ViewOn Magazine May - June 2021 Outdoor Adventure Issue

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ISSUE

mesquite | moapa valley | arizona strip | southern utah complimentary issue

May 1 - June 30, 2021 Volume 14 – Issue 3 PUBLISHER & EDITOR Kathy Lee MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Sperry ART DIRECTOR / LAYOUT Erin Eames COPY EDITOR Rayma Davis PROOFREADER Jennifer Sperry WRITERS Denise Houston, Anjanae Merida, Alicia Lockwood, Donna Pakledinaz, Autumn Simmons, Donna Eads, Christine Ward, Mary Beth Timm, Jennifer Sperry, Kaylee Pickering, Mayor Maile Wilson Edwards, Helen Houston, Ashley Centers, Cliff and Ilene Bandringa, Marilyn Pabon, Rob Krieger, Anita DeLelles, Judi Moreo, Keith Buchhalter, Karen L. Monsen, Janel Ralat, Susie Knudsen, Dawn McLain, Susan Hunter, Angelita Antonelli, Jacob Nephi, Darren Marchant, Keith Peters, First Friday Staff, Kassidy Skouson, Linda Faas, Steven H. Heath, David Cordero ADVERTISING SALES Kathy Lee ADVERTISING EMAIL ads@ViewOnMagazine.com SUPPORT STAFF Bert Kubica Cheryl Whitehead DISTRIBUTION ViewOn Magazine Staff WEB DESIGN Erin Eames PUBLISHED BY ViewOn Magazine, Inc. Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955 GENERAL INQUIRIES info@ViewOnMagazine.com ONLINE ViewOnMagazine.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

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2007-2021 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,

Welcome to our Outdoor Adventure issue! It is this time of year that I most enjoy living in this beautiful area.

Everywhere you turn, adventure is in your View. North, south, east, and west - your only tough choice will be which direction to start. Within these pages, you will find so many exciting adventures that we have compiled and even some new destinations on the horizon.

I’m always amazed when we complete our adventure issue just how much there is to do within a few miles of where we live.

It is the perfect time for getting outside to hike, bike, or play in the water! There are breathtaking views at every turn! I feel so blessed to live in an area that has so much to offer.

For your safety, we hope that you will practice responsible adventuring. Simple preparations - like making sure you have the right supplies and letting others know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Don’t forget to make sure you have plenty of water, as our desert can be unrelenting at this time of year.

As we start getting back outside again, I hope that you will remember to visit our advertisers. It is with their support that you may continue to enjoy ViewOn Magazine. As always, our Facebook page and our website at www.ViewOnMagazine.com is a great resource that we hope you’ll take time to visit!

Send us a story and pictures of your adventure, and you might see it in next years’ Outdoor Adventure issue. We love hearing your continued feedback and updates on events and stories you would like us to include in future issues.

In the immortal words of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, Happy trails to you, until we meet again!

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 human massage. In 2014, Anita and Ron opened WOOF! Wellness Center and launched their website ShopMeoow.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.

Donna Eads and her husband moved to Mesquite in 2010, from Palm Desert, California and loves the small town atmosphere.

Her writing experience extends from high school and college newspapers to professional manuals as a critical care nurse. Her passion for tennis is evident in her frequent articles for ViewOn Magazine.

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Jennifer Sperry is a happy, energetic writer and inspiring business owner who passionately shares topics in health and mind-body awareness. She is the founder and owner of IAM Retreats, LLC where she leads powerful retreats to help people out of their fears and into their light. You can reach her at exhalellc@gmail.com.

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.

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 2 international bestsellers, You Are More Than Enough and Conquer the Brain Drain. A self-made success, Judi started her first business with $2,000 and a lot of chutzpah. Judi learned to succeed step-by-step over many years, and now has a worldwide following of clients who are enjoying outstanding success as a result of her guidance.

You can reach Judi at judi@judimoreo.com or (702) 283-4567.

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

Ashley Centers Is the former GM of Anytime Fitness Mesquite, her passion for fitness runs deep. She fell in love with Competitive Powerlifting as a pre-teen.

She set many state records and national qualifying totals during her lifting career prior to her competitive retirement while attending college. Ashley is now a ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and training for the sport of Strongwoman. She is a Volunteer Coordinator for the Mesquite Senior Games and is excited to remain a contributor to ViewOn Magazine and to write about her passion for health and fitness!

Helen Houston is the owner of Staging Spaces and Redesign in Mesquite, NV. 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 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 BackRoadsWest.com.

Keith Buchhalter is the Public Affairs Specialist for Overton Power District #5. Born and raised in Guatemala City, he moved to Mesquite, NV, 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’S FINALLY SUMMER!! We have all been through one crazy year, but that doesn’t mean Cedar City will be slowing down any time soon! I am ecstatic to see a lot of our businesses reopening, and we’re all trying to get back to near “normal” as we can. The small business grants, made available through the CARES Act, helped many local businesses get back on their feet. There were also plenty of events that were held safely throughout the year, and this year is looking to be a repeat of that.

Last summer was looking to become one of the more financially destructive years we have faced in our city’s history. When the Utah Summer Games and the Utah Shakespeare Festival made announcements on their decisions to cancel their 2020 seasons, we realized that our business community would still need outside revenue coming in from tourism. We came together and found several ways to accomplish that. One way was by bringing in baseball and softball tournaments. It didn’t take long for outside groups to realize that our facilities were open for business, and our fields were booked nearly every weekend. When the time came to post scheduling for the 2021 season on New Year’s Day, tournament hosts again booked the fields for almost every weekend! That is unbelievable!

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is planning its season, which should be (fingers crossed) starting this month. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Festival, and they are dedicating the 2021 season in honor of the Festival’s founder and greatest supporter, Fred C. Adams. It was a particularly difficult year for them as Fred passed away in early February 2020. They have said that “the 2021 season will be like no other in history”, and with plays like “The Pirates of Penzance”, “A Comedy of Errors”, “Ragtime” and many others, it should be a very fitting homage for the man who started it all. You won’t want to miss it!

This past February, I was able to deliver my annual State of the City Address. 2020 was a challenging year, but in spite of the adversity, we had a new job growth rate of 4%, and our average county wage jumped by 6% between September 2019 and 2020. Building permits jumped a whopping 39% vs. 2019, which we saw an all-time high of 819 permits for the city! Our Airport underwent a $17 million improvement project that rehabilitated most of our major runways to replace the 50+ year old asphalt.

We held our annual City Retreat in February, where we discussed Strategic Planning and set a number of goals for the future. From finances and engineering standards to land use, future water planning, and everything in between. Water resources are such a vital part of planning for growth, and we will explore new conservation and recharge efforts to look for other alternatives to secure water moving forward. It is crucial to look at every aspect we can to preserve this natural resource.

Even though 2020 wasn’t what any of us had planned for, I believe we tried to make the best of the challenges and opportunities that were presented. I am sure 2021 will again be an unprecedented year, but we have all started making plans to make this year just as successful as the past 169 years. (Fun Fact, Cedar City turns 170 this year!) We are very excited to see what 2021 will bring and hope that you and your loved ones have a very prosperous year.

Maile L. Wilson-Edwards Mayor of Cedar City, Utah

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Contents

FEATURES

30 14 30

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Cover Image: By Dan Ransom | DanRansom.com The Iron Hills Trail System in Cedar City, Utah

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Aravada Springs Zion Ponderosa Ranch

From Humble Beginnings to One of the Most Prominent Legacies

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82 From Camping to Glamping Nielsen Has Done It All

Camel Safari A Zoo For You!

Contents

VIEW ON 12 INSIRATION 22 TRAVEL 27 ENERGY 28 PETS 30 BUSINESS 40 GARDENING 55 OUTDOORS 80 FITNESS 86 GOLF 96 ORGANIZATION 98 DESIGN 107 MOTIVATION How to Find Inspiration in Nature

A Visit to Gold Butte National Monument

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

Traveling with Your Pet

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Enjoy Plentiful Vegetables From Your Desert Garden

Arizona Trail: A Path Forward

Outdoor Exercise

Elbows. Strange: Yes. Wierd: Yes. Important for Golf: Absolutely.

Organization for Travel

A Breath of Fresh Air, Mask Free

Manage Today's Uncertainty by Living in the Present

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Photo by: @kandacreative

Why I Love Ivins O

ur family has lived in the St. George area for ten years and in Ivins City for four of those years. What drew us to Ivins was the small-town feel surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Big Red Mountain.

Because we have five children, we’re lucky to live by Unity Park, where we spend much of our time. The park offers something for everyone of any age, a playground and splash pad for our six-year-old, a skate park for our ten-yearold, a basketball court for our 16-year-old, and walking paths and pickleball courts for the rest of us.

We also love the culture here that celebrates the arts in all of its forms. Our Saturdays are filled with lunch outings to Kayenta and shopping trips to the Tuacahn Market. Our favorite part of living in Ivins is our close access to the beautiful Snow Canyon State Park. The hiking and biking trails are surrounded by breathtaking views of the uniquely-formed red rocks. Every part of it is a magical experience.

We love Ivins and can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s the perfect fit for our family, and we consider ourselves blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

- Anjanae Merida

Why I Love I

St. George

came to St. George for a visit in early 2016 with my daughter, and as some great opportunities arose, I stuck around a little bit longer.

However, the most unexpected happened. I began to fall in love as I became involved with the community and explored this amazing landscape! I decided to officially stay and give this area my all. I have met some of the most incredible, authentic people. The art community provides great opportunities, and the schools are top-level. Establishing my business here was inspired, and I love being part of the business community. They are a great inspiring group of entrepreneurs and innovators that love this community and want to help it thrive. For the first time in my life, I can honestly say this place feels like I am home, and I don’t want to live anywhere else!

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- Alicia Lockwood

Why I Love Moapa I

love Moapa Valley because there is a lot of history here for me. My ancestor, Ute Warren Perkins, was one of the first settlers to arrive in the Muddy River Valley. It is almost impossible for me to go anywhere locally without running into a family member, and I love that. Besides the family roots, Moapa Valley is a very caring community. People are always willing to jump in and help wherever it is needed. Not to mention, everyone looks out for each other.

Having had a decade of experience in customer service at various jobs, I can honestly say that Moapa Valley has gotten nothing but compliments about being friendly, inviting, and full of adventure. Don't let the traffic jam of getting stuck behind a tractor stop you from seeing what this town has to offer.

- Autumn Simmons

Why I Love Mesquite M

y husband and I bought a condo in Mesquite in 1998 as a vacation home. We were living in Detroit at the time. Mesquite had one stoplight, one Main Street, and four casinos; Mesquite Star, Oasis, Virgin River, and Players Island. In 2008, my husband passed away, and in 2012, I became a full-time Mesquite resident. I met many people, and through them, I began taking art classes at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center and the Mesquite Recreation Center. I also learned about many volunteering opportunities and currently work at the Mesquite Community Theater and the Virgin Valley Community Food and Thrift Store. Recently I joined the local Elks Lodge to expand my community involvement. Retirement is better than I ever imagined!

- Donna Pakledinaz

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How to Find Inspiration in

ature N

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By Judi Moreo

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ost of us would admit to finding a sunset somewhat moving and possibly inspirational. Few of us can walk past a beautifully red and purple sky without stopping to take a look and probably uploading a picture to Instagram. The same can be said of star-filled skies and crashing waves.

But what is it about nature that we find so beautiful and inspirational? Why are poets, artists, and musicians drawn to these scenes? How can you use this to encourage more creativity in your own life?

Nature teaches authenticity by giving you opportunities to be alone with yourself in a truly non-judgmental environment. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. There’s no judgment… just the pure freedom to be yourself as you are. It helps you build authentic self-awareness because it doesn’t try to change who you are or influence your decisions. Nature is possibly the world’s best teacher of how to be present and have awareness in daily life. All you have to do is sit quietly and observe your surroundings. This removes all the outside influences of media and other people’s opinions, while amplifying the quiet voice of truth that so often gets ignored.

Why We Find Nature Beautiful We feel awe, reverence, and wonder when we see anything that we find hard to fathom and that we can’t quite take in all at once. Things incredibly intricate, incredibly beautiful, or incredibly vast all create a sense of being small in a universe full of incredible possibilities. Research shows that this is a universal feeling, even shared by some animals.

It appears to be beneficial for any species as it encourages altruism and community. Researchers often call these moments ‘peak experiences.’

Where the Inspiration Comes In So why does this lead to inspiration?

The key thing to recognize is that peak experiences involve novelty and scale. They light up lots of areas of our brain as we struggle to comprehend the entirety of what we are seeing. This lighting up of the brain results in lots of memories, ideas, and thoughts flowing all at once. This is often said to be the perfect condition for ideas to emerge.

Beautiful scenes and majestic sights trigger the release of neurotransmitters that make us feel relaxed and exhilarated at the same time. Again, this puts us in a state that is conducive to creative thought and mental experimentation.

How to Harness Peak Experiences So, how do you harness these peak experiences to trigger more innovation and creativity in your life? One way to do this is to subject yourself to more beauty. Go on walks, travel the world, even spend some time on Google images! Another is to appreciate the majesty in even your smallest moments. When you see a flower bloom for the first time, or when you see a swarm of bees, stop to think of all that it represents and of the intricate beauty therein. The greatest poets are those who can see inspiration in all they survey.

Every moment we spend in nature is an opportunity to make amazing discoveries about ourselves and the world in which we live. Simply being surrounded by birds and plants has amazing beneficial effects for the mind and body. But you can also amplify these lessons when you explore nature in a more intentional way. The more clarity you have about what you’re looking for, the more likely you are to find it!V

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By Denise Houston

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hether it’s spring, summer, or fall, a destination awaits your arrival. Aravada Springs sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It is located between The Gold Butte National Monument and The Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument. Beauty surrounds this location in every direction. Daytime exploration consists of seeking out petroglyphs, hiking unique rock formations, and unlimited ATV trails. At the

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end of your day, return to Aravada Springs, where you can enjoy a shower, your warm dinner, and a game of cards with friends in the Rock House Lodge. Step out on the deck and enjoy Stargazing through a high-powered telescope or make S’mores around a campfire. There’s plenty of room around the petrified wood fireplace if you prefer to snuggle indoors.

Aravada Springs is a campground offering cozy kingsized beds, electricity, restrooms, a full access kitchen, and WiFi. Choose a Miner’s tent that fits your needs.

Glamping tents include some extras or choose from a cabin or bunkhouse. You’re more than welcome to bring your own tent or RV. They offer hook-ups as well as dry camping.

You will enjoy waking up to gorgeous sunrises, peacocks strutting their beautiful feathers, and a warm cup of coffee to start your day. To receive the full ranch experience, pay a visit to their Livestock Zoo. There you will meet Bruno(Steer) and Potato(Pig). They are the best of friends and can be seen lying next to one another on a lazy summer day.

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There are two Mini Ponies (Willie and Waylon), two Alpacas (Maverick and Goose), and Carlos the llama. Aravada’s famous Haflinger team, Major and Buddy, reside on the property as well.

Wildlife sightings such as deer, rabbits, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, and tiny bats grace the 200-acre property.

The bats even have a bat house. Don’t be alarmed; they skim the waters in the evening and help keep pests away.

There’s nothing like discovering this desert oasis on a toasty spring/ summer day. A natural spring-fed pond (shown right) welcomes a swing on the rope or an entrance via the twisty slide into its cool refreshing waters.

Youth and adults of all ages find this to be the highlight of their visit during warm desert days. Aravada Springs temperatures are generally 10 degrees cooler than neighboring Mesquite and 20 degrees cooler at night. So plan accordingly when you visit.

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The voices of ranch ancestors can be heard as you pass the cemetery. Keith and Marilyn Nay and family rest there under the glorious American Flag. As you enter the main gate, the original Nays Ranch is displayed in the metal arch. For over 100 years, people have enjoyed the ranch. It’s ownership has stayed in the family line throughout many generations. Those same families

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enjoy reunions every summer, and tradition is kept alive.

