View On Southern Utah

September/ October 2015 Complimentary Issue

recreation • entertainment • shopping • business • dining • news & views

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EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, This issue includes many eclectic articles for you to peruse. There are always so many events and adventures going on in the Southern Utah area.

It continues to amaze me how many wonderful people contribute to organizing and carrying out so many great events.

We have focused mainly on the ever popular fitness and adventure in this issue with all of the beauty and wonder that Southern Utah has for everyone to enjoy.

We would love to showcase interesting activities in your specific Southern Utah communities. If you have any story ideas or future events, please send your information to info@viewonsouthernutah.com.

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Please visit our advertisers and thank them for bringing the Southern Utah area to print in View On Southern Utah Magazine. If you are interested in joining our advertising family, contact us at ads@viewonsouthernutah.com.

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September 1 – October 31, 2015 Volume 8 – Issue 5 Editor in Chief Kathy Lee Content Manager Jennifer Hammond Copy Editor Kristen Williams Creative Director & Magazine Design Aloree Smith Contributing Writers Dawn McLain Helen Houston-Creamer Laurie Barker Rob Kreiger Nikk Zorbas Charlene Paul Karen Monsen Celece Seegmiller Jennifer Hammond Erin O’brien, Ph.d Mayor Chris Hart Virginia Grenier Donna Eads Paul Noe Kyle Case Maritza Trujillo Dr. George Hahm M.D. Web Design Trevor Didriksen Advertising Sales Margo Deshler Kathy Lee Advertising Email ads@ViewOnSouthernUtah.com Support Staff Bert Kubica Distribution Brock Noel

Have a spectacular fall and as always visit our website at www.viewonsouthernutah.com and like us on Facebook to see additional current events.

Published by View On Mesquite Magazine, Inc. 742 W. Pioneer Blvd, Suite D Mesquite, NV 89027

Sincerely, Kathy Lee Editor-in-Chief

General Inquiries info@ViewOnSouthernUtah.com

Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955

2007-2015 View on Southern Utah Magazine is published by View On Mesquite 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 Mesquite staff. All articles submitted by contributing writers are deemed correct at the time of publishing, View On Mesquite Magazine, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates accept no responsibility for articles submitted with incorrect information.

CONTENTS

COVER PHOTO OF SNOW CANYON STATE PARK - COURTESY OF DEENA SNYDER

12 16 36 38

Features

12 View on Travel 36 Jake’s Journey Head South of the Border For Your Next Golf Vacation How He Became A Service Dog 38 View on Nonprofit 16 View on Outdoors

When Adventures Go Wrong

2 4 5 6 7

Editor’s Letter Why I Love Southern Utah View from the Mayor Why I Love Southern Utah View on Fitness

26 View on Volunteerism

In this issue

Survival of the Fittest

10 14 18 20

Your Goal, Your Choice

View on Education 10th Anniversary - St. George Book Fest Huntsman Senior Games View on Inspiration Don’t Weigh Me Down... Revisited

22 Recipe For Life

Billy Wilkin - Capturing A Dream

28 View on Design

Inspiring Home Workout Zone

30 32 34 42

Around Town with Dawn McLain A Vineyard Speaks To Me DocUtah View on Golf

Greenside & Fairway Bunker Shots

43 Awesome Fitness 44 View on Gardening

Backyard Putting Greens

46 The Benefits of a Colonoscopy 47 Tennis TNT

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8 View on Healthy Lifestyles

Community Soup Kitchen With Grace

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Why I Love Southern Utah Our family has lived in Southern Utah for the past 11 years, with a short two year break in Washington State a few years ago. St. George is a very significant place for our family.

Brook and I were engaged on the airport hill overlooking the temple in the fall of 2004 and married here in the spring of 2005. Our daughter Ellie was born at Dixie Regional in July 2007 and our son Cooper was born there in July 2009. We have another son, Sawyer, that is our Washington State baby, but he has become accustomed to enjoying the long summer days with the other two.

The grandparents are located relatively close in Orem and Las Vegas which is another reason Southern Utah is perfect for our family.

I am the Administrator at Highland Manor in Mesquite, Nevada and have found many blessings and enjoyment from serving the senior population. Brook is our rock and a full time mom who enjoys everything the kids love to do. When she has time, she loves to run in as many races as she can.

Ellie is a gymnast at heart who is always flipping around the house. Cooper enjoys soccer and LEGOs and is aspiring to be a “Master Builder.� Sawyer is our happy kid who enjoys any sport or game that has a ball in it.

We love our neighbors and friends and have come to meet so many incredible and inspiring people here.

We are happy to be a part of this wonderful community and to experience all that comes with living in Southern Utah.

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~ The Flygare Family

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view from the MAYOR

Message from the MayoR: Ivins Nestled at the base of its iconic Big Red Mountain against the backdrop of stunningly beautiful red rock cliffs, Ivins City is a remarkably beautiful place. Grounded in the determination and sacrifice needed to carve an irrigation canal and cultivate the arid Santa Clara Bench as it was originally known, Ivins has grown from a small farming community to a destination city for families, retirees and vacationing visitors. Acclaimed residential developments like Kayenta and The Reserve flank its historic township center. Resort developments including Red Mountain Resort & Spa, Movara Fitness Resort & Spa and the soon to be built luxury hotel Sentierre have also chosen to locate here. In addition, Ivins is home to the Tuacahn Center For The Arts, the Coyote Gulch Art Village with its new Kayenta Arts Center, Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts, and the arts focused Vista Charter School, establishing it as a performing and fine arts center. Ivins City was also selected as the site for the new Southern Utah Veterans Home serving nine Southern Utah counties.

Ivins City prides itself on the opportunities it provides its residents and visitors for outdoor recreation. It boasts an extensive trail system, both developed and rustic, with trail heads that serve not only walkers and hikers but cyclists and equestrians as well. It is currently developing the Ivins Reservoir on its western boundary into a significant recreation area and nature park. Adjacent to Ivins City on the south is the Santa Clara River Reserve, which includes a trail to the historic petroglyphs, serving as a reminder of our Native American Heritage dating back over two thousand years. Reservation land and home to the Shivwits Band of Paiutes lies to the west. Bordering us on the north is the incredible Snow Canyon State Park, ranked one of the ten best in the U.S., attracting nearly four hundred thousand visitors each year.

It is exciting to serve as Mayor at a time when earlier visions of our city becoming a resort center and arts community are being realized. Beyond those already existing, other resort properties are either under development or consideration in Ivins. Spectacular roundabouts with magnificent sculptures that cause people to park their cars and take pictures have become landmarks in our city.

Most recently a magnificent bronze eagle monument named “The Guardian” was installed on the campus of the Southern Utah Veterans Home as a reminder of the cherished freedoms veterans have fought and died for.

Ivins City is an environmentally conscious and compassionate place. Ivins City is a Rocky Mountain Power “Blue Sky Community.”

We currently generate 40 percent of our city facilities’ power needs from solar arrays strategically placed on buildings and shade structures in such a way as to not be visually offensive. Ivins recently became the only city in Washington County to provide public transportation through the Suntran bus system. The Ivins Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, by ordinance, is a “no kill” shelter, preserving healthy animals until they are adopted. By agreement, it is supported by two local animal support groups, FIAS and INCAS, who provide volunteer support, food and veterinary care. Ivins City has a “night sky ordinance” that restricts all types of lighting including street lighting, commercial exterior fixtures and signage, and even residential exterior fixtures, protecting our incredible night sky from unnecessary light pollution.

~ Mayor Chris Hart

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More than all of the other defining characteristics of our city, its residents are its most important asset. I’ve never lived around more warm and friendly people or in a place that felt like home so quickly. We are a diverse group ranging from descendants of our earliest settlers to the newest families in town who came from other places far and near. From every background and with every interest imaginable, we work together to make Ivins City the special place that it is.

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Why I Love Southern Utah After spending 16 years in Corporate America, I decided to leave Wall Street behind and follow my passion. My parents retired in St. George about a decade ago, and I wanted to get closer to them. I’ve settled in St. George and now own both of the La de’ Paws Grooming Salons (St. George, UT and Mesquite, NV).

I fell in love with Southern Utah years ago when I traveled here for my corporate job. In fact, I encouraged my parents to consider it for a retirement home in the early 2000’s. I can honestly say that I have made more friends in the last four months than I did in four years on the east coast.

From leading my team, to volunteering at the First Friday Street Fests, placing rescued animals in forever homes, having Sunday dinner with my family, enjoying music at Jazzy Javas or simply taking in one of our gorgeous sunsets, I love my new life!

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~ Carrie Haas

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view on FITNESS

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

By Laurie Nelson-Barker

Recently I decided to ride my bike from Dammeron Valley into town on a rather warm day. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but proved to be not such a brilliant plan. I intended to ride to my husband’s office at 700 South and River Road but the back tire on my bike squelched my ambitions by awarding me with a flat in front of the St. George Library.

In spite of the fact that Mike had patiently taught me how to change a tire and even though I had a spare tire and all the tools necessary to change it, I exercised my spousal privilege and called him to come get me. My excuse was that I couldn’t remove the quick release lever holding the tire on. We were both inconvenienced by the incident but it could have been worse. Much worse. What if I had been unable to reach him? What if I had to leave the bike and walk to his office? What if I didn’t have enough water? I am sure I could have overcome those obstacles and managed, but what if there had been a major disaster and there was no one to help? Then what?

Many years ago, my brother was a runner. That was before the bad knees and extra 50 pounds. He ran all the time. He ran to work.

He ran home and just for good measure, ran mini marathons on weekends. His rationale was that in the event of a disaster that turned all the useable roads to parking lots, he could run home and save his family. I don’t know how realistic his plan was. I suppose it could have worked but I do know that plan probably wouldn’t help him much now. It’s my guess that if he were currently in that situation, his family would have to save him. Just saying…

runner in Greece, you had to run a long distance to get help or warn of impending peril? Could you do it without actually dying, like he did? I am certain that the fact that he ran close to 300 miles the previous week and fought in heavy armor before his famous run from Marathon to Athens didn’t help his cause.

I would recommend that you train diligently. Hopefully, you will never have to use those skills to survive, but in any circumstances, you will be in great shape. That’s a good thing. It translates to better health, self-sufficiency and the ability to function normally.

