View On Magazine by View On Magazine

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

magazine September 1 – October 31, 2016 Volume 9 – Issue 5 PUBLISHER Kathy Lee MANAGING EDITOR Kristen Williams CREATIVE DIRECTOR & MAGAZINE DESIGN Aloree Smith WRITERS Mekdelawit Aschenaki, M.D. Glen S. Bjornson Donna Eads George Gault Andy Geller Jyl Hall Jennifer Hammond-Moore Jeff Harding Dr. Ronald R. Heezen Helen Houston Brian Hurlburt Judith Kapuscinsky Rob Krieger Elspeth Kuta Doug Lesko Mayor Al Litman Della Lowe

Jill Manasse Joanne Migliozzi Stephen Miller Karen L. Monsen Alexa V. Morgan Jessica Mousley Laurie Nelson-Barker Paul Noe Debbi Swanson Patrick Charlene Paul Art Pereida Judy Reich Dianne Reid Celece Seegmiller Paul D. Soucy Brad & Kasey Wallis Mary Kaye Washburn

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,

This issue marks the 10 year anniversary of our publication. On the cover, you’ll see the statue of the Abbott Family, one of the founding families of Mesquite. Our very first issue featured this statue on the cover, so we wanted to feature it again in honor of our anniversary. We have come a long way since that inaugural issue and our reach has grown as well. No matter how much we grow, Mesquite will always be our foundation. Our expansion and growth is in response to the feedback we continue to receive from readers and advertisers alike, who know that our community is larger than just one town. Our content touches the lives of people from Mesquite, Moapa Valley, the Arizona Strip, southern Utah, up through Cedar City, and beyond. We wanted our new name – View On Magazine – to maintain a sense of the original name, without excluding the rest of the community. We feel the new name reflects the community spirit that drives us. Our content will continue to take a “ View On “ what makes our communities special for residents and visitors alike. We cannot adequately express our thanks to all the people who have supported us through the years with your readership and advertising. Some of you have been with us since day one, and for that, we are beyond grateful. Over the years, we have had many talented contributors who have provided us with wonderful articles and photography, and we would not be where we are without them. Nor would we be here without the hard work of people who have been a part of our team in the past. Thank you all so much for your past and ongoing support. Please continue to give us your feedback as well as letting us know what future articles and events would be of interest to you. We value your opinions and ideas. Please visit our new website at ViewOnMagazine.com and join us on social media. We look forward to the next 10 years, continuing to be a part of bringing our regional community together. With gratitude,

Kathy Lee Publisher and the entire team at View On Magazine

frequent

CONTRIBUTORS

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 Mesquite Magazine.

Paul â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Qâ&#x20AC;? 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.

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) 703-3432.

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 Mesquite 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.

Doug Lesko was a Head Golf Professional and Assistant General Manager at a semi-private club in Florida. He left golf to work in the “real world” for 10 years but hated it and had to get back into the golf business somehow. He now works at Ready Golf and Gear in Mesquite and is a regular contributor at www.thegolfchick.com. Find him at the store, on a golf course, or reach him at doug@thegolfchick.com and on twitter @protipsgolf.

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.

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.

V V

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.

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.

Erin O’Brien, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Biology at Dixie State University and the mother of a kindergartner. She is involved with several science, technology, engineering and math outreach programs for local students in the hope of exciting them about careers in the fields and better preparing them for college.

Dianne Reid

Dawn McLain is the Owner and President of Write It Up!, a small, full-service advertising agency based in St. George. Over the past 20 years, the firm has grown to include comprehensive PR and marketing services as well as media buys, blogging, corporate facilitation and much more. To get in touch with Dawn, please email her at dawn@writeituponline.com.

Charlene Paul is a freelance writer, proofreader, and owner of All the WRITE Wordz. She is pleased to call the southwest desert her home. She covers inspirational, instructional, educational, and religious topics. She can be reached at (702) 375-4216. Website: allthewritewordz.com.

is the Owner and Manager of Hole-In-One Pet Products, the new pet store coming to Mesquite (currently operating online, with store opening in November 2016). She is returning to the USA after living in Sydney, Australia, for the past 21 years. She has over 10 years experience in the pet industry, including providing reports to the American Consulate, Better Homes & Gardens, and Sydney Morning Herald. She is excited to be contributing to our magazine with her knowledge of pets and their people’s needs. She can be reached at Dianne@HIOPets.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.

Contents

FEATURES

cover photo by Kris Zurbas

74 46

32 Exit 118 Opens 52

DOCUTAH Raven The Perfect Symbol for the World of Documentary Filmmaking

City of Mesquite opens new I-15 Interchange

46 view on THE ARTS 74

Trailblazer Nation Dixie State University Rebrands

Utah Shakespeare Festival From the View of Judy Reich

Contents

14 TRAVEL 22 NONPROFIT 28 DESIGN 30 OUTDOORS 36 ENERGY 40 PETS 50 FITNESS 56 GOLF 64 GARDENING 68 BUSINESS 76 SEASONAL RECIPES 84 INSPIRATION 88 DIY 98

VIEW ON

STRONG WOMEN Strong Women of Southern Utah Pam Palermo

The British Isles The Cruise of a Lifetime

All Paws On Deck

Fresh and Creative Ways to Liven Up Your Home

Liking Lichens Nature’s Air Quality Monitors

Natural Gas Have Your Say

Great News for Pet Lovers

Mary Can Do It

A Few Good Walks Not Spoiled

It’s Time to Prepare for Your Fall Garden

Rising Star A New Star Rises

Pumpkin – The Taste of Autumn

Welcome Back Autumn and Snowbirds

Halloween Tricks and Treats

76 84

Message from the Mayor

Mesquite

s Mayor of Mesquite, I am honored to be writing for this issue of View On Magazine. Quality publications like this are rarely found in small cities. However, with all that is happening in Mesquite, View On is a perfect fit. The opening this summer of exit 118, the most original over-under pass exit in the state, shows that Mesquite means business. Shortly, Eagles Landing, a state of the art travel center will break ground, offering motorists an all-in-one experience of fuel, service center, restaurants, and more. Nearby the exit, the old Solstice motor home park is being transformed into a first class destination for not only those visiting Mesquite by motor coach, but also for long-term residents who make Mesquite their second home. As a complement to the new motor home park and travel stop, REV Corporation, one of America’s largest manufacturers of motor coaches, will be building a major service center located in our industrial park. This project is expected to bring clients to Mesquite from the entire Southwest and beyond. We anticipate many well-paying jobs with a project of this magnitude. New home development in Mesquite continues at a robust pace in both Sun City as well as other new and rejuvenated areas. Our population continues to grow at around four percent yearly and should for the foreseeable future. With the possibility

10 photo by Terri Rylander

of natural gas coming to Mesquite, development will further increase. Although natural gas service may occur some years in the future, it offers another reason for positive growth. Our current library will become a learning center to complement the new seven million dollar, sixteen thousand square foot new library just across the street. We are anticipating the ground breaking shortly after the first of the year. Use for the remainder of the property is still undecided, but we are reviewing many innovative ideas for beautification. Several years ago I suggested a farmers market for Mesquite. In June it became a reality. The market is bringing many residents and visitors to the area to shop. Plans are underway for expansion already. With Mesquite so close to the Apex Industrial Park in North Las Vegas, the proposed Faraday Future automobile manufacturing site, and the new exit, I anticipate bringing the two communities closer together for joint economic ventures, increased employment, as well as housing for the thousands of anticipated new employees for the company. On a closer to home note, our old Mesquite Star, shuttered for many years, has been re-born as the Rising Star. It is prepared to open with 210 hotel rooms, a field house, restaurants, conference

space, and much more. I can’t say enough about what the Rising Star will offer, but I can assure you, it’s unlike anything you have ever experienced. If the Rising Star doesn’t put Mesquite on the map as “The Family Destination,” nothing will. Am I excited about the future of Mesquite? You bet I am! I see only the best for this gem in the desert and with View On Magazine showcasing our beautiful city, watch out America – we are on our way to becoming the best small city in the country. Sincerely, Mayor Al Litman

Why I Love Mesquite E

ven though I haven’t won my jackpot—I still love Mesquite! Here are a few reasons why:

I like the early morning play of light shimmering on the pond amid the mountain surround, and it’s “sounds of solitude.” I like the mother duck caring for her downy baby ducklings. I like the baby quail in my backyard. I like Pioneer Blvd. This street makes me feel like I’m living in a movie set of “perfect America.” I like my book club girls who share their love of reading. I like that citizens take pride in their homes and yards. I like the variety of places to eat. I like the friendly neighbors who exercise by walking their dogs. I like the “meet the neighbors” and Christmas parties. I like being able to play on a good golf course without having to be a par player. I like the small community atmosphere. I love the brilliant sunsets we have to end our daylight hours. And when I want to get a big city fix, I just go to Smith’s and mix it up in the parking lot traffic jam!

WhyMoapa I Love Valley Yes, I tell my friends from other places that if you want to live a serene lifestyle, choose Mesquite. ~ LaDonna Maddalone

s I crest that final hill coming into Moapa Valley from Interstate 15, I’m perpetually awed by the vista before me. The shimmering blue waters of the irrigation reservoir, green pastures, trees, and abundant plant and wildlife make a striking contrast against the red sandstone backdrop of the Mormon Mesa. The Muddy River, the cause of this unexpected lushness, meanders through the valley as it makes its way toward the end of the mesa, searching out its partner, the Virgin River, both spilling into Lake Mead on their journey beyond the valley. I have heard travelers and residents alike share similar emotions as they glimpse this same scene, all saying they hear the valleys call “you’re home.” Many visitors have become residents after experiencing this warm welcome.

Moapa Valley captured my heart 14 years ago when our family made the decision to move here. Scenic views, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Lost City Museum, Valley of Fire State Park, Logandale Trails, Overton Wildlife Management Area, and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge are all a part of our community. The rural lifestyle is cherished, neighbors help one another, and family values are still respected. I feel transported back to a time when life was simpler, family and friends important, and hard work is its own reward. For these reasons and many more, I love Moapa Valley. ~ Mary Kaye Washburn

Sout hern Ut ah

Why I Love W

hen asked recently why I love the southern Utah area so much, I couldn’t answer right away. I had to decide just what it was. Was it the natural beauty of the area? The Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin Desert, and the Mojave Desert come together to create something uniquely beautiful and inspiring. And with so many national and state parks in the area it’s easy to enjoy it. Or maybe it’s the lifestyle. Everyone is so active here, and it’s no wonder. There are so many great city parks and bike paths that you just want to get out and enjoy them. I especially like to take my kids to the new Red Hills Desert Garden, where they make learning about the area fun. Or maybe it’s the weather we enjoy here. Every winter we are reminded of how good we have it by the number of people who come here to join us for our mild winters.

Or maybe it’s all the different types of restaurants in the area where every craving can be satisfied on any given night. Or maybe it’s the arts and music festivals they have in the area. How can anybody choose just one? I guess I love southern Utah because I don’t have to choose. I can enjoy it all! ~ Ryan Reber

arried less than a year, in October 1965 we were visiting Marguerite’s grandmother in Murray, Utah. As we were preparing to leave, Mammie said, “be sure to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks on your way home.” We did, and we began a love affair with all things southern Utah that has now stretched over 50 years. When we told our friends and neighbors in St. Charles, Illinois that we were building a home and moving to Cedar City, Utah, they asked, “why in the world?” “Easy,” I said, “no grass, no leaves and no mosquitoes.” (Plus a great hospital, a world class university and those parks.) Today, we would say so much more. The national parks are crowded – so what? There are hidden scenic gems and hikes everywhere one looks that would be world famous anywhere else but in southern Utah. Southern Utah University and the new Beverley Center for the Performing Arts, combined with championship level Division 1 competition in The Big Sky Conference with the best student-athletes found anywhere, and world class academic achievements, make us proud to be connected with SUU. And if you don’t like Shakespeare, try the Neil Simon Festival, the Orchestra of Southern Utah, the Master Singers, or a myriad of other arts organizations. There is something for everyone. Finally, we love the people who live and work here. Getting to know someone here is easy. All one has to do is look around, find something that interests you, and jump in. Marguerite and I are involved in SUU athletics and the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance, the Neil Simon Festival, the Happy Factory, the Rotary Club, SCORE Mentoring, Southwest Applied Technology College and I even fly, as Santa, in a helicopter over the Christmas Parade. Why not Southern Utah? ~ Neal and Marguerite Smith

view on STRONG WOMEN

Strong Women of Sout hern Ut ah Her daughter, who opposes war, is vice president of a million-dollar corporation. In her spare time, she rescues, pays for all medical needs, rehabilitates, and adopts out animals who would otherwise not been given a chance to live. “She has a heart of gold and I am so honored to have her as my daughter,” Pam says. Her daughter has blessed Pam with a granddaughter, “the other love of my life,” who is now in her third year of college at Quinnipiac in Connecticut. She is proud of all of them and feels extremely blessed.

he was born Pamela Joy Howard, in Chicago, Illinois. The oldest girl with six siblings, she lived her younger years nurturing and playing mom. At 14, she began work and continued going to school. She went into the Air Force at the age of 18 and began her new journey. Pam married while in the military, where she completed over 23 years of military life. She has lived in 13 different states and now resides in St. George, Utah, which she says “is the most majestic and beautiful place I have ever lived.” During the military years she had three children. Her boys, whom she adores, followed in their parents’ military footsteps. They both joined the Army, and her oldest completed West Point and is now doing government contract work overseas. Her youngest is in the infantry. He is a decorated war hero who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has a double Purple Heart and is a wounded warrior.

Pam is married to her best friend. “John is the wind beneath my wings. He is always supportive in everything I do. He is the one who always does the work and never gets the glory.” John is retired, but don’t let that fool you. Pam says he is the one who gets up at 4 am and doesn’t stop until 10 pm. “He is a woman’s dream! He is a fabulous cook who prepares all the meals, does the grocery shopping, cleans the house, washes the clothes, works in the yard, and with his great ‘handyman skills’ works on my to-do list, which is endless. I could never accomplish all that I do without him. He is the love of my life!”

held. I work with the greatest team and Board of Directors. I get to go out and socialize with the entire business and political community. What can be better than that?” Pam says she has a passion to help businesses succeed and excel. She remarks, “the people in this community are so open, honest, and welcoming. I’ve never lived in a community where I can honestly say I like everyone I have ever met.” She says it’s her desire to meet with every business in Washington & Iron County, where she looks forward to making new friends. Additionally, she works as a Realtor with ERA Brokers. “I get to team with the best Broker and Realtors. Being a Realtor is another way that I can meet and support new people – with what can sometimes be an arduous journey.” And who better qualified to understand this process, than someone who has moved as many times as she has?

Pam considers herself a “workaholic” who can’t stop serving. Throughout her professional career and personal life, her motto has been “people first.” She is passionate about the communities where she lives and is quick to get involved.

We said Pam has two professions since moving to St. George. Actually, there’s a third – Pam is a professional volunteer. She has always volunteered; as early as Junior High she assisted with the physically and mentally handicapped. She also spent four years with the White Tornado Drum & Bugle Corps, although she confides, “when competition time came I was commanded to fake blowing the bugle. I was that bad.”

She has lived in St. George for only two short years. Since arriving she has begun two professional careers. She works for the St. George Chamber of Commerce where she says “working for the Chamber has been the best position I have ever

Upon arriving in St. George she pursued her passion for the military and its veterans. She currently volunteers at the American Red Cross with Services to Armed Forces Division. The Red Cross aids veterans and active duty military in an

Pam Palermo array of services and they are honored to assist with the Veteran History Project for the Library of Congress. She has served with the American Legion Post 90 as President of the Auxiliary, and is currently outgoing President. When able, she serves on the Ritual Team and says “It’s an honor and a blessing to be able to serve. Whenever I assist at a funeral or military posting of colors, tears of honor and respect for those who have served and their families cascade down my cheeks. I wish every American could understand the sacrifice – not just during military time served but until the end of a veteran’s life, the price paid for our freedom.” She also holds the position of Finance Officer and Director of Events. Her military volunteerism doesn’t stop there. Pam serves on the St. George City Mayor’s Veteran Advisory Council and also the Military Veterans Coalition.

Pam was instrumental in adding two major events last year, in which all the proceeds went to American Legion Post 90 for helping veterans: Rodeo Days Barn Dance in September, and the Sanctioned Chili Cook-Off and Fair in May. Three competitors earned the right to go to Nationals from the Cook-Off.

goodness! The cost of Leadership Dixie was $500. It was like being entertained on a beer budget with a Krug Clos d’Ambonnay Champagne experience. For someone like me, new to southern Utah, I learned everything there is to know about our community. The experience and the relationships I formed are priceless.”

Pam was recently a student of Leadership Dixie. She said this was the most amazing experience she has ever had. “Oh my

When asked what the future holds for her; she said this: “I’m not sure who started ‘pay it forward’ but I know ‘to whom much

has been given, much is required.’ Since moving to St. George, I have been given more, much more – more love, more respect, more opportunity, more blessings than I could have ever imagined. As long

as I reside in this community I want to pay it forward wherever and however I can.” It’s only fitting that the first ever Strong Women of Southern Utah features

Pam Palermo; she is a true dynamo. Pam combines endless energy, an amazing work ethic, and her “people first” mantra with a megawatt smile and fun spirit that simply draws people in. She is so engaging, that with one quick, effervescent giggle, you’re hooked, you want to spend more time giving back with her, you want to be more, do more, and make a greater impact than you ever thought possible. She is the very essence of a strong woman, and thankfully she chose southern Utah to call home. Thank you for all you do, Pam. V

Donkey Rescue story by Joanne Migliozzi photos by Fred Clark

he Scenic, Arizona Satellite Adoption Center for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) operated by Joan Dunkle and Fred Clark has been in operation since August 2010 and is one of 16 adoption centers. They are currently home to 26 donkeys (including nine mini donkeys). Mark and Amy Meyers founded Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue after rescuing one donkey from a neglectful situation and by the time they reached 25 donkeys, this backyard hobby became PVDR, which has grown into the largest of its kind in the United States and the Caribbean.

PVDR works with the Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife, and state and local law enforcement agencies all across the country. PVDR specializes in abuse, neglect, owner turn-over and abandonment cases, as well as wild burro capture where burros are under threat. In 2012, 119 donkeys were flown in from Hawaii and two of those donkeys reside today at the satellite. In July 2014, two mothers and babies were brought to the satellite suffering from congenital defects of their legs. In November 2014 the babies had reconstructive orthopedic surgery and are doing well.

The donkeys are well known throughout the community and participate in many local activities. The Donkey Jamboree has been held the past three years at the Golden West Casino in Mesquite, Nevada, with over 500 visitors attending. 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas with the Donkeysâ&#x20AC;? was held at the satellite, and a winning float in the Mesquite Christmas parade capped off the year. On two occasions the satellite has acted as a transfer station, housing up to 90 donkeys being sent to other satellites and the main ranch in San Angelo, Texas.

In February 2016 the first of two groups of mini donkeys from a hoarding situation with over 200 mini donkeys arrived at the satellite. Many of the donkeys are not used to human contact or kindness. Joan and Fred, along with a select group of volunteers, spend hours with the animals, sometimes sitting in the corrals just talking to them. It is heartwarming to see a frightened animal realize for the first time that it is safe, has food and water, and maybe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just maybe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; realize that it is loved.

appreciate the people who continue to follow the donkey rescue and welcome new individuals to the PVDR family.V If you are interested in learning more about adopting or fostering a donkey from the Scenic, AZ satellite please contact (928) 347-4506.

As of July 7, 2016, The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR). Foster Program Available For $30.00 per month, (the cost of his food alone) you become a foster of a donkey. You can visit your donkey, bring him treats, brush him or walk with him, or just know you have helped a donkey. We have the perfect donkey for you. When you become a foster, you will receive a certificate, along with a picture of your donkey. This makes a great way to give a gift to your family or that friend who has everything. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is a non-profit charitable organization and is dependent on donations for its support. PVDR takes no money from any government agency. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. All donations are tax deductible. With over 3,000 donkeys, PVDR prides itself on the quality of care that each donkey receives. PVDR also manages five sanctuaries and the main ranch in Texas. All donkeys are micro-chipped, vaccinated, and dewormed, and the males are castrated upon arrival. We want to give a special thanks to the many volunteers who share their time helping with the donkeys and our events. We

Are we there yet?

Arrowhead Trail

by Elspeth Kuta, Heritage Museum Coordinator

love roads — they bring people from all over the world to our door.

This morning it felt like the United Nations at the Virgin Valley Museum. We had company from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, and Chicago. Over the past year we have had four thousand travelers through our door from 50 states and from 15 Nations. We here in the valley have a unique story of early settlement. We are not alone – each community along the way

Aerial view of I-15 through The Gorge

also has their own unique facts and stories that culminate in the overall fabric of the West. On February 22, 1955, President Eisenhower forwarded the Clay Committee's report, A 10-Year National Highway Program, to Congress. The transmittal letter began: “Our unity as a nation is sustained by free communication of thought and by easy transportation of people and goods. The ceaseless flow of information throughout the Republic is matched by individual and commercial movement over a vast system of interconnected highways crisscrossing the country and joining at our national borders with friendly neighbors to the north and south. Together, the united forces of our communication and transportation systems are dynamic elements in the very name we bear – United States. Without them, we would be a mere alliance of many separate parts.”

Part of that freeway system is the awe inspiring section of Interstate 15 between Beaver Dam and St. George. At the time of construction it was the most expensive piece of roadway in the interstate system, costing 61 million dollars for 29 miles of freeway (circa 1970). Traveling the posted speed of 55 mph gives you an opportunity to gaze at 500,000 years of geological history in the sheer cliffs that surround the road, which crisscrosses the Virgin River. An impressive treat at any time of day or season. My preference is the wee hours of the morning during a full moon. Sometimes we need to step off the known path and discover the older parts of the routes or trails that still exist and just explore. Mesquite is on The Old Spanish Trail – not actually a trail, but a corridor for horse and pack mules following the path of least resistance from Santa Fe New Mexico to San Bernardino California. Later came the wagon trails like Mormon Trail, or The Salt lake City to California Road, which became the foundation for the Arrowhead Trail from 1914-1924. The Arrowhead became the first automobile road in the area. It was a grade

above the wagon trails but was still an adventure of a lifetime to drive in the early automobile with mud holes, sand traps, and having to ford Virgin River. Next came Highway 91 – in Mesquite we refer to this as “the old way” to St. George – on which there are still remnants of an old gas station at Castle Cliffs, Utah Hill. When cotton was delivered by wagon to the cotton gin in Washington Utah (now the Star Nursery) in the 1900s, it would take three days using Highway 91. Now the trip takes 45 minutes by car through the Virgin Valley Gorge. The desert is a fragile place and bruises easily. It is also an eternal place and every bruise and blemish leaves its mark for centuries. The experience of actually seeing and recognizing wagon ruts out on the mesa, old bridge supports, tunnels, or hand hewn rock walls, connects us with the past. Recognizing the blemishes and scars on the landscape gives us a moment to ponder and appreciate the tenacity and sacrifice of those who settled this area, an opportunity to figure out our own futuristic roads, and what we want to leave behind for future generations.V For more information, visit the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum at 35 West Mesquite Boulevard, or call (702) 346-5295.

Virgin River Crossing

The British Isles view on TRAVEL

The Cruise of a Lifetime

by Celece Seegmiller

few months ago, I wrote about the British Open Golf Cruise with Azamara Club Cruises in the golf issue. It was an 11 night British Isles cruise sailing from Dublin on the beautifully refurbished 686 passenger Azamara Quest. Of course the highlight of the cruise was an overnight in Scotland for passengers to attend The 145th Open at Royal Troon on Saturday or Sunday. As I wrote about it, I immediately added it to my bucket list. Not only are the British Isles amazingly scenic, but a chance to watch my favorite golfers like Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler compete for the Claret Jug would be an incredible opportunity. Coincidentally, a few months later, I received an opportunity to sail on this cruise of a lifetime and I could not think of a better roommate or anyone who would appreciate this cruise more than my fiancĂŠe, Rob Krieger, a PGA Professional (you can read about his golf experience and The Open in his article on page 64).

Rob and I started our cruise with a few days in Dublin, Ireland. Of course, pubs were on every corner and colorful flowers lined the buildings. Coming from the hot red rocks in the desert, we really appreciated the lush green foliage and bright flowers. We saw Trinity College, St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, and charming architecture throughout the city. The tour ended at the famous Guinness Storehouse and it was worth waiting for. If you drink beer or not, a visit to the storehouse is a highlight in Dublin. We booked a special connoisseur experience, which only allows 50 visitors each day. We skipped the long lines and were treated to a special tasting tucked away behind a secret door in the historic connoisseur bar. The walls were the traditional dark wood and were covered with photos of the Guinness family, trophies, and other memorabilia. We learned a lot about Mr. Arthur Guinness, and I was impressed with his sense of business and all that

he did for Dublin. We had to learn how to properly pour a Guinness before we could leave for the Gravity Bar, offering a 360-degree view of city skyline. It was the perfect way to end our first night in Dublin. Once we boarded the ship, we spent another day in Dublin where Rob played golf and I enjoyed some time for relaxation with a massage in the spa. The next day we were off to Wales, where we enjoyed a country drive with a stop for high tea. The view was spectacular as the waves crashed into the rugged cliffs and the lush green hills were covered with more cows and sheep than I could count. The next day, we continued to Liverpool, where Rob played golf and my day started with The Beatles Experience tour. I learned all about John, Paul, Ringo, and George. We saw their childhood homes,

Penny Lane, and Strawberry Fields. I discovered some interesting facts about their lives and the inspiration for some of their songs. We continued to the museum and my favorite room was John Lennon’s, where his famous round glasses sat on a beautiful white piano. The lyrics to my favorite song, “Imagine,” were on the wall and the song played as well. Tears rolled down my eyes as I thought about how relevant this song is today. We finished at the famous Cavern Club where it is said the Beatles played over 292 times. That evening, Azamara Club Cruises treated us to a special concert in St. George’s Hall. It is one of the most spectacular music halls I have ever visited. We enjoyed opera music, symphony music, and of course Beatles music, with everyone dancing, singing, twisting, and shouting. The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display over the water as we departed Liverpool.

Our next two ports of call were the Isle of Man, followed by an overnight in Scotland, where we attended The Open on Saturday and watched the final round from the ship on Sunday. After the thrill of The Open, we continued to Belfast where we made a drive to Giant’s Causeway. I was amazed by the majesty and mystery of this magnificent coastline with its unique rock formations that have stood as a natural wall against the ferocious Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns is simply mind-boggling. Following our ride back to Belfast, we visited the Titanic Museum. This museum was well worth the stop as was we learned all about Belfast, the construction of the famous Titanic, and her tragic ending. Our next stop was in delightful Waterford, a seaport in southeast Ireland. It is the country’s oldest city and was founded by

Vikings in 914 A.D., and parts of its ancient walled core remain. I thought it would only be appropriate to visit the famous Waterford Crystal Factory and select our champagne flutes for our upcoming wedding. The factory was impressive and we enjoyed walking around the charming seaport. We continued to Cork where I had to kiss the famous Blarney Stone (of course I used lip sanitizer first). Blarney Castle and the grounds were striking with bright flowers and gardens. A stop at the woolen mills provided access to some of the best souvenirs, and the remainder of the day was spent enjoying some fish and chips, and of course, Guinness, in the picturesque port of Cobh. Our last port of call was St. Peter Port, Guernsey, a British Crown dependency in

the English Channel. It is one of the Channel Islands and known for its scenic coastal cliffs. We enjoyed a walk through the narrow streets lined with quaint boutiques and pubs before returning to the ship for our last night. It is said that once you kiss the Blarney Stone, you receive the “gift of gab.” I never considered myself to have a problem with the gift of gab, but it obviously affected my writing. I have so many more wonderful things to write about this unbelievable cruise and I am simply out of space. I am often asked about my favorite cruise or destination and I added this one to the list. From the friendly people, to the culture, history, and sheer beauty, this British Isles cruise was a wonderful escape from the desert heat in July. I thought the best part would be attending The Open, but it was just one of many incredible experiences I will treasure for the rest of my life and I can’t wait to return.V

Lively Art s Communit y Gets Interactive

by Debbi Swanson Patrick

he Virgin Valley Artists Association has become a revered arts community because of its high quality, professionally-run programs, regular exhibition schedule (eleven per year), and its beautiful Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery on Mesquite Blvd. It’s supported by the National Endowment of the Arts through the Nevada Arts Council, the Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation, City of Mesquite and local sponsors, and of course, members and donors.

One thing that the VVAA took on this year was to revamp its website. President Katherine Cole says interactions with its nearly 200 members can be a challenge. “Members had to come to the Gallery in person or mail their membership renewals, art show entry forms and payments, and many are snowbirds. Nothing could be processed online.” Way too much paperwork was being processed by hand. “That takes away time we can spend with our visitors, members, and networking in the community,” says Cole.

So in March, Club Express was hired to liven things up and streamline transactions. By May, it was implemented. Now there are all the features of a first-class site available to visitors and members. The choice was wise, as the firm was recently named by PC Magazine as the Editors’ Choice for association websites. The Events Calendar and list of Monthly Exhibitions are the most valuable features for most visitors, and all programs, receptions, and classes are listed. Visitors can plan their attendance of show openings and receptions. The new site allows artists to update their membership information, feature their biographies, have links to their own websites and social media pages, and submit their art and entry fees online. Remaining shows for this year include the Mesquite Fine Arts Invitational in September, Autumn Splendor in October

and National Small Works “Lucky 13” Competition in November and December. Lucky 13 has drawn entries from as many as 20 states in the past. All themed competitions are juried and provide cash awards.

The gallery works closely with area public schools for Student Art Month in May, including one high school from Las Vegas which participates. “Teachers are given $150 for supplies and the students are able to see their work hung in a professional gallery,” says Cole. “That’s very exciting for them.” Along with each show there is a reception honoring the competition winners, a featured Artist of the Month, a Brown Bag lunch/talk the first Tuesday of each month, classes for adults and children in watercolors, clay, pottery, painting, jewelry, drawing, photography, and more. The gift shop and jewelry cases are reset each month as well.

One area of the site with great potential for our artists is the Forums, where artists in particular media can have a discussion about that topic, including techniques, composition, and class dates, and thus become more collaborative. “Artists can be as interactive as they want, with the hope that it will strengthen the overall organization,” says Cole. And what’s Cole most proud of at the gallery? “Our group is so supportive of each other, and welcoming to new members. You can learn anything here either as a beginner or advanced artist. Artists always want to grow and they can do it here.” The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is located at 15 West Mesquite Blvd., Mesquite, Nevada, open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4pm with expanded hours on Tuesdays in December. The gallery is recognized by the Nevada Arts Council and the NEA Art Works as a leader in the artistic community of Nevada, providing art education, recreation, and beauty for the region.V

To see the new website and for more information about classes, Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery exhibitions, monthly Brown Bag lectures, and monthly receptions which are always open to the public, go to www.mesquitefineartscenter.com. Phone (702) 346-1338.

view on NONPROFIT

All Paws On Muttigans Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit Local Rescue Animals

ogleg. Kitty litter. Bite. Sit. Waggle. Yip. Gimme. Heel. Terminology isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only thing golfers and local pets will have in common this October.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re invited to tee up your 2016-17 golf season at Muttigans, a charity golf tournament to benefit We Care for Animals (WCFA), the Mesquite-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for homeless and unwanted companion animals in Mesquite and surrounding communities through spay/neuter, adoptions and responsible pet ownership.

WCFA focuses on saving and re-homing adoptable pets before they enter a shelter. The organization provides medical care, spay-neuter, vaccinations and foster homes until each pet in its care can be placed into a loving home. Since 2009, WCFA has placed more than 750 homeless cats and dogs in new homes and funded more than 3,500 spay/neuters to help prevent more unwanted pets.

The work of WCFA is funded solely through donations. Muttigans is your chance to help while enjoying a fun-filled day of golf, lunch, and prizes galore. All sponsor and player donations are collected by WCFA directly, and 100% of proceeds will fund the work they do.

The Muttigans tournament will take place Friday, October 21 at Falcon Ridge Golf Course, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This is the first charity golf tournament held in Mesquite to benefit rescue animals in this community. Many generous businesses

Maybe we can't make a difference for all the animals.

Deck are on board already, and sponsorship opportunities are still available if you’re not in on the fun yet. Expect all the usual suspects — long drives, KPs, a putting contest (“Putts for Mutts”), and winning team prizes. In addition, we hope our “bogey is your friend” format will make for a refreshing pace of play for an event like this. No team can make a score higher than bogey. If your team has no chance to make par, just pick up and head to the next hole, and mark down a bogey on your card. We have some other games to add to the fun as well. Hole-In-One Pet Products, the new pet supply store opening in November, was one of the first sponsors to jump in, and is hosting - you guessed it - a hole in one contest for a $15,000 cash prize. Ready Golf and Gear is another enthusiastic sponsor, and in addition to some great prize donations for the raffle, is also hosting a hole in one contest with an

But we can make all the difference for some of them. EZ-GO golf car on the line. InterMountain Golf Car is in on the HIO fun as well, giving you yet another chance to win a golf car. But it doesn’t stop there. Other surprise fun and games await you at the course. We want to acknowledge and thank Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort for being an Event Sponsor, and for their generous

donation and support of this event. Thanks also to Wolf Creek, Coyote Springs, Falcon Ridge, and Conestoga, for donating rounds of golf for our prize pool. If you love animals (and who doesn’t?), this is the must play event of the year. Check in starts at 7 am October 21 at Falcon Ridge Golf Club, 1024 Normandy Lane, in Mesquite, for a shotgun start at 8 am. Players pay only $125 for their round of golf, luncheon, and WCFA donation. Muttigans — Giving animals another chance. V Players and sponsors can register online at muttigans.com, or call (702) 346-0972.

All the animals pictured in this article are WCFA success stories and have found their forever homes.

Fresh and Creat ive Ways view on DESIGN

by Helen Houston

t’s no surprise that a person’s mood can be altered by the surroundings they live in. You really do feel livelier when everywhere around your home feels fresh.

Hang lighter, pastel colors for spring and summer, and store the deep oils until fall and winter. Also, leave one wall blank in each room which gives the eyes of viewers a place to rest.

Often times, we unconsciously freshen our homes when we get a call at an unexpected moment that someone is coming over. Then the adrenaline starts – take this out and put this here, open the draperies, re-position the vase, hang a picture, arrange the pillows… yeah, we’ve all been there. But, with a little forethought, you can make some fresh changes for little or no cost.

Soothe the Senses Bring aroma indoors. Scents have a profound effect on mood. Infusing scent into your décor with diffusers, candles, and especially fresh cut flowers can change the overall feeling of a space and creates an immediate sense of freshness. Make sure to avoid heavy scents that could be perceived as hiding unpleasant odors.

Rotate Art Some homeowners hang everything they own on every wall. If you look at your art all the time, you start taking it for granted. Every six months, rotate your pieces.

Let the Sunshine In Cooler fall temperatures mean finally opening the window shades that have been guarding against the infiltration of the harsh summer heat. For the last

several months, many of us have let our windows go. You can have a gorgeous room, but if the windows are dirty, it won’t look as beautiful and bright. Don’t forget the screens. Dusty window screens do not encourage good air circulation. Fridge Makeover In just minutes, you can tidy up your kitchen by getting rid of the scraps of paper, business cards, invitations and take-out menus stuck to your refrigerator door. If you have odds and ends everywhere, it looks messy. Hang a bulletin board near the kitchen workspace to attach your important items of note or small corkboards inside kitchen cabinets. Update Accessories Just as you would add a scarf, necklace, or tie to enhance an outfit, do the same with your home. Add great accent pillows

to Liven Up Your Home in bright colors. Drape bright, light throws on your sofa. Pick out colorful vases or candles to boost a cocktail or dining table. If you display collections and you have an assortment of elephants (for example) in every room, centralize the collection in one spot. It makes your rooms look more organized and your visitors can truly enjoy the more dramatic effect. Refreshing New Rugs Instantly transform even the drabbest of spaces by creating the mood and adding character with a rug. An area rug can either bring something unexpected into a room or add a jolt of color. It freshens up a room and can define different spaces within a larger room. Change Your Old Doormat Doormats often get the doormat treatment – overused and neglected until they become an eyesore. Why would you give such treatment to the first and last thing you and your guests see when entering and leaving your home? Purchase a new one for every season and rotate them.

Brighten and Whiten White adds a sense of brightness and freshness to any room. Try using white wherever you wish to add this feeling. Try bathroom towels, lampshades, candles, picture frames, throw pillows, and bed linen.

Beautify Your Boudoir Bright, new bedding can do wonders for freshening up your personal space. Pull out the crisp linens with coverlets for color. Bring in the light with floral design or solid spreads. Don’t forget accent pillows for added style and comfort.

Mirror, Mirror Mirrors reflect light, and when used correctly, can create fantastic visual drama. Large options can be pricy, so visit your thrift store or purchase inexpensive, unframed panels. Hang them across from or adjacent to windows to add depth to a flat space. Or set them under or behind accents for an instant play on light.

Bring in the Green Plants are the definition of fresh. If you have been feeling that your home interiors are a little empty and in need of a breath of fresh air, then adding a few indoor plants could be just the way to liven your room décor up a bit. V

Soft Goods These super easy “soft good” updates will make a world of a difference in your kitchen and bath. Use a real rug, not a bathroom rug, in front of your bathroom sink. Replace your shower curtain and any accent towels.

For more information visit Helen at Hues & Vues – Inspired Walls & Windows, a custom window design studio located at 350 Falcon Ridge Parkway #102 in Mesquite, or call (702) 346-0246.

DOCUTAH Raven –

The Perfect Symbol for the World of Documentary Filmmaking by Della Lowe

he raven is a mystical bird, revered in many cultures and with a multitude of characteristics attributed to it. Sometimes a god, sometimes a devil, always mysterious, this remarkable bird is known for its intelligence, strength, and endless curiosity. Throughout the world and over millennia, the mythology of the raven grew in disparate cultures. “The DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival™ chose the raven as its symbol for much the same reasons that people throughout the centuries have been inspired by this bird,” said Phil Tuckett, Executive Director of DOCUTAH™, Director of the Digital Film Program, and Executive Director of DSU Films. “Documentary films bring the viewers to places they may never see and to emotions they can recognize as universal no matter where they live, no matter what their religion, no matter what their status.” Prescient, intelligent, sharing, strong – many characteristics of the raven mimic the breadth of human experience. In different myths, the raven signifies war,

“

Like the documentarian that chronicles and observes then enlightens us about ourselves through stories, I see the raven as the documentarian of the desert. 32

prosperity, famine, plenty, death, and life. The Tsimshaian from British Columbia and Alaska believe they were given light by the raven. “[The] Raven brings heightened awareness and a deeper understanding of our consciousness. Raven allows us to see into the hearts of others using our newly found perception, helping us to empathise (sic) with their feelings. The Raven encourages us to experience transformation, so that we can be reunited with the mysteries of the universe, and rid ourselves of our inner demons.” (Material licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License) Jeff Ham, the renowned artist who created the original raven painting for DOCUTAH

remarked, “The raven is a common fixture and a personality that characterizes the southwest desert we share as a community. It is an observer. Highly intelligent, it will watch and track coyotes, wolves, and bears, knowing that a feast of leftovers will likely be the result of its patient observation. Ravens watch everything and everyone and through that observation have learned how to thrive in all manner of environments and climates. Like the documentarian that chronicles and observes then enlightens us about ourselves through stories, I see the raven as the documentarian of the desert. The raven is a recognizable symbol of southern Utah and the art of observation.” Documentary films can certainly help all of us understand the human condition and the links we have to one another as well as other creatures which inhabit Earth with us. This year DOCUTAH accepted 65 films representing 30 U.S. states and 20

• An insanely popular comedy series;

countries. The films this year cover such intriguing subjects as: • A modern country with no military. • A devotee of a forgotten science called optography. • People who live in storm sewers underneath the streets of Las Vegas. • A tribute to the Breakfast Queen of Chicago. • An 85-year-old college student. • Young children training to run with the bulls of Spain. • Conservation and industry coexisting in Borneo.

each episode 6 seconds long. • Mango trees saving the lives of young Indian girls. • A man obsessed with stealing NYC buses and subways then making all the correct stops. • A Baltimore beatbox rapper teaming up with Mongolian throat singers. • A politician who was Donald Trump long before Donald Trump was a politician. • A Canadian Catholic Christmas tree salesman selling his wares in a NYC Jewish neighborhood to atheists. • The owner of a crooked auto wrecking company who goes into hiding from the law dressed as a woman and decides he likes it. • Ghost towns of the American West seen through the eyes of a Frenchman. “Each year, we think the films submitted could not possibly surpass the previous year and each year the quality astonishes us. It takes real passion to venture into the art of documentary, which is often a lonely pursuit in a world filled with commercialized studio films. That passion

certainly shines through in this year’s selections,” said Tuckett. “The variety of subjects will bring audiences to places they have never known and allow them to experience a wide range of emotions from tears to laughter to inspiration to wonderment. Because of the central location of St. George, near Las Vegas and Mesquite, NV, the Festival attracts local, regional, and international attendees.” “DOCUTAH is unique not only because it is a pure documentary festival, but also because it is university supported, which allows both visitors and students to have easy access to this art form,” said Dr. Jeffery Jarvis, Dean of The College of Arts at DSU. “No matter where the films originate, they seem able to strike a chord in audiences and help them relate to universal human experiences.” DSU Announces Film Degree at College of the Arts An exciting development announced in July is that the DSU College of the Arts will begin offering a new Bachelor of Science degree in digital film. Previously, students enrolled in the film program received

their degree in communications with a specific emphasis. The university has acquired the 14,000 square foot hangar at the Ridge Top Complex in St. George, which will be utilized as a film studio. The hangar was turned over to the film program in July. “Right now you could do a feature film in there,” said Tuckett. “It’s big enough, the ceiling’s high enough, plus there are six offices for all of our staff and three conference rooms. Classes will be taught in the hangar starting in the fall term and, within two years, the entire program will be based out of the building.” The DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival is held at Dixie State University in Saint George, Utah. The 2016 Festival runs from September 6 -10 and includes a series of free intimate filmmaker chats, and special events. Tuckett is the founder of the DOCUTAH festival and a 30-year veteran of NFL Films, winning 30 Emmy Awards for his projects. He has also produced and directed numerous documentaries and music videos. As part of Dixie State University’s academic component, DOCUTAH’s mission is to inspire a global connection through independent documentary films and audience access to filmmakers. DOCUTAH strives to enhance the education of independent filmmakers, aspiring film students, and citizens of the world.V For more information visit docutah.com.

view on OUTDOORS

Liking Lichens—

Nature’s Air Quality Monitors story and photos by Karen L. Monsen

“

All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth.” ~ Chief Seattle

ittle things matter in nature, from the oceans’ tiny krill to the earth’s bacteria, fungi, and lichens. With approximately 15,000-20,000 species, 450 documented in Utah, lichens vary from leafy branching greenish growths to colorful green, yellow, and orange crusts on rocks. These desert survivors offer more than meets the eye, serve many purposes, exhibit a special form of species co-existence, and are useful for bio-monitoring air quality. We can learn from lichens.

cyanobacterium. BYU botany professor Dr. Larry St. Clair describes lichens as, “symbiotic systems consisting of a fungus living in a complex and dynamic relationship with a photosynthetic partner (either a cyanobacterium or a green alga). The photosynthetic partner provides basic biological molecules through photosynthesis which the fungus uses to build and maintain a “greenhouse” like environment to accommodate its cyanobacterial/green algal partner.”

Masters of Mutuality Classified as fungi, lichens are actually two organisms—fungi and an algae or

Lichens exemplify mutualistic symbiosis which differs from the symbiotic relationship in which ants capture aphids,

clip their wings so they cannot escape, and induce them to produce nectar to feed the ants—definitely the ants dominate the aphids they “farm.” In lichens, fungi send fibers through the algal layer, provide color filters to regulate moisture and sunlight, and create sustainable growing conditions. With lichens, neither organism dominates—both mutually coexist. Lichens are eaten by reindeer, antelope, mountain sheep, goats, and elk. They’re used to make brown and royal purple dyes, added to ferment beer, included in medicated lotions and perfume, and researched for antibiotic properties and anticancer drugs. Dr. St. Clair brands lichen as “pioneers—the first to occupy harsh and challenging environments such as bare rock” and being “sensitive to a wide range of air pollutants serve as effective bio-monitors of air quality.” Air Quality Bio-Monitors According to Weber State University botany professor, Dr. Heather Root, lichens are good air quality bio-monitors, “because lichens don’t have a skin or cuticle like animals and plants, they absorb pollutants roughly in proportion to their concentration in the air.” Lichen monitoring is accomplished in two ways, by counting species distributions and measuring pollutant concentration in lichen samples. We know some lichens are sensitive and others more tolerant to specific pollutants. By observing species distributions, even non-scientists can assess air quality and contribute data useful to researchers. An Android app under development by Michigan Technological University (available at citizenscience.cs.mtu. edu/websites/lichen/dev/ ) helps individuals identify lichens and rate air quality in western Oregon and Washington, northwest California, coastal British Columbia and southeast Alaska. Since 1980, the National Park Service and National Forest Service have used direct air sampling equipment. In 2001, the Forest Service launched the Lichens and Air Quality Workgroup to collect and share lichen data for assessing air quality and biomonitoring air pollution-related effects on public lands. Along with direct sampling equipment, the lichen bio-monitoring helps evaluate the health of a forest or ecosystem, gauge forest fire conditions, and measure metals in rainfall. In September 2016, Dr. St. Clair will retire, ending his 40-year teaching career at BYU, but he will continue working in the Bean Life Science Museum’s collection of lichens and bryophytes— one of the largest collections in North America with more than 100,000 lichens and mosses. Another incredibly talented lichenologist, Dr. Heather Root is expanding Utah’s lichen research on the Wasatch Front where lichens have been dramatically impacted by air pollution. During the 2016 summer, Dr. Root set up 12 monitoring sites around Ogden and in the Uinta Basin and Mountains to measure air quality, collect lichen tissue samples, and calibrate the pollutant levels in lichen for a suite of heavy metals and nitrogen and sulfur—known acid rain components. By calibrating lichen findings with fixed air monitoring devices, she hopes to improve

the reliability of lichen observation and samplings for air quality monitoring. Per Dr. Root, “By monitoring lichens, we identify places where air pollution may affect human health at the same time as we are monitoring the effects air pollution has on wild ecosystems. In Utah, we have made good progress using lichens

to monitor in wildlands, but we haven’t really capitalized on this resource in urban areas. I’m hoping to develop more intensive monitoring in Ogden, where I live, to see whether this approach can help us solve some of our urban air quality issues. I also see lichen biomonitoring as a useful way to increase public involvement in air quality monitoring.”

Although small and often ignored, lichens are active participants in our interconnected living world. So, with or without a lichen identification app, lace up your boots, head for the trails, and try not to step on the lichens. V

view on ENERGY

Natural Gas Have Your Say

by Stephen Miller photos courtesy of Southwest Gas

he City of Mesquite, in collaboration with Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. and Southwest Gas Corporation (Southwest Gas or Company), is exploring the possibility of expanding natural gas service to the city. Business owners and residents of the city are encouraged to complete a brief survey at www.mesquitenv.gov/ng to determine the level of interest and potential uses of natural gas in Mesquite. A paper copy of the survey is also available at City Hall, located at 10 E. Mesquite Blvd. during normal business hours. Residents who own a home and business in Mesquite may take the survey for each location to capture information for each. The natural gas initiative comes with the passage of Senate Bill 151 (SB 151), which authorizes Southwest Gas to explore the opportunity to expand its infrastructure to unserved or underserved areas of Nevada in a manner that is consistent with a program of economic development. Upon the passage of SB 151, the City of Mesquite and Southwest Gas developed

the survey to gather information to determine the level of interest and demand for natural gas service in the Mesquite area. Data from the survey will be used to evaluate the feasibility of extending natural gas service to the city and developing the associated cost estimate. The information being gathered will not only help Southwest Gas to develop a recommended design for how the Company would expand natural gas service to Mesquite, it will provide information that is required for the application that the Company is required to file with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN or Commission) to seek approval for the expansion. Southwest Gas will also conduct a thorough assessment of the potential uses of natural gas in the area and its economic impact. Extending natural gas pipelines and other infrastructure to Mesquite will make the area more attractive to new industrial and commercial industries looking to establish or relocate their operations, increasing job opportunities and bolstering the economy. Natural gas is a key element for

the manufacturing industry and is required for a variety of applications, including manufacturing metal, paper, plastic, glass, and food. “We’re always looking for ways to boost our city’s economic growth, and adding natural gas as an energy option would be the most significant improvement we’ve seen in quite some time,” says Mayor Allan Litman. “But before we have that opportunity, we need to hear from everyone who lives here, works here, and owns businesses here. The community’s input and commitment to economic development is vital to provide us data we need [in order] to consider moving forward with this project.” Previous efforts to bring natural gas to Mesquite have been unsuccessful under Southwest Gas’ existing tariffs due to the large up-front financial investments that were required. SB 151 allows the Company to propose, and the PUCN to consider, alternate methods of cost recovery based on the project’s circumstances – flexibility

interest in the community and begin developing a proposal to expand the Company’s infrastructure.” The third partner in this effort is Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. (MRBI), a nonprofit organization that implements economic development programs in the Virgin and Moapa Valleys. President and CEO of MRBI, George Gault, says, “The prospect of having natural gas in Mesquite opens the door to so much potential growth. In the past, businesses have decided against moving or expanding their operations to the city because natural gas wasn’t an option. Offering this energy source invites a greater number of industries to call Mesquite home, which is a win-win for everyone.”

that hasn’t previously been available to the Company or the Commission. “Bringing natural gas to Mesquite has been our goal for more than a decade,”

says Justin Brown, Vice President of Regulation and Public Affairs at Southwest Gas. “Since SB 151 passed, we now have the opportunity to use the city’s natural gas survey as our first step to help gauge

Natural gas offers many advantages, and businesses of all sizes benefit from the dependability and convenience of this clean, efficient, and abundant energy source. Economically, using natural gas is less expensive than electricity, propane, and heating oil. According to

ENERGY STARÂŽ, a commercial buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy use accounts for nearly 30 percent of operating costs. Businesses that use natural gas see improved building operations with reduced maintenance costs. Southwest Gas also offers rebates to businesses that purchases natural gas appliances and equipment. In the home, natural gas use leads to lower energy bills while being a reliable energy source for home heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying. The U.S. Energy Information Administration found that, on average, electricity costs three times more than natural gas. The cost of drying two loads of laundry in a natural gas dryer is the same as drying one load using electric. Natural gas water heaters cost less than half to operate versus electric water heaters. Natural gas also gives residents a variety of options for outdoor amenities. An increasing trend nationwide is the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and in-home refueling stations are available to homes that have natural gas. If you want to have your say on natural gas coming to Mesquite, the survey will be live on the city website until an acceptable amount of responses are collected. In addition to the survey, the City of Mesquite in collaboration with Southwest Gas, will be holding public meetings for residents and business owners to discuss the viability of adding natural gas service to the area. Dates for those meetings can be found on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.mesquitenv.gov, when they become available. V

LuxuryWithout by Jessica Mousley illustrations courtesy of Sentierre Resorts

Pretense

entierre Padre Canyon is awakening in southern Utah and plans to welcome you in 2018. Padre Canyon in Ivins has always been a special place. It’s a place to rest and a place to gather. It is nestled between the west access to Snow Canyon State Park and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.

In the 1940s, the Hafen family recognized the special qualities of Padre Canyon. Orval Hafen had a dream of creating a place where people could come and enjoy the scenic beauty while relaxing with friends and family, and in 1950, he purchased an eighty-acre parcel in the box canyon and built a cabin. As a Utah State Senator, Orval Hafen was an effective advocate for Utah’s Dixie and was chief author of a bill creating a state parks system with Snow Canyon as one of the earliest inclusions. While much of the land in and around Snow Canyon was donated to the State Park system, Padre Canyon remained privately held waiting for Orval’s vision to be brought to

life. The State Park and Reserves grew around Padre Canyon, encapsulating it in open space and rugged beauty. In the 1990s, Hyrum Smith and Doug Stewart took a significant step in recognizing Orval’s dream and collaborated to give southern Utah a special gathering place, within the canyon, by building the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. The Tuacahn development utilized a little less than half of the Hafen land. Now, the original goal of providing a place for people to stay is also going to be recognized. Sentierre Resorts will be building the Sentierre Padre Canyon Resort & Sanctuary, a luxury resort and spa, open to the community and designed to be an integral part of Padre Canyon. Sentierre Padre Canyon Resort & Sanctuary is a mixed-use development with residential and resort components. Forty-four residences will join with 105 guestrooms over the 42-acre landscape. Private homes within the resort will have access to owner only features in addition to the amenities and services provided

for the guests including multiple pools, lounges, and meeting spaces. Locals and neighbors will be encouraged to connect with owners and guests to enjoy the multiple café and dining options, as well as spa and salon services. The Padre Canyon site is special. The focus is on creating a low-impact, integrated development that respects the land, the Park, and the Reserve. The buildings on the property are planned as low – one and two story – modern structures that blend into the desert appropriate, water-wise soft and hardscape. The landscaping focus is on native desert plants and to leave the site as close to a natural state as possible. The team has created a design, which blurs the divide of man and nature by bringing the inside out and the outside in. Creating a neighborhood is a core element of the site design. Residents have access to a central Main Walk that joins with guest pathways and local trails through the resort. Performance spaces, fitness stations, and sitting areas complemented

by fire pits and curated art installations line the Main Walk, creating energy and flow into the central gathering areas and integrating with the Snow Canyon State Park and Red Desert Reserve landscape and trail system. Snow Canyon State Park trail access and the resort meet at Padre Rock. This area, named The Gather, invites owners, guests, and visitors to stop off and fill water bottles, fix bikes, and get the protein snacks necessary for exploring the Toe Trail and the Padre Canyon Trail. Sentierre is a new luxury brand, shedding the conventions of other brands with the belief that a one of a kind development can only happen by spending time to recognize the location, the local influences, and the special elements of a place. The Sentierre team believes that a pre-made box cannot be plunked down and attached to a piece of land. Thoughtful design, integrated architecture, and specific siting have taken years to ensure the development suits the place. Where large brands are on the hunt to make profits by standardizing, Sentierre looks to create unique ways for residents to find community, for families

to connect, and for people to engage with a space. The Sentierre mission is to create legacy through intentional and thoughtful application of values, embracing change, and creating sustainable luxury products and experiences. The power behind the Sentierre brand is the people. A unique aspect of Sentierre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and one of the most interesting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is the Path Guides. Dedicated to empowering owners and guests to pursue their interests or pathways, the Sentierre Path Guides are equal parts friend, facilitator, and teacher. By connecting owners and guests to opportunities that might otherwise go unrealized, Sentierre Path Guides specialize in crafting interactive life experiences for every member of the family. Path Guides can currently be found at the Discover Center in Ancestor Square, St. George, the current center of operations for Sentierre Padre Canyon Resort & Sanctuary where they share information with future owners, guests, and visitors. V For more information, visit www.sentierreresorts.com or call (435) 429-7000.

e m o c Wel Trailblazer o t Nation

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Dixie State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brooks the Bison is Taking Over Southern Utah by Jyl Hall photos courtesy of Dixie State University

anners boldly emblazoned with Brooks the Bison’s face hang off lampposts and wave in the wind. Residents proudly wear bright red Trailblazer T-shirts while out and about. Art installations throughout the area feature strong bison. When residents and visitors take a look around southern Utah, one thing is clear: they are in Trailblazer Nation. This pride in the local university, desire to cheer on and support the institution’s students, and commitment to carrying on the Dixie Spirit of determination and generosity was reignited on April 11, when Dixie State University revealed that the institution’s athletic teams would be known as the Trailblazers from that day forward. Upon the announcement, cheers of excitement immediately filled the auditorium and enthusiasm for the 105-year-old institution’s new Trailblazers identity and Brooks the Bison mascot quickly expanded beyond campus to all of southern Utah. Almost half a year later, that excitement is still palpable.

The creation of Trailblazer Nation started immediately. On the evening of the unveiling, Trailblazer banners adorned campus, and pennants boldly announcing the new identity hung from lampposts on St. George Boulevard. Later that very week, members of Dixie’s student association painted the new athletic logo on the road in front of campus’ Burns Arena, and Brooks the Bison’s face graced the windows of the basketball complex. Additionally, lampposts and billboards around campus, the front of Legend Solar Stadium and various signs on Bruce Hurst Field all bore the name and logo of the new identity. Additionally, Dixie State education majors went to 28 area elementary schools and gave presentations about the importance of earning a college education while unveiling the mascot to the kids. As part of these presentations, each elementary student received a children’s book about Brooks, and the DSU students left each school’s library with a cardboard cutout of the friendly bison.

Since that exciting week, the university’s rebranding efforts haven’t slowed down a bit. In fact, the excitement for Trailblazer Nation has expanded to Mesquite and Cedar City, where billboards along I-15 welcome travelers to Trailblazer Nation. Just in time for commencement in May, a bronze statue was installed on campus in front of the Holland Centennial Commons along the route graduates traditionally take as they march to the commencement ceremony. After arriving at midnight the night before commencement, the statue purchased by Dixie’s student association was installed overnight and ready for graduates to incorporate into their traditions mere hours later. This football season, Brooks the Bison will make his debut in the “flesh.” Set to be unveiled at Legend Solar Stadium, the custom-made mascot costume will allow Brooks to put on a great show as he cheers on the Trailblazers, energizes the crowd and, of course, makes his way around the campus and community

handing out high-fives and hugs. You won’t want to miss the fun! To get the best fan experience, be sure to join the Dixie State Trailblazer Club. Membership supports DSU’s athletic programs and student-athletes, and members receive everything from athletic event tickets and newsletters to invitations to functions held throughout the year and opportunities to meet Trailblazer coaches and players. Kids can get in on the excitement too with Brooks’ Buddies Kids Club. Specifically designed for Trailblazers fans ages 1-12, the free club offers members free admission to all Dixie State home athletic events, birthday greetings, opportunities to meet Dixie State student-athletes and coaches, and invitations to members-only events. Visit dixieathletics.com for more information and a complete schedule of games. Another exciting project underway is the Trailblazers Art in the City project, which is placing hand-painted bison around the region. The project promotes DSU, local

businesses, and the arts while beautifying the area and creating a greater university town environment. A map and mobile app marking the locations of all the bison are available for residents and tourists to use to take self-guided art tours of the pieces. As part of this project, local businesses have the opportunity to annually sponsor bison or purchase a Trailblazer of their very own. With the annual bison option, businesses sponsor and receive recognition on a custom-painted bison placed in a high-profile location in downtown St. George for a year. The purchased Trailblazer package allows businesses to outright buy the statue, keep it in front of their businesses, and select the artwork that will adorn the bison. This is a great option for Mesquite business owners. Businesses or artists interested in learning more about Trailblazers Art in the City may contact the Dixie State University Marketing & Communication office at (435) 879-4409 or umac@dixie.edu. Others wanting to show their Trailblazer spirit

can contact the university’s Marketing & Communication office to request a Brooks the Bison window cling or flag to hang in front of their businesses. With your help, we can share the Dixie Spirit and continue to grow Trailblazer Nation. Now is an exciting time to be part of Trailblazer Nation – great things are happening at Dixie State University and you don’t want to miss out!V

GreatforNews Pet Lovers view on PETS

by Dianne Reid

ur time has come in Mesquite. No more driving for hours to pick-up a new toy for your pet, or waiting for a package to arrive at your doorstep when you’ve run out of your pet’s favorite food. Mesquite is about to have our very own “brick and mortar” pet store. If you’ve been following our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ HoleInOnePets), then you know it’s been a long time in the planning, and that’s a good thing. Hole-In-One Pets has listened to you. We’ve been attending local community events since March in an effort to learn just what it is you want in a pet store. And now we’re building it. The concept for Hole-In-One Pets has grown from a “simple” pet supply store to a gathering place for all pet lovers. We’re adding a pet-friendly café, where you can sit outside with your best friends (both 2- and 4-legged ones), sipping

products launched at the show. You can be sure Hole-In-One will always be on the cutting edge, and will keep you up-todate with the latest trends and healthiest options for your pets. Other treats in store will include self-serve and full-service dog baths. And watch this space, because in 2017 we’ll also be adding full-care doggy daycare and boarding.

on a sumptuous barista-made latté and catching up on social media with our free Wi-Fi, whilst your dog romps with his mates in our indoor doggie playroom (or just lazes at the café lapping up a pupachino). Our goal is to create a community built around our shared love of animals, and our mission is to promote healthy and happy pets. Hole-In-One Pets will be your “go to” place for expert nutritional advice, educational seminars, training tips, meeting up with fellow pet lovers, hosting a puppy party, and the list goes on.

connections and inroads to source the latest and greatest in pet care products – long before they show up on Amazon. Many of our products are sourced directly from inventors and manufacturers, giving us the first option to purchase before they go into the chain stores, or online. So we can promise we’ll have lots of exciting and innovative toys to challenge and entertain (you and) your pet. In fact, we’ve just returned from SuperZoo 2016, the most popular trade show for the pet retail industry in North America. There were over 1100 exhibitors, and 820 new

We won’t be selling pets, of course, but we will partner with various local agencies to sponsor pet adoption days at the store, where you can come meet and greet potential new family additions. Or just come by to hug a pet in need, and to learn more about how you can make the world a better place for less fortunate animals. We have a heart for abused and neglected animals of any type, and we will make a stand in our community to be a part of the solution. At this time, we anticipate that Hole-InOne Pets will be open for business in November. Please like us on Facebook, or register on our Website to receive updates on our grand opening. We look forward to meeting you and your BFF!V For more information, visit www.holeinonepetproducts.com or call (702) 816-0083.

Is your pet overweight? We can help. Not only will our staff be trained in the most current trends in pet nutrition, but our passion is to educate customers on the benefits of feeding your pet the best diet to improve their health, well-being, cognitive function, and, ultimately, provide them with a longer and better quality of life. And with pets living longer, we will focus on diet and lifestyle products for aging pets in our community. To this end, we will stock an extensive range of natural, grain-free, organic and raw pet food diets, treats and supplements. And of course, we’ll carry pet supplies such as collars, leashes, shampoos, toys, kennels, carriers, cat furniture, and the latest trends in pet clothing. Having owned companies in the pet industry since 2005, we have numerous

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City of Mesquite I-15 Interchange The new interchange at Exit 118 offers new economic development opportunities and traffic relief. story by City of Mesquite photo by Kris Zurbas

n Thursday, July 21, Mayor Litman joined with community members, business leaders, and local and regional elected officials in officially opening Exit 118. The new interchange is unlike any others along I-15â&#x20AC;&#x201D;instead of a traditional bridge, the overpass has two archways that interstate travelers drive through. The archway design is the first of its kind to be used on Interstate 15.

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In just over seven months, Meadow Valley Contractors completed the new interchange on I-15 with a total price tag of $20 million, with actual construction costing $14.7 million. The fund for the project came from Fuel Revenue Indexing. Fuel revenue is generated each time motorists fill their vehicles with gas. A portion of what they pay at the pump helps fund transportation projects throughout Clark County. The Clark County Commission approved fuel revenue to be tied to the rate of inflation from

January 2014 to December 2016. This funding measure helps keep up with material and labor costs, raise $700 million, fund 223 projects, and create 9,000 jobs. For motorists, this averages out to about a dime a day. In addition to the unique engineering design, the artwork and landscaping for the project will also catch driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eyes. On one side of the archways is artwork depicting the mesas that dot the horizon. On the other, the Virgin Mountains are portrayed. The Virgin River is also included in the artwork for the interchange. Metal depictions of flora and fauna are scattered throughout the project. The new Exit 118 supports improved connectivity to the 800-acre master-planned Mesquite Technology and Commerce Center (MTCC)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the location of numerous technology, industrial, distribution, and manufacturing businesses. Current and future businesses will benefit from the direct access to Interstate 15, because pick-ups and drop-offs will be more efficient. The MTCC helps the Mesquite area economy by creating new jobs, diversifying the local economy, and keeping consumer dollars local.V

Celebrating 10 Years View On and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Awesome Adventuresâ&#x20AC;? For the past 10 years, Awesome Adventures has had the privilege of working with View on Mesquite Magazine. A big thanks to View On and also its readers who keep it alive and thriving! Since the magazine began, Awesome Adventures has been throughout the Mesquite and Vegas areas providing customers and thrill seekers the time of their lives; View On Mesquite and Southern Utah Magazine has been there every step of the way, covering the awesomeness by telling the story and insuring it receives the justice that it deserves. Awesome Adventures started out initially with one tour, our beloved and customer favorite to this day, the ATV Tour. Through a combination of hard work and promotion in conjunction with View on Mesquite Magazine and various other outlets, Awesome Adventures has grown into a well rounded tour company. Growing out of Nevada and into Utah, Awesome Adventures offers the original ATV tour, whitewater rafting, ropes courses, ziplines, air tours, and so much more. This year we were proud to release our very own rewards program, Passport to Awesome Adventures. Make sure you check it out. We look forward to many more years of operation in Mesquite, southern Utah, and beyond, and working with View On Magazine as our ambassador. Thanks to All! ~ The Awesome Adventures Team Book or reserve a tour today at AwesomeAdventures.com, or call (800) 519-2243. Rewards program: AwesomeAdventures.com/passport-to-awesome-adventures

Shop LOCAL Mesquite Nevadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Appliance, Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating Professionals

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MARY CAN DO IT by Laurie Nelson-Barker

y client and friend, Mary, is a revolutionary. If you passed her on the street, you might not notice anything unusual, but Mary is the head of a gang of women, and you don’t want to mess with her. Did I mention that Mary is 80 years old? If you are envisioning a feeble old woman, you are mistaken. For one thing, Mary is a master hula hooper. So are Robyn, Jo, Jen, Margaret, Fran, and Margie, but Mary is the ringleader. Mary wasn’t always great at hula hooping but she never gave up. For two years, she just kept trying. Eventually, it all clicked and when her granddaughter asked what she wanted for Christmas, she mentioned a hula hoop. Now, Mary has her own hoop and isn’t afraid to use it. Her hips move in rhythm to the music and she likes many of the latest pop culture tunes. She actually knows who P!nk is and is motivated by fast, fun, music. She never complains that it is too loud or that the language is “questionable.” I have seen Mary walk nine holes of golf and drag her clubs and cart up a giant

hill that intimidates men half her age. She doesn’t complain. She just does it. Mary also participates in yoga and is able to get up and down from the floor easily. Believe me when I say that most of my clients that age have difficulty doing that. I have seen Mary jog. I know that when her children visited in July, she walked at least three miles with them. Mary has great legs, abs of steel, and incredible determination. Mary is “one of the girls.” We women know what we want. We don’t avoid “sensitive” topics. Mary doesn’t either. It’s empowering to “agree to disagree” and still be friends. We believe in strength through unity and celebrate diversity. Snacks and wine help. I always view work as a form of exercise. When we painted the Community Center, Mary showed up with paintbrushes. Others complained about shoulders, knees, and hips. Not Mary. She painted alongside everyone else without lamenting about the infirmities of aging. Mary recently checked a trip to Antarctica off her bucket list. I’m sure the penguins were impressed.

Any lurking carnivores were probably disappointed. Mary can run and doesn’t have much fat. It’s bad for your health to become the main entrée. I am trying to learn to plant fruits and vegetables year round and am taking a stab at greenhouse gardening. I shed my carnivorous ways many years ago, and wanted to add an attached greenhouse to the house. My spouse was skeptical, and a few contractors didn’t really think it would work. Mary did, though. She encouraged me, and I’m happy to say, the greenhouse is now a reality and Mike and I are still married. I feel healthier already. The neighbors are curious and maybe I will start a revolution. OK, only in my neighborhood, but it’s a start. Mary has taught me that age really is just a state of mind. The trick is to prevent age creeping into your body. Mary is not about to let that happen. Mary can do it! V

Kayent a

by Judith Kapuscinski, Chair of Kayenta Arts Foundation

ithin a 40 minute drive along Old Highway 91, nestled under the red rocks of Ivins City, Utah, quietly rests the desert community of Kayenta. Developer Terry Marten began the creation of this community in the early 1980s. His vision was to build a community that would enhance, not detract from, the natural beauty of the area and one that would attract artists, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Over the years, Martenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision has taken shape. Today, Kayenta includes about 500 homes and a selection of galleries and services for residents and visitors. The latest additions to the community are the Kayenta Arts Foundation and its new Center for the Arts at Kayenta, currently under construction. How This Vision Came to Fruition Kayenta is a 2,000 acre community focused on moderate land use and moderate-sustainable growth. Martenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision included homes of restricted

height and limited size on each lot, to ensure the preservation of the natural landscape. Building owners choose from earth colored exterior finishes and enhanced desert landscaping, approved by a committee of fellow residents to maintain the desert environment. Lighting throughout Kayenta is kept subdued and focused downward in order to protect the night sky. The result is that the built environment seamlessly melts into the natural landscape. As one passes or enters Kayenta from Old Highway 91, the environment, not the homes, remain the main attraction. Kayenta Homes & Properties realtors, Jeff, Kurt, and RaNae, are available seven days a week to welcome visitors interested in learning more about the community. The Kayenta Experience exhibit, located in the middle of the Art Village, houses written materials and a video as another way to get a sense of this amazing community.

As the residential community has grown, so has the resort-commercial side of Kayenta. The Kayenta Art Village (formerly Coyote Gulch Art Village) has four art galleries showcasing local and national artists. The Art Village is also home to painting and pottery cooperatives which offer classes and items for sale. In 2012, Sacred Spaces Spa opened its doors, offering residents and visitors a range of spa services. Xetava Gardens CafĂŠ is among the best restaurants in the St. George area and serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week and dinner Friday and Saturday nights. Separate from the Art Village, but still part of Kayenta, are Crescent Moon Inn and Elevate Studio. The Inn is an apartment style boutique concept. The eight units each have kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and patios or decks. In his Elevate Studio, trainer John Yohman provides individual and group weight and cardio sessions; yoga and meditation classes also are available.

Given its location and beauty, Kayenta has attracted others who share Terry Marten’s vision. For several years, the Outdoor Theatre with an audience capacity of 120 and the Room For Thought, able to seat 45, have been used by Kayenta residents and other local performers. Productions have included the musical “Cabaret,” folk, rock, country, and jazz performances, and variety shows. In 2011, Marten gathered a group of Kayenta residents to discuss how to better coordinate and facilitate the performing arts in Kayenta. As a result, Kayenta Arts Foundation was born. Incorporated in February 2011, Kayenta Arts Foundation (KAF) is a Utah nonprofit, 501(c)(3) entity. Its mission is to develop and create an environment for diverse artistic endeavors for education and enrichment purposes. KAF has several programs geared toward this mission. The Desert Rose Labyrinth and Sculpture Garden became a program of KAF in 2012. Located a short walk from the Art Village, this meditative space was designed by artist Cheryl Collins and others from within and around Kayenta. The art leading to the Labyrinth was donated by local artists and provides another dimension to the serenity and beauty of the area. Free of charge and open to the public, the Labyrinth is available for private events by contacting KAF. Although theatrical and musical performances are offered by KAF throughout the year, it also produces two signature events – Art In Kayenta and a Street Painting Festival. Art In Kayenta is a juried festival where artists from around the country show their works for sale to the public. Held each fall over Columbus Day weekend, this year’s festival will be from 10 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday October 7 and 8, and Sunday October 9 from 10 am to 5 pm. The festive nature of this event is maintained by musical

performances throughout the weekend, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden. KAF’s Street Painting Festival, held the last full weekend of April, brings professional Madonnari and student

photo by Seth Beaudreau

teams together to fill the Art Village Pathways with vibrant chalk art. A children’s mosaic evolves over the weekend as young visitors to the Festival buy chalk and make their own two foot square works-of-art. Musical performances, food vendors, and even a face painter make this event something special for the entire family. Both events are free to the public. In its short lifespan, Kayenta Arts Foundation has achieved much, but also recognized that a multi-purpose venue was necessary for it to meet its mission and to flourish. The Center for the Arts at Kayenta (CFA) is that venue. Scheduled to open early in 2017, this 10,831 square foot facility is designed to host musical and theatrical performances, art exhibits, meetings, and gatherings of all kinds. Through the efforts of many, and amazing financial support from the Kayenta community, KAF has raised over $1.5 million for this endeavor. Quite a feat for such a young organization. Another million is needed to complete construction and fully outfit the building; KAF’s Fundraising Committee is hard at work. Donations of all amounts are welcome and tax deductible. KAF’s Creative Director, Kyle Lewis, brings a wealth of theatre experience, and all involved with KAF look forward to exciting

additions to the cultural offerings of Ivins and the surrounding area. Tours of the building are available by contacting KAF. You can follow the progress of the CFA and learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with KAF, as well as contact the organization to purchase tickets at www.kayentaartsfoundation.org. Be a part of the art! V

Eagles Landing

A Travel Plaza at Exit 118 by Andy Geller ell it’s hard to believe, but Exit 118 is now a reality. Now all the hard work begins for us as developers. Eagles Landing is excited to be a part of such a great opportunity and we have begun the process of designing a state of the art facility. We have hired Paragon Solutions out of Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas to help with our design/site plan. Paragon Solutions has designed other projects for us in the past and their design concepts are bright, cheery, and welcoming. Bringing Paragon Solutions on board is a big step for us, as now the creative wheels are turning and our ideas and plans are in motion. A preliminary site plan was presented to us during our meetings at the site that coincided with the grand opening of the Exit, and by the time you read this, we will have submitted our plan to the City of Mesquite. Our site plan includes a Wendy’s restaurant and a large, well appointed convenience store including roomy, accessible restrooms and large, comfortable shower(s) for our professional drivers. Our plan is to have the nicest darn restrooms/showers in the USA; we want it to be our calling card.

local sports teams and the Mesquite Sports & Event Complex into our design. Perhaps the members of the community have some ideas for us. We certainly welcome any suggestions you may have, and encourage you to email us at exit118mesquite@gmail.com. If all goes well, we would like to break ground by the end of 2016 or early next year. The construction process should take around 12 – 18 months. We appreciate the support of the Mesquite community, and consider ourselves fortunate to be becoming a part of it.V

The site plan also calls for an RV dump station, RV Fuel Canopy and RV Service/Tire bays. We want to make it easy for RVs to come use our facility. We also plan to have a nice dog park area for all of our local and travelling four legged friends who need some relief.The plan also includes an area for buses to safely and easily off- and on-load, providing yet another reason for customers to frequent our travel plaza. Our design concept is to reflect the local community and topography. We are also considering a way to incorporate the

L to R: Prakash Gupta, Cash Yardley, Andy Geller, Trent Graves, Mark Yardley, George Gault, Slade Smith

Moapa Valley

Shop, Eat, Play

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A Few Good Walks Not Spoiled by Rob Krieger – PGA Golf Professional

his July, my fiancée, Celece, and I cruised to Scotland, Ireland, and England to visit the hallowed grounds where golf began. I walked and played where the legends of the game made history, and walked and watched history happen by attending the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland. My first walk was playing golf at the famous Portmarnock Golf Club, where they have been playing golf since 1894. It started a day earlier when I met our taxi driver, Dermott, who, when I told him it was my first time playing in Ireland, offered to chauffeur me back and forth to his favorite course. I couldn’t refuse his welcoming Irish spirit; I knew right away I would be in good hands. Just as promised, Dermott was there before the sun came up to take me to my highly anticipated round of links golf. He kindly gave me my own private tour of the area

with commentary on the history of Dublin, its sites, and its renowned golf courses. It wasn’t long before he was dropping me off and wishing me luck with the spitting rain and gusty winds. My golf adventure in the homeland was about to begin. The first hole had water on the right and high golden fescue grass – “hay” – in the left rough, so I hit it solidly favoring the left and was glad just to get it airborne after traveling 4800 miles. As I carried my bag up the left side of the fairway, Portmarnock welcomed me with my first four foot deep fairway pot bunker. As a matter of fact, I found bunkers on the first three holes. It took a few holes to adjust to the two to four club winds, the large, undulating greens, and the ball bouncing and rolling forever on the ground. It was odd hitting a 4-iron 150 yards into the wind and then a sand wedge 150 yards with the wind.

It couldn’t get any better than teeing off next to the sea with waves crashing in, the flagstick at full attention, with a little rain and cold all adding to the challenge and experience. This was where the fathers of the game and the legends have been, and now I was there. It was truly inspiring. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, after my round I warmed up in the historic members lounge with a traditional lunch of Irish Stew and a pint of Dublin’s own Guinness Stout. As I left, I walked back through the clubhouse one last time in awe of the great players’ achievements etched in time on the displayed trophies. As I told Dermott on the drive home, the golf gods threw everything at me, and regardless of how good or bad my shots were, I am forever grateful for an amazing day that I will never forget, and also for his warm hospitality.

So one would think that enjoying golf in the birthplace of my profession would be special enough, but then we attended the third round of The Open Championship at Royal Troon for another walk into history. We started on the range; players warming up included Jason Day, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, and Utah’s own Daniel Summerhays. Each shot they hit had real time launch monitor data (ball speed, launch angle, carry, and total shot distance) on a jumbotron. This was one of my favorite places and I felt right at home. Later we walked among the massive crowds on hole #14 where Bubba Watson was scrambling for par, followed by Jordan Speith making a clutch 12-footer. We walked further out onto the course where the sea and course met and wind was at its strongest and coldest at #6, #7, and the “Postage Stamp” #8. We watched player after player be at the mercy of the

wind as it threw golf balls into high fescue, pot bunkers, and off the hard greens. These conditions were difficult and any par was a good score. After walking the course, we settled in the grandstand below one of the two distinctive yellow, hand operated scoreboards on #18 so we could watch groups finish. The wind and rain picked up, our umbrella was out again, and we watched players like Rickie Fowler fighting the elements to finish and head into the warm confines of the clubhouse. As we huddled under the scoreboard, we learned that the two scoreboards are actually operated by volunteer students from two London based high schools (not Scotland), which have been doing it for the last seven years, using 16 students for each scoreboard. They work in two shifts with eight students manually changing names and scores for the leaders and for

each group coming down #18. What an incredible experience for young students to be a part of history as it unfolds. Eventually, we returned to the range to watch the final group of the day, Stenson and Mickelson, warm up, and then followed them to Hole #1. We watched them battle on the green to see who would make birdie. It would be that way for the next 35 holes as they were both playing a different game than everyone else, and both setting records in the process. In the end, Henrik Stenson would be crowned “Champion Golfer of the Year.” Regardless of the outcome or the weather, walking among the legends in the land where golf began certainly gave me a few good walks that were not spoiled.V

Veterans’Memorial

Monument and Fundraiser

by Art Pereida

of all services and combat eras, will be displayed on a two inch by three inch stainless steel "dog tags." Surrounding the ground area of the American eagle, will be four inch by eight inch bricks which will be laid in place. The public will be able to purchase the memorial bricks for $50 each to honor a friend and/or relative by engraving the person’s name, rank, service, and time served. And, if you would like to purchase a brick to help sponsor this site, that is also available and you can add your family’s name or company name to show your support in the construction of the site.

r. Ed Fizer, President of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chapter 993, came up with an idea to honor all veterans, men and women, of all services and wars. The idea is now a "work in progress" to construct an American eagle, with a six foot wing span, atop a six foot high, 24 inch square pillar. On the sides of pillar, the names of Veterans from the Mesquite area,

The memorial monument will be constructed at the existing Veterans Memorial Park, by the cemetery in Mesquite.V If you would like to purchase a memorial brick or need additional information, call the Mesquite Veterans Center at (702) 346-2735 or visit the Mesquite Veterans Center website: www.mesquiteveteransmemorial.com.

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Fall Garden

It’s Time to Prepare for Your

by Paul “Dr. Q” Noe Staff Horticulturist/Certified Horticulture Advisor, Star Nursery

ow is the time to start thinking about renewing your vegetable gardens for the fall season. The summer crops have just about finished by now and over the course of their season, they have used up much of the nutrients and fluffiness of your garden soil. When the last of these crops have been harvested, you need to start rejuvenating the soil for a fresh planting of cool season items. Adding a two to three inch layer of good organic mulch or compost, and mixing it into the top six inches of your garden soil, is a good way to break up any compaction that may have occurred over the summer season. It also aerates and gets more organic matter into the soil. While you are mixing it in, you can also add some more starter fertilizer to replenish the nutrients that have been used up by the previous crops. Be sure to level the garden soil and give it a couple of good, deep soakings to leach out any salts that may have accumulated over the summer months. This will also insure that the soil gets evenly moistened throughout the entire bed.

Now is also the time you can start planting vegetable seeds in starter trays so they will be ready to put in the garden as soon as the temperatures begin to cool down. Although there is still a small window for some of the warmer season crops like tomatoes, now is the time to plant longer lasting cool season crops. These varieties are generally heat sensitive and prefer the cooler days of fall, winter, and early spring to produce their best. Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collards, mustard, spinach, and turnips can all be started with the cooling weather. Also, continue planting crops like lettuce and radishes that you can grow and harvest here all year long. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about carrots, onions, and peas that are great for the cooler weather. Use a good layer of organic mulch or compost on top of the soil to conserve moisture, discourage weeds and insulate the surface roots. After your plants are established, use the right fertilizers for what you are trying to grow. Leafy crops need lots of nitrogen; root and fruit crops like carrots and peas need less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium to produce best.

Regular fertilizing, along with good, rich soil, is the key to good fruit and vegetable production, and now is the time to start working that soil to get it ready for fall gardening. By the way, did you know that fall is also the best time of the year to plant fruit trees in our area? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true! Planting deciduous fruit trees like peaches, plums, apples, apricots, pears, pomegranates, and nut trees, is best done right after the hot summer months. This gives them the longest possible time to establish a bigger root system before the stressing heat of next summer comes around. They will have the fall, winter, and spring to produce more roots to help get them through their most stressful time of the year. This is true for deciduous shade trees as well. So, if you are looking to put in some fruit or shade trees, fall is the best time to plant.V For more information: Star Nursery (702) 771-7827 | www.starnursery.com | paulnoe@starnursery.com

New Mesquite LibraryLimitless Learning Downt own

by Dr. Ronald R. Heezen, Executive Director, LVCCLD photos courtesy of Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

s we look forward to the groundbreaking of our new Mesquite Library building early next year, it’s worth pausing to imagine what this centrally-located educational and cultural resource will bring to our growing community. The new library campus will be comprised of two buildings in the heart of downtown. The brand new Mesquite Library will be approximately 12,000 to 16,000 square feet, and the Mesquite Learning Center will be the existing 5,464-square-foot library, renovated to allow for a computer bank and other new resources. The campus will also include dynamic outdoor space that will allow for vibrant programming and other gatherings. “When you walk into the new Mesquite Library, you will see a flurry of activity with people of all ages enjoying the facility,” said Michael Saunders, chair of the Las

Vegas-Clark County Library District Board of Trustees. “It will have the look and feel of a community bookstore with an open café, browsing materials, and a dedicated area for book purchases.” “The atmosphere will be so inviting,” Trustee Saunders says, “that you will want to take your coffee and materials over to some comfy chairs in the living room area, where people of all ages will be reading together, playing board games, listening to music, and just stepping off of life’s daily treadmill for a couple of hours.” “Families will especially enjoy this space,” he explained, “where mom can sit with her toddler in a lounge seat reading from our extensive children’s collection, while dad helps the 8-year old build a Lego spaceship on the floor, and the 13-year old can hang out at the café with friends working on a school project.”

The new main building will have other dedicated spaces, such as a quiet reading room for seniors to gather and enjoy each other’s company, a Teen Center equipped with 10 laptops and a place for teens to meet with friends, a dedicated children’s play area, and a community meeting room with a catering kitchen available for public rental. Across the street, the former library space will be the Mesquite Learning Center, which will focus on workforce development by hosting classes on everything from computing to résumé writing to executive coaching. Seniors will especially love having a building dedicated to limitless learning, with classes taught by librarians, community partners, and volunteers. There will also be a social services center connecting library patrons with government resources.

“Perhaps best of all, this new library campus will become the cultural heart of our community,” said Randy Ence, former Mesquite city council member and current vice-chair of the Library District Board of Trustees. In these roles, Trustee Ence has been a driving force behind this exciting project for many years.

area,” he explained. “This is our opportunity to draw new visitors and economic development to town with concerts, live performances, movie nights, and outdoor events.”

When the original 2,800-square-foot Mesquite Library opened in May 1990, it was just the right size to serve a population of approximately 2,200. An expansion took place more than 20 years later that almost doubled the size of the branch to 5,464 square feet using a modular building that opened to the public in July 2012. With the community growing rapidly, this provided much-needed additional space until a new, larger library could be funded. Since that time, the Library District has continued to discuss the community’s need for a larger branch with Trustee Ence and other Mesquite officials.

The site of the new library campus is the southeast corner of West First North St. and Desert Road, immediately to the south of the existing library. The Library District will be using approximately 1.7 acres of the 3.22-acre site, with the remaining 1.52 acres retained by the City of Mesquite for future development.

“We see the new library campus as a cultural gathering place for the people of Mesquite and a magnet to the downtown

The new site configuration will accommodate the new library building, a public plaza, and approximately 22 parking spaces, with 14 additional spaces located on West First North St. The two buildings will be connected by a pedestrian crosswalk across West First

Executive Director Heezen and Ruby Eytalis

North St., designed to slow traffic on the road between the two buildings, as the public plaza is immediately in front of the new library. The primary function of the plaza will be to connect the new and existing library buildings, with a copse of trees to welcome and shade visitors. The open portion of the plaza will act as a public gathering space for community events, festivals, small concerts, and the like, with a small additional area set aside for a community garden or other public activity.

“The spirit of volunteerism and community partnerships that we have here in Mesquite will be the hallmark of this library,” concluded Trustee Ence. “We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and look forward to how it will drive Mesquite’s future.”V For more information, visit www.lvccld.org or call (702) 507-6285.

Lake Mead - Southern Nevada's Best Kept “Secret”

by Mary Kaye Washburn

f you love boating, water recreation, and fishing, then Lake Mead is where it's at. Despite the news media's tendency to sensationalize the low water levels by publishing pictures that that leave an impression the lake is a small pond, there's still plenty of water with over 200 square miles of beautiful lake – to boat, water ski, jet ski, swim, fish, and enjoy. Echo Bay has the closest launch ramp to Moapa Valley, Mesquite, and southern Utah. Take Exit 93 from Interstate 15 to Overton. Continue down the highway about another 19 miles to the Echo Bay turnoff. Forever Resorts operates a convenience store with a land-based gas station and manages the RV park and a dry boat storage lot where you can store your trailered boat in a secure area for $50 a month. Daily RV spaces rent for $28 to $30 plus tax. Amenities include electric and water hookups, laundromat, and waste dump. The Echo Bay launch ramp is located at the end of a short peninsula, with lots of parking for vehicles and trailers.

Lake Mead is shaped like an anchor, the top stretching down the Overton arm, starting north of Stewart's Point and, running south by boat, it's about 17 miles to “Middle Point.”

From there, you can head southeast another 10 miles to the Temple Bar Marina, in Arizona, where you can travel as far as Sandy Cove (another 20 miles northeast) and about five miles before the Colorado River becomes Lake Mead. If you choose to head west from Middle Point, it's about 20 miles to Calville Bay through “The Narrows,” and another 16 or 17 miles south to Hoover Dam. For the no frills camper, there is free, unimproved camping at Stewarts Point. You can camp near the water, and there are adequate spots to accommodate even large RVs. There are no facilities, other than one campground restroom.

Bring plenty of water and adequate food supplies. There are no launch facilities.

Calville and Las Vegas Boat Harbor marinas offer various services and rentals. When planning your visit check www.lasvegasboatharbor.com and www.foreverresorts.com or call (702) 394-4000 to make reservations for your RV space, boat, jet ski, and houseboat rentals. Get the word out - spread the “secret.” Lake Mead is still the largest reservoir in the United States. Come enjoy this incredible recreational resource. Share your pictures, experiences, news, reef warnings, or any helpful information regarding the lake by posting on the Lake Mead Q&A Facebook page @playinthewater.V

The National Park Service rents campsites, with daily rates of $20 per site ($10 with the Interagency Senior and Access passes). More information on Lake Mead's campgrounds managed by the National Park Service, including locations, fees, amenities, and other services, can be found online at: www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit.

view on THE ARTS

Utah Shakespeare Festival - From My View

by Judy Reich photos by Karl Hugh

he 2016 theme of the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival on the Southern Utah University Campus in Cedar City, Utah, is “The Greater Escape.” For me, it has been an annual great escape since I first attended the Festival in 1990. Often, I’ve escaped more than once each season. As a Las Vegan since 1988, in a fast-paced behindthe-scenes career in broadcasting, a 24/7 industry, it was challenging to get away. But those escapes to the Festival – I’d often see six plays in repertory over three days – have always been treasured. My trip this summer was no exception.

This year, there were many new things and changes to expect and experience. I was pleased to learn the minute I stepped onto the SUU campus, the then, the now, and the future tastefully blended together. When you’ve visited an area that many years and times, and know that there will be changes, one can feel a bit apprehensive. I was comforted at many turns during the days I was there. They have maintained the integrity of the past, the excitement of the present, and the hope of the future to positively impact future generations of those who love, and will learn to love, art, dance, and theatre. On July 7, 2016, I attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of the new $39 million The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts. The Beverley incorporates visual arts, live theatre – including the Festival – and education at SUU, in a twoblock area. It also features the new Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) which was dedicated the same day.

Sam Ashdown as King Henry V

Through the years I visited the Braithewaite Museum on the SUU campus. Years ago Donna Law, now SUU’s Executive Director,

Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service, showed me some of Jimmie Jones’ paintings soon after they were donated. Now, these beautiful pieces of art are featured at the SUMA. The core of my trips to Cedar City, the Festival, was wonderful again this year. They kept with the Festival’s mission statement, “The Utah Shakespeare Festival presents life-affirming classic and contemporary plays in repertory, with Shakespeare as our cornerstone. These plays are enhanced by interactive festival experiences which entertain, enrich and educate.” This year, mission accomplished. Of the four plays I saw in July, there was world class acting, music, dancing, sets, lighting, and costume design, as well as laughter and learning with Cocoanuts, Henry V, Mary Poppins, and Much Ado About Nothing. The people are who and what make the Festival so special. Festival Founder, Fred C. Adams, now Executive Producer Emeritus, is a treasure. He has worked tirelessly over the Festival’s 56 seasons. This year, he realized his dream of the Festival and The Beverley. And, he has a role in Much Ado About Nothing. He was a

show-stopper the evening I saw it. Often, as script leeway allows, Fred’s name is woven into the dialogue of contemporary plays. R. Scott Phillips is the Festival’s Executive Director, responsible for articulating and implementing the Festival’s values, vision, and mission, and protecting its artistic image. He has been at the Festival since 1977. Brian Vaughn and David Ivers were appointed the Artistic Directors of the Festival in 2010. Brian began his history with the Festival in 1991 as a SUU student and actor in The Greenshow (free outdoor entertainment featuring three shows alternating nightly). David has spent 19 seasons with the Festival. All of these creative men have acted in and directed plays through the years. This season, Brian and David star opposite each other in The Odd Couple, and they will rotate in the roles of Oscar and Felix. I look forward to a return visit, if not two, to the Festival this season. My old favorites remain – plays in repertory, The Greenshow, the gift shop, seminars, and tours. And some new favorites have formed – Shakespeare Lane, and the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre which replaced the previous outdoor Adams Theatre. And next year, during the 2017 Season, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will be in repertory with a shared cast and set of the theatrical adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie, Shakespeare in Love, in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre.V

The 2016 Festival Plays Much Ado about Nothing Henry V The Three Musketeers The Cocoanuts The Odd Couple Mary Poppins Julius Caesar Murder for Two The Greenshow

Jun 27 to Sep 8 Jun 28 to Sep 10 Jun 29 to Sep 9 July 1 to Oct 15 Sep 14 to Oct 22 July 2 to Sep 3 July 29 to Oct 22 Aug 4 to Oct 22 Jun 27 to Sep 10

For more information: Utah Shakespeare Festival: visit bard.org or call (800) PLAY-TIX Southern Utah University: visit suu.edu The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Center for the Performing Arts: visit suu.edu/beverleyarts/ About the author: Judy is with the Nevada Broadcasters Association and assists non-profits and government agencies to broadcast important public messages on NVBA’s member radio and television stations across the entire state of Nevada. Previously, she was Program Director and Community Affairs Director at KSNV, Ch. 3, the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada, for nearly 18 years. Judy also is an Audio Describer for Broadway shows for patrons who are blind or with low vision at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. She has been a lifelong Broadway show lover and has seen and enjoyed shows in Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Cedar City and St. George, Utah; Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Broadway, New York; and London, England.

view on BUSINESS

A New STAR Rises The new Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort will be the home away from home for traveling teams, families, golfers, and other groups.

by Brian Hurlburt

esquite’s newest star is the Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort, an innovative hotel and sports concept created by the owners and operators of the successful Eureka Casino Resort. Opening in October 2016, the Rising Star will fill a much needed void in Mesquite and will bring new and incremental business to the area. Not Just Another Hotel Rising Star is a destination resort catering to travelers, golfers, athletes, coaches, chaperones, and their guests. The resort solves the problem that many families face when traveling for youth sports events. Any guest can rent a room or suite for the night, but the primary focus is teams and groups.

Greg Lee, developer of Rising Star said, “The resort will meet the needs of the competitive athlete, while not ignoring the needs of everyone else traveling with them. Talking from personal experience, a tournament weekend should be more than long days on the fields and sidelines. Rising Star will create ways for Mom or Dad to sneak in a round of golf or a massage, and for the whole family to spend some time by the pool.”

the Sports Ranch is to add the “vacation experience” to tournament weekends. With the unique design of the Ranch, special onsite amenities, high capacity food and beverage outlets and banquet facilities, and close proximity of sporting facilities, the stress of tournament weekend can be traded out for relaxation and laughs, and the trip can now have something for everyone, and hopefully good memories for all.”

Andre Carrier, the Chief Operating Officer of Rising Star, is not only a hotelier but a parent of young athletes. “These days, many families use up their vacation time and budget to travel the region and country allowing their children to play in tournaments,” Carrier says. “Our goal for

Distinctive Accommodations and Amenities The resort’s uniquely designed rooms make traveling with sports teams and groups easier and more fun. There are three kinds of bunk rooms that connect to a chaperone’s room, making the challenge

of placing kids in rooms easier. The mini bunk room features four bunk beds, the bunk room for five features five bunk beds, and the super bunk room features 12 bunk beds. The resort also has coach’s rooms (which connect to the super bunk rooms) that feature a living room, pull-out couch, white boards, and a video game console. It’s the perfect spot for a team meeting or to relax in between activities. These specialty rooms provide affordable and fun ways to give kids space to be kids, while allowing for easy supervision by parents and chaperones in adjoining rooms.

designed to scale for large special events to be sure that it can accommodate the groups of ravenous players and families at the end of a tournament day.

Great Eats with No Stress Rising Star’s signature restaurant, Victory Kitchen, is a concept created by the executive team in conjunction with Las Vegas restaurateurs, Ralph Cautela, Oliver Wharton, and Olivier Zardoni, the creators of Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Inna Gadda di Pizza, to name just a few. The three meal restaurant will, of course, feature outrageously good pizza, but will also serve exceptional wings and rotisserie chicken, as well as signature chopped salads, all made from organic ingredients, with locally sourced produce whenever possible. The Victory Kitchen will also work to meet the needs of game days with a broad variety of “to go” foods and complete meals that can be packaged up to take to the fields. The food operations at the Ranch resort are also

Just outside the guest rooms is one of the special features of the Ranch – “The Backyard,” which features a swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, shaded picnic areas with barbecues, a putting green, a soccer field, horseshoe pits, chess boards, and game tables. The Backyard is ideal for catered events and outdoor movie nights.

Make the Most of Your Time Away For individual travelers, golfers, teams of youth and senior sports, and families, the resort offers multiple opportunities to enjoy downtime onsite. From the tastes of Victory Kitchen, to the games in the resort’s arcade, to all the fun that can be had in “The Backyard,” there is something for every guest to enjoy.

A large (30,000 square feet) field house, affectionately referred to as “The Big Barn,” is under construction now and scheduled to open in mid-2017. This state of the art athletic complex is designed to be configurable to host just about any sports tournament or camp and will be among the region’s largest indoor sports facilities.

The Rising Star is a unique concept not only for Mesquite, but for the entire country, and the reaction from the sports and travel industry has been tremendous. Numerous events are already scheduled for the Ranch across multiple sports. With Mesquite’s already exceptional collection of athletic facilities, the Rising Star further solidifies the city as a premier destination for sports tournaments and events. Among the resort’s outstanding features is its close proximity to all the fields, courts, and diamonds. All facilities are within a 10 minute drive of the Ranch resort, and many are within walking distance, making it unlike almost any destination in the southwest. Describing the unique experience at the Ranch, Carrier said, “How good will it feel for parents to know they have a place to go where their children can be exposed to elite competition, and once the game is over, in just minutes, they can be back at the pool, sitting in a lounge chair, sipping a cold drink while their kids are playing Marco Polo? That’s how we do it on the Ranch. So bring your best, bring it to the Ranch!”V You can reach Rising Star at www.risingstarsportsranch.com or (844) RZN-STAR (796-7827).

Hailing a Taxi in Mesquite is Now a Touch Away by Jill Manasse rias Transportation Management and Virgin Valley Cab have announced that the ride e-hailing app, Curb, is now available in Mesquite, Nevada. Curb is a smartphone app that connects passengers to taxis. With Curb, you can see available taxis, request a ride when you need one (or reserve a taxi for later in the day), track your taxi’s arrival, and pay your fare, all with a few touches on your smartphone.

Curb operates like other e-hailing apps, with one clear difference: Curb only partners with fully established taxi fleets who have licensed drivers who operate company insured vehicles. These partnerships create the best of both worlds – the latest ride hailing technology at your fingertips and rides

from professional drivers who know Mesquite best. At Virgin Valley Cab, drivers go through professional training, pre-employment and random drug testing, and are required to pass an FBI fingerprint background check. In addition, Virgin Valley Cabs are company owned, maintained, and insured. Another benefit of the Curb app is that passengers pay the meter amount, plus a small fee for app usage, but will never be charged surge pricing when cab demand peaks. Ms. Phyllis Frias, founder and President of Virgin Valley Cab said, “We are pleased to partner with Curb and are excited about

offering this ride e-hailing technology to the residents of Mesquite.” Frias Transportation Management has also integrated Curb into the Las Vegas market, by incorporating the technology in the four additional cab companies it owns and operates: Ace Cab, Union Cab, ANLV Cab, and Vegas Western Cab. The Curb app is available free for download in the Apple App Store for iPhone and in the Google Play Store for Android.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 Pride

ernon Worthen Park’s shade trees provided relief from the scorching afternoon temperatures on June 25 as members of the area’s LGBT community gathered, along with straight allies, in celebration of life and love at St. George Pride. Over 1,000 people attended, far exceeding expectations. St. George Pride started with the vision of two high school students. Thanks to the support of nearly 40 volunteers and a handful of local businesses, the organizing committee worked tirelessly to put an event together in just 10 days. “After the events of Orlando, it was important for the community to push through the fear of being visible, of being out,” says equality advocate Linda Stay. “We needed to come together, to support each other, to love on each other.” More than $2,600 was raised through the sale of buttons, bumper stickers, wristbands, T-shirts, and other merchandise, along with donations. $2,000 was given to the new LGBTQIA Resource Center at Dixie State University, which offers scholarships and mentoring while promoting visibility and inclusion. The remaining funds will help organize next year’s Pride event, which promises to be bigger and better.

Hike for PAWS

small but determined group who came out to Hike for PAWS in support of animal rescue efforts were rewarded with picturesque morning views from atop the Dixie “Sugarloaf” Rock in Pioneer Park on June 4.

The program was created by author and hiking enthusiast Tom Garrison, also a PAWS volunteer. “The hikes raise some money, but more importantly, involve and inform the general community about our work,” Garrison says. Hikes are held every other month on trails in the St. George area that are easy to access, minimally strenuous, and dog-friendly. For a $10 donation ($5 for kids under 18), participants are entered in a drawing for prizes from businesses like Lovin’ Arms Pet Center, Sunset West Bowling, and Perks! The next Hike for PAWS will explore Cottonwood Hills Trail in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, on Oct. 15. Registration starts at 9 am at Nisson Park in Washington City. For more information, visit facebook.com/hikeforpaws.

Dixie Days of ‘47

he Dixie Days of ‘47 brought several thousand southern Utahns together in celebration of Pioneer Day, the state holiday commemorating the arrival of the first Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.

A variety of family-friendly events, many of them new for 2016, included games, live music, square dancing, historical tours, a parade, pool party, and pancake breakfast. The weeklong festival concluded on July 23 with a fireworks show. Three years ago, the organizers behind the popular Days of ‘47 in Salt Lake expanded the celebration south. Washington City was chosen as the venue due to their 75-year tradition of hosting a Pioneer Day spectacular. “We do this to bring families and friends together to honor those women and men that sacrificed so much, not just to get here but to stay and build a community that we can now enjoy in peace and comfort,” event chairman Rick Neilson says.

City of St. George Fourth of July Celebration

ver 50,000 southern Utahns turned out for the annual Fourth of July spectacular hosted by the City of St. George and sponsoring partners. The parade through downtown kicked off a day full of games, contests, and other activities, all aimed at being affordable for families. “The Fourth of July is our favorite event to give back to the community, and have all our community and tourists experience a great event without spending any or a lot of money,” says Aaron Metler, coordinator of races and special events for the city. Kids had unlimited access to rides at both Vernon Worthen and Town Square Parks, the recreation center and pools, and the St. George Children’s Museum with the Play Pass, of which 1,400 were sold. A record 400 runners participated in another returning favorite, the Uncle Sam 4K. As the sun went down, country band Sawyer Brown took the stage at DSU’s Legend Solar Stadium for a free concert, which roughly 15,000 attended. The evening concluded with a vibrant fireworks show.

Mesa View Announces New Chest Pain Center Accreditation by Mekdelawit Aschenaki, MD, Board Certified Cardiologist

his is an exciting time for health care in Mesquite, since Mesa View Regional Hospital is now recognized as an Accredited Chest Pain Center. Mesa View was recently granted full accreditation by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC) – making this hospital one of only five out of approximately 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals in the entire nation to hold this designation, according to the SCPC. What does this mean for our hospital and our community? The short answer is that there are significant positive implications for the hospital, emergency medical services, and for the residents of Mesquite and surrounding areas.

So, what is a Chest Pain Center? This designation means that any patient who comes to Mesa View Regional Hospital experiencing chest pain can be confident they are receiving care that meets or exceeds the highest national standards. To receive this accreditation, Mesa View Regional Hospital has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing an on-site evaluation by the SCPC review team members. Chest pain is among the top symptoms of patients who visit the Mesa View Regional Hospital Emergency Department (ED). Mesa View has demonstrated expertise in the following areas:

• Integrating the emergency department with Mesquite Fire & Rescue’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) • Integrating the emergency department with other emergency medical systems, including Dixie Regional Medical Center and Mercy Air • Assessing, diagnosing, and quickly getting patients the appropriate treatment • Ensuring the competence and training of staff • Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack Quick response, diagnosis, and treatment save lives and heart muscle. Our skilled team of physicians and nurses, working closely with paramedics, advanced technology, and exceptional response time to cardiac emergencies, gives patients the best chance of survival and recovery. The following are comments from health care professionals in our community: “This is momentous not only for our hospital and patients, but the community as well,” said Mesa View Regional Hospital CEO Patty Holden. “It’s another step in our commitment to providing superior emergency and cardiac care to the residents of Mesquite and the

surrounding areas. While the focus is on our emergency department, this accreditation is possible because of the work and commitment of a multi-disciplinary team that includes employees, physicians, Mesquite Fire & Rescue’s EMS, and Dixie Regional Medical Center.”

the Emergency Department. “It has been an incredible opportunity to work collaboratively with our Cardiologist Dr. Aschenaki, Emergency Medical Director Dr. Houston, ER nurses, Medical, Surgical, ICU, and other departments, in standardizing the best possible care for our cardiac patients,” Call Concluded.

“Dixie Regional Medical Center congratulates Mesa View Hospital on earning designation as a Critical Access Chest Pain Center,” said Terri Kane, Vice President of the Southwest Region of Intermountain Healthcare. “We always enjoy working with the professionals at Mesa View and know they are committed to providing the best of care for the patients they serve in the Virgin Valley.”

“This accreditation would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our local inter-disciplinary team,” commented Nancy Seck, Chief Nursing Officer for Mesa View Regional Hospital.

“Care for chest pain patients starts long before they arrive at the hospital emergency room,” said Kash Christopher, City of Mesquite Fire Chief. “We work closely with the specialists at Mesa View Regional Hospital and we’re proud to be involved with the hospital’s accreditation and specialty cardiac care that ultimately benefits our residents. This also complements the recent accreditation of Mesquite Fire & Rescue as Critical Care Paramedics,” he concluded. “We have had great community support especially from Mesquite Fire and Rescue,” said Jan Call, Director of

Members of the Chest Pain Center committee include: Jan Call, RN, Emergency Department Director / Dr. Aschenaki, Cardiologist and Physician Champion / Dr. Houston, Emergency Department Medical Director / John Gately, Captain, Paramedic, Mesquite Fire and Rescue / Rick Resnick, Deputy Fire Chief / Susan Stowell, RN, Quality Director / Jorene Dalley, Emergency Department Technician / Kathy Jo Knight, Administrative Director of Laboratory Services / Jocelyn Bunker, RN, Intensive Care Unit / Michelle Robitaille, RN, Emergency Department. The SCPC is a non-profit international society that promotes protocol-based medicine and the adoption of process improvement science by healthcare providers to address heart attacks

and acute heart failure. In July 2016, SCPC granted Mesa View Regional Hospital Chest Pain Center a three-year accreditation.

About the Author: Dr. Aschenaki is a Board Certified Cardiologist, now taking new patients at: Mesa View Medical Group, 1301 Bertha Howe Avenue, Suite 1, Mesquite, NV 89027. She can be reached at: (702) 346-0800, or visit www.mesaviewmedical.com. For more information about Chest Pain Accreditation, visit www.scpc.org.

Pumpkin

The Taste of Autumn by Helen Houston

umpkin is a superfood that is rich in vitamin A, a good source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, and a good source of fiber. This seasonal squash is great in both savory and sweet dishes.

Oh-So-Refreshing Pumpkin-Orange Granita

Similar to a sorbet, this delicious, sweet PumpkinOrange Granita treat couldn't be easier to make. Cool and refreshing, this dessert is a frozen blend of pumpkin and orange citrus. It is elegant enough to impress guests, yet simple enough to enjoy any day of the week. 1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin 1 ¼ cups water ½ cup frozen orange juice concentrate ½ cup granulated sugar Pinch of salt Pinch of ground cinnamon Combine pumpkin, water, concentrate, sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and sugar is dissolved. Pour into 8” square baking pan. Freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, for 3 hours or until slushy and uniform in texture. Scoop into chilled dessert dishes. Serve immediately. Makes 16 servings of ½ cup each.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

This rich, creamy pumpkin dip is also great served with sliced pears, apples, or as a spread on any nut bread. 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin ½ cup sour cream 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp. ground ginger Gingersnap cookies In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream and spices until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 4 cups.

Banana Pumpkin Smoothie

Frozen banana gives this pumpkin smoothie a thick texture. 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt ¾ cup canned pumpkin, chilled ½ cup ice cubes ⅓ cup fresh orange juice 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg Dash of ground cloves 1 ripe banana, sliced and frozen Dash of ground cinnamon Combine all ingredients except cinnamon in a blender and process until smooth. Garnish with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately. Yield: 2 servings.

Pumpkin Soup With Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

No shortcuts with this recipe. It’s worth the effort in celebrating this distinctive vegetable. 1 small pumpkin (3 lbs.) peeled, seeded, and chopped 2 Tbsp. olive oil Salt & freshly ground pepper 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. ground coriander 4 cups chicken broth For Spicy Seeds: ½ cup pumpkin seeds, cleaned 1 tsp. canola oil Salt ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper ¼ tsp. ground cumin Pinch of ground cinnamon Toss the pumpkin with the oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the pumpkin at 400 degrees F. for 30 minutes. In a large, heavy pot, warm the butter. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent. Add the cumin and coriander and cook for 1 minute more. Add the broth and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes. Cool slightly. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Return to the pot and season with salt and pepper. To make the spicy pumpkin seeds, toss the seeds in the oil. In another bowl, combine the spices. Add the seeds to the spice mixture and toss to coat. Spread the seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once. Serve the soup garnished with the pumpkin seeds. Serves 6.

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Welcome Back

photo courtesy of Tuacahn

Aut umn and Snowbirds by Charlene Paul

inally, the scorching days of summer are behind us and the cool nights of fall are here. It makes me dizzy with delight as I pull out my sweaters and jackets in anticipation of cooler weather. And I cannot tell you how happy I am that cold water once again runs freely from my faucets.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of good things about summer, but ninety degree nights and sweltering mornings aren’t top of my list. So when fall arrives with its pleasantly warm days, spectacularly beautiful evenings, and crisp chilly mornings, I want to channel my best Julie Andrews and twirl around while

singing, “The world is alive with the days of autumn!” But not wanting to be carted away in a straight jacket, I revel inwardly while planning which Halloween goodies to pass out to costumed trick-or-treaters and where to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Fall is also the time of the yearly migration of snowbirds to southern Nevada and southern Utah. Snowbird is the nickname for the Darkeyed Junco bird, but that isn’t the species of which I speak. No, these snowbirds are of the two-legged variety without feathers and wings. The term is used to describe the large number of retirees who leave behind snow shovels, mittens, parkas, and brutal winters to flock to where they can bask in warmer weather. So what does a typical snowbird look like and what do they do while nesting in southern climes? Is the portrait you are painting in your head one of older people lazing around reading books all day, or watching fall sports on TV? Do you picture them rocking outside their RVs while the world turns? If that’s what you see, you couldn’t be more mistaken. These snowbirds bring vitality and a zing for life to the areas in which they come to roost for six months of the year. Southern Nevada and southern Utah are popular with snowbirds because of the temperate climate as well as the numerous activities, events, and programs they have to offer. There is, indeed, something for everyone. For outdoor activists, there is no shortage of things to do. St. George has a number of biking and walking paths. The seven mile Virgin River Trail follows the Virgin River valley through the city of St. George and provides stunning views of the river.

Dixie Red Hills has been around for over 40 years and is a favorite of locals and visitors. It is set at the foot of breathtaking red cliffs and offers 9 holes surrounded by mature Cottonwoods and Mondale Pines. Southgate Golf Club is beautiful enough to distract even the most dedicated golfer. But don’t let its beauty fool you; it will challenge the most accurate golfers. St. George Golf Club is a great walking course with an open layout, large manicured greens, and challenging par threes.

The Santa Clara River Trail is five miles shorter than the Virgin River Trail and follows the Santa Clara River valley. At just over half a mile long, the Fort Pearce Wash Trail merges with the Virgin River South, meets the east end of Webb Hill Trail, and joins the Bloomington Hills North Trail at the Larkspur trailhead. For golfers, St. George has several courses to choose from. Sunbrook Golf Club features 27 championship holes and was rated in Golfweek Magazine’s top 50 municipal courses in the country.

There are no shortage of places to explore for outdoor adventurers who don’t mind a short drive. Zion National Park offers breathtaking vistas with trails and hikes for all levels of enthusiasts. While summer temperatures rise over 110 degrees at Valley of Fire State Park located approximately 45 miles from Mesquite, fall is the perfect time to visit its scenic landscapes filled with hidden canyons and unique rock formations. When the evening temperatures are cool, there is no better place to enjoy a live musical than Tuacahn Amphitheater in Ivins, Utah. This year’s plays include Peter Pan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Tarzan.

photo courtesy of SG Photos

Mesquite boasts seven golf courses and has become a major golfing destination. CasaBlanca Golf Club winds in and out of the Virgin River basin and offers a new experience on every tee. The 18 holes at Palms Golf Club feature a front nine and back nine that feel like two completely different courses. The first nine have a flatter, unassuming layout, and the nine coming back offer elevated tees, stunning views, and a completely different challenge than the front. Conestoga Golf Course is an 18-hole scenic masterpiece nestled in Sun City Mesquite’s spectacular landforms and gives the appearance of being crafted by nature. Falcon Ridge Golf Course is a 6,569 yard par 72 desert layout with beautiful landscapes. Numerous water features and elevation changes make it playable for all classes. Oasis Golf Club features two 18-hole courses, The Palmer designed by Arnold Palmer, and The Canyons. Each course offers rugged canyon fairways, contoured greens, and spectacular desert scenery. Wolf Creek Golf Club has been called one of the most remarkable and most visually spectacular courses in the world. The course winds up, down, and through red rock canyons, and one of the back tees stands as tall as an 11-story building. For athletes aged 50 and better, there are The Huntsman World Senior Games. This year the Games celebrates its 30th anniversary October 3-15, 2016. The Games encourage retirees to become involved in a personal fitness program or team sport so the golden years can be enjoyed with better health and physical fitness. In addition to sports, there are also concerts, dances, and awards.

There are shooting ranges, nature tours, and even skydiving for the truly adventurous. For indoor fun, there are bowling alleys, movie theaters, and recreation centers. And Mesquite has some of the nicest casinos and restaurants in the state. There are farmers markets, flea markets, antique shops, art galleries and shows, exhibitions, museums, shopping, eateries, community theatre, tours, boating, fishing, gyms, libraries, and so much more. There isn’t a better place in the world than southern Nevada and southern Utah for these snowbirds to land. “The world is alive with the days of autumn.” Welcome back, snowbirds! V

Molding a Community by Paul D. Soucy

Primex Plastic

rimex Plastic Corporation has come a long way since its inception in 1965, when Dr. John J. Farber started with three machines. It has grown into one of the largest custom sheet extruders in the United States and specializes in several types of products. All products are extruded from top quality resins in the 100% recycled material utility program. Recycling is only one of the many ways Primex diligently helps the environment and community. Always being on the cutting edge of excellence, it has become ISO 9001-2008 registered in several facilities. This quality standard is reflective of the company’s dedication to providing consumers with the highest quality products they can purchase. Primex came to Mesquite in 1992 and built its facility from the ground up in the very

building that stands there today. At that time it was the only building on the north side of highway 15 and upon opening, offered many jobs to people who were already living in Mesquite and attracted many more to settle here. In the spirit of “build it and they will come,” they began building housing developments around the factory, making affordable housing available for workers as well as other Mesquite residents. Building a strong workforce allowed the people who lived here to be able to work locally, and helped grow the town due to prospects of work. That continues today as the company's payroll is around $140,000 per week, which goes back into the surrounding community, as all of the employees live here and patronize the city’s other local businesses. From the restaurants and the grocery stores to the mom and pop shops and the

casinos, Primex and its employees keep the local economy going. In recent years, the company has contributed to many community based groups, organizations, and kids programs. Primex supports these, not only through financial donations, but also with the participation of its employees, to foster growth within their city. Just last month, Primex won an award from the American Red Cross, recognizing their hard work organizing blood drives right in their manufacturing plant. Kimberly Woolsey, Office Manager and HR, coordinates the blood drives quarterly. She also has a hand in helping with Mesquite Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together local employers and those in search of employment opportunities.

Realizing that so much of community growth and excellence begins early at the scholastic level, schools are a big focus for the company. Elementary schools enjoy field trips, where the students learn about how the company makes plastics, how customers use the products, and about the shipping operation. Having had a chance to attend this class trip, it was amazing to see the kids getting a chance to learn about the building they pass every day. Kim presented a show-and-tell experience with actual examples of resin, sheets of plastic, and the finished products into which these materials are molded. Watching the kids have a tangible idea of what this pillar in their community produced was fun. At the high school level, scholarships are donated to Virgin Valley students for their achievements. Along with financial support, Primex also participates in an outreach program called Hire-A-Bulldog, wherein they visit Virgin Valley High School and teach the kids about job skills. From resume writing to practical mock interviews, Kim, along with Whitney Badger of Express Employment, demonstrate to the students tools they can use to secure jobs in their very near future. Employees are invaluable assets and Primex recognizes that and their needs within the community by donating scholarships for children of Primex employees. Every summer the company also hosts â&#x20AC;&#x153;Megaplex Summer Movies,â&#x20AC;? to treat the employees and their families to movies each week. Employees also enjoy the benefits of growing with an established company that participates

photo by Edd Lockwood – American Red Cross Volunteer

in community activities. Promoting from within has always been an important part of the company’s business model. You don’t have to look any further than Primex's current Plant Manager, Doug Navarro, for a success story. Doug began working at Primex Mesquite in 1993 sweeping the floors and doing whatever else was asked of him. Over time and with hard work, he moved up the ranks to where he sits today, atop the floor’s operations. With a positive role model and story like his, it helps inspire every employee that they, too, with hard work and dedication, will have a fair chance to move up like Doug did. A silver member of the Chamber of Commerce, Primex is always looking to help grow Mesquite as a city. The company has grown exponentially and carries these community help and awareness values in Garfield, New Jersey, Oakwood, Georgia, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, County Durham, England, and its headquarters in Richmond, Indiana. Being a productive part of manufacturing, the employees and the people of the communities seem to always be a high priority for Primex. Family owned businesses always seem to remember where they came from, and Primex knows that the people truly are the business.V

From Humble beginnings:

Huntsman World Senior Games Turns 30 by Jeff Harding photos courtesy of SG Photos

he Huntsman World Senior Games have come a long way since that first year in 1987 when St. George, Utah welcomed a few hundred athletes competing in a handful of sports. From those humble beginnings, the Games have grown into the world’s largest annual multi-sport event for men and women ages 50 and better. The Games take place each October and are open to athletes of all skill levels. In 2015, the Games welcomed over 10,500 athletes to St. George. All 50 of the United States of America were represented, and athletes from more than 21 different

countries took the playing field. Since 1987, the Games have hosted 76 different countries at the event, and the 30th edition is poised to be just as successful. With so many people coming into the area, the economic impact is significant. The Games estimates that there are around $19.2 million that flow into the local economy by way of the athletes. For 2016, the Games offer 30 different sports. From archery to volleyball, individual events to team sports, there is something for everyone.

“One of the unique things about the Games,” says Kyle M. Case, CEO, “is that our divisions for the sports are based on age, and wherever possible, skill level as well. This makes the event more inclusive and allows for a legitimate chance at a medal.” Much of the success of the Games can be attributed to the philosophy founded in the early years of providing much more than just a sporting event. “The Games is a total experience,” says Case. "Each sport hosts an athlete social where the participants have an opportunity

to have a great meal and create new friendships and renew old ones off the field of competition. Other social and entertainment events provide the opportunity for the athletes to socialize and enjoy themselves. And the great thing is the community is invited to take part in much of the fun as well." On Tuesday, October 4, the Games will officially welcome the athletes at the Opening Ceremonies. Following the tradition of the Olympics, the Ceremonies feature a Parade of Athletes, a Cauldron Lighting, and singing and dancing along with fireworks. The show takes place at the Legend Solar Stadium at Dixie State University. It’s a high energy show that is free to the public as well as athletes. In previous years, the Games has also hosted a motivational speaker – usually an Olympic or professional athlete. Previous years have included Joe Namath and Florence Griffith Joyner. In 2014, NBA super-star, Thurl Bailey, had the entire arena on their feet as he motivated with music and spoken word. Threetime Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming, Debbie Meyers, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s event. In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, the Games hosts the free Concert and Celebration on Tuesday, October 11. This upbeat show takes place in the Dixie State University Burn Arena at 7:00 pm and will feature an incredible Neil Diamond tribute with songs like Kentucky Woman, Sweet Caroline, and America.

Also featured this year is the Global-Cup â&#x20AC;&#x201C; World Senior Volleyball Championships. This invitation only tournament will feature the very best menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball players in the world, hailing from Canada, Russia, Switzerland, and USA. The teams are comprised of former World and National Champions. The Global Cup takes place from Monday, October 10 through Thursday, October 13.V For additional information on the Games or any of its events, visit www.seniorgames.net.

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Halloween

Tricks and Treats

by Jennifer Hammond-Moore

all has always been my favorite time of year. I would spend months planning out Halloween costumes and planning our fall activities. One year our family turned our home into a haunted house. It helped that at the time we were in the middle of renovating a turn of the century home and had just demolished walls and door openings to make way for new construction. My parents allowed us

to lay black plastic throughout and bring in endless bags of leaves to add to the sounds of the season. We toured children through the house for days and called it the “Amodt-evil-horror House,” wordplay on the movie the Amityville Horror. What a great, adventurous memory. Growing up with such inspiring, artistic outlets only added to my desire to learn

more. When I was asked to write about Halloween DIY my thoughts went straight to costumes. Unfortunately there is not enough space to print costume tutorials that I would feel could guide you to your ultimate halloween experience, so instead I wanted to share some simple but fun DIYs that you can also use other times of the year.

It’s All About the Treat One of the easiest treats you can make are cake pops. I actually purchased an electric cake pop maker for under $20 and have used it many times for quick treats. You can use a boxed cake mix or make a mix from scratch and fill the wells with the mix. I prefer to use a gluten free mix that can be purchased at most grocery stores. The cook time is under 10 minutes per batch and they just need to cool before they are frosted. Know that you should dust the crumbs off before frosting as well. The Art is in the Decorating Melting the decorating chocolate or almond bark just enough to make it smooth and not overcooking is important. I like to fill decorating bags with the mix and then drizzle over the cake rather than dip it into the mix – if the cake falls off the stick or fork you will have a mess. Using decorating bags with smaller amounts of mix is easier to guide on the small pop work surface.

To Etch, Not Scratch I learned how to etch glass one summer at camp. There wasn’t a glass surface that was safe after that class. It took a Pinterest reminder to bring back all of the fun that can be created in a small amount of time and with relatively little cost. Etching creates a translucent effect on your work surface. Items needed: - glass cups, bottles, vases or mirrors (thrift stores are a great place to find glass) - clear contact paper - exacto knife - glass etching cream (purchased at Michaels, other craft stores, or online). Probably the safest way to etch. - waterproof gloves - eye protection - small paintbrush Etching is made by covering areas that are either the negative or positive of a picture and etching or acid washing the opposite area. I like to find templates online of the item that I want to etch into the glass. Print the template, then trace onto the contact paper and cut out with the exacto knife or a very sharp pair of scissors. Apply to the glass, making sure not to get skin oils on the surface of the glass. Press edges of the contact paper down with a pen lid or something smooth. Whatever isn’t firmly secure will allow the etching cream to get under and will etch out as well. Once your design is secure, apply the etching cream with your small paint brush and let sit according to the drying time on your specific etching cream instructions. Rinse the etching cream off using a bucket of water and the paint brush you used to apply the cream. Complete a final rinse of the etched item under tap water and let dry. Dump the etching water in a space that will not damage plants or go into the local water system – it is acid after all. Take care not to get in eyes or on skin. Rinse off quickly if you come into contact. I have never been burned by it, but I would not want there to be a first. Ta-da! Wasn’t that easy? You can also paint inside the etched area or add a stain for a contrast.

Quit Wining and Apply Spray Thousands of empty glass and wine bottles get thrown out every day. A great way to upcyle them is to clean, dry, then spray with chalkboard paint. Chalkboard spray paint can be purchased almost anywhere now. I got mine from Walmart for under $5. You can spray at least a dozen bottles with one can. The dry time is quick as well but remember to use quick, light spray strokes so your paint doesn’t drip down the bottle – unless that is your intention for Halloween décor. Apply some cute ribbon, cording, or twine for decoration and then be as creative as you want with your chalk. We used some of our chalkboard wine bottles at a buffet table to write what the food items were. The chalk can be wiped off and you can reuse your bottles for multiple holidays. Remember that you are only limited by your own imagination. Take a little time for some DIY fun this fall and bring your creative side out to play.V

Resource Center at Dixie State Signals Progress, Acceptance story and photos by Alexa V. Morgan

he transition into college life as a young adult can be a confusing and overwhelming time; even more so for students who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual. At Dixie State University, the LGBTQIA Resource Center provides non-judgmental guidance and education. “The center is the first effort from DSU to support its LGBTQ students from an administrative level, as all previous specialized aid only came from the school's Gay-Straight Alliance, which

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is a student club,” says Barrett Beck, an assistant professor of English and DSU’s LGBTQIA community specialist. “It shows that DSU is ready to join the rest of the nation in encouraging its LGBTQ community to have representation and a voice.” The Gay-Straight Alliance has been in existence since 2008 with the mission of spreading awareness on campus through events that welcome both members of the LGBTQ community and allies, such

as a book club, movie night, and Coming Out Day every October. Monica Harris, the club’s president, says she realized that while being a tolerant school, DSU actually had very few resources available to students. She, Beck, and Presidential Fellow for Inclusion and Equity, Christina Duncan, worked with the president and dean of students to develop a strategic plan for the center, which has come to fruition over the past several months. It follows the same

model as many larger universities around the country, Beck says. The center officially opened at the start of the fall semester in August. Its functions include coordinating with other departments to provide more inclusive discussions and course material along with extra faculty training, and scheduling LGBTQ-themed events on campus. The center will also offer mentoring, access to mental health and medical services, and scholarships. “We just want to create a safe environment, a space where they feel they’re welcome and can find information,” Harris says. In the coming months, DSU will revamp its safe space training to become nationally certified. The center will organize monthly meetings with community members and host a faculty lecture series on how their identity relates to their area of academics, where students are also free to share their own experiences. Public outreach is a priority. “We want DSU being known as an LGBT-friendly school, and I don’t want students coming here to feel like they’re on a tiny island surrounded by hostile people, because that is not the case,” Beck says. “St. George can actually be pretty wonderful to LGBT people.” “Having a resource center and having more students who are vocal and out makes the community aware of what’s going on, and makes the city as a whole more tolerant,” says Harris.

donations and the sale of commemorative T-shirts, buttons, wristbands, and bumper stickers, $2,000 was raised for the center. Due to the success of St. George Pride, the center’s fundraising goals have been revised upwards. Beck says she hopes to gather $15,000 over the next year and is pursuing fundraising from individuals and organizations who have previously given to LGBTQ causes in Utah. Anyone who feels inclined to donate can do so at lgbt.dixie.edu/lgbt-donate. Funds will be allocated to staff development, keeping the center open for longer hours, more scholarships and student activities, and travel expenses for the Gay-Straight Alliance. “I’d love to see [the center] grow larger and become a hub not just for our students, but also for our community,” Duncan says. “This year’s focus is really on our DSU students and giving them what they need, and I hope that in the future, we can have activities and fun events that everyone will want to [participate in] to show their love and support. “We have wonderful students, faculty, and staff that identify as LGBT, and we also have many who love someone that is LGBT,” Duncan says. “It’s important to our campus as a whole that we have a welcoming environment. There is a place for everybody here at Dixie.”V

The LGBTQIA Resource Center is located in Room 211 of the Browning Building on campus. To learn more, visit lgbt.dixie.edu.

Such community support was displayed at the groundbreaking St. George Pride event on June 25, held downtown in Vernon Worthen Park. Co-organizer Elise West says she expected a turnout of possibly a few hundred. More than 1,000 people, not only from St. George but also neighboring counties and states, attended. Among the afternoon’s highlights were a spoken word performance of Andrea Gibson’s “Say Yes,” live music, and a conga line. The crowd held a moment of silence and released dozens of pastel balloons in memory of the Orlando shooting victims. The event was not only a celebration of love and unity, but a statement for LGBTQ visibility and acceptance. Through

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Mesquite

New Perspectives on by George Gault, President & CEO, Mesquite Regional Business, Inc.

s many people have remarked, the completion of Exit 118 on Interstate 15 in only seven months is quite an achievement. I believe that in time it will become an iconic landmark for Mesquite as well as open up new transportation related opportunities. It accomplishes two things immediately: first, it will divert truck traffic off of Exit 120, and second, it will open up access to both the Mesquite Technology and Commerce Center (MTCC) and the Sports and Events Complex (SEC). The MTCC is an approximately 800 acre master planned industrial park with all utilities in place, including a more than adequate water supply. It also facilitates MRBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing of Mesquite as a location for transportation related businesses since the city is essentially halfway between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. The Eagles Landing Group has completed its due diligence and anticipates moving ahead quickly with a travel plaza that will include a convenience store, gas and diesel pumps, a fast food restaurant and a tire store. These businesses will probably

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employ at least 80 people. New signage on Interstate 15 will direct travelers to the exit with plenty of time to make safe lane changes to get off at the exit.

Work has begun on the expansion and remodeling of the Solstice Motor Coach Resort, eventually resulting in 240 RV spaces. The REV Group plans to build a 40,000 square foot RV repair and warranty center on land it purchased in the MTCC and anticipates breaking ground in November 2016. Anticipated employment is 40 when the facility is at full capacity. The new interchange is an obvious attraction for these businesses because their clients, who will be driving large motor coaches with many of them pulling additional vehicles, will be able to take Exit 118 instead of the roundabout at Exit 120. There will also be synergies between several of the businesses. For example, many of these RVs are going to want to fill up with fuel and perhaps a fast meal. And, they will be able to buy tires for their vehicles. And, of course, if anyone staying

at the motor coach resort needs their vehicle repaired, they can just drive down to the new repair facility. In 2012, MRB had an opportunity to participate in the development of a regional planning process called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). At that time, Mesquiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two priorities were construction of Exit 118 and natural gas. In the subsequent years since the CEDS was completed, MRB has had contact with 63 companies that required natural gas at some point in their process, and we were not successful in approaching them about a Mesquite location. In the 2015 legislative session, the City of Mesquite, in cooperation with Southwest Gas, was successful in getting SB 151 passed. That legislation authorized the gas company to work with the Public Utilities Commission to find ways to provide service to unserved and underserved rural areas to facilitate a program of economic development. Currently, the City of Mesquite, Southwest

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Gas, and MRB are actively engaged in identifying the potential demand for natural gas that might drive the economics of the required investments to tap the gas pipeline and lay the pipe for a distribution system. Being able to offer natural gas will greatly enhance MRB’s marketing efforts. Mesquite is fortunate to have attracted several new companies, and those will create new employment opportunities. Partnering with the College of Southern Nevada’s Office of Workforce Development, MRB has been able to offer a customized training package to new companies that consists of recruitment, assessment, “soft skills” training, and specific job training. In addition, Mesquite Works, a new 501(c)(3), has been formed with a board made up of a number of the leaders of larger employers in town, school personnel, and community volunteers, with the stated purpose of providing a trained labor force for both new and existing businesses. With the Faraday Futures project (an electric automobile manufacturer) underway in North Las Vegas, there are

likely to be at least two issues for the Virgin and the Moapa Valleys: first, Faraday has announced its intention to hire 4,200-4,500 people, which may create a competition for labor with current employees leaving positions here to take a position there for higher wages or better benefits, or both; and second, it is likely that some number of those employees will not want to live in Las Vegas and will instead choose to commute from our valleys. That, in turn, may cause a demand for a different type of housing than retirement or single family homes. The Nevada Rural Housing Authority plans to undertake a housing survey of rural southern Nevada in the near future, and the results of that study should give us a better idea of both current inventory and a desirable mix in the future. Mesquite’s population has grown at a rate of about 4.5% over the last few years, and the city is poised for that to continue. MRB serves as a facilitator for economic development by providing confidential services to individuals

and companies interested in locating or expanding their businesses in the Virgin or Moapa Valleys. We can provide customized research, make introductions to elected officials, city, county, or state agencies, and assist in identifying property and financing resources, all at no cost. Our web site, www.mrbnv.org, has recently been upgraded to facilitate online research since most site selection searches now originate online. The “Zoom Prospector” function on the web site provides Mesquite specific demographic and economic information within a select radius. MRB believes that Mesquite is on the cusp of continued growth that will occur at a rate the city can accommodate.V

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Communit y Theat re?

Mesquite has a by Glen S. Bjornson, Artistic Director, VVTG

hen I tell people about an upcoming show, one of the most frequent responses I get is “Mesquite has a community theater?” You bet it has! In fact, the Virgin Valley Theatre Group, Mesquite’s de facto “resident” theatre company, has been producing live theatre here since 2002, and we’re not talking the “Let’s hang a sheet and do a play!” kind of stuff that many of us did as kids. We’re talking Broadway musicals like 2014’s Anything Goes, and Pulitzer Prize winning dramas like 2013’s The Subject Was Roses. Last season we opened with the Victorian thriller Angel Street, followed by a highly acclaimed production of John Pielmeier’s Agnes of God, the loads-offun musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, and the oddball new-age comedy Dead

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Man’s Cell Phone. This coming season, our 15th, we’ll be presenting three wonderful comedies: Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, and Tuna Does Vegas by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. During rehearsals for last season’s Angel Street, a Victorian thriller, better known in its film version, Gaslight, Valerie Thompson, a Mesquite resident who originally hails from England, was enlisted as our volunteer dialect and mannerism coach. Though her primary role was to assist the directors (yes, there were two) in their work with the actors, she also provided a lot of the artwork and trinkets used on the set. About three weeks into the rehearsal and construction process

she was sitting in the audience one evening watching us work, and she said something that really struck me: “I had no idea it took so much to do a play!” It occurred to me at the time that she was probably not alone in that. Most of the people who come to our productions probably have no idea what it takes to produce quality theatre. Their experience is, for the most part, probably limited to their own “Hey, let’s hang a sheet and do a play!” moments in childhood, if even that, and though community theatre can be produced that way, and frequently is, production of quality theatre takes a great deal more. Let’s take our opening show for the upcoming 2016-17 season as an

example… Production of Blithe Spirit started with meetings in early August to address designs for the set, costumes and props, all of which then started being built. Construction usually takes 6 weeks and well over 1000 volunteer hours. A costumer and seamstresses will build the two or three costumes for each of the seven actors in the play. A three or four person construction crew will build the

“living room of the Condomines in Kent,” which includes some rather challenging special effects (that I won’t divulge here), and the prop master and crew will build/ gather the necessary props for the play. Auditions were held August 22 and 23, and rehearsals began the following week. Rehearsals generally run Monday – Friday, 6 to 9 pm, for the first four weeks, and thereafter, nightly, 5:30 to 10 pm, through

opening night. With a cast of seven, the director, and a stage manager, that equals over 1000 volunteer hours of rehearsal, and that doesn’t include the time each actor spends memorizing lines or the creative processing the others do between rehearsals. Lastly, let’s not forget the lighting/sound design and implementation, and the marketing and house management requirements such as posters, programs,

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and ushers. When everything is said and done we’re talking about more than 3000 volunteer hours to produce one quality show. So, this coming season, after you’ve bought your season tickets, and you find yourself talking to someone about the upcoming show, don’t be surprised if they respond with “Mesquite has a community theatre?” But when they do, just go ahead and tell them, “You bet it does!” And then, when you sit in the audience and laugh and cry along with everyone else, try to remember that the Virgin Valley Theatre Group has moved on from “hanging a sheet and doing a play.” We’ve committed ourselves to producing the very best in live theatre for Mesquite and the surrounding communities. Then, sit back and enjoy the show! V For more information, please visit www.vvtgnv.com.

Mesquite Community Theater by Bunny Wiseman and Bob Nelson

he Mesquite Community Theater is the only live theater stage in town and we like to claim it is the best little theater in Nevada. The theater building is owned by the city of Mesquite and is managed by a committee of hard workers under the guidance of Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation.

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theater that needs to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded is handled by this great group of volunteers.

The all volunteer management team of the theater is responsible for managing the box office, running the concession stand, organizing the lobby and usher staffs, and opening and securing the facility each time the theater is used. They also distribute and monitor tickets to the four satellite locations and manage ticket income.

Many organizations use the Mesquite Community Theatre as a venue for their productions. The Virgin Valley Theater Group, for example, is the organization which produces the fantastic plays we all have come to look forward to each season. The Mesquite Toes have presented over 20 shows in the last 10 years. The Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant has been presented there since its beginning. The Mesquite Arts Council has presented Kids on Stage performances at Christmas time and in the summer months.

The technical team includes lighting, sound, and spotlight technicians. This team puts in many hours for setup of each show as well as being responsible for making every show look and sound professional. Anything technical in the

In April 2016, the Mesquite Redevelopment Agency (made up of the City Council) authorized a grant of $60,000 to GMAF for the design, purchase, and installation of an LED stage lighting system in the MCT. In addition, GMAF agreed to contribute

an additional $10,000 and volunteer labor for the project. This project will enable the MCT to upgrade its stage lighting to the most modern system available today and for the next decade. LED lights can be computer controlled for brightness, color, beam spread, movement, strobe effects, coordination to sound effects, and timing between any of the programmed settings. All major theatres now have LED systems. All the multi colored and moving lights used in your favorite TV shows are LED systems. Now your Mesquite Community Theatre will be able to provide almost unlimited lighting ability for the many shows and events held there. The Mesquite Community Theatre is always looking for volunteers. You don’t have to be a great actor to participate and make a big difference in our community.V For more information, visit mctheatre.net.

Tennis TNT – Tips N Tricks – by Donna Eads

bout five years ago I started contributing this column and have seen the expansion and development of this wonderful magazine. Congratulations to the staff and owner for ten great years!

As our magazine has changed and improved so has the play of doubles. At the pro level, the ‘I’ formation is the norm as well as both players being at the baseline for the first serve. These positions were rare to see a few years ago. For the club player, using the ‘I’ formation is a great idea when you want to force your opponent to play to your strength – such as a strong forehand. The harder hit the ball, the less backswing is required, but earlier or quicker preparation is needed. All reaction type volleys should be hit where you can see both the ball and your racquet in front of you. The only time you would not see them is a swing volley. Always watch your opponent’s net man. They are your biggest threat. When in doubt where to serve, use the body or jamming serve. A ‘kick’ type serve is the best. For this serve, if right handed, you would strike the ball from 8 o’clock to 2 o’clock to create the right spin. In doubles, the first serve is a must, so practice. When returning, go down the line early and often, especially on a second serve. Try your drop shot on second serves too. Keep your returns low over the net. A question occurred during a doubles match recently where our opponents served but their net man was not ready. We returned the ball in the court for a winner. Whose point is it? If you said the returning team you are right. The server is responsible to see if both his partner and opponents are ready. Of course, in a ‘friendly’ social game it might be appropriate to replay the point. The Mesquite Senior Games will return March 6-9, 2017, so save the dates for that. See you on the courts!V

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Questions About Life and Creative Energy by Brad and Kasey Wallis

t’s when you start on your conscious, awakened journey that the questions come flooding in. You had them before, but not with quite this intensity or this range. And each one builds on the earlier, each a stepping stone to the next, fitting in another intricate piece of the jigsaw puzzle we set ourselves. They are what led to our awakening and they are our questions. It was only when we started questioning ourselves, our lives, or the ways of the world that we started the grand journey of awakening. It was only then that we realized that there could be more, and the veils of forgetfulness started lifting, sometimes by small inches, sometimes by leaps and bounds. It’s not been easy for us. For lifetime after lifetime after lifetime stretching into so many lifetimes that it boggles the mind, we forgot who we were and embraced the knowing that we were less than because everyone around us accepted it.

without question. Why? Because if we did question it, we were punished. We believed that we did not have the right to question. “You leave that to God or to fate and, that’s just the way it is.” Any child that has any component of individual thought questions those things and there’s always a problem when a child starts such questioning. Adults certainly question it, generally quite a lot, but they’ve learned to keep their mouths shut because of the punishment and the isolation. Every form of religion leaves questions. Every form of religion leaves any state of consciousness human being questioning things. How is it this way and that way? Why is it this way? Why is it that way? How can God be an all-loving, omnipotent being but then we have to follow rules in order to be accepted? And generally the answer straight across the board is “Well, we just don’t question those things.” That’s because nobody really has the answers; they themselves don’t know. It’s all about you creating your reality with your energy, master, and learning how to master the components of your continual state of happiness and joy and high vibration. That’s what it’s all about.” ~ Julius

Nearly every single student that comes to the platform of Julius has come from some form of religious teaching background. Some very deeply seated and embedded in religion as a child with their family that really participated in church and really supported theoretical religious teachings of limitation and what God is. Every single one of us allowed someone else to dictate the truth of ourselves to us. Or we allowed it to take place

Can you feel the power and the magnitude of this energy – “Conscious Creative Energy?” It is that huge difference between unconscious thought and conscious thought. Conscious creative energy is you at your most powerful. It is a force when you are unconscious but when you are conscious, it is explosive in the best sense. The process of conscious creative energy is not only the process of consciously creating whatever you want in your life, it is the process of consciously creating who you are, being in every moment of now, and letting that be the bedrock for all abundance, love, health, and fulfillment to

flow to you. This is deep, fascinating information about you and your ability as a powerful creator. So let’s get right down to it and throw some light on what is happening in and around you. Once a thought is formed, it turns into energy. It is a process of creating energy consciously, because every thought creates an action. And every action has energy to it. Everything has energy to it. So, once a thought is born and energy is attached to it, it has the potential for manifestation depending upon the energy you attach to the thought. In the manifestation process, you first begin by thinking about something and then putting more energy to the thought. Focusing more and more energy to an idea helps create or manifest it into being. But what if the manifested thing needs continued creative energy to keep it manifested and keep it in the illusion? Have you ever thought of that one? Join us as we explain this concept along with the seals of consciousness and living the light being experience on our field trip for empowering human beings. The retreat will take place September 23-25, 2016 in southern Utah. For more information visit www.expandwithjulius.com and click on the retreat information. We also offer monthly programs on topics about consciousness. We have a library of past classes you can browse. Julius academy is a monthly membership program if you are looking for more in depth discussions with Julius, Kasey, and Brad.V

About the authors: Kasey & Brad Wallis are "open clear conduits of information for an advanced intelligence named Julius who offers messages of empowerment for an enlightened humanity."

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Mesquite Senior Center Happenings

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

Mesquite Cancer HELP Society Introduces Telemental Health Tues–Thurs, 10 AM – 3 PM The Mesquite Cancer HELP Society has paired with Judith Willey, MFT to provide telemental health services. MCHS realizes that counseling for its clients is crucial to their continued progress and fight against cancer. Additionally, these services will be available to their caregivers. Support group meetings typically take place every month, however, some clients require one on one counseling. For additional information/questions please contact: Yoli at (702) 553-6523 or call their office: 346-0622

Flu Shots

Coming this fall here at the Senior Center September 28 from 9 AM – 12 PM (noon) October 6 from 9 AM – 1 PM

Halloween Dinner and Dance

The Mesquite Senior Center will be hosting its First Halloween dinner and dance. October 26th (Wed) 4 – 6 PM Dinner will be a buffet style Tickets are $5 per adult Patrons are encouraged to wear a Halloween costume (not mandatory)

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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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 www.theoasisgolfclub.com (702) 346-7820

Entrada - St. George www.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 (435) 586-2970

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thunderbird - Mt. Carmel www.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 www.golfwolfcreek.com (702) 346-1670

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

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

www.cedarcity.org/65/Cedar-Ridge-Golf-Course

Overseed Schedule & Course Closures by Doug Lesko t’s that time of year when many courses close for their annual overseeding process, followed by a period of “cart path only” play to protect the grass from damage. Here is a list of area closures. We contacted all the courses for this information, but in case of changes, please verify before making your plans.

Course Closing for Overseed

Cart Path Only

CasaBlanca September 6 - 24 Canyons August 30 - September 16 Conestoga September 6 - 24 Dixie Red Hills September 11 - 18 Falcon Ridge September 12- October 1 Palmer September 9 - 25 Palms September 19 - Oct 7 Southgate September 12 - 19 Sunbrook September 12 - 19 Wolf Creek September 7 - 23

Sept 25 - Oct 6 Sept 15 - 25 Sept 24 - Oct 7 walking only until Oct 1 Oct 2 - 15 Sept 26 - Oct 9 Oct 8 - 20 Sept 20 - Oct 1 Sept 20 - Oct 1 Sept 24 - 30

This can be a difficult time for avid golfers, but we still have options. The following courses do not overseed and have no closures planned: Cedar Ridge, Coral Canyon,Coyote Springs, Coyote Willows, Entrada, Green Springs, Ledges, Sand Hollow, Sky Mountain, St. George, Sun River, and Thunderbird.

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Mohave County Approved Trail Rides and Riding Lessons

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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Mesquite

4t h of July Celebrat ion photo by Kris Zurbas

he Eureka Casino Resort continued its annual tradition of providing the Mesquite community with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rockets Over the Red Mesa,â&#x20AC;? a wonderful 4th of July celebration. This year, the Nevada Pops Orchestra featured a Sinatra tribute before the fireworks show, which they then accompanied with traditional patriotic music, thrilling the large crowd on the warm evening. The celebration always draws visitors from well beyond Mesquite, and this year was no different, with people coming from several other states to enjoy the festivities. We would like to thank the Lee family and the Eureka Community Initiative for making this event a success once again.

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CALENDAR of Event s ONGOING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

Utah Shakespeare Festival through Oct 22 Cedar City, UT. Tickets: (435) 586-7878 or 1 (800) PLAYTIX. www.bard.org

African Children’s Choir Sept 2 - 7 PM Calvary Chapel, 3922 S Pioneer Rd., St. George, UT. (435) 674-4955. africanchildrenschoir.com

Downtown Farmers Market at Ancestor Square Every Saturday through end of October 2016 8 AM - Noon 25+ vendors and live music. Ancestor Square is located at the northwest corner of St. George Blvd. and Main Street. farmersmarketdowntown.com

Casapoolooza Sept 3 doors 7 PM, concert 8 PM Poolside concert featuring “Wolfcreek” - country, southern, and classic rock. Free at the CasaBlanca pool. Must be 21.

Mesquite Friday Night Indoor/Outdoor Farmers Market Every second and fourth Friday of the month 4 PM - 8 PM At Mesquite Plaza (formerly Bulldog Plaza), 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. Interested vendors call (702) 378-1112 George Streetfest on Main Every first Friday of the month 6 - 10 pm, Jazz Garden open until midnight. Main Street, St. George. Free Main Street concert and DJ Youth Dance Party at Historic Ancestor Square for adults 21 plus. georgestreetfest.com Sunset on the Square Every second and fourth Friday of the month dusk Classic movies for adults and children shown on the big screen under the stars. For dates, times and movies: www.sgcity.org Concerts in the Park 7:30 PM Every second Monday of the month through September a celebration of wonderful music for families at Vernon Worthen Park in St. George. (435) 627-4525 118

DocUTAH Sept 6-10 International Documemtary Film Festival. See article on page 32. www.docutah.com Walk for Hope/Walk in Memory Sept 10 Registration 8 AM, Walk 9 AM Suicide Prevention Community Walk. 100 W Old Mill Rd, Mesquite, NV. (702) 346-4696. www.nvsuicideprevention.org Cedar City Half Marathon & 5K Sept 10 The Cedar City Half Marathon is officially sold out! We hope you will still cheer on the other racers as they #runthecanyon at Bicentennial Park. www.cedarcity.org/567/Cedar-City-Half-Marathon 9/11 Memorial Sept 11 6:30 PM Rememberance ceremony at Mesquite City Hall Pavillion to honor first responders and lost loved ones. 10 E Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, NV. Ivins Heritage Days Sept 16-17 Annual Heritage Day Parade, entertainment, vendors, food, and games. www.ivins.com

Mesquite Night Out Sept 21 5:30 - 7 PM Mesquite Rec Center West Field. A gathering to show community appreciation of Mesquite Police & Fire Departments, and others who give back locally. Contact Sgt. Rob Stepp (702) 346-5262 ext 6048

Logandale Fall Festival Oct 21-23 Annual event at the Clark County Fairgrounds, Logandale, and includes BBQ Cookoff, Bluegrass Festival, Craft & Stuff Show, Kids Zone, Small Animal Fair, and Rock and Gem Show. logandalefallfestival.com

Glow in the Dark Golf Ball Drop Sept 24 7 PM at Eureka Casino Resort, Mesquite, NV. Annual charity event presented by Mesquite Rotary. Grand prize $1000. Tickets on sale now. (702) 346-7025

Moapa Valley Performing Arts presents GENTRI. Oct 24 - 7 PM Musical group GENTRI performs in the Ron Dalley Theatre at MVHS. moapavalleyarts.org

National Public Lands Day-Logandale Trails Sept 24 This is NOT your average cleanup. We will be painting, planting, restoring, rebuilding, and all manner ‘fixing up the place’. (702) 219-2033 Mesquite Senior Games Men’s Softball Sept 30 - Oct 11 (registration deadline Sept 15) 2016 Can/Am Softball tournament, the Huntsman Tune-up. (702) 345-3347

OCTOBER

Shreek-Reeka Oct 27 5 - 8 PM Haunted house and fun for all, at the Eureka Casino Resort parking lot in Mesquite. (702) 346-4600 Trunk or Treat Oct 31 A safe and fun way for families to trick or treak, presented by Mesquite Police Department. Location TBD. (702) 346-5262 ext 6155 Happy Halloween Oct 31

Wolf Creek Golf Club Wine Fest Oct 5 5 PM - 8 PM to benefit the Kids for Sports Foundation Wolf Creek Golf Club, 403 Paradise Pkwy, Mesquite, NV. (702) 345-6728 Art in Kayenta Oct 7-9 Kayenta Art Village, Kayenta Pkwy, Ivins, UT. Juried art festival. See article on page 58. www.kayentaartsfoundation.org

SAVE THE DATES Nov 3-5 -

Community Quilt Fest (multiple locations) www.simplyquiltscrafts.com

Moapa Valley Car Show Oct 15 Nov 4 Eureka “Uncorked” 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 17th annual Moapa Valley Car and Motorcycle Show at Overton Park,Virginia Ave Nov 5 Eureka “On Tap” Overton, NV (702) 397-2273. Nov 4-5 - Moapa Valley Pomegranate Festival Muttigans Golf Tournament Oct 21 Charity tournament to benefit We Care For Nov 11-12 - Moapa Valley OHV Roundup Animals. Falcon Ridge Golf Course, Mesquite, NV. See article on page 28. muttigans.com

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