ViewOn Magazine March-April 2022 Sports and Fitness Issue by ViewOn Magazine

SPORTS AND FITNESS ISSUE

complimentary issue

mesquite | moapa valley | arizona strip | southern utah

March - April, 2022 Volume 15 – Issue 2 PUBLISHER & EDITOR Kathy Lee MANAGING EDITOR Erin Eames ART DIRECTOR / LAYOUT Erin Eames COPY EDITOR Rayma Davis PROOFREADER Elisa Eames WRITERS Patti Valis, Rita Boykin Craig Stocks, Bill Hudson Donna Eads, Nathan Henry Mayor Michele Randall Ashley Centers, Nicholas Montoya, Cliff and Ilene Bandringa Rob Krieger, Ron DeLelles Judi Moreo, Keith Buchhalter Karen L. Monson, Michelle Sundberg Pete Karns, Elisa Eames Rebecca Roessner, Macrae Heppler Michelle Brooks, Marsha Sherwood Josh Miller, Annie Kepler David Cordero, Kevin Soderquist Kent Abegglen, Kyle Chappell Jared Barnes, Maria Garcia Jason Timpson, Brennen Ames Lynn Marie Goya, Donna Schorr ADVERTISING SALES Kathy Lee ADVERTISING EMAIL ads@ViewOnMagazine.com SUPPORT STAFF Bert Kubica Cheryl Whitehead DISTRIBUTION ViewOn Magazine Staff WEBSITE Erin Eames PUBLISHED BY ViewOn Magazine, Inc. Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955 GENERAL INQUIRIES info@ViewOnMagazine.com

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2007-2022 ViewOn Magazine, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission from the publisher, including all ads designed by the ViewOn Magazine staff. All articles submitted by contributing writers are deemed correct at the time of publishing. ViewOn Magazine, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates accept no responsibility for articles submitted with incorrect information.

Letter from

the Editor

Dear Readers,

The sun is out, warmth is returning, and it's time to get outside and play golf! In these pages, we feature a number of our local golf courses that you can choose from for an amazing day in the outdoors. If you love the stunning images found within these pages, you’ll want to make a tee time because the beauty of our area is even more spectacular in person. These articles will be a go-to for plenty of those who live in our region as well as for many who are just passing through our beautiful communities. You can also read about the latest and greatest golf carts, or golf cars, as they are now called. Golf cars aren’t just for the golf course anymore! The Mesquite Senior Games has included their schedule for all of you to take advantage of. Whether you compete in the games or just sit on the sidelines as a spectator and cheer them on, you don't need to be an amazing athlete to join in the fun. We have some great articles on health and sports in this issue, including some very inspirational stories that will get you motivated. Whether you choose yoga (my personal favorite) or other exercises to get in shape, it is all here within these pages. Don't forget that this is also a great time to just relax, barbecue, and have a few drinks. As usual, I have not made it out onto the links this year (again). One of these days, I will shock all of you and tell you that I have! Until then, I will just live vicariously through all of my friends and relatives that play golf. I would like to take a moment to thank all of our advertisers that have allowed us to bring this publication to you. Please visit them and say thanks. Finally, please visit our website at www.ViewOnMagazine.com, and check out our Facebook page.

As always, I hope to see you on the course someday!

Sincerely,

Kathy Lee Editor in Chief

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Frequent contributors 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 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 and loves her time in St. George, where she is surrounded by family. She has studied art, literature, French, and accounting. Her other loves include writing stories, running/hiking, acting/singing, and laughing. When she can, she volunteers in classrooms, assembles refugee kits, and serves in various other capacities around the community.

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.

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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 More Than Enough and Conquer the Brain Drain. A self-made success, Judi started her first business with $2,000 and a lot of chutzpah. Judi learned to succeed step-by-step over many years and now has a worldwide following of clients who are enjoying outstanding success as a result of her guidance. You can reach Judi at judi@judimoreo.com or (702) 283-4567. 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. Keith Buchhalter is the Public Affairs Specialist for Overton Power District #5. Born and raised in Guatemala City, he moved to Mesquite, Nevada, in 1999. Keith has held a variety of positions in local organizations. He was part of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Board from 2013–2017. He is past-president of the Rotary Club of Mesquite, and he is currently serving as Assistant District Governor for Rotary's District 5300. He also serves as a trustee for the Mesa View Regional Hospital Board.

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Message from I

the Mayor

t was a big moment. BigShots Golf, which will sit astride Interstate 15 near Desert Color, held a groundbreaking event several months ago for their new venue. The climax of the groundbreaking was the ceremonial tee shot with an exploding golf ball. Simple enough, right? I stood within a line of dignitaries selected to tee off and waited for the command. They counted down: five… four… three… two… one. We all swung. I whiffed.

Then I missed the ball—again. Finally, on the third try, I was able to connect. I couldn’t hide the fact that I wasn’t a golfer. Apparently, that puts me in select company among our residents and visitors. Golf’s popularity in St. George has surged. Did you know that our City of St. George courses—Dixie Red Hills, Sunbrook, St. George Golf Club, and Southgate Golf Club—hosted more rounds in 2021 than ever before? Give it a try and you will find a fun, affordable experience for players of all skill levels—even a beginner like I am! Golf is just one of many recreational activities we are known for here in St. George. As spring approaches, there are many awesome events on the horizon. St. George Races, part of our Leisure Services department, has March Mayhem on March 12 and the St. George Triathlon (formerly the SHAC Tri) on April 9. More information can be found at www.sgcity.org/races. The St. George Art Festival, long a staple of our community and a symbol of our burgeoning arts scene, is set for April 15 and 16. It is a world-class, family friendly event with thousands of original works of art, live entertainment on two stages, a vibrant children’s area, and all types of food. Typically, 30,000 residents and visitors from around the West converge in Historic Town Square during Easter weekend for the art festival. Find information at www.sgartfestival.com. Then the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship is set for May 7 in St. George. Why is this significant? For the first time ever, this full-distance triathlon (140.6 miles) will have its world championship outside of Hawaii. Volunteers will be needed to help pull off this once-in-a-lifetime event. The atmosphere is invigorating. And don’t forget that every day you can enjoy our high-quality walking and biking trails throughout the city. Consider trying the Mayor’s Loop, located at the Crosby Family Confluence Park (2099 South Convention Center Drive). Whichever activity you choose, I promise that you will not swing and miss.

Mayor Michele Randall, City of St. George

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Contents

FEATURES

Cover Image: Coyote Springs Golf Club Provided By: Citywide Golf Solutions

80 22 68 THROUGHOUT the MAGAZINE

22 68 8

IRONMAN Training

Offers Incredible Rewards in Spite of Challenges

Endurance Training

Never Confuse Movement with Progress

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ViewOn Outdoors Starry, Starry Nights

Area Golf Courses Throughout the Magazine!

Contents

INSPIRATION

IRONMAN Training Offers Incredible Rewards in Spite of Challenges

36 ADVENTURE

Buckskin Gulch: The Largest Slot Canyon

VIEW ON

40 ENERGY

Save Money By Being Smart This Spring

42 FITNESS

Training for Spring Athletics

46 CHARITY

Kids for Sports Foundation

80 OUTDOORS Starry, Starry Nights

88 PETS

Not All Dog Training is Created Equal

96 THE ARTS

RENT Coming to Southern Utah

100 GOLF

42 100

Proper Preparation Before a Round

106 MOTIVATION

Are Your Emotions Controlling You?

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Why I Love

St. George M

y wife, Debbie, and I moved to St. George in 2019 after traveling throughout the country looking for our “retirement location.” When I retired in 2008 to focus on fine art photography, we expected to relocate from the Midwest to the Southeast, but the pull of the beautiful mountains and red rock of the Southwest couldn’t be denied. St. George offers a wonderful blend of city amenities, welcoming people, and opportunities for hiking and exploring. We especially love the dark night sky that can still be found by traveling a short distance away from the city. I enjoy astrophotography, and the clear, dark desert sky is perfect for this. So perfect in fact, that we have started our own family business close to St. George called UtahDesertRemote.com. People from all over the world can now rent a spot in our observatory to enjoy the dark skies of southern Utah, too. St. George’s proximity to these dark skies is just one more reason why we love it here.

- Craig Stocks

Why I Love A

Mesquite

s many residents have, I too moved to Mesquite to escape the frozen tundra area and to see if desert life fit me.

I’ve now come to realize after 16 years that this has proven to be a positive choice! Mesquite, Nevada, is a lovely community that allows one to enjoy the small-town appeal. Sure, you may have to travel a tad for grander shopping, but the local convenience is worthwhile. You can run multiple errands in less than an hour unlike in most metro cities. I have never regretted moving here, and Mesquite will be my forever home. - Patti Valis

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Why I Love

Moapa Valley W e have lived in several different places over the years, but I have always felt that the Moapa Valley is home. A perk to living here is being able to hop in the side-by-side and hit the trails. You always seem to run into someone you know there. I love that everyone in the valley watches out for each other and is so willing to step in and help when needed. It’s a safe and quiet place to live and raise a family.

- Rita Boykin

Why I Love

St. George

early 30 years ago, my new wife and I moved to St. George to start our life as a married couple. Since that time, we have seen the area change in amazing ways. We are blessed to live in an area with a growing business environment and world-class medical care. Yes, it takes a bit longer to get across town these days, but the ever-increasing population brings in so many outstanding people that add to the uniqueness of this remarkable place. We have had many opportunities over the years to explore employment that would have required us to move from southern Utah, but we made the decision to live here, where we are surrounded by beauty that is unmatched anywhere in the world. We chose to live here, where our kids could be safe to grow and attend great schools. We still choose to live here because we love the people, natural beauty, and opportunities in this fantastic place. We are happy that we decided to raise our five kids in this area because St. George is home. - Bill Hudson

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Play the Best in the Southwest

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by Josh Miller

t’s no longer one of the best-kept secrets in the golf travel world. Mesquite, Nevada, is now one of golf’s best playgrounds.

Quick glances through GolfMesquiteNevada.com are evidence enough that the game of golf is the heartbeat of Mesquite’s economy and is, in a very real sense, its identity. Golf Mesquite Nevada has been defining the Mesquite golf experience for almost two decades, and they know that as the golf courses in the area have changed, so has the city of Mesquite.

Once in the shadow of nearby Las Vegas, Mesquite has been using this proximity to its advantage and now the town shines with a vitality of its own and is a popular alternative to Vegas. Situated in the Virgin River Valley, it is a veritable oasis for the golfer-gambler who doesn’t want to wait for tee times, table games, sportsbook bets, poker buy-ins, fine or casual dining, or traffic. Mesquite offers what are arguably the best packages in desert golf and the best values in hotels/casinos. From table game minimums and green fees to restaurants and lodging, March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

the prices are much more reasonable. And just as importantly, the small-town atmosphere comes with all the big-city amenities that guests expect. “We realized from the very beginning that our golf course partner’s marketing goals would be an ever-evolving aspect of our growth,” says Cody Law, the CEO of Golf Mesquite Nevada. “We are happy to offer golf courses that are at the forefront of the golf vacation market. We hope the different designs and playing experiences of Mesquite’s courses continue to attract golfers from all over the nation well into the future.” From the time Arnold Palmer first walked the land that would become the Oasis Golf Club to the time of the more recent addition of the Conestoga Golf Club, the uniqueness of the Golf Mesquite Nevada course menu has consistently helped this little corner of the Southwest find its place in the golf travel world. Sportswriter Dick Harmon of Salt Lake City’s Deseret News says, “Mesquite’s location is the perfect golf destination—located close to both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas and drivable from Colorado and California, too. I love taking a winter break and spending four days in Mesquite with my wife and friends. There is plenty to do, and the food choices are outstanding bargains.” Oasis Golf Club Head Professional Adam Schwartz adds, “With mild winter temperatures, Mesquite’s small-town warmth attracts golfers from across the country. Mesquite is an amazing stay-andplay hub for a golf experience to fit any budget.” As if that isn’t enough, the home-away-from-home comfort of Mesquite’s resorts, the sparkling water of its pools, the Vegas-style entertainment, and the variety of dining options have visitors Tweeting, Facebooking, and Instagramming their every move—to the envy of those they left behind. “My favorite courses include a variety of golf shots in equally contrasting landscapes. Falcon Ridge has always been a fun test of golf because of the relatively easy front nine and the more challenging back nine. The Palmer and Canyon courses have beautiful layouts with plenty of risk/reward holes, and the Championship Course at Sand Hollow Resort will always be on my must-play list,” says Harmon. Law explains, “I love telling people that Mesquite is one of golf’s best playgrounds. Each one of Golf Mesquite Nevada’s golf courses offers unique challenges that will keep our guests coming back again and again. Golf is a game that can’t be mastered, but the diversity of challenges offered by our course partners is a prime example of why it is so fun to try!” “The topography of Mesquite is indigenous as compared to the similar looks of other golf destinations including Las Vegas, Scottsdale, or Palm Springs. As a semi-private resort, the playability of the Oasis Golf Club courses is maintained meticulously throughout the season. Mesquite is an amazing place to stay and play,” explains Schwartz. The following pages contain a glimpse of some of our local courses: 14

