community Reads attendees at the Festival this summer. “Sitting in a room with local Austen lovers and having such thought-provoking and fun conversations about Emma was a lovely experience,” Livingston says. “I can't wait to see these folks after they've had a chance to see our production.”V

The Festival’s production of Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical begins June 22 and runs through October 7 in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. It is directed and choreographed by Valerie Rachelle and features Allie Babich as Emma Woodhouse, Rhett Guter as George Knightley, Laura Brennan as Harriet Smith, and Chris Mixon as Mr. Woodhouse. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.

Books were made available at no cost due to a generous donation from the Cedar City Rotary Club. Community Reads is a collaboration between SUU Community Education, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Cedar City Library, and Cedar City Rotary Club.

SUU’s Community Education program offers classes, workshops, and events for the purpose of generating fun cultural and educational opportunities for those who love to learn. While increasing participant knowledge, programs provide non-credit experiences for community members wishing to develop new hobbies, skills, and areas of personal interest. For more information, or to register for the next Community Reads event, visit suu.edu/wise or call SUU Community Education at (435) 865-8259.

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a Tony and Emmy Awardwinning regional repertory theatre founded in 1961. It is one of the oldest and largest Shakespearean festivals in North America and welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors annually. Productions feature works of Shakespeare, other classical works, comedies, musicals, and dramas, plus free nightly Greenshows, orientations, seminars, backstage tours, and more.

THE VERY FABRIC OF MESQUITE HANGEY’S UPHOLSTERING:

by Elisa Eames

Ask residents of Mesquite to recommend an upholstery shop, and they’ll shrug as if it’s obvious and simply say, “Go to Hangey’s.” Hangey’s Custom Upholstering has been a fixture of the city for twenty years. Dennis Hangey was introduced to the industry by his father, who had his own business in Philadelphia. This was where Dennis learned his trade until he finally took over his father’s shop.

While residents of Philadelphia, he and his wife, Marie, would close their shop every year to vacation in Las Vegas, always driving through Mesquite. They became so enamored with the city’s quiet and wholesome charm that in 2003, they decided to retire there. Dennis loves the hot weather, the “wonderful

people,” the community, and the many parks and activities available in the area. And fortunately for the residents of Mesquite, after they retired, Dennis quickly realized he still needed something to occupy his time, so he decided to open Hangey’s Custom Upholstering.

Dennis’ love of upholstery may seem surprising given the fact that after he graduated high school, he originally wanted to be a minister and even attended a few years of Bible college. What changed his mind? Marie helped him realize that he “just wasn’t cut out for it” and that he should instead go into upholstery. Later, their son eventually picked up where Dennis had left off and became a minister himself.

Hangey’s has two employees who help Dennis with the workload, but the shop’s popularity sometimes makes it difficult to keep up. However, customers are still willing to wait months because they know that Hangey’s is the best. And not only do residents line up for Dennis to remaster their pieces, but there are plenty of commercial enterprises also seeking his expertise. Hangey’s does a large amount of work for Eureka Casino Resort and recently reupholstered the pews for a Lutheran church in Mesquite.

Despite his considerable talents, Dennis admits he isn’t “much of a sewer,” so beginning in Philadelphia, Marie took over the sewing and filled that role for 50 years. Sometime after the move to Mesquite, however, she decided she wanted to retire, and the very next day, a man walked into their shop looking for a job. To the couple’s delight, he said he could sew, and Marie’s replacement was found. Sadly, Marie passed away in 2018.

Dennis is especially proud of the quality of work Hangey’s does, their fair pricing, and their great service. He loves antiques as well as new furniture. ”It never gets boring,” he says. “There’s always something new with so many different colors.” This variety (along with his sense of humor) is what has helped him stay in business for so many years. “Upholsterers never die—they always recover!” he quips.

