View On Magazine by View On Magazine

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

January 1 – February 28, 2017 Volume 10 – Issue 1 PUBLISHER Kathy Lee MANAGING EDITOR Kristen Williams CREATIVE DIRECTOR & MAGAZINE DESIGN Aloree Smith WRITERS Laurel Beesley Jeffrey Bird Maggie Calhoun Laura L. Draskovich Donna Eads Linda Faas Joan Ging Jennifer Hammond-Moore Helen Houston Brian Hurlburt Catherine King, APRN Rob Krieger

Mayor Al Litman Karen L. Monsen Alexa V. Morgan Paul Noe Charlene Paul Dianne Reid Celece Seegmiller Jan Sullivan Debbi Swanson Patrick Stoney Ward Russ Westwood Kristen Williams

ADVERTISING SALES Kathy Lee ADVERTISING EMAIL ads@ViewOnMagazine.com SUPPORT STAFF Bert Kubica DISTRIBUTION View on Magazine Staff WEB DESIGN Trevor Didriksen PUBLISHED BY View On Magazine, Inc. 742 W. Pioneer Blvd, Suite D Mesquite, NV 89027 Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955 GENERAL INQUIRIES info@ViewOnMagazine.com ON THE WEB ViewOnMagazine.com Facebook

2016-2017 View On 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 View On Magazine staff. All articles submitted by contributing writers are deemed correct at the time of publishing, View On Magazine, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates accept no responsibility for articles submitted with incorrect information.

Publisher

Letter from the Dear Readers,

As we embark on this journey into a new year we can not help but reflect on the last one. Many of us have some great memories of 2016 and many of us had trials and tribulations that others did not see. We as humans usually choose to see the new year as the opportunity to change, improve, or start something completely new. We are filled with hopes and dreams of a better year to come.

I am choosing to make some very positive changes starting in the new year. I will make this a year to remember. As you peruse these pages you will see some amazing events that have already taken place and some that you can look forward to attending. We live in an incredible area that has so many different things to do that you will never be bored. We can enjoy amazing landscapes, beautiful golf courses, brilliant sunsets, and the multitude of ways to get involved with our communities. Please take the time this year to do something just for yourself, even if it is just to reflect on the past year to help you decide what it is you want in the future. As always please stop by and thank our advertisers for making this publication possible. Visit our website at www.ViewOnMagazine.com and join us on social media. I would like to take this time to thank all of the wonderful people that made this publication what it is today. I wish you all the brightest and most beautiful New Year! Kathy Lee Publisher

frequent CONTRIBUTORS V

Helen Houston is the owner of Hues & Vues – Inspired Walls and Windows. Helen also owns a new business, Staging Spaces – Designing Your Home to Sell. She holds certifications as a Drapery and Design Professional, Certified Staging Professional and Certified Color Consultant. She has been a contributing writer for View on Magazine for the past six years. Her creative writing features articles on home fashion, home staging, and entertaining. Helen is a published author in several national design and trade magazines. She can be reached at helen@huesandvues.com or helen@stagingspaces.biz.

Jennifer Hammond-Moore is a certified IIN Health Coach, the owner of Foodies4Fitness and a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer. After spending her 30s being unhealthy and sick, she decided to take back control of her health. Jennifer has spent the last eight years learning what it takes for her to live her version of a healthy life and finding ways to help others do the same. She can be reached at jenahammond@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/ foodies4fitness, or (435) 862-8116.

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.

Alexa V. Morgan has been working as a freelance journalist in southern Utah since 2011. Her work has appeared in Utah Business, Outdoor Sports Guide, and 15 Bytes, among other publications. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, tennis, and her adorable pets. She can be reached at alexavmorgan@gmail.com.

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 in St. George and the Southgate Golf Club and is experienced in teaching all skill levels from beginners to low handicappers. Rob has been writing for us since 2010. For more information on help with your game check out his website www.stgeorgegolflessons.com or to schedule a lesson, email him at Rob@sgugolf.com.

Elspeth Kuta is the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum Coordinator, where it is her privilege to share with the community and visitors the local history of Mesquite and the surrounding areas. She and the Museum strive to bring history to life, and preserve and protect the local tales of yore. We’re pleased to have her as a regular contributor.

frequent CONTRIBUTORS V

Laurie Nelson-Barker is the owner of Formatian Fitness and Travel Training. She earned a Master’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and is a Certified Personal Trainer. Laurie has enjoyed over 30 years of conducting fitness training and classes. Email or call her at brtrainers@gmail.com or (435) 574-9362. Visit her website: www.formatianfitness.com.

Paul “Dr. Q” Noe has been in the nursery industry for over 50 years, with experience in retail and wholesale sales as well as landscaping, plant maintenance and growing experience. Paul has lived in Southern Nevada for 34 years. He became a California Certified Nurseryman in 1968 and a Certified Horticulture Advisor in 1993 by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service.

Dianne Reid

Donna Eads and her husband moved to Mesquite in 2010 from Palm Desert, CA and love 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 View On Magazine.

Charlene Paul is the owner of Proof It Up, a proofreading and copy editing company. She lives in southern Nevada with her husband. Their original family of eight has grown into a crew of 25, including 12 of the cutest grandkids on earth. She loves spending time with family and friends, singing, writing, playing the piano and organ, reading, crocheting, sewing, and talking – a lot!

has been in the pet industry for 12 years, and owned two import companies, where she sought out cuttingedge pet products to bring into Australia. A frequent visitor to Mesquite since 2009, she moved here in 2016 to start-up a unique pet store concept, but was unable to bring the dream to fruition due to personal family issues. She remains passionate and dedicated to advancing the pet community in Mesquite, and is excited to continue contributing to our magazine with her knowledge of pets and their people’s needs. She can be reached at DianneReid@hotmail.com.

Celece Seegmiller is the owner of The Travel Connection, located at 1373 East 170 South in St. George. Travel is her passion and she’s spent the past 24 years planning dream vacations around the world. Her favorite vacation is the South Pacific with her “toes in the sand.” Reach her at (435) 628-3636 or celece@stgeorgetravel.com.

Message from the Mayor

Mesquite

It’s better now as our growth can be more smoothly managed and we can proactively plan for the future.

The Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort which you have probably read about in a past edition of this magazine is up and running with bookings exceeding expectations. It’s the talk of the city as well as among our neighbors both to the south and the north of us. With the new field house under construction and set to open in the spring, we have a winner on our hands that will accommodate sporting events no matter how hot it gets in Mesquite. The old Oasis hotel has cleaned up its site making it an excellent venue for many outdoor activities. Bring on the car shows!

New Year is upon us, and in Mesquite it’s just the beginning of what I believe will be an exciting and rewarding one. Mesquite is now the fastest growing city in Clark County at nearly five percent a year. Of course, to make it even better, we have been named the fifth safest place in the state to live. With the excellent police and fire departments we have, I would expect nothing less. At one time we were the fastest small city for growth in the country.

We will have the ground-breaking for a state of the art library shortly, one that any city would be proud of. The library will be approximately 16,000 square feet and will greatly enhance Mesquite. The REV Group, a developer of motorhome and recreational vehicles has decided that the plans they submitted for a 40,000 square foot service facility is too small and has decided that 70,000 ft. would work better for the area. That in and of itself shows where Mesquite is headed.

Home and commercial permits are up considerably from last year. Sun City continues to grow with new subdivisions filling quickly.

As mayor, I have had positive conversations with Southwest Gas about running a connection from the Kern River pipeline to the city. Natural gas is badly needed for commercial growth as well as new home development. This won’t happen overnight, but its future looks bright for our city. The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce is stronger than ever, and is working closely with our economic development groups to improve our workforce as to better position ourselves for the growth we will experience. So, as we enter the New Year, I am more optimistic than ever about our future in Mesquite. We have great people living here, and we have a positive outlook. We need to recognize this “gem in the desert” as the place to be. Sincerely, Mayor Al Litman

Contents

FEATURES

cover photo by David Swindler

18 52

18 10 New Things to Do 42

Brewing in Zion Canyon Tasty Beer & Good Times

in Kanab

24 view on PETS 52

Authentic Camel Safari Opens Near Mesquite

Imprints on the Heart and Soul Celebrating a Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purpose

Contents

VIEW ON

12 STRONG WOMEN 14 TRAVEL 22 NONPROFIT 28 DESIGN 30 OUTDOORS 36 FITNESS 56 DEFENSE 60 GOLF 64 GARDENING 68 BUSINESS 76 FITNESS 82 DIY 98 Inspiration Well Worth the Weight

Strong Women of Southern Utah Lindsey Boyer

Say "I Do" to a Destination Wedding

Mesquite Works

Renew and Refresh for the New Year

St. George City Parks and Trails A Look Back and Ahead

Five Exercises You Can Take Anywhere No Gym, No Problem

Wild West Firearms and Training

A Job Well Done Retirement for One of Our Own

Dealing With Frost Damaged Yards

Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. Welcomes New CEO

Fitness in a Changing World

"Love" to DIY

36 98 9

Why I Love Mesquite W

hen asked why I love Mesquite, all I could say was WOW! I love everything about Mesquite. From the first day I arrived in Mesquite I could feel the sense of community this city extends. It didn't take long before I found myself surrounded by new friends, and a schedule of activities that filled my days and evenings. Mesquite has wonderful hiking and biking trails throughout the city and nearby mountains and desert. Boating, fishing, and swimming at Lake Mead is a favorite activity. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, golf is a year round sport.

I view Mesquite as the city that has allowed me to expand my horizons, grow as an individual, and try new and exciting activities. The Mesquite Recreation Center offers a variety of senior classes. I believe I have participated in most of those classes during the last 13 years. Taking the senior Taekwondo class proved to be a life changing experience for me. Not only did I regain balance, strength, and energy, but I married my Taekwondo instructor Master "O," Bill O'Connell. Yes, love is alive and well in Mesquite! I danced for the first time in my life with the wonderful Mesquite-Toes. Imagine being on the stage performing all over the country and on cruise ships. What an exhilarating seven years that was. I also shoot with the Women's Defensive Weaponry Club. If any women want to learn the art of shooting and other self defense techniques, this is the club to contact. What a great group of women.

Why I Love Cedar Cit y I thank God every day for the life I have here in Mesquite, Nevada.

~Sally Henrie

he resounding chorus we heard in 2004 when my husband and I decided to move to Cedar City from the San Francisco area was "You're moving where?" We had spent 10 years searching the west for our retirement destination. We wanted out of California, out of a major metro area, someplace pretty, and I didn’t want to be in the middle of “Deliverance.” We fell in love with Cedar (we’ve lived here long enough to call it that) because of the beautiful surroundings, friendly people and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Fast forward 12 years. We are happy and proud to call Cedar home. We love the vibrant arts community – we now have a wonderful new Southern Utah Museum of Art, as well as the world renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, a symphony orchestra, two art galleries and a College of Performing and Visual Arts at Southern Utah University. My husband is a pilot, so this terrific airport and helpful FBO of Sphere One Aviation make him happy. I found that volunteering has resulted in many friendships and provided a sense of purpose post-retirement. We have friends who are locals and friends who’ve moved here from all over the U.S. We enjoy exploring our gorgeous area – Kolob Canyon is a 20 minute drive. Coal Creek Trail is just one of the many walking trails where we can get exercise and enjoy our gorgeous blue skies and red rock landscape. Bottom line, we continue to be thrilled we took the leap of faith and moved to Cedar City. ~ Joanne Brattain

Why I Love Brian Head H

ave you ever fallen in love at first sight? It's happened twice to me. Once when I met my husband, Mike, although he will roll his eyes when I mention this, and once again in December of 2009. That's when we first saw Brian Head, Utah. We adore the contrasts of living in southern Utah; our home is in a small community on the edge of Brian Head Ski Resort, at 10,000 feet, where winter turns the whole area into a playground. My typical week will include skiing with girlfriends every Wednesday (Women of Wednesday - the "WOWs" as we like to be known), snowmobiling around the open hills and through Cedar Breaks National Monument, and snowshoeing the local trails.

We can travel in a couple different directions and in only an hour be enjoying everything that the desert has to offer, where winter is only a word in the dictionary. In the summer, our temperatures never rise above 75 degrees, and we spend a good portion of each day outside enjoying the amazing red rock views, discovering hiking trails and loving the wildflowers. Since we retired to Brian Head, life has been full of dear friends and an ever-deepening appreciation for the beauty of southern Utah.

Why IMoapa LoveValley ~Julie Saemisch

y husband and I moved to Overton Beach Marina from Las Vegas in 1996. In 2000, we, along with our 1 1⁄2 year old daughter, moved from Overton Beach Marina to the town of Overton. The very second we arrived at our new home, a neighbor came over, introduced himself, and brought us a few cases of bottled water. The neighbor also proceeded to help us carry several boxes into our home. That was the beginning of my love affair with Moapa Valley. A perfect stranger helping us unpack, and giving us bottled water. I love Moapa Valley because that neighbor was a perfect example of what you experience when you move to this community – people helping people, just because. Sixteen years of living in Moapa Valley has only reinforced my first impression. Our daughter has attended the schools in this valley since preschool, she is now a senior in high school, and I can’t say enough good things about the teachers in this valley. They are dedicated and caring professionals and I thank them for what they do each and every day for our students.

The dedicated volunteer fire department and first responders in this valley demonstrate constantly what it means to be a volunteer, and provide services above and beyond what I would have thought a rural volunteer fire department meant before I moved here. I love pretty much everything about living in Moapa Valley – no traffic lights, very little crime, neighbors helping neighbors, and small downtown stores that sell such a variety of products that I seldom have to venture out to the “big city.” But for me, definitely the best thing about living is Moapa Valley is what I discovered on moving day – people reaching out and helping other people, for no other reason except to say “Welcome to Moapa Valley.” ~Christine Ward

view on INSPIRATION

Well Worth

the

WEIGHT WEIGHT

by Charlene Paul

bout a year and a half ago, my son and I embarked on a journey that changed both our lives. We struggled with weight issues for years, and each year we resolved that we would challenge each other to reach our weight loss goals. We enjoyed success here and there, losing 25 or 30 pounds each. But slowly we sank back into old habits until those 25 or 30 pounds reappeared with a few more.

At one point, I was ready to throw in the towel and cry, “Uncle.” I was set to admit I couldn’t do it. The weight had won and I had conceded. It wasn’t a glorious day. In fact, it was a day filled with darkness, loneliness, and despair. I was tired of getting my hopes up only to fall flat on my face again. But my young son wasn’t ready to accept defeat. He read and researched and found a way that worked for him, so he called and talked to me about it and asked if I would give it a try. I was reluctant, but decided I would join him as long as he didn’t tell anyone else what we were doing. He agreed. My kids have pleaded with me for years to take better care of myself so I would be around to watch their children grow up. They worried about their brother’s health and silently wished he could find a way to shed the pounds. They have offered advice and encouragement. And we have disappointed them again and again and again. They didn’t voice their disappointment; it was evident in their eyes. But something changed as we embarked on this new path. We experienced success, and instead of falling back into old habits and patterns, we experienced even more success. That success wasn’t dramatic at first, but it was fun and exciting to see the pounds melt away, and as our clothes outgrew us, we compared notes and pictures, and spoke several times a week. His encouraging words kept me going when all I wanted to do was curl

up with a good book and a big bag of crunchy, salty chips or an ample bowl of creamy, cold, sweet ice cream. He reminded me that the happiness those things brought only remained until the last bite, and then it was back to darkness and despair. My husband and I received FitBits from another son and his wife with a challenge to walk 10,000 steps a day. Quite a feat for someone who couldn’t walk a quarter mile before stopping to rest, gasping for air, and hoping my heart wouldn’t beat out of my chest. But before long, 10,000 steps weren’t so daunting. My son started running and I kept walking. The steps and miles added up. We rejoiced in being outdoors and staying active. Hikes replaced television. Walks replaced naps. Runs replaced snacking. And the more we moved, the more we wanted to move. My son travels a lot for his job, flying overseas several times a year. The first time he flew to Asia, he had to request a seat belt extender so he could sit in a seat designed for a person half his size. A year later, he took the same flight and sent us a picture of him buckling up without the assistance of that seat belt extender. The armrests didn’t dig into his thighs, and he was much more comfortable. His grin spoke volumes and encouraged me to continue my journey.