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Conestoga is artfully woven within the character and contours of Mesquite's spectacular landforms. Undulating through canyons with gentle elevations, rugged rock, and tranquil water elements, the course is masterfully designed, and its creativity provides an isolated golfing experience. Whether a novice or an avid player, everyone enjoys the dramatic beauty that the course showcases as it roams through the heart of the Mesquite community. Golf Magazine has rated Conestoga as one of the top five golf courses in Nevada. Now under new management, owner/partner Phil Timothy says, “Course designer Gary Panks created a masterpiece here at Conestoga Golf Club. Due to the natural landscape’s unique characteristics, you would think this layout only needed some grass to be planted. The design is so natural. It’s a stunning layout. It’s scenic, picturesque, and a true test of every club in your bag.” March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Coyote Springs is one of the best Jack Nicklaus-signature courses in the game today. Eleven lakes come into play on the golf course that many consider to be one of Nicklaus’ finest desert creations. This signature design provides an excellent golfing challenge at any distance. Set in the rolling Nevada desert, the course is a scenic wonder. 16

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Wide fairways, challenging greens, and country-club service make Coyote Springs a must-play on any Golf Mesquite Nevada itinerary. This course is the ultimate golf challenge, playing from the tips at 7,471 yards. But with four sets of tee boxes, the course can also play 5,349 yards from the forward tees. The course has been recognized on “Best of” lists from many national golf publications including Golf Digest, Golf, Links, and Travel and Leisure Golf. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

The Oasis Golf Club, home to the Palmer and Canyons Courses, now celebrates its 25th anniversary, providing a golf experience worthy of “the King” for members and guests alike. Originally known as the Oasis, the Palmer Course for many is one of Arnold Palmer’s top 10 designs. The lush fairways of what is now the back nine holes of the Canyons (formally known as the Vistas 9) at Oasis Golf Club first opened in February 1995. With the addition of the Canyons’ front nine holes in 2005, the club became the only 36-hole facility in Mesquite. The subtle contrasts between the Palmer and Canyons Courses make it hard to decipher which is a golfer’s favorite. The Canyons is rated as the tougher course. However, the Palmer’s six elevated tee boxes, which feature an over 100-foot drop in elevation, stand out to players of all skill levels. Mentally, both courses incorporate risk/reward opportunities whether a player is long off the tee or consistently straight off the tee box.

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The Canyons is also molded perfectly to its natural setting, offering a wide variety of challenging holes and elevated tee boxes. The generous fairways and smooth Bermuda greens make the course playerfriendly and are a refreshing change of pace. At 6,400 yards from the tips, good scores are in the offing if shots are placed in well-defined landing areas. Risk/ reward opportunities present themselves on both the outward and inward nines. The Palmer Course offers luxuriously green fairways cradled in isolated canyons, a box canyon enshrining a large green, four unique signature holes, elevated tees, and numerous hazards created by Mother Nature. The Palmer Course played host to the Golf Channel’s Big Break Mesquite show and has been ranked as “One of the Best You Can Play.” March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Falcon Ridge is a 6,550-yard, par-71 course and offers a rolling layout with spectacular elevation changes, numerous water features, and high mesa views. Scoring opportunities come fast on the opening nine holes, and then the course stretches out and more strategic shots are required on the inward nine. The course sits high on the cliffs of Mesquite and flows through the hills and canyons, providing one of the most picturesque golf venues in all of the city’s courses. 20

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Falcon Ridge Director of Operations Brandon Howard says, “Falcon Ridge has been a favorite of local and visiting golfers because of its fun challenges, great conditions, and friendly staff. When you think about what you want from your ‘home course’ or even from a course that you travel to, Falcon Ridge satisfies all requirements and becomes an easy must-play decision.”V For tee times, deals, and packages visit our webiste at www.GolfMesquiteNevada.com.

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view on INSPIRATION

Triathlons Offer Incredible Rewards In Spite of Challenges by Elisa Eames

t. George residents Megan and Andy Mickelson haven’t always spent 15 hours a week exercising rigorously, but they can’t imagine their lives being any other way. Both Megan, a traveling nurse and cosmetologist, and Andy, a retired St. George police officer, enjoy tremendous physical and emotional rewards as they train for and compete in full-length IRONMAN triathlons as well as in half-length IRONMANs, where distances in each of three disciplines are reduced by half. One of the most intense and strenuous sporting competitions in the world, a full IRONMAN must include a 2.4–mile swim, followed by a 112–mile bike ride, and finally, a full 26.2–mile marathon race on foot for a grand total of 140.6 miles.

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Megan Mickelson working the Covid floor as a registered nurse.

Former police officer Andy Mickelson on patrol.

The origin of the IRONMAN dates back to 1977 where, at the conclusion of a relay race in Oahu, Hawaii, a debate ensued as to whether runners or swimmers were the better athletes. To settle the question, a combination race was devised that included three notable endurance races already held on the island: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race, and the Honolulu Marathon. There are now annual IRONMAN races all over the world, including in St. George, but the Hawaii race is still considered to be the most prestigious; it was not only the first IRONMAN to ever take place, but it is also the IRONMAN World Championship. Referred to simply as “Kona” by many, it features an open-water swim in the Kailua-Kona Bay, a bike ride across the Hawaiian lava desert, and a marathon along the gorgeous coastline. Gaining entry into Kona is very difficult, but Megan has managed to qualify for the 140.6mile 2022 Kona World Championship that will take place this October. Andy will be there to cheer her on. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

"Something magical happens when you push yourself just a little bit further, when you give a little more than you thought possible, and when you get that hunger back to try a little harder than you did yesterday.

It changes you." - Megan mickelson

After Megan witnessed others cross the finish line at the IRONMAN St. George in 2011, she decided that she wanted to attempt an IRONMAN herself. Already a runner, she dived headfirst into training, teaching herself as she went, and in 2012, she became an Ironwoman for the first time. When she married Andy some years later, she told him, “This is what I do, so if you want to spend time with me, this is what I’ll be doing.” Though he was out of shape and overweight at the time, Andy accepted the invitation, and in 2018, his training began. Roughly a year later, he completed his first 140.6-miler. Thus far, Megan has completed 15 full-length IRONMAN competitions and 16 70.3-mile half-length races, while Andy has completed four 140.6-milers and 14 halves. Because the race season for triathletes begins in March, the couple starts each January with a weekly regimen that includes ten hours of swimming, biking, running, weights, and yoga. They gradually increase their weekly training to 15 hours, and then, when March arrives, they’re off to the races (pun intended). Thereafter, they maintain a 15-hour-a-week schedule and complete one race every month or so until the season ends in December. 24

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But as it takes them around 12 hours to finish a full IRONMAN and around five for a half, some might question the point of such monumental efforts. Megan and Andy don’t. “It’s something that we love to do together,” says Andy. “They are too fun and too satisfying not to do them. We both love seeing each other out on the course. We love making it a little mini-vacation together (we call it a ‘race-cation’), and we get to see different places." To date, Megan and Andy have competed in California, Oklahoma, Arizona, Idaho, Florida, Colorado, and Texas, but their favorite race location so far is Cozumel, Mexico, a Caribbean island with breathtaking white beaches, crystalline waters, and lush vegetation. “It’s beautiful,” says Andy. “The swim was fast and fun with clear water.”

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However, he also readily acknowledges the difficulty. Many athletes who begin an IRONMAN bow out before they cross the finish line. “Every race has a dark moment where you ask, ‘why am I doing this?’” he admits. Of the race in Oklahoma, he says, “I crashed on the bike mid-way and hurt myself. It was very painful to try to run after that.” But he still managed to finish; he and Megan have embraced the popular saying, "Death before DNF." The acronym stands for “did not finish.” Andy explains, “We don't think quitting is an option. The best is after the race—the one who finishes first waits for a hug and a kiss after the finish line.”

Still, as remarkable as many other races have been, none will ever be as memorable for the couple as the 2017 IRONMAN Arizona. They were dating at the time, and Andy had not yet begun his IRONMAN journey; Megan was in the thick of a demanding curriculum at nursing school. There had not been time for her to train much, and she nearly decided to forgo the triathlon altogether. Yet had she skipped this particular race, it would have ruined everything in Andy’s opinion; at the finish line, he was waiting for her with a hug, a kiss—and a marriage proposal.

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" The journey is incredible, and you’ll never be the same." - Andy Mickelson

And while most triathletes won’t gain a spouse in this way, for those willing to put in the effort and time, completing an IRONMAN can be an amazing and rewarding experience. Unsurprisingly, there are also significant health benefits. Before Andy embraced the IRONMAN lifestyle, he suffered from back and knee pain, which increased as he gained weight. (pictured left) Attempts at exercise and lifting weights were inconsistent and ineffective, and he was woefully out of shape. “My diet was terrible before. Liters of Dr. Pepper a day, ice cream almost every night. I had nothing to keep me motivated or disciplined.” But things began to turn around as he took the plunge and started his training journey. “Once Meg and I committed to training, we cut out almost all soda, and we have been a lot better at making our own food.” And despite prior knee surgery and injections for five herniated discs in his back, Andy successfully prepared to compete. He adds, “I was quite a bit heavier. So that slowed me down. We both dropped weight and got even healthier, and that has helped us get faster.” Getting in shape for the races has provided Andy with the motivation and discipline for which he had been searching. “That’s why Meg and I keep races on the calendar. It keeps us looking forward to something so we keep the training up.” He also expresses optimism for the future. “It gives me hope that I can stay healthy. I was always in pain when I was big. I was getting nerve block injections in my back just to give me some relief. Dropping the weight made it so I don’t hurt like that anymore. I still have aches and pains, but the more active I stay, the better I feel.” March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

“If someone wanted to get started,” he continues. “I'd say to start swimming and running. Find a master’s class or a coach to help teach you proper techniques. Find a good deal on a used bike. The biggest hurdles are time and money. The equipment can be pricey. I'd say dive in with both feet and get started!” He also acknowledges that it is very helpful to have a training partner. “We swear by training together. We push each other when we do. Megan has been such an inspiration to me.” Megan and Andy are also members of the Southern Utah Triathlon Club, which is a valuable resource and support group for beginners and experienced triathletes alike. Another great resource is Megan and Andy’s Instagram profile, @Ironm8tes. Here, they share their unique racing experiences with the thriving and sizable athletic community in southern Utah— which hosts its own share of noteworthy athletic events. In October, the city of St. George will host the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, for which Andy and Megan have both qualified. And because of COVID, the 140.6-mile 2021 IRONMAN World Championship has not only been postponed until this May but moved from Hawaii to our very own St. George as well. This October, Megan and Andy will surely have their work cut out for them, as Kona and the 70.3 World Championship are just a few weeks apart. Yet, quite predictably, they are both intensely excited, perhaps a bit nervous, but definitely undaunted. In fact, they wouldn’t have it any other way.V

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by Donna Eads

s we move into the 21st year of the Mesquite Senior Games, there are more events and activities to attend than ever before. In 2001, the Nevada Senior Games reached out to Mesquite to develop the concept for the games, and the MSG now offers over 15 different sports plus a history tour and a hike. The mission for the development began with Frank Patti, who pushed forward to establish the MSG as a 501(c)(3) in 2004. Continuing to move forward with the mission, the MSG will be doing its two-day special golf event in the fall. This event has four competitions including the long drive, putting, KP (closest to the pin), and the 9-hole tournament. Additionally, they are adding three bowling events in 2022. There are also two competitions for all ages: horseshoes and a cornhole contest. Last year’s cornhole was an amazing event with 140 participants. The current director, Amy Bradshaw, has pushed the organization to become more accessible online with the upgrade of online registration via fuseSPORT.com and more items. Please use mesquiteseniorgames@gmail.com to signup for your favorite sports or to try something new. The Mesquite Senior Games is being supported by its title sponsor, the Mesquite Gaming group, which includes the Casablanca and the Virgin River casinos. The healthcare sponsor is Alignment Medicare Advantage plan, which is new to Nevada. No one can forget the volunteers of any event, and TDS Telecom is the sponsor of the hardest working group of the Mesquite Senior Games. Without the volunteers, none of these games would happen. Other sponsors include the City of Mesquite, Clark County School District, All In Cycles, and Sun City Mesquite by Del Webb.