Ancestors canned and sold peaches many years ago.

The orchards produce 26 different varieties of fruit. In the fall, if you are passing by, there’s a generally basket full of apples at the gate, with a sign that reads, “Old West Honor System” and a jar to drop 50 cents into. It’s like a Farmers Market in the middle of nowhere.

Guests enjoy the opportunity to customize their experience. A welcome location for a wedding, family reunion, youth camp, retreat, or individual camping. They have a talented guitarist that does campfire concerts, a cowboy poet, and outdoor movies available as add-ons when making reservations.V Aravada Springs offers a ranch experience with added luxury. For more information, go to their website, Aravada.com

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Presented By: Kayenta Arts Foundation

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elebrating the early cultures of the Americas through music, dance, fine art, and unique costumes.

Ivins, UT – The Kayenta Arts Foundation (KAF) is honored to present the premiere Festival of the Americas May 28 – 30, 2021. This first annual event is a multi-cultural outdoor festival that showcases the cultures of the first peoples of North, Central, and South America. The festival will celebrate the depth and beauty of early American cultures.

Through educational workshops and lots of family-friendly activities that feature music, dance, fine art, unique customs and costumes, drum circles, and more!

Much of the festival will focus on those native Americans of the southwest United States and take place in the outdoor setting of Kayenta Art Village and the Center for the Arts at Kayenta, once the ancestral home of Paiute, with surroundings that showcase the stunning natural beauty of our area. No other festival of this nature is currently available in Utah or the western United States.

Rob Goodman, President of the KAF Board of Directors, explained, “The event will facilitate collaboration between diverse cultural groups in the region. We plan on more than 40 artisans to present their work and engage with visitors about the connection of their own work to their cultural heritage. To achieve this, we will provide a celebratory community hub for the understanding and appreciation of the history and cultural fabric of our shared ancient American story and the land we occupy.”

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The earliest habitation of Native Americans in Utah dates to 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Against the ancient red rock landscape’s backdrop, these exquisite and advanced cultures have been preserved through music, dance, fine art, storytelling, and sacred customs. Surrounded by the Kayenta community’s warmth, attendees will go deeper in their respective understanding of our place in time.

This three-day festival will feature an array of cultural art forms and customs (painting, pottery, weaving, silversmithing, storytelling, dance, drumming, and flute).

The weekend event will also feature pow-wow-style activities such as drumming circles, friendship dances, active storytelling, and other movement-oriented workshops and demonstrations.

“KAF is committed to offering visitors and residents of all ages an outdoor arts festival program that provides a safe, healthy experience for people of all ages. This event will draw together distinct tribal communities for the greater good of preserving and sharing these ancient cultures with local residents and visitors to the region.” said Goodman.

EVENT DETAILS: Date: May 28 – 30, 2021 Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm Cost: FREE to $30.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.kayentaarts.com/festival-of-the-americas/

With the generous support of our sponsors, KAF can bring such high-quality experiences to southern Utah.

Our gratitude to: American Indian Services, Dixie State University Institute for Continued Learning (ICL) and Global Engagement, Webrand West, Ivins City, Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Washington County Recreation, Arts & Parks, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, National Endowment for the Arts and the Center for the Arts at Kayenta, Red Mountain Resorts, and Xetava.

ABOUT KAYENTA ARTS FOUNDATION AND THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT KAYENTA Kayenta Arts Foundation is a 501c3 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 the actual place where people in the greater southern Utah area come to learn, express, appreciate and celebrate art in all forms.

If you are looking for the best entertainment in southern Utah, look no further than the Center for the Arts at Kayenta!

Come, be a part of the art at Kayenta.V Contact: Dawn McLain, Center for the Arts at Kayenta 881 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, Utah 84738 Phone: 435-674-ARTS (2787) Email: dawn@writeituponline.com Website: kayentaarts.com

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A Visit to

Gold Butte National Monument

By Cliff & Ilene Bandringa, BackRoadsWest.com

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eady to go on an overland adventure that is seemingly far, far away, yet close to home? Nevada’s newest National Monument, Gold Butte, offers many wide-open desert scenery, colorful and uniquely shaped rock formations, dozens of archeological sites, and miles of back roads to enjoy. Who knew that all of this and more is just 20-40 miles south of Mesquite?

Sandwiched between Lake Mead NRA, Grand Canyon National Park, and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Gold Butte preserves a unique corner of the Mojave Desert. Similar to the Mojave National Preserve 100 miles to its southwest, Gold Butte sets aside pristine desert scenery for future generations.

Along with its classic Mojave Desert scenery, Gold Butte is also known for its abundance of Native American rock art, including the well-known Falling Man petroglyph.

Another popular attraction in Gold Butte is a unique area of intricate geological formations called Little Finland.

There’s also a ghost town where a short-lived mining boom took place at the beginning of the 20th century.

Today, we’re going to take you on an 88-mile round trip loop tour through the Monument, but first, here’s some general information you should know before you go.

If you are reading this in the month of May, it could already be too hot to visit, and it is definitely too hot to visit between June and mid-September. The best times to explore and enjoy the Monument are from October until early May. And, if you visit in March or April, you might see some dazzling wildflower displays.

Keep in mind that Gold Butte is a very remote area with little to no cell phone service. Be prepared with water, food, fuel, and common sense. Regular cars can handle the road’s paved portion, but we don’t recommend that you attempt any of the dirt roads. Stock trucks and SUVs can normally handle those roads, but, like any desert dirt road, they are subject to change over time or after a significant weather event. Most 4WD vehicles and ATVs with all-terrain tires can tackle these issues. Still, you might want to consider going to Gold Butte with another vehicle or more for safety.

OK, let’s start our tour! This trip provides you with a good overview of the Monument but, for more details and to see our virtual video tours, go to our blog at www.BackRoadsWest.com/blog and search for “Gold Butte”.

We start by taking exit 112 (Hwy 170) off I-15 and going south for a few miles. Just after crossing the Virgin River, turn right onto Gold Butte Road and reset your odometer.

The badly aging pavement of this road stretches for 21 miles and is full of potholes, so be careful.

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This loop route is called the Gold Butte National Backcountry Byway, and there are signs throughout the Monument. And, on a map, it’s shaped like a great big lollipop with the handle being the paved section and the approximately 50-mile round dirt portion being the lollipop.

For the first few miles, you’ll pass by ranchland paralleling the river. At 12.5 miles, you’ll cross the National Monument boundary. A few miles past that, look to the right of Lake Mead in the far distance as the road crosses a very large alluvial slope called a bajada.

Here is your best bet to see wildflowers in the spring.

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At 19.7 miles, a dirt road goes off to the right and leads to the Monument’s largest collection of rock art and a maze of colorful rock formations. You can easily spend a whole day here and still not see everything.

Back on Gold Butte Road, continue for another 1.5 miles to reach Whitney Pocket, where the pavement ends. In this area are more colorful rock formations, an ATV staging area with restrooms, places to camp, and a historical dam built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps).

Down the main dirt road, about 3.5 miles past Whitney Pocket, we turn right onto Mud Wash North Road. This road takes us down into a fun, twisting desert wash, and in a few miles, we pass by vividly orange sandstone outcroppings where there are more petroglyphs.

A few more miles down the road, and we’re near Little Finland, which is not visible from the road. This is another place where you can easily spend all day exploring and looking at these other-worldly rock formations.

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Continuing down the road another 5 miles, we arrive at Red Bluff Spring.

Here, you can go on a 2-mile round trip hike through a small desert oasis and then into a narrow canyon.

Gold Butte’s Backcountry Byway now heads due south and passes through a more remote portion of the Monument.

In 14.5 miles, we’ve reached the townsite of Gold Butte.

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Like many ghost towns, there’s not much left here except for a few foundations, some dilapidated mining equipment, and two gravesites.

From here, head north on the same Byway, and in 20 miles, we complete the loop and are back at Whitney Pocket. Then, it’s another 20 miles back to civilization on the so-called “paved” road.

To learn more, visit: FriendsOfGoldButte.org. They support the Monument and have a visitor center in Mesquite. Their handy map is invaluable when visiting the Monument.

Happy Exploring!V Read more about Gold Butte or take a virtual tour by going to BackRoadsWest.com/blog or search for “Gold Butte: How to Visit” on YouTube.

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

By Keith Buchhalter

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ummer is just around the corner, and so are the hot desert temperatures. Here are some helpful tips to save energy and make sure you and your home are prepared before summer swoops in.

Give your HVAC system a checkup

Take the time now to have your system checked thoroughly to ensure that all components are working correctly. Get ahead of any fixes that might be necessary before summer temperatures hit at full force. It’s also recommended that you change your air filter to avoid energy-wasting dust clogs and clear any debris from around the vents or exhausts.

Change the direction of ceiling fans

Did you know that ceiling fans are designed to rotate differently depending on the season? In the summer, you should switch your fan settings to run counterclockwise at higher speeds to get a good breeze going.

Also, remember to turn fans off when leaving a room that’s not in use to save energy.

Prep your sprinkler system

Since water usage tends to increase in the summer, it’s a good idea to keep watering costs down by only watering grass and plants in the early morning hours or the evening. The summer heat causes water to evaporate quicker. You can also save energy by installing a low-flow water fixture on your outdoor sprinkler.

Plant some shade trees

Planting shade trees on the side of your home that receives the most impact from the sun is a good way to ease the strain on your air conditioning unit and your energy bill. Placing a tree that will shield windows from the direct sun, mainly on the south and west sides of your home, will help reduce the amount of heat that builds up inside.

In southern Nevada, we know that there is no shortage of sunlight, which is why it’s key to allow breezes to flow through your property by creating a wind tunnel that will direct strong breezes to mill throughout your property. Planting a row of trees or a cluster of trees will help keep things cooler.

Keep your trees pruned

It’s recommended that you keep any trees on your property pruned to keep them from blowing over during bouts of extreme wind that can be common during the summer months. Seal air leaks and close those blinds – Use caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep the cool air from escaping.

Also, to keep the heat out, keep your blinds/curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day.V We share energy-saving tips on social media year-round, so make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @OPD5.

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view on PETS

By Anita DeLelles

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raining. Not usually what you think of when planning a trip with Fido. Yet, this investment in training can be the difference between a stressful or enjoyable experience for all involved. Here are some tips when preparing for a trip.

These apply mostly to traveling with your pup but can also work for travel with your kitty cat.

1. Start taking short car rides at an early age to experience new things, such as unfamiliar sights, sounds, and other animals. Often, the only car rides are to the vet office, which can result in learned fear. When in the car, encourage calm, quiet behavior, and reward that behavior with positive reinforcement, treats, and praise.

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2. Crate training with a professional trainer can literally be a lifesaver. Crating your dog in the car keeps them safe in the event of an accident. Even a minor accident can result in your dog escaping and becoming lost or injured by oncoming traffic. If you have to leave them in a hotel room alone, crating can prevent damage to the room and keep your pet calm.

Airlines require pets to be in crates, not only for safety, but to make the travel experience more pleasurable all around. Crate training takes time and should be started well in advance of any planned travel. In fact, crate training is probably one of the most important things to teach your dog, yet it is often overlooked.

3. New and stressful situations for your dog may result in fearful or anxious behavior. To manage these situations, stay calm, redirect the dog, or walk away to remove them from the stressor. Ask them for behaviors they are familiar with, such as sit or down, and praise them for the appropriate behavior. Maintain routines as much as possible — feeding times, potty time, etc. Routine is stabilizing and comforting to your pet.

4. Ideally, every dog should be well-socialized from a young age. Start your puppy or kitten out on the right paw. Puppy social classes are encouraged by most veterinarians as a critical part of puppyhood. Did you know that kitten socials are also beginning to gain popularity? WOOF! Center Training Academy in Santa Clara will begin kitten socials in the Fall. Puppy social and kitten social classes introduce pets to new sounds, sights, and experiences to reduce anxiety later in life.

5. Prepare for your trip. If traveling by car, you have all the supplies you’ll need to keep your dog’s routine and diet consistent. Take plenty of food for the entire trip, familiar bedding, treats, and toys. Don’t forget any medications or dietary supplements.

6. Always keep your dog safely restrained in unfamiliar environments when traveling. Take a loose-leash walking class to maintain better control wherever you venture.

Using a no-pull harness at WOOF! Training Academy can prepare you and your dog to take hikes and explore new environments safely. Safe restraint at all times on your trip will eliminate the fear of a lost or injured pet companion.

So essentially, the need for training can not be overstated and will pay rewards when traveling. Creating a bond with your dog using clear communication ensures a confident, happy dog. At WOOF! Training Academy, professional trainers work with clients in all aspects of training from impulse control to service and therapy dog training. Locally owned and operated, WOOF! offers free training assessments so you can find the right training direction for you and your dog.V

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view on BUSINESS

The Humble Beginnings to One of the Most Prominent Legacies

By Jennifer Sperry

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haring eight miles with Zion National Park's border is the breathtaking location of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (ZPR). It is no surprise Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was named one of the top six adventure resorts in the U.S. News World Report. ZPR is filled with many opportunities on the property and direct access to popular Zion hikes like Observation Point, Cable Mountain, and Orderville Gulch. Canyoneering, horseback riding, ATV tours, bungee trampoline, miniature golf, paintball, shotgun range, stargazing tours, tennis and volleyball, virtual reality rides, yoga, jeep adventures, ziplining all await for the adventurous guests. While familyfriendly dining activities in the restaurant, browsing the gift shop, swimming in the pool, or hot tubs are available at the resort for a relaxing experience in the beautiful surrounding area.

ZPR was a dream created by Ray and Ruth Lewis with their daughter Rose Neeleman and her husband, Gary. The resort has grown to be a family legacy with Rose, Gary, their children, and their prosperity making it well known around the world.

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Ray Lewis had always dreamed of owning a ranch, like the one he was born on in the Uinta Mountains. At the time, his large family with nine children lived in a small town in northeastern Utah. But felt he needed to move them to southern California to follow his entrepreneurial passion to pursue new business opportunities. He prospered in California with the start of a catering business he ran with his family; however, Ray's heart still desired to someday return to Utah.

In 1957, Ray's oldest daughter, Rose, married Gary Neeleman. The couple soon moved to Brazil so Gary could work as a foreign correspondent with the world news agency United Press International. In the warm month of August 1962, the Neeleman's brought their three children back to the U.S. to spend two weeks with their grandparents, Ray and Ruth, in California.

While visiting, Gary had been thumbing through the LA Times when he noticed a classified ad offering 4,000 acres of deeded land and 4,500 acres of BLM Land in Utah.

The ad described the ranch as "…high desert property, covered with Ponderosa Pine, Utah Juniper, Pinion Pine and Manzanita."

Gary's curiosity got the best of him, and within hours the entire family was on their way to Zion National Park to see the property. Little did they know, it would soon become "Zion Ponderosa Ranch."

The dusty five-mile road from Highway 9 to the ranch property would have discouraged a less visionary man, but not Ray Lewis. He was so impressed as he envisioned his dream coming to life that he immediately put down $1,000 in earnest money. As Ray Lewis stood on Pine Knoll, the highest point on the ranch, and looked southwest into

Zion National Park, his imagination soared. He envisioned a natural sanctuary, only a few hours' drive from metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City, Vegas, and even California. This place, where people could enjoy solitude and nature in a mountain cabin, on a breathtaking hike while exploring the Zion area. With so much abundant wildlife to observe and inhaling the deep fragrant scents of Juniper and Ponderosa Pine. All while on the edge of one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world would soon become one of the top-ranked National Parks.