I would suggest that you don’t eat a whole chicken after running as the legend of Pheidippides suggests or the results could be disastrous. It’s even worse if the chicken is raw! You will just have to trust me on that. I would recommend that you never eat a chicken, but that’s another article altogether!

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: brtrainers@gmail.com phone 435 574-9362 Website: www.formatianfitness.com.

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It’s hard to deny that our world is changing rapidly and that any or all of us could be faced with trying to adapt and survive in hostile conditions. Could you walk a long distance without assistance if you had to? Can you climb a fence or tree if necessary? What about paddling a canoe or kayak across a lake to move supplies instead of just for fun? Would you be able to ride a bike a long distance, if it was your only means of transportation?

Could you change a flat tire on that bike if necessary?

What if, like Pheidippides, the first marathon

Photos Courtesy of Ryan McGuire

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view on HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

HEALTH AND FITNESS: Your Goal, Your Choice

By Nikk Zorbas

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” ~ John F. Kennedy It’s safe to say everyone would like to be more healthy and fit, right?

But what does that really mean?

• To me, health and fitness is not just about looking good.

• It’s about being there for loved ones, not being a burden to them.

• It’s about using the vessel that is your body to help you

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accomplish all you want out of life.

It is about being in charge of your health, and avoiding a situation where medications and insurance will decide how long you will live and determine the quality of your life.

That’s what motivates me to live a healthy lifestyle.

What motivates you?

• I would like you to write three positive motivators that drive you to live a healthier life.

• This is very important, so take your time.

• Every morning when you wake up, look at this list and remind yourself why you are choosing to start or stay on track with your fitness regimen.

• Then before bedtime do the same.

• Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind; this in turn will create a life changing habit.

• And remember—fitness is a choice.

My decision to compete in the Mr. Nevada natural bodybuilding competition was driven by two things: my desire to get in the best shape possible, and to challenge myself to new limits.

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I did win the trophy, but that was only a manifestation of my motivations.

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The key is to always have a goal to shoot for, whether you are planning a 26.2 mile marathon or just a walk around the block.

So many people enjoy one victory, live off those memories and then stop setting goals.

Don’t get me wrong; I love to reminisce, but I consistently set goals for myself, big or small.

Sometimes goals take an entirely unexpected turn.

Pro bodybuilder Chris Dickerson won the Mr. Olympia title in 1982 at the age of 43.

This was unheard of back then since most of the competitors were in their mid 20s.

view on HEALTHY LIFESTYLE I heard the reason he began working out in the first place was to build lung capacity and improve his opera singing.

Now let’s go over some basic rules for maintaining a healthy and fit body so you can attain both your physical and life goals.

1. Stay hydrated. Our bodies—including our brains—are made up mostly of water. Dehydration is a major invitation for disease, so be sure to drink a lot of water.

2. Relieve stress through exercise and meditation. Stress is one of this country’s top killers. Studies have proven that meditation, tai chi and yoga are great stress eliminators.

3. Avoid processed foods. Go for “live” foods such as colorful vegetables and fruits. Lean chicken breast with no preservatives, sweet potatoes, and whole grains are other healthy choices.

4. Get moving! The key to fitness boils down to one word: MOVEMENT. Remember that! Lack of movement can attract health problems. Whatever your age or physical limitations, you can find a way to move that works best for you.

5. Hang with other health-conscious people. There are people in your life who impact its direction. If you surround yourself with active, positive, healthy people who love to exercise, I can

guarantee their good habits will rub off on you.

When you put your ideal system together, great things will happen!

Not that looks aren’t important, though.

Your body is a reflection of what’s going on inside of you; the way you look is a biography of your lifestyle.

I can usually determine if someone is healthy or unhealthy, active or sedentary, happy or depressed by their appearance.

When diagnosing a problem, doctors typically look at the outside of your body before looking at the inside.

As long as we are alive, we are meant to keep on living.

What matters is not the amount of years we live, but what we do with the years we have.

If you are unhappy with your present body or health, or just want to improve it, change it now.

The longer you put something off, the longer it will take you to reap its rewards.

Renowned Performance Trainer in the field of Business and Self-Development, Nikk Zorbas passionately helps people dream big and release their potential from within. Nikk is the Best-Selling author of “Discovering Your Personal Power” and has recently released his second book “Discover Your Business Power” now available on Amazon.com. To learn more visit: www.DiscoverYourBusinessPower.com

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view on EDUCATION

Education - it Does the Body Good

By Dr. Erin O’Brien

Public education is seen as the engine for the American dream. Colleges and Universities tout the job prospects of their graduates. In Utah, Governor Herbert and the state legislature adopted a goal of “66 by 2020,” in which they hope to increase the percentage of adults in Utah with a college degree to 66% to improve their employment opportunities and the state economy. During the most recent recession, people with college degrees were less likely to be unemployed than those without and people with postgraduate degrees were even less likely to be unemployed. On the flip side, some people suggest that the importance of higher education in professional life may be overstated, especially in light of the cost at some schools.

However, recent research suggests that your career is not the only thing impacted by a college degree. It turns out that people who have more education are happier and healthier compared to their less educated peers.

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The association between education and health has been shown repeatedly in a variety of populations. Using data collected in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), researchers tracked respondents who were over 25 at the time of the survey for five years. Four additional years of education reduces the five year mortality rate from 11% to 9.2%. The expected lifespan of college graduates compared to those who do not finish high school is at least five years longer regardless of gender (78.4 vs 83.5 for women and 72.9 vs. 79.7 for men). Along with living longer, more educated people are less likely to smoke, drink a lot, or be overweight and they have a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. In the NHIS, people with more education were less likely to report that they have had an acute or chronic illness and they were less likely to report being depressed. Four more years of education reduces the likelihood of fair or poor health (compared to good) by 6% and reduces the number of sick days a person takes by almost three days.

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The benefits of education are not limited to the student. The infant mortality rate for mothers who are college graduates is half that for mothers who didn’t finish high school. An educated mother has an effect on her child’s health that more than compensates for early issues such as low birth weight, something often tied to poor academic performance. Children of educated mothers go on to stay healthier throughout their lives and are much more likely to finish college. The children of parents with a doctoral or professional degree have a 73.3% chance of graduating from college, while the children of parents who never finished high school only have a 5.9% chance of graduating and the rate doesn’t improve much for parents who only graduated from high school at only 13.3%.

Many researchers are trying to determine the cause for the observed association between education and health. Better health is known to improve academic performance for obvious

reasons including improved attendance and focus. However, some studies have been able to control for that effect and still find that education still has a positive impact on health. More education results in higher incomes with college graduates earning almost double what high school graduates earn over their lifetimes. With more money, people generally have access to healthier food and safer homes. More education also reduces the risk of unemployment and the jobs more educated people have tend to have better working conditions and are more likely to provide health insurance.

More educated people also tend to have more flexibility with their jobs which allows them time to take care of their health, making doctor appointments and taking time off to recover before problems become acute. This flexibility is also likely one of the reasons of the effect on the children of educated parents since caregiving is easier with more flexibility. At Dixie State University it is certainly one of the benefits many of my students want with their future careers. Dentistry and dental hygiene are both popular choices with students because of the perceived flexibility in work schedules. Of course dentists make considerably more and that income provides additional flexibility.

I know a local dentist and mother who works three days a week so that she can be home with her children more and yet her income is higher than that of any full-time dental hygienist I know. There are also factors that could influence both education and health including some basic personality traits and having social support from family and friends. None of these factors alone is able to explain the full impact of education on health, so it is likely that they all play a role.

Research into the effect of education on health has led a number of health advocacy groups to promote education programs.

American children are less likely to finish college than their parents (unlike in many other countries) and so education is a national issue for economic reasons on many levels. In the United States, an additional year of education has such an impact on health that is translates into an approximate lifetime savings of $17,700. It seems that education is not only the engine for the American Dream, but it is also one of the best investments in your health.

Dr. Erin O’Brien 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.

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view on TRAVEL

Head South of the Border For Your Next Golf Vacation!

By Celece Seegmiller

earning the loudest raves. The 7th and 15th holes play right to the edge of the Caribbean Sea with the sand and the spray punctuating the breeze.

In the distance is one of the world’s largest coral reefs and the island of Cozumel.

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There is a little piece of paradise where beautiful resorts line white sandy beaches and translucent turquoise waves crash on the shore. It’s Mexico’s most-visited area and it features everything from Mayan ruins, to five star resorts, to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. This slice of heaven is known as the Riviera Maya, located 42 miles south of Cancun. It is also home to the fabulous Mayakoba Resort and the El Camaleón Mayakoba. The El Camaleón made history in 2007 as the first golf course to host an official PGA TOUR event in Mexico and the first official PGA TOUR event ever held outside of the United States or Canada.

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Designed by the legendary Greg Norman, the 7,000 yard layout is unique. As its name suggests, El Camaleón is ever changing. The stunning Playa del Carmen golf course bends through three distinct landscapes – dense jungle, mangrove forests, and stunning, oceanfront stretches of sand, and is bisected by massive, limestone canals.

Norman has even incorporated a cenote, an ancient underground cavern and river system, into the center of the opening fairway. From the tips, El Camaleón is a major league test, a real Shark bite. However, each hole is sprinkled with a minimum of four tee blocks, so there is a distance for players of every skill level.

While each hole shines with its own particular magic, it’s this Riviera Maya golf course’s par 3s that already are

Even though this Riviera Maya golf course is a standout, the surrounding golf amenities are equally as impressive. The adjoining practice facilities are among the best in Mexico and include a double-ended, 350 yard driving range, and a 20,000 square foot short game area with putting and chipping greens. The Jim McLean Golf School at Mayakoba features a two-bay SuperStation (with the ability to expand to three bays at any given time). Students will benefit from the latest technology in golf analysis computer software as well as highly personalized instruction programs crafted by certified Jim McLean Master Instructors.

After a challenging day on the course, return to luxurious accommodations at the Fairmont Mayakoba. The Fairmont consists of 401 rooms and villas spread through 47 acres of indigenous jungle. Each room offers a unique view of the Caribbean Sea, golf course, mangroves, or lagoons and jungle. Retreat to the Willow Stream Spa, consisting of 20 treatment rooms (including a unique couple’s suite in the treetops) and two mineral pools and steam rooms. A full-service health club and beauty salon are also available. If you choose to take the family along, Fairmont Mayakoba’s Discovery Club & Adventure Camp offers programs filled with culture and educational fun for even the youngest traveler. Designed as a tree house, kids will be welcomed by Zamna the gnome, Iggi the iguana, Chamu the monkey and Balam the jaguar!