Though his shop is a community staple, Dennis is also known for his legendary bagpipes. In the 1970s, he attended a Glen Campbell concert at which Campbell walked out on stage playing a bagpipe version of “Amazing Grace.” Dennis was enchanted, so Marie got him a set of pipes for Christmas. But for the next three years, they sat untouched under his bed. Finally, he was able to find a Scottish bagpipe teacher, and fifty years later, Dennis hasn’t looked back once. While in Philadelphia, he would often play in Atlantic City, piping at approximately 200 local events per year. In 1976, he played for Queen Elizabeth II of England, who was visiting Philadelphia for her bicentennial year. And once, as he was playing for an event in Darby, Pennsylvania, a motorcade stopped near him, and Barbara Bush emerged to shake his hand.

From weddings to private funerals, Dennis has played at countless events and has performed prior to speeches for every president since Dwight Eisenhower. Though things slowed a bit after he and Marie moved to Mesquite, he is still asked to perform 20–30 times a year, often in Las Vegas; at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, he once played for Rod Stewart. He is also a favorite of the Daughters of the American Revolution and often provides the music for their events as dignitaries walk in and out. Dennis even pipes for the Salt Lake City Battle of the Bands.

Another notable organization that benefits from his talent is the Exchange Club of Mesquite, which presents the annual One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite event. To honor veterans, flags are displayed at the Mesquite Recreation Center for one week each November. Dennis plays for the opening and closing ceremonies. Local police and fire departments also enjoy his abilities; he has played for many funerals and flyovers. Beyond his musical expertise, he helps provide scholarships for local children through the Exchange Club, and in 2015, he received the Distinguished Citizen’s Award from the City of Mesquite for “making a difference.”

Dennis recollects wistfully that before COVID, every St. Patrick's Day, he would participate in a pub crawl where he would walk to the Eureka, hitting Peggy Sue's Diner before ending up at Stateline Casino for corned beef and cabbage. He notes that lamentably, the tradition hasn't returned yet, so he is making efforts to honor its memory. Last St. Patrick's Day, he donned his kilt and Prince Charlie jacket and favored businesses such as Shereen’s Hair and Nails, Exquisite Blooms Floral, and The View Salon with performances. He also managed to play at five pubs in Las Vegas.

Though his lifetime of accomplishments is a source of pride, he is most proud of his three children, who all live back East, and his cherished wife. He admits that his wife’s passing as well as those of his parents and two younger siblings have been difficult, but he has succeeded in finding other sources of joy. One unexpected source he mentions with overt fondness is his devoted furry friend, Sox, a female Siamese rescue cat. He also finds joy in his bagpipes, his community service, and of course, in Hangey’s. “People come in and say, ‘That’s beautiful,’ and I’m so proud. I love to see what customers take out versus what they bring in. It’s such a good feeling.”V

Hangey’s Custom Upholstering is located at 750 Preston Way, Suite 6 in Mesquite, Nevada. They are open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and can be reached at (702) 346-3590.

Tennis TNT -tips-n-tricks-

by Donna Eads

The great outdoors means dealing with the weather and more. As the season enters the “dog days of summer,” come to the courts prepared. Needed equipment includes cooling towels, cold water, a hand-held fan, extra socks, a hat or visor, and a grip cloth just to name a few. Hydrate at least an hour before playing by drinking 16 to 20 ounces of water, and bring more to drink during play. Add water to all electrolyte drinks to improve hydration. Eat oranges, and take some to the courts. Oranges are higher in electrolytes, such as potassium, than bananas. Put sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before exposure, and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget that this is monsoon season, too. If you hear thunder, get off the courts. Lightning can travel 10–12 miles from a thunderstorm, so if you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck.

Due to the hot weather, you may want to work on your strokes at home by doing “shadow tennis” in front of a mirror. Practice your volley footwork and racquet position in front of a mirror by stepping out to a forehand with your left foot while using the right foot for a backhand. These steps are quick and short, and your racquet must always stay in your sight. Like catching any ball, we reach out in front of ourselves just like with a great volley. Of course, left-handed players would use the opposite foot.