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To Ray and Ruth Lewis, the Ponderosa Ranch was created to be more than just a big piece of land. Ray firmly believed that God meant for him to care for it and preserve it for generations to come. He convinced Kane County to allow him to create one of the last dry subdivisions in Utah. As he gently cut the roads through the property into subdivided lots, he made every effort to preserve the huge, 500-year-old trees. He went out of his way to maintain the unusual rock formations. To this day, the resort grows, leaving the natural area to be explored and appreciated.

His dream to preserve the beauty of the land is being carried out by his family. They seem to have inherited his entrepreneurial passion.

On December 31, 1995, Ray passed away. His dream lives on in the treasure he left to his children and grandchildren. Today, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is an integral part of the history of this amazing land. The Neeleman and Lewis families feel continuously blessed to be stewards of his great legacy and honored to inspire the love of Zion in every treasured guest.

Experiencing the property is truly part of your stay. You can stay in vacation rentals with large windows from ceiling to floor, allowing the guests to enjoy the views of the natural beauty Ray worked so hard to keep. There are camping tents, Conestoga wagons, cowboy cabins, cabin suites, glamping in yurts, and RV camping available for the guest who wants to fall asleep listening to the calming nature night sounds. ZPR offers shuttle services to take guests of all ages and agility to trailheads within the national park. Yoga has been added to Ray's dream of a natural sanctuary, specifically placed outdoors to experience

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the land during your practice as part of the calm. Seasonally there are stargazing tours where guests from all over the world can enjoy the beauty of no light pollution. This is the best way to enjoy Utah's well known wide-open skies scattered abundantly with stars.

During peak season, you will find the touch of love from Ruth where ZPR offers "Grandma Ruth's Country Dinner" to guests.

A hearty country dinner is served to guests outside. The whole family can enjoy a jeep adventure that leaves right from the property with East Zion Adventures. It doesn't matter the season as guests pile into an open jeep with heated seats and blankets for colder seasons. They have an unobstructed view of the whole property and surrounding scenery. The opportunities for enjoyment are endless. At the end of an adventurous day, the guest can return to Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort to home-cooked meals in the restaurant.

Ray's dreams and legacy are alive in preserving the land, sharing this space with the world, and leaving it to his family to carry on this great work he was called to create from his dreams. This ranch is a beautiful creation from Ray, Ruth, Gary, Rose, and their posterity.

Gary and Rose's eldest daughter, Julie, and her husband, Bart Millard -along with their four children and spouses - have not only been the caretakers, but they have also been innovators.

With suggestions and investments from both Julie's brothers, David and Stephen, the ranch has become one of southwest Utah's great gems. Visitors worldwide visit the property every year and return home with a new perspective on the real

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meaning of "out of doors." Even during the pandemic, the ranch recorded some of its most successful times. People anxious to get out of their confinement and understanding the low incidence of the Coronavirus in the area of this high desert property; the guests came from everywhere. Julie and her family sometimes work around the clock to make sure the guests are not only safe, but have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular place.V

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Graciously taken from Gary Neeleman's account of this beautiful legacy.

To book a stay at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort visit: www.zionponderosa.com. For excursions reservations with East Zion Adventures on the property, www.eastzionadventures.com.

travel.usnews.com/gallery/americas-6-top-adventure-resorts

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The Land of Endurance Photos provided by “Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office”

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he land of endurance is starting to become a wellknown theme for the St. George area inside the IRONMAN community. It not only speaks to the unique, timeless landscape of the area; but a challenge that the landscape represents to IRONMAN competitors across the globe. St. George, Utah is set to be one of the first to resume an IRONMAN 70.3® race this May following a year of IRONMAN race cancellations due to COVID-19. Thousands of athletes have waited with great anticipation - knowing that this will not only be the first race in two years - but a race that requires a strong measure of physical and mental endurance to accomplish. The event will start at Sand Hollow Reservoir with a 1.2-mile swim, then transition to a 56-mile bike through Hurricane, Washington, Santa Clara, Ivins, and St. George. Competitors then finish with a 13.1-mile run in downtown St. George.

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Top professional and age-group triathletes from across the country will test their mettle in the shadows of the stunning red rock canyons in St. George. The challenging course with breathtaking views of American Southwest scenery is an athlete-favorite that attracts the best in the sport and electrifying spectator support. Named the North American Pro Championship race, professional and agegroup athletes find out what they are made of, from the sound of the gun all the way to the finisher chute. This year will be one to remember with not only one race happening in May, but a second in September; the IRONMAN 70.3® World Championship-St. George, Utah.

In 2019, St. George was announced as the 2021 host city for the world championship. Athletes compete in various IRONMAN 70.3® events across the globe to qualify for a spot

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in the IRONMAN 70.3® World Championship held each year. This culminating event rotates globally to different cities worthy of such a prestigious race. In this second race, 7,000 athletes from 110 countries and all 50 states will converge on the southern Utah landscape to compete against the best in the world in what is known as one of the most challenging courses in the world.

This year marks the 11th year since IRONMAN was first introduced to the land of endurance and is set to be the most memorable. Being chosen for a world championship race is not just about having a challenging course; it’s about the entire community.

The area has embraced IRONMAN, evidenced by the thousands of volunteers that make the event possible. St. George has been known to have one of the highest volunteer-to-athlete ratios in all of IRONMAN, contributing to the many athlete choice awards the race has been awarded. Two races, thousands of athletes from all over the world, thousands of volunteers and supporters…for many in Southern Utah, 2021 will go down as the year of IRONMAN.V For more information, contact Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office at 435-634-5747

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view viewon on GARDENING GARDENING

By Marilyn Pabon

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rowing fruits and vegetables in the desert goes against everything you thought you knew about gardening.

Though you can’t grow any one vegetable all through the year, you can grow some vegetables at all times of the year. This means you can make your own Garden of Eden in the desert if you want to and if you know how.

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Gardening in most places means summer activity and winter rest, two simple seasons. If we think in these terms for our desert gardens, we miss the subtleties of several short seasons.

These short seasons are powerful and determine the quickgrowing varieties we need to select to be successful gardeners.

Warming Winter Season ( MID-JANUARY TO MID-MARCH) 60 DAYS

This short season is quickly used up with digging planting holes, pruning grapevines and fruit trees, and preparing vegetable beds.

This is the time to sow lettuce, turnip, carrot, and beet seed directly into the warming ground near the end of the season. They will grow without bolting until the end of May. At the same time, it’s a preparation period for summer vegetables if you grow your own plants from seed. A greenhouse is needed to grow eggplant, tomato, and pepper plants. These will be set out at the end of this season.

Warming Summer Season (MID-MARCH TO MID-JUNE) 90 DAYS

This is the time to set out your tomato plants that are at least 6-inches tall, and sow corn and squash seed. After a little while, set out peppers and eggplant and sow seed for cantaloupe and watermelon.

Toward the end of this season, the heat becomes too much for the corn, bush beans, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

Plants continue to grow, but they are under stress, and their flowers fail to produce viable pollen. With the exception of cherry tomatoes. No fruit is set until the weather cools in September. It’s most important to select varieties that mature quickly before the heat arrives in early July. On the other hand, the heat favors watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, Chinese pole beans, okra, and black-eyed peas.

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Hot Summer Season (JULY AND AUGUST) 60 DAYS

It’s too hot for most plants, but there is an opportunity for second and even third sowings of squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe seed.

Cooling Summer Season (SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER) 60 DAYS

This is the end of the season for heat-loving plants such as squash, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, Chinese pole beans, and melons. Anything planted during the previous months continues to grow and produce fruit, but now the plants are old and declining in vigor.

However, tomato plants, peppers, and eggplant start to flower again, and their pollen survives to set fruit. It’s a beautiful time for these plants. They often do much better than they did in the Warming Summer Season before the summer heat stopped their production.

You can sow corn and bean seed at the beginning of this season, and they will grow quickly in the warm soil. By the time the plant reaches maturity, nights will have begun to cool, and pollen will be effective in setting a harvest. It’s a great time to plant fruit trees and strawberries.

Cooling Winter Season (SEPTEMBER THROUGH NOVEMBER) 90 DAYS

Now we are thinking in terms of winter vegetables.

The soil is warm, the days are warm, and the nights are getting progressively cooler.

The end of the summer vegetable season overlaps the beginning of the winter vegetable season. It’s usual to set out plants, but seeds can be sown too.

In early September, try cucumbers, and you will be pleasantly surprised at their performance compared with springtime growth. For one thing, the fruit won’t be bitter, and varieties other than Armenian will do well. This is also a good time for a second round of lettuce which does best in the cool weather of fall and spring.

At the end of October, the weather cools to the point where plants grow slowly. If they are large and well established, they continue to increase in size. Newly set plants generally stand still or grow very little.

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The first frost in November stops everything.

It kills the beans, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers and knocks the leaves off the fruit trees.

The Dead of Winter (DECEMBER TO MID-JANUARY) 45 DAYS

Hardly anything grows during this short season though plants are not necessarily dead. Lettuce, carrots, beets, and turnips, although frosted, are safe. Plants that survive cold but are dormant can be made to grow inside warm tunnels. These include all the winter vegetables and strawberries.

That’s the desert gardening year. Note that there are many seasons, not just two, and they are short ones.V Marilyn Pabon is a Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Organic Gardener, Sourdough Bread Baker, and Author. To learn about her new series of Divine Feminine Handbooks, visit her website at CCD

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A TIME TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO GAVE

THEIR TOMORROWS for Our Today

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From left to right - Sargeant Boyle, Borland, Gervassi, Lieutenant Murdock, Sargeant Forde Photo Courtesy of Sargeant Forde's nephew, James Stanton

By David Cordero

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ieutenant Quentin Murdock was a longtime St. George resident who served with the famed 1st Infantry Division during World War II. He saw, in his words, “more combat than most” during the war, leading platoons in North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy as the Allies fought to liberate Europe from Nazi rule.

I was fortunate to spend significant time with Murdock in his twilight years before his death in 2018 at age 99.

He spoke often of his experiences during the war — the good, the bad, and the terrifying. One man, in Murdock’s mind, stood out.

Corporal John “Pat” Forde of Brooklyn, New York, was among the most dependable men in Murdock’s platoon.

Fast friends, despite a discrepancy in rank, they shared in the deprivations of combat in North Africa and Sicily.

Murdock recalled how he and Forde shared a blanket to stay warm on cold nights. Murdock thought it was a good arrangement; Forde wasn’t so sure. Tired of hauling the heavy blanket throughout the hot days, Forde cut it in half so Murdock could carry his share.

During a break from combat in 1943, Forde wrote a letter to his father, a World War I veteran. Like many soldiers, Forde longed for home. And although many who were fighting overseas were unclear on why they were there, Forde understood completely.

“I am homesick and would chuck the whole thing if I thought we weren’t right in what we are fighting for. Our cause is one of the oldest in civilization. Not democracy, as you fought for; not liberty, as many men died for, but survival against a scientific scourge which seeks to

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subdue and murder the entire world. When we have finished, everyone will be able to sleep without fear of death, talk without fear of persecution, sing because you want to, not because someone tells you, and live because it is good to live.”

LIVE BECAUSE IT IS GOOD TO LIVE. The end was more than two years away. Yet Forde would not take part in the celebration.

Early the morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944, Forde stormed Omaha Beach as part of the second wave of the Normandy invasion. The soldiers who managed to reach the shore were stymied by German machine gun fire. Finally, a path off the beach was cleared, and Forde scurried up the slope.

Then, tragedy. Forde stepped on a mine, the force of which propelled his body onto a second mine.

At age 22, Forde surrendered all his tomorrows for our today.

For many years I helped escort veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on trips to Washington D.C. through the non-profit organization Utah Honor Flight.

Each veteran had their own reactions to the experience. The memorials brought long-ago memories back to the surface. In some instances, they felt comfortable enough to share what was on their mind. Their dialogue had, for a moment, brought a fallen comrade back to life, calling to mind what novelist George Eliot once wrote, “the dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.”

I ask all veterans to observe Memorial Day by remembering a buddy who didn’t survive the war. Tell us about what you had in common, what you remember most about them, their hopes, their dreams, and what they meant to you.

If that person lives on in your words, they will live on in our hearts.V

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David Cordero with Sargeant Murdock | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |May/June 2021

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Going With the Flow Cycling and Scenery in Cedar City, UT

By Kaylee Pickering

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ast track flow trails, scenic loops, and switchbacks that make your heart race!

Nestled comfortably between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Cedar City is an unexpected mountain bike mecca in southern Utah. The area is home to three distinct trail systems, gravel rides, a lift-serviced bike park,

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and paved scenic routes. Many of which are a short drive away and accessible via personal vehicle.

The sheer amount of possibilities and trails to ride can be a bit dizzying. Still, the right blend of scenic and exhilarating trails will add up to an incredible experience.

With a healthy side of red rock and nearby scenic wonders, outdoor adventure awaits at every bend.

THE PERFECT RIDE | MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS With sweeping views of the surrounding valley, you’ll find trails lined in juniper and lava rock, and a blend of terrain and difficulty levels. Between the three designated trail systems in Cedar City, there’s plenty of room to ride and even more to see.

The Iron Hills trail system touches the south end of town, making it an easy jumping-off point for an afternoon of adventure. The beautiful surroundings add to the wonder of the experience, and the trickier trails are sure to get you grinning! Start with a climb on the Lichen It trail through fun terrain and incredible views before gearing up for the Lava Flow. This flow trail has optional jumps, drops, and some technical rock gardens.

Thunderbird Gardens is a favorite among locals and visitors alike within city limits, with striated hills of vibrant red rock, sweeping valley views interjected with rolling formations.

Climb it out on the Lightning Switch trail, or discover unique

rock formations along the Thor’s Hideout Trail. You can test your balance as you get up close and personal with the iconic southern Utah red rock and colorful hills along the Razorback Trail.

LOOPS, HILLS, AND PEAKS | GRAVEL GRINDERS GRAIL Home to hundreds of miles of gravel trails, it can be hard to narrow down where to start. Follow along the Belgian Waffle Ride route by riding portions of the 125-mile course as it winds its way along gravel roads and scenic backways throughout Cedar City and the surrounding communities.

For a serious climb with rewarding views, take the Shurtz Canyon trail. This trail connects off the south end of Cedar City and winds up the mountain to the vistas of Cedar Mountain. Parts of the trail find riders nestled against red rock, among wildflowers, and staring down on the unique “Shurtz Canyon pyramid” formation.

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WILDFLOWERS & VISTAS | SCENIC CYCLING LOOPS While we tend to focus on the incredible mountain biking scene surrounding us, there are scenic loops all around Cedar City that can’t be missed! With several miles of designated bike lanes inside the city limits along main roads and connecting back roads, you can get just about anywhere you need to be on a bike. And this includes some truly bucket-list-worthy stops in the area.

Cycle past dinosaur footprints and petroglyphs on the Parowan Gap scenic cycling loop. Enjoy beautiful views of the rising red formations of Kolob Canyons and Shurtz Canyon on your way back from New Harmony on an out-and-back ride from Cedar City to New Harmony.

Or plan a ride along Highway 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument! In July, the meadows surrounding the red rock amphitheater of the monument come alive with a burst of color. As the wildflowers take over Cedar Breaks, there is no more beautiful view in southern Utah.

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RED ROCK & GLITTER THE BRIAN HEAD MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK A relaxing scenic chair lift ride to start the morning, water bottle in hand, helmet on, ready to go; you can see other riders zipping along the trails below, and you’re ready to go. In the distance, you can see rising formations of iconic southern Utah red rock, the plateau of Brian Head Peak, and the beautiful expanses of Dixie National Forest.

As you hop off the lift, wheeling your bike along, you’ll notice the Brian Head Ski Patrol building reminding you that this is a true high elevation adventure at 11,000 feet. Head to the right to warm up with an easy ride on the Color Flow trail, or jump in feet first with some jumps and whips on the Little Glitter Trail.