BEFORE

As my weight dropped, my energy levels rose. I could get up off the floor without help from my husband. I ran and played with my grandkids. I slept better and woke up feeling rested and refreshed. When we began our adventure, we were aware we would have to find new coping mechanisms since turning to food would no longer be an option. If the money runs out before the month, if gas prices explode, if computers crash, if cell phone reception is crappy, if friends or loved ones let us down, we have to do something drastic. We have to – GASP – admit something is out of whack, that we’re sad, angry, scared, happy, nervous, or any myriad of emotions. No longer can we bury frustrations and emotions under chunky chips of chocolate, piles of popcorn, or sizeable sips of soda.

AFTER

overcome them. Together we have lost more than 210 pounds. But we have gained so much more than anything we lost. We are better people now because of our challenges, and we have gained the confidence necessary to accomplish hard things. I am so proud of him, and I am so proud of me. It has been well worth the weight. V

It hasn’t been easy. In fact, if someone tells you there is an easy way to lose weight and get back in shape, don’t you believe them. There is no magic bullet, secret potion, or simple surgery. No matter which choice is made to help with the process of losing unwanted pounds, it still takes work and sweat, and yes, sometimes even tears. But it has been so worth it. My son and I are enjoying lives filled with activity, health, and a promise of a future. We both still have a ways to go in our quest for healthy bodies, but we are so happy to be where we are right now. We are not sitting back wishing to lose weight and feeling depressed every time we look in a mirror. This year when I write my New Year’s resolutions, the top two will not be to lose weight and get back in shape. This year my top two resolutions will be to love myself so I can love others, and to find joy in my life. Our mother/son journey has changed our lives. It didn’t obliterate struggles, but it has helped us face our struggles and fight to

view on STRONG WOMEN

Strong Women of Sout hern Ut ah

s an athlete growing up in eastern Oregon, maintaining an active lifestyle has always been a part of life for Lindsey Boyer. At age 18, a distant move from home to play collegiate softball at Utah Valley State College was just the first step in her eventual migration to southern Utah. Her years of playing a sport she loved deeply allowed her to travel and experience many of the western states, but her favorite destination became the red desert of St. George. Before finishing her undergraduate studies, Lindsey was introduced to several outdoor attractions in the surrounding areas, including the majestic trails of Zion National Park, the awe-inspiring views from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and the warmth of beautiful waters of Lake Powell. It comes as no surprise to locals that she immediately became fixated on an eventual move to St. George. The only drawback to moving further south was the increase in distance it created between her new home and beloved family and friends left behind in the Pacific

Northwest, a place where her roots are deep and a piece of her heart remains.

a career in the helping professions. This beautiful example of serving others deeply inspired her.

Lindsey holds fond memories from an active childhood and she attributes the courage she found to pursue bigger goals to the influence of strong leaders in her young life. These profound influences, who helped shape early experiences, propelled her thirst for achievement. Of all the strong examples she appreciates, the example most prominent in her life is her mother, who worked as a school counselor during her most impressionable years. Lindsey watched the sincere impact her mother had on young children and their families, motivating her to also choose

After graduating with her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in psychology in 2002, Lindsey relocated to St. George, where she pursued a career serving youth and families in the juvenile justice system and also through the Division of Child and Family Services. During this time, she earned a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in mental health counseling, while working full time and raising a daughter. More than a decade later she is now serving as the Executive Director at DOVE Center, the local victim service provider for domestic and sexual violence survivors. Inspired to take this work to a higher level, she and her team of staff and volunteers strive to expand the great work provided by DOVE Center

Lindsey Boyer since its doors opened in 1994. “It is a great honor to represent an agency that promotes values of equality and respect, and which collaborates with other agencies to promote a safer community,” says Lindsey. Of all the great experiences in life, being a mother is Lindsey’s greatest gift and lesson. She acknowledges her profession has undeniably played a significant role in the influence she imposes on her daughter to also become a strong woman one day. “In our line of work we put much emphasis on promoting the strength women possess, especially important in a world where women have experienced oppression and far too many have endured violence. I choose to teach my daughter that this is not the world we must live in, but rather, we can effect change by the choices we make and the examples we set. We start by believing our worth and

our power is capable of such, and then go find other strong women and men who agree in mutual respect in our relationships, our families, our communities, and our cultures. These are the things I am inspired to teach, and to offer as a reminder to those who may have forgotten somewhere along the way,” she asserts. When asked what have been the most meaningful experiences of her career, she quickly replies, “Facilitating support groups. Witnessing the healing power that exists in shared suffering where survivors exchange mutual support, well let me tell you, that is an especially powerful moment to experience and I feel honored to have been a part of it. These experiences have strengthened my belief in what hope can

do for the human soul.” While Lindsey has thoroughly enjoyed providing direct services, she has also found a passion in her role as Director to help strengthen the

voice of survivors and offer a beacon of hope for those who may still be suffering in silence and in isolation. Make no mistake, however, the helping profession can undoubtedly take its emotional toll on those working in the field; therefore, a requirement of self-care demands respect and commitment. This is where our southern Utah outdoor playground offers great value to helping professionals in this line of work. Lindsey, for one, has found it easy to remain active and involved in personal recreation because of this beautiful landscape surrounding her. She has discovered that finding solace comes easily when in the outdoors. A morning spent hiking one of her favorite trails, like Chuckawalla, is all it takes for the mind-bodyspirit to reconnect and recharge. As Lindsey ponders the years she has enjoyed working in this profession and especially her time here in Utah’s Dixie, she acknowledges the satisfaction she gleans from working closely with other strong women. She affectionately pays tribute to the amazing ladies who have inspired, and continue to inspire, her to be a better person and to collectively make a difference in this world. While she may have a few personal accomplishments on her list, she never ceases to pay tribute to those who helped make those achievements a reality. Parents, leaders, mentors, colleagues, and friends have all made this path possible and that is something Lindsey will never forget. Lindsey Boyer truly embodies the spirit of our Strong Women of Southern Utah in every way. As an avid athlete, Lindsey understands teamwork better than most. Her focus on inclusion

based leadership and collaboration bring a refreshing – and welcome – perspective to the organization and their important role in our community. She appreciated the opportunity to participate in this piece, and hoped to “offer a little inspiration for other women“ in our area. We believe she has done a lot more than that. Lindsey’s dedication to helping victims of abuse is heartening and inspirational. It is because of the work of people like Lindsey that southern Utah is such a wonderful place to call home. Thank you for your efforts and the opportunity to build a better community alongside of you, Lindsey. V Licensed, Bonded & Insured

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Tast y Beer and Good Times

Zion Canyon

Brewing in

by Alexa V. Morgan photos courtesy of Jolene Pace/Zion Canyon Brewing Company

he Zion Canyon Brew Pub in Springdale carries the distinction of being the only brew pub in southern Utah. But their menu of classic favorites with a local twist and vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a picturesque setting at the gateway to Zion National Park, are what truly set them apart. “There’s definitely a market for it, and we’ve found that niche,” general manager Troy Moyers says.

fresh ingredients are used. After major renovations and the addition of Baxter and chef Asiry Jaramillo, revenue has doubled each year. Moyers attributes this success to two main factors – the growing appreciation for craft beer worldwide and a virtually untapped regional market. “Southern

Utah has a huge amount of traffic touristwise, as well as a very rapidly growing community. The fact that there isn’t another brewery is pretty amazing,” says Baxter. “If you built it around the correct business line, you could have another brewery in Springdale and be profitable, let alone St. George.”

The pub is the retail face of the Zion Canyon Brewing Company, which started about 11 years ago and was initially a very package-oriented business that specialized in kegging for local restaurants and selling beer by the bottle. But that focus shifted when the pub opened in 2012. “The real money is selling by the pint,” says Jeremy Baxter, who took over as brewmaster in late 2013. “That’s what we’ve been doing since I got here – putting beer into kegs and in turn, into pint glasses.” Their “pub grub” is every bit as tasty as their beer, says Moyers. The menu changes with the seasons and only

Utah’s overly restrictive and antiquated liquor laws are to blame, Moyers says, adding that his staff has to explain to confused patrons from other states and countries that they’re required to buy food with their beer no less than 100 times a day. The entire north side of the building was recently remodeled to add a dog-friendly patio with a watering trough and a new beer garden, bringing the capacity to 200 outside and 120 inside. 2016 also saw the launch of a retail shop catering to the beer enthusiast. Moyers says that plans for the pub’s future may include taking over the building next door to create a bigger kitchen and a brewery that customers could tour. An outdoor kitchen to bake brick oven pizza is another possibility. Owners Jolene and Andrew Pace, who are also behind the Painted Pony and George’s Corner restaurants in downtown St. George, are contemplating opening up another pub in Ancestor Square within the next couple of years, Moyers says. Those who want to take a bit of Zion home with them might soon be in luck, as Baxter plans to explore canning his unique brews in 2017. “We’ve been kicking around some ideas,” he says. “There’s always something exciting and new around the corner for us.” Baxter, who spent years creating home brews, says that the creativity involved with running a brewery is his favorite part of the job. The pub has three flagship taps and four that rotate

seasonally. Details on all of the company’s brews can be found at zionbrewery.com. “You have to pack a lot of flavor into the 4% alcohol beer, so that’s what we do,” Moyers says. “We make our beer tasty; it’s just not strong.” Baxter started brewing kettle sours in the spring of 2015. Whereas traditional sour beers take a year or more to brew, kettle sours can be produced in a matter of weeks and allow the brewer creative control. He has made pomegranate, peach, and prickly pear cactus fruit thus far. These are perhaps the most distinctive beers on the pub’s menu, and customer response has been largely positive. He will be introducing a German-style pilsner this year. “Every style has its own parameters, and the beer can be very different from brewer to brewer within those

parameters,” he explains. “All of our beers are one of a kind.” Zion brews are not only poured at the pub, but several other restaurants in Springdale, Kanab, Hurricane, and St. George. Approximately 80% of the pub’s customers are tourists visiting the park, Moyers says. The other 20% are Springdale locals and folks who drive out from St. George. The pub sits at 95 Zion Park Blvd., only a quarter mile from the visitor center. “I don’t know if there’s another brew pub located so close to the entrance to a national park in the whole country,” Baxter says.

live music from local and nationally touring acts every weekend. Although they experience a lull when visitation to the park declines over the colder months, Moyers estimates that they serve 350 customers as a year-round daily average. That can peak at roughly 600 during a busy summer weekend. “We’re still beating last year’s numbers,” he says. “It’s just getting better all the time.”V The pub is open every day from noon to 10 pm. Call (435) 772-0336, visit brewpubspringdale.com or stop in and enjoy a pint while observing the wonders of nature in majestic Zion Canyon.

Unlike most restaurants in Springdale, the pub remains open all year long. There’s

view on TRAVEL

by Celece Seegmiller

Say "I Do" t oa

or the past year, I’ve had a very difficult decision to make. It all started when Rob Krieger asked me to marry him in beautiful French Polynesia on the m/s Paul Gauguin. Since then, everyone wants to know where and when we will have the wedding. How do I possibly top an engagement in Tahiti? Since we have family on both coasts, it has been a difficult decision to make. After months of pricing and debating the pros and cons, we finally decided on a destination wedding. There's a new trend when it comes to weddings and more couples are choosing to say "I Do" in an exciting destination. After experiencing the decision process personally, now I see why. Every time I travel, I see beautiful brides being photographed on the white sand as

the turquoise waves crash on the beach. Many couples are foregoing the traditional idea of a wedding – a local ceremony in front of 300 family, friends and random strangers – for an intimate destination wedding. According to the American Society of Travel Agents, a destination wedding is labeled by some as a "wedding moon," combining the wedding, reception, and honeymoon together in one location. The destination wedding is held at a desirable site, sometimes tropical, other times exotic, allowing the guests to enjoy a relaxing, activity-filled vacation while spending more quality time with the wedding couple. The couple invites only their nearest and dearest to celebrate the union. All events occur over a long

weekend, along with other wedding activities designed to bring the revelers together. Some couples choose have their religious ceremonies at home and then another one in the destination. If it's hard to imagine what a destination wedding is like, picture this – the bride and groom are in a warm, tropical setting, surrounded by friends and family toasting their success. The sounds of music and ocean waves peacefully blend together in the background, and a feast is prepared in their honor in the local traditions. Every single detail, from the setting of the service to the flowers, has been effortlessly arranged to suit their taste. After the ceremony, they won't have to leave this breathtaking locale, for they can have their honeymoon there as well.

Dest inat ion Wedding Some of the many benefits when it comes to planning a destination wedding include: The Beauty of Package Deals - Tourism organizations, resorts and cruise lines offer wedding packages to keep a destination wedding stress-free and simple. Some offer the complimentary services of their on-site wedding consultant to help coordinate the essentials. Travel agents can expand these package deals to include fun activities such as sightseeing excursions, snorkeling adventures, or shopping trips. Avoiding the Awkward Invites - Because destination weddings are generally intimate affairs attended by only closest friends and dearest family members, couples avoid being forced into inviting best friend Jenny's little brother they met

once 10 years ago. Couples get to choose the level of intimacy for the ceremony and invite accordingly, or they invite no one at all for a very romantic trip down the aisle. Destination weddings are also very popular for second weddings and vow renewals. No Reception with 250 People to Pay For - A luxurious wedding weekend at a fabulous destination oftentimes costs less than a seated dinner. Travel agents can negotiate a discounted rate for booking multiple rooms and group rates with airlines or cruise ships. In addition, layaway plans may be available, making it more affordable for guests to join the bride and groom.

families and friends scattered around the country or even the world. If a good majority of your guests would have to travel to your hometown anyway, then getting married in a desirable vacation spot will make many of your guests happy. Destinations like our very own red rocks, the sunny beaches in the Caribbean, and even the hills of Tuscany make excellent backdrops. Not only do they create incredible wedding memories for the bride and groom, but all their friends and family too. I can’t wait for my own destination wedding with our closest friends and family. Be sure to read the summer issue and see where in the world we decided to say “I Do!”V

No Extra Traveling Necessary - Destination weddings are perfect for couples with

23 photo courtesy of Secret Resorts

24 Meg McDaniel with the LVCVA, and Guy Seeklus.

Authentic Camel Safari Opens Near Mesquite

Camel Safari offers a variety of immersive camel and Segway experiences for all ages. by Joan Ging icture yourself ambling through spectacular desert mesas with breathtaking vistas that include both mountains and a river – atop the large hump of a friendly camel. Sounds exotic, right? Stop calculating the cost of a ticket to Morocco – that authentic camel safari on your bucket list is just 20 minutes from Mesquite, and 75 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, and an air-conditioned van with USB power ports for every seat and on-board entertainment will take you there.

Guy Seeklus, owner of Camel Safari, has been a fan of these gentle giants from his first camel purchase more than four years ago. Lexi, a precocious Bactrian camel, was his first. In getting to know each

other, Lexi taught Guy how exceptionally intelligent camels are. In fact, camels are generally believed to be easier to train than horses. Soon after adopting Lexi, Guy found her a friend – another Bactrian named Norman. Soon, family and friends were asking to visit, neighbors were stopping by, and Guy saw an opportunity to educate and share with the public his own fascination and path of discovery about the wonders of these magnificent animals.

their hump? Why do they have such long eyelashes? How fast can they run? Where do they come from? Why do their feet look so funny? What do they eat?” One group at a time, Guy and his staff shared fascinating trivia and dispelled common rumors as guests took “camel selfies” and showered his friendly herd with hugs and kisses. Guy continues to expand his Camel Safari venture to allow a wider audience to share the experience.