The spring schedule is: March 4–5 - Pistol and Shotgun March 7–10 - Tennis—Men’s, Ladies, and Mixed Doubles March 12 - Bowling March 14–16 - Pickleball March 17 - History Tour of Mesquite March 19 - Fitness Hike and Table Tennis March 25 - Basketball Skills March 26 - Track and Field events March 28–29 - Bridge March 31 - Poker April 1 - Cornhole April 2–3 - Softball for ages 50–55 April 4 - Long Drive and Putting April 7–8 - Bike Race April 9–10 - Softball for ages 60 and over April 11–12 - Bocce Join the fun here in Mesquite by signing up today!V To register, visit www.FuseSport.com or email us at MesquiteSeniorGames@gmail.com to sign up. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

It’s Not Just a Golf Cart Anymore by Michelle Brooks, Ready Golf Cars

emember when golf carts used to be golf carts? They were used for golf, and that was about it. But then people started to realize these things were pretty fun to cruise around the neighborhood in. Suddenly, people were buying golf carts as second cars. Manufacturers noticed this trend, and golf carts started to be called golf cars. “They say golf cart, we say golf car,” says vehicle maker Garia. Manufacturers also saw that people wanted quality neighborhood vehicles that weren’t just golf cars. Enter the low-speed vehicle, or LSV for short. You also find them referred to as a personal transportation vehicle, or PTV, or a neighborhood transportation vehicle, NTV. We now have options when it comes to cruising the neighborhood. Many of these options even come with vehicle identification numbers so they can be registered with the DMV. Vehicle manufacturer Tomberlin (model shown above driving through the neighborhood) presents an excellent example of the evolution of the golf car into the PTV. At first glance, they look like golf cars. But Tomberlin didn’t design their cars for golf. They created their vehicles with communities in mind. All of the cars that Tomberlin offers are designed for onroad use and come in two to eight-seat models. Yes, I said eight—need an LSV limo? They are street legal, and they have all the safety, performance, and styling expected of a regular car. Power steering, windshields with wipers, self-canceling turn signals, seven-inch LCD displays with backup cameras, premium “cool-touch” seats, and Bluetooth stereo systems can be found in most models of Tomberlin PTVs. Oh, and you can add a golf bag holder on the back if you’re so inclined. Tomberlin cars are assembled in America—Leesburg, Florida, to be exact. They have fortyeight-volt systems and come with three battery options: lead-acid, closed-cell/ maintenancefree lead-acid, and lithium.

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Garia hails from Denmark, and they still consider their vehicles to be golf cars, not LSVs or PTVs. The vision of this company is to “create the ultimate golf and leisure vehicle.” And that they do. The Garia car comes in several models including golf-specific models that are not street legal, cars that are street legal and designed for on and off the course, and the Mercedes-Benz styleinspired SuperSport. It offers leather lounge seats, in-seat subwoofers, outdoor touch screens, wi-fi, and a backup camera— need I say more? Yes, actually I do need to say more, and it is this: it has a built-in fridge. It’s true—you can have a built-in fridge in your Garia. Sorry, Igloo. Garia cars have three electric options: lead-acid batteries, 120-amp lithium battery packs, or 180-amp lithium battery packs.

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Now, if you’re kind of a loner, you may love the idea of a single-rider PTV. Created in Sweden, Ellwee is a new manufacturing player in the PTV game. Ellwee’s mission is to “become the preferred electric vehicle by 2025.” Preferred by whom, they did not say. But if you like the look and feel of a four-wheeler, and you love the idea of a forty-eight-volt lithium battery pack, this is your PTV. The Ellwee comes in two models, Resort and X. Both come in the “Easy” version, which allows you to get on and sit down with a pass-through for your feet. But if you enjoy swinging your leg over the seat like you’re getting on a horse, then you do not want an Easy. The Easy Golf and Golf X supply a golf bag holder on the front of the vehicle.

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Not to be outdone by all these options for low-speed, neighborhood vehicles, another vehicle manufacturer called E-Z-GO released their own LSV in 2021, the Liberty. With four forward-facing seats, the Liberty is “the vehicle pushing everything in a new direction.” I just love those marketing geniuses. The Liberty comes exclusively with the best golf car/ LSV lithium battery on the market today, the Samsung Elite lithium battery pack. This battery pack comes with an eight-year warranty and so much peace of mind you won’t ever give your batteries another thought. The Liberty was also designed with a tighter turning radius and better maneuverability than other LSVs. They come in three packages: Links Style, Commuter Style, and Explorer Style, each with its own set of premium features. And though it was designed to be a competitor in the LSV market, the Liberty does not come standard with a golf bag holder. No, not even the Links Style, which still baffles me. But you can get one. And not only can you get a golf bag holder, but you can get a four-bag golf bag holder! This is the ultimate option for those who enjoy company. So, it might slow the pace of play a bit, but it looks really cool. As you can see, golf carts are not just golf carts anymore. These low-speed vehicles are now for personal and neighborhood transportation and are designed to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.V All brands listed above can be found at Ready Golf Cars in Mesquite and Las Vegas. Check us out online at ReadyGolfCars.com. Remember—cars, not carts. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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by Jason Timpson

opper Rock Golf Course is a must-play for any golfer in the southern Utah area. With its new, modern layout and breathtaking views of mountains from every hole on the course, you will be hooked before even playing your first shot! The best part about Copper Rock? It has been voted as 2021's favorite golf course by locals who know what they like. Designed and developed locally by Copper Rock's team, this brand new golf community features championship golf, luxury homes, and high-end vacation rentals. The course is a par-72, 6,901-yard masterpiece that weaves its way seamlessly through Utah's awe-inspiring landscape. The current development lines the fairways with many awardwinning homes built by some of Utah's finest craftsmen. Many of these homes have been featured in St. George's legendary Parade of Homes. Complimenting these luxury estates are several amazing twin home vacation rentals for those looking for an extravagant stay-and-play package. Copper Rock is also home to southern Utah’s biggest professional golf tournament: LPGA Symetra Tour’s 2021 Copper Rock Championship, which will take place again in April of 2022. You can learn more about it by visiting copperrockchampionship.com. Located in Hurricane right off of State Route 7 and just a few minutes from the St. George Airport, Copper Rock is easily accessible to visitors. Golfers from all around the country come here for beautiful golf, high-end accommodations, and perfect vistas of Zion National Park. Golfers looking for a relaxing time with friends or family will love the many amenities offered by this amazing golf course. The peak seasons here run from January to May and September to December. Golf courses in southern Utah see the most activity during these months. Golf enthusiasts come to play, but they also use this time to take in all that southern Utah has to offer, including stunning hikes, red rocks, challenging mountain biking, sandy dunes, and much more. The beautiful property of Copper Rock features vast fairways, greens that are always maintained, and amazing views of Hurricane's Copper Cliffs. The property itself was handpicked for its location close to Zion National Park and other natural landmarks like Hurricane Cliffs and Sand Hollow Reservoir. Golfers who stay here get so much more than just a game of golf; they get an experience unlike anything else around! If you are interested in playing this championship-quality golf course or are looking for something permanent on which to build your dream home, visit their website at copperrock.com.V

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view on ADVENTURE

Buckskin Gulch:

the Largest Slot Canyon by Cliff & Ilene Bandringa, BackRoadsWest.com

uckskin Gulch is a spectacular slot canyon located in south-central Utah halfway between the towns of Kanab and Page. It is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the United States and perhaps the entire world. Our trip takes you on an easy day-hike that includes two slot canyons: the slot in Wire Pass and two different sections of Buckskin Gulch itself.

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Like so many natural areas in Utah, Buckskin Gulch is both beautiful and dangerous. If you’re not careful, a hike there could be your last. Backpacker Magazine named it the most dangerous hike in the U.S. The reason for this is the narrowness and length of the slot canyon itself. Buckskin Gulch drains a very large area of land, and if there is a downpour from a storm as far away as 20 miles or even more, the resulting flash

Boulder-strewn Buckskin Gulch

flood can bring 20–40 feet of water violently rushing down the canyon. This water can arrive in hours or just minutes, and if you’re caught in the canyon, there is nowhere to escape. Many people have died in slot canyons. These flash floods have left their calling cards in the form of large logs that have been carried down and wedged 10–20 feet above the canyon floor. You’ll see some of them when you watch our virtual video tour.

With this danger in mind, we strongly recommend that you visit the BLM office/visitor center in Kanab before hiking into Buckskin Gulch or doing any other adventure in this area. The knowledgeable rangers there will not only inform you of road and hiking conditions but will also have up-to-date weather information including critical news about any forecasted storms in the area. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Trail to Wire Pass

The rewards of being in Buckskin Gulch can be a surreal experience like none other. There is no real trail to follow because you are walking in a wash or canyon for the entire hike. The first slot canyon, Wire Pass, has a 10-foot “pour off,” or short cliff, that will stop most hikers. However, there is a bypass route that climbs the sandstone to the south of the canyon. Once you get into Buckskin Gulch, depending on the time of year, there may be one more obstacle—deep mud or even quicksand. To avoid those obstacles, it is best to plan your visit a month or two after any wet spell such as the winter rainstorms or the summertime monsoons that usually end in September. We first discovered Buckskin Gulch in the late 1990s. It was one of our first forays into a slot canyon and, quite frankly, it overwhelmed us. After entering the main canyon, it didn’t take long to get into a very deep, narrow space. It’s a good thing neither of us is claustrophobic! We walked away reminded of how powerful and violent Mother Nature can be, and yet, from those violent erosional episodes, she creates such magnificent and elegant geologic formations.

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Holy sandstone!

Narrowest part of the hike

Start your hike into Buckskin Gulch by getting to the Wire Pass trailhead on House Rock Valley Road. You can easily find this on Google Maps and then navigate to it. When you park your vehicle at the trailhead, make sure to pay the $6 per-person fee and place the ticket stub on your dashboard.

We didn’t hike that far (but a lot of people do). We chose to turn right first and walk down for the first mile or so where we gawked at all the wonderful textured sandstone and marveled at how deep and narrow this canyon really is. Then we walked back to the confluence.

The hike starts in the wash of Wire Pass that will later turn into the Wire Pass slot canyon. After walking in the wash for about a mile, you’ll see ahead where it empties into a shallow slot of sandstone. Most people continue on into this slot to see the 10-foot pour-off mentioned earlier, and then they walk back a short distance to use the bypass route that’s located just before the entrance to the slot. As you return from the pouroff, look for a rock cairn marking a short, steep scramble up the left (south) side of the wash. Follow this route up and around the slot canyon, and then it will drop down into the wash on the other side.

After warming ourselves back up in the sunshine in the confluence area (slot canyons get very little sunlight and can get cold), we then continued straight (left at the "T") and explored the other section of Buckskin Gulch. It was surprising how the canyon took on such a different character in this area. After exploring another mile of this section of the canyon, we returned to the confluence, then hiked back up Wire Pass to return to our vehicle.

Wire Pass forms a “T” as it merges into Buckskin Gulch 1.7 miles from the trailhead. Turning right here goes into the main and most impressive section of Buckskin Gulch. From here, it’s about 15 miles of slot canyon until it opens up into Paria Canyon and ends at Lee’s Ferry on the Colorado River.

A hike into Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass is a great experience. We hiked a total of about six miles roundtrip. The overall hike was fairly level, except for the steep detour we took around that pour-off. This area has so many awesome and fascinating rock formations that you’ll want to come back and spend more time exploring what’s nearby. Happy exploring!V March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

view on ENERGY

By Being Smart This SprinG by Keith Buchhalter

id you know that March 20, 2022, officially marks the first day of spring? Spring is the perfect season to spend time with family and friends, schedule activities outside the home such as going to the park, and impress everyone with your master chef skills (why not?) while grilling those delicious burgers and hot dogs every weekend. It's also the perfect time to prepare your home for the hot summer. Please keep in mind that to save on your summer electric bills, you don't need to spend/invest a lot of money. Just maintain the equipment that helps cool your house when the outside temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit and inspect for possible air leaks around windows and doors. Here are seven energy-saving tips to help you save more this spring:

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OPEN WINDOWS. Opening windows creates a crosswise breeze, allowing you to cool your home naturally without switching on air conditioners. INVITE THE SUN IN. Yes, it feels like the sun has abandoned us during the winter, but that doesn't mean we should ignore it during these shorter days. Open curtains and other window treatments on your west and south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home naturally, and save anywhere from 2–12 percent. SERVICE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER. Easy maintenance such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cooling system's energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Also, the first day of spring could serve as a reminder to check your air conditioner's evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels.

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USE CEILING FANS. Cooling your home with ceiling fans will allow you to raise your thermostat four degrees and lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort. COOK OUTSIDE. On warmer spring days, keep the heat out of your home by using an outdoor grill instead of indoor ovens. CAULK AIR LEAKS. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps warm air out—and cash in your wallet. SEAL DUCTS. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system's energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.V

We hope you find these tips helpful. Remember, we regularly post energy-saving tips on social media. Like us on Facebook, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @opd5. 40

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March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

view on FITNESS

for spring athletics

by Ashley Centers

ello again, readers! Spring is in the air, and it’s time to get out and have some fun! In this edition, I would like to talk about the importance of preparation for our upcoming athletic endeavors. I touched on a few points in the last edition about moving with intention. I also touched on how preparing for spring and summer athletics presents an awesome opportunity for us to explore some more intentional movements that can increase mobility, reduce discomfort, and help us to avoid injury. The exercises that I’ll present here in this article are valuable tools to use for muscles that can or have become stiff, tight, and weakened from disuse, overuse, or lack of mobility. If we operate according to the thought that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” we can proactively use these movements to prepare and then stay prepared for our athletic endeavors this spring and all year round. While these movements are appropriate for folks of all activity levels, if you feel unable to do them or experience any pain during an exercise or movement, consult a physician for further information.

Here I’ll be focusing mostly on the lower body and core because we tend to overlook the role that these play in our athleticism. In addition, I will include one very important upper back movement that I think is extremely underutilized. All these movements are helpful for any sport or just general fitness but are especially helpful in sports like golf, where there is a lot of rotational movement and more strain placed on our back and legs than we sometimes realize.