Known for its incredible gravity-fed flow, technical singletrack,

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and access to hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, the Brian Head bike park is only outdone by the scenery that surrounds it. Beyond the bike park and the summer fun at the resort, there are some unbelievable backcountry trails to be found in Brian Head!

the wide variety of trail types here make an easy one-stop destination for a day of rides. Experience the beauty of this high desert terrain in a more personal experience along the Lost World trail. Or hone your skills on the wood bridges and guided terrain of the Three Peaks Practice Loop.

TRAILS & TELESCOPES | THREE PEAKS RECREATION AREA Just ten miles west of Cedar City, the rolling hills and volcanic rock formations of Three Peaks Recreation Area provide a fantastic location for outdoor recreation. Several large picnic areas, two 18-hole disc golf courses, and a myriad of other opportunities can be found in the expansive recreation area.

However, no matter what trails you choose to ride in Three Peaks, staying for the night sky views is a must. Far enough away from the light of the city, Three Peaks Recreation Area gives way to unbelievable night sky views. It’s a great opportunity to pack a lunch, even a small grill, and spend the day immersed in the wonders surrounding Cedar City.

The cherry on top? A 19-mile mountain bike trail system that runs through the complex. Popular for mountain bike races,

Let

Wonder be your guide.V

VisitCedarCity.com

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Dale Shewalter | Photo Credit: Arizona Trail Assoication

view on OUTDOORS

Arizona Trail: A Path Forward

By Karen L. Monsen

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he Triple Crown of Hiking includes the Appalachian Trail (3,193 miles), Pacific Crest Trail (2,653 miles), and Continental Divide Trail (3,100 miles). The much shorter Arizona Trail (817 miles) offers stunning views, spectacular night skies, hiking, biking, equestrian, and volunteering opportunities.

Plans for an Arizona Trail (AZT) began in the 1980s when Flagstaff teacher Dale Shewalter scouted a route from Mexico to the Utah border. Shewalter, considered the Father of the Arizona Trail, died in 2010, but his dream endures through the Arizona Trail Association (ATA). Executive Director Matthew Nelson says, “While Dale was not the first person to have the vision of a cross-state trail, he was the one to make it happen.” Designated as a State Scenic Trail in 2006, a National Scenic Trail in 2009, and completed in 2012, Nelson contends, “While the trail is now “complete,” it has a long way to go to live up to its designation as a National Scenic Trail. Over 100 miles are still along roads where motor vehicles are allowed.”

Today, a trail steward program, established in 1994, has approximately 150 stewards and seven regional stewards.

Volunteers clear, repair, stabilize, restore damaged trails, improve water access for travelers, and create scenic detours around wilderness sections to accommodate mountain bikers. Since nearly 100 miles burned in five major 2020 fires, much work remains to make the trail safe, scenic, and sustainable.

PASSAGES

The Arizona Trail is divided into 43 Passages, each 10 to 35 miles long. The ATA website (aztrail.org) provides maps, profiles, waypoints, tracks, access points, difficulty levels, and advisory updates. A historic monument located at the US/ Mexico border marks the southern terminus of the trail in an area closed by border-wall construction since July 2020.

Hikers should consult ATA for detours and closure updates.

A red sandstone pillar, erected in 2018 by ATA members, donors, volunteers, and the Bureau of Land Management, marks the northern terminus near Utah’s Stateline Campground. Signs along the way indicate proximity to either terminus.

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ALONG THE WAY

Prickly pear, agave, yucca, palo verde, mesquite, and saguaro cacti grow at lower elevations; manzanita, scrub oak, and ponderosa pine grow higher up. Landscapes include rolling hills, grasslands, forests, steep rocky cliffs, majestic peaks, Mormon Lake, and the iconic Grand Canyon. Rob Mason, a 10-year trail steward, has hiked 750 miles of the trail over an 11-year period. In earlier years, while running the Grand Canyon section of the AZT, he ran out of water, begged others for water, and today reminds hikers, “Water is vital.

All else is luxury.”

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Gila monsters, lizards, javelina, jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, squirrels, bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, eagles, hawks, osprey, and endangered Mexican Spotted Owl populate the trail.

Mark Flint, a 16-year steward, describes the Mojave Rattlesnake as his least favorite encounter. “They are generally foultempered with an over-large definition of personal space.” Flint hopes to complete a section hiking the entirety in the next 18-24 months. He advises, “Expect it to be harder than you imagined. And also more rewarding.”

Arizona Trails Hiker & Saguaro Cacti | Photo Credit: Larry Simkins

Fellow steward Sandy Fortner, who section-hiked the entire route over three years, describes the 10 miles she monitors as, “covered in snow in the winter, but will be in the 90s in the summer.” Bill Sandercock, an 8-year steward who monitors 100 trail miles, hiked and biked half of the trail in sections. He characterizes the Mogollon Rim to Kachina Peaks as being “in the middle of nowhere”. He alleges Mormon Lake “may be one of the best locations to view the stars along the AZT.”

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TRAIL WORK

Immense gratification comes from completing a trail traverse, section hike, or volunteer work. David Rabb, an 8-year steward covering the section, including Romero Pass to Marshall Gulch, volunteered for “my love of the trail.” He notes, “Back in the day, I was also part of a group known as “Crazies” because we worked on desert passages 12 months of the year.”

With a passion for the outdoors, Tasha Pontifex, a 10-year-plus steward who covers the Wilderness Bypass for the Catalina Mountains, confesses she became addicted to the satisfaction of seeing the results at the end of a trail workday. “Being a steward embodied my commitment to the Trail.” Fortner injects, “Not all volunteers do trail maintenance. There’s outreach and administrative stuff to do also. If trail work is your thing, take the Trail Skills Institute classes—6 modules. Or just sign up and show up for a work event! The organizers will find a task that fits you and show you what to do.” If you want a nice trail to hike, Fortner declares you need to maintain it, “It’s everyone’s job!”

Retired PE teacher and steward Bob Bevill feels, “Advocacy for our Scenic AZT is a must.” He adds, “There is a very good chance of finding something you like out of the 800’ish miles of trail.”

While most work projects involve clearing or building trails,

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Arizona Trails Volunteers | Photo Credit: Wendy Lotze

special tasks arise like sign upgrades, gate installations, spring restoration, and even a Rainwater Collector project completed in 2019 in the Tonto National Forest passage 17.

Trail Director Zach MacDonald explained the water need along the 21-mile segment in a posting on the aztrail.org website, “The Arizona Trail south of Superior [town east of Phoenix] features one of the most beautiful landscapes in Arizona, but it has proven to be dangerous for many trail users. As springs and seeps dry up or are compromised near the AZT, we are committed to improving water resources for the benefit of trail users, wildlife, and the ecosystem itself. After all, a trail without water is unsustainable.”

A 1,500-gallon tank was constructed to catch and store rainwater. The unique design has a spigot with automatic shutoff for users to fill and filter water bottles, a system to prevent algae growth, and mesh screens to keep out dirt and insects.

Once full, the tank has an overflow pipe to a trough for wildlife use.

Although not in the Triple Crown of Hiking, the Arizona Trail occupies its own class connecting people to the earth, nature, and each other while providing a path forward.V

First Friday at Legacy Park

By First Friday Staff

W

ith COVID-19 taking its toll on several events around southern Utah, one event holds on... and is bigger and better than ever.

Streetfest may have changed its name and even its location, but one thing’s for sure: the fun hasn’t changed. St. George Streetfest is now First Friday at Legacy Park and has returned with more fun, more vendors, and even more food and entertainment.

Held on the first Friday of each month, First Friday is now held at Legacy Park (aka The Washington County Fairgrounds). Many outdoor events will feel familiar including having arts and crafts and food vendors,

entertainment, live music, and the popular beer and wine garden. Now the new location allows for even more fun for families, including bounce houses, ax throwing, and carnival rides.

April’s First Friday event was on April 2nd. It was partnered with The Washington County Fair for “Fair Preview Night,” where all the fair’s carnival rides – all 18 of them – were up and running for attendees to get a taste of this year’s fair.

This year’s fair has been moved to April, after being in August for over 150 years. First Friday director, Ed Tracey, said that organizers wanted to give southern Utah a preview of what will come. “There is so much more going on with First Friday

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now that it has moved to the fairgrounds”, said Tracey. “There is lots planned now that we have more space. A 100+ classic car show, more live music, and more fun for the kids. The bounce houses are a hit, and the axe throwing is always a crowd pleaser!”

“And while COVID-19 is still an issue, we are able to take all the necessary precautions. Everyone can come enjoy themselves and still be safe.”

Vendor booths and food trucks are more spaced out, allowing for social distancing. Hand sanitizer is also available at every turn.

Masks are encouraged.

Tracey adds: “With COVID-19 taking its toll on several events around southern Utah, people are looking for ways to have fun and be safe, and this is it. Everyone is excited to get out and enjoy themselves while still being safe.”

First Friday features arts and crafts vendors, business booths, kid entrepreneur booths, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Live music will be provided by local bands, including Apollo’s Army, Identity Crisis, and Pooch Funk. Tracey’s own band, The Ed Tracey Band, makes an annual appearance. Bands perform from 6:30 pm til midnight.

Using the successful eight-year run of Streetfest, First Friday will continue to offer a safe, fun environment for families and southern Utah locals. “We believe that the ‘endurance’ of Streetfest / First Friday has demonstrated the high level of interest for these types of get-togethers, which closely mirror how our pioneers used to gather at the end of the day to connect and celebrate.

We look forward to continuing this tradition with First Friday at Legacy Park.”V First Friday, like Streetfest, is free and open to the public. The event happens every first Friday, March through October, 6 pm till midnight, and is sponsored by TDS. For info on booth space or to perform at First Friday, contact Ed Tracey at 435-227-5110.

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Spring Bloom

Bees pollinating rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in front of Lost City Museum.

at Lost City Museum

By Mary Beth Timm | Photos courtesy of Lost City Museum

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s we all wait for the COVID19 pandemic social distancing measures to be unnecessary, we search for out-of-the-house, responsible places to immerse ourselves in learning experiences. Lost City Museum has outdoor areas perfect for families to learn more about native plants, ranching, and prehistoric homes.

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Three years ago, Lost City Museum partnered with the University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension Office, and Southern Nevada Master Gardeners to create a garden for local pollinators such as bees, wasps, and flies. This garden provides space for flower-producing plants that are native to Nevada. With two blooming seasons, the garden is the perfect spot for fall and spring flowers.

Pollinators are usually insects that inadvertently collect pollen on their legs or bodies while sipping nectar from the flowers. As they fly from flower to flower and plant to plant, the pollen is transferred to neighboring plants in a process called fertilization. Once fertilized, the flower turns into a seed. Winds, animals, or people disperse these seeds and create new plants.

Guest access to the pit house in front of Lost City Museum

back of the museum) in 1935, over 85 years ago. These are semi-subterranean as they are set into the ground. The wattle and daub structure of the pit house creates a microclimate that is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The pueblos were similar but are built out of adobe bricks and have multiple rooms.

There are 1,000 native species of bees within Nevada, which is a surprising number for those who do not usually think about insects. Not only that, but wasps and flies are also pollinators. These can look very similar to bees, but flies have only one pair of wings and not two. Wasps have two sets of wings like bees but have a constricted waist.

Early firecracker penstemons (Penstemon eatonii) blossoms in the pollinator garden

The pollinator garden has long, tall plants with trumpet-like flowers called firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) and tall, straight yellow flowers of the desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata). Gooseberry leaf globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia) has bright orange flowers, and the leaves are eaten by bighorn sheep.

These are not the only flowering plants at the museum, though. In the spring, beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) has bright pink flowers and can be found in our botanical garden by our outdoor picnic area. The entrance of the museum has flowering rosemary bushes, which attract bees almost year-round. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is not native to the southwestern desert. Most likely, this was a transplant of museum employees as it grows very well in arid environments.

Two other outdoor exhibits are models of early habitation sites. The Civilian Conservation Corps built models of a pit house (in front of the museum) and pueblos (around the

Before pit houses and pueblos, the ancestors of the Ancestral Puebloans, the first inhabitants of Moapa Valley, sheltered in caves. They wrote on rocks such as the famous petroglyphs at Valley of Fire. They hunted bighorn sheep, tortoise, rabbits, and deer. It wasn’t until about 200 BC that people started constructing more permanent living quarters- pit houses.

Among the pit houses and pueblos, early residents started practicing horticulture, which was a purposeful planting of crops. These squash, beans, and corn were watered from the Virgin and Muddy rivers. These were added to local foodstuffs already growing in the region, such as amaranth, Indian rice, and mesquite.

The Lost City Museum is located in the middle of these housing foundations. One such site is located inside. While the pueblo is a replica, the pit house exhibit is building on an existing foundation. These are smaller outposts of a larger settlement and archaeologist Mark Harrington, named Pueblo Grande de Nevada.

When these sites were excavated (between 1924 and 1941), the Hoover Dam was already planned. Roosevelt’s New Deal created the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, which was used in Nevada to excavate these larger complexes. They also constructed the main building of the Lost City Museum in 1935- the oldest building continually used as a museum in Nevada.V Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lost City Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. just a five-dollar ($5) admission, and it includes three galleries and two twenty-minute films. Kids and members are always free. Find more information at lostcitymuseum.org, Facebook, and Instagram.

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From Camping to

g n i p m Gla

Nielsen has Done it All

By Jennifer Sperry

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cott Nielson was the Principal and owner of southern Utah’s Nielson RV until he recently announced the sale of the three locations, including assets, inventory, land, and improvements, to Camping World Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CWH), the largest RV retailer and publicly RV traded company in the USA. The CEO of Camping World, Marcus Lemonis, adds Nielson’s RV to their already 170+ store count. Nielson RV generates $50 million in annual revenue, and the Camping World deal included $64 million

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in inventory, land, and equipment, extending to retail locations and storage facilities in St. George and Hurricane.

The selling price has remained undisclosed.

Camping World has been providing products and services to RV owners and campers since 1966. Gander RV & Outdoor SuperCenters across the United States are all part of the Camper World family, in addition to a complete product website. Marcus Lemonis is a businessman,

Scott Nielson and Marcus Lemonis

philanthropist, and television personality with starring roles in CNBC’s The Profit and The Partner. Southern Utah is excited to have his presence here in the community of camping.

The well-loved and top-ranked RV retailer Nielson RV, which sold to Marcus Lemonis, was rooted and created in southern Utah. In 1997, Scott Nielson began his career with Bob’s Enterprise’s selling cars and RVs in Hurricane. In the same year, Scott joined arms with his brother, Mike Nielson, to incorporate Hurricane Valley Auto Mall. Eventually changing the direction and focus to exclusively selling RV operations.

Over the years, Scott Nielson and Mike Nielson have impressed the community with launching other successful southern Utah-based startups.

In 2015, Mike Nielson turned his attention to SKRE, a hunting clothing apparel line sold in several countries worldwide, while Scott Nielson continued to expand Nielson RV and other ventures. Nielson Power Systems (NPS) was created for RV onboard generators with a Yamaha engine and inverter technology. The generators use cutting-edge technology with a built-in pull start and remote start key fob with a 50yard range. Scott Nielson intended for NPS to be a market disruptor, as Cummins had previously monopolized the industry. Nielson achieved his mission when NPS Yamaha signed an exclusive deal with Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway’s Forest River.

The creation of KSKO Investments LLC, a Real estate holding company, along with Nielson Development, which they used to expand their Nielson RV locations and where residential and commercial construction development could happen.

In 2004, Scott bought Mike’s remaining shares and redirected the company to work towards his new venture. In 2006, he decided to change the name, and Nielson RV became one of the most sought-after dealerships in the country based on real estate size and revenues.

