ORGANIZATION

Organizing Your Thoughts in the Desert

By Jennifer Sperry T he outdoors is such a wonderful place to be! A place to be one with yourself, one with friends and family, one with strangers, and one with your higher power. The outdoors allows us to organize our thoughts. People find space outdoors from all different faiths and beliefs, yet all are looking for the same thing. The outdoors is building a movement, it really always has. It helps us believe in ourselves again, to show us it is okay to doubt and seek answers, to show our soul being broken, yet to have glued all of our pieces back together and in a new beautiful shape.

Being one with nature is supported by ancient cultures no matter your spiritual beliefs. The outdoors allows us the space to take an intention while walking the methodical path of beauty in the red rocks, your rhythmic steps to quiet your mind. While sitting near water and hearing the sounds or laying in the grass to watch the stars, you can feel your breath change to a slower, calmer pace. We often take an intention with us to the outdoors, perhaps a worry in our hearts. Is the intention a job you are applying for? An argument with your spouse? Trouble with a child’s attitude? Questions about something someone said in church? Whatever it may be, you take it with you on your journey through nature pondering it, seeking guidance.

When you get to that perfect place in nature, you give your intention to your higher power, whatever that may be. Sending up to the skies or leaving your intention on the mountain top. Organizing your thoughts in nature is non-denominational. THAT is the beauty of the outdoors. It just naturally wants to help us organize our thoughts.

Why, you ask? Because the Earth calls to us! It grounds us! Grounding, (or currently being called earthing) is anciently believed to be a therapeutic technique where you reconnect with the earth. A place to organize your soul, your worried mind, or your aching heart.

We are blessed to be surrounded by bodies of warm water. We have an abundance in unique red rocks and dirt with white mountains as a backdrop. And cities like Ivins, Utah, have a value statement to “… improve, preserve, and protect the night sky,…[with] environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.” This means you can see the night sky painted with stars!

Pick a favorite place that calls to you! Is it the brilliant waters of Gunlock Reservoir? The sand in Snow Canyon State Park? The deep shadows of the Narrows, in Zion National Park? Or the brilliant night skies in Littlefield, Arizona?

Living presently is the best way to connect with your thoughts and have a clear mind to organize your worries. It is so simple, yet so powerful! Learning to be presently aware of your five senses and how they make you feel while being as close to the earth as you can, this is the organization of your mind and grounding!

How does it LOOK? The rich colors of blue in the sky contrasted to the red mountains The bugs working hard in the heat The color of the water and how far you can see The abundant star kissed sky

How does it TASTE? The breeze

The snack you brought The water in your Thermos

How does it SOUND?

The noise as you walk The crickets in the background The water splashing as you walk The sand as you sift it through your fingers

What are the SMELLS? Can you smell the flowers

The coffee in your mug The dirt after the rain The different smell of the wind

How does it FEEL? The sand between your toes

The sun on your skin The temperature of the water The warm night air

This moment is where the magic of your organized thoughts begins; being fully present with your body and feeling the connection to the outdoors. You see, being present encourages your mind to focus and helps release worries. This moment has the ability to recharge you, strengthen your inner intuition, calm your emotions, and make better, uncluttered, decisions. Remind yourself in this moment, this is your space! You are welcome here anytime! It is safe, and your soul and the earth want you in the calm of the outdoors. May you get your skin as close as you can to the soil, the water, the sun, or the stars this month and allow your thoughts to clearly get organized in our beautiful surrounding outdoors! V

Where in the World Would I Rather Be?

By Linda Faas H ave you ever had the déjà vu feeling in a foreign country you are visiting? Does it look like you have seen it before? That happened to me recently when I visited the World Heritage sites of southern Jordan. The arid expanses of the Jordanian desert made famous by Lawrence of Arabia and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” are truly a wonder to behold. Yet, at the same time, I was walking through the Siq (the main entrance to a city in southern Jordan), a slot canyon leading to Petra, I had a twinge of remembrance of the Narrows in Zion National Park.