Fairmont Mayakoba’s various areas are connected by a series of lagoons, enabling easy movement throughout the resort community using complementary “lanchas,” a covered canal boat service, as well as a network of well-marked nature trails. Bicycles and staff-driven electric golf carts are also available. Beachgoers and sun worshipers will not want to miss the stunning sugar-soft beach or five swimming pools located throughout the

view on TRAVEL

property including a 10,000 square foot free-form pool and waterslide, a children’s play pool, and an adults-only infinity edge pool overlooking the lagoon.

There are plenty of dining options to satisfy every palate: La Laguna Grill & Bar, an al fresco restaurant set in a tropical atmosphere; Las Brisas is an elegant seaside restaurant featuring fresh seafood; El Puerto, and Café Maya, a sunrise-to-sunset market cafe. Tropical cocktails, sushi and live music are offered in the Lobby Lounge. For guests that don’t want to leave the pool, a swim up bar is available at Las Olas.

beaches on the planet. Your most difficult decision is whether you spend the day visiting eco parks like Xel Ha and Xcaret, discovering the awe-inspiring Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba, indulging in the water sports of deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, just relaxing on the beach, or of course - playing golf at El Camaleón Mayakoba! *Course information and photos courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba

Travel Connection customers, Wyatt Larsen and his family, recently stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba. He traveled with his wife Lindsey and two daughters, Olivia (7) and Claire (3). They loved the resort and returned with the following review:

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are easily accessible with flights from St. George or Las Vegas and within 6.5 hours, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful

Celece Seegmiller is the local owner of The Travel Connection, located at 1386 E. 100 South in the Bell Tower Courtyard in St. George.

For more information, please call 435-628-3636 or email her at celece@stgeorgetravel.com

www.viewonsouthernutah.com

“I found the Fairmont Mayakoba to be an excellent destination for families. The hotel was very well done with accommodations that would appeal to discerning travelers and a level of service to match. The staff was very friendly and eager to make your stay enjoyable. The resort is amazing and offers a stunning white sand beach with a beachfront infinity pool, enormous family pool and waterslide, and a top shelf golf course. The food was excellent and so much better than what you would find at one of the all inclusive resorts. There were also great food options for kids at each of the hotel restaurants and best of all, children under the age of 7 eat for free. In my view, the Mayakoba is one of the best family oriented resorts in Mexico and I would definitely go back. I thank Celece and her team at The Travel Connection for introducing us to this hotel and for making our trip so great. They took care of all of the details to a level where we simply had to show up and enjoy ourselves.”

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The 10th Anniversary of the St. George Book Festival!

By Virginia S Grenier - Director, St. George Book Festival Every October, which is National Book Month, marks a time when writers around the State of Utah band together to celebrate literacy with their communities. It’s a time to share not only new works by debut, best-selling and award-winning authors, but a time to share treasured stories from our childhood by great authors who have long passed away. My personal favorite is Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations (1861): “I only saw a man who had meant to be my benefactor, and who had felt affectionately, gratefully, and generously, towards me with great constancy through a series of years.”

It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading.

Something that will stretch their imaginations--something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.”

~ Katherine Patterson, author of Bridge to Terabithia

Even though Dickens was writing about a young boy named Pip, who was given an opportunity to become more than what society expected, the quote resonates with me personally and I believe it is very relevant to the St. George Book Festival.

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The St. George Book Festival is the only one of its kind in Southern Utah. It is an author-rich opportunity to meet engaging

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writers and have conversations about their ideas and books.

This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the St. George Book Festival. This free annual festival is an amazing gift from the City of St. George in conjunction and with the support of the Utah Humanities Council and its many sponsors, allowing all of us to explore all sorts of ideas by interacting with great writers not only from across Utah, but within our local community as well.

This year, there are locations all over the St. George community hosting festival activities throughout its weeklong event from October 19 to October 24, 2015. The motto of the St. George Book Festival this year: One Pen, One Idea, One Reader’s Journey.

It is estimated that approximately 318.9 million people over the age of 16 in the United States can only read at an elementary school age level. Statistically that is 9.4% of our total population. The state of Utah currently has a population of 2.943 million people, at the rate of 9.4% this means 276,642 Utahns are illiterate and lack the skills to read, write and problem solve. To localize that issue, Washington County has 151,948 residents, statistically speaking at 9.4% that means 14,283 of our neighbors are illiterate today. Research has shown that children of illiterate parents often continue a cycle of poverty, and increased crime and homelessness. Unfortunately, simple job applications, medication instructions, roads and more remain beyond the current capabilities of our illiterate residents. Our goal at the St. George Book Festival is to ignite and inspire our community to promote literacy programs and end this cycle.

Over the last ten years, the St. George Book Festival has had an impact on the St. George community not

in Southern Utah and the St. George community. We are passionately dedicated to literacy and the vital role it plays in all of our lives, and the future success of generations to come.

We look forward to seeing our community throughout the book festival week. The complete program is available at www.stgeorgebookfestival.org.

only through business revenue and economic opportunity, but also through events devoted to books, literacy awareness and the arts. Though purists may cite the negative impact of various media formats of today and their effects on our youngsters, in fact, reading shows no signs of decline. This year as Director of the St. George Book Festival, my committee and I are excited about this year’s event. Our 10th Anniversary will be marked with our biggest festival ever! With e-book and audio book sales increasing, books in newer and more innovative forms are set to flourish.

Our thanks to the St. George Book Festival’s major sponsors: the City of St. George, Utah Humanities Council, Dixie State University, the Washington County School District, St. George Children’s Museum, Washington County Library System, the George S and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the R. Harold Burton Foundation, Chevron, the Utah Office of Tourism, Target, Dixie Applied Technology College and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This has led to community support not only from local writing groups such as the Heritage Writers Guild (a chapter of the League of Utah Writers), but also from the Washington County School District, Washington Library System, St. George Children’s Museum, Dixie Applied Technology College, members of the Utah Nonprofits Association, local businesses and Dixie State University.

We have also seen an increase in attendees from outside the St. George community over the last few years. Book lovers and writers from Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado and Northern Utah have joined in the book festival activities and literacy programs, allowing us more opportunities to enhance and enrich the lives of those living in the St. George community.

The mission of the St. George Book Festival is to foster the growth and development of the arts and literacy culture

Friday, Oct. 23rd from 6pm to 9pm The Annual Charity Dinner allows our community to support not just the St. George Book Festival, but also the different community organizations that help promote literacy in our communities--the Washington County Library System, Washington County School District Foundation and St. George Children’s Museum!

The night will be one you won’t forget, with St. George City Mayor Jon Pike to provide our guest Welcome, actor-comedian-writer Joe Niptoe as master of ceremonies and director-actor-writer Craig Clyde as the Keynote speaker.

Attendees will have the unique privilege of dining with more than a dozen best-selling and award-winning authors, all while supporting our fight against illiteracy through ticket sales and our Silent Auction sales.

Make a difference in our community with the St. George Book Festival!

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Many leaders in history enhanced their education by reading when they could. Gandhi and Nelson Mandela have described how they used their long spells in prison to read books as well as conceptualize books of their own, helping them share their vision with others. Even today, in our fast-paced world, many people rely on books to help them through difficult times, to cope with crises, and to transform their lives.

Learn more and support literacy by attending the Annual Literacy Charity Dinner!

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view on OUTDOORS

When Adventures Go Wrong Search and Rescue in Southern Utah

By Karen L. Monsen A “Walk in the Park” can quickly turn to rescue or survival when individuals overestimate their skills or underestimate hazards. First Responders who routinely aid the unfortunate and unprepared deserve our gratitude and support for answering calls when adventures go wrong.

Zion Search and Rescue (SAR) From January−May 2015, Zion SAR responded to 35 incidents (12 major). In the entire year 2014, they responded to 80 incidents (29 major). When expenses reach $500, SARs become major and are paid from a regional account; non-majors are primarily covered under Law Enforcement. Andrew Fitzgerald, a 12-year veteran Park Ranger and Zion’s SAR Program Coordinator emphasizes, “We do not charge for rescues. We would rather people call us than not call us because they don’t think they can afford it.”

Rangers have performed rescues since the park’s inception, yet training standards were not formalized until the mid-1990s. After confirming a call, the Incident Commander determines the resources needed. Fitzgerald elaborates, “Once confirmed, there is a tried and true formula. The acronym is LAST: Locate, Access, Stabilize, and Transport. Often we will send in a “hasty team” consisting of a medic and an EMT with medical equipment. They will get on scene and let the Incident Commander know what further resources are required.”

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Equipment and Volunteers Equipped to handle any park rescue, the SAR van holds pulleys,

Photo Courtesy of Andrew P. Fitzgerald

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carabiners, wheeled litters, and 1200-foot ropes. For road-based rescues, they have hydraulic tools to extract people from cars. Neighboring Rockville Springdale Fire Department has a reciprocal arrangement and St. George, Kanab, Page, and even Salt Lake City lend services. Fitzgerald adds, “We have a short haul program here at Zion. Several of our rescuers are trained short haul attendants. That is where if a helicopter can’t land anywhere near the patient we will fly in a rescuer attached to a rope on the belly of the helicopter, then package the patient and fly back out. When short haul is required we use the helicopter from Grand Canyon National Park.”

As canyoneering becomes more popular, technical rope rescues increase. Paid employees and approximately 35 volunteers are available for rescues. Fitzgerald explains his team classifications, “We have three different categories: SAR 1— these are generally our most experienced folks who have trained for and been on many technical rescues involving rope work, helicopters etc. These are people we can use to fill any role on a given SAR. The next group is SAR 2—these are people who have gone through a certain level of training for technical SAR, but are not at the SAR 1 level yet; this is the largest group of responders.

Finally, there is SAR All—these are people who have passed the fitness requirement but have no technical skills; they are great to have for simple carry outs which are our most common type of rescue.”

view on OUTDOORS To keep skills sharp, Zion offers once-a-month training —usually with technical rope work, a 3-day basic and a 5-day advanced rope rescue, and sends individuals to classes held at Canyonlands National Park.