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In 2016, Nielson RV expanded with another prime location.

Both retail outlets were constructed by Nielson Development, leading to another Nielson-owned startup in Washington County. Statistical Surveys states that Nielson RV was number one for RV sales in southern Utah. It continuously ranked as high as number four throughout the state competition and beat much larger metropolitan areas. Scott gives many thanks and credit to his manager Katie Leavitt, employees, and the community.

Locals are getting excited to benefit as he focuses his passion and knowledge in a new RV-driven direction. Instead of encouraging customers to road trip around in their new RV, Nielson provides a new reason for RV owners to spend some time closer to home. In southern Utah’s scenic location, he is launching the first “Glampers Inn” under RSC (Red-Sand

LEGEND A. Slide Complex B. AquaPlay C. Splash Head D. Lazy River

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1. Waterpark Entry 2. Swimming Pool 3. Jacuzzi Pool 4. Food and Beverage 5. Cave 6. Cabanas

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Capital), a new private equity company in the local area.

The Glampers Inn project is already underway at Sand Hollow. Glampers Inn is designed as an RV resort, providing guests with amenities that will extend well beyond water and electric hookups. The project is projected to have a water park that includes pools, hot tubs, and a lazy river. There will be access to boat rentals, buggy rentals, cabin rentals with high-speed internet, and WIBIT with a Ranger Station-style clubhouse, all in the popular area of Sand Hollow. The resort is just a picturesque 30-minute drive from places like Zion National Park. Guests can also take advantage of nearby amenities that put them on the water, sand, mountains, or one of the many nearby golf courses in a matter of minutes.

Nielson is hoping vacationers will have more desire to spend some time in southern Utah’s beautiful surrounding area, leading to increased tourism revenue.

Glampers Inn will be designed to be a first of its kind RV resort.

The Hurricane City Council has already approved the location near Sand Hollow State Park. Future expansion plans include Glampers Inn RV resorts throughout the midwest and west coast.

will use design elements inspired by the area. Tiki torches have been ordered from Hawaii to give authenticity, and the use of black lava rock native to southern Utah will mimic the Kona side of Hawaii’s big island.

The water park will be named Hanalei Bay. Scott and his family lived on Maui’s north shore, in a small jungle town called Haiku.

Their love of the islands inspires the name, and they wanted to bring it here. Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai island in Hawaii, which they often visit. The park’s namesake, Hanalei Bay, is nearly two miles of beach, surrounded by mountains. In the summer, the bay offers excellent mooring for sailboats, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. The park

The resort itself will adorn a western theme, a lot like Knotts Berry Farms in California, while still creating the feel of Hanalei Bay. What a legacy Scott has created for our area with his entrepreneurial passion, bringing jobs to our workforce, and fun for families and friends on this all-new and unique adventure.V www.GlampersInn.com

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A Grand Adventure

Tusayan and the Grand Canyon

By Christine Ward

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usayan is a small town located in Northern Arizona, 1 mile from the South Entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Many people may say they have never heard of the town of Tusayan. Still, if they have driven to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim at any time since the pandemic began, they have driven right through it. Since the East Entrance to the National Park has been closed since March, the only way to go to the South Rim is through Tusayan.

When the pandemic struck, Tusayan jumped right in to support the businesses in the town, all of whom depend

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on tourism for their livelihood. They provided masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and dispensers, disinfectants, and also supported the local Food Bank, which saw a huge increase in demand because of the pandemic.

All of the businesses in Tusayan struggled while the Grand Canyon National Park was shut down to visitors in April 2020. These businesses have been working hard to recover since the reopening of the park in June 2020. They are eager to welcome visitors back in 2021.

Tusayan is a great place to stay for your next Grand Canyon Adventure; it offers Lodging, Dining, Shopping, an Imax Movie, Hummer and Jeep Tours, Helicopter and Airplane Tours, Electric Bike Rentals, and RZR Rentals. It is the perfect base for visits to other Northern Arizona vacations, including Page/Lake Powell, Flagstaff, and Sedona.

Special Events were always a large draw for visitors and locals alike. For 2021, if vaccinations continue at the great pace they have so far, and if Federal, State, and Local Guidelines allow, special events in Tusayan will be back and better than ever.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

These are some of the Special Events in the planning stages for 2021: 4th of July Celebration The parade is always a huge crowd-pleaser. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that guidelines will allow it to occur in 2021. Along with the parade, the 4th of July events will include food, live music, raffles, and lots of exciting entertainment.

Grand Canyon Half Marathon The 3rd Annual Grand Canyon Half Marathon is set to take place November 6, 2021, in Tusayan. Participants can walk or run a half marathon, a 5k, or the Family 1 Mile. The (about) 13.1-mile trail loops through the beautiful forest and high desert of the Kaibab National Forest, while the 5k is an outand-back, partially on a paved multi-use path through the forest and partially on a forest service road. The courses do not descend into the Grand Canyon. Still, all race participants can purchase a National Park Service pass and, from the race site, easily enter into the Grand Canyon National Park.

THINGS TO DO Tusayan is located approximately 1 mile from the entrance to the Grand Canyon South Rim. It offers the closest lodging to this Natural Wonder, outside of the in-park lodging. Below are some of the fun things you can do in and around Tusayan during your Grand Canyon Adventure. We have not included ‘visiting the Grand Canyon National Park’ because, of course, that is the number one activity!

IMAX Movie In only 34 minutes, you’ll discover a Grand Canyon that would take a lifetime to experience. This IMAX movie opens with the beginning of man’s fragile kinship with the twisting 277 mile Grand Canyon in Arizona. It then transports you through time with brief glimpses at the stone pages of human history.

Showtimes are every hour on the half-hour, beginning at 9:30 am and last showing at 3:30 pm (times may change seasonally). The movie is located at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center 450 State Route 64 Tusayan AZ 86023. In addition to the Imax Movie, the visitors center offers Explorers Café with excellent quick food, ice cream, and a fabulous Gift Shop.

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Hummer / Jeep Tours Of course, anyone can drive themselves to the Grand Canyon National Park’s viewpoints, but participating in a guided tour provides many benefits for visitors. When you take a guided tour, you do not have to worry about driving, parking, or missing out on some of the canyon’s lesser-known viewpoints.

You also get guided narration from a local professional who will provide you with history and information that you just cannot absorb as well from the brochures or kiosks. There are 3 Tour Companies located in Tusayan that will show you the best parts of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Helicopter and Airplane Tours Enjoy an air tour over the Grand Canyon National Park with one of the local operators in Tusayan. You will get a bird’s eye view of the South Rim, North Rim, Colorado River, and the Kaibab National Forest. Choose a helicopter or airplane, with flight times ranging from 25-50 minutes, and experience the Grand Canyon from a whole new perspective.

Electric Bikes and RZR Rentals Rent an E-Bike or a RZR and explore on your own. The RZRs are street legal and can be driven into the National Park and

provide opportunities to explore the off-road trails in the Kaibab National Forest that surround the park. E-Bikes can also be taken into the park using the amazing Greenway Trail System that starts in Tusayan.

Dining and Lodging Tusayan offers many local motels and one RV Park, with great amenities, excellent customer service, and local employees who can help you find the best areas to explore in the Grand Canyon. Dining options are plentiful, including on-site restaurants and pubs at the motels, and several stand-alone restaurants offering Pizza, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches, Burgers, and more.

2020 was a tough year for everyone, but 2021 is starting to provide some hope and a return to more ‘normal’ travel plans.

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park is a great way to get outdoors with your family and friends and spend some time exploring the amazing locations in Northern Arizona.V For more information about the Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding areas, visit the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Website at https://grandcanyoncvb.org/adventure.

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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND

in the Animal Services Profession with SUU and Best Friends

By Susie Knudsen

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est Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University (SUU) recently hit their one-year mark as partners in providing professional development and academic learning opportunities in the growing field of animal lifesaving. Since Jan. 2020, the partnership has introduced four short-term program tracks, a master’s degree emphasis, and a professional development symposium. More than 600

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participants from the East to West coast have participated either in-person or online, with 135 choosing to apply their earned credits toward an SUU degree.

The field of animal services continues to evolve rapidly, from enforcement and punishment to community wellness and a resource center. This partnership and the educational opportunities provided bring legitimacy to the field and help save animal lives.

The most recent addition to the partnership’s online educational offerings is the Best Friends Cat Lifesaving Certification (CLC).

Designed for animal services staff, community members, advocates, and volunteers, this course gives an opportunity to learn about proven policies, programs, and procedures necessary to reduce the number of cats killed in shelters.

The CLC will offer clarity on what success looks like and will also be an opportunity for students to deepen their learning and understanding of positive results, according to Best Friends Animal Society.

“The goal of our partnership is to offer such a variety of pathways, that there is something for everyone interested in animal services,” said Melynda Thorpe, executive director at SUU Community & Professional Development. “Whether an individual is already a part of the field or desires to enter it, no matter where they are on their journey, we would like to have an entry point for them to boost their skills and enhance their career.”

The Principles of Contemporary Animal Services (POCAS) online certificate program offers an introduction to modern-day animal services for anyone who wants to prepare for a career in the field or advance in the profession. This six-week program is designed for working professionals and features content curated with Best Friends Animal Society and leading practitioners and researchers in the field.

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“This certificate is probably what I’m most proud of producing in our partnership with SUU thus far because it is accessible to anyone, and creates a doorway for students to learn more about lifesaving animal services. It’s a great way to introduce new professionals into this noble field,” said Tawny Hammond, national director of learning advancement at Best Friends Animal Society.

For those interested in graduate work in animal services, SUU now offers an emphasis of study in Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL) within the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) degree.

“One of my favorite parts about the CASL learning block is there is now a master’s degree option, on the national level, in animal services,” said Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis, MIS program director. “Particularly since students can now choose to study from 9-18 credits to help prepare them for positions in animal services. This is a game-changer in this field.”

For more information about offerings curated in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, visit suu.edu/prodev/bestfriends, call SUU Community & Professional Development at (435) 865-8259, or email prodev@suu.edu.

Located in the world’s best backyard, Southern Utah University is the official “University of the Parks” thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service.

SUU’s Community & Professional Development program offers opportunities for working adults to advance in their careers and pursue educational goals by providing access to a number of in-person and online training, certificates, conferences, and adult study abroad programs.

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, in partnership with more than 3,100 animal welfare groups. In addition, it has operations in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Salt Lake City, and Northwest Arkansas and operates the nation’s largest nokill animal sanctuary. Founded in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from an estimated 17 million per year to around 625,000.

Determined to bring the country to no-kill by the year 2025, Best Friends and its nationwide network of members and partners are working to Save Them All®.V To check out the pet lifesaving dashboard and for more information, visit bestfriends.org. For more information about offerings curated in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, visit suu.edu/prodev/best-friends, call SUU Community & Professional Development at (435) 865-8259, or email prodev@suu.edu.

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Let’s All Cheer for Mad Mike’s!

By Linda Faas

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ike Reiger and Shawna Oliver were willing to bet big on the future. In the midst of the Covid-19 shutdown, they took out a lease on the former Playoffs building at 551 W. Mesquite Boulevard and intend to turn it into the best locals spot in Mesquite. Working nonstop since December 2020, the couple now sees a real glimmer of hope as Nevada moves to 50 percent capacity for bars and restaurants, with a potential of 100 percent return to business in May. If Mike and Shawna seem a little mad to dream such plans, just call their bar Mad Mike’s!

“We were lucky to have the time to renovate the building during the pandemic. I’m running my concrete business in Las Vegas and Shawna works her retail job, but we found the hours to get ready to open Mad Mike’s in March,” says Mike. This energetic pair serves up a menu of family favorites and bar food like burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and pizza, along with a full array of beer, wine, and liquor.

They intend to appeal to a broad crowd of customers with tasty food, Karaoke nights, and a welcoming atmosphere followed up with top-notch service. They are in the process of obtaining a gaming license to add bar top machines.

Shawna has 30 years of experience bartending in Las Vegas. “I managed bars that catered to locals—sort of like Cheers,” she explained. She and Mike are gregarious people who enjoy creating a friendly environment. Since moving to Mesquite, they have made many friends and expect that word of mouth will help bring a strong and enthusiastic clientele to their door.

“We have hired a great staff,” Shawna says. “Mike and I will also work the bar and tables, so we don’t get ahead of ourselves to start with, but we have excellent chefs on board and are excited to be open. We hope we can run at full capacity by May. Mike is no stranger to hard work, running his own concrete business in Las Vegas. He is willing to put in 7-day weeks to launch his dream business. As a cancer survivor, he is well acquainted with personal adversity.

Still, his can-do attitude and warm personality are his strong suits as he looks to “run the table” at Mad Mike’s.

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The bar and dining room have been meticulously cleaned and renovated, and the kitchen is spotless.

“We have had so much support and good fortune in putting together this project,” he says. “We couldn’t have a better landlord, and our friends from the Elks are always there to help us.”

Shawna has put together a winning bar list and plans to serve some specialty labels like White Claw, a hard seltzer that comes in eight flavors. “It’s becoming very popular, and has a refreshing taste. We have all the favorite beers as well as wine and liquor.” The pair are putting together ideas for food specials and various theme nights. Both in-house and takeout food are planned. “We want to appeal to a wide audience,” she comments. Mike agrees. He visualizes a mixed lunch crowd and an early family crowd for dinner before the after-work crew gathers for ribs and a beer. Karaoke takes over in the late evening, with other live music being planned.V Come in and meet Shawna and Mike at Mad Mike’s in Mesquite; 551 W. Mesquite Boulevard, 725-225-1613.

They serve lunch and dinner, open 11 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week.

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view on FITNESS

Outdoor Exercise

By Ashley Centers

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very day as I drive to and from work, I see multiple folks out and about bicycling, walking, or sometimes even jogging to get in their daily exercise. I’m always so happy to see them and to get a wave or two as we pass each other on the road. I so admire these folks and their commitment day in and day out to be outside getting the exercise they need and, for most of them, the exercise they so enjoy. It always makes me think about how lucky we are to live in a community where we can do all of these things comfortably and quite conveniently.

These thoughts bring to mind all of the excellent outdoor exercise opportunities afforded to us here in Mesquite. As a community, we have excellent trails, well-maintained sidewalks, and extremely nice parks for a community of our size. Hafen park, for example, has a large grassy area where you could easily bring a yoga mat for your morning sun salutations. Marilyn Redd park has a full basketball court and Volleyball net. Hunter Sports complex offers multiple sports fields for use. All of these and more offer us an opportunity to exercise for absolutely nothing, in some

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of the most beautiful settings imaginable. Not to mention as we know, we also have some of the best golf courses anywhere around! With so many incredible options and locations, the only things needed to get that exercise in are a little imagination and a desire to get out and about.

HERE’S ONE EXAMPLE OF A REALLY FUN WAY TO EXERCISE OUTSIDE AND HOW TO DO IT! On your usual walk around the neighborhood, pick five landmarks you might pass, assign each of them a bodyweight exercise and number of repetitions. For example, at the park bench you always pass, use that bench to do five tricep dips. Or that tall rock you always have to walk around, maybe use it to do ten incline or decline pushups on before continuing on your way. When you pass a dog on a leash, stop to do some high knees - or upon seeing a goose on the pond, do a few walking lunges.

If you see me drive by in my little black Toyota, do ten air squats. Basically, turn your walk into a scavenger hunt to find new ways to move.

TRICEP DIP: 1. Position your hands shoulder-width apart on a secured bench, chair, or rock.

2. Slide your rear off the front of the bench with your legs extended out in front of you.

3. Straighten your arms, keeping a slight bend in your elbows to keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints.

4. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering your body toward the ground until your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle.

Be sure to keep your back near the bench.