One of the least practiced strokes seems to be the second serve, so take a basket of balls in the early morning, and work on this. The most important part of any serve is the toss. Take the time to check that your toss will fall into the court somewhere around your left foot. It is important to stop your service motion if the toss is bad! The serve is the start of being in charge of a point—don’t waste it. Remember that the ball in a toss should have very little rotation in the air before making contact with the racquet.

Most professionals like either a kick or slice serve for their second try. A kick serve is struck by hitting the ball from seven o’clock to two o’clock. Thus, the racquet is moving up and out on the ball. A slice serve is done by hitting the ball from three o’clock to nine o’clock. This way, the racquet wraps around the ball. Always place targets downward to try to hit them. Studies have shown that the human brain does better when there are targets. When not sure where to aim, go for the opponent's body. This serve will jam the returner.

A tip to use in a match is to stick to a pattern. A good example of this tactic is making three to four shots in a corner followed by a drop shot on the opposite side close to the net. Another example is the classic lob followed by a drop shot.

The trick to a great drop shot is to look like you are going to hit your normal groundstroke until the last second. Take all the pace off the ball, and add some backspin. This stroke will produce a drop shot that hits close to the net and then dies. Your drop shot should bounce several times before crossing the service line.

See you on the courts!V

Escalante Utah: Historic Homes and Devil’s Garden

by Karen L. Monsen

Escalante Utah is a town considered by some to be stuck in time, with examples of Federal-style farmhouses and Victorian architecture from the late 1870s through the early 1900s. Best known for scenic outdoor activities—canyoneering, hiking, biking, and camping—the town hosts an annual Escalante Canyons Art Festival each September. Historic homes framed by rural landscapes provide thematic settings for local and visiting artists, while a walking tour of the town’s central district or a trip down the Hole-in-the-Rock Road to the Devil’s Garden offers insight into Escalante’s heritage.

SETTLEMENT

Located in the center of Garfield County along Utah Scenic Byway 12, which connects Bryce and Capitol Reef National Parks, Escalante has remained relatively isolated since its founding in 1876. A group of Panguitch residents decided to

move to Potato Valley near the Escalante River where small potatoes grew wild.

Resident Harriet Young Priska, owner of Serenidad Gallery and author of the book, The Peoples of South Central Utah and the Land They Lived On, Volume 2 (available on Amazon.com.), describes Escalante’s layout as following the “Zion Plat.” It consisted of 160 acres with 18 five-acre blocks divided into 1.5-acre lots to accommodate four houses per block. According to a 2021 online post by Utahbased explorer, blogger, and realtor Jacob Barlow, packed into the district are 124 historic “resources.” Barlow writes, “Escalante’s architectural history reflects the evolution of a community that grew up around a single industry (livestock) and declined when that industry diminished.” The population grew from 1876 to 1920, peaked in 1940 with 1,161 residents, and in 2020, a population of 808 was recorded.

Mary Ann Schow home | Photo credit Karen L. Monsen

ARCHITECTURE

Due to Escalante’s remoteness, architectural styles appeared years after arising elsewhere. Late 19th-century classical and early 20th-century Victorian styles prevail with steeply pitched roofs, porches, gables, bay windows, and two-story floor plans.

Descendants and newcomers have restored many homes and structures; still, others

await restoration, including the Victorianstyle Isaac Riddle home on Main Street. Queen Anne Victorian homes include the Andrew P. Schow Home (1893–1894), with 12 upstairs windows, and the Mary Ann Schow Home. Andrew Schow was a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a prominent leader of the early colony. Mary Ann Schow taught school in Escalante’s first log schoolhouse and was president of the Church of Jesus Christ Relief Society.

Isaac Riddle home

Photo credit Karen L. Monsen

Andrew P. Schow home | Photo credit Karen L. Monsen

PEOPLE’S EXCHANGE

Easily identified by the exterior sign, the People’s Exchange is accessible to the public during the Escalante Canyons Art Festival (the festival will be discussed further on). In their 2008 book, Historic Architecture of Escalante, Garfield County, Utah (available online), co-authors Lawrence G. Barnes and Jerry C. Roundy assert that in 1899, Isaac Riddle and his partners built the People’s Exchange in front of the older Federal-style home of Victor Bean and family. The Federal style is identified by bricks, bilateral symmetry, arched windows, lintels (wood or stone beams above windows or doors), and a centered front door.