Per Fitzgerald, public outreach involves prevention and flash flood safety lectures, “Our main message is one of prevention. Our environment here at Zion is dynamic and changes happen suddenly and forcefully. We ask that Photo Courtesy of Bo Beck people planning trips at Zion honestly evaluate their skills, fitness level, and ability. We ask that people keep a close watch on the weather and be willing to change their plans rather than press on at all costs.”

Washington County SAR (WCSAR) Like Zion, Washington County assembles paid and volunteer teams to answer calls in an area covering 2500 square miles.

From January−May 2015, WCSAR experienced 57 calls, already exceeding the 44 calls of the prior 12 months in 2014. Whether it was a warmer winter, or just more people out hiking and biking, Darrell Cashin, Search & Rescue Liaison and Washington County Sheriff Deputy, wonders if this is the new norm, “We have a lot more mountain biking calls than last year, a marked increase, and a lot of hiking people getting lost or injured on hikes especially around Snow Canyon and the Red Mountain area.”

George in 2009. He co-authored two books, “Favorite Hikes In & Around Zion National Park” and “Flash Floods & Falls: Deaths & Rescues in Zion National Park.”

Beck describes his first Zion SAR encounter in 1996, “I was asked to rappel off of the cliff band north of Angels Landing and station myself about 300’ down on a climbing route named Sheer Lunacy, to await rescue by the newly formed Zion National Park High Angle team.” Following that training exercise, Beck was asked to instruct high angle rescue classes. Per Beck, “High Angle Rescue deals in the techniques that assist in a more vertical realm, or with techniques used to overcome obstacles in the vertical realm. Training would take place one full day a month and a one-week training each year. Not only were the trainings focused on high angle, but involved swiftwater rescue operations, tight space operations, night operations, and large scale search management operations.”

Having assisted with over 100 rescues, Beck has experienced the worst and the best—from the emotionally difficult recovery of a friend’s body following a fatal fall on Angel’s Landing to the heartfelt appreciative hug from a family member one year after a successful rescue.

Attributing the increase in call-outs to lack of preparation and research, Beck advises, “It’s up to the public to make themselves prepared. Practice makes perfect. Start small and grow with the activity. Don’t just jump in headfirst. Study, practice, study some more, practice some more.” He emphasizes, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew and learn to know it’s okay to turn around.”

Southern Utah provides many opportunities for adventure recreation. Thanks to Zion and Washington County Search and Rescue units and their supporting volunteers, most individuals who require assistance can quickly return outdoors even following adventures that go wrong.

Cashin’s advice to the public, “I want them to enjoy the outdoors, but I want them to know the areas where they are going and prepare for the unexpected. Take extra water and light jackets; even though it’s 106 degrees in the desert, at night it gets cold. I want them to be prepared so if something unexpected happens they have the capability of calling and handling it and waiting for us to come.”

Rescue Volunteer Bo Beck With a 19-year history of canyoneering and Zion rescues, Bo Beck volunteers, trains, and advises outdoor enthusiasts so they can safely enjoy their adventures. Beck owns the Desert Rat, a camping, hiking, climbing, outfitter retail store that opened in St.

Karen L. Monsen is a freelance writer who lives in St. George, Utah. She covers outdoor topics, nature, science, research, and human impacts.

www.viewonsouthernutah.com

WCSAR, structured under the Sheriff’s office, has a staff of 150 people and draws from 74 volunteers for ground searching, high angle, dive team, and swift water rescues. WCSAR is a licensed EMS (emergency medical services) provider and they work closely with municipal Fire and Police Departments and other EMS responders in the county.

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To Begin October 5, 2015

By Kyle M Case Photos Courtesy of SG Photo The 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 2014, the Games welcomed 10,856 athletes to St. George, a new participation record. 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 68 different countries at the event.

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This year, the Games offer 27 different sports. From archery to volleyball, individual events to team sports, there is something for everyone.

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One of the unique things about the Games 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.

Part of the success of the Games is attributed to the philosophy founded in the early years of providing much more than just a sporting event.

“The Games are 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 6, the Games will officially welcome the athletes at the Grand 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 Hansen 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 have also hosted motivational speakers, 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.

In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, the Games host the free Concert and Celebration on Tuesday, October 13. This upbeat show takes place in the Dixie State University Burn Arena at 7:00 p.m. and will feature The British Invasion Tribute. More than just The Beatles, The British Invasion Tribute’s performance is three shows in one. First, you may hear classic songs by iconic British groups such as The Zombies, The Moody Blues, Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits, and more. Following that, you get the American musical “response” with memorable hits by celebrated

artists such as The Monkees, The Turtles, The Mamas & The Papas, and Tommy James & The Shondells, to name just a few.

This retrospective concludes with an extraordinary finale paying tribute to the four lads from Liverpool who started it all, The Beatles!

Also featured this year is the Global-Cup – World Senior Volleyball Championships. This invitation only tournament will feature the very best women’s volleyball players in the world hailing from Canada, Germany, Lithuania, USA, and other countries. The teams are comprised of former World and National Champions. The Global Cup takes place from Monday, October 12 through Thursday, October 15.

For additional information on the Games or any of its events, visit the web at www.seniorgames.net or call the Games office at 800-562-1268.

October 5 - 17, 2015 www.seniorgames.net www.facebook.com/worldseniorgames www.youtube.com/worldseniorgames

*Challenge Yourself ... Challenge the World*

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view on INSPIRATION

Don’t Weigh Me

By Charlene Paul Three-quarters of this year have passed since I first wrote about my decision to drop a thousand pounds in the first two weeks of 2015. For those who might think I have lost my mind, let me explain.

On top of my New Year’s Resolution List for 2015 was that old standby, losing weight and getting back in shape. But this year I decided to tackle it in a different way.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I belonged to a group of women who posted our weight losses or gains each week. One week a team member logged in a 101.4 pound weight loss – in one week!

We all knew it was a mistake, and she changed it to a 1.4 pound weight loss. But I thought about that first number as I wrote my resolutions this year, and figured if I played my cards right, I could beat that first number by almost ten times – in two weeks. Ridiculous? A thousand pounds in two weeks?! That’s right.

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My physical weight has gotten the best of me for well over a decade. I have tried too many diet plans and gimmicks to even count. If I had all the money I’ve spent on powders, books, special food, memberships, and a host of other diet doodads, I could probably buy a very nice luxury car. And I have even been successful with some of this stuff, only to revert to old habits and watch the pounds come back.

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But there was a glorious day when it hit me that the weight I was really battling wasn’t mine at all. I looked in the mirror, past my face and hair, past my hips and waist, straight to my drooping

shoulders and slouching posture. And it hit me: I had piled so much on my shoulders that my mind and body were straining under the weight. I had to do something, and I had to do it that very day.

So I made the decision to give my family members back their lives, their challenges, their blunders, and their lapses in judgment. This little ditty by LeGrand Richards became my mantra: “For every worry under the sun there is a remedy or there is none; if there is a remedy hurry and find it. If there is none never mind it.”

And you know what? For the first time in many years, the weight started to come off. I actually felt like exercising and eating well. I found myself accomplishing daily, weekly, and monthly goals. I was able to help my family members without taking on their issues. And I enjoyed my grandchildren more than I ever had.

By the end of March, I lost twenty-five pounds and one pant size. I was losing weight from the top down, but even that didn’t bother me. You see, I gain weight from the bottom up, and lose it from the top down, but that is a discussion for another day.

And then I slowly fell back into old habits and patterns. I started to get a little careless with my thoughts and habits. I started worrying about stuff that wasn’t mine to worry about. I held onto problems that weren’t mine to figure out. I fretted over the price of gas, whether or not I could find the freshest produce, and the fact that after a woman reaches her forties her eyelashes begin to thin. In short, that shoulder weight crept back on,

view on INSPIRATION

Down... Revisited and before I knew it, my new pants were a little snug, and I had put on ten pounds.

I am down thirty-five pounds. It would have been forty-five, but I had to lose ten pounds twice.

I almost gave up and decided that I would get back on track another day or another week or another month or another year. But then I got an email from a very wise woman who told me she understood about emotional snags that hold us back. She said, “Anyone can work out and lose weight or learn to eat real food, but without balance, nothing will stick. Getting so wrapped up in life sometimes sidetracks us from what brings us joy.”

We all travel down different roads with curves, switchbacks, dips, potholes, and straight-aways.

Finding joy on that road brings balance. And with that balance comes even more joy.

I stared at the computer monitor and wondered how she could possibly cut through all my mental clutter and get right to the heart of the matter. I was working so hard to get through each day with its obligations and rituals that I had forgotten to look for the joy in my journey. With tears rolling down my face, I went back to mirror and took a good, hard look at myself. Yep, those shoulders drooped and that posture slouched. And when I really looked into my own eyes, I saw no light.

Gas prices will continue to fluctuate, produce might not always be fresh, and my eyelashes might all fall out, but I’m alive and each new sunrise brings with it the promise of a new day.

So if your New Year’s Resolution has fallen on hard times, go to your mirror and look deeply into your beautiful eyes and find the joy in your life.

Free yourself of weight that isn’t yours to carry and don’t let life weigh you down.

So where am I now? My husband and I moved into a new home, new for us, and I have been busy getting it organized. At first, the thought of the fourth major move in as many years almost paralyzed me, but I’m trying to find joy in this journey. The work has been back-breaking, and the days have been long, but we are so blessed to be in our own home. www.viewonsouthernutah.com

I am working to get myself back on track with healthy eating and exercise, and as of this printing,

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Recipe for Life Fitness, Food and Nutrition - Keeping it simple

By Jennifer Hammond IIN Certified Health/Wellness/Nutrition Coach, CrossFit L-1 Trainer

Someone recently asked me, “Why do I need a health coach if I have access to all this information on the internet?” Well, we all do, but each piece of information says something that seems to contradict the next. We have information overload!

The goal happens to be the same - to live a long, happy, healthy life. That is Color Me Rad 5K where a Health Coach can be useful. We break down your recipe for life, what you need to do to start living.

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Every person is different but the KISS (Keep It Super Simple) rule applies to healthy living. Here are some of the simple rules that I live by, and if you try to incorporate just one of these, you may find the journey of life a little more enjoyable.

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Take time for yourself We seem to give and give. From taking children to activities, making dinner for the family, attending to pets, focusing on our jobs...the list doesn’t seem to end. We end up taking time off when we get sick, right? But if you are making time for yourself, you will find that you get sick less often. Fact!