5. When you reach the bottom of the movement, press down into the bench to straighten your elbows, returning to the starting position. ***Keep your shoulders relaxed as you lower and raise your body, and you can bend your legs to modify this exercise according to your abilities.*** DECLINE PUSHUP: 1. Kneel with your back to a bench.

2. Placing your hands on the ground, shoulders over your wrists, and elbows at 45 degrees.

3. Place your feet on top of the bench.

4. Brace your core, glutes, and quads. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor, keeping your back and neck straight.

5. Push into the floor to return to the starting position, extending your elbows.

HIGH KNEES: 1. Start standing with feet hip-distance apart.

2. Lift up your right knee as high as it will go and raise the opposite arm, then switch quickly, so the left knee is up before the right foot lands. Continue pulling knees up for as long as desired.

WALKING LUNGES: 1. Stand upright, feet together, and take a controlled step forward with your right leg, lowering your hips toward the floor by bending both knees to 90-degree angles. The back knee should point toward but not touch the ground, and your front knee should be directly over the ankle.

2. Press your right heel into the ground, and push off with your left foot to bring your left leg forward, stepping with control into a lunge on the other side. This completes two reps.

AIR SQUATS: 1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your knees and feet pointing in the same direction.

2. Keep your head up and torso tight, inhaling as you squat by simultaneously flexing your hips and knees, making sure to descend until your thighs are parallel with the ground.

3. Exhale as you return to the starting position. ***If needed, you may keep your hands up in front of you to maintain balance throughout the movement***

I hope to pass you on my daily drive, or in my own outdoor exercise adventures, maybe while playing roller hockey or while doing some practice laps on the trails around town! Just remember to always stay hydrated and layer up that sunblock! I can’t wait to get outside and see you there!V

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By Linda Faas

A Zoo for You!

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eople come for the camels and fall in love with Lyric, the New Guinea Singing Dingo! The exotic camel is the magnet attraction that has made Camel Safari a must-see experience for visitors to the Virgin Valley. For five years, Guy Seeklus has welcomed tourists and locals alike to enjoy his collection of Dromedary and Bactrian camels. He has recently branched out to offer three unique tours of his 176acre riverside compound, where he now houses over sixty animals.

Camel Safari has earned status as a certified zoo with a trained zoologist, Allie Singer, onsite. Guy, Allie, and other staff members introduce visitors to every animal in the paddocks and barns as they chauffeur them around in electric golf carts.

Dorothy (mom on the left) & Baby Sam, born in February

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Tours of 3-hour duration are available Thursday - Sunday.

Families and groups of up to ten guests will learn about these animals that thrive in the Nevada desert.

Feed with a Keeper Safari 8:00 am to 11:00 am 3-hour duration with up to 10 guests.

Adults: $99/each Children (3-15): $79/each Under 3 years: Free

Accompany keepers on your own private safari golf cart on the morning rounds of feeding each of the 60 animals that call Camel Safari home. From Camels to Sand Cats to an African crested porcupine, guests will have the opportunity to join the keeper in morning feeding duties. Tour includes hot or cold drinks. Guests may bring snacks for themselves.

Glamp Camp Safari

Newest baby, 1 week old March 23, unnamed. Mom’s name is Belle.

11:30 am to 2:30 pm 3-hour duration with up to 10 guests.

Adults: $99/each Children (3-15): $79/each Under 3 years: Free The Day Glamp Camp Safari is an outdoor adventure the whole family will enjoy! With access to their own private safari golf carts, groups will accompany keepers on a private tour of Camel Safari grounds with animal encounters and educational programs along the way. In addition to animal encounters, guests will enjoy Bactrian camel fiber crafts and relax at the outdoor picnic area with hot or cold beverages.

VIP Sunset Safari

3 hours on the property 4:30-7:30 pm, subject to change depending on sunset.

Price for up to 10 guests: $1000 This tour is geared toward groups of up to ten guests included in a single price. In this unforgettable VIP experience, guests tour the property in safari golf carts, getting up-close encounters with camels and nocturnal animals. After the safari adventure, guests can unwind at the picnic area with a selection of hot and cold beverages while enjoying a beautiful desert sunset. This safari soiree can also include a delicious catered dinner for an extra charge.

African Crested Porcupine

The expert guides provide educational talks and anecdotes about their animals that currently include: one-hump Dromedary camels, two-hump Bactrian camels, alpacas, llama, a two-toed sloth, sand cats, wooly possum, six-banded armadillos, a Zedonk, and a wonderful New Guinea singing dog. The animals are kept in spacious paddocks and barns and are lovingly cared for at this unique riverside oasis. Visiting the animals in these untamed surroundings sets Camel Safari apart as an experience to remember.V All tours are arranged through advance reservations.

Call (800) 836-4036 or (801) 631-8707. See what’s new at the zoo at Facebook.com/CamelSafariLasVegas.

Group of dromedary camels, with llama name Shae.

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The Importance of Warming Up

By Darren Marchant At our physical therapy clinic, we notice an interesting trend with many active patients: they go to the gym and exercise regularly, but they largely neglect stretching and mobility work.

Do you make time to go to the gym a few times per week? If so, you should certainly commend yourself for your efforts, but ask yourself this: how often do you stretch before and after a workout session?

We’re not sure why not stretching is so common among gymgoers. Maybe it’s because stretching doesn’t seem as “exciting” as an actual workout, and when you go to the gym, you can be so eager to get moving that you just don’t think about stretching!

However, before and after exercise has many proven health benefits and can improve your workout. For more information about the benefits of stretching and how you can incorporate it into your daily workout regime, talk to a physical therapist today. They can educate you about which types of stretching you should focus on and determine which areas of your body have a limited range of motion and flexibility.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn why stretching is so important for your body!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF WARMING UP You may have heard that stretching “cold” muscles isn’t a good idea, and this is true. Our bodies need to be adequately warmed up before stretching—otherwise, our risk for injury and tissue damage increases. This doesn’t mean you should never stretch at all before a workout, however. A simple 5-minute warm-up such as light jogging, brisk walking, and arm circles and leg swings is usually sufficient activity to get your joints and tissues warmed up and prepared for mobility work.

For many folks, dynamic stretches are the most effective for pre-workout mobility. Meanwhile, they’ll save static stretches and foam rolling for after the workout. According to WebMD, “stretching a muscle to the full extent of your ability and holding it for 15 to 30 seconds is a static stretch, and there’s no harm in stretching that way as long you don’t stretch until it hurts. But studies suggest a dynamic stretch is just as effective, and sometimes better, especially before your workout!”

If you’re stuck wondering what kinds of stretches are best for you, don’t worry. Our physical therapy staff is happy to help you problem-solve and figure out the best routine for your body. They can also show you how stretching before and after a workout can benefit you.

FIVE BENEFITS OF STRETCHING BEFORE AND AFTER AN EXERCISE ROUTINE! 1. HELPS PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR EXERCISE Dynamic stretching before a workout can help your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, and other tissues become loosened up and prepared for exercise. Pre-workout mobility also increases core body temperature and stimulates increased blood flow throughout the body so your tissues will have adequate amounts of oxygen.

Meanwhile, stretching after a workout helps you cool down appropriately and reduce tissue tightness and pain.

2. GIVES YOUR BODY A BETTER WORKOUT Since pre-workout mobility also prepares your body for exercise, it will also help you safely reach your desired workout intensity more quickly since you’ll be able to start a workout already warmed up and ready to go.

A personalized stretching routine that addresses your specific areas of postural imbalances and tightness can help you improve your range of motion. When you combine this with strength training and aerobic conditioning, you can expect to function more efficiently during your workouts and enjoy greater stamina, power, and speed.

3. BETTER HEALTH OVERALL Regular stretching has been shown to improve your blood pressure and heart rate as well as maximize your overall mobility, especially as you age. If you’re aiming to live for a really long time, do yourself a favor and get to stretching.

4. DECREASES THE RISK OF SUSTAINING A SERIOUS INJURY Some studies show that stretching may reduce your risk of muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint damage, and other painful injuries common with sports and athletics. Beware, though; stretching is not all you need to do to prevent yourself from getting hurt! Having proper form is vital to keeping yourself safe during workouts as well.

5. STRETCHING CAN RELIEVE STRESS Are you feeling more stressed than usual? Stretching regularly—especially when combined with deep breathing and mindfulness exercises—is a great way to ease mental stress and even reduce signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The benefit of stretching to relieve stress is that you can do it any time of the day, even if you aren’t exercising! Try stretching when you wake up before getting your day started, and see what a difference it makes.V

Darren Marchant is a physical therapist and the CEO of Fit Physical Therapy with 7 locations in Nevada and Utah. To learn more about Fit Physical Therapy, visit fit-pt.com

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view on GOLF

Elbows Strange? Yes. Weird? Yes. Important for Golf?

ABSOLUTELY!

By Rob Krieger

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our golf swing can have an immediate effect for the better with simple adjustments. The position of the elbow and the elbow joints of both arms during the swing can make or break your golf swing. These joints directly affect how the clubface is controlled for accurate, consistent, and solid golf shots from setup to impact. Breaking down what the elbow joints are doing and where they are throughout the swing can be game-changing.

correct

left arm facing in toward body right elbow joint is facing out and slightly bent in to body.

At set up, the left/lead elbow joint should be straight, and the inside part of the joint should be pointing in toward your body. This is where it could get very weird. Some of you may be double-jointed (aka hypermobility). This joint may be pointing out toward the ball, not in toward the ball when you make this arm straight. If or when this occurs, the left/lead arm has difficulty working properly during the swing. It forces the forearm to rotate more than it should to get the hands and arms to a consistent and repeatable backswing position.

This may sound strange, but the right/trail elbow/joint should face out toward the ball (opposite of the left/lead elbow joint) BUT should have a slight bend in it. Having a slight flex in it allows this joint to fold naturally into the body. It may even be touching the rib cage at address.

Regardless, if you are double jointed or not, if you do not relax this joint with a slight bend and let it fold down during the takeaway, the swing is predisposed to being too steep (leading to chucks and thin shots), usually resulting in the club coming across the body leading to the ball going to the right. If the right arm is completely straight at address, this may also force the shoulders to be open to your target line. Nothing wrong with that if you are trying to play the fade or slice, but if you are trying to draw or hook the ball, that elbow/ joint position situates the body toward the wrong direction. Additionally, the right/trail elbow should not have more than 90 degrees of bend at the end/ top of the backswing before starting back to the ball. If this joint goes past 90 degrees, the joint will extend itself early and starts the downswing with the club before the body is ready to move back to the ball, resulting in a loss of distance, inconsistent contact, and usually slice to the right.

As you come into impact, if the left/lead elbow points down to the ground, the ball will generally have a right to left spin and hook to the left due to the clubface rotating and squaring up at impact. If the left/lead elbow points toward the target, this generally leaves the clubface open, resulting in fades or slicing.

incorrect

left arm buldging out due to being double jointed

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Be more conscious of where your elbows are at setup, top of swing, and impact to better understand your shot shapes and consistency you want in your game.

Players are continually amazed by these small tweaks to the elbows and the huge results that occur. Strange…Yes, Weird…Yes, Important…ABSOLUTELY. Fairways and Greens.V

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By Susan Hunter

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esquite’s newest attraction is under construction and planning to open in Fall 2021!

BARK! Canine Club & Resort is all about the dogs. Imagine a 10+ acre outdoor dog park, complete with water features and lots of interesting areas to investigate; then add a stateof-the-art facility built for one purpose: Make Dogs Happy!

When BARK! Canine Club & Resort opens this year, Mesquite’s canines will enjoy a place that is all for them.

Doggie Daycare, resort-style boarding, dock-diving, indoor, climate-controlled dog park, grooming, training, special events, competitions, BARK! really does have it all!

The concept for BARK! was born of necessity. In the Spring of 2020, my husband Mark and I relocated to Mesquite from Indiana following the sale of my business and Mark’s retirement after 30+ years with Amtrak. After 20 years of enjoying Mesquite on brief vacations, we’re so happy to finally be here permanently! Since 2002, when we passed

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through Mesquite on a journey to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we have anticipated the day we could retire to this community. As that day approached, we invested in a residence and set about the long-distance move.

In contemplating the move, one of our concerns was for our dogs, Wilbur and Wrigley. We’d been to Mesquite many times and took note of the challenge of getting enough exercise for the dogs in the hot summer months. We, and they, were accustomed to 2 acres of country yard in Indiana, where the dogs enjoyed lots of space to roam around. We wanted them to have a comfortable, safe place to run and play in Mesquite. The solution: Indoor dog park!

As we brain-stormed the indoor park idea, it quickly expanded to related services, including Doggie Day Care, Boarding, Grooming & Training. We decided to add dock diving and agility facilities, where we can host competitions and fun events. Partnerships with local and nearby rescue organizations will provide playtime and adoption events for the dogs in their care.

Our plans include a spacious outdoor park with trails, ponds, and landscaped areas of interest in addition to the indoor park facility. A designated Travelers’ Rest area will provide a safe place for dogs traveling through Mesquite to take a break from the leash while their owners fill the gas tank and grab a bite.

Resort-style boarding at BARK! Canine Club & Resort gives our fur-friends an experience like no other. No cages (unless your pup prefers a kennel) and rooms that more closely resemble a hotel than a kennel create “at-home” comfort while staying with us.

BARK! will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so no worrying about your pup being alone in the middle of the night. Our staff of expert cuddlers will be right there to give them the comfort and one-on-one attention every pup deserves.

Additionally, the entire facility will take advantage of stateof-the-art systems for keeping eyes and ears on your pups when they are in our care. Every Resort room will include a two-way communication system linked to your phone, so you can virtually visit with your dog during their stay. They can see and hear you and vice versa! The Doggie Daycare facility will include webcams so you can check in on your pup anytime while they are there. The indoor and outdoor park membership will give you keycard access 24 hours a day so you can take your pup to the parks when it works best for you – hassle free!

The vision is becoming a reality, and BARK! will soon offer the dogs of Mesquite the haven they deserve! We have secured a 13+ acre property and are working hard with our engineers, designers, builders, and landscapers to transform it into a fun, safe and spacious learn/play/stay resort just for dogs.

BARK! Canine Club & Resort will operate on memberships for the indoor and outdoor park areas. Doggie Day Care and cagefree hotel-style Boarding will provide a respite for dog owners and a safe place for visitors to leave their canine pals while they enjoy a round of golf, off-road adventure or a night on the town.

Our overall vision is to create both a much-needed local business and a destination for visitors to the area. The park will be truly unique while offering services that are currently unavailable in Mesquite. We want to bring the dog community together in a fun, safe, comfortable, and attractive facility that will make Mesquite a dog-lovers dream.V For more information, visit us at www.barkcanineclub.com.

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TENNIS TNT Tips N' Tricks

Here Comes Summer!

By Donna Eads

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ere comes summer! Great time to change the equipment in your tennis bag, such as new sunscreen, sunglasses, and cooling towels. Never forget your hat or visor and some extra socks too. Even your strings should be updated with the change of season. The warmer weather will cause the ball to fly off your strings. Remember to hydrate and pace yourself as it gets hotter.

The summer is a great time to work on your tennis mechanics, which include sound strokes, footwork, hand-eye coordination, and mental strategies. Some simple elements for all strokes is the right grip for the shot. For example, a perfect volley grip is the continental, or ‘shake my hand’ grip. Work on your footwork and balance after all shots to be back to the ready position. It will make you faster and safer at the same time.

Hand-eye coordination can be made simple by hitting the ball in front of you for all strokes. Many players, as they grow older, think that their coordination decreases.

However, most players remain the same until they pass the age of 80 years old. The more you play, the less the difference over time. A simple drill is to practice “catching” the ball on your strings.

For your mental strategy development, start thinking three to four shots ahead. For example: after your serve, plan to head to the net with an approach shot and move forward for a volley. Just getting the ball over the net is not good enough. Don’t forget to focus on your own strengths while playing, and don’t forget to take advantage of your partner’s best stroke.