Word spread quickly about the unique business, and soon Camel Safari’s doors were open to a very intrigued audience. Visitors came from all over the nation to meet, pet, ride, and learn about both Bactrian (two-hump) and Dromedary (onehump) camels. “Do they spit? What’s in

For just $149 per person, you can partake in the animal encounter of a lifetime. Your camel safari will include a hands-on, in-depth educational tour that will teach you about the history, anatomy, breeding, keeping, training, and temperament of these intelligent and curious giants. When

available, visitors may also be provided the opportunity to bottlefeed baby camels. After spending time getting acquainted with the camels, your camel safari will begin. Friendly and knowledgeable handlers will lead your camel for a meandering 30-minute ride through the vast, open desert. The entire experience provides approximately one and a half hours of activity at the ranch. Camel Safari also offers Segway tours for $99 per person (minimum two people). These off-road capable Segways will take you through similar scenery, providing another unique way to experience the majesty of the Nevada desert. Segway tours begin with the same hands-on, in-depth educational tour that safari participants receive before embarking on your motorized trek. For just $40 (minimum two people) or $20 for children under 12, you can keep your feet on the ground and do just the handson, educational tour. At no extra charge, Camel Safariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private shuttles will pick you up from Eureka Casino Resort in Mesquite as well as most hotels along the Strip in Las Vegas. Shuttle accommodations from other locations including southern Utah may be possible as well. You can also make your own travel arrangements or drive yourself, but reservations are necessary. Call for more information. Camel Safari is a 176-acre camel ranch stretching along the Virgin Mountain range and Virgin River. Home to 14 camels, Camel Safari has just opened its doors to the public and is a

licensed animal attraction with the United States Department of Agriculture. Camel Safariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second location in Bellingham, Washington has been open for more than three years and has garnered high praise from reviewers both online and offline. Standout features include a clear display of love and care for the animals, the opportunity to pet and photograph the camels, clean facilities, courteous and well-educated staff, and a wealth of fascinating facts and artifacts related to camels throughout history.V Camel Safari provides detailed information and takes reservations for all activities online at www.camelsafari.com. Reservations are required to visit the ranch. For questions regarding events, talent, advertising, and partnerships please call (800) 836-4036.

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Mesquite Works by Maggie Calhoun, VISTA volunteer with Mesquite Works photos courtesy of Corporation for National and Community Service

ndividual efforts, planning, and hopes for Mesquiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth are coming together as this article is printed. Efforts by MRBI, a local economic development group, are bringing new businesses here with many new jobs to fill. Planning for training the local workforce in skills has been a priority with Mesquite Works, a new non-profit sponsored by MRBI. Much of the hope part rests on the new local entity, VISTA. Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) is neither a new organization nor an unknown quantity. President John Kennedy originated this idea along with the foreign based Peace Corps. President Lyndon Johnson formalized the domestic service in 1965. Since then, thousands of volunteers have worked in many ways to meet their shared goal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eliminate poverty. Originally, conscientious people focused primarily on improving school programs

and vocational training for the underprivileged classes. The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 defined its purpose as supplementing community efforts to fight poverty in three ways – encourage local volunteerism, generate private sector resources, and strengthen local agencies and organizations serving lowincome people. How does Mesquite fit into VISTA? Two VISTA volunteers finished a four day training and swearing-in session on November 18 in Los Angeles and then headed home to Mesquite, NV. MarDee Harper and myself will be reporting to our supervisor, George Gault of MRBI, who is a former VISTA staff member himself. Hearing of the training, Gault agreed that “the wealth and breadth of the knowledge and resources now available to us” was certainly worth the time and effort. How will we begin our work? “Initially, we will work with Mesquite Works Board members to prepare the new office at 312 W Mesquite Blvd. That may well start with scrub brushes and furniture moving before we get systems and equipment established,” said MarDee Harper. She will be working closely with operations and community services to engage them in cooperating with the Mesquite Works programs. “It takes all of us to create the network which enables our low income people to work up and out of poverty.”

and employees. Although the approximately $1,000 a month may seem lean, the 30-35 hour work week can stretch over all seven days. MarDee and I agree that the strength in VISTA is “a willing hand up whenever and pretty much wherever it’s needed.” Anyone interested in the position or in other volunteer service is asked to call Burton Weast at (503) 708-5222. For more information, you may also contact me at (360) 904-1090. V

The second position is one of “dollars and sense” for VISTA in Mesquite. I’ll be out in the community groups explaining the “sense” of improving our local workforces’ abilities, and the “cents” in matching business needs with workers’ skills. The most enduring growth we can help to create here is a higher income for our better skilled local working people. The jobs are coming. We want our people to reap their benefits. Generating donations, grants, and stable funding is also a large part of the work plan. It is my hope that widespread community interest and personal involvement will encourage investing in the long term financial stability of Mesquite Works. A third paid VISTA position is currently available with Mesquite Works. Curriculum materials, volunteers, and training are also vital parts in the overall program which benefits both employers

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Renew and Refresh for the New Year

by Helen Houston

very year when you take down your holiday decorations, does your house seem a little cold and empty? Stripped bare of all those festive greens, ribbons, and shining objects, you may see everything you are not so crazy about in your home’s décor, from the nicks and scratches on the walls to the cat and dog hair. While we don’t always like what we see when faced with the naked truth, you may come to look forward to this eyeswide-open time of year because it spurs us to make much-needed changes in our homes. The quieter winter months are the perfect time for many of us to re-evaluate our home’s interior and make some changes. But where do you start? Here are some ideas for refreshing your home for the New Year. Approach your home with fresh eyes. We get emotionally attached to the way our homes look, from the floorplan to the furnishings, so it’s often hard for us to see it through new eyes and imagine changes. So, start with clearing out a room you want to rework. Declutter. Move furniture out of the space. Do whatever it takes to clear your mind and see the room as a blank slate. Create a palette you can build upon. Does your home’s current palette allow you enough flexibility to make changes when you want? Or, are you locked in to a color scheme that you no longer love? Start

your home with a neutral palette, which acts like a blank canvas. When you go more neutral in your flooring and walls, for example, it allows you the freedom to go many different directions with your furniture, fabrics, and accents. Freshen up your paint. Paint has the power to completely transform the look of a space. Every January, do a touch up. You will be amazed by how much brighter and cleaner your home looks with a fresh coat. Your home is the same, whether you are repainting with the same colors or going in a brand-new direction. Consider selecting a color you like, then have it mixed in a light, medium, and darker version. You will like how using variations in one tone helps the rooms flow one into the other. Update your furnishings. Take an honest look at your furniture. Do you love it? Is it in good shape? How well does each piece work in your newly freshened space? Maybe this is the time to replace a piece or two. Adding an upholstered ottoman is a great way to give a room a B12 shot. If you have a favorite comfy but worn-out chair, get it reupholstered in a fresh new fabric. Or perhaps all you need is a new set of accent pillows on your sofa and chairs. Create drama. We all need a little drama in our lives, don’t we? Always makes sure each room has a little “shock and awe.” When you bring in height, drama follows. Varying texture with big decorative pieces such as urns with organic elements always fits the bill.

Make your room sing with artwork, area rugs, and accents. Art and rugs can make or break your home design. You can have all the best furniture in the world, but if you have the wrong art and rugs, you can ruin it. Great art sets off a room. The art and rugs you pick need to speak to you, because they are at the heart of the space you are creating. You have to be passionate about them. Never, ever buy a piece of art you aren’t crazy about just because the colors work over your sofa. Similarly, select accents that reflect your personality and interests, that tell your family’s story. Remember, use a light hand when working with a theme. If you overdo, you spoil the effect. So, edit yourself mercilessly. Don’t be in a rush. When you get in a hurry to redo a room, you make mistakes. Take your time determining your vision for your entire home and the space you’re focusing on. Instead of picking up pieces for the room here and there, create a master plan, then be purposeful about finding the individual elements that will bring it to life. Work with swatches and select the window treatments, upholstered furniture, pillows, trim, and bedding so the fabrics work well together throughout the entire house.V For more information, contact Helen at Hues & Vues located at: 350 Falcon Ridge Parkway Bldg. 100, or call (702) 346-0246.

Go Fit Adventures

by Stoney Ward photos by Christine Ward

o Fit Adventures is more than just a unique way to work out. The program is defined by the results that it delivers. Go Fit Adventures begin every program with the initiative of accomplishment and defeating one's fears of not achieving their goals. We are aware that an initial positive initiative is key to everyone’s success; we get it – starting is often the hardest part of any program. How do we accomplish the results? We’re so glad you asked! Go Fit Adventures is exactly what it sounds like. We infuse adventure, excitement, and passion with exercise and activity in such a smooth blend that you won’t even know you are burning those calories. We keep it exciting–hiking, kayaking, paddling, rappelling, and rafting are just a few of the activities we use to keep you busy and focused. Outings range from single day to multi-day trips. We will give you as much as you can handle. Here at Go Fit Adventures we understand that any workout is only good as long as you keep doing it. We find out what your goals are along with your personality

in Mesquite to offer customized programs that include overnight stays, team building, confidence courses, and meals. We will have different monthly challenges that people can join, including Ruck, Boot Camps, and Crossfit. Online help will be available for each program so that you always have a place to reach out and get answers to your questions.

type and then provide the tools and means necessary for you to continue past the initial workouts and exercises. We provide simple meal plans, videos, and lessons on low/high carb cycles to make sure you keep eating healthy, feel fresh, and maintain your levels of input to crush your goals.

Curious about what other people are doing? Join the Go Fit Adventures Facebook group and talk with your peers about their goals. This will be a great resource to receive and give advice as well as view our live training demos. Our “no judging” policy required upon joining will ensure that everyone feels welcome. V

Go Fit Adventures will offer programs in the Las Vegas, Moapa Valley, Mesquite, and Valley of Fire Areas – a totally mobile venture that incorporates the great outdoors into its programs. We will be working with the new Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort

Visit GoFitAdventures.com, answer a few questions about your goals and get the ball rolling on becoming the person you want to be. We stand behind our programs and we are committed to a healthy lifestyle. For more information, call us at (800) 519-2243.

Kanab, Utah: America’s Capital of Experiential Tourism

merica’s natural wealth and heritage is manifest in its majestic public lands held in trust for all citizens by the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture. These lands comprise our cherished National Parks, National Forests, National Monuments, districts of public land and other special designations, managed by the National Park Service, U. S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Richly endowed with such natural wealth, the tiny southern Utah city of Kanab, located on the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, is well positioned to become a capital of experiential tourism. Beginning Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017, come to Kanab to celebrate your public lands at the 11th annual Amazing Earthfest and be enriched by outstanding experiential recreation and learning opportunities. Imagine a place that offers outdoor recreation and discovery experiences spanning 9,000 feet of elevation change with dramatically differing climate zones and ecologies, and sporting a plethora of exquisitely beautiful settings. Where’s that, you say? That’s southern Utah! But wait, there’s more to the good life than just a place. What about culture? In Kanab, Utah, a tiny nonprofit is helping to connect a growing community of caring individuals who love their national public lands and are moving to southern Utah from across the nation to become inspired by exploring them. An emerging community identity of caring for the Earth and all the creatures that live here is evolving. A gateway community rich in natural beauty like Kanab where Amazing Earthfest is held, and with sufficient but not excessive supporting services, is a destination for people seeking a great place to relocate or even just a memorable vacation. That magical surrounding landscape of color, whose easily accessible protected public lands include Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon National Parks, plus a dozen more extraordinary federally managed gems connecting them, is a rare occurrence, even in the seemingly limitless unspoiled expanse of the American West. The micro-sized nonprofit Amazing Earthfest produces its macroscale annual community festival of learning, discovery, arts, and adventure by featuring experiential events to highlight the wonders of the natural world, and the quality of life and place that nearby federal lands provide. Amazing Earthfest welcomes visitors from across the nation to attend events in five categories including Arts and Culture, Community, Documentary Film, Outdoor Adventure, and Science and Land. Visit Kanab to enjoy the incredible personal enrichment of these scheduled activities. Complete details are at your fingertips: www.AmazingEarthfest.org.V

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St. George City Parks and Trails A Look Back and Ahead

“

Things have certainly changed. Nothing is like it used to be. But things will always change. There is no stopping it. What doesn’t change is the memories. You can always keep the memories.” ~Lyman Hafen,

Home Ground Notes on Belonging to a Place

story and photos by Karen L. Monsen

or St. George’s City Parks Department, 2017 will see a major leadership change. After 34 years, Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins will retire from responsibilities over parks, urban trails, park planning, recreation, community arts, and the Dixie Center. As St. George grew over three decades, park planners followed the historical path other cities have taken to meet community needs for open space, relaxation, and recreation. Historical Look at City Parks Even before the American Revolution, colonists set aside open spaces for community gatherings and recreating. According to “City Park Facts” compiled by the Trust for Public Lands, the oldest American city park, Boston Common, was established in 1634 and more than a dozen city parks were founded prior to 1776.

Many early city parks served as “pleasure grounds” according to University of California Berkeley Associate Architecture Professor Galen Cranz. Later, developmental periods included recreational facilities—ball fields and playgrounds with “smaller parks, closer to the tenement districts where working people actually lived” and other parks to “reduce class conflict” and “socialize immigrants.” From the mid-1960s, Cranz noted a trend to an “Open Space System” that integrated urban spaces into a network where “all open space has potential recreational value.” St. George’s Parks Past When Perkins began working in St. George, three parks existed: Vernon Worthen, Bluff Street, and J. C. Snow. The department had 8-9 full-time employees compared with today’s 82 full-time and 250 part-time employees. With Bloomington’s annexation, the city added a golf course and three more parks. A major expansion period followed in 1996 when a bond levy provided funds to build the Aquatic Center, Tonaquint Complex, the Canyon Complex, and several recreational facilities. Today, Leisure Services has a $12 million budget funded by impact fees charged on every new home, city general funds, grants, and the RAP tax. St. George has earned numerous recognitions. It received the Gold Medal Award from the National Parks and Recreation Association in 2015, was selected as the National Softball Association Complex of the year seven years in a row, and every year hosts the Utah Recreational Parks Association leadership academy. The city categorizes its 45 parks and 40-45 miles of trails into community parks, neighborhood parks, recreation facilities, urban trails, and trailheads. Perkins describes, “Our stated plan is to have a neighborhood park within a half-mile from every resident, a community park within a mile, and connect all of our facilities as much as possible through a bike and trail system.” Neighborhood parks, generally four acres or less in size, serve as backyard extensions parceled out at one per every thousand residents or 250-300 homes. Community parks range from 7-30 acres, are reached by bicycle or car, include

large parking lots, and outdoor lights. Community destination parks include the Aquatic Center, the City’s Recreation Center, Tonaquint Nature Center, numerous ball and sport fields, and the newly opened All Abilities Park—Thunder Junction. All Abilities Park On October 8, 2016, Thunder Junction opened adjacent to Tonaquint Park on Dixie Drive. Designed by three in-house landscape architects along with outside consultants, it received additional funding through a special grant and private financing. It includes a volcano, treehouse, slides, a sensory garden, musical instruments, a waterfall with splash-play area, and train rides ($1 per person). The park has a dinosaur theme, is

wheelchair accessible with a soft ground cover, and incorporates recreational areas and equipment designed so children with disabilities can socialize and play alongside other children. New Projects As 2016 ended, Perkins indicated they were finishing Millcreek Park at 2983 East 110 North Circle near Riverside Drive, will open the final phase of the Little Valley Park soccer fields, are planning another ball field in Bloomington, will extend trails from 2450 East to connect to Washington City, construct another trail section at River Road Bridge, and are getting ready to design a community park in the Tonaquint Heights area, expand Sunset Park, and design a mountain bike skills park.

A new Leisure Services Director will be appointed in 2017 to guide future park expansions and oversee the network of connecting trails. Looking back, St. George residents hold fond memories of the times they shared with family, friends, and neighbors in their local parks. We are especially thankful to Kent Perkins for his leadership and community service. Looking forward, we expect St. George city to continue to add parks and trails to meet community needs for open space and recreation.V

Eleventh Annual Mesquite Western Roundup

by Russ Westwood photo by Von Bussma owboy Poetry is one of the best kept secrets of the literary world. The roots of Cowboy Poetry can be traced back one and a half centuries. Following the civil war, large cattle drives were organized to move cattle from the wilds of Texas to the railheads of Kansas. Working and riding through the long hard days, cowboys would unwind around the evening campfires and entertain one another with lively stories and ballads. Many of these stories and ballads evolved into a peculiar style of poetry known as Cowboy Poetry.