Listen to your body I see a lot of people who go to the gym and overwork their bodies. Or people who are dieting and complain that they are always hungry. This doesn’t have to be the case if you are listening to your body. Moderation in a workout is key.

High Intensity Training can be very beneficial as long as you are not pushing yourself to extremes. Don’t lift weights if they are putting you in pain. Also make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly. Have a trained professional observe you and correct movements. If you are dieting,

also listen to your body. If you are hungry, you should eat, but you need to be eating the right combinations that will fill you sufficiently and keep your blood sugar from spiking or falling. Keeping a food journal is really helpful to know what foods work to keep your fuel up. But listen to your body!

Change up your exercise routine If you are not seeing the results that you want to see in your workouts, then change them up. If you are not exercising now, start slowly to prevent injury. Don’t rush off to the gym and pick up the weights that you “used” to do or try to compete with the guy next to you. The only person you need to compete with is yourself! Half the battle is starting the workout!

Check in with an exercise buddy I know when I workout I love to have someone that I go to the gym with or that I can call, text or Facebook with to keep each other on track. Accountability is the best way to keep moving forward. Have you set a goal? Let people know and help cheer you on. Positive energy is contagious!

Is this the right gym for you?

If you go to a hair salon, you wouldn’t spend your hard earned money for a bad hair cut. Why would you pay money for a gym that didn’t give you the results you wanted? Take the time to meet the owner or trainer.

What are their qualifications? Are they concerned with proper exercise technique? Are there a lot of injuries at this gym? Make sure the gym is the right fit for you. If you are interested in more stretching, try yoga. If your desire is to become stronger, I highly recommend working with a trainer for even a short amount of time to ensure proper technique. If they are only interested in how much you can lift, move on. They should be concerned with your safety as well. Don’t assume all gyms are the same. Find the one that feels right.

Learn to love your kitchen I found myself in a rut when I was raising children that

made being in the kitchen a chore that I dreaded. I felt that I had to create elaborate meals every day that would take forever! I thought that buying gadgets to “spice things up” would help, but I just spent a lot of money and ended up needing to expand my already bulging pantry. What I have found now is that keeping recipes simple and cooking in quantity is helpful. I also love to enlist help from others in the house and hopefully I am teaching them helpful skills as well.

Eat REAL food!

It honestly pains me to stand in line at the grocery store and look at the boxes that people pile onto the conveyor belt. It’s very simple - we are what we eat. If we eat processed, boxed food, we will feel like processed food.

If we eat beautiful, colorful vegetables and limited fruits, we are consuming energy! I like to tell people that they are eating sunshine. I am not a vegetarian (although I have tried it for over a year before), but I know how important it is to get vitamins and minerals from the earth.

Find your joy in nature!” ~ Jennifer Hammond

Dont be afraid to start over, you are creating your own masterpiece When starting out on a health journey, don’t beat yourself up if you fall back into your old ways. Just get back on track and move forward. Keeping positive thoughts will help you to make the best choices.

Keep it simple!

I recommend to people that they don’t try to change everything at once. Choose 3 things at the most to change at one time. These should be small, attainable goals. Work on them for a few weeks and then move forward to new goals. Even if it is drinking more water or adding more greens to your diet, set goals that you can reach and then celebrate the small victories!

Life is a journey, not a destination. Find joy along your path!

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Find Joy! This is the one thing that almost all of us need help with.

When we see so many bad things happening in the world, we need to make an effort to find the good as well. Find your joy. It can be found in nature, in a smile, a hello, a hug or maybe a phone call. Have you brought joy to someone’s life today? Spreading joy can be your new goal. It’s an amazing feeling to live with joy.

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a l C a t n Sa

s y a D s s i w S a r

view on VOLUNTEERISM

Making the Difference Southern Utah Nonprofits:

Successful & Giving Back to the Community

Billy Wilkin, Capturing A Dream “Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” ~ Rumi

By Dawn McLain

www.viewonsouthernutah.com

Everyone has heard the phrase “do what you love, and love what you do” before. For many of us, this sounds great in theory, but seems a lot more complex when we try to put it into action. I mean, isn’t that why we kick off our weeks with Manic Mondays and celebrate our TGIFs around lunchtime on Friday?

Honestly, by definition alone, the word “work” and the word “play” are polar opposites.

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dream or need, and then we make documentaries detailing the process and experience of our ‘Dreamers’ and their families as we turn those dreams into reality.” The end result is not just an experience, it is a live, tangible memory that can be saved and shared for generations to come.

Billy Wilkin is a DSU Alumnus, owner of Silly Billy Media, a media corporation that produces commercials, infomercials, film, public service announcements and more.

In his spare time, Billy enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family and friends.

Bridging the gap between the two concepts has been discussed for centuries in nearly every culture around the globe. Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

I believe he truly has found the pathway to successfully connect the world of work and our worlds in general. Passion is the pathway that allows us all to traverse between these two worlds with zeal and success.

For this issue, I had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Wilkin, Executive Director of Capturing A Dream (CAD). CAD is a brand new nonprofit organization in Southern Utah, and its director is an engaged community member and volunteer who has found a way to harness his passion for film making and give back to benefit a segment of our community that truly has a need for services like CAD’s and an appreciation for what they do.

Capturing A Dream is an organization that fulfills the wishes of the terminally ill and disabled children. Billy explains, “We are much like the Make-A-Wish foundation. We aim to fulfill a

Billy is an energetic and creative soul.

These characteristics spill over into the quality of work he produces... and he’s so much fun to work with. He brought a fresh perspective to the table when we were brainstorming ideas about a video for Girls on the Run of Southern Utah. It’s always enjoyable working with Billy!” ~ Melissa Miller

Wilkin is a Dixie state University Alumnus and has lived in southern Utah for 24 years. After more than two decades in Washington County, he considers himself a Dixie native. As a Dixie native – or native from any other community for that matter – he has always believed that good communities are supported by involved citizens. Thus, he has been an advocate for legislation involving and benefiting Southern Utah, whether it be

view on VOLUNTEERISM

I have worked with Billy for more than a year as part of the Utah Nonprofits Association Southern Utah Committee and he is always the first to raise his hand to help, offer services and expertise and so much more. As a media professional, his expertise is invaluable and we appreciate all he does for our committee and community as well.” ~ Michael DeMille, Southern Utah Cares

local, state, or federal, he has “tried to concern myself for what is right for my community, my neighbors, my family and friends.”

It was this dedication, coupled with being a non-traditional DSU student, that brought Wilkin and his Chairman of the Board, Darren Chase, together. At the time, both were film majors, had worked on documentaries, DocUtah, various commercials and other video based projects. More importantly, both students wanted to do more. Initially, the two had little in common except their love of film making.

After filming one day, the two had lunch together and began brainstorming and sharing ideas. “He [Darren] told me of this crazy thing he wanted to do. I personally thought it was great, kind of like I think Santa Claus is great – after all, this is a great gift. He really was on to something in the way of personal fulfillment, which I admired in him and aspired to do more of in the future. But, at the time, I was a full time student with a wife and four kids at home. It was hard for me to picture what CAD would look like back then. However, I was once told, “the greatness you don’t see for yourself, is simply you not seeing yourself for what you are.” Billy explained, “It resonated with me. The more I thought about the ideas we shared over lunch, I began to understand and see what Darren was trying to accomplish. I felt inspired, and compelled to help. Before long it became my dream too.”

I left my interview with Billy thinking, quite frankly, how could anyone not want to participate in a project like this? Wilkin and Chase are currently raising capital for upcoming projects, and researching potential stories for Capturing A Dream. To learn more about how you can support their efforts, donate to a specific project, volunteer, or to submit a Dream Nomination, please contact Capturing A Dream today.

Billy Wilkin, Executive Director Capturing A Dream “Providing non-profit needs, in documentary format.” billy.wilkin@capturingadream.org Cell: 435-229-1051 Dawn McLain is the Owner/President of Write It Up!, Write It Up! is 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.

www.viewonsouthernutah.com

In March of 2015, the duo first founded Capturing A Dream.

Their vision is to simply capture the dreams of those in need, and to provide their experience to their families. Their stories are heartfelt, poignant, insightful and often times delightful.

The power of a gift like this can be life-changing and soul affirming.

When I asked Billy about what motivated him to start a nonprofit organization and to volunteer, he told me that the reasons would make a very long list, but at the top are his family, and the great friends who have supported him through some pretty tough times over the years.

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view on DESIGN

Design Elements: Inspiring Your Home Workout Zone

By Helen Houston Creamer I used to feel guilty every time I would pass by my exercise bike in my bedroom. I knew I should jump on that thing and ride like the wind every day. Then one day I hung my dry cleaning on the handle bars. Soon after a pair of jeans showed up, and before I knew it, the bike became an extension of my closet. Voilá!

No more guilt. I couldn’t see the bike any longer. I know you know what I’m talking about.

Whether you have an exercise bike in your bedroom, a corner devoted to yoga or an entire home gym, finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part. Here are a few design elements to give your home workout zone (and you, too) a jolt of inspiration.

Mirrors Mirrors are helpful for checking proper form when lifting weights or doing yoga and can boost light in a space with few windows.

That doesn’t mean you have to install a gym-size wall of mirrors.

Try leaning a row of full-length mirrors against the wall for a budget-friendly option.

Non-Slip Floors Proper flooring can prevent injuries, and an attractive floor will make your workout zone more inviting. Hardwood floors can be left bare, but if you want a softer area for floor exercises, be sure to use a non-slip material. Rubber flooring can sometimes leave an unpleasant odor and lessens the “comfort value” of the zone. Green, sustainable carpets with low VOC ( volatile organic compound) helps reduce the odor and are a better choice environmentally and look great.

Lighting Even if you are lucky to have a workout room with plenty of windows, overhead lighting can help with motivation while working out. A well-lit exercise zone brings energy to the space, artificial or natural.

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Air Circulation Consider installing overhead fans or use quiet circulating fans to keep the air moving properly. Moving air can help cool you down while exercising, but also helps avoid creating stagnant, smelly spaces.

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Gear Storage Avoid the pile up of weights and props by including shelving in your workout zone. Sturdy baskets or kitchen/ bar carts work well if your space doesn’t allow for a large shelving unit. If you are using a section of a larger room as your home gym, a backless bookcase can do double duty as storage and a space divider.