Let’s begin here: All of these exercises should be done for 2–3 sets of 10 repetitions. Band Pull Apart · Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. · Grip a resistance band about 10 inches from each end with your palms facing up. · Extend your arms in front of your body at about chest height. · Slowly begin to move your hands away from one another. · Stop and hold for 2–3 seconds when you have stretched across your entire wingspan. · Slowly return to the starting position, and then repeat.

High-to-Low Wood Chop · Securely attach your resistance band to a surface above head height. · Standing to the side of the anchor point, grip with both hands on the band in the same way you would hold an ax. · With straight arms, make a sweeping, chopping motion diagonally and downward and hold for 2–3 seconds. · Slowly return back to start position, and then repeat. · Switch sides of resistance after 10 repetitions. 42

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Palloff Press · Attach your resistance band to an anchor about chest height. · Positioning yourself away from the anchor point with your feet about shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, grip the end of the band and raise your arms to chest height. · Press the band away from the anchor point and away from your body with your arms fully extending in front of you. · Hold the position for 3 seconds, and then slowly release the tension. · Return to the starting point, and then repeat. · Switch sides of resistance after 10 repetitions.

Seated Straight-Leg Raise · Sit on the floor with your back straight and one leg completely extended. · Hug the opposite leg to your chest. · Engage your core and turn your other leg slightly outward. · Slowly lift your straightened leg from the floor. · Hold at the top for 2 seconds, and then slowly lower your leg to the ground. · Perform 2–3 sets of 10 repetitions for each leg.

Side-Lying Abduction · On the ground, lie down on your side. · Rest your head on your elbow. · Your bottom leg can be straight or bent slightly in front of your body, but try keeping it in place throughout the exercise. · Keeping your top leg straightened, raise the top leg up to about 45 degrees and hold for 2–3 seconds at the top. · Slowly lower your leg back down, repeat, and then alternate side.

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Prone-Hip Extension · Lie down on your stomach, placing a rolled-up towel beneath your hips. · While keeping toes facing down and knees straightened, lift one leg at a time until you reach the top of your range of motion (without arching the back). · At the top of this movement, hold for 2–3 seconds. · Slowly lower your leg back down to the floor and repeat with the opposite leg.

Single-Leg Step-up · Stand facing a stair, step-up box, or weight bench (or any other suitably stable, flat surface). · While keeping your chest up and back upright, step one foot up onto the box. · Lift yourself so that both feet are on the box. · Using the same foot you started with, step back down to the ground slowly, and then repeat. · Make sure to alternate the leading leg for each set.

Quadruped · Begin on your hands and knees with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. · Extend one leg and the opposite arm at the same time. · At full extension, pause for 3–5 seconds. · Slowly return to your starting position, switch sides, and then repeat. While these are all simple movements, they all have vital components for increasing our athletic ability and are helpful as strengthening and injury prevention exercises. And while there are a million other exercises and tons of muscle groups that I would love to cover, it's just not possible to cover them all. But these very simple exercises are amazing building blocks for future exercises. They help wake up and activate muscles we may not even think about. The exercises can also be added onto later when our abilities inevitably increase. Whatever your idea of spring fun, they are a great place to start after our winter hibernation! So, let’s use these exercises to get up, get moving, and get our game on!V

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Charity Golf Tournament by Maria Garcia

he Kids for Sports Foundation Charity Golf Tournament that was held on Sunday, January 9th, 2022, was a resounding success! The tournament had 32 teams. Many of these teams commented on how much they look forward to this tournament each year.

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The participants arrived bright and early and were excited to play on the prestigious, one-of-a-kind Wolf Creek Golf Club course. The golf course is well known for being an “ultimate golf experience,” and it did not disappoint. It was a day of fun-filled competition, and the funds that were generated from the tournament, raffle items, and contests showed that the participants, sponsors, and volunteers exemplified the meaning of support and generosity.

Applicants have an opportunity to receive funds for sign-up and tournament fees, shoes and/or uniforms, and sports equipment. For more information on the Kids for Sports Foundation, please contact us at kidsforsportsfoundation@ gmail.com or call (702) 346-1670.

The title sponsors were Washington Federal Bank, Eagles Landing Travel Plaza, Elaine Hurd, and Rainbow Sign and Banner. Additional local businesses and individuals showed their support by making donations or sponsoring holes on the golf course for the tournament. Each donation has a positive impact on kids in our community. The overwhelming generosity of this community and their dedication to providing an opportunity for kids to participate in a sport are truly inspiring. The mission of the Kids for Sports Foundation is to help provide all kids with the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of playing organized sports. We do this by helping to remove financial and other barriers that prevent kids from engaging in sports. The proceeds that were generated from the charity golf tournament will be utilized to ensure that kids in the Mesquite, Beaver Dam, Bunkerville, and Scenic communities have the opportunity to feel the joy of playing the sports of their choice.V

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What's Happening by Macrae Heppler

in Southern Utah

he number one attraction that southern Utah has always been known for is the outdoors. This has led to the multitude of golf courses around the area, the abundant use of the region’s lakes, the popularity of the St. George Marathon, and the hosting of global events such as the IRONMAN triathlon. As we continue to grow, we have more and more opportunities to show off the beauty here to people from all over the world. Here are a few projects that will be open this year along with information about upcoming competitions we will host:

BLACK DESERT RESORT GOLF COURSE—This fall, we will finally get to experience a golf course that has been in the works for a long time, and it is going to be worth the wait! Located at Entrada as part of the new Black Desert Resort, this will be a brand new 19-hole, 7,200-yard course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf—a legendary pro golfer and course architect known for his work in the Hawaii lava fields. It will feature text service for on-course/on-demand food, a 36-hole illuminated putting course, and the unique 19th hole that will be an amphitheater-style end to finish out the course. The plan is to be open this fall, and I know a lot of people are looking forward to it!

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BIGSHOTS GOLF—BigShots is just about finished up, and the plan is to be open around the end of March! It is located off of exit 2 in Desert Color and is going to be a popular addition to town. It is an entertainment center that provides a gaming experience with full-service food, a sports bar, an outdoor patio, mini-golf, and climate-controlled tee boxes. It is going to be a fun experience whether you are a golfer or not!

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IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS—Due to it being postponed last year, St. George is set to host the full-length 2021 IRONMAN World Championship this May. This is the first time since 1978 that it has moved from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and it is an incredible opportunity for us here in southern Utah. Then in October, the half-length 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship makes its return. This is what we have hosted in past years. Between the two races, the economic impact is estimated to be more than $50 million.V

STAY IN THE KNOW!

Macrae can be reached at Eagle Gate Title by calling (435) 703-6060 or by emailing Macrae@EagleGateTitle.com. Image courtesy of Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office

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Scan this QR code with your smart phone camera to sign up for our newsletter and videos highlighting what’s happening in southern Utah.

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by Kyle Chappell, Head Golf Professional at The Ledges Golf Club

he Ledges Golf Club is coming off of its best year to date. This spectacular golf course hosted many corporate events, women’s and men’s leagues, and college, high school, and junior tournaments. The condition of the golf course continues to be top notch amongst golf courses in southern Utah. The back nine at The Ledges Golf Club follows the rim of Snow Canyon State Park, and the views are like none other. The course layout is accommodating to those of all levels from beginners to professionals. The Ledges Golf Club also holds two amateur player performance-ranking golf tournaments during the year. The first tournament falls in February, and it will attract the top players from across the state of Utah. In November, The Ledges Golf Club holds their annual Senior (50 years and up) Amateur event. This two-day event will fill up with the top senior players from across the state, who will compete for prize money and points. The club will additionally hold the Men’s Club Championship two-day event in November. This event is catered to those members that have been playing the Men’s League throughout the year and have qualified to play in this event. All the events put on by the club are run professionally by the staff of The Ledges Golf Club. For those that are wanting to take advantage of our “Stay-andPlay Packages,” the Ledges Vacation Rentals provide excellent opportunities. With views of the golf course and Snow Canyon State Park, these vacation rentals are amongst the best in southern Utah. The Ledges Golf Club Pro Shop holds the latest variety in men’s and women’s apparel. The staff is professionally trained and willing to help assist with apparel questions, tee time bookings, or general questions about the area. The Ledges Golf Club also is staffed with a Head Golf Professional and a Director of Golf who are both highly qualified to offer year-round golf lessons.V Please see our website at www.ledges.com for more information about tee times, golf rates, and instruction. Feel free to stop by 1585 West Ledges Parkway in St. George, Utah, or call (435) 634-4640 anytime. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

GET OUT, GET MOVING, AND TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL But Don’t Throw Caution to the Wind! by Nathan (Nate) Henry, FNP

s we enter the season for becoming more physically active with outdoor activities, exercise programs, and new fitness goals, the following are some reminders that can benefit almost everyone.

The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise five days out of the week and that they work out each muscle group at least twice a week.

Perhaps you’ve reached an exercise plateau or you’re preparing for a vacation packed with activities. Regardless of your fitness level or warm-weather plans, exercises built to improve your strength and endurance can help you lead a healthy and independent lifestyle.

However, you may require more or less time depending on your health and fitness level. Whether it be golfing, hiking, walking, jogging, spelunking, playing tennis, biking, or doing any other activity, here’s how to amp up your activity level without hurting yourself:

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CONSULT YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER. It is always a good idea to consult with your medical provider prior to increasing or starting a new physical activity, particularly if you have any health conditions that cause you to have concerns or questions. ALWAYS START BY STRETCHING. Before any activity,

stretching will give your muscles and joints a more complete range of motion, as well as increase blood flow to the muscles that you’ll use during exercise. The Arthritis Foundation recommends stretching after a brief warm-up period so the muscles are warmer and more pliable.

GO SLOWLY. When building up strength and endurance, slow and steady wins the race, especially when exercising with joint pain. Walking an extra five minutes or slowly increasing your pace over a period of weeks will help build a solid foundation of strength and endurance with increased protection from potential injury. RECOVER RIGHT. Some soreness after physical activity can actually be a good thing. It means that your muscles are getting stronger and repairing themselves. Stay hydrated, stretch, and rest for at least 48 hours before exerting the same muscle groups. Ice can help reduce inflammation, heat can increase blood flow to your muscles, and over-the-counter pain medication can relieve muscle soreness. EAT RIGHT FOR HEART HEALTH. May we all remember that heart attack and heart disease continue to be the leading killer of adults in the United States and that approximately 80% of heart attacks are preventable according to the American Heart Association.

For optimum health and performance, our bodies depend on us to consume the right fuel for our muscles, bones, and organs. Keep these guidelines in mind: - Remember to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein such as fish, poultry, and lentilbased pasta. - Limit consumption of processed and high sodium foods. Labels are required on most packaging, which makes it very easy to take a quick look at those sodium levels! You might need a magnifying glass in your pocket! To deal with small print, you can also use a cell phone to take a picture of the label. Then you can expand the picture for easier reading. - Minimize your consumption of sugar and saturated and transformed fats. - Alcohol—Women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day and men no more than two alcoholic drinks per day according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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PRIORITIZE SLEEP. When you are well-rested, your body is better equipped to handle the coordination, exertion, and recovery that physical activity requires.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of good sleep each night. To improve the quality of your sleep, try the following: - Avoid too much napping. - Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. - Establish a regular schedule for going to bed. - Increase your exposure to daylight during waking hours. - Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Enjoy your activities and work on taking yourself to the “next level” in your health journey.V Nate Henry is a Family Nurse Practitioner and is now accepting new patients at Mesa View Medical Group located at 1301 Bertha Howe Avenue, Suite 1, Mesquite, Nevada, 89027. He can be reached at (703) 346-0800, or visit MesaViewMedical.com. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting MesaViewAnytime.com.

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by Jared Barnes, Cedar Ridge Golf Course PGA Head Professional, PGA of America District 9 Director

edar Ridge Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole regulation golf course set against the red hills on the east bench of Cedar City. The original nine holes were built in 1964, and the second nine were constructed in 1992. Cedar Ridge is a par-72 with four par fives, offering plenty of birdie and eagle chances. The course has three sets of tee boxes, providing a perfect distance for golfers of all different playing abilities. Cedar Ridge features a full practice facility with a driving range, two practice putting greens, a chipping area, as well as a practice bunker. The pro shop at Cedar Ridge is always stocked with the latest in golf equipment, accessories, and apparel. Jared Barnes is the PGA professional at Cedar Ridge and also serves as the director of golf, while Tyger Riggs works as the assistant golf professional. Golf lessons are available for players of all abilities both in a private and group setting. Cedar Ridge has an extensive junior golf program providing both instruction and playing opportunities for over 200 junior golfers each summer. Steve Carter serves as the golf course superintendent and ensures excellent playing conditions each season. Steve was recently recognized as the Utah Public Golf Course Superintendent of the Year. The putting greens at Cedar Ridge are always the highlight of the course and are consistently among the best greens in southern Utah. Cedar Ridge is home to the Southern Utah University men’s and women’s golf teams as well as the golf teams from Cedar High and Canyon View High Schools. The golf course has very active men’s and women’s golf associations, holding weekly as well as monthly events. The end of year men’s and women’s club championships are the highlight of the season. Cedar Ridge hosts many corporate and charity golf tournaments throughout the season. These events consistently raise more than $100,000 per year for local charities.V Cedar Ridge Golf Course does not reserve tee times. During the busy season, a golfer will never have more than a ten-minute wait to get their round started. A call ahead is suggested to make sure that the course doesn’t have a tournament taking place and is available for open play. For more information, the pro shop can be reached at (435) 586-2970. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

by Kevin Soderquist

reen Spring Golf Course is a top-rated municipal Golf Course owned by Washington City. We strive to offer a premier, quality golfing experience while keeping rates affordable. Designed by award-winning golf course designer, Gene Bates, Green Spring opened in 1989 and was ranked in the Top 5 Best New Public Golf Courses in America by Golf Digest in its debut year.