Every time the ball is hit, all players must move to adjust to where it lands. It seems simple, but… often, club players forget to move either with the flight of the ball or with their partner. Without this movement, your side has a large hole to cover, which your opponents can take advantage of easily. Focus on this one element for at least a set, and you will see a difference.

Smart service returns are an elemental part of the game. If your opponent has a hard fast serve, just try to block it back with a shortened swing and aim

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it right back at them. When you are faced with an out wide-angled serve, use a lob. This technique allows you time to get back into position. Of course, the usual return is crosscourt but work on a drop shot too. Easiest time to do a drop shot is on a second serve.

Some simple items that come up during play can be handled quickly. Is the net too high? Check it and adjust it during a changeover. Who can call a ball out? Everyone should call the ball out during play if it is plainly seen. You miss the ball on your service toss with your racquet – is it a fault? The answer is yes. While playing, my shoe touched the net after my hit – whose point is it? Clearly, it is your opponent’s point.

Enjoy the hot days on the court!V

CERTAINTIES OF LIFE

By Jacob Nephi

ne of the certainties of life is aging! Great, right? In our younger days, we heard our elders say, "growing old was not for the faint of heart." Isn't that the truth?

Think about it; aging begins the second we stop growing; that doesn't mean around the belly! If you find parts of your body are not quite up to par, we can help. Prolong Medical Center is your newest option in St. George for treating many issues associated with aging. Our innovative treatment plans focus on the individual and are designed to stimulate natural, long-lasting results.

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Ladies, (and a few of you men), are you tired of running to the bathroom only to find it's never close enough and you experience, well, let's say it, leakage? Or have any of your friends or co-workers teasingly joked that they know when you need to use the restroom. Prolong Medical Center has a solution. Prolong offers HIFEM therapy, or High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic therapy. This is a new treatment used to treat incontinence in women and men.

HIFEM is a non-invasive treatment involving sitting (fully clothed) on a specialty chair using electromagnets highly focused on the pelvic floor. This treatment contracts muscles in the pelvic floor at a specified frequency for a duration of 28 minutes. Over the course of these 28 minutes, the body will experience up to 11,200 contractions, similar to advanced Kegels. This causes the pelvic floor to regenerate and lift, causing improved muscular control in the area.

This machine uses similar technology to an MRI machine.

This treatment has been FDA approved for the treatment of incontinence. It has become so effective that, in as little as three weeks, or up to 6 treatments, patients reported their incidence of stress urinary incontinence improved by 95% or more. No more pads or briefs, YAY! In addition to incontinence for men and women, we treat ED, (you know, erectile dysfunction). Men, if you find you might need some assistance in the bedroom, come see us.

We are dedicated to your success! We offer cutting-edge technologies giving people options to use the least invasive treatments. Your success in getting back to your prior abilities is our number one concern. We offer customized

treatment plans for each individual to help them achieve long-lasting results. One treatment we offer is ESWT or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. You may have heard it called 'acoustic wave therapy. ESWT is an effective treatment used to treat ED, Peyronie's disease, and a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. At Prolong Medical Center, we use ESWT in conjunction with other treatments to help treat these problems.

ESWT utilizes a hand-held device containing a titanium bit. This bit moves back and forth, striking a ceramic tip, sending a shockwave through the body at a predetermined frequency and pressure. This breaks down scar tissue and plaque resulting in stimulated vascular, stem cell, and nitric oxide generation in the treated area. ESWT originated in Germany in the 60s and 70s and gained widespread use originally for the breakup of kidney stones. ESWT is now used in many countries to treat various musculoskeletal conditions as well as pain control, ED, and Peyronie's disease.

Prolong also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy or otherwise known as HBOT, which is used to treat a vast majority of conditions. HBOT involves getting in a higher-than ambient atmospheric pressure chamber while providing higher oxygen concentration than people normally receive. HBOT reduces swelling while flooding the body's tissues with oxygen. The elevated pressures in the Hyperbaric chamber increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, increase nitric oxide production, and promote healthy stem cell reproduction. HBOT can break the cycle of swelling, oxygen starvation, and tissue death. Treatments usually last an hour, involve being seated in the chamber and breathing through an oxygen mask or nasal cannula.

At Prolong Medical Center, our goal is to improve the quality of your life with the newest, least invasive technologies.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our health specialists to learn how to Prolong your health, intimacy, and happiness.V 736 S 900 E Suite 107 St. George, Utah (435) 412-5160 www.ProlongMedicalCenter.com

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The Circuit the Ultimate Combo

By Keith Peters

I

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am the owner of both, Breathe Deep and Angel Whispers Spa and am offering a combo special that incorporates both services. The Circuit, as I call it, is just shy of three hours and includes: a one-hour Relaxation Massage, a one-hour Hyperbaric Session, a half-hour in the Infrared Sauna, all finished off with a nice shower using high-quality all-natural goat milk soap products. A true day at the spa and one you won’t soon forget.

minimal soreness. Massage can cause some inflammation as knots get worked out, and toxins get worked up. That is why the massage is then followed by a Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session.

The Circuit starts with a one-hour relaxation massage. Just the thing to relax and revive all those tired, sore muscles. A nice medium pressure, just enough to get the job done with

Next is the Infrared Sauna. The hyperbaric chamber gets a bit chilly, so it feels nice to jump into the sauna afterward and thaw out a little. The Infrared light causes vasodilation

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The hyperbaric pressure naturally relieves inflammation throughout the entire body. The increased oxygen levels naturally kick in the body’s healing process.

which multiplies the efficacy of the hyperbaric chamber.

Now that you are thawed out and sweaty, it’s time to jump into a warm shower and rinse off using my natural soap products. Just about three hours later, you will leave refreshed, relaxed, rejuvenated, squeaky clean, and ready to conquer the day!V The Circuit is available by appointment only, so please text 702-998-3689 to book! The Circuit is also available as a couples session.

Most importantly, it is available in the “Buy Three Get One Free” package for a Circuit a week. 114 N. Sandhill Blvd, Suite C Mesquite, NV 89027

The

Elephant Arch

By Steven H. Heath

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y fictional friend from Phoenix called today and exclaimed: “Wow, I saw the Elephant Arch last weekend.” Being a little hurt, I asked why he hadn’t let me know he was in St. George and didn’t invite me to go with him on the hike? I loved hiking to the Elephant Arch. We soon discovered that my Phoenix friend was talking about the desert “Elephant Arch” in Hewitt Canyon east of Phoenix and that I was thinking about the Elephant Arch north of Washington, Utah. I have since learned that my fictional friend could have been a fictional Seattle friend who told me about hiking to the beautiful ocean arch “Elephant Rock” on the Pacific

Ocean shores southwest of Olympic National Park. It turns out that many of the arches in the world have an elephant arch shape, and the names “Elephant Arch” and “Elephant Rock” are very common.

I have personally been visiting three such arches in the St. George area for years. Using Google Maps to examine the Utah/Arizona boundary south of St. George, I recently noticed a fourth “Elephant Arch” located north of I-15 but east of the Virgin River. An accompanying photo showed a crustylooking arch that looked like an old elephant with a fantastic view of I-15 in the background. I felt it was worth a

visit and that readers of ViewOn might like to see the four unique elephant arches in our area.

ELEPHANT ROCK (above) VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

The easiest to visit is the “Elephant Rock” in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park. It is an easy walk from the Elephant Rock parking lot on the north side of the Valley of Fire highway as one enters the park from the east. It is the most fragile of the four arches and should not be climbed on. Sadly it will crumble by the hand of Mother Nature, but hopefully not for a long time. It is located at 36.428° N 114.460° W.

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Virgin River Gorge Elephant Arch photo credit: Kent McKee from the Desert Roads and Trails Society | winter4x4jamboree.com

ELEPHANT ARCH | VIRGIN RIVER GORGE The Virgin River Gorge Elephant Arch is easy to get to if one has a four-wheeldrive vehicle. The drive begins at the Black Rock Road at Exit 27 off I-15 south of St. George. Take the Starvation Road, a jeep road, to the west. Stay left after you cross the interstate fence. The road generally parallels I-15 from the Black Rock exit to the Gorge’s Virgin River’s first crossing. The arch is about five miles in, and it cannot be missed since it is located less than 100 feet from the road. It is part of the Kaibab Limestone rim of Beaver Dam Mountain

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Wilderness area, but is just outside of it. It is a small arch with a span of only 3 or 4 feet and is about 8 feet high. The most unique thing about the arch is the wonderful photogenic view of I-15 through its small opening. The interstate is ¾ mile away and about 850 feet below. Go on a clear day and wait for a big truck to come into view for your photograph. In addition to the arch, one should go a half-mile further to view the Virgin River as it enters the Gorge.

The Arizona Starvation Point is a short distance to the north-west of this stop.

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On your return, a stop at a point along the Utah/Arizona borderline should give you a great appreciation of the difficult task government surveyors had when they marked the 37th parallel in this region back in 1901. One could make it a day and travel north of the jeep road along another jeep road into Big Round Valley and walk around the 60-foot deep sinkhole with an impressive 125-foot diameter. The Virgin River Gorge Arch is located at 36.983° N 113.705° W, and the Big Round Valley sinkhole is located at 37.021° N 113.654° W.

ELEPHANT ARCH (right) WASHINGTON, UTAH

The most elephant-looking of the four arches is the one north of Washington City. This unique arch is a pleasant walk in temperate weather and worth the two hours one needs to walk there and back. The best views come from those who climb through the arch and photograph it from the uphill side. It is in good physical condition and will be visited by hikers for many years to come. It lies in a section of the Navajo sandstone and is located at 37.177° N 113.494° W. Go see it. It is well worth the trip!

KOLOB ELEPHANT ARCH (left) The largest elephant arch, and the one that will probably last the longest geologically, is the Kolob Elephant Arch located in Timber Creek’s north fork.

It is also the hardest to hike too. It can be seen from the end of the Kolob Road at the spectacular Kolob Fingers viewpoint. The view of the arch at that point is not very impressive and can only be observed during the morning hours with field glasses as the sun shines through it’s 20-foot high, 40-foot span. But the hike to the arch is an experience that one will never forget.

Unfortunately, there is no established trail. The arch is located at the base of the Beatty Finger near the head of Timber Creek at 37.447° N 113.173° W. It can be reached by hiking about a mile along the Kolob Arch trail then taking one of the dry washes east to Timber Creek. Don’t take the first wash since it is filled with dense shrubbery. Walk north up Timber Creek until it begins to narrow, then scramble up the steep hillside until it levels out some. Then walk east around the hill until the arch comes into view. It is very impressive.

To reach the arch, scramble through the Ponderosa Pine trees to the northeast, cross a dry wash, then walk through the trees to the southeast. A climb through the arch is possible... but be careful. On returning to the Kolob Arch trail, walk across the sandstone between the Beatty and Nagunt Fingers to Timber Creek’s head. Be very careful crossing Timber Creek. It is not very deep, only an inch or two, but it is extremely slick. If you are not careful, you slide over a ten-foot waterfall into a very shallow pool of water. After crossing to the south side of Timber Creek, scramble down the hill until you reach a point where you can easily follow the small stream back to the point where you can retrace your steps back to the Lee Pass parking lot at the head of the Kolob Arch Trail.V

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view on ORGANIZATION

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By Janel Ralat | Owner, One Organized Mama

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ere is a fact about me, I LIVE to travel! Pre-Covid, I traveled as often as I could, near and far. A large part of a successful trip is how organized you are before you go. Here are some tips to ensure you’re properly prepared for your next journey.

Before You Leave Home It’s important to make sure our pets are cared for before we leave, but here are a few other areas of your home to make arrangements for: Mail & Deliveries Have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye out for packages that may pile up at the door.

A Whole House Walk Through If you’re going to be gone longer than a weekend. In that case, it’s a good idea to have someone walk through and check out your home every 1-2 days to ensure you won’t encounter any unexpected surprises (water leaks, broken windows, etc.) upon your return.

Remove all trash throughout your home. Also, do a quick clean out of your fridge to avoid a stench greeting you upon returning home.

Check the Weather Don’t assume they’ll be sunny skies on your beach vacation.

Check the weather up until the day you leave to ensure you’re properly prepared.

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Medications & Essentials A few years ago, we traveled to Sweden. My husband assumed he could easily pick up some contact lens solution once we arrived. With spotty WIFI on our phone, our non-existent understanding of the language, we traveled to 4 stores before finding someone who could point us in the right direction.

Make a list of your medications and essentials to pack, ensuring you don’t forget anything!

I give you permission to over-pack, with the understanding that you’ll have to schlep it throughout your trip. I’m in the camp that being over-prepared is always better than being under-prepared.

Frequent Travelers If you travel frequently, then it’s important to have pre-packed bags READY TO GO. I have a carry-on that is used for both air travel and road trips. In it, I have the following pre-packed: over the counter medications (pain reliever, allergy), toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, gum, mints, small snacks (granola bars are perfect), hair ties, a brush, cash, a couple of books and don’t forget a cell phone charger.

Traveling By Car It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected, as we learned one Thanksgiving. We found ourselves stranded in a parking lot in Kingman, Arizona, trying to find a replacement for a tire that had blown out.

Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who needed roadside assistance on a busy travel weekend and found ourselves stuck for over 3 hours with kids in the car. Thankfully, we had plenty of water, snacks, and a roadside emergency kit that contained small tools that came in handy to replace our flat with the donut tire. As the saying goes, Always Be Prepared!

Traveling By Air When flying, here are a few tips to make the best out of your flight. If flying with kids, purchase small, inexpensive toys and games beforehand that they’ve never seen before. Pack them in their carry on keeping them entertained during the flight. Nothing is worse than losing a favorite toy on a plane, been there!

Expect the unexpected. Have an extra shirt packed in carry-ons, over-the-counter meds, snacks, and your phone charger in case of delays.

Bring headphones for everyone. Especially for longer flights listening to music or watching a movie will make the time go faster.

A journey can be successful with a little preparation and planning. Wishing you the utmost joy as you continue to explore our world.V

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view on DESIGN

A breath of fresh air, mask free

By Helen Houston | Owner, Staging Spaces & Redesign

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utdoor living needs have evolved, and home furnishings manufacturers are keeping pace.

For years, designers have reported their clients’ desires for functional outdoor living spaces designed as an extension of the indoors and often included as part of an overall design project from the outset. But these outdoor spaces have become more important than ever before as the pandemic continues to impact the way homeowners live, lounge, and entertain.

Homeowners are no longer casually creating outdoor spaces.

They view these areas as critical extensions of their homes and to support their overall wellbeing. We are all learning to appreciate our backyards, porches, patios, and beyond as they provide new forums for work, play, learning, and connection.

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As the U.S. extends past the one-year mark of quarantining and social distancing, functional outdoor spaces can be the antidote to COVID-19-induced cabin fever. The ability to step outside, get fresh air, and relax in an environment outside the four walls of one’s home can affect one’s overall wellbeing.

Spending more time outdoors can lower stress levels and boost mental health. Over the last year, the outdoors has been a sanctuary for escaping the monotony of spending all your time in one place.

According to a pre-coronavirus focus group done by residential home products marketing firm Kleber & Associates, 74 percent of participants invested in outdoor living because it enhances the environment of their home, while 64 percent said outdoor living is a way to find refuge or escape every day. This refuge is more important now than

ever before, and outdoor furnishings makers are stepping up to meet customer needs.

As time outside increases, so do the demands for highfunctioning furnishings. Durability, comfort, and convenience are all driving outdoor living product trends.

Much like the way the inside of a home is now a place for work, school, and entertainment, outdoor spaces also serve multiple purposes.

When creating their outdoor living areas, homeowners want spaces designed around entertaining. We’re seeing many prioritizing spaces where they can gather with loved ones, like areas for lounging and cooking.