Through the years, Cowboy Poetry has expanded to include such subjects as

mining, railroads, logging, wildlife, and modern day agriculture. It was first published in newspapers as early as the 1870s. The first known book of Cowboy Poetry was published in 1886. In 1907, Robert Service published his popular work, “Poems of the Yukon.” Between 1924 and 1968, S. Omar Barker published over 2,000 works of Cowboy Poetry and Western Verse. Today, fans enjoy many of these classic works, blended with the humor and history of modern day Cowboy Poets such as Baxter Black, Wallace McRae, Waddie Mitchell, and others. Sometimes serious, often humorous, Cowboy Poetry strives to preserve the traditions and lifestyles of the great American West. Much of this poetry is based on life experiences and historical events. Some are merely a reflection of the poet’s creative mind and vivid imagination. Cowboy poetry relies on its own distinctive style of rhyme and meter to convey graphic and descriptive images of events and ideas. It also employs its own unique western vocabulary to create a story that we all can understand.

The Mesquite Western Roundup draws from the talents and experiences of poets from Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Poets present some of their original works along with selected poems of other well-known authors. I am directing this year’s event, which will feature poetry from Marleen Bussma, Lee Kimberlin, Ken Marshall, Mike Prince, Hap Stuart, and perhaps a couple of new faces. The show will also include a program of traditional Western music, and Jeff Hoyt returns as Master of Ceremonies. The local group of musicians, “Strings and Things,” will provide the pre-show entertainment. The 2017 Mesquite Western Roundup will be presented February 24 at 7:00 PM and February 25 at 1:00 PM. Shows will be performed at the Mesquite Community Theatre located at 150 N Yucca, Mesquite, NV. V Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased at The Mesquite Community Theatre box office one hour before showtime or any of these satellite ticket locations: Danielle’s Chocolates, The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, or the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit mesquitewesternpoetry.com or call me at (385) 241-1123.

Bedroom Community Coming to Moapa Valley

by Kristen Williams

oapa Valley, Nevada is the perfect location for the first true “bedroom community” outside of Las Vegas. With the divided highway (Interstate 15), Moapa Valley Water District and Overton Power to service the area, Southwest Gas in negotiations to bring natural gas to the area via the Kern River gas line, and 50 thousand acres identified as “disposal property” land for sale, it’s the “perfect storm” for this kind of development. So says Randel Aleman, Sr., President and CEO of Encore

Commercial, Inc. You may know him as Randy, one of the owners of the newly opened sports bar – Wedgies – in Mesquite. I sat down with Randy to discuss his projects and what he has planned for the land he owns in many areas around Moapa Valley. I was asking specifically about his recent acquisition in Logandale, but as it can happen when talking to an enterprising executive with big ideas, we didn’t always stay on topic. During our conversation, Aleman mentioned the progress Northern Nevada has made – transitioning from tourism and gaming to tech and industry – and I could hear behind the words he spoke that his vision may be larger than he actually let on. But let’s back up and get to the subject. Aleman and his partner, Mike Gouker, who owns Mammoth Underground (a utility contractor in Las Vegas), recently acquired 70 acres of land in Logandale, about a half mile north of the high school. Named “The Mesas,” this project will be a master planned community with the aim of providing affordable housing to the area. The land will be divided into half acre lots for the housing development and quarter acre lots for RVs. According to local realtors, most homes in the area are on larger lots and sell for around $300-$400K, and there is a real demand for something more affordable. Young adults who grew up in the area and are now starting their own families are finding modular homes are the only option if they want to stay in the area, and many are opting to move away, often to Las Vegas. Which Comes First, the Housing or the Jobs? With the infrastructure going in for the Faraday Future and Hyperloop One projects at the Apex Industrial Park, there will be thousands of jobs opening up, bringing in another need for housing in the area. Logandale is closer to Apex than other master planned communities around Las Vegas, such as Rhodes Ranch, and it’s set to be much more affordable. With the overhaul of the Spaghetti Bowl in Las Vegas (dubbed Project Neon) slated to last through 2019, commuting to and from Logandale seems a much nicer choice for workers at Apex and anywhere beyond.

For people looking for entry level, single family homes in a smaller community, with less crime, less traffic, better schools, “Friday Night Lights” football games, and a great hometown environment, The Mesas in Logandale could be just the ticket. Disposal Property? The BLM defines disposal property as “land where disposal will serve important public objectives, such as community expansion and economic development.” Moapa Valley is currently home to approximately 7,000 people. When I asked Randy about potential objections from current residents to this kind of expansion and development, he said, “Change and growth are needed. There’s going to be change. Think outside the box. Change is coming whether you want it or not, so get involved in your community and be a part of the process. Create a really cool little town – a beautiful place to raise your family.” Now is the time to get involved. It’s going to take some time for the partners to create this development. Currently, the owners are submitting a zone change application that conforms with County Land Use plans. After mapping, zoning, and finding builders, they hope to break ground in Spring of 2018. Aleman mentioned that finding framers could be one of their biggest challenges. With construction being back on the rise, there is a high demand

for framers, and he anticipates having to pay double what they usually do for such skilled workers. Other Projects and a Larger Vision Aleman is no stranger to land development in this area. He used to own the Sinclair Gas Station in Moapa Valley, and still owns Moapa Industrial Park. He has another project which is currently on hold, but will also be affordable housing – Riverview in Glendale. That project will have smaller lots and higher density than The Mesas in Logandale. It will have lots starting at 6,000 sq. ft., with townhomes, apartments, and multi-family homes. The master plan also includes ¼ acre and larger lots along with two hotel/casino sites. For more information on Riverview, visit RiverviewProject.com. Randy also has a deal in the works for a larger land purchase in Mesquite, Nevada. He wasn’t ready to discuss those plans on the record, but it’s probably safe to assume they’re all part of his grander vision. Folks in Mesquite who favor growth, economic development, and attracting business and industry, should probably get to know Randy Aleman if they don’t already. I’m hopeful he’ll let me share another scoop with you in a future issue, so watch this space.V

10 New

Things to Do in Kanab by Laurel Beesley

photo courtesy of Mike Henrie/Kanab Western Advenures

photo courtesy of Kane County Office of Tourism

s another new year begins, there is plenty happening in southern Utah. There are cultural events, exciting new bike trails, great new restaurants, and other wonderful stuff. We hope to keep you tuned in to just a few of the very best here on our ever-growing list. #1: Balloons & Tunes February 17-19 in Kanab. Over 40 brilliant hot-air balloons rise into the sky above red rock buttes for three fabulous mornings. Come to the street fair

located on Center Street and buy one-of-a-kind crafts from area vendors. Saturday night is the redhot event when the bands battle and the big balloon glow begins. Enjoy an onthe-street S’more School lesson from famous Chef Shon before watching the hot air balloons hiss and blow then glow. Following is the Wishing Lantern Launch where you can buy your own special glow balloon and send it flaming into the night sky like a star.

#3: Want to See A Hidden Slot Canyon – Without the Crowd? I almost don’t want to say this since locals love their secrets but… one of the best slot canyons in this great region of many slots is the Red Canyon/Peekaboo slot just north of Kanab. A long and astounding tunnel of twisting walls, Kanab’s Peekaboo is special. Since it’s not easy to access, I

#2: Great New Biking Trails Biking trails are such a special feature here in Kanab and doing very well. Thanks to support from the IMBA, an international organization promoting mountain bicycling opportunities that are environmentally and socially responsible, our local trail network is quickly expanding. Many miles of bike trails, providing exceptional views, are already available. (See cover photo.) photo courtesy of Mike Henrie Kanab Western Advenures

photo courtesy of Peekaboo Fire Grill

suggest contacting a local outdoor guide like Kanab Western Adventures. You won’t be disappointed; innumerable guests have said visiting this slot was the best day of their vacation. Other “secret” slots are also waiting here, but you will have to twist my arm for how-to-find info on those treasures. One of the best is accessed only by passing through a private cattlegate with a key that….hmmm, dare I tell where it is hidden behind the seat of an old yellow tractor? I don’t think so, at least not now. #4: Traveling with kids, or want some exercise at night yourself? Kanab’s K-Town Plaza is a new ultimate for kid skateboarding and other activities. Recently completed, with even a pump track for bicyclists, K-Town Plaza is a teen friendly, outdoor recreation center where locals and tourists can spend time, be safe, be active, and have fun. There is basketball and even nearby new tennis

courts and pool. This is a cool thing to do – with a remarkable view. #5: Really see the sky at night – some of the best constellation sightings on Earth Over 85% of the world can no longer see the amazing Milky Way Galaxy but here in Kanab – come and see it! The local Star Party Tonight (kanabstars.com) offers fascinating galactic journeys into the wild dark sky each night with laser pinpointed descriptions of what you see across the mysterious night sky. This region is one of the highest rated for viewing in the Night Sky Index. (See cover photo.)

respect for all life,” this unusual gallery is an astounding collection of modern and often story-telling art in many different modernistic formats – painting, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and sculpture. A must-see on your tour of Kanab and southern Utah. #7: Speaking of exhibits, let’s add science, as in dino-facts The Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument is the most rugged wilderness

#6: The arts & fine crafts – new gallery & art events The Raven’s Heart Gallery, opened just one year ago in Kanab, is already offering a museum quality selection of local arts and crafts. Dedicated to “art with heart, expressing kindness, compassion, and

photo by James Cates/ GSENM Big Water

#9: Best Friends Welcome Center The friendly center-of-town building has an exhibit and updated list of activities for animal lovers interested in sanctuary events. Often there are (hopefully irresistible) cats and dogs in the Welcome Center, all hoping to receive love, special pets, and attention. Friday night “Paint-Your-Pet” and other caring activities are open to locals and visitors. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary hosts free daily tours that can be booked at the Welcome Center or online. I look forward to painting my dog this week – look out for my Shanti-Deva painting, it may look, well, rather cubist since I’m not much of a painter. #10: And so-so much more! Don’t forget the tried and true, like our weekly Fiddle Jam Contest every Tuesday. Monday nights host classic Western movies at the Crescent Moon Theatre since this is the Little Hollywood of the West. There are new custom trail maps available at the tourist center, so whether you are here for a day or more you can choose an immediately available trail that will blow your socks off. Want a different kind of fun weekend with your family? Go to Orderville and ask one of the Rock Shops for a free Treasure Map and go rock-hounding. Don’t forget canyoneering, or even horseback riding across the seldom seen parts of the Grand Staircase. There is always so much to do here.V of the Lower 48 States, and a Jewel in our Crown even if it isn’t the most easily accessible 1.9 million acres in America. It is also a treasure chest for the discovery of ancient and even previously unknown dinosaur species and that remarkable fact has recently been acknowledged in a new exhibit at the BLM Visitor Center in Big Water, Utah. Feel like a Pygmy when you put your head near the 6’ skull of a “devil-face” Diabloceratops. A fascinating exhibit for adults and children.

For more information, go to visitsouthernutah.com.

#8: And where to eat? Something different, something new. A famous Michelin Guide Restaurant Critic recently came to Kanab. With a well-deserved reputation for being highly critical, and swarmed by international media as he checked each site, he finally visited the SEGO Restaurant, here in Kanab. His response, following the first course? “Superb, beautiful, excellent.” A Utah restaurant, here in Kanab, is now officially recognized in the Michelin Guide. SEGO is an exceptional, high-end yet intimate restaurant in the middle of Kanab. Chef Shon, formerly of Amangiri Resorts, also hosts an exceptionally fine new gourmet bakery here in Kanab opening early spring. Breakfast has never sounded so good and Kanab now offers everything from home-cooking like our ‘ol fave, Houston’s Trail Restaurant, to SEGO. And never forget the Rockin’V – anyone who has eaten there will never forget it. New to town is the delightful Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen. It is an excellent vegetarian and even vegan restaurant in a friendly setting in the middle of town that includes a dogfriendly patio.

On The Town The Moapa Valley Art Guild Presents the 20th Annual Pomegranate Arts & Film Festival

Every November, the Moapa Valley Art Guild hosts a two-day celebration of the versatile and tasty fruit, the pomegranate. Research suggests that pomegranate juice fights at least three forms of cancer, protects arteries, fights osteoarthritis, might slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and lowers blood pressure and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This year, the guild celebrated 21 years of the annual Pomegranate Arts & Crafts Festival. Artists and crafters from Moapa Valley and all over the region gathered to exhibit and sell their creations. Held on November 4-5, 2016 at the Clark County Fairgrounds, the festival is an excellent place for shoppers to find unique and special treasures, including gifts for Christmas and other occasions. Vendors sold wares including gourds, ceramics, pottery, metalwork, handmade items and artwork, and of course homemade pomegranate jelly. Fresh jelly flavors included chipotle, jalapeño, habañero, lime and “Alligator.” Pomegranate syrup, honey, and juice was also available. Hungry visitors found a selection of vendors including BBQ, Hawaiian, and French food. The Pomegranate Festival is the Moapa Valley Art Guild’s only fundraiser, and the proceeds are used to finance the programs promoting the arts and artists in the guild.

One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite From November 6 - 13, 2016, the Exchange Club of Mesquite presented its annual display of One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite at the Mesquite Recreation Center Field. Locals and visitors alike make visiting the field an annual tradition to feel the privilege and honor of walking among the flags and reading the remembrances of our veterans and military personnel. The 3’ X 5’ (full size) flags are raised on 8’ poles and present a dramatic tribute to our veterans. Community members help set up the field, watch over it, sponsor flags, participate in the ceremonies, and respectfully dismantle the display on the final day. For $35, flag sponsors received a memorial ribbon to put on the flag, which are used to dedicate the flag in honor, or in memory, of a loved one for their service to our country. They also received a 1,000 flags postcard and a flag to take home after the closing ceremony. The Exchange Club Foundation will use the proceeds to benefit local veterans, charities, and projects.

Great events are going on around southern Nevada and the Arizona Strip on a daily basis. Here, we bring you just a fraction of what’s happened lately.

Desert Dames Fashion Show The Desert Dames hosted their annual fashion show and luncheon on November 16, 2016 in the CasaBlanca Grand Ballroom. Desert Dames is a non-profit social club in Mesquite, Nevada that promotes friendship through luncheons, social functions, and special interest groups for those who are 21 years or older living in Mesquite and the surrounding area. Fashions were modeled and sponsored by Dillard’s, White House Black Market, Boutique at Stephen’s, Stage, Ready Golf & Gear, and Christopher & Banks. This is the Desert Dames only event of the year open to the public. Guests enjoyed a luncheon at CasaBlanca in addition to the fashion show. If you’re interested in learning more about the Desert Dames, you can call their Membership Chair, J.J. Fletcher, at (303) 505-1015. It’s a good way to meet new friends and expand your social circle in Mesquite.

The Beaver Dam Annual Chili Cookoff Chilly outside? Chili inside! The Beaver Dam Station & Bar in Littlefield, Arizona, presented its 27th annual Chili CookOff on Saturday, Nov. 12th, 2016. This year, 18 competitors entered the chili cook-off for a chance at the winner-take-all cash prize. The event also included lawnmower races, and attendees danced to live music by the band Dakota Nights. Admission was free and open to the public. The Beaver Dam Station & Bar is located at 401 N. Old Highway 91 in Littlefield, AZ. For more information, call (928) 347-5589 or (928) 347-5492.