Green Spring Golf Course remains a fan favorite among locals and visitors. Signature holes 5, “Bottomless Pit,” and 6, “Devils Gulch,” have | VIEW ON MAGAZINE | March / April 2022

you shooting across red rock ravines that will surely get your heart racing! These two holes feature breathtaking shots over a deep red-rock canyon with stunning backdrops of Pine Valley Mountain and views of Red Cliffs State Park Recreation Area. Hole six was ranked as “The Hardest Hole in Utah” for many years in the Salt Lake Tribune poll until they expanded the rankings to the “18 Hardest Holes in Utah;” it currently resides

on that list. There are many water hazards and defiant ravines to navigate on the course. Green Spring is considered by many to be the toughest course in southern Utah; bring extra balls!V For more course information, pictures, drone footage of each hole, rates, or to book a time, please visit our website: golfgreenspring.com, or call the Pro Shop, (435) 673-7888. Located at 588 North Green Spring Drive, Washington, Utah. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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by David Cordero

efore golf courses became ubiquitous in this area, St. George was just a sleepy town of about 5,000 people who, for three months each year, suffered through oppressive heat. In 1965, that began to change with the construction of Dixie Red Hills Golf Course and the emergence of residential air conditioning. Soon St. George began to shape into a tourist destination and a regional golf mecca that fueled its own growth potential. No longer just a desert gas stop with triple-digit summer temperatures, St. George was known as an outdoor recreation destination year-round! Fifty-seven years later, golf is enjoying a level of popularity in St. George that it rarely—if ever—has experienced. The four City of St. George golf courses hosted more rounds than ever before during 2021. “Golf has seen a revival unlike any other in St. George,” says Colby Cowan, Director of Golf for the City of St. George. “We are seeing golf gain in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic as people are looking for an activity to do outdoors and feel safe. Along with more people moving to the area, golf continues to grow in popularity with all golf courses remaining very busy.” Creance Flight Exercise with Eagle named Crash | Photo Credit WRCNU

Known for a balance of difficult and beginner-friendly holes, there is something for every level of golfer. Here is a glimpse of each city course:

HOLES: 9 LENGTH: 2,775 yards AT A GLANCE: Picturesque Dixie Red Hills was the first golf course in St. George, setting the tone for what would become one of southwest Utah’s hallmark leisure activities. On a cloudless day, Dixie Red Hills dazzles with its majestic backdrop of red rocks shimmering above a blanket of green grass. Each hole on the 9-hole course has its own unique design. The sixth hole is a par-3 between 60 and 140 yards based on the tees you play. Whichever distance you start from, peril awaits—your tee shot must carry over water. In 2019, Dixie Red Hills completed construction on a new clubhouse with great views of the city. “Dixie Red Hills is very popular with people of all ages and skill levels,” says Allen Orchard, PGA Head Professional at Dixie Red Hills. “To this day, it is one of the most played courses in the area and has created many memories for many people.” ADDRESS: 645 West 1250 North PHONE: (435) 627-4444 March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

HOLES: 18 LENGTH: 6,134 yards AT A GLANCE: It’s a tale of two courses within 18 holes. The front nine are flat. The back nine have a significant elevation change. The front nine have water hazards on eight of the holes. The back nine have just two holes affected by water. The eighth hole stands out with its high-risk, high-reward characteristics: spanning only 278 yards from the white tee as a par-4, it carries allure for players dreaming of an eagle. To accomplish that, a drive must carry almost the complete distance over water to the green. That challenge aside, Southgate is more delightful than it is daunting. The course recently received a facelift in the form of a $750,000 renovation of the clubhouse in 2021. The project included a covered outdoor deck, an increase of 1,500 square feet, a pro shop with multiple check-in computers, and a sitting area with two televisions. The new Southgate Cafe will also offer a fullservice snack bar that will serve breakfast and lunch and will have beer on tap. “It has a much more inviting feel, and golfers really enjoy it,” Cowan said. “Many golfers are also enjoying the deck areas that overlook the front nine and that offer great views of downtown St. George.” ADDRESS: 1975 Tonaquint Drive PHONE: (435) 627-4440 66

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HOLES: 18 LENGTH: 7,238 yards AT A GLANCE: Challenging holes and terrific views characterize St. George Golf Club, which sits atop Bloomington Hills. The fifth hole is a hot topic of discussion. It’s an intimidating par-5 with a portion of a lake sitting just in front of the green. Water is a factor on all the par-3s as well. “The golf course has a very good layout—challenging, but not tricky. You can see what’s in front of you, so it is just a matter of hitting good shots,” says James Hood, PGA Head Professional at St. George Golf Club. “It is also a very walkable course. Other than the hill to the first hole and the way back to the clubhouse at the end, it’s pretty flat.” ADDRESS: 2190 South 1400 East PHONE: (435) 627-4404

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HOLES: 27 (three 9-hole courses: Woodbridge, The Pointe, Black Rock) LENGTH: 6,818 yards AT A GLANCE: Sunbrook, the crown jewel of St. George City-owned golf courses, has three 9-hole courses, allowing play from the top of the bluffs to the desert floor around black lava rock and red sand traps. With staggering views of awe-inspiring rock formations and nearby alpine mountains, players are awash in the beauty of the surroundings. Bridges, water hazards, and changes in elevation make every hole an adventure. There is even a par-3 island hole that sparks dreams of an ace. Golf Digest twice rated Sunbrook—the only golf club in southwest Utah to feature 27 championship holes—as the best golf course in Utah. ADDRESS: 2366 West Sunbrook Drive PHONE: (435) 627-4400

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Endurance Training Never Confuse Movement

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by Brennen Ames BS, Intermountain Sports Performance Manager

outhern Utah and the surrounding area are quickly becoming a worldwide destination for all things outdoors and fitness. Once viewed as a “best-kept secret,” the dramatic red cliffs, nearby crags, and vast network of trails for running, biking, and hiking will soon be on the world’s stage. Over the span of a little more than 13 months, Washington County will host three world championship endurance events, including the IRONMAN World Championship and two half-length IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. The spirit of endurance races and competition has invigorated a running community that thrives on the opportunity to get in shape, experience the beautiful landscape, and wear-out even the best of running shoes.

Going the Distance With many runners putting in anywhere from 20 to 70 miles a week, performance needs are almost certain to surface along the way. Every athlete is unique in the way they move, the way they run, and the way they recover. Because of this, it is helpful to have a comprehensive, scientifically-designed training program with a coach that cares and is experienced in training the right way, recognizing and preventing injuries, and enhancing performance for beginners and elite runners alike. Whether you’re running your first half marathon, going for a new PR (personal record), or joining the ranks of the IRONMAN, Intermountain Sports Performance has the program, the experts, and the passion to help you go the distance. Our team of physical therapists, exercise physiologists, registered dieticians, and sports medicine physicians have

teamed up to create a running program unlike any other. Called Performance Running, the program includes: • Computerized gait analysis • Three consultations with a physical therapist • 12 training sessions with an exercise physiologist • Mobility, strength, and speed training • Plyometric training • Injury prevention strategies • Individualized coaching on form and running economy The program is specially designed by our team to help improve stamina, increase strength, prevent both chronic and acute injuries, and dial in biomechanics. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Going for Speed We also know that running any distance isn’t only about finishing; it’s about how fast you do it. Whether it be going for a race record or setting a new personal record, you must chase something, and it takes speed to catch it. Our goal is to help every runner get a little faster, get more efficient, and extend the life of their legs. The Intermountain Sports Performance Running Program combines exercises for hip strength, pelvic stability, incline treadmill training, and specialized plyometric exercises to ensure that increased speed is a byproduct of your experience with us. If you’re going the distance, we want to help you do it faster. All these resources—plyometric training and strength and endurance protocols—combine to create a strong athletic foundation by increasing the body's capacity to utilize energy. Intermountain Sports Performance’s protocols are scientifically-designed to improve the performance of the body’s three main energy systems—phosphocreatine for those dynamic bursts over the crux of a climb, improved glycolytic system function, and enhanced lactate threshold to decrease fatigue and pump out metabolic waste as well as increase aerobic capacity for endurance events. These are all important for our marathoners, IRONMAN participants, cyclists, hikers, climbers, and recreational athletes. 72

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While not a renowned endurance athlete, Denzel Washington declared something significant for every athlete: “Never confuse movement with progress because you can run in place and not get anywhere.” In a similar sense, an experienced runner logging hundreds of miles can be “running in place” and not getting where they want to go as an athlete. We encourage runners everywhere to not only lace up and get out doing what you love but to come and visit our running experts and start making the progress that matches your passion.V To make an appointment or request more information, call (435) 251-2299 or visit our website: www.IntermountainHealthCare.org/ services/sports-medicine-performance/sportsperformance-st-george/.

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By Kent Abegglen | Photos: Jerry Rigby

ky Mountain Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course owned and operated by the City of Hurricane, Utah. It is located in the beautiful, scenic southern Utah area and is surrounded by Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain Range, just seven miles east of exit 16 on Interstate 15. Sky Mountain is one of the most beautiful and picturesque golf locations anywhere in the world. Near the Virgin River gorge and backdropped by red sandstone formations and the majestic Pine Valley Mountain, this course is truly a sight to behold! Sky Mountain Golf Course is famous for its incredible views. It is a great golf course that is always in excellent condition along with an affordable price for the public. Southern Utah has always been a popular golf destination for full-time residents and golf travelers. The mild winter climate and many excellent golf courses to choose from make the area a perfect choice for year-round golf. Retirement couples and families enjoy one of the fastest-growing recreation areas in the country. Sky Mountain is the first stop going south on Interstate 15 that is open for golf year-round. Northern golf travelers make Sky Mountain a favorite stop to enjoy a friendly environment, delicious food, and a memorable golf experience. Sky Mountain is a medium-long golf course and is challenging with strategic fairway landings and approach shots that require accuracy. To shoot a great round of golf at Sky Mountain, you need to be precise. Beautiful fairways are surrounded by natural desert habitats and volcanic rock formations. It is always wise to bring an old rock club or borrow a used one from the pro shop to play out of the desert lava rock. There are unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Hurricane Valley: hiking (national parks), biking, golfing, exploring sand dunes, four wheeling, camping, fishing, boating. Quality of life, good air quality, and peaceful communities are all trademarks of southern Utah. If you love an active lifestyle with great weather, be sure to visit and stay in the Hurricane Valley, southern Utah area. Zion National Park is only 23 miles away from the golf course. Come out and enjoy the beauty that is Sky Mountain Golf Course, and don’t forget to bring your camera.V Kent Abegglen is a PGA Golf Professional at Sky Mountain Golf Course, Hurricane, Utah. Sky Mountain Golf Course is located at 1030 N 2600 W, Hurricane, Utah | (435) 635-7888 March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Avoiding Plateaus Using Periodization by Donna Schorr

e've all seen people who seem to spend a lot of effort working out, are always at the gym, but never seem to quite get fit. Assuming a fairly clean diet, not losing weight is often due to lack of periodization. Many fitness enthusiasts find a workout they like and just keep doing it. Your body functions according to the SAID principle (Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands), and what this

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means is that once you've adapted, there's no progress unless you change it up. In fact, doing the same workout for a long time often leads to overuse injuries. A period that generally works for most people is about 6 weeks. After that time, whatever you've been doing, your body has already adapted to it.

So let's look at strength training (which EVERYONE needs). A basic model for a warmup is 6–10 movements, three sets of each, with about 15 reps. This is a pretty standard workout for many people. Using the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type), let's look at how to change a period that will impose new adaptations on your joints and muscles:

Changing just one of these elements at a time is enough to produce a result. Looking at cardio, if you have been doing low intensity with a steady-state on a stationary bike, your new period could look like this:

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The fitter you are, the quicker you will adapt, and you will also need shorter periods in order to make progress. But ultimately, it comes down to enjoyment. Most people don't continue to do something they don't like for a sustained length of time. There are certain elements of each period that need to be considered based on the dynamics of different modes of exercise. Consider the following:

CYCLING—Regardless of whether you're on a spin bike or a recumbent bike, your whole body (hips, spine, knees, feet) is flexed for the entire time you're on the bike. Are you doing any extension to balance that? Yoga is one way to add some extension to your program.