The two-story People’s Exchange opened in 1901, exemplifying the late Victorian commercial style. Until about 1957, it operated as a community store, not a co-op, where residents could also trade (exchange) locally-produced goods in lieu of paying with currency.

ESCALANTE SHOWHOUSE

The Star Dance Hall, built in 1904 and known for music and, of course, dancing, was also the town’s original movie theater. In the book, The Escalante Story: A History of the Town of Escalante 1875–1964, author Nethella Griffin Woolsey describes how the early theater used a gasoline-powered motor to project silent movies. During typical shows, “Indians chased the covered wagons; soldiers chased the Indians—and

the film broke down.” The Star Dance Hall was demolished in 1945 and left the Escalante Showhouse around the corner as the primary entertainment venue.

Woolsey writes that Lorin Griffin, who built the showhouse in 1938, would trade tickets and popcorn for petrified wood pieces, which he made into a mosaic for the stucco facade. The showhouse closed in the mid-1960s and changed ownership several times until Jenifer and Shannon Steed purchased, gutted, and restored it in 2013 (www.escalanteshowhouse.com). The Steeds, founders of the Wild West Retreat (www.wildwestretreat.com), use the showhouse for weddings, special events, cowboy cookouts, and tour bus and group dining.

ESCALANTE CANYONS ART FESTIVAL

In addition to offering opportunities to view unique architecture, Escalante also hosts a number of events that appeal to locals and explorers alike. From September 15–24, 2023, the Escalante Canyons Art Festival will provide opportunities for local and visiting artists to display, sell, and buy art as well as participate in plein-air art competitions.

Rainbow Country Bed and Breakfast owner Catherine Barney (www.bnbescalante.com) agrees that the Canyons Art Festival is a big event in town. Other Escalante events include the annual car show, Wild Potato Days, the Escalante Canyons Marathon, and Pioneer Day celebrations.

Photo credit Karen L. Monsen

DEVIL’S GARDEN

Another attraction is the Devil’s Garden. After turning off National Scenic Byway 12 about five miles east of Escalante is found the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, an unpaved road leading to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Approximately 13 miles down this road is Devil’s Garden, which is actually more of a boulder playground than a garden. For history regarding the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, visit Escalante Heritage Center (www.escalanteheritagecenter.org).

The Hole-in-the-Rock Road can be hot in summer and impassable when wet, so be prepared; bring water and a good spare tire. At Devil’s Garden, enjoy scrambling, photography, and playing around the hoodoos, natural arches, and rock formations.

Most visitors come to Escalante to enjoy outdoor activities on public lands, in national and state parks, and in recreation areas. Catherine, a 28-year resident, acknowledges that Escalante is slow to change. She favors Mom and Pop businesses over national chains. The family-owned Escalante Outfitters was, for many years, the only place to get espresso coffee. Today, it’s a restaurant, a hiking and camping depot, and a state liquor store, while also offering cabin rentals.

Outdoor enthusiasts as well as history buffs will enjoy visiting Escalante, Utah. Look for a good-weather window and the scenery, solitude, and quaint historic town will transport you to yesteryear and the times before the glitz, glitter, and daily commotion of the 20th and 21st centuries.V

Devil's Garden | Photo credit Karen L. Monsen

A Day of Fun in the “Mudd!”

by Linda Gault

Mesquite Rotary’s Mudd Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 23, behind the Eureka Casino Resort. Whether you have seen the action before or not, there is a lot of fun for the young and old alike.

Team sign-ins begin at 8 a.m. The action begins at 9 a.m. with the police and fire/EMT teams competing to win a traveling trophy and the right to be named our “Studds of The Mudd” for the 2023-24 year. Team play will follow.