Eureka "Pops the Top" with Wine and Beer Seminars story and photos by Linda Faas

ou don’t need to be a gourmet to benefit from learning more about wine and beer. The more you know, the better your chance of successfully selecting a beverage to your taste. Roo Arledge, Eureka Casino Resort’s Director of Food and Beverages, delights in organizing an ongoing series of seminars to educate consumers about these fascinating beverages. On November 4, Professor Cheryl Stanley of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, revealed facts in her “Eureka Uncorked” seminar that every wine drinker can use. Ms. Stanley’s extensive background in food and beverage management made her a perfect choice to lead this overview on international wine comparison. Stanley’s audience sampled pairs of wine, including a fine chardonnay from Sonoma, California, and a chablis premier cru from the Burgundy region of France. Many were surprised to learn that both wines are made from the same grape, since they are considerably different in color, body, and taste. Terroir – a grape’s growing environment – produces endless wonderful nuances in the art of winemaking, as practiced worldwide. But much of the difference between these wines is caused when the California chardonnay takes on its golden color and flavor from oak aging barrels. The French chablis is not aged in oak. Many wine drinkers never notice the variance of alcoholic content noted on wine labels, but certainly understand the taste variation that comes partly from alcohol percentage. Wines under 12.5% alcohol are said to be “light-bodied,” generally more refreshing and crisp in taste, as experienced in rieslings or Italian

Roo Arledge, Eureka Casino Resort's Director of Food and Beverage, with Cheryl Stanley, Cornell Professor.

prosecco. Medium-bodied wines with 12.5-13.5% alcohol content include rose, French burgundy, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc. Lighter wines generally taste good with lighter foods such as fresh fruit, white meat, and seafood. Red wines such as zinfandel, syrah/shiraz, cabernet, merlot, and malbec containing 13.5%+ alcohol are considered “full-bodied,” and can “stand up” to the robust flavor of heavier meats, smoky cheese, and rich foods. Does that mean you can’t drink a white wine with steak? No! Not if that is what appeals to you. To borrow a phrase, “Wine is best paired with people.” Wine seminars like “Eureka Uncorked”

simply help introduce consumers to general characteristics that might be expected among the multitude of wines worldwide, and provide guidance in identifying wines that might fit one’s palate. What’s On Tap While many look upon beer as the lowly country cousin of fermented beverages, good beer is – good! It can certainly be refreshing on a hot desert day, as was the case on November 5 when Eureka presented its first beer seminar, “On Tap.” Cornell Professor Doug Miller and Lindsay Nichols of New Belgium Brewing, Ft. Collins, Colorado, led an engaging two part “On Tap” session explaining mysteries and myths about beer. Nichols offered tastings of New Belgium Brewing’s top beers. Its flagship label, Fat Tire, sells about 500,000 barrels a year. Their new label, Citradelic IPA, is a refreshing India Pale Ale with a tangerine flavor. The New Belgium premium specialty beer, La Folie, is reminiscent of a bubbly champagne. This intriguing beer is the result of a secret blending of batches aged in giant oak foudres (French for barrels). A one litre bottle of this craft brew sells for about $30. Doug Miller marched through salient points of beer brewing while introducing his audience to six very diverse beers, from lighter colored ales to heavier, darker varieties. He recounted some fascinating factoids about this 7000-year-old beverage. Beer powered Egypt’s pyramid builders. Beer is a $300 billion a year global industry. Czechs drink an average of 142 litres of beer annually, twice as much as Americans. Prohibition closed thousands of breweries in the U.S., which have now rebounded to about 4500 generally thriving beer-makers. Some beers are made with fruits, spices, and sugars, as well as the standard basic ingredients of grain, water, and hops. Beer is fermented with yeast or bacteria, depending on the brew master’s recipe. Lower calorie “light” beer is, indeed, lighter in weight. Developed in the 1960’s, this version of beer is created by adding sugar-eating enzymes to the brewing process, and is the best-selling type of beer in the U.S. One principle of beer consumption is hard and fast. Beer must be served fresh. It is perishable and has a very short shelf life. Beers should be stored cool and away from sunlight. Lighter beers taste best served at lower temperatures, 45-50 degrees. Dark beers serve well up to 60 degrees. Learn to read the “best if consumed by” coding and take that information seriously. Beer kept past its expiration date will lose flavor and quality. Watch out for beers that are on sale, as they may have seen their better days. Odd aroma and flat taste will ruin the enjoyment of even the most expensive brand. With so many wines and so many beers, how is it possible to know all about them? It isn’t! The fun is in the continuing research. V

Evey and George Cox attended Eureka OnTap seminar.

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Imprints on the Heart and Soul

by Dianne Reid

Celebrating a Pet’s Purpose

here’s a movie coming out on January 27 called “A Dog’s Purpose,” based on a book of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron. In a nutshell, it’s about the multiple lifespans of the same dog, who continues to be re-born into a new life with a new purpose, and comes full circle in the end. I’m sure we can all agree that pets come into our lives with an unwavering purpose to bring us joy and give us unconditional love, but there are also enduring lessons along the way. They often arrive under unexpected circumstances, but always leave their mark on our soul, and on our life experience. And so the subject for this article was born. A close friend recently lost her beloved dog, so I’ve been searching for

the words, or story, to address the pain, but also to provide consolation and hope. Rather than dwelling on the sadness of a lost experience, relationship, or dream, joy comes from embracing hope in the future, the next opportunity on the horizon, the phoenix that rises from the ashes. Last weekend I went hiking in Zion to clear my head, having recently accepted that my pet store concept would not be realized this year. Emotionally spent, I sought to “calm my mind and soothe my soul” by breathing in the beauty of nature (easy to do in southern Utah). While reflecting on the past year, pondering the future, and musing over how much I missed the company of a dog, I was struck with the most vivid memory of my two dogs in Australia, Ralph and Morgan (they often visit my thoughts when I’m at a cross-roads – obviously, they still have lessons to teach. Morgan was my uber-loved “soul-mutt” Ridgeback. She came to me at just six weeks of age, on the weekend of my marriage break-up. I was moving into a new house, starting a new job and Morgan was my best friend, my partner in crime, and my hope for a fresh new beginning. We traveled everywhere together, from Australia to America (coast to coast twice), and back to Sydney again. Upon our return to Sydney following a two year adventure in the U.S., Morgan met Ralph, a young upstart pup of just six months, and they instantly bonded and became best mates (so much so, that I had to marry Ralph’s Dad to keep them together). Ralph was a rescue Rottie/Lab, who – along with his littermates – was dumped at a national park shortly after birth. After four months of outwitting the park rangers, Ralph was the sole survivor. When captured at five months of age, he had a healthy distrust of humans, and had been deemed too risky for adoption. After much pleading and intervention from friends in the industry, Ralph was given the chance at a new life. As it turned out, and as most of you would understand, Ralph was a classic example of “who rescued whom?” Five years later, Morgan was diagnosed with bone cancer. Without going into detail, I’m sure most of you understand the devastation that occurred in my life, and Ralph’s. We all mourned for years. She left a huge pawprint on my heart, and will always live on there.

Seven years after that, Ralph let me know he was ready to leave this world, having bravely soldiered on through years of acute arthritis, and still suffering from a broken heart himself. We were out on our regular walk down Cronulla Beach in South Sydney, meandering slowly along the shoreline. The walks had gotten shorter and shorter over the past several months, and when we reached the point that day where Ralph would normally turn back, he just kept on walking further up the coast. I tried on several occasions to rest, and then turn back, but he’d stand up and kept heading away from the car, looking over his shoulder, beckoning me to follow. We were hours into the walk, and I was beginning to worry that he wouldn’t have the strength to make it back to the car

before dark. Then he abruptly turned from the water and headed up into the sand dunes. He stood and looked at the path for a long time, then over his shoulder at me, and hurried up the hill. Now, here’s the uncanny part (as I fight back tears at the memory), the last time he and I had taken

photo by Danielle Lyonne Animax Photography, Sydney, Australia

that particular trail was with Morgan, in the last days of her cancer. I stood mesmerized watching Ralph climb up the sand dune to the entrance to the trail. At the top, he just stood, looking out over the ocean, back down at me, and then

started down the path. There is no doubt in my mind that Morgan was there, beckoning him, and he was simply following her to their next journey together. That was my last walk with Ralphie. In typical Ralph style, however, he wasn’t about to let me mourn him without remembering his mischievous nature (his nickname was Houdini). Months later, I went back to that same location to spread both his and Morgan’s ashes in the ocean. I waded out about 20 feet into the unusually calm surf, tears streaming down my face, as I spread their ashes and said a prayer, when out of nowhere, a rogue wave came without warning and knocked me on my bum. After being drenched, I looked around and there was not another wave in sight. At that moment, my sorrow lifted, and I couldn’t stop laughing. And crying. And laughing. There was absolutely no doubt that it was indeed Ralph, being his typical cheeky self, spurred on no doubt by his partner in crime, Morgan. I got the message loud and clear — they had both come into my life at critical times, and had been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly, providing me with purpose and courage, and yes, even wisdom and inspiration – multiple life lessons. They had lived their purpose, and done a darn good job of helping me to grow and develop at that time in my life. And that day’s lesson was how to let go, be grateful for the special gift I’d been given, and grin confidently at the future. We often ask, why are pet’s lives so short? To quote a wise six year-old, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a

good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”(From “A Dog’s Purpose According to a 6 Year Old” by StomachPunch.) Here’s some recommended reading that I love: A Big Little Life, by Dean Koontz; The Art of Racing In The Rain, by Garth Stein; A Dog’s Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year, filled with peace and gratitude. May you always keep your hearts and minds open to learn from life’s experiences, and welcome every new journey as an opportunity to grow. Never give up. God Bless.V

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Five Exercises You Can Take Anywhere No Gym, Not A Problem by Laura L. Draskovich, A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer

eing committed to working out is made simple if you know a few key exercises that can be done virtually anywhere. No need for machines or equipment to get a total body workout, when you can get the job done in your own home, outdoors, or traveling. By utilizing your body weight, you can achieve a workout that is both challenging and beneficial. The exercises that I will show you will increase strength and mobility, which is crucial in preventing wear and tear on muscles and joints. They will target every major muscle group of the body. So get ready, and give these five a try. I recommend a towel or yoga mat and a water bottle. Exercises should be done for 10-15 repetitions "reps" for 3-5 "sets." Option: To increase fat burning, complete one set of each exercise with a 30-60 second cardio interval in between.

1. Body Weight Squat. Target Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes. First, step both feet slightly wider than hips, turning toes out just a bit. Focus on posture, standing tall, shoulders back, abdominals drawn in and knees "unlocked." Begin with your hands on your hips or extended shoulder height. Lower your body â&#x2026;&#x201C; to Â˝ way down, while pushing hips back and keeping your chest elevated. Knees should track mid foot in this position. Stand up pressing through the balls of the feet.

2. Push Ups. Target Muscles: Chest, Shoulder, Abdominals, Upper Back. Begin on hands and knees. Place your hands below shoulders and then move them slightly wider. For knee push ups, move knees back and lower hips even with the body line. Lower your body half way to just hovering above the ground, then press up. Maintain your form through the entire repetition. For toe push ups, same form as knee pushups, keeping your pelvis tucked in.

3. Bicycle Crunch. Target Muscles: Abdominals, Lower Back. Lay on your back, finger tips to ears, and elbows out. Now, elevate your shoulders off the ground. Bring your right knee towards your chest with the left extended. Twisting your torso, reach your opposite elbow (left) to the right knee. Now, again keeping shoulders elevated, switch legs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; extend the right leg and bring the left in as you reach your right elbow to the left knee.

4. Lunges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alternating. Target Muscles: Quadriceps, Glutes, Hamstrings, Calves. From standing, step right foot back. While bending both knees and lowering your body, position front and back legs so that they are at 90 degree angles (in lowered position). Maintain upright posture. Lift upward to extended leg position (up position) at the same time stepping the back leg forward to start position. Now, step back with the left foot, and continue through the set alternating lunging sides.

5. Tricep Dips. Target Muscle Groups: Triceps, Core. Find a ledge to work from: chair, picnic bench, footboard on a bed, bumper of a car. The surface should be no higher that your hips. Sit on the surface, hands at your sides, and fingers pointing forward. Slide your hips forward off of the surface and lower your body, "dipping" down to approximately a 45-90 degree elbow. Maintain good posture with back brushing lightly on the ledge. Press all the way up, keeping elbows bending behind you. Working out can be done anytime, anywhere. These key exercises which target the whole body, will leave you feeling energized and accomplished. Not only are they convenient, they will deliver results. Get creative and try other variations of each exercise. While equipment based exercises have value, exercises which require nothing more that your body weight can be as beneficial if not more so. Until next time, keep living the fit life!V For more information, contact Laura at (702) 600-8953, or lauradraskovich@yahoo.com or at the Mesquite Fitness Club, (702) 346-3111.

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Wild West Firearms & Training

by Jan Sullivan photos courtesy of Wild West Firearms & Training

ur business, Guns & Guitars, was 3-1/2 years old when illness struck and my husband Mike and I knew we had to retire. We asked our son, Chris Sullivan, and his girlfriend, Jenny Perry, if they would consider moving from New Hampshire to come take over running the store. Chris was an experienced shooter and had carried concealed for 20 years, had sold firearms in a retail store for seven years, and had excellent customer service skills from running the service department at a Ford automobile dealership. We knew he could handle the job. Chris and Jenny accepted the opportunity and challenge. Within two months, they had packed up their possessions, given notice to employers, left family and friends behind in New England, and headed to Mesquite, Nevada to begin a new life.

Of course, everyone hopes for the best outcome and has visions of how things would go in a perfect world, but Chris and Jenny far surpassed every dream we had for their success and that of the store. Not only have they tripled the business of Guns & Guitars and revamped the entire operation, but they were also offered the opportunity to purchase Wild West Firearms & Training (WWF&T) from Lance and Sue Barr, who had been teaching Concealed Carry Weapons classes for 15 years in Mesquite. They accepted the offer and it was a perfect fit. They now offer a monthly CCW class (next one scheduled for January 28) and new classes are being added to their roster. A one-day defensive pistol class is also being planned; visit Chris at Guns & Guitars for details. "When Chris and Jenny moved here, we developed an instant friendship with them. Chris jumped in to teach the CCW classes and assisting at the range. His many years of experience with firearms and her administrative skills blended well with Guns & Guitars and Wild West Firearms & Training. Their drive and ideas made us believe that they were the perfect team to take over,” said Lance Barr. “Chris and Jenny rose to the challenge, accepted our offer and were ‘all in.’ We love working with them and look forward to them succeeding in all of their endeavors." In the brief year since moving here, Chris has successfully completed NRA courses for Range Safety Officer, Basic Pistol Instructor, and Personal Protection Inside and Outside the Home. He has also become an official State of Nevada Concealed Carry Weapons CCW Instructor and is about to complete a gunsmithing class, while continuing to gain several defensive handgun instructor ratings as well – all of this while working at the store full-time. Jenny has been working for Legacy Construction in accounts payable while honing her skills at the store, doing the administrative work for their new business WWF&T, along with taking classes to become a firearms instructor.

photo by Jan Sullivan

Together they have the experience, courage, and self-confidence to succeed wherever they set their sights, and they have proven that to the community at large. They expected to move to Mesquite and be unknown for a while. Much to their surprise, they arrived to find the community was expecting them and quickly embraced them.

Are you wondering what they do in their “spare time?” They enjoy hiking at Zion National Park, which they refer to as their “church.” Recently Chris proposed to Jenny on Angel’s Landing and she said yes! A 2017 wedding is planned back east. The future looks bright for Chris and Jenny, and we're proud of them and thrilled they made the decision to call Mesquite their home. Their plans for Wild West Firearms & Training are to provide training classes for not only the CCW permit, but to educate people on how to safely and effectively carry and use their chosen concealed carry firearm. They also look forward to providing local citizens with the option to further educate themselves in defensive pistol handling. Keep your eye on this dynamic duo as they reach for the stars and continue to expand their undertakings and amaze us all. V For more information, call (702) 346-4867 or visit gunsguitars.com.