RUNNING—Running contributes to tight hamstrings and hips and provides no strength at all while ignoring the upper body. Perhaps you could add in some bench press sets or pushups and some yoga to loosen up the hamstrings.

YOGA—Many people are resistant to yoga for some key reasons, and a big one is that they're afraid that they're not flexible enough to feel successful. While yoga was indeed exclusionary in the past, that is not the case anymore. The biggest word in yoga today is inclusion—welcoming anyone who wants to join in. A competent instructor can share modifications for people who are larger, have tighter muscles, or are dealing with injuries.V Donna Schorr teaches spinning and yoga at the Mesquite Recreation Center; all are welcome to come. She also teaches Pilates-mat and reformer. Please visit her website at www.donnaschorr.com for more information.

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March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Virgin Valley Jr.Golf by Marsha Sherwood

irgin Valley Junior Golf hopes to kick off their 2022 season in June this year. With COVID and its restrictions, we are not able to confirm a date yet, but we will still hold some junior golf activities. We are also hoping that we will be able to have clinics. Last year, we ended with a pool party at the Mesquite Recreation Center. The Mesquite Fire Department cooked up some awesome burgers and dogs. The pool party was a big hit and will continue to be what we do for our year-end party. Remember that we would like to encourage all ages from 6–18 to participate. No junior is ever turned away, and golf clubs will be provided for those who need them. The City of Mesquite Recreation Center will also have updated information as we get it. We look forward to having a great year and to seeing our new and returning junior golfers.V

For questions, please contact Marsha Sherwood at (702) 346-4067 or Laura Petersen at (702) 346-6764.

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Milky Way over Grand Canyon & the CO River Photo Credit www.Royce.Bair.com

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by Karen L Monsen Pinprick holes in a colourless sky, Let insipid figures of light pass by, The mighty light of ten thousand suns, Challenges infinity and is soon gone. —“The Day Begins,” Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues

ike a child’s riddle, the Milky Way is an enigma— always there but rarely seen. Today, communities and the International Dark-Sky Association (visit IDA at darksky.org) are working to reinstate the visibility and grandeur of dark skies. Unlike getting rid of air pollution or climate change, restoring starry skies is achievable by using light where needed, when needed, and in the amount needed, and no more. An often-cited IDA statistic is that over 83% of the world’s population—and that percentage rises to 99% for U.S. and European populations—lives under light-polluted skies and has never seen the Milky Way from where they live. Alarmingly, light pollution is increasing worldwide at twice the rate of global population growth.

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Dark-Sky Places and Fixture Approvals Founded to preserve night skies for astronomical observations, the nonprofit IDA operates the International Dark-Sky Places Program (www. darksky.org/or-work/conservation/ idsp/) that raises light pollution awareness, promotes responsible outdoor lighting, and celebrates starstudded skies. In addition to dark-sky places certification, IDA manages the Fixture Seal of Approval program that

has certified over 101 companies and over 10,000 individual products that minimize glare and reduce light scatter. While national parks, public lands, and golf course communities account for most dark-sky places, momentum is growing to reduce skyglow in communities through policy changes and by retrofitting fixtures. Ashley Wilson, IDA’s Director of Conservation,

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Earth Night Sky | Photo Credit IDA

reported that as of October 2021, IDA has certified 186 dark-sky places across 21 countries. Four states hold about 53% of all U.S.-based dark-sky designations: Utah with 24, Colorado with 18, Arizona with 13, and New Mexico with 5. By early 2022, IDA anticipates having 200 total dark-skycertified places—a 400% increase over five years, with 70% concentrated in the U.S.

Grand Canyon Skies National parks are obvious dark-sky places. Tyler Nordgren, the Grand Canyon’s inaugural Astronomer in Residence, designed a successful promotional poster, which says, “Half the park is after dark.” Nordgren also educates visitors through lectures and social media, holds a Ph.D. in astronomy from Cornell University, and has worked for 10 years with Grand Canyon National Park to promote night sky programs. Having spent his life looking at the stars, he contends, “The Milky Way, our home galaxy of over a hundred billion stars, like our sun, is a sign in the night sky that we are part of something larger than ourselves.” Star Parties For one week each June, the Grand Canyon hosts astronomy enthusiasts, including the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association on the South Rim and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix on the North Rim, so that they can observe the universe.

Community Networks Across the globe, communities are working to make the Milky Way visible. IDA often collaborates with local Audubon chapters, wildlife conservation organizations, HOAs, astronomy clubs, colleges, and universities to expand awareness of artificial light and its impact on the night sky. Red Cliffs Audubon in St. George, Utah, will include an owl prowl as part of their Bird Fest, which takes place April 28–30, 2022. Award-winning owl author/ wildlife photographer Paul Bannick will keynote and teach a photography workshop. Nature photographer Lynn Chamberlain will also take a few festival participants along with his DSU advanced photography students to photograph the Milky Way. Artificial Light at Night Dark skies are important for plant, animal, and human health. Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) studies find that most organisms are unequipped to adjust to perpetual light. The National Park Service’s Night Skies Western Regional Biologist, Ashley Pipkin, explains that a natural pattern of daylight and darkness is needed for plants to determine

The Watchtower GCNP Photo Credit Dr. Tyler Nordgren SpaceArtTravelBureau.com

IDA will hold its International Dark-Sky Week (IDSW) from April 22–30, 2022, with webinars, star parties, workshops, science campaigns, films, and art competitions. Many states and localities also dedicate a week or even a month to support nighttime recreation, tourism, and education. Utah Governor Spencer Cox proclaimed April 2021 to be Dark-Sky Month—joining Colorado and Michigan who made similar designations.

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Milky Way over Abandoned Lincoln Hwy NV Photo Credit www.Royce.Bair.com

when to drop leaves or produce buds, and for wildlife, the pattern is needed to determine when to mate, reproduce, or move in their environment. Pipkin adds, “Outdoor lighting alters the natural night environment, and the effects of that light cascade through the ecosystem.” Owls, bats, insects, mammals, and night-migrating birds are impacted by ALAN. The Cornell Lab estimates that 600 million birds die annually in the U.S. after colliding with illuminated buildings. “Lights Out” initiatives along migratory flyways from Texas to Chicago are credited with reducing fatalities among migrating birds.

GCNP2021poster Photo Credit Dr. Tyler Nordgren SpaceArtTravelBureau.com

Light Adjustment Brighter is not always better—think about blinding highbeam headlights in fog. Too much light in the wrong places creates glare, reduces visibility, and endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Better-designed, shielded, directed fixtures with warm-tone, lower-watt bulbs (rather than blue wavelength/white light) improve night vision and save energy. U.S. Department of Energy data from 2011–2013 indicates that residential property owners waste at least 117 kilowatt-hours of electricity per household each year with outdoor lighting that serves no useful purpose. Adjusting fixtures and adding timers can reduce power consumption and cost. Tucson, Arizona, outfitted 19,561 fixtures with adaptive controls that prolong bulb life, reduce lumen output, operate at 90% power from sunset to midnight, and dim to 60% until sunrise. The results were approximately $2.16 million in annual energy savings, a 63% reduction in total lumens emitted, and a 7% reduction in total light emissions from the Tucson metro area.

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Maricopa Pt Photo Credit Dr. Tyler Nordgren SpaceArtTravelBureau.com

The non-profit Grand Canyon Conservancy (visit GCC at https://www.grandcanyon.org) helped Grand Canyon National Park achieve dark-sky certification in 2019. Mindy Riesenberg, GCC Director of Marketing and Communications, revealed that they tested more than 5,000 exterior light fixtures, retrofitted 1,500, removed or shielded others, and installed very-low-lumen LED bulbs in historic fixtures. She has concluded, “The amount of lights inventoried and retrofitted in this process undoubtedly makes Grand Canyon National Park one of the largest, most complex international dark-sky parks in the world.”

Nordgren also confirms, “While light pollution may be robbing us of the stars, it is the one form of pollution that is 100% reversible.” Lauren Scorzafava, IDA’s Communications Associate, is optimistic. “Light pollution can be solved at the speed of light. It’s not like waiting for the results of reforestation,” she says. “By turning off an unnecessary light, dimming lights to only the level needed, or retrofitting a fixture to a shielded one, the change is immediate. We don’t have to wait for generations to see a change.”V

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Not All Dog Training Is Created Equal by Ron Delelles

s the weather warms up and the days get longer, we turn our thoughts to outdoor activities and fitness. Our pups are also getting spring fever! As we go through life, learning never stops, and the same can be said for dogs. Even the most well-mannered companion can be challenged with new, advanced behavior skills. The physical activity and mental stimulation of dog training go a long way toward having a happy, well-adjusted pet.

The trainers at WOOF! Training Academy believe strongly in the LIMA method: least intrusive, minimally aversive. LIMA describes a trainer or behaviorist who uses the least aggressive strategy likely to succeed in achieving a behavior change. In the vast majority of situations, training can be accomplished by focusing on the animal's environment and physical well-being while using a safe, trustworthy approach.

But not all training is created equal. When looking for a good trainer, it is very important to know what techniques will be used and the prospective trainer’s philosophy toward your dog’s well-being. Do they value your dog’s emotional and mental welfare as much as the task of learning a new behavior? Better said—does learning come at the expense of fear and dominance? Shock collars, e-collars, and stimcollars all use fear and a physical jolt to elicit the desired behavior. While these collars have a place in the hands of an experienced trainer under very specific circumstances, they can be harmful to a dog’s psyche with long-lasting, undesirable effects if over-used or used incorrectly.

LIMA emphasizes the positive reinforcement of desired behaviors, desensitization techniques, and shaping alternative behaviors. Positive reinforcement is the first line of training at WOOF! Academy. Praise, treats, and other rewards are applied consistently to achieve results along with counter-conditioning techniques. Rewardbased training generates the lowest incidence of reactivity, attention seeking, avoidance, and fear in dog “students.”

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Additionally, an effective training program includes teaching the dog parents almost as much as the dogs! Through group classes and private sessions at WOOF!

Academy, a bonding occurs, with dogs learning to trust their owners and exhibit appropriate behaviors. Be wary of a training program that promises to take your dog for weeks and bring them back fully trained. You have no control over how they will be treated. In a worst-case scenario, your dog may come back having learned to be fearful, skittish, and nervous and may have a broken spirit. The training process should be positive and enjoyable for you and your dog in a safe environment. It’s all about teamwork. Jess Sides, the Director of Training at WOOF! Academy, is certified in canine CPR and first aid. Jess looks at every dog and owner differently and takes into consideration the dog’s and owner's lifestyle. Jess says, "Dog training has become my love and passion, and I feel like it's in my blood. I've worked with dogs and owners with disabilities. I've trained dogs in basic, intermediate, and advanced obedience, CGC (Canine Good Citizen), and dogs with aggression/reactivity issues.” Jen Miller has recently joined the WOOF! pack, having relocated from California. She is also certified in pet CPR and first aid. Jen currently runs the Fit n’ Fun Play-Care program and is working towards her full American Kennel Club (AKC) trainer certification. Jen teaches Puppy Social, Basic Obedience, and Place Training classes at WOOF! Academy. Do you have a dog who is already well-trained and obedient? WOOF! trainers offer classes focused on strengthening specific behaviors like loose-leash walking and staying from a station or place. The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen class is an advanced obedience class that teaches a standardized roster of skills as follows: • Accepting a friendly stranger • Sitting politely for petting • Appearance and grooming • Walking on a loose leash • Walking through a crowd • Sitting on command and staying in place • Coming when called • Reacting to another dog • Reacting to distraction • Supervised separation The CGC test follows this class. And watch this spring for two new classes at WOOF!—AKC Community Canine and Urban Canine.V For more information, contact WOOF! Wellness Center & Training Academy at (435) 275-4536 or visit us online at www.WoofCenter.com.

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by Annie Kepler

oyote Willows is a unique par-35, 9-hole golf course with a slope/rating of 64.5/115. Like the myriad of other courses in Mesquite, the views of the Virgin Mountains are resplendent, the greens are silky smooth, and the course is USGA rated. In addition to these, the cool drinks, good company, and fun times are abundant. What makes Coyote Willows special is William Dale Beddo’s inviting design. At first glance, the golf course appears fairly easy. However, a closer look reveals that it has its share of hidden challenges such as precarious ponds, sneaky hazards, and undulating greens. The tee boxes are accommodating for seniors and ladies alike, and at the same time, are somewhat problematic for the long-ball hitters. In fact, Coyote Willows boasts one of the longest holes in town at 590 yards when played from the tips! What else makes Coyote Willows unique? If cost is a concern, then look no further. Coyote Willows will more than likely fit your budget, as it is very affordable. In addition, its men’s, mixed, and ladies’ leagues are a hoot! These are played on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday mornings respectively. Also, besides being well stocked

with brand-name apparel and accessories, the golf shop can also regrip your golf clubs. We carry a great selection of WINN and Golf Pride grips. Finally, did you know Coyote Willows is the only course in Mesquite that permits walking golfers? With little elevation change and bordering the Virgin River, golfers can kill two birds with one stone—enjoying a pleasant round of golf while exercising at the same time. Coyote Willows might not have had the best reputation in the past, but “things are a-changin’.” Three fairways took a beating with the recent floods of 2005, 2012, and 2019. The fairways on holes three and five are recovering well, but the fairway on hole four has been frightfully stubborn. Happily, the new owners have been equally persistent and just recently renovated its fairway. Watch this space because more exciting improvements are on the way! So come to Coyote Willows; it has come a long way, and it is a surprisingly special little course to play!V For more information, check out Coyote Willows Golf Course at https://coyotewillowsgolf.com. Or call us at (702) 345-3222.