Entering the Siq reminds me of Zion Narrows

Zion Narrows

Unconfirmed sandstone found in Petra

Ribbons of sandstone found n Gold Butte

Wadi Rum sculpted formations (shown left) mirror Little Finland in Gold Butte (shown right)

It is also fascinating to see that the geologic saga that shaped our own Hurricane Fault, breaking apart the Colorado Plateau from the basin and range landscape of Nevada, had a counterpart in Africa and the Middle East. Africa’s Rift Valley and the huge fault to the north that dropped the Dead Sea 400 meters (approx. 1,312 ft.), below sea level, formed a similar terrain of limestone and sandstone cliffs that have been displaced by tectonics, ravaged by water, and sculpted by wind through the eons. It all seemed so much like home!

On a massive scale, the magnificent Wadi Rum is impressive. And so are the unique hidden treasures of Gold Butte. The eerie shapes and unearthly colors of our nearby Little Finland never cease to excite the imagination. Wadi Rum has mountains of windworked outcroppings that appear to be formed of melted wax. They tower over gigantic sand dunes, making an exotic backdrop to a camel caravan making its way across the dunes. Bedouins prefer to give tourists rides on camels instead of ATVs because of the mystique and the swaying rhythm of those ancient beasts. And camels don’t kick up that much dust.

Many secrets of the desert have been lost in the sands of time. Two thousand years ago Ancient Jordan was the land of the Nabataeans, a tribe of traders who claimed the area of Petra and made it a center of trade for 400 years. They were advanced people who carved exquisite building facades in the canyons of Petra—a “Wall Street of the Desert,” if you will. They cleverly steered trade routes to their canyon stronghold where they controlled the market. They kept the peace among Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Egyptians and Persians who came there to bargain for much sought-after spices, metals, silks and unique products each carried to the desert stronghold.

Not unlike the Middle Eastern traders, the Virgin Anasazi of the ancient “Lost City” on the lower Muddy River traded local salt that they mined along the river. Visiting tribes traded shells, turquoise, and many other prized goods. The remains of 1000-year-old pots of distant origin are still evident throughout the area, indicating that some were used to carry goods long distances to swap for locally grown mesquite pods and other essential goods brought to this crossroads. Our modern scientists struggle to reconstruct the story of the Anasazi that could teach us so much about our desert surroundings. The petroglyphs on the sandstone walls of Gold Butte haven’t been deciphered, though we all hope someday to find a “Rosetta Stone” to crack the code. The timeline of these trade routes is separated by centuries and oceans, yet the same innate humanity led both the Middle East and the Mojave Desert civilizations to travel the world and interact with other tribes. The Treasury, icon of Petra was carved from rock

Legends of treasure permeate the history of Gold Butte, echoing tales of King Solomon’s Mines. Whether it was Eldorado or myths of a lost Spanish gold mine, the pursuit of riches caused a real gold rush, hardly more than 100 years ago. Around 1905, 1500 miners lived around the feldspar and quartz rock outcroppings, today called Gold Butte Townsite. Some miners went away rich, most just moved on as the veins of gold ran out.

The uncommon splendor of a glorious sunset is a nightly possibility in both the Arabian Desert and the Mojave Desert. Whether waiting, face to the west, in Jordan’s Valley of the Moon, or stopping in your tracks in Mesquite to catch the incredible winter glow over Flat Top and the Virgin Mountains, the hues and the awe of the desert sunsets are incomparable wonders.

So if your budget, or preference, confines you to local sightseeing, take pride in the fact that we have world-class surroundings in our own backyard. Fantasies of far pavilions take flight as you visit Gold Butte and witness our stunning desert. Globetrotting is “frosting on the cake,” but steeping yourself in the beauty of southern Nevada is an ultimate adventure of the best kind. V

Slippin’, Slippin’, Slippin’, Slippin’, Slippin’, Slippin’,

By Linda Gault L yrics to a Steve Miller Band song….”Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future” certainly reminds us how quickly the days pass by and time marches on. Soon school will be out and the summer season underway. But you still have time to enter your team in this year’s Rotary Mudd Volleyball competition behind the Eureka Casino Resort. This is the 7th season the Rotary Club of Mesquite has hosted this fun event. If you like playing sports, getting dirty, and enjoying a truly fun day in the sun you won’t want to miss the action!

Last year’s winning teams – 1st Place, JMD Concrete headed by Ricky Trujillo; 2nd Place, Primex – Team “Soto;” and 3rd Place winners the Las Vegas Kings could be back again to defend their titles. You’ll need to join us to see who walks away with the trophies this year!