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A Job Well Done - Retirement for One of Our Own story and photos by Rob Krieger – PGA Golf Professional

eginning January 1, 2017, Randy Tickner, one of our community leaders, is retired. He turned over the reins of the Oasis GC where he has been Director of Operation Since 2001. Who would have thought that an innocent hunting trip to Mesquite would have such an impact on a person, golf club, and community? In the late 80’s Randy came to Mesquite, Nevada for a hunting trip. This “oasis in the desert,” as he called it, left such an impression on him that when a job opportunity came up years later, he wanted to return. 18 years later, his work is finally done. In 1998, he was working for OB Sports (a golf management company) when they

were contracted to manage Si Redd’s private golf club (Oasis GC) in Mesquite as it navigated through many issues the new course was encountering. He had spent the last eight years being the Superintendent of Construction and Director of Golf at Stevinson Ranch in California, which won “Best New Public Course” in 1993. With his background as a golf course superintendent and as an awarded PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1987 & 88, he was the perfect fit for course. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, in 2001, it was time to jettison OB Sports. He took full control of Oasis GC and he began to independently manage the club that was originally set up for

members only and now needed to attract outside play so it could support itself and thrive. A priority was to rework the course as it was perceived as being too difficult, so forced carries were shortened, landing and bail out areas widened, and bunkers removed, which took four to five years to complete. Also, a 29,000 sq. ft. clubhouse needed to be built, due to a location change, which required the first hole on the Palmer course to be redesigned from a 500-yard par 5 down to a 356-yard par 4. Tasked with attracting more business to Mesquite and Oasis, he was instrumental in the creation of the Golf Mesquite Nevada Co-Op which included the golf

courses, hotels, and casinos marketing Mesquite as a destination for golf. This cooperation between competing businesses was unprecedented in the industry and now is the model which other destinations try to emulate. Brian Wursten, Director of Golf for Mesquite Gaming, says “Randy was able to create a synergy between everyone…that is very rare.” Randy says, “The premise behind Golf Mesquite Nevada was to have people stay for more than just one or two days, so we all worked together to provide the three day package and we were lucky, it worked.” I was the Director of Golf at Conestoga when it opened in 2009, and spoke to Randy about our new course joining the marketing group. He told me, “People come to Mesquite for multiple days and instead of one course taking the whole pie, everyone shares in a piece of it so we all benefit and that’s why it has been so successful.” I was shocked by that level of cooperation and cohesion among competitors. When it comes to bringing in outsiders to play our courses, Golf Mesquite Nevada and all the golf sales people in town have done well, but that left the locals with higher priced golf. Another program Randy was instrumental in with Wursten was the Golf Mesquite Pass. It allows the locals to get discounted greens fees on local courses throughout the year. Brian said, “He has done so much to help the locals because he knows how important they

are to us throughout the entire year. It is another successful program driven by Randy.” From 2005-2008 Mesquite golf was booming and Oasis was preparing for expansion by building another nine holes. Then came 2009-2012 and everything changed from expansion mode to budget watching. Finally, the club is moving forward again and regaining so much of the business and members which were lost during those tough years. One of the biggest challenges over his career has been dealing with water, the lifeline of a golf course. Mesquite golf courses have provided millions of dollars of economic impact to the city and brown golf courses do not attract visitors or home buyers to live and retire here. Randy again played a key role in working with the county, city, and Virgin Valley Water District to ensure that 75 water rights shares that were being sold, were kept here for the golf courses and not sold to Las Vegas. When I asked Randy what he will miss and what will he do, he said “I will miss the day

to day action and solving problems. I also love to grow grass. I enjoy getting up early and smelling the fresh cut grass. It brings peace of mind. I will take a few months off

just to reflect, travel the U.S. without my clubs and then fish, golf more, teach, and maybe hop on a mower and just cut some grass. It’s been a successful grind with great staff and help from so many others to get so much done. I wouldn’t trade any of it.” Randy’s Career Highlights • Texas A&M Golf Team • PGA Golf Professional – since 1977, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America- since 1992 • Southwest Section PGA Las Vegas Chapter President & Board Member • Superintendent Legacy GC in Las Vegas, Head Professional at Pinewood CC & Black Mountain GC. • Golf Professional of the Year for Las Vegas Chapter & Southern Nevada Golf Association • Superintendent of Construction and Head Professional Stevinson Ranch GC • President of both the Southern Nevada & Virgin Valley Junior Golf Association • Las Vegas Chapter Senior Champion “Randy is multifaceted as a Golf Pro, Superintendent, in Marketing, in City Relations and in so much more that many have no idea. He is going to be missed a lot!” – Brian Wursten Best of luck to Randy as he begins enjoying the fruits of his labor, and from fellow colleagues and community members we thank him for all he has done for golf and the community. Congratulations on a job well done! V

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Dealing With Frost Damaged

by Paul Noe, Staff Horticulturist/Certified Horticulture Advisor, Star Nursery

aced with a yard full of frost damaged plants, often the first impulse of the gardener or homeowner is to start pruning, removing, and replacing their plants. Unfortunately, this is usually not the best course of action. Pruning Any plant that is still alive will attempt to recover from freeze damage. Many plants that look completely dead will begin to recover when the weather warms up. Some plants will have lost all their woody

Yards

parts, but will begin to re-grow from root or stem tissue. This is a normal and typical recovery process for the plant. The extent of damage may not be apparent until regrowth starts in warm weather. In some cases, root systems or circulatory damage is not yet apparent. Some of the plants so damaged may show no outward signs until heat or other stress causes the plant to collapse. What this means to you is that pruning or removing should be delayed in all cases where frost damage is apparent. When growth resumes in the spring, you

will easily see which stems or branches are not recovering fully. By the beginning of March, many plants, like Mock Orange, Photinia, Privet and Texas Sage will leaf out and show generally good recovery. Species like Oleander and African Sumac probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show any signs of regrowth until April or May. Replacement and/or pruning decisions might need to be delayed until May, unless the decision to replace these plants with other species has already been made.

Palms and other monocot plants such as yuccas and some grasses are particularly prone to damage through pruning. The palms are particularly vulnerable because they have only one growing point, called the heart-bud. If this heart-bud is damaged, palms are incapable of manufacturing a new one. Any additional stress on the heart-bud, or the removal of the insulating thatch (dead leaves) could cause the palm to die. Generally, no pruning should be done on any palms until at least five strong new leaves are visible. Olives damaged by a freeze can be pruned beginning in March. Pruning should consist mainly of removing twiggy secondary growth, while allowing scaffold branches to remain. Olives pruned in this manner should show a generally strong recovery by mid-summer. Fertilization Plants damaged by freezing should not be fertilized until active growth resumes in the spring. The loss of growing tissue and leaves experienced by most freeze or frost damaged plants inhibits their ability to metabolize and use fertilizers. In some cases, more damage could result from improper and overzealous fertilization. This is again critical for palms, which should not be fertilized until hot weather in June or July, and again in August or early September. When fertilizing does take place, caution should be used, taking into account the compromised state of many plants. Probably the most effective fertilizers will be those which are balanced and which have a low analysis, such as 5-10-5 to 9-9-9. To help soil microorganisms re-establish, homemade compost or commercially available mulches will be helpful. In no case should strong dosages of high nitrogen be used on landscape plants following a severe freeze. Even plants with no apparent damage can be disturbed by rapid growth caused by excessive nitrogen. Watering Proper watering of damaged plants is vital. While moist soil is necessary in almost all cases to avoid further damage from drying winds, plants which have had foliar damage or root damage have a compromised ability to make use of excess soil moisture. This means that the watering regime must be carefully watched, and the soil watered only when it begins to dry significantly. Doing otherwise may result in root rot and further losses. The reduced soil evaporation rate in cool weather combined with reduced demand from damaged plants indicates watering no more than once a week. Over watering at this time would be devastating to plants that have been significantly damaged by a severe freeze. Conservatism is called for in all gardening and landscaping activities. Too much water, fertilizer, or pruning could be detrimental and could cause much more loss than might be experienced otherwise. Remember, replacing in haste will waste plants and money. V

12th Annual Golf Fore Kids Tournament

he 12th Annual Golf Fore Kids Tournament held on Dec 8, 2016 was the most successful event to date! Online signups opened on October 1 and the tournament was filled in a shocking 27 days. 544 golfers played Falcon Ridge, Conestoga, The Canyons, and the Palms Golf Courses. The only entry fee — toys! Golfers, businesses, and community members went above and beyond with incredibly generous donations. The tournament brought in approximately $50,000 which is higher than donations have ever been. 145 hole sponsors lined the tee boxes, over 100 raffle gifts were given out, and there was enough food to feed a small army. Among the piles of toys were 170 bikes/scooters and countless dolls, balls, blocks, and books. Toys filled two large trailers from top to bottom, front to back. The combined value of toy and cash donations over the last 12 years has exceeded $450,000! The toys are first used to fill the needs of the Mesquite Salvation Army Angel Tree program. The remaining toys are distributed between Littlefield/Beaver Dam and Moapa/Logandale which helps bring Christmas to another couple hundred children. Additionally $4,000 was donated to the Mesquite Shop with a Cop Program. Thank you to the golf courses, the tent event center, the Interact Club, the local police and fire departments, the salvation army, all the volunteers, and especially all the golfers. The little community of Mesquite has shown it has a BIG heart. Many children will smile Christmas morning! V “Fore” more information, contact Mindee West: (702) 346-6363, mindee@golffalcon.com

Start the New Year Right Financially by Jeffrey Bird, Investment Advisor Representative

t’s that time of year, after the festivities and hustle-bustle of the holiday season, when everyone is packing up their holiday decorations and putting their homes back in order. As we dive into 2017, please consider putting your finances in order. This may seem like a daunting or even impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some simple steps that you can take to make sure you are on track. Here are a few:

2. Look at your expenses and debts vs. your income. Do you have a household budget? Do you have ways to manage your debts? Can you reduce your expenses to put more money towards paying off your debts and building your wealth? How about savings? Do you have enough? Is it earning a competitive rate? This is the perfect time of year to get these questions answered and get on track for the year.

1. Talk to your financial advisor. An annual review of your financial plan can be a great help. If you don’t have an advisor, you should consider getting one. Think about it – you go to a salon where a trained professional helps you care for your hair, you go to a doctor who is a trained professional who helps you take care of your body, you even go to an automotive shop where a trained professional helps you take care of your vehicle. Maybe it’s time to try a trained professional to help you set and achieve your financial goals.

3. Invest in your retirement. If you haven’t been putting a lot of money into your retirement and you want to retire in a few years, consider putting more money into your account throughout the year. Depending on your investment type, you may be able to get a tax break. Due to potential taxes or withdrawal costs, it’s always a good idea to talk to a financial professional before taking money out of or putting extra money into your investments. If you are already retired, are your investments performing as planned? Are your investments

subject to high risk or volatility? Reviewing your portfolio to see if your investments are on track or if you need to change is always a good idea. 4. Consider a ROTH conversion. Changing your regular IRA to a ROTH may provide future tax advantages. You must pay taxes upon conversion, but then your investment is sheltered from the IRS from that point on, including Required Minimum Distributions. You’ll want to speak with a tax professional to see if this conversion will be beneficial for your situation. 5. Long Term Care risks. Do you have Long Term Care (LTC) insurance? Assisted living, home health care, and nursing homes are examples of Long Term Care. LTC costs can be one of the biggest risks to a person’s finances, and yet it is one of the most neglected areas of our financial lives. Take time to discover insurance coverage options for these potential costs. There are also ways to protect against these risks that don’t use traditional insurance. Seeking your options will be time well spent. 6. Keep your important documents handy. Unfortunately, as we head out of the fun holiday season, we must face the not-so-fun tax season. This is the time of year to get all your receipts, donations, expenses, and paperwork organized to prepare for taxes. If you start now, you likely won’t be as stressed when it is time to do them. It’s also a good idea to keep these things organized. Should something happen to you, things tend to go more smoothly when documents are organized. With just a few small moves now, you can have big results later. Financial planning doesn’t have to be a headache when you have a financial advisor on your side. Please talk to a financial professional today to resolve to be healthy and wealthy this upcoming year.V If you would like to meet with a financial professional, contact me for your free appointment. We can discuss your financial goals and plan on ways to help you achieve them. You can reach me at (702) 346-1335. Best wishes for a fantastic 2017! Securities & Advisory Services offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. Centaurus Financial, Inc. and Financial Concepts, Inc. are not affiliated.

view on THE ARTS

Virgin Valley Artists Association by Debbi Swanson Patrick photos courtesy of VVAA

January - Shirley Smit h

irgin Valley Artists Association (VVAA) members represent all facets of art and crafts. Each month, one artist is featured as Artist of the Month at their Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. In January, Shirley Smith, Vice President of VVAA, will show a wide range of her photography skills. The former pharmaceutical quality assurance professional was urged by her husband Bruce in 2012 to pick up a camera and join him in his hobby. Once she took a workshop in the Smoky Mountains she was all in. And since they moved from Michigan to Hurricane, Utah in December 2013, a camera has rarely been out of her hands. “When I learned the power of the photo software, I was hooked,” she says. “I knew immediately what I wanted to do in retirement. Our move opened up a whole new world to me. My only regret is that we should have moved here sooner!” Shirley particularly likes landscape, flowers, animals, and now macro and abstract

images. She avoids people pictures unless they’re for family or local organizations like a youth group or the high school rodeo. A Nikon gal, she sports a D800 for everything but hiking, which she does often with her husband and Saphira, their Newfoundland black Labrador mix. For that, she pulls out her lighter 3300. As facilitator of the Color Country Camera Club in St. George, she plans the twice monthly meetings, organizes speakers and programs, and suggests the popular monthly photo challenges. “We try a lot of ideas and techniques that we want to learn or perfect. We recently did one on capturing unique signs and that was really funny!” She’s most proud that she’s grown the active membership to 25 or more attending each meeting, up from about 10 just two years ago. “We’re trying to get people past their comfort zone of pretty red rock pictures,” adds Smith. “We did a field trip to a thrift shop to take close-up photos. That really opened up people to new ideas of how to see.”

In addition to her work being on display at the Mesquite Fine Art Gallery in Mesquite in January and other times throughout the year, she is also featured at the Tuacahn Gift Shop & Gallery in St. George. Shirley is also a member of the Southern Utah Artists Guild and has had images published in St. George Magazine. Her work will also be on display in the Eccles Grand Foyer at Sears Museum at Dixie University in 2017. She still spends 10-20% of her time consulting for small pharmaceutical companies, “that want to make their dreams come true by bringing their drug to market. I help the tiny pharms navigate the manufacturing, packaging, and labeling processes. I did that for nearly 30 years in large pharma.” And when she’s not doing all that, you may see her with Saphira, who’s also a registered therapy dog, at a nearby convalescent center or the college library helping soothe the nerves of students studying for finals.

Artist of the Month February - Kat herine Cole

Katherine “Kat” Cole, the effervescent president of VVAA, will show her considerable beadwork collection in February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Formerly a university professor of marketing and business in Texas, Georgia, and Nevada, Cole was owner of her own marketing research company and held many other leadership roles before retiring from Reno to Mesquite in 2009. She is an avid golfer, traveler, and has been beading for the past 30 years. “I started beading by working with buttons first, then made necklaces and expanded by taking classes in lampwork (glass bead making) and beadweaving in California, Nevada, and Georgia.” In these 30 years Cole has actively learned about beads and started her own

collection. “I have a huge bead collection, some over 4,000 years old,” (from about the time of the Bronze Age) she says. “They’re actual seals that were used as currency, and they were worn on strings.” It seems Kat can’t stop teaching, holding weekly classes in her home and at the gallery, when she’s not traveling. “I love to introduce this medium to newcomers,” she adds.

Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, NV. Call (702) 346-1338 or visit www.mesquitefineartscenter.com for information on other shows, workshops, and classes. Brown Bag luncheon workshops are held the first Tuesday of each month.