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Clark County Clerk Opens Branch Office in Mesquite by Lynn Marie Goya

ribbon-cutting and other festivities celebrated the opening of the new branch of the Clark County Clerk’s office in Mesquite on Wednesday, January 5. County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya says that everything finally fell into place after years of effort to reopen a branch that has been closed since 2012. “We are happy to be back in Mesquite,” Clerk Goya reports. “This new office will make life easier for our rural constituents and visitors to northeast Clark County who may need a marriage license or one of our other services.” Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Mesquite Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Ramaker, and Mayor Al Litman all showed up to cut the ceremonial ribbon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 6, at city hall. About 40 other guests also came to celebrate the fact that they would no longer have to drive to the county seat to apply for a marriage license or to file a fictitious firm name.

Cake was served, and a bouquet was tossed to the single women in the crowd. | VIEW ON MAGAZINE | March / April 2022

Goya, who took office after the Mesquite branch was closed, has been working with local leaders to bring the branch back. She has previously been able to open a branch office in Henderson and a “pop-up Marriage License Bureau” at the airport each February. After she and Ramaker met, they brainstormed how to reopen the Mesquite branch. Ramaker was able to secure space in city hall, but Goya was still unable to get funding to hire someone to staff the office. “We reached out to Commissioner Kirkpatrick for help, and she was able to secure funding,” says Goya. “And that was the final piece.” “This branch office brings more local government services to the northeast,” Kirkpatrick explains. And a smiling Ramaker adds, “I couldn't be happier.”V The Clark County Clerk’s Mesquite branch office will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. The office will provide marriage licenses and fictitious firm name applications and renewals.

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

Athle tics and Leisure Services as a Community Health and Wellness Hub by Nicholas F. Montoya Director of Athletics and Leisure Services

he concept of a "community hub" is certainly not a new one; however, this concept has received more attention and gained significant traction over the past several years. This is happening most notably as several other Parks and Recreation systems across the country are reinventing themselves to become social service hubs that offer a variety of services to meet the needs of the community. Local Parks and Recreation departments provide places where everyone can go to be active, healthier, or to connect socially or with nature. They are the cornerstones of nearly every community and are also uniquely positioned to serve as health and wellness hubs in Mesquite as they work with many local partners and businesses. As we closed out 2021 and looked back on the challenges that we faced and overcame, one thing that came to mind is family health and fitness. In our Parks and Recreation Division, we’re seeing more and more people being encouraged to participate and share ways that families can get active. Whether families participate in virtual programs at home, go to local parks, or visit one of our many facilities, there is something for everyone. Residents can stop by the Virgin Valley Artists Association, the Virgin Valley Theater Group, or the Mesquite Theater for a play or recital. They can also register for youth, adult, and senior programs that are offered at our facilities. We are incredibly grateful that the availability of vaccines, along with health and wellness protocols, enabled us to resume our day-to-day operations within this amazing community. We are extremely proud and excited to highlight the City of Mesquite’s accomplishments. We express sincere gratitude and appreciation to our wonderful community and give a big thank you to dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors for all their hard work and contributions to the success of our city this past year. 94

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Top highlights of 2021’s accomplishments include the rollout of the Old Mill Pickleball Courts, the return to tournaments for adults and youth, the re-opening of our Recreation and Senior Centers, and the OHV Staging Area. This will expand our economic development and impact our community in positive ways and is a part of a larger rebranding campaign aimed at spotlighting our wonderful businesses within the city. The community’s unwavering commitment to the City of Mesquite helps position our city to successfully enact powerful change in the rest of the new year. The City of Mesquite connects and holds our community together and strengthens us as we achieve greater health, continued wellness, and increased resilience. The City of Mesquite remains steadfast in its commitment to assist in all aspects of safety, health, and wellness for the future. The police and fire departments are doing an amazing job at keeping us safe by staying up to date on all protocols. The Athletics and Leisure Services Department strives to keep us mentally, emotionally, and physically fit. We offer many different benefits to the community. For example, residents can learn about their city at the museum as they explore all of its artifacts that have to do with the history of Mesquite before its incorporation in 1984 as well as its growth since then. Our tournament-grade fields, wonderful parks, amazing recreation center, and facilities that we have for youth, adults, and senior programs also serve the community well. I wanted to add that this has been a particularly tough year of saying goodbye to so many colleagues and friends. We will miss all of them dearly. We hold the memories of our cherished colleagues, volunteers, and friends in our hearts and carry on their service and commitment in the work we do. I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the dedication of those who have come before us and thank them for having touched our lives and the lives of so many others. On behalf of the Athletics and Leisure Services Department staff, we thank the community for filling our hearts with constant hope and optimism and for your continued support of our great organization. Throughout 2021, you demonstrated your commitment to the City of Mesquite. As we move further into 2022, let’s move forward in a progressive, proactive, and professional manner. I personally want to thank the community members, service clubs, staff, administration, businesses, and other organizations in the City of Mesquite for supporting the mission and goals of the Athletics and Leisure Services Department and for helping us to be successful. The commitment of our staff exemplifies excellence. The future of the Athletics and Leisure Service Department is truly bright, and we are ready for new challenges.V March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

view on THE ARTS

Coming to Southern Utah!

RENT, the Musical, is Coming to Southern Utah

by Michelle Sundberg

or anyone craving a reintroduction to live theater, RENT is the perfect production to start with. Any feelings of isolation are instantly shattered by the euphoria of being an integral part of the audience in this high-energy, scrappy show. RENT builds a sense of community, not just on stage but among the audience and beyond.

Tony Award-winning RENT is coming to Center For the Arts at Kayenta June 16–27, 2022. The musical was first seen in a workshop production at New York Theatre Workshop in 1993. This same off-Broadway theatre was also the musical's initial home following its official 1996 opening. Music, lyrics, and book were written by Jonathan Larson. The production is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera La Boheme. On Broadway, RENT gained critical acclaim and won several awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production closed on September 7, 2008, after 12 years, making it one of the longestrunning shows on Broadway. The success of the show led to several national tours and numerous foreign productions. In 2005, it was adapted into a motion picture featuring most of the original cast members. 96

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RENT is an energetic rock musical, featuring one big number after another. RENT follows a group of artists and friends in New York City as they navigate struggles with drug addiction, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and—as the title implies—paying their rent. Way ahead of its time, the musical has always insisted on a diverse cast, and this production is no exception. One of the strengths of RENT is the refreshing diversity and the representation of different races, body types, sexualities, and genders. The show proves that no matter the era, there will always be time for a “season of love.”

The musical styles in RENT are equally diverse. The score spans a range of genres including rock, pop, gospel, tango, and more. This eclecticism allows cast members to show off their stylistic range and creates a more captivating listening experience. When the cast unites for group numbers like “La Vie Bohème” and “Seasons of Love,” they produce triumphant, goosebumpraising harmonies. Listening to the soundtrack or watching the film adaptation can never replace the experience of seeing RENT live, especially when it comes to audience participation. The production has a strong and varied cast of characters who show their true emotions as they sing about their fears, their worries, and their anxieties.V

Tickets for the performances will sell out fast! Don’t miss out; purchase your tickets online today! RENT will run from June 16–27, 2022, with the curtain going up at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children and students. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.KayentaArts.com, or order by phone at (435) 674-2787. Performances are held at Center For the Arts at Kayenta, located at 881 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, Utah 84738. About Kayenta Arts Foundation and Center for the Arts at Kayenta: Kayenta Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and create an environment where diverse artistic endeavors can flourish. The Center for the Arts at Kayenta (CFAK) is our beautiful black box theater that brings our mission to the community. Southern Utahns come to CFAK to learn, express, appreciate, and celebrate art in all forms. The Kayenta Arts Foundation is supported in part by funding from Washington County and Ivins City RAP funds. KAF is also supported in part by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts. Come, be a part of the art at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta!

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

with a Smaller Footprint

by Rebecca Roessner

s Earth Day approaches, we reflect on the old mantra, “reduce, reuse, recycle;” it’s still great to do all of those things, but there’s a new movement afoot called “renewability,” one that is on the minds of Eureka Casino Resort’s employee-owners. Renewability is about finding better ways to do all the old things we are used to doing. For example, no one is going to stop driving their car, so we, as a community, need to make the fuel cleaner, more efficient, and sourced from a replenishable supply. The current surge in hybrid and electric car technologies shows that people are excited about this shift as well and are willing to try out something new. And if the new technology is better than what’s already out there, then renewability will be more generally adopted. Not wanting to miss opportunities to do something positive for the community as well as for the environment,

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the Eureka has stepped up and started to take on some of those renewability upgrades. One of the easiest and most effective changes that an organization can make to reduce power use is often overlooked, and its benefits are undervalued. LED light conversions have numerous environmental benefits including an extended lifespan of up to 400% of other types of electric lighting, more resilience to physical and climate damages, and virtually no UV emissions during use, and it is non-toxic and 100% recyclable. In January of 2020, the Eureka contracted with Energy Optimization Services to convert and replace the fluorescent and incandescent lighting on the property. The Eureka has replaced over 500 fixtures both inside and outside of the casino. In less than a year, the savings on electrical energy was enough to cover the cost of the conversion, and the new lights will keep that energy use low for years to come.

Another step that the Eureka is taking to conserve energy and to use it efficiently is to convert the property’s energy sourcing to clean-burning natural gas for all heating and cooking needs. They are actively working with Southwest Gas and other local contractors to convert all the kitchens to natural gas by the summer of 2022. They also expect to add the luxury of a heated outdoor pool. By increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and relying on environmentally friendly sources for fuel, the Eureka is more responsible about energy use without having to sacrifice entertainment. One of the most visible moves to renewability is the widespread adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. The Eureka was the first in Mesquite to add charging stations. All four of the stations are almost always being used. Since guests utilize these regularly, the Eureka is endeavoring to add more units in the coming year. One of the things that has always been important to the Eureka family is to leave the space that they are using better than they found it, and this applies to all aspects of our community. Whether it is cosmetic upgrades to the overall image of Mesquite, partnering with local charities and organizations to ensure citizen safety and comfort, or converting outdated energy sources to more efficient, environmentally friendly technologies, the Eureka has the future in mind. And the more steps we take today to keep our future renewable, the more we will help reduce the weight of our carbon footprint in the future and light the way to a cleaner tomorrow.V To learn more about the Eureka Casino Resort, visit www.eurekamesquite.com.

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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Proper Preparation Before a Round

by Rob Krieger

ou are going out to play, and you need to get your game ready beforehand, but you are not sure what to do. How much is too much, and will too much just make you tired? Not getting it right before your round begins can lead to a lot of poor golf shots while you wait for your “game” to actually show up and display what you are truly capable of. First, start by getting to the course early enough that you are not rushed. A general rule is to get to the course about an hour to an hour and 30 minutes early. Do whatever works for you, but make it consistent. Second, follow an effective pre-round routine.

Here is an example of the INCORRECT pre-round routine that the majority of golfers follow:

• • •

Go to the range first and hit a basket of range balls. Head over to the putting green and roll some putts. Go to the tee.

By starting at the range swinging, it is believed that you get your heart rate up and you help muscles to get loose and stretched out and that you get the blood flowing. You may even begin to mentally prepare to hit some shots that you want to hit on the course.

• •

After the body and mind are ready to go, head to the putting green for at least 15–20 minutes. Arrive at the first tee about 5–10 minutes before the tee time.

The biggest problem with this sequence is that by the time you go to hit your tee shot, your body has completely cooled down, your blood pressure has dropped, and your muscles may have tightened up. The mind has to remember what you did on the range almost an hour ago. WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY PEOPLE TAKE MULLIGANS OFF THE FIRST TEE?

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Instead, try following this more efficient sequence:

• • •

Go to the putting green. Hit your range balls. Finally arrive at the first tee ready to hit a good tee shot.