Four pits will be available in which teams of six individuals will play in dirty, sandy water (our version of mud). By the time play has finished, the final three teams will walk away with either a first, second, or third place trophy to proudly display.

The cost per team is $240 and includes a specially designed tee shirt for each person. One alternate player will be allowed per team for an additional $40 and will also receive a tee shirt. Various sponsorships are available, and our local businesses

are asked to support this event. All dollars raised stay right here in the Mesquite community and help the Rotary Club with projects supporting our children, community improvements, the food bank, and so much more.

Last year, a “Best Team Costume” competition was added with several teams showing their unique imaginations and style. It was great fun with some very ingenious costumes resulting. The winner in this category was Fringe Salon with players dressed as Minions. We can’t wait to see what teams come up with this year.

According to Mesquite Rotary president Jake Noll, “This event has taken place for nine years and grown from a beginning of six teams to a total of 30 teams last year. The tournament is our biggest FUN-raiser for our organization with all proceeds used to support our local youth, as well as partnering with organizations such as the new STEAM Center to provide both a Duplo table and competition Lego table where children can hone their building skills.”

The Fire Association will be cooking up hamburgers for all the hungry players and onlookers. DJ #Juan and DJ Fuego will provide tunes to keep the atmosphere hoppin’! Be sure to come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and shade for some fun in the sun!V

We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday, September 23, for this year’s action. If interested in participating or for more information, contact the Mesquite Rotary Club by email at www.mesquiterotarynv@gmail.com.

Make a with your SplashDog!

by Anita DeLelles

Want to really make your dog’s day? Take him swimming! Most dogs are naturally drawn to water. If you’ve ever seen the excitement of a frisky lab leaping into a lake after a tennis ball, it’s obvious he’s having a splash of a good time! And it’s a wonderful form of exercise, providing aerobic stimulation, low-impact joint and muscle strengthening, and increased blood circulation. It can also burn lots of calories with less risk of injury.

The benefits of swimming for dogs are wide-reaching. The buoyancy of the water holds most of your dog’s weight,

eliminating the pounding impact caused when he’s running on a hard surface. Reducing this stress allows every muscle group to stretch, rotate, and move, improving overall range of motion. So besides being lots of fun, swimming can help in recovery from ailments like arthritis and hip dysplasia and help with weight loss and even neurological issues.

The physical rewards are obvious, but there’s also much to be said for the mental and emotional benefits of time in the water. Just like we do, dogs need mental stimulation and varied activities that differ from the norm to help them stay

sharp and happy. When thinking about exercising our dogs, walks and hikes are first on the list. But take them swimming, and you give them the freedom to work out all their pent-up energy without feeling restrained by a leash or harness. This diverse activity truly works wonders for a dog’s mental wellbeing. And intense play in a pool or lake makes for a happy, worn-out pup, which leads to restful, restorative sleep. WOOF! Wellness Center offers Splash n’ Fun swim time in the summer months.

So what if your dog hesitates to take the plunge? They’re not all natural-born swimmers. But most dogs will quickly learn to stay afloat and enjoy the experience. Give them time to explore and feel the sensation of water on their terms. Offer treats with praise and encouragement as you get the desired behavior. You can also start with very shallow depths to build confidence as they learn to doggy paddle. Most importantly, keep your dog’s first experience with water a positive and fun one, and they’ll soon be doing laps around you!

However, it’s not all fun and games—know the risks and be safe and prepared. Know your dog’s physical limits so that they don’t over-exert themselves, which can easily occur with so much excitement. Give them breaks from being in the water, and provide drinks and nourishment to prevent exhaustion.

A doggy life jacket is not a bad idea, especially for weaker swimmers, and it’s a must if they will be out of your reach for lengths of time. Due to less body fat, short-legged dogs or lean dogs will have a harder time staying afloat. If they’re in a pool, show them the steps or the way out. Floating pool

ramps are available to provide easier access. When in nature, be aware of fast currents, surf or rip tides, and underwater hazards. Just like a small child, your dog will not know about these dangers, so be a responsible pet parent when taking your dog for a swim in the wild.