In February she’ll be showing wall hangings, and plenty of jewelry for the month of love including earrings and woven bead bracelets at all price points. VVAA is a member of AmazonSmile. A half of a percent of eligible sales is given to the VVAA. So find us on Amazon under Virgin Valley Artists Association, shop, save, and help the VVAA! V

view on BUSINESS

Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. Welcomes a New CEO

sixth-generation Nevadan, Rachel Dahl comes to Mesquite from Fallon, Nevada where she grew up, played basketball, graduated high school and college, and most recently served as the Executive Director of Churchill Economic Development Authority for nearly three years. She was hired and came on board with Mesquite Regional Business on November 7, 2016 as the new President/CEO. She took over the reins from George Gault, who previously served on the MRB Board of Directors and was a founder of the organization in 2013. For a small-town girl, Rachel has a surprisingly diverse background, gaining experiences that have served her well during her lifetime. Addicted to politics at an early age, she volunteered for local political groups and candidates, eventually working for Senator John Ensign on his

campaign as well as the Senate staff, and has taught Political Science at Western Nevada College for several years. Her first “real” job was working for the local workforce development agency, then under the Job Training Partnership Act, a federal program to provide workforce training programs. She was stolen by Shirley Walker who ran the economic development office in Fallon during the early 1990s and learned the economic development industry and gained a strong background in local government from one of the best mentors a person could have. Rachel caught the writing bug from her 7th grade English teacher and was able to freelance for the local weekly paper, The Fallon Star Press, for several years focusing on local government, water policy, and investigative stories. She also wrote a “snortorange-juice-out-your-nose” humorous column once a week, and currently sells stories about western resource use to various magazines; her latest was a water story for Range Magazine. One day a friend of hers who ran the Alternative High School in Fallon asked if she could teach English. Four classes short of a teaching degree, Rachel committed to the Alternative Route to Licensure and taught English and Government to 9th – 12th graders. She later taught 8th grade English for two years, and lived to tell about it. “The world would be a better place if everyone taught public school for at least a year,” Rachel jokes, “we would have more compassion for one another, and we would

contribute more if we could remember what it’s like to be put in a windowless box with 30 children and one grown up and expected to make learning happen.” After saying for her whole life that she would never run for office, she buckled under pressure and ran for City Council, winning with 69% of the vote. In that capacity, Rachel was selected to serve on the National League of Cities Energy and Natural Resources committee. For all the fun she’s had, Rachel will tell you her best experiences have been in raising her three children. Her oldest, Sara, is a 25-year-old rugby-playing neuroscientist who lives in Washington D.C., her son Trevor is 22 and is a licensed well-driller in the state of Nevada who, with Alicia, will make Rachel a grandmother in April of 2017, and her youngest daughter, Sloan, is in 8th grade at Hughes Middle School where she has good grades and just made the basketball team. Sloan and Rachel share their house in Mesquite with their Great Dane, Shady. With experience in economic development, environmental and water policy, as well as her experience in education, Rachel brings a well-rounded perspective to her endeavors and is looking forward to contributing to the Mesquite community.V For more information, visit www.mrbnv.org or call (702) 208-8445.

Veterans Memorial Monument Dedication by Art Pereida

dedication ceremony for the Veterans Memorial Brick and Eagle Monument in Mesquite, Nevada was conducted on December 7, 2016, Pearl Harbor Day.

After several years of discussing, planning, and coordinating, it had all come together. Not only did we honor Pearl Harbor, "a day in infamy," as described by President Roosevelt, but we showed our appreciation for those who had made this day possible by recognizing key contributors in the construction of the site. First of all, Mr. Nick Montoya, City of Mesquite Director of Parks and Recreation, is greatly appreciated for making the site possible. There were many locations we looked at and Mr. Montoya really came through on the current site. Mr. Shane Hughes and Kokopelli Landscaping provided their expertise not only in landscaping but construction of the eagle stand and placing the eagle in its current location. Last but not least, "The Home Depot Team" provided volunteers from several stores in St. George and Washington to supply not only labor but also the marble finish materials for the eagle stand. The Mesquite Veterans Center also wants to recognize Mr. Ed Fizer, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and his Monument Committee for their many hours of planning for this project.

The memorial is far from finished. We still need to fill the grounds with memorial bricks, which are still selling at $50 each. We currently have approximately 200 bricks laid and have room for approximately 1000 more memorial bricks. If you wish to order, please call the Mesquite Veterans Center at (702) 346-2735 or visit our website at www.mesquiteveteransmemorial.com. V

On The Town Great events are going on in southern Utah on a daily basis. Here, we bring you just a fraction of what’s happened lately.

by Alexa V. Morgan

St. George Marathon

photos by Kami Ellsworth, City of St. George

Saturday, October 1st, was a picture-perfect day to celebrate “40 Years Running” the St. George Marathon. Riley Cook won the overall event with a time of 2:16:09, while 2013 winner Rosy Lee was again the fastest female finisher in 2:40:45. Back in 1977, only 58 runners participated; 5,484 crossed the finish line in 2016. More than half were from Utah, but only 14% were Washington County residents. In all, 47 states and 24 countries were represented. The marathon has become a St. George tradition over the last four decades, with locals lining the streets to cheer on their favorite athletes or volunteer at the aid stations. “The marathon brings over 15,000 people into the community for race weekend,” operations manager Kami Ellsworth says. The City of St. George will break tradition this year by not holding a marathon lottery. Instead, registration will remain open from April 1 until the cap of 7,800 participants is reached. Visit stgeorgemarathon.com to learn more.

Jubilee of Trees photos by Terri Draper, Intermountain Healthcare

A few thousand southern Utahns got in the holiday spirit of giving at the Jubilee of Trees, held November 17-21 at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George. Terri Draper, communications director for Intermountain Healthcare’s southwest region, says that the Jubilee is their main fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the 2016 Jubilee will support the advancement of women and newborn services at DRMC. When complete, the new northwest tower of the River Road campus will allow all resources for mom and baby to be in close proximity, increasing efficiency. Aside from the dazzling designer trees that are the main attraction at every Jubilee, the concerts, luncheons, continuous shopping, silent auction, and gala are also crowd favorites. The festival is organized by an all-volunteer board who donate their time and talent to make sure that each year brings something new and exciting.

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Southern Utah Veterans Home Veterans Day Celebration photos by Vielane Van Noy, Southern Utah Veterans Home

The community gathered to celebrate and thank those who served at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins on Saturday, November 12. Around 30 classic cars and a National Guard tank greeted attendees in the parking lot. Popcorn and root beer floats were provided by the resident council. A crowd of nearly 300 participated in the third annual Stan Snow Veterans Day 5K & Fun Run. Snow, a resident of the home who was once an avid runner, came up with the idea to walk alongside or roll with a wheelchair-bound veteran. “In 2012, Stan had a medical incident that prevented him from walking or running ever again,” says Vielane Van Noy, Director of Community Relations for the Southern Utah Veterans Home. “While he works hard to accomplish his dream of walking again, he continues to encourage those who still can to take every opportunity to walk or run for those who can't anymore.” Profits from the race will benefit needy families through the World Wide Warriors, a local youth service organization. The Southern Utah Veterans Home, which opened its doors in May 2013, provides rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term care to veterans, spouses of veterans, and Gold Star parents.

Huntsman World Senior Games The Huntsman World Senior Games, along with the St. George Marathon and Art in Kayenta, make the first two weeks in October some of Washington County’s busiest. And for their 30th anniversary, special honors were given to those esteemed members of “the 100% club,” including St. George resident Marvin Woodbury. The 90-year-old has earned over 100 medals in track and field, triathlon, and now horseshoes. The Senior Games have grown from a humble beginning into the secondlargest sporting event for athletes over 50 worldwide. Founder and president John Morgan, Jr. continues to compete in tennis at age 93. This time around, over 11,000 athletes (pickleball alone had 650 players) representing 34 countries participated in 27 different sports, from softball and basketball to archery and swimming.

view on FITNESS

Fitness in a Changing World

by Laurie Nelson Barker

ust when I think I have things figured out, I get an invisible text message from the universe. It usually sounds something like this: “You silly human, you are getting too complacent. It is my obligation to mix it up a bit, so let’s see how you are going to handle this. HA!” I’m sure the undetected text is probably followed by an equally undetected emoji with a devilish grin. Since we humans are creatures of habit, it doesn’t take much to derail good intentions. Travel, appointments, weather, and even well meaning friends and family, can all create havoc. Sometimes life will sabotage the best of intentions. It never hurts to have an alternate plan.

For example, what if you plan to enjoy an outdoor hike or run, and you get the text message followed by an emoji snowman? (It could happen). Why not grab snowshoes instead of running shoes and still enjoy an outdoor workout? Or, if you are more inclined to drag out the Snuggie and watch TV while drinking hot tea, work out first and then collect your reward. While I don’t recommend dormancy as a fitness plan, occasionally it works as long as you incorporate some kind of reasonable activity. I recommend the Spartacus workout (only kidding). At least you won’t be consumed by guilt. January is always the “I can’t believe I ate that” month. It is the month of self-denial

and unrealistic goals. As much as I would love for the entire human population to switch to a plant based diet so we still have a viable planet, it’s naïve to think that you can wake up tomorrow and be vegan. It took me over 20 years to learn how to optimize a plant based diet so I get all the nutrients I need. Scientists are just now discovering that protein isn’t as essential as previously thought, and that plantbased means a whole lot of other foods besides just veggies and fruits. Changing your lifestyle in baby steps will probably work better if you don’t have superhuman willpower. I no longer crave meats or sweets, but it didn’t happen overnight. The good news is that there is much more information available to those that are

ready for a change. Make a green smoothie for breakfast and have a salad for lunch. Just those two simple variations will make a big difference. We are not flexible creatures (unless we practice yoga). Planning is good but planning for the unexpected is even better. An alternate strategy will help you justify the expense for all the sports equipment and attire that you have never used. The kid in me doesn’t have much more than about a 30 second attention span. Okay maybe it’s not the kid, maybe it’s my “mature” brain that can’t remember anything for more than 30 seconds. Regardless, I love to create new workouts. On a cold winter day, I decided to use my suspension trainer. I wanted to kick it up a notch and add balance training. A gel filled seat cushion that my clients stand on proved to be the perfect addition. Because the hallway floor is slippery, I found that I could stand on the cushion and slide while

doing squats, inverted rows and other equally death defying moves. It was fun and I didn’t break anything, so despite my spouse’s skepticism, I will try it again. Life is too short for boring workouts. The

suspension seat cushion workout may not be your best option but figure out what speaks to you and do it. Just saying. V

Staying Positive in a Negative World by Judi Moreo

hen the nightly news is filled with the major tragedies of today, it is very hard to stay positive and upbeat. Even if these terrible things weren’t done to us or to someone we love, they still affect us. They are all around us. They are being done to people who are like us, who have families and friends, dreams and goals. Everyone is affected. That’s what terrorists are trying to do to us – affect us in a negative manner. They want us to be as unhappy and miserable as they are. But they chose to be miserable. You and I don’t have to choose that. Their acts of terrorism are designed to get us to turn against one another, to hate one another. They want us to live in fear and to mistreat our neighbors, especially our neighbors of different colors and nationalities. But I refuse to let them win and I hope you do, too. So what can we do? Here are a few small things to start with:

• Smile at everyone and say hello, especially to people who look sad and people who are different than us.

• Take time each day to notice the things around you – nature, colors, architecture, patterns. This will heighten your senses and make you feel good.

• Make a point to be grateful for what you have. • Think about how you feel when you are enjoying your life. Focus on that feeling. • Write a thank you note to your local police department and tell them how much it means to you that they are keeping you and your neighborhood safe.

• Write a letter to someone in the armed forces and say thank you for fighting for our freedom.

• Write a letter or note or mail a sympathy card to the families who have lost someone they love.

• Help others with a personal chore, a donation, or cook them a meal.

• Post happy pictures and positive thoughts on your social media pages.

• Be kind, caring, and respectful of all people. Understand that we are all being affected in one way or another by these negative actions of people who do not share our values or respect for human life. It is up to us to resist the dark side of life and stay focused on a positive future.V Judi Moreo is a keynote speaker, creativity coach, and the author of “You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power.” She can be contacted at judi@judimoreo.com or (702) 896-2228.

What’s Old is New Again at the

Virgin Valley Heritage Museum

by Elspeth Kuta

hen guests come into the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum it tends to be a walk down memory lane. The telephones get a real reaction. For the kids, they’ve never seen a rotary phone before let alone the candlestick. The adults pull out their smart devices and compare them. Phones have changed over the years, from when you had to contact an operator to place a call, and cables were used to connect to the number you were trying to reach. Now smart devices can do incredible feats of communication, take care of work anywhere in the world, and entertain. Innovators have taken an idea, altered and changed it, and now it seems new.

The questions “What is it?” and “How does it work?” seem to be asked during every tour. Children’s eyes light up as the Victrola is cranked and the needle is dropped on the record, and as if by magic, music comes out of the cabinet and the sounds of yesteryear flood the museum. Many younger guests have not seen or heard this before, so it is a brand new experience and leaves a lasting impression. The amount of time, effort, and craft also becomes apparent when in the museum. In the back garden a previous coordinator started planting cotton, one of the major crops for the original settlers

of the Virgin Valley. Picking the cotton was a difficult task; senior members of the community can remember the effort their grandparents put into the task. Then came the process of cleaning and removing the seeds, carding it so that it would be ready for spinning into yarn and then used to make cloth – a process we barely think about now as clothing is readily available in stores. Some things don’t change – clothespins have stayed pretty much the same. Hanging washing on the line and watching it stir in the breeze was made a little easier with this handy device. Now you can see clothespins utilized in a variety of arts and

crafts projects. The clothespin hasn’t changed but it has been repurposed for a new use.

come by the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum where we can make history new again.V

Entertainment is another agent of change, and providing new, engaging things. Corn dolls have become Barbies, checkers have become video games. The projector from the Elward Theater used to show reels of film. In modern theaters, the reels have all been converted to digital. The original ideas of engagement and play are at the core of the item.

For more information, visit the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum at 35 West Mesquite Blvd., or call (702) 346-5295.

The other thing that happens is the stories start to come out. Guests will bring up how their grandma use to do the washing and hang it out on the line or stories of their great grandma churning butter, or taking a trip to the outhouse. Normally someone in the group will say “I didn’t know that.” Old stories become new in The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. Fond memories of loved ones are shared and get passed on to the next generation. Memories of happy times are cherished and shared. The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum is a wonderful portal to the past when it comes to making the old new again. Being able to serve as the coordinator is a treat. I get to share the history of the valley and reminiscence over shared memories of the past, unifying us all through our memories. There is a joy that comes in this sharing and finding the common threads that link us all. The beauty of history is that we can see elements of it all around us in everyday life. The next time you are in Mesquite make sure to

Francis Hughes Army tech sargeant's uniform.

Start the New Year by Getting Real About Diabetes by Catherine King, APRN, Certified Diabetes Educator

o successfully manage type 2 diabetes, you may need to manage your misconceptions first.

MYTH 1: I can never have sweets again. Reality: Sugary treats can be OK, as long as you enjoy them occasionally and in small portions. Having a “forbidden food” mentality can actually be counterproductive. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that dieters who allowed themselves “cheat days” had similar success as those with a stricter plan. Assuming you eat a healthy, balanced diet, giving your appetite a free pass now and then may help you better control eating habits overall. But how many sweets should you allow if you have type 2 diabetes? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 10 to 35 percent of your total calorie intake can come from sugar or starch without a negative effect on blood sugar. To be safe, stick to the one-in-10 rule: for every 10 calories you eat in a day, allow yourself one calorie from sugar. Consult your doctor before making significant changes to your eating habits.

MYTH 2: I manage my diabetes with medication, so I don’t need to watch what I eat. Reality: Medication can’t fill the gaps left by an unhealthy diet. The good news is that you don’t have to eat a special diet — another common myth, by the way. The same diet that’s healthy for most adults is also recommended for people with type 2 diabetes – one with plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meat, low-fat dairy, whole grains and unsaturated fats. FAST FACT A 12-ounce can of soda can contain as many as 40 grams of carbohydrates. The American Diabetes Association recommends you eat a total of 45-60 carbs per meal. MYTH 3: Diabetes can be slowed down, but it can’t be reversed. Reality: According to the American Diabetes Association, many people with Type 2 diabetes are able to reduce their daily insulin injections or stop using insulin altogether after making lifestyle changes. What’s the most important lifestyle change you can

make? Start exercising. During rest, the only way blood sugar can get from the bloodstream to the muscles is through insulin, which is a problem for people with diabetes. But during exercise, muscles can absorb blood sugar directly, without relying on insulin. The best exercise plan to improve diabetes, according to a 2007 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, is one that combines aerobic and resistance training. Participants who got their heart rates up and built muscle saw the greatest improvements in blood sugar control. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. PREVENTION If you have a concern about diabetes, make an appointment with our Certified Diabetes Educator, Catherine King, APRN, CDE, by calling (702) 346-0800 or visiting www.mesaviewmedical.com . V ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Catherine King, APRN, CDE, may be new to Mesa View Regional, but she is no stranger to diabetes. As a family nurse practitioner, Catherine specializes in adult health and chronic disease management. She earned her master’s degree in nursing and her certification as a nurse practitioner in 2002 from Ohio’s Otterbein University. She treats patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes and educates them about prevention and healthy lifestyles. She can be reached at Mesa View Medical Group, (702) 346-0800.