What should you do on the putting green and range to get ready? On the putting green, it is best to do some of your putting drills and rehearse your putting routine to get a feel for your putting stroke. Begin with short putts, one to five feet, to make sure that you are making square contact and you are striking putts on the line that you intend to. Starting at one foot and working your way out farther allows you to hear the ball fall in the cup so that you can build confidence. Also, have a few short-range putting drills that focus on square contact and speed. Move on to long putts to help get the correct pace and the breakdown of the greens. Hit the ball to other locations or even just to a tee in the ground, and work on getting it to within three feet. Do not get caught up in making the long putts. Just get a feel for the quickness of the green and how the slope is affecting the green’s speed. Practicing some chip shots after putting is also a good way to understand the softness of the green and how your ball will react on the course. Make your way over to the range. Leaving yourself enough time to get your body and mind ready is critical and takes some trial and error to determine what is best for you. Start with some stretching before hitting. Once you begin on your range balls, it is best to start with the short clubs that have lots of loft and work your way to the longer clubs. Also, begin using shorter backswings and increase the length of your backswing as you continue to make good contact. Finally, add more acceleration and speed to the swings, and determine what a good pace will be for you that day. It never hurts to also start with your feet together and to get wider as you continue making consistent strikes. While hitting these shots, work on tempo, balance, and making good contact. Straightness and solidness of contact should be the goal. You can even try to intentionally shape shots as you hit them from right to left, left to right, and straight. If poor shots result, try slowing down, shortening up your swing, and even modifying the ball position, but that’s it. This is not the place to get a lot of swing thoughts in your head before playing. Head to the tee and go have some fun. You can fix your bad shots later during a longer-range session with your swing coach. Remember to always replace your divots and to fill your divots with sand and seed! Good luck and as always…Fairways and Greens!V Rob Krieger, PGA. www.StGeorgeGolfLessons.com

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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Mesquite Sand Carvings

Mesquite sand carvings S by Pete Karns

everal years ago, the City of Mesquite, Nevada, built a road along the city’s west side named Lower Flat Top Drive. It connected Hardy Way to the interstate exchange at mile 118. There was not any development along Lower Flat Top Drive at the time. The road was designed to accommodate future development in the area. The road was carved through hills and gullies of hard-packed sand. When the bulldozers cut through the hills, they left twelve-foot-high faces of this sand.

Three years ago, while I was driving along this road one day, I had an inspiration. These ten-foot-high sandy faces looked like canvases that were just waiting for someone to put some artwork on. I decided to give it a try and

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grabbed some tools—a shovel, screwdriver, claw hammer, and ice pick—and started carving. My first attempt was to carve a two-dimensional image of the cowboy on a bucking bronc that you see on Wyoming license plates. I made it about five feet high with a slightly raised relief image. I was pleased with the result, so I proceeded to carve some other images. I carved a Kokopelli, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, a smiley face, and other images. That winter, I created about ten different images along a mile stretch of Lower Flat Top Drive. Creating these sand carvings was just a hobby of mine, and I was able to do it in complete obscurity. Since I am a snowbird, I left for the summer and didn’t give them much thought until the following winter.

Two winters ago, I picked up where I left off. I continued carving two-dimensional images and made about ten more. Several of these were the emojis that I use when writing emails. Again, I was able to do these mostly unnoticed even though they were just a few feet off of the road. Last winter, I decided to get a little more adventurous. Until then, all of my images were two-dimensional with raised relief. I decided to try something three-dimensional and chose to do the four presidents on Mount Rushmore as my project. Having never done anything like this, it was going to be a challenge! Once I got started, though, I decided that it was doable. Up until then, I was able to pursue my hobby pretty much unnoticed. Then my effort to create a mini Mount Rushmore attracted a lot of attention. Curiosity seekers would stop to find out what I was doing. Several people made comments on Facebook and Nextdoor Mesquite. My work made it into newspapers and onto blogs. Soon it was attracting an audience. Some days, I would have an audience of 20-30 people watching me work. It was encouraging because I was getting a lot of favorable comments like ”attaboy,” ”good job,” and even, ”thanks for doing this.” Facebook created the most exposure where I received thousands of favorable comments. I was surprised by all of this attention because this was certainly not my goal. I was told that I was putting smiles on a lot of faces.

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I have pursued this hobby with an open mind. Even though I have put hundreds of hours into it, I know that my efforts will only be temporary. I compare my carvings to building sandcastles on the beach or building snowmen in the park. The tide or the warm sun takes those away. The wind or rain or even vandalism will take my sand carvings away. Someday, the bulldozers will be back to level the area for future residential development. These sand carvings were only meant for my enjoyment while creating them and the momentary enjoyment of those people who see them while driving or walking by. I have been very careful about what images I carve. I make sure that they are all familiar images that are non-controversial, non-political, non-commercial, and appropriate for Mesquite. So far, my guidelines have worked. The property along Lower Flat Top Drive is owned by the City of Mesquite and is zoned for planned residential development. The sandy hills and gullies will give way to houses. Whatever sand carvings that still exist at that time will disappear. I recently had a meeting with the mayor and some of his staff to discuss my sand carving art. We had a very good meeting, and I was pleased to hear that they like my art and want to support it. They said that it adds character to Lower Flat Top Drive and brings visitors to the area. Since it is City

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of Mesquite property, they want to keep control of what gets carved there. They want to encourage sand carving art but at the same time discourage graffiti such as people scratching their names there. They do this by requiring people to get a permit for anything they want to carve there. Anyone who is inclined to carve anything there will have to get permission from the City of Mesquite first. The City of Mesquite is monitoring what goes on in the area. They certainly have the right to not allow sand carving and remove whatever is there if it becomes a problem. When I returned last fall from my summer hiatus, I was disappointed to see that Mesquite Mount Rushmore was in bad shape. The rain and wind last summer almost made it unsalvageable. I was able to do enough repairs to save it this time, but I doubt that it will last much longer. Many people ask what I am going to do next. I plan to continue doing more sand carvings. I have some ideas for new projects but won’t divulge them yet. As long as I am capable and my hobby continues to be enjoyable, I will keep carving. As someone once told me, I am putting smiles on a lot of people’s faces! Stay tuned.V A lot of people have had a hard time finding my sand carvings. Just go to the intersection of Wittwer Trail and Lower Flat Top Drive. Then proceed northeast up Lower Flat Top Drive for about 600 yards. Mount Rushmore is on your right. There are about twenty more sand carvings that are also spread out on your right for the next mile.

TENNIS TNT tips -n- tricks by Donna Eads

s we play any game like golf or tennis or we just look at our everyday work, we can see how they crossover into each other. In tennis, there are many times when we have to adjust our plan to win by making adjustments for our opponent or the weather. Tennis has many similarities to golf— it is you against these elements. For example, you must learn to manage the course in golf, and in tennis, you manage the weather and your plan. Both sports require proper timing and proper strokes to constantly improve performance. One important element of any stroke is the need to continue to accelerate completely and to use proper footwork. A groundstroke is much like hitting the drive off the tee. The player must accelerate through the entire swing. A serve is like throwing a baseball since the racquet goes over your head. Chipping the ball is the same for both golf and tennis, which means a shortened swing. Volleys are like a punch shot, and the racquet is always in front of you. As the golf ball gets closer to the hole, less is more. The same is true in tennis. However, the timing and footwork must match. Big steps at the baseline are needed, while quick baby steps are done at the net. Both need to be timed with the impact of the ball. A good example is the “volley dance,” which I use in my free clinics. If you are right-handed, it is a quick baby step at impact with your left leg for a forehand, and for a backhand, it is your

right leg. The racquet is always in view, with little to no backswing. When timed with the impact of the ball, the volley will penetrate through the court with power and precision. As golfers must manage the course, tennis players have to manage the strategies of play. In singles, a simple strategy is to hit toward one side of the court three to four times and then attack the other side. For doubles, many use the strategy of bringing your opponents into the net so you can lob over them. For the serve, an effective strategy is to serve to your opponent’s weakest stroke or to serve right into their body.V There are two tournaments available in March. Of course, the Mesquite Senior Games will be held from March 7–10 at both Hafen Park and Sun City Mesquite. For information and to sign up, go to mesquiteseniorgames@gmail.com or contact donnaeads@aol.com. This tournament is all doubles—men, women, and mixed who will be 50 years of age or older in 2022. Great news for all players is the fact that the USTA Southern Utah Area now includes Mesquite! This change opens up the chance to play competitive tournaments and leagues in St. George. They are hosting a tournament at the Dixie Technical College on March 25 and 26. For more information, contact Deborah Cavaliere, USTA Southern Area Coordinator at dcavaliere@utahtennis.com or (970) 471-2961. March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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Are Your Emotions Controlling You? by Judi Moreo

motions, by themselves, are neither good nor bad. They just are. It is how you allow your emotions to influence your thoughts and actions that is important. Awareness and understanding of your feelings can help ensure that you control them and they aren’t controlling you. Knowing what you are feeling, what makes you feel and think that way, and how those feelings are affecting your behaviors and thoughts are crucial life skills. You can’t stop yourself from feeling emotions. But you can become more aware of how those responses change your perceptions and how they could be influencing your behavior in negative ways. If you aren’t sure if you control your emotions or your emotions control you, here are five warning signs that your feelings may control your life.

#1. Your reactions are instinctive. If you are reactive in your emotions, then you may often find yourself reacting to life’s circumstances with little thought or reflection. When you allow your emotional responses to control your decision-making, you respond to things at once and don’t take the time to calm down and let cooler thoughts prevail. When you are emotionally charged, your amygdala has taken over your brain’s ability to think clearly. So, waiting until your immediate response is over means you see the situation differently. But, when you fly off the handle right away in a situation, you resign yourself to a purely emotional response. 106

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#2. You often regret your behavior. Does this ever happen to you? When something happens that upsets you, do you feel good about your response at the moment but later feel sorry about what you did or said? If so, this is a sign that you allow your emotions to guide your behavior. Living with lots of regret about how you treated someone else, responded to a situation, or behaved in front of other people means that you are making poor choices in emotional moments instead of learning to control your responses to your feelings.

#3. You hurt yourself and other people. When you are under the control of your emotions, you may end up hurting other people or yourself. Allowing your emotions to control you means that you are always on edge and always ready to shift moods and become engulfed in the next emotional episode. Others may have difficulty knowing how to respond to you, and you may not know what to expect from yourself. If you spend your life being emotionally charged, you allow your feelings to control your decisions, which can lead to risky or careless decisions.

#4. Your thoughts keep you up at night. When you have excessive anxiety, when you are living with regret over your emotional behavior, or when you don’t know how to handle yourself anymore, you can lose sleep at night. If you find yourself lying in bed wondering how your life got so out of control, you may be letting your emotions have too much power.

#5. You give up on your dreams. When you live in a constant emotionally charged state, it can feel like you won’t ever be able to accomplish what you want in life, which can lead to frustration and cause you to quit pursuing your goals. Your dreams are important to you, but when you allow your emotions to control your life, they take center stage over everything else that is important. Does any of this sound like you? Are you living a life trapped by your emotions? Now that you know what is happening, you are ready to start learning to control how you allow your emotions to rule your life so that you can finally live out your destiny. You can do this. You are more than enough.V Judi Moreo may be contacted for achievement coaching, speaking engagements, or training programs through Turning Point International at (702) 283-4567, or learn more about Judi at www.JudiMoreo.com.

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

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Aguilar Mobile Carwash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Mesquite Fine Arts Center and Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

All In Cycles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

MesquiteLink Realty – Beverly Powers Uhlir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

All Secure Storage, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

MesquiteLinkRealty - Beverly Rineck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Aravada Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

MesquiteLink Realty - Deb Parsley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Bank of Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Mesquite Tile and Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Barney, McKenna, & Olmstead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Mesquite Veterinary Clinic – Peggy Purner, DVM. . . . . . . . . . . 109

C & J Shutters, Blinds and Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

MINA Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Checks-N-Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Moapa Valley & Virgin Valley Mortuaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Citywide Consultants, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Mortgage Mate, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Conestoga Golf Club 1880 Grille. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

MPD/OHV Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Coyote Willows Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

MVP Productions – Kris Zurbas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Deep Roots Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Oasis Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Desert Oasis Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Odyssey Landscaping, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Desert Pain Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Mesquite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ERA – Sharon Szarzi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

P3 Medical Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Eureka Casino Resort - 25th Anniversary . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Pioneer Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Eureka Casino Resort - The Big Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Preston's Medical Waste & Shredding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

EXP Realty - Linda Darling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Ready Golf Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Farmers Insurance - Bill Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Red Rock Golf Instruction - Rob Krieger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Friends of Gold Butte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Reliance Connects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Great Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Re/Max Ridge Realty – Dave Neufeld/Cindy Risinger. . . . . . . 62, 63

H&R Block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101, 107

Re/Max - Robert Goody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Hangey's Custom Upholstering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Richens Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Intermountain Golf Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Rooster Cottage Consignment Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

JL Kendrick Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Senior Center Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

J.R. Morgan Glass & Glazing, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Silver Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

JSL Iceberg Air Conditioning & Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Skinsational at Desert Oasis Spa - Patty Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . 72

Judi Moreo – Speaker, Author, & Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103, 109

SnapShotsWest.com - Ilene Bandringa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Kayenta Arts Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Stationary Hitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Keller Williams - Michelle Hampsten and Jason Lee . . . . . . . . . 41

STORE MORE! Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Ken Garff Mesquite Ford - Dave Heath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

The Lindi Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Kitchen Encounters/Classy Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Tuacahn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Medicare and Healthcare Insurance - Mary Bundy. . . . . . . . . . 89

Vibrationally Speaking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Mesa Valley Estates Assisted Living and Memory Care. . . . . . . . 73

WaFd Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Mesa View Medical Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Washington County Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Mesquite Department of Athletics and Leisure Services. . . . . . . 57

Yogi Window Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

| VIEW ON MAGAZINE | March / April 2022

March / April 2022 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

| VIEW ON MAGAZINE | March / April 2022

March/April 2022