And what’s up with blue-green algae? You have likely heard recent news stories of dogs being poisoned by algae. Blooms of blue-green algae can be toxic to canines and are most often fatal if ingested. It’s not actually algae, but a bacteria known as cyanobacteria. It floats and will visibly clump together in stagnant bodies of freshwater. You’ll find it in hot weather when there hasn’t been much rainfall. Even uncleaned pools and ornamental garden ponds can contain it. We offer a test kit at WOOF! Wellness Center that specifically identifies blue-green algae in water samples. It’s a good way to stay informed, especially if you’ll be visiting lakes, streams, or ponds that appear dirty or foamy. Never let your dog drink from stagnant water. And find another spot if you see or smell foul floating algae.

But with the right precautions, you’re ready to hit the water with your dog for some summer fun!V

For more information on Splash n’ Fun for your dog, visit www.WoofCenter.com, call (435) 275-4536, or stop by WOOF! Wellness Center & Training Academy in Santa Clara.

PROVIDING H.O.P.E. TO VETERANS

by Rob Krieger

Veterans are learning to play the game of golf in southern Utah, and it is changing their lives. For 14 years, I have been writing articles for ViewOn Magazine about how to play golf better. This article is different. It is about sharing a highly impactful program that serves our veterans all over the country and in our local community. The program is called PGA HOPE.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation made up of 28,000 golf professionals in the United States and their organization, PGA of America. The six to eightweek program covers all the different golf fundamentals, with a final week of playing on the course as part of their graduation. The purpose of PGA HOPE is to improve and enhance veterans’ physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing through the game of golf. The major emphasis is on

helping those that are disabled (physically and mentally) as well as those that do not currently play golf or haven’t played in a long time. There is no cost to veterans or active military to participate, and clubs are also provided at no cost if needed.

According to www.VeteransData.info, there are approximately 20,000 veterans within our southern Utah communities, with roughly 25% of those having disabilities. The program also serves the veteran community in Mesquite, Nevada. Additionally, the PGA REACH and PGA HOPE programs recognize that veteran suicide is a major problem, as is the adjustment to civilian life with or without a disability that resulted from their service time. PGA HOPE’s mission is to help them and to give back to those that have served on our behalf and that of our country. By using the game of golf as therapy to heal and deal with the many challenges facing our veterans, we can make a difference in more ways than we could ever know.

PGA HOPE St. George is one of the newer and smaller programs in the country but continues to grow and reach out to more veterans each year, developing new strategies and helping veterans to play golf better. For example, Art, a former Marine, had never played golf a year ago and didn’t even have clubs, but he wanted to learn. While at a golf event in May this year, Art told me he now loves the game and has gotten so hooked that he is down to a 10 handicap. John, also known as the Admiral, likewise didn’t have clubs and had never played, but he started so he could spend more time with his grandson who is in high school.

Dean, who hadn’t played golf in over 15 years due to health issues, is now looking forward to keeping the momentum going to improve his health and enjoyment of the game. Jayme, Mike, and German all work on the medical team for the Department of Veterans Affairs and help veterans daily. After going through the program themselves, they are constantly bringing awareness of PGA HOPE to other veterans who could benefit as they have from playing golf and participating in the program. Tom, an Air Force veteran and double-leg amputee, does not want to be in a wheelchair. He just received two new prosthetic feet and is hoping for two new legs in the future. His journey hasn’t been easy, but he is determined to stay upright and keep swinging. Playing golf is a huge part of staying active and enjoying a better quality of life.

PGA HOPE St. George was the pilot program for Utah, and because of its success, more programs are opening in northern Utah this year. Our program could not have come to fruition without the support of PGA REACH, the Utah Section of the PGA, the City of St. George, and the staff at Southgate Golf Course.