Games will begin at 9:00 am in the area beside the Eureka Hotel & Spa. Spectators and players will be moving and grooving to the tunes of DJ NumberJuan and DJ Fuego all day until the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are announced. Teams of six players can include co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors. Cost per team is $210 ($35/person) which includes this year’s Mudd t-shirt for each player. Players MUST be at least 16 years old and show ID.

Come early and watch members of the Mesquite Police and Fire Rescue battle it out to see which department walks, hobbles, or crawls away with the prized trophy and title of “Studds of The Mudd” 2020! It’s always entertaining when our men in uniform come together to have some fun while supporting the Mesquite community.

Don’t let more time pass or you’ll miss your chance for some real fun. Remember…“Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future….” V

Aumbria Health Gets New Nurse Practitioner

By Kayla Leachman

Aumbria Health would like to introduce Rachelle Sullivan, APRN-FNP!

As part of our efforts to better serve our community, Aumbria Health is happy to introduce our newest provider Rachelle Sullivan. Born in southern Utah and raised in Las Vegas, Rachelle considers herself a native of anywhere in between.

Receiving her Nurse Practitioner training at Maryville University in St. Louis, MO and currently board certified in her field, her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Southern Utah University and has an associate of Business degree from Dixie State College.

She has experience in management of acute and chronic medical conditions drawing on her background of work in the ER, acute and long term medical care and medical/surgical departments.

Rachelle's happy and bubbly personality will make you feel right at ease on your encounter with her. Her addition affords us the opportunity to open our doors to new patients, and still maintain a high standard of care. We appreciate the overwhelming support of our wonderful community. Thank you from Dr. Kodjoe and Kayla Leachman, Office Manager and Staff!! V

Aumbria Health is located at 350 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Suite 102, Mesquite, Nevada. (702) 345-3312

Inchworm Arch, Kanab

NEVADA utah arizona

THE TRI-STATE ATV CLUB O rganized in 2003, by individuals wanting to ride together as well as help protect our trails, the Tri-State ATV Club was formed in Hurricane, Utah. Members came from Utah, Arizona, and Nevada giving it the “Tri-State” name. The primary purpose of the Club is to enjoy fun rides and activities, socialize with friends, promote rider education and safety, preserve and maintain access to public lands and portray a positive image of safe and responsible off-highway riding to the community. SEEING THE SOUTHWEST ONE TRAIL AT A TIME!

The Club meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, at the Hurricane Community Center (63 S 100 W) to discuss recent and upcoming riding opportunities, land and trail access issues, and other events in which the Club is involved. The Club offers individual and family memberships to participate in Club rides, activities, and projects. The Club now has over 1100 members and continues to grow monthly.

CLUB ACTIVITIES The premier activity of the Club is our annual Jamboree. The Club sponsored its first Jamboree in March of 2004 and has continued to sponsor a Jamboree every March since then. Our 2019 Jamboree had over 900 participants enjoying three full days of riding ATVs and UTVs on a wide variety of trails led by our trained guides. The 28 rides covered much of the scenic wonders of SW Utah and NW Arizona. Our 2019 Jamboree also offered great food, entertainment, drawings, many vendor booths, two fun Bingo nights, and lots of time to meet up with old friends and make new ones. The 2020 Club Jamboree that was to take place on March 18-21, 2020, was forced to be postponed. The postponement was in response to the COVID-19 restrictions on large events here in Utah. Our 2020 registration was at 680 participants with 150 Volunteers. Future dates are being explored and updates can be found on the clubs website at www.thetristateatvclub.com when they become available.

In addition to the annual Jamboree, the Club organizes monthly rides to trails in other areas of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. We also sponsor a BBQ dinner each September, and an enjoyable holiday dinner in December. The Club participates in local community events, often riding their ATVs/UTVs in local parades. Members of the Club also participate with local government agencies on proposing changes and additions to the trails available to off-highway riding.