Order your shades now and be ready for the new year.

Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. If you purchase fewer units than the required multiple you will not be entitled to a rebate; partial rebates will not be awarded. Offer excludes HDOrigins and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights a reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.3345122

A Shiny Oasis For REV Motor Coach Owners

REV Group unveils renderings for 76,500-square-foot service center

by Amy Speer

y mid-summer of 2017, a circular two-story atrium of shiny glass will rise up from the Mesquite, Nevada desert floor like a glistening oasis for motor coach drivers and the like. Welcome to one of REV Group’s newest Regional Technical Centers. Thanks to its I-15 corridor location, just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, the new center will be situated in a prime location to service REV’s southwest customers. The $2+ billion motor vehicle manufacturer is slated to break ground on the 76,500-square-foot service facility this spring. With the opening, REV plans to hire employees from the Mesquite area to fill jobs aimed at servicing REV’s high-end motor coach brands — American Coach, Monaco Coach, Holiday Rambler, and Fleetwood RV. But REV is more than just four brands. As the parent company of 26 specialty vehicle brands, REV Group connects and protects communities around the clock and around the world with a lineup

of vehicles that have long served the commercial, emergency, and recreation markets. Together, these vehicle brands have manufactured more than 300,000 vehicles in service today — a bumper-tobumper feat that stretches from New York City to Dallas. Among REV’s lineup of brands, you’ll find vehicles that help fight fires, transport patients to emergency rooms, shuttle passengers to the airport, and unite families across the country. REV’s vehicle lineup includes buses, ambulances, fire trucks, yard trucks, street sweepers, luxury motorhomes, and wheelchair accessible vehicles. In the last year, the company has made a big push toward ramping up its customer service programs with a nationwide maintenance and repair presence (REV announced its Mesquite service center location in February 2016). The company has also built up its parts program, introduced REV Financial Services, and reopened the REV Recreation Group

Visitor Center in Decatur, Indiana, to the tune of a multi-million dollar renovation. The Mesquite service center borrows its two-story atrium design from the Visitor Center. In addition to the Indiana center, REV Recreation Group has technical centers in Alvarado, Texas and Coburg, Oregon, while the REV Emergency Group commands eight different service locations. The REV Bus Group is currently finessing its own service center plans. “As REV continues to expand its footprint, we want to be accessible to our customers,” said Steve Heim, Vice President and General Manager of REV’s Aftermarket Parts and Service. “Not only do we want to take care of our customers, but we want to create value for our dealers. When customers are on the road away from their dealer service center, we want to be able to provide readily accessible parts and designated service facilities. It’s just another trusted feature that our dealers can sell to new customers.”

The new Mesquite facility will have 40 indoor service bays and feature two paint booths, and because customer service is the focal point of the facility, the two-story atrium integrates customer comfort areas with lounge seating. Also for the convenience of its motor coach owners, the 11.3-acre site features 38 paved campsites with access to electric hookups and an on-site dump station. REV selected Martin-Harris Construction, a Las Vegas-based general contractor, to build the Mesquite service center. The construction company is revered as one of the top general contractors in the southwest and has expanded to Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and even Utah and Texas. Martin-Harris’ design firm, KGA Architecture, submitted initial renderings to REV Group in late October. The project is estimated to be an eight-month build. “We are very excited about opening this facility in the city of Mesquite. It’s a beautiful location, and the I-15 corridor will provide ideal access for REV customers across the entire southwest,” Heim said. “From its city council to the community at large, Mesquite has been so welcoming, and we are looking forward to being a part of this fantastic community.” V For more information, visit revgroup.com.

Mesquite Parade of

Light s

view on DIY

“Love” to DIY

by Jennifer Hammond-Moore

hile saying goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017 I am hopeful as always that the next year will bring more love, joy, and adventure to my life. I have always thought of November and December as the season of giving, but why can’t it carry over to the new year? This year I am going to start out by VIEWing February as the season of giving; why do we have to wait until the fall to give of ourselves? I know that I am drained from the fast-paced fall season, so easy activities are a priority as well. I hope the DIYs in this issue can be shared with not only our immediate families, but with all of those that we love.

Decorative Rice Crispy Treats Items needed: Jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet) Parchment paper Rolling pin Heart cookie cutters Ingredients (Double the recipe for multi-colored treats): 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal 3 tablespoons butter (not margarine) 1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-Puffed Marshmallows Or 4 cups JET-Puffed Miniature Marshmallows Red food coloring Instructions: 1. Prep the jelly roll pan by spraying bottom and sides with olive oil or coconut spray. You can also use a paper towel with oil to coat the pan. 2. In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 3. Add pre measured Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated. 4. Using a buttered spatula place rice crispy mixture on the jelly roll pan. Coat your hands with butter and press the mixture into half of the jelly roll pan. Using a rolling pin that has also been buttered, roll the mixture so it is even. 5. Follow the same steps 1 & 2 for the second batch. Once you have removed the mixture from the heat, add the food coloring, THEN the Rice Krispies. 6. Pour the mixture onto the other half of the jelly roll pan, pressing the new mixture into the first one to create a seamless pan of treats. 7. Let the mixture cool slightly while buttering the cookie cutters. 8. Turn the cooled mixture onto the parchment paper for cutting with the cookie cutters. 9. Cut shapes from the treats. If you are going to put a smaller shape into a larger one, leave the larger cutter on the shape while cutting out the smaller shape. This will help keep the overall treat together. Cut the small shape out and remove. Cut a small shape out of the opposite treat and then place into the large shape. Press the new treat lightly to incorporate the two colors together. 10. Remove the large cutter from the treat. Continue with the remainder of the pan. 11. ENJOY sharing your treats!

Blocks of LOVE These block are incredibly easy to make and very budget friendly. Have a “block” party with friends and share supplies and creativity. This is a fun DIY to do with kids as well. Bring out the old bottle of Mod Podge and go to town. My husband pointed out that the Mod Podge bottle looks like it came straight out of the 70’s. Why change a good thing, right? Items needed: 4 blocks of any size - I cut my own from a 4x4 and sanded the edges Medium grit sandpaper Mod Podge - either gloss or matte 1 1/2“ paint brush (Mod Podge washes out easily) 4 photos that will fit inside the block size Decorative paper - either print your own or purchase Black acrylic paint - small bottle was 50 cents at Walmart Small paint dauber Small paint brush for detail work Letter stencils Instructions: 1. Prep the blocks to make sure the edges are smooth. Not absolutely necessary, but you will get a better finished product. 2. Cut the decorative paper for two sides of each block, eight total. Mine measured just under 3 ½ inches because I wanted a little wood showing. 3. If you want to create a “rough” edge on your paper and photos, dip approximately ¼” of the paper in a shallow dish of water and gently tear down the side. Continue with all sides. This makes the process take longer, but looks great. 4. Paint a light coat of Mod Podge on one side of the block then place a piece of the decorative paper over the area. Press the paper into the Mod Podge from the center out. Make sure to eliminate any bubbles that may have occurred. 5. Coat the top of the paper with another light coat of Mod Podge. Let the block dry while working on the other blocks. All four blocks should have two pieces of the decorative paper on them. The two sides should be next to each other so you can see both of them if you are looking from the corner. 6. Once the first layer is dry, Mod Podge lightly on the decorative paper on the right and place a photo on top of the paper following step 4. Continue with the remaining blocks. 7. Prepare the letter stencils that spell out LOVE. 8. Place the “L” on the left side of the block that has decorative paper. Using the paint dauber, blot paint lightly over the stencil. I suggest using a paper plate so you can remove some of the paint off of the dauber before applying to the stencil. Once the stencil is filled in, remove the stencil from the block. 9. Let the paint dry and then coat with more Mod Podge. 10. You can cover the entire block to make it more consistent if desired. You do not need to spell out LOVE. This also makes a great FRIEND gift. Be as creative as you would like to be.

Jell-O with Pizzazz Items needed: Box of Jell-O - I used strawberry but use whatever flavor is your favorite Berries - to include in the Jell-O and for decoration Clear short plastic cups (8 oz. recommended) Standard cupcake pan Whipped cream Decorating bag or ziploc with corner cut out Instructions: 1. Prepare Jell-O as instructed on package. 2. Place plastic cups at an angle in the cupcake pan. Add a few berries to the bottom of each angled cup. Fill to just below the rim. 3. Using a cup measure, pour the liquid Jell-O mixture into the angled plastic cups. 4. Place cupcake pan in the fridge. Let Jell-O cool until set. 5. When ready to serve, fill decorating bag with whipped cream and fill empty side of cup with the whipped cream. 6. Top with a berry and TA-DA! Have fun with the DIYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! I challenge you to commit to making time to do things that bring you and others JOY!V

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Mesquite Senior Center Happenings

102 W Old Mill Rd • (702) 346-5290 • Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Valentine’s Dinner & Entertaiment

The Mesquite Community and Senior Center will be hosting its annual Valentine’s Dinner Wednesday, February 15 from 4:30-6 PM. There will be 18 tables available and a total of 108 chairs, so don’t wait until the last minute to reserve your chair for this 5 course meal! Pre-paid fee: $12 per person. Reservation deadline is Friday, February 4. Formal Attire is Required. Dinner Options: Prime-Rib or Salmon. For more information please contact Griseyda, Krissy or Leora at the Mesquite Senior Center (702) 346-5290.

Free Caregiver Training

Advance Care Planning & End of Life Considerations & Suicide Prevention 101 Thursday, January 19, 2017, 10 AM – 2 PM. Register by Friday, January 13, 2017 by email at: dmward@unr.edu or fax: (775) 784-1814. You can also complete the registration form online at: https://unsom.formstack.com/forms/ ngecprogramsreg. The Senior Center has copies of the Registration Form and a Full Agenda of the Training. Lunch provided for a small fee.

Know Your Legal Rights

Nevada Legal Services provides FREE community education on legal topics. Second Thursday of the month at 11:30 AM at the Mesquite Senior Center. For more information, please call (702) 386-0404, or visit www.nlslaw.net.

AARP Driver’s Safety Course

Second Wednesday of the month at the Mesquite Senior Center from 10 AM – 2 PM. Contact: (702) 346-8732.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting

Second Tuesday of the month at the Mesquite Senior Center from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Contact (702) 346-7666.

Quilt Group “Sew Next Time”

Meets: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

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Historic Ted and Doris Lee Day by Brian Hurlburt photos by Kris Zurbas

ed and Doris Lee have made a dramatic impact on the city of Mesquite. During a celebration held at the new Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort on Wednesday, November 16, Mesquite Mayor Allan Litman and the city council declared the day Ted and Doris Lee Day and bestowed the key to the city on the couple. The Lees, along with family, friends, and other special guests, culminated the event by cutting the official red ribbon to officially christen the new resort. “Who has really influenced the growth of southern Nevada? Who are the people that really made a difference? The Lee family is at the top of the list,” Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown said during a tribute video. “What they’ve accomplished through their active engagement in the community is amazing. They’ve truly made a difference and paid it forward. So many people have benefitted from their

generosity.” Mayor Litman said that it was long overdue to recognize the Lees for what they have done for the area. The Lees not only built the Eureka and now the Rising Star, but they donate to various worthy causes, maybe most notably by funding the annual Fourth of July event in the city. The Rockets over Red Mesa with the Nevada POPS is now an entrenched family tradition enjoyed by thousands over the years. “My father is the one who originally wanted to invest in Mesquite, and the city reminded him a lot of Stockton, California, where he grew up,” Greg Lee, the son of Ted and Doris, said. “Our goal for Eureka was not to have just a hotel, but one that we could be proud of and one that could represent what Mesquite aspired to be.”

“Customers don’t have to go to the Eureka or our hotels. They can go anywhere they want,” Doris Lee said. “Why would they want to come here rather than a big casino? One of the reasons they come to Eureka is so people know their names. People want to be recognized and that doesn’t happen at bigger casinos. I think over time that has been one of the things that has really helped us.” The honor of Ted and Doris Lee day will continue on through their family and the 550 employees that are considered family.V

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Tennis TNT – Tips N Tricks – by Donna Eads

s the new year opens to us, look for the new equipment in the tennis world. Now there are connected racquets, court computers and even smart courts. Babolat racquets are the only connected racquet available. The sensor for the racquet can download all the data regarding your play into any device for your review and sharing. The line is called Babolat PLAY Pure Drive and costs around $300 per racquet. When purchasing a racquet, consider your style of play, any physical needs, and the right grip for you. If you are a power player, look for a less flexible and thicker beam. For control, look for more flexibility and thin beam. Most club players will want a head size of at least 100 square inches such as Prince Textreme Tour or Head Graphene XT Extreme Pro. These racquets run about $200. Tennis shoes and racquet strings are often overlooked. Both need to be replaced at least once a year. This year a string that has only been available to tour players is now on sale to the public. It is Solinco’s Heaven String line and the pros love it. Rule of thumb with string is to change them yearly as often as you play in a week. If you play three times a week that means you re-string your racquet three times a year. A tip on the high backhand volley is take your racquet back at the level of the ball with the face slightly open. Finish the shot with underspin and power through the ball. Many of us have had the displeasure of having a bug fly into our mouth, ear or eye while playing – remember that you may call a let and replay the point if it happens to you.V Save the date for the Mesquite Senior Games March 2 - 5 2017. For more information visit mesquiteseniorgames.org. See you on the courts!

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AREA GOLF GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cedar Ridge - Cedar City cedarcity.org/65/Cedar-Ridge-Golf-Course (435) 586-2970

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coyote Springs - Coyote Springs (Moapa) coyotesprings.com (702) 422-1400

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

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

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

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

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ge of M es Ed ite

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Mohave County Approved Trail Rides and Riding Lessons

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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Shop With A Cop Mesquite 2016

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ADVERTISING DIRECTORY AbraKanabra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Amazing Earthfest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Ace Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 All Secure Storage LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Arizona Horse Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Arté Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Baird Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Bank of Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Bella Horizon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 C & K Shutters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Checks-N-Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Conestoga Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Coyote Willows Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dave Amodt Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Defense Pre Del Webb – SunCity Mesquite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Desert Oasis Spa & Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Desert Pain Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Eagles Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 ERA – Sharon Szarzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Eureka Casino Resort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover Eureka Casino – Gregory's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Farmers Insurance – Bill Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Friends of Gold Butte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Golden West Restaurant & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Great Clips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Guillen – Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Guns & Guitars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Hangey's Custom Upholstering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Helping Hands Caregivers, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Heritage Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Hues & Vues/Staging Spaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Iceberg Air Conditioning & Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Jennifer Hammond-Moore – Health Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 JL Kendrick Company Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Keller Williams – Beverly Powers Uhlir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Keller Williams – Deb Parsley, Beverly Rineck, Linda Jones. . . 38 Keller Williams – Joan Fitton, Neil Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Keller Williams – Michele Burkett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Ken Garff Mesquite Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Ken Garff Mesquite Ford – Dave Heath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Kitchen Encounters/Classy Closets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Kokopelli Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 La de’ Paws Grooming Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Logandale Trails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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Mesa View Regional Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Mesquite Fine Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Mesquite Home Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Mesquite Tile & Flooring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mesquite Veterinary Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Moapa Valley Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Mortgage Mate LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 MVP Productions - Kris Zurbas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 NRC – The Reserve – Shawn Glieden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Napa Auto & Truck Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Oasis Chiropractic Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Oasis Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Odyssey Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Painted Pony Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pioneer Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Premier Properties – Maggie Ireland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Pressing Ideas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Preston’s Shredding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Quality 1 Realty Angela Brooks-Reese. . . . . . Inside Back Cover Quality 1 Realty Bret Lower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Quality 1 Realty Terree Knutson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Rager & Sons Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Ready Golf & Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Red Rock Golf Center - Rob Krieger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Reliance Connects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Remax - Cindy Risinger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Remax – Patricia Bekeris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Rooster Cottage Consignment Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sears Hometown Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Silver Rider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Star Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Sugar's Home Plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Sterling Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 SunRiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Lindi Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Travel Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Transparent Solutions Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Valley Presbyterian Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Virgin Valley Veterinary Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Warmington Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Washington Federal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Wedgies Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Wolf Creek Terrace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Write it Up!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84