Directly involved in running the program are retired PGA Master Professional Barry Brumfield, volunteer Army veteran Wayne Peterson, and myself. All of us are dedicated to the mission of helping one veteran at a time, one swing at a time. And as always, Fairways & Greens, Rob Krieger, PGAV

New programs are happening in September 2023 and February 2024. For more details, go to the following links. Registration: www.stgeorgegolflessons.com; PGA REACH and PGA HOPE information: https://www.pgareach.org/services/military; an inspiring PGA HOPE story: https://www.pga.com/story/how-one-pga-professional-changed-utahs-veterancommunity-through-pga-hope.

Cultivating Life's Beauty

The Transformative Power of Gardening

by Judi Moreo

Finding solace and connection with nature has become more important than ever in a world filled with hustle and bustle. Gardening, a timeless practice that stretches back through the annals of history, offers a sanctuary of tranquility, a space to nurture life, and a canvas to cultivate beauty. Beyond the simple act of planting seeds, gardening encompasses a profound journey of self-discovery, growth, and renewal. Whether you have a vast backyard or a small balcony, the act of tending to plants can be a gateway to unlocking the boundless potential within you and fostering a profound connection with the natural world.

Joy of Nurturing Life

At the heart of gardening lies the profound joy of nurturing life. Planting a seed and witnessing its journey from a fragile sprout to a vibrant blossom is a remarkable experience that awakens our sense of wonder and purpose. As we tend to our gardens, we become co-creators with nature, playing a vital role in the intricate web of life. We learn the virtues of patience, resilience, and perseverance through careful nurturing. The act of gardening teaches us that with consistent care, even the tiniest seed can bloom into a magnificent flower, mirroring the potential we all hold within ourselves.

The Healing Power of Gardening

Gardening has a profound therapeutic effect on the mind, body, and soul. Engaging with nature's rhythm, whether digging in the soil, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin, or listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, brings a sense of peace and calm to our busy lives. The act of gardening is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and overall well-being. It provides a much-needed respite from the digital overload that often consumes our days, allowing us to disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with the tangible beauty of the Earth.

Lessons in Patience and Growth

As we sow seeds and tend to our plants, we learn that growth can’t be rushed but must unfold naturally. Gardening teaches us to embrace the seasons of life, understanding that growth occurs in its own time and that setbacks and challenges are an integral part of the journey. It instills in us a sense of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, new beginnings are possible.

Cultivating Beauty and Creativity

As we design and arrange our gardens, we can express our unique visions and create spaces of beauty and harmony. The colors, textures, and fragrances of flowers and foliage allow us to tap into our artistic sensibilities, providing endless possibilities for experimentation and self-expression. Gardening invites us to envision, plan, and execute; this fosters a sense of creativity, accomplishment, and fulfillment as we witness our ideas taking shape in the physical world.

Gardening is not merely an activity; it is a transformative journey that nurtures our souls, fosters resilience, and deepens our connection with nature. In a world that often feels disconnected and fast-paced, it offers us a chance to slow down, breathe, and find solace in the quiet beauty of the natural world. Whether you have a vast garden or a single potted plant, the act of gardening can be a profound source of inspiration and a catalyst for personal growth. So grab a shovel, get your hands dirty, and embark on this wondrous journey of cultivating life's beauty—one seed at a time.V

Judi Moreo is one of the most recognized personal growth trainers and coaches in the world. She is the author of 24 books, including two international bestsellers, You Are More Than Enough and Ignite the Spark. As a personal achievement coach, hypnotherapist, and NLP practitioner, Judi will help you discover that you really are More Than Enough to achieve the success you desire. She has informed, inspired, challenged, motivated, and entertained audiences in twenty-nine countries around the globe. Judi has received many awards, including the Woman of Achievement Award, the Entrepreneur Award, and the Nevada Business Person of the Year Award. She has been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame, and in 2020, she received a HerStory Award from the Women’s Federation for World Peace. To contact Judi Moreo, email her at judi@judimoreo.com, or call (702) 283-4567.