Those missing the pre-pandemic social connections use front porches and backyards as venues to connect with friends and family. Because of ongoing coronavirus concerns, many are wary of indoor entertaining and are opting to bring guests outside.

Large outdoor dining tables with room to safely entertain guests and spacious and versatile lounge seating for conversation and more casual dining are all options for spending time with loved ones when being inside is not.

As homeowners look at their outdoor spaces as an extension of their indoor areas, they make these spaces more functional and add kitchens, lounge areas, and even technology devices such as televisions or projectors.

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Outdoor kitchens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular and the technology is evolving. Wayfair Professional’s 2020 Trend Watch reported a 66 percent increase in customer searches for modular outdoor kitchens and a 155 percent increase in searches for outdoor bars. Outdoor cooking technology has advanced past the simple backyard grill. Now homeowners can take advantage of outdoor kitchen appliances and cabinetry with the same functionality as those indoors.

Anecdotally, we’re seeing people recast their routines and reprioritize time outdoors, regardless of the season or climate. While the concept isn’t new, many people take this to heart and find new ways to embrace their surroundings and invest more thoughtfully in outdoor spaces that feel comfortable year-round.

Durable materials such as powder coatings and performance fabrics help outdoor furnishings and appliances stand up to the elements.

Accessories such as heaters or fire pits and tables can help provide comfort in cooler temperatures. In contrast, ceiling fans and awnings offer relief from the heat.

The ability to shop for furnishings has also changed during this time. In general, the industry has moved quickly as manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers have come together to meet new demands and challenges safely. Some retailers adjusted their online experience with curbside pickup. Other manufacturers created virtual showrooms to enhance the online shopping experience.

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Eventually, coronavirus will be a thing of the past, and people will feel more comfortable venturing out beyond their yards. For now, consumers are investing in making outdoor spaces comfortable, functional, and enjoyable places to be.V

20 Year Celebration

By Ashley Centers

T

wenty years of promoting healthy and active lifestyles... The Mesquite Senior Games is proudly celebrating its 20th Anniversary!

Beginning with softball tournaments in 2001, we have grown to include over 18 sports. Our Senior Games have seen many changes and growth throughout the years!

Through all of the growth, changes, and sometimes challenges over the past 20 years, our one constant has been our amazing community of residents, athletes, and volunteers. The folks of Mesquite and beyond have been tireless supporters of our mission who have selflessly dedicated thousands of event volunteer service hours, venues to host our events, countless administrative and organizational hours, sponsorships, and prizes. They have contributed so many more intangibles to our games, and we simply cannot thank them all enough.

While 2020 was a challenging year for us, necessity has been the mother of invention. Looking towards turning challenges into opportunities has brought about new ways to help our seniors and our community stay active.

This year we look forward to helping those who may have felt isolated by the pandemic to be able to safely and comfortably compete in the sports they know, love, and miss. We also look forward to including all ages in our mission to help ALL live a healthier, more active lifestyle!

Many of our spring events were able to be safely scheduled, such as: Target Pistol and Shotgun Sports hosted by the Smokin Gun Club, Bowling - hosted by Mesquite Gaming,

All ages Horseshoes - hosted by the Rising Star, as well an all ages CornHole tournament in conjunction with the City of Mesquite Athletics and Leisure Department. Our fall season will be underway beginning in October, with many new sporting and volunteer opportunities. Many of our event venues have received significant upgrades and improvements to make the play even more incredible!

For example, our host location for Pickleball Tournaments at the Sun City Recreation center will have received over 4 million dollars worth of improvements to their courts. The City of Mesquite’s planned 8-14 new courts will increase our total number of available host courts to 30 for Pickleball.

What a fantastic opportunity to experience world-class facilities that will be!

By far, the most remarkable thing we offer with all of our events both this spring and coming in the fall is the camaraderie you will experience with new and old friends, the new friends you will make, and the opportunity to learn new sports and skills, and experience world-class games in your own community!

We look forward to celebrating our 20th year, and we hope you will join us in the celebration!V To learn more about the Mesquite Senior Games our History, Events, Sponsorships, Volunteer opportunities, visit us at our Brand New website www.mesquiteseniorgames.org, or call (702) 345-3347.

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By Kassidy Skouson

T

he Year Round Farmers Market is based in old historic Cedar City. We're an outdoors market all year round! Yes, you read that right. Even throughout the winter! Patio heaters are placed throughout the markets during the colder winter months.

Hours are 10 AM-1 PM during the winter and 9 AM-1 PM during the summer. The farmers market was created around 2012 and has been a lively event for our city.

From bread to metalwork, our vendors have always been very creative. All of our vendors are local artisans and farmers. Our customers love knowing they support our community directly and meeting the baker or crafter face to face. It brings peace of mind knowing who made your bread!

Local musicians play during the summer, with seating for folks to relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.

The summer is a busy time for our farmers, and in these months (April - September), we have the most vegetables and fruits. These past few years, our farmers market has really expanded and become quite the event to attend.

It's free and family-friendly, and because it's outside yearround, it's pet-friendly as well.

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During the Christmas season, we like to have Santa stop and by and say hello. As well as trick-or-treat at the farmers market! Our holiday market is October December. We take a two-week break for Christmas and New Years'. The second weekend of January is the start of our winter market, which then runs until April. We still carry a variety of vegetables and fruits during these months. We always have our crafters providing beautiful and unique items for every occasion!

Our market is deeply interested in the community that we serve and strives to build solid relationships with each other and the business around us, and our customers.

We consult local businesses when entertaining event ideas or sponsoring local musicians and involving them in planning and advertising. We try to build solid relationships with crafters, vendors, and farmers from surrounding areas. Our goal is to welcome all and provide a fun, warm and environment for the community to enjoy.V Our market, Festival City Farmers Market is located at 45 W Center Street, in Cedar City, Utah.

Call or text 435-559-2125

Just

The Serenity Room

By Angelita Antonelli

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n October of 2019, I brought the benefits of the beach to southern Utah. I built a salt room. Considered a new, natural route to health in America, halotherapy or dry salt therapy is, in fact, an ancient remedy. Hundreds of years ago, salt mines in Europe were used to treat inflammatory disease, bacterial illness, and lung issues.

My dream since I was a little girl was to help other people. After experiencing my own halotherapy on vacation a few years ago, I decided to create that space in St. George, Utah, and to share my dream with others.

My husband, Rick Antonelli, is a real estate agent for The Real Estate Collective and helped me find the perfect location in downtown St. George. Breathe Salt Room is located in a gorgeous, historic, yellow cottage-style house on the corner of Tabernacle Street and 300 E., surrounded by lush green grass and tall, aged trees.

We are exposed to positive charge every day from electronics like our phones and computer/tv screens as well as microwaves. Salt therapy reduces the negative effects of our daily exposure by balancing out the positive charge with the salt’s negative ions. Negative ions help to counteract the positive charges from the devices. Negative ions help overcome the positive charge, neutralize it, reduce stress on the body, encourage relaxation, and support the central nervous system.

Halotherapy is so effective in respiratory hygiene because of salt’s following properties: it’s naturally antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. Halotherapy has also been shown to also lower IgE levels, oxygenate the blood, lower blood pressure, and many other benefits.

Today dry salt therapy is used by many people who struggle with respiratory issues, skin conditions, allergies, etc.

Halotherapy is a natural approach to breathing easier. A

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45-minute session in a salt room is equivalent to about three days at the beach. The relaxing, salty breathing benefits you experience at the beach are mimicked in the time spent in Breathe Salt Room. The microparticles of salt can go deep into your lungs and stimulate your body to get rid of toxins you may be holding onto from outdoor air pollution, work-related exposure, smoking, recent illness, etc.

Salt therapy sessions can be enjoyed as a personal experience or with a group of friends and family. The time spent in the salt room is usually 45 minutes. Each room offers the replication of the microclimate found in the salt mines. Two rooms have a medical-grade halogenerator that takes pharmaceutical grade salt and pulverizes it to 5 microns or smaller, and diffuses it into the treatment room while you simply sit back, relax, and breathe in the salty goodness. Europeans commonly refer to this as “Heaven on Earth”!

Halotherapy has been researched extensively, primarily by scientists in Poland and Russia, where salt mines’ benefits were first discovered. It has substantial clinical support for the relief of asthma symptoms, allergies, COPD, sinus infections, and more.

So well accepted that doctors in European countries often write prescriptions for it. More recently, it is now being studied for COVID, and it looks promising. Salt mines in Poland are currently being used for COVID patients. The proper Salt Room etiquette requires that you NOT come to a salt room if you even think you MAY be contagious in the U.S. This was the protocol before COVID, giving people peace of mind when coming to experience salt’s healing nature in the salt room.

The Serenity Room is the largest room at Breathe Salt Room.

It has relaxing, zero gravity chairs to put you in the optimal position to open up lungs to receive the halotherapy. The room features a beautiful backlit Himalayan salt wall. The guests can choose the color of the salt wall, which illuminates to help their experience of relaxing, healing, or awakening.

This room is also used by IAM Retreats, LLC, where monthly guided relaxation is taught every first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. IAM Retreats also hosts experiences where guests can experience a salt session while having a retreat experience of meditation, breathwork, working through old beliefs, learning the power of attraction, and other awakening courses. Also, on Saturday mornings, guests can enjoy Cosmic Yoga Flow at 9:30.

Cosmic Yoga Flow is a sound bowl and yoga class combined with halotherapy taught by the amazing Jaechon Anderson.

It is limited to just five spots to aid in the tranquil nature and enjoyment for our students.

Breathe Salt Room has been the host to many girls’ night out, small weddings, family get-togethers, or people just needing to find space to relax alone. Breathe also has a Reiki Practitioner, Jennifer Sperry, and a foot zone practitioner, Valli Rossiter. Valli is one of the favorite faces of the salt room. Her kind, gentle personality and intuitive gifts help guests feel comfortable in this new journey of health. She uses the Solitude room, where the clients can experience the Heated Himalayan salt bed, Harmonic Light Therapy, and foot zoning’s amazing healing work.

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The Retreat

The Retreat gives the guest a whole different salt experience.

Like the Serenity room, the Retreat has a beautiful backlit Himalayan salt wall and the all-important halogenerator. The main difference is that the Retreat has 4 inches of luxurious granulated Himalayan salt on the floor, complete with sand toys for children to dig and play while receiving their halotherapy.

Adults love this room as well. They sit or lay and bury their hands or feet in the salt as they experience a more sensory and grounding experience. This is an excellent room for younger children.

My dream of helping others has come true in my creation of Breathe Salt Room. I invite you to come in, take your shoes off, lock your phone up in a locker, and take time to BREATHE in relaxation.V While there have been many clinical and scientific studies conducted on dry salt therapy throughout the world, the FDA has not yet evaluated the benefits of using Halotherapy. Dry salt therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Breathe Salt Room is located at 310 E. Tabernacle Street, St. George. | (435) 522-SALT | BreathSaltRoom.com

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view on MOTIVATION

Staying in the Present

By Judi Moreo

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e all face seasons of life filled with uncertainty. It’s a feeling of being unsure or having doubt regarding a specific situation or set of circumstances. While not inherently bad, when times of uncertainty are prolonged and go unmanaged, they can send us into a downward spiral very quickly. Thus, it is important to find ways to manage uncertainty, and a great way to go about that process is by making a conscious choice to stay in the present.

ENHANCED AWARENESS One thing uncertainty does is cause us to focus on the unknown. We begin to develop fears, and it can even lead to paranoia if we allow it to go on for a prolonged period of time. One benefit of staying in the present is enhanced awareness.

This awareness can be critical in quickly identifying the root of any uncertainty you might be feeling so you can address it promptly before it mounts into anything more substantial. When you can figure out what situations or circumstances might lead you down a path of uncertainty and fear, you are better equipped to handle them as they arise.

LESS OVERTHINKING Remaining in the present stops overthinking in its tracks. When faced with uncertainty, we often spend a lot of time trying to figure out what comes next. In trying to figure out how to solve the issue or come out with more answers, we spend a significant amount of time thinking, sometimes to the point of obsessing. Being present is a great release from this pattern. Being in the present can allow you to stop worrying about what may happen and instead, take some time to enjoy what is happening.

BEING GROUNDED A focus on the present is a strong way to combat uncertainty because it acts as an anchor. Living in the present means staying in a place of focus on what is within one’s immediate realm of control and influence. This establishes or re-establishes an element of control that can help people feel grounded and calm, even in scenarios where there is uncertainty. This state of being grounded ensures stability and evenness that helps people make level-headed decisions even when things are going on that they don’t understand.

MANAGE STRESS Living in the present also provides a sense of inner calm and centeredness. By focusing on what is happening right now, all the stress of what might or could happen begins to fade away. This, in turn, reduces any stress one might be feeling. This then becomes a cycle of wellness, as the reduced stress helps one cope with uncertainty in a more calm and reasonable fashion.

GRATITUDE A focus on the present can also enhance feelings of thankfulness. Uncertainty can often make you think about many things that are far out of reach, whereas a focus on the present reminds you of those things that exist in the here and now.

That focus can help you reflect on the many blessings and positives that presently exist. You begin to notice more of the beauty and goodness of the world, which enhances your feelings of thankfulness. Thus, gratitude is elevated, and, as an indirect result of that gratitude, stress levels are reduced.

Ultimately, choosing to live in the present can be a huge benefit when dealing with uncertainty. It helps bring us to a place of calm by increasing our awareness, reducing our stress, decreasing our tendency to overthink while also enhancing our gratitude.V

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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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ARE A G O L F G U I D E

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cedar Ridge - Cedar City cedarridgegolfcourse.com (435) 586-2970

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copper Rock - Hurricane copperrock.com (435) 359-9339

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

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

Mesquite Fine Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

All Secure Storage LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Mesquite Link Realty, LLC – Beverly Powers Uhlir . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Aravada Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Mesquite Link Realty, LLC - Deb Parsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Arizona Horseride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Mesquite Lumber / Ace Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Baird Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Mesquite Tile & Flooring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Bank of Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

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

Beehive Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Moapa Valley Mortuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Breathe Deep Hyperbaric & IV Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Mortgage Mate LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Budget Blinds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

MPD/OHV Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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

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

Camel Safari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

New Vibe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Conestoga Golf Club - 1880 Grille. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

NRC Cambria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Deep Roots Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Odyssey Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Del Webb - Sun City Mesquite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

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

Desert Oasis Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Pioneer Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Desert Pain Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Preston's Medical Waste & Shredding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Desert Sky Medical - Kristy Leany, APRN, FNP, BC . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Prolong Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Dixie Rock and Fossils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Ready Golf Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

ERA – Sharon Szarzi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Red Rock Golf Center - Rob Krieger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Eureka Casino Resort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Reliance Connects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Eureka Casino Resor - Lightening Link Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Re/Max Ridge Realty – Cindy Risinger Team. . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 65

Farmers Insurance - Bill Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Re/Max - Robert "Goody" Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Friends of Gold Butte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Richens Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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

Senior Center Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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

Silver Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Iceberg Air Conditioning & Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Southwest Gas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

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

Staging Spaces and Redesign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

J.R. Morgan Glass and Glazing , LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

State Farm Insurance - Lisa Wilde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Judi Moreo – Speaker, Author, & Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 109

Stationary Hitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Kayenta Arts Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 57

St. George Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

St. George Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Kitchen Encounters/Classy Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

The Lindi Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Lamppost Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Tuacahn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Medicare and Healthcare Insurance - Mary Bundy. . . . . . . . . . 76

Vibrationally Speaking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Mesa Valley Estates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 75

Virgin Valley Mortuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Mesa View Regional Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

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

| VIEW ON MAGAZINE |May/June 2021

May/June 2021 | VIEW ON MAGAZINE |

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| VIEW ON MAGAZINE |May/June 2021

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