CLUB PROJECTS Besides its many activities, we participate in several projects throughout the year. During our monthly rides, special effort is made to clean and occasionally repair and improve the trails. Members helped the Forest Service build trail kiosks and clean up and repair trails near Enterprise and Pine Valley. The Club works closely with the BLM and Forest Service to keep trails open, rideable, and with good signage. We have adopted the roadside cleanup for the road leading from Utah Highway 9, to the Sand Hollow State Park. Once each month, Club members gather early in the morning to clean up the sides of the road. The Tri-State ATV Club provides opportunities to make new friends, get involved in local events, enjoy wonderful rides, and volunteer to help in worthwhile activities. Please join with us at our next monthly meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, in the Hurricane Utah Community Center. V

Where We Were. . .Where We’re Going

By Carol Sue Saldivar

I’ve been a volunteer at the Mesquite Veterans Center for almost three years, and in that time I’ve seen it go from an active, dark-looking place, to a bustling, newly brightened and polished spot in our city. It’s come a long way and has a ways to go to continue the vision of our original founders all the way forward to the vision of our current board, volunteers and community. What a journey it’s been. During my time, I’ve also seen much growth in all the organizations under our roof. To go back to the beginning, I’m told by Mayor Litman and others, there was a group of veterans who used to meet all over town in different places where they could represent their various military service organizations. Around 2006, these veterans decided to try and put everything together under one roof. With the help

of Mayor Al Litman and others, the land was leased and the building was started. After getting the non-profit status, a five-piece modular building that used to be a showroom for a condominium company in Las Vegas was purchased for the price of just one of the pieces! The Mayor told me, “I couldn’t get my checkbook out fast enough to put that deposit down.” He shared stories of a golf fundraiser at Wolf Creek, a show at the CasaBlanca and an event in Sun City that all helped raise funds for helping veterans in the area with the many needs they had. Names and credits for all those responsible just to that point would take volumes, but names most often mentioned are; Ed Fizer, Jim Brown, Dennis Lynch, Bob Barquist, Glen Burton, Don Muse, and of course, the Mayor’s wife, Phyllis.

After the generous donation of a high-end motorhome, which was sold, the profit went straight to pay off the building. The brainchild and dream of Ed Fizer and others were coming true. Opened in 2010, the Mesquite Veterans Center houses veteran organizations and also hosts several partner groups on a regular basis. Currently, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Virgin Valley Honor Guard, and the Veterans Service Office all call the Center their home. A Veterans Affairs representative comes from Las Vegas twice a month to assist our in-house Service Officer in helping veterans with benefits for health concerns and other issues. The sixth section was an addition that holds historic items on display, and a library in progress, generously donated by and dedicated to Robert Meibaum. Our combat veterans use this as their place to gather twice a month.

Since becoming President of the Center in 2017, Bob Nehilla (who’s also a member of every organization under its roof) credits the success of many projects that have happened since he took office to all the people that put their sweat, experience and time into them. He told me, “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated, hardworking people. Without them, I couldn’t do what I do.” Since taking over the helm, Bob’s “get ‘er done!” attitude has smoothed the way for improvements throughout the Center, to include upgraded flooring and reconfiguring the kitchen, paint throughout to brighten the main open area, total cleanout, and flooring in the museum area. The new flooring was donated by one of our enthusiastic volunteers.

Protective covers for the coolers and a new roof are part of the improvements outside the building. Bob never accepts accolades for these improvements, always pointing out each of the volunteers who made the projects happen. He recalls, “this place had become dark and dingy. People didn’t know we were here.” Tony Hardway, veteran Purple Heart recipient and twenty-three year Mesquite resident, has many vivid memories of days gone by, foremost being the many meetings at the “...hotel on the hill, casinos, and anywhere we could. When I was asked to be on the board for the VVA when the Center opened, I made sure it was clear that the Center was for ALL veterans.”

Displays have been moved away from windows to offer more light, offices have been spruced up and painted, major clean-outs have taken place and on any given day things just get better and better. While the same few people are ever-present during these improvements, like Kristina Stevens, our Vice President; Steve Reynolds, VFW Commander; and Tara Hancock; there are always dedicated volunteers, coming to offer their expertise, goods, and services to help the cause. It’s truly a community effort.

Bob Nehilla can’t stress enough how “the generous donations from all the supportive organizations and businesses in this town allow us to give back to our Veterans and our community. That’s a vital part of our success.” For MVC’s Vice President Stevens, a combat veteran, she says, “the work here is like therapy for me and other combat vets. It’s a place to come and just get things done. A safe place to just be.” She emphasizes, “We have a great need for volunteers here. Without them, we couldn’t keep going. Volunteers do as much or as little as they can offer. We’re glad to have them all.”

I’ve spent a lot of time listening to veterans and their families’ stories about days gone by, both in their lives of service and at the center. Many of those stories have brought tears to my eyes, laughter, heartache, and joy. These stories evoke such respect for all that these men and women have endured in the name of freedom for all of us who enjoy it.

Folks at Pancake Breakfast

There’s a little something here for all veterans and their families. If you are here full-time, or part-time, come visit this great place and see what’s here for you. You will see and hear many wonderful things about veterans, then and now. And it’s getting better every day. V

Carol Sue Saldivar/Veteran, Secretary, and Volunteer Coordinator/Mesquite Veterans Center and lifetime VFW member. For more information call us at (702) 346-2735 or visit us at 840 Hafen Ln. in Mesquite, Nevada. More information is available on our website: mesquiteveteranscenternv.org or on our Facebook page: Mesquite Veterans Center Nevada.

10 ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR SPRING and SUMMER

By Keith Buchhalter I enjoy it when Kathy and her staff ask me to write an article for this fantastic magazine. I do my best to find new tips that will help you save on your next electric bill. My goal is to find those tips that we tend to overlook, small changes in our daily routine that have a direct impact on how we use energy. We are fortunate that in our region, the winter season is not as brutal as in other parts of the United States. However, we tend to procrastinate in completing some projects at home, waiting for the warmer temperatures of spring and early summer. Well, since warmer temperatures are here, how about if I share with you a few simple things you can do to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as we welcome the warmer temperatures:

1

Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance, such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters, can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. Also, the first day of spring could serve as a reminder to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels.

2 3 4 5

Open the windows. Opening windows creates cross ventilation, allowing you to cool your home naturally without switching on air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic in spring when temperatures are mild. Close them when temperatures begin to rise to keep your home cooler.

Use ceiling fans. Cooling your home with ceiling fans will allow you to raise your thermostat 4 degrees, helping lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort. Don’t forget to redirect your ceiling fans. Ever notice that tiny switch on your ceiling fan? It does have a purpose, and it’s one that can save you energy – and money. Flip that switch while you’re dusting to send your fan counterclockwise, so you’re not wasting that much-needed A/C in the summer.

Change air conditioning filters. While you are wiping down your vents, take a few extra minutes to check out your filters. If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, take the time to do it now. Not only will it improve air quality, but it will make sure your system isn’t wasting energy. Changing air filters every two months is a good rule of thumb to save on energy costs.

Deep clean your refrigerator. This one is one of my new favorite tips. Your refrigerator uses up to 14% of your home’s electricity, so upping your fridge’s efficiency can make a big difference in your electric bill. Start by cleaning off the seals around the door to keep cold air from escaping. It’s also a good idea to clean out your fridge’s contents while you are at it. Get rid of those old condiments and questionable Tupperware containers, and restock on just the necessary supplies. Keeping your fridge two-thirds full is ideal for improved circulation and energy efficiency.

6

Vacuum the refrigerator coils. Have you looked behind your refrigerator lately? If you haven’t, let me warn you, it might not be pretty. But if you are back there cleaning anyway, make sure to dust the buildup on the refrigerator coils. The dust forces the fridge to work harder to keep things cold, so it’s worth a few minutes to wipe it down.

7

Inspect sliding doors. If your home has a sliding glass door, take a few minutes to get all the grit and grime out of the track. The buildup can ruin the door’s seal and create gaps where heat or cold air can escape.

8

Make the switch to LEDs. While you are dusting off lamps and changing light bulbs, why not make sure that all your lights use LED bulbs? LED bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. While they are a little pricier, the investment pays off in the end. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs can save you $7 per month on reduced energy costs.

9

Air dry. Air drying your clothes and dishes keeps your home cooler on hot days and reduces the amount of time your dishwasher and dryer are on.

10

Install window treatments. Energy-efficient window treatments or coverings such as blinds, shades, and films can slash heat gain when temperatures rise. These devices not only improve the look of your home but also reduce energy costs. V