Sights and Sounds Whether you use instructional videos to guide your home workouts or just want to watch a show while doing cardio, having a TV in a home gym is a big draw. If a full-size TV won’t work in your room, a stand for your tablet can get the job done.

Not so into TV? Crank up the tunes with a compact stereo that works with your MP3 or smart phone. Boost motivation by taking the time to make playlists in advance that will suit the pace of your workout.

view on DESIGN Inspiring Art Whether you thrive on sports paraphernalia or encouraging slogans, frame and hang whatever will give you that extra boost during your workout. Prints, posters, photographs or slogans displayed in the zone will offer additional support as you exercise. Personalize your workout zone with art that speaks to you—a focal point. Consider one of your own vacation photos blown up to poster-size and pop it into an inexpensive frame as a low-cost design option.

Color Choose bold colors for energy. In general, bright colors such as gold, orange or neons create an energizing effect. Used properly and in the right amount, the correct color can bring a desired boost to your energy level.

refreshing additions like lemon, lime, cucumber slices, fresh sprigs of mint, or berries. Keep a carafe chilled in the fridge and grab it on your way to your workout zone.

The biggest challenge of a workout for me is just showing up. At the end of a long day, most of us would prefer to just head to the couch rather than the gym. Having the luxury and convenience of a workout zone right in your home just might be the motivation that helps you identify that perfect space and tailor it to your needs.

Helen Houston Creamer is the owner of Hues & Vues –Inspired Walls & Windows, a custom design studio located at : 350 Falcon Ridge Parkway Building #100 Suite #102, Mesquite, NV 702-346-0246 www.huesandvues.com

Pick mellow colors for a soothing effect. If you’re more of a yogi, go for softer shades.

Think about soft blues and greens which have a more calming effect.

Cool-Down Comforts There is something so motivating about a stack of neatly rolled, fresh white towels.

Line them up on a shelf or nestle them in a basket – either way they’ll make an attractive and useful addition to your workout zone.

One benefit of working out at home is that you don’t need to stick with plain bottled water. Experiment in the kitchen with

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Around Town

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George Streetfest July 3, 2015 George Streetfest on Main is a monthly first Friday celebration for promoting local artists, drawing tourism, and providing a consistent and reliable gathering place/event for families on a monthly basis. The program celebrated its second event on July 3rd with a bang – of thunder! Thankfully, the afternoon desert storm did not dampen the spirits of attendees who enjoyed a great night of art, vendors, food, alcoholic beverages, music and more!

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The goals of George Streetfest on Main are to increase downtown economy, build a rich sense of community in the heart of the City, and to provide a clean and safe nightlife entertainment option for local residents and tourists alike.

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Utah Nonprofits Association Team Service Day On June 15, 2015, the Utah Nonprofits Association Southern Utah Committee participated in its first (of many!) Team Service Day at Grace Episcopal Church’s Soup Kitchen. The team prepared a nutritious spaghetti and meatball lunch with rolls, fruit, cottage cheese, and cake for dessert. On site, more than 100 meals were served. Additional meals were packaged as “To Go,” ensuring a dinner meal for local families in need.

With DawnMcLain >>

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Donna MacBean Recognized as Utah State Lady Elk of the Year The Dixie Ladies of Elks held their Annual Utah State Elks Convention in Cedar City recently. The program included some of the many success stories of the Ladies of Elks, celebrated the impact of the organization in our local communities and recognized local members for their achievements. Local resident, Dixie Elks Chaplain and Ladies of Elks member Donna MacBean was named Utah State Lady Elk of the Year. MacBean received her citation because of her dedication to the nonprofit organization, piloting the Elks work at the community Soup Kitchen and leadership role in many fundraising events throughout the year. Congratulations to Donna for her hard work and diligence!

Nonprofit Night at Sunset on the Square June 26, 2015 Each year on the 4th Friday in June, Sunset on the Square hosts Nonprofit Night.

Nonprofit Night is always a crowd pleaser packed with lots of “extras.” This year the event featured a Golden Ticket Contest prior to the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The contest was sponsored by Brad Harr & Assoc. and Dealer Collision Center, with proceeds from Golden Ticket Candy Bar sales benefitting the St. George Children’s Museum.

In addition, the St. George Astronomy Club hosted their largest star gazing event yet right on site! Once darkness fell upon the park, telescopes were set up for night time stargazing, allowing attendees to see Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn - rings and all!

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To celebrate Nonprofit Night right, KCSG Television sponsored a prize for the best Nonprofit Booth. Judging was by audience applause with eSMART Camp for Girls taking the prize!

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A Vineyard Speaks To Me

By Laurie Nelson-Barker A vineyard speaks to me. Not literally, of course.

That would be a bit crazy and I am not quite ready to give up my grip on reality! I have the good fortune of living next to a vineyard in Dammeron Valley. There is something surreal and peaceful about such a remarkable piece of real estate. I don’t have to leave my house to visit wine country and I don’t have to find a dog and house sitter. I can sit on my screened porch, enjoy the breeze and watch a rather large lizard doing pushups on a tree. I can welcome my amazing new neighbor and imagine the final transformation of the fruit of the vine.

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Who could have envisioned putting vineyards in Dammeron Valley? Mark Bold did. Mark has a remarkable vision, and talent for earth friendly agriculture. There is an intensive, laborious and

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detailed process involved in the creation of a vineyard but the result is amazing. I watched the vineyard being born. So far, it has involved hours of planning, labor, and heavy equipment. When it rained relentlessly, the large earthmover got stuck in the mud. The small vines have survived intense, legendary Dammeron winds and heat. They must be protected from rabbits, deer, gophers and four wheeled humans. Cassidy helps supervise the operation. She is an energetic Border Collie that is Mark’s assistant. She works cheap and thus far, has managed to ignore the desperate pleas for attention from Forrest, our Dalmatian. She is dedicated to her job.

Mark is following the agricultural roots of his fatherin-law, Devire McAllister, who upon retirement from the Agricultural Department at Utah State University planted a vineyard on family property in St. George. When Devire passed, Mark planted vines of his own, Nebbiolo and Malbec, which tended to ripen a little early in the St. George heat.

He looked around the county for a place with cooler night temperatures and good soil.

Mark found Dammeron Valley.

Dammeron Valley is 15 miles north of St. George, Utah at an elevation around 4600 feet.

The valley is situated in a band of alluvial soil that runs on the east and west side of Utah State Route 18. This narrow strip of agricultural land is ideal for vineyards and orchards.

Dammeron Valley is comprised of a unique combination

of gravels made from sandstone and basalt (lava) mixed with glacial and dry riverbed sediments and a good amount of clay to hold in the moisture. Though a desert environment with warm days, the higher elevation allows for cooler summer evenings providing an extended hangtime for grapes. This increases sugar/acid balance and improves flavor. The water from the Dammeron Valley Water Works Company comes from crystal clear spring waters that are fed by deep aquifers below Pine Valley Mountain.

The vineyard was planted with the help and expertise of Dionysian Cellars of Layton, Utah who will use the first year’s harvest in about 2 years to establish a proof of concept for the quality of the vineyard’s grapes. IG Winery in Cedar City also has expressed interest. Five acres were planted in 2014 with eight different grape varietals: Malbec, Grenache, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Muscat Blanc, Semillon, Malvasia Bianca and Petit Syrah. This spring, two additional acres were planted. They will produce Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Verdejo and Pinot Noir grapes.

The Trend in Utah The demand for locally grown fruits, vegetables and agricultural products is growing throughout Utah. A new poll by Envision Utah underscores the value residents place on locally grown food and shows that in just seven years, people are feeling increasingly vulnerable about having a safe, high-quality food supply.

Dammeron Valley is a unique community. Developer, Brooks Pace, is keenly concerned about the environment and strives to maintain the natural beauty of the valley. He supports the Dammeron Valley Community Garden. His daughter and sonin-law, Nicki Pace and Randall Richards, owners of

Mark Bold believes that as demographics in Southern Utah change, the demand for locally produced wine will develop. The vines evoke memories from a time past when my friends and I spent entire days in orchards playing in the dirt and breathing unfiltered, outdoor air. Often, we enjoyed fruit from the trees in our yard and fresh vegetables from our gardens.

Dammeron Valley vineyards are a stimulus for nostalgia in a good way. Because of the efforts of Mark Bold and the Pace family, Dammeron Valley has and will continue to maintain its integrity. Green spaces, greenhouses and gardens flourish here and for me, those are the essentials for healthy, happy living. Open spaces, wilderness, agriculture and community cohesiveness are hard to find in one place. We found it and are devoted to keeping it.

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: brtrainers@gmail.com phone 435 574-9362 Website: www.formatianfitness.com.

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Utahns are sending us a loud message. They want agriculture to be treated with respect, they want it to grow and they want it to be enhanced,” said Robert Grow, Envision Utah’s president.

Painted Pony and George’s Corner restaurants in St. George, cultivate an organic garden in Dammeron.

I love the fact that much of the food served at both restaurants comes from the garden. There are also vegan options available at both places. That makes me happy. They speak my language.

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Ivins Heritage Days Heritage Days was created by the Ivins Historical Society and in its initial years consisted of a week of scattered activities, including the Red Mountain Elementary School Carnival, the fire department Open House, an evening in the park and free admission to Snow Canyon State park during the week. For a couple of years, Heritage Days tried to be an Art Festival, then in early 2012, discussion was brought before the City Council to either improve Heritage Days or abolish it. The former was chosen and a committee was formed to help direct the event.

The new format for the event was followed in 2013 and 2014, and proved to be very successful.

In the Fall of 2014 the City Council decided to combine the City’s Pioneer Day and Heritage Days into one event that will be held the third weekend in September.

Heritage Days is intended to be a community-centered event.

Keeping with this theme, Friday will include the Mayors Walk, unveiling of the monument at the Snow Canyon Dr. and

Center St. roundabout, and a movie in the park. Saturday will start out with a hike and a bike ride. We will have the volunteer firefighters’ breakfast, the parade, vendor booths, family games, entertainment, and a soap box derby.

Event details and contact information Date: September 18 & 19 Times: Friday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ivins City Park Admission: Free – some activities may cost Contact: Jenny Johnson 435-668-6751 or Ruth Roberts 435-656-5393

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Jake’s Journey With Loyalty Dog Training

By Maritza Trujillo

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Jake is finally home. His journey as a seizure service dog began in February, 2015. Since then he has gone through extensive training to learn the necessary skills to become a seizure service dog. It all began with one phone call; Heather contacted Loyalty Dog Training on the possibility of getting a seizure service dog. She had in mind getting a dog from the animal shelter to be trained. Unfortunately, the dog she wanted didn’t meet the

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requirements to do the job properly. We kept an eye out for her perfect match, while at the same time Jake was being temperament tested to become a service dog. Although we weren’t 100% sure what kind of service dog he would become, we knew he had all the right characteristics and a fantastic nose to become a working service dog. Jake and Heather had a connection from the first time they met. That special connection between the two is what began this wonderful journey for Jake to become her seizure service dog.

This journey would go beyond training as Heather had funds to raise to acquire her service dog. The fundraising events included bake sales, a GoFundMe page, raffles, and even a BBQ. With the help of her close friends, family and caring community members, Heather met her goal. It was amazing to see how many people helped and were supportive. Pretty soon everyone around town knew Jake and the journey he was on.

We had people all the time asking how his training was going, whether we were out training in Sun City, Wal-Mart or the park.

He seems to be pretty popular especially with the ladies at the Sun City Pioneer Center since he would join in on various classes from time to time.

Every service dog goes through extensive training for months, from obedience and public access, to scent and alert training. Their daily routine revolves around training and many of our local citizens got to see his training sessions first hand, whether it was obedience training, public access or even a full on seizure response training session. Jake is now highly trained to be able to perform the tasks needed to help Heather, whether it’s going to get someone for help, pre warning a seizure or acting as calming therapy.

As a trainer, each dog you train makes a new story for the books, new relationships form, new bonds are made. You take pride in knowing you are training someone’s life companion. The best part of being a trainer is not all the amazing memories you make while training, but about the memories we know Jake will make with his new family.

From Loyalty Service Dogs we want to thank the community who helped out, Donna Eads for all her hard work, and especially Heather for allowing us to be part of this special journey. Best of luck on your newest journey, Jake. Now you’ll be able to go to all your favorite places including the pet aisle at Wal-Mart.

Loyalty Service Dogs www.loyaltyservicedogs.com 702-712-2125

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view on NONPROFIT

Making the Difference Southern Utah Nonprofits:

Successful & Giving Back to the Community The Community Soup Kitchen With Grace Dishes Up Community Spirit AND Delicious Food For Those In Need!

By Dawn McLain

Mission Statement of Community Soup Kitchen With Grace The Community Soup Kitchen With Grace serves meals to those who are hungry in the Washington County, Utah area.

Meals are served by a broad cross section of individual and organizational volunteers who are committed to treating those who are hungry with dignity, respect and love.

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Supporters, volunteers and guests of the Kitchen work in collaborative ways to provide education to the citizens of Washington County on the pressing human needs of the less fortunate in our communities, and advocate for services to assist them in their time of need.

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Once again I get the sheer pleasure of covering a story about an organization that truly makes a difference in Southern Utah.

The Community Soup Kitchen With Grace provides a noon meal Monday through Friday to those in need. All meals are prepared by 100% volunteer teams dedicated to service in our community. Though each team has a leader, the CSKWG provides the ingredients for the bulk of every meal. The CSKWG team includes a staff volunteer supervisor present each day as well as a director to assist with coordination and oversee tasks

to ensure all health codes are met. The organization currently has 28 teams serving in conjunction with over 450 different volunteers throughout the year. The nonprofit organization is part of, and operates under, Episcopal Church Services. Though CSKWG receives no financial support from Jim and Sue Ann Roberts the church or from the government, they are a shining example of what is “right” about our community. The CSKSW holds fundraisers to support their cause, and there are still many needs left to fill in our community. The nonprofit has a strong board behind them to support their work, composed of community leaders from business, churches, and service clubs.

View on Southern Utah had the opportunity to interview Jim Roberts, the busy team leader, to learn more. We hope that our readers enjoying learning about the organization, and will support its vital work within our community.

VOSU: Given this information, I have to jump right in with a pointed question: how are you funded?

CSKWG: We are funded by donations from individuals and groups of the community. We receive no government funds. We rely on the local community for funds and donations.

In fact, to this point the Dixie Elks Lodge serves as a team once a month. Recently they held a fundraiser and Spaghetti Dinner on site to help fund their yearlong commitment to serve at CSKWG. We are so excited to share their success with the VOSU readers! They did a great job!

VOSU: How do you impact our community?

“Rage shopping” for soup kitchen

CSKWG: The Community Soup Kitchen with Grace provides an average of 150 meals a day to local residents and their families

view on NONPROFIT who are hungry. This includes those who come to Grace Episcopal Church each weekday as well as the residents of Dixie Care and Share (now Switchpoint since the merger July 1, 2015), who receive an evening meal provided by our team and volunteers.

Like many nonprofits, we have found that the volunteers also receive with their giving. They strengthen ties with other volunteers as well as providing a friendly welcome to each guest in need who comes to eat.

VOSU: Tell us about your dedication to the community?

CSKWG: Currently we are comprised of 27 teams from the Washington County community which breakdown to 9 LDS, 1 school, 1 drug/alcohol rehab, 1 medical rehab, 2 hospice, 3 businesses, 1 service club, 6 different churches, 1 family, and 2 neighborhoods.

VOSU: What can we expect from CSKWG in the coming year?

There are so many statistics about local needs. Some can be very disheartening. People experiencing homelessness suffer from the hardship of their condition, but also face alienation and discrimination fueled by stereotypes.

(Statistics were pulled from www.switchpointcrc.org.)

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FACT: Many are victims of circumstances, illness and trauma from violence and abuse. Roughly 30% of Utah’s homeless are children. About 73% of all homeless persons experience mental illness, domestic violence, or other barriers to stable housing.

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FACT: Single men comprise only 29% of Utah’s homeless population, while 44% are parents and children.

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FACT: 88% of Utah’s homeless population lived in Utah when they became homeless.

What does homelessness look like in terms of demographics? (Statistics were pulled from www.switchpointcrc.org.)

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A homeless family is typically headed by a single mother, usually in her late twenties, with two or three young children under the age of five.

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Many homeless families have experienced trauma prior to becoming homeless such as multiple moves, witnessing domestic violence and substance abuse, and living with chronic stress. More than 90 percent of sheltered and low-income mothers have experienced physical and sexual assault over their lifespan.

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Homelessness affects people of all geographic areas, ages, occupations, and ethnicities, but occurs disproportionately among people of color.

CSKWG: The CSKWG will serve about 36,000 meals in 2015. Our leadership will become more experienced and the experience for each volunteer will be a positive one where each person will know they have contributed and that their contribution is valued and appreciated.

VOSU: How did you get involved with your organization?

CSKWG: Initially my wife (Sue Ann) and I were volunteers at the soup kitchen. Though we began as volunteers, we were asked to be directors when the organization (like many other nonprofit organizations) came upon financial trouble. For the past 1.5

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While poverty is the leading cause of homelessness, there are other reasons why a family becomes homeless including lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, economic mobility and teen parenting.

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view on NONPROFIT years, we have been leaders in our efforts to serve the hungry locally.

VOSU: Tell us about your greatest accomplishments?

CSKWG: We have grown from serving just 3 days a week in 2013 when we began, to serving 5 days a week in 2015. We are making a difference in people’s lives - not only the ones we feed but for the volunteers as well. It proves that the community can overcome political and religious differences for the betterment of us all.

VOSU: Who has been your greatest personal influence?

CSKWG: This is an easy answer: Rev. Catherine Gregg, who was the Rector until November of 2014 at Grace Episcopal Church. She is a wonderful reverend, person and community leader.

VOSU: How can others support your cause?

CSKWG: Individuals and groups can support the CSKWG by donating paper goods and other needed supplies. Cash donations are always welcome; monthly expenses include custodian staff, utility costs and kitchen/program supplies. Our yearly budget is just over $16,000 – so we do a LOT with a little. We also have one person on our payroll that came from the homeless shelter and we pay him to clean the bathrooms our visitors use each day.

VOSU: What events or opportunities for the community to get involved do you have coming up?

CSKWG: The CSKWG serves 5 days a week, every week. There is always opportunity for groups or individuals to get involved whether this be serving, volunteering or helping to raise needed funds. We have fundraisers each year including a BBQ sponsored by Mountain Land Rehabilitation in October and a golf tournament held each Spring.

share what the Community Soup Kitchen with Grace does for so many in our community. Your organization is truly a treasure!

CSKWG: Thank You! We are so excited to be a part of this great magazine and to reach locals in Southern Utah who truly care about our community.

Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church gave the gift of books to CSKWG guests on Monday, July 27, 2015.

Meaghan and Diane Moffitt organized a book drive and distributed beautiful handmade bookmarks created by the children of the church. Our guests and team all appreciated the great work and generous donations from Shepherd of the Hill United Methodist Church.

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VOSU: Thank you so much for your time and the opportunity to

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Dawn McLain is the Owner/President of Write It Up!, Write It Up! is 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.

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view on GOLF

How Much Sand for Greenside & Fairway Bunker Shots

By Rob Krieger - PGA Golf Professional

S

and bunkers are a hazard in the eyes of the rules of golf so they are meant to be a challenge for players to get their ball out - that is why they can be difficult. However, they can be easier if you understand that there is a difference in how to play a greenside bunker versus a fairway bunker. The main difference is how much sand to take when hitting each of these shots. These strategies will also help when golf courses have inconsistent amounts of sand in their bunkers.

Greenside Bunkers – In general, the club will slide under the sand only taking about a ¼ to ½ inch layer of sand between the ball and the club, which means the divot or swath of sand should be shallow for about 6 to 12 inches long. Depending on how much sand, its uniformity, and how far you have to go will determine if you should be hitting between 1 to 4 inches behind the ball. Use either a 56 or 60 degree wedge, but remember with a 60 degree wedge, more speed and less sand will be needed because the ball will go straight up and need more forward momentum to get out of the bunker and over the lip. This swing shape will be more of a shallow U than a steep V type.

Fairway Bunkers – HIT THE BALL FIRST, THEN THE SAND. Your divot will be in front of the ball because in order to go further the ball must be struck first. You also MUST choose a club that will get over the lip of the bunker which may leave you not being able to go as far as you like. That’s why it was put there. If you hit the ball first, you will generally need to pick a club that is 1 to 3 clubs more than normal. The backspin imparted on the ball doesn’t allow the ball to travel as far. But choose a club that will get you over the lip first.

This swing will be more of a steeper V swing in order to hit ball first and not a shallow U swing taking sand before ball.

Bunkers with very little or no sand – With lesser or thinner amounts of sand in the bunker, hit closer to the ball and take less sand in a greenside bunker in order for the club not to bounce off the dirt underneath. For the fairway bunker shot, still hit ball first. Because you won’t have as much sand to ride up the clubface, you won’t need to take as much club compared to a bunker with more sand.

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Here is a simple way to practice: The first way is to take the basket your golf balls came in, turn it upside down and make a circle imprint in the sand. Take a stance with the circle in the middle of your stance. Take swings at the sand and see if you can make a sand divot so it is in the middle of the circle from end to end - this is the way to practice greenside shots. To practice fairway shots, try to hit the middle of the circle and let your divot go from the middle of the circle through the front edge of the circle. Once successful at getting sand to fly through the proper part of the circle, then put the ball in the middle of the circle and try to execute both shots. In no time at all you should be better at both shots. TIP – Practicing the fairway bunker shots is a fabulous way to get better contact on all your shots off the grass fairway by hitting ball first.

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If you would like further explanation, please go to www.stgeorgegolflessons.com. Good luck and as always…Fairways & Greens!

Rob Krieger is the owner of the Red Rock Golf Center, a new high tech golf training facility located at the beautiful Green Valley Resort & Spa – 1871 W. Canyon View Dr., St. George, UT. Available for beginner clinics and private lessons. Lessons can be booked by calling 435-986-5096, emailing rob@sgugolf.com or visit www.stgeorgegolflessons.com.

“Awesome” Fitness­: How to Start

By Kelly Cross

Often times when looking for the motivation to get out and exercise or even maintain a fitness level we are met with that “first obstacle.” That first obstacle is beginning an exercise program. In the middle of that grueling workout most of us are already in that mindset to complete and accomplish the task we have committed to. Starting the program - that is the hard part.

“I will do it this evening. I’ll start tomorrow. I need to wait until the beginning of the week,” are only a few of the mediocre excuses we generate to delay or avoid commitment. But what if there was a way to eliminate that? What if starting your exercise was as important to you as breathing? What if you couldn’t wait to start your next adventure...I mean “workout.”

Well Awesome Adventures of Utah and Nevada is here to help you accomplish just that. For us at Awesome Adventures, we don’t like to use the word “workout.” We like to think of it as “high adventure” or a way of life. Survival (often involving exercise) is programmed into all of our DNA and to not act on it is a disservice to oneself!

So how does Awesome Adventures achieve this? We offer some of the most engaging programs like the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, Utah and Nevada Ropes Course, and other High Adventure programs geared towards fitness and exercise to help you kick start that new addiction.

Kick start your new addiction with Awesome Adventures in either of our two world class locations: Big Rock Candy Mountain Utah or Overton Nevada (home to the Valley of Fire State Park). We have plenty of high adventure options for you to choose from like seven miles of paddling class 3 rapids or summiting the dizzying heights of adventure mountain. Whatever you choose, you’ll be burning plenty of calories and you won’t even realize it.

The road to fitness starts at the beginning. And that beginning starts with you committing. If you are having trouble finding the motivation to get started like most of us, check AwesomeAdventures. com and we will get you started in the right direction with one of our many high adventures!

To find out more about Awesome Adventures in Las Vegas and Utah, visit www.awesomeadventures.com.

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Allow us to elaborate: If you had the choice of running on a treadmill in a gym for 30 minutes or to challenge yourself on some of the most extreme high adventure obstacle courses all of which end with exciting zipline dangling high in the air, which would you choose? That’s what we thought.

For the over achievers, there is a 4 hour crash course in survival from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy that will make your head spin. Learn all of the tactics to survive an emergency wilderness situation and unknowingly burn hundreds of calories in river traverses and scaling mountainsides usually ending in a massive rappel.

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view on GARDENING

Backyard Putting Greens

By Paul Noe Have you ever thought about having your own putting green to practice on at your home? If you have, then you probably have also thought about the expense of having it installed, not to mention what it costs to maintain a real putting green - the frequent mowing, fertilizing, watering and weeding to make it look nice all year long! Well, if you’re an avid golfer and really like the idea of practicing more at home, you should consider putting in a synthetic turf putting green in your backyard.

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Synthetic turf eliminates the labor and expense of maintaining real grass. It is made to hold up in our extreme temperatures and withstand heavy traffic.

Synthetic turf has come a long way since it was first introduced. It is much more realistic looking and much more durable. There are many different types of turf available from many different manufacturers.

The turf that we carry at Star Nursery is called Emerald Carpet from National Synthetic Turf. It is a high quality product that is available in six different varieties, including the Emerald Carpet Putt made especially for putting greens. Any of the other varieties will make a great looking fringe around your new putting green.

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The first step is to decide on a size and shape of your putting green. It can be large or small, depending on how much room you have to work with and what your budget is. To properly prepare the area for your

putting green, you need to lay a 3-4 inch layer of either Type II road base or white chat. This will give you a solid base that will drain so that water does not accumulate and stand on the turf. Using a plate compactor, compact the base to 90%. Be sure the base surface is as smooth as possible while creating a slight grade for optimal drainage. The next step is to install weed barrier (fabric), overlapping the seams 6-12 inches. This weed barrier can be installed underneath the base if you prefer. Either way, this barrier will help to prevent weeds from growing up from the ground under your turf. Determine where you want to place the putting holes, dig them out and place in the plastic cups.

Now you are ready to install the turf. The turf should be rolled out at least 2 hours before it is installed. This allows it to acclimate, making it easier to work with.

Lay out the turf onto the base and position where needed. Using a razor knife or carpet scissors, cut

view on GARDENING the turf to fit the shape or area of your design. The turf is held in place using 40D or 60D nails spaced 3-4 inches apart around the perimeter and every 12-24 inches throughout the center.

Using a drop spreader, apply Turfill onto the turf. This product keeps the turf blades separated and helps them stand up straight. Power broom the turf to spread around the infill and work it into the turf. Broom as much as needed to work in the infill.

More detailed instructions can be found in our free synthetic turf brochures available at any of our stores where you can also see samples of all of our turf varieties.

There are landscape companies in town that will do the putting green installation for you if you do not want to take on the project yourself, but if you want to save that extra cost, we carry all of the materials for the installation of your Synthetic Turf Putting Green!

*(Please note that care should be taken when deciding where to put your synthetic turf. Avoid placing where reflected sun from windows or

metal objects will directly hit the turf. This reflected intensity may cause the turf to melt in extremely hot temperatures.)

PAUL NOE (a.k.a. Dr. Q) Staff Horticulturist / Certified Horticulture Advisor Star Nursery (702) 771-7827 paulnoe@starnursery.com

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The Benefits of a Colonoscopy – Who Knew?

By George Hahm, M.D., FACS, General Surgeon When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer.

One of the most common cancers is actually colon cancer: cancer of the large intestine. It is the third most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – and early detection dramatically increases the survival rate.

More than 145,000 new cases of colon cancer have been diagnosed in the U.S. over the past five years, according to the National Cancer Institute. If detected before it spreads, the fiveyear survival rate is about 90 percent – but if not caught before this point, the survival rate dips to just 10 percent.

The exact causes of colon cancer are unknown. One of the most important preventive steps is to get a colonoscopy, a screening test to detect any signs of cancer. A colonoscopy is a procedure to see inside the colon and rectum. Used as either a screening test or a diagnostic tool, it can help your doctor investigate unusual symptoms such as unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

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A colonoscopy is performed using a long, thin, flexible tube, which is inserted through the rectum into the lower digestive tract, while the patient is sedated or asleep. The tube is equipped with a light and a tiny camera that transmits images of the patient’s intestinal lining to a computer screen located at the bedside. This enhanced view allows the doctor to see inflamed tissue and any abnormal growths.

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If polyps (growths) are found during the exam, they are quickly and painlessly removed at that time, and later tested in a laboratory for signs of cancer. Polyps are common in adults, and usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective prevention method. Your doctor can also take samples from abnormal-looking tissues – a biopsy – during the colonoscopy, so that any suspicious areas can be examined for signs of disease and treated, if necessary.

The American Cancer Society recommends a routine colonoscopy screening for all adult men and women beginning at age 50, or earlier, if you have specific risk factors. Your doctor can provide guidance about the right time to begin and

the frequency of testing, but industry guidelines suggest that a repeat screening be conducted every 10 years for adults with normal risk.

Your risk level for colon cancer varies according to your age, gender and ethnic background, as well as your overall health and lifestyle. Factors that affect your risk level include: •

Advancing age (over age 50)

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Male gender

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African American ethnic status

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A family or personal history of polyps (growths inside the rectum or colon), or colorectal cancer

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A high-fat diet

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Certain digestive diseases, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis

Depending on your age, a colonoscopy screening may be a covered “wellness” test under your insurance plan – and most plans cover a colonoscopy completely as a follow-up test or diagnostic tool. Check with your insurance provider and your doctor’s office for help in scheduling a screening exam.

Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

Sources: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www2.niddk.nih.gov/

Dr. Hahm is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery.

He is a general surgeon and sees patients in Mesquite at Mesa View Medical Group, 1301 Bertha Howe Ave Suite 8.

Dr. Hahm can be reached at 702-346-1700

TENNIS TNT

BY DONNA EADS

Many people say that golf and tennis do not mix but there are multiple similarities. For instance, any head movement done during a stroke will change the results of that shot. The bottom line is that the head must stay still until the hit is completed. Another example is the weight transfer from back to front. As the player strikes the ball there is a forward release of energy on the ball. The mental game is similar as well. It is you or you and your partner against the course/opponents. Both sports require strategy and adjustments during play. Also, maintaining scoring is up to you. So if you make a mistake or forget the score it can and will cause a loss of the match.

In the fitness and health area, tennis requires strength, footwork, and endurance. To help with your footwork try some simple drills like jumping over the side lines from the net to the service line and back or use cones to sprint around. Strength comes not from heavy weight lifting but from working the core muscles and areas of the shoulder and wrist. Add weights or a medicine ball to your sit ups and use only 3 to 8 pounds for the arms. Some examples for the shoulder and wrist area are drop your wrist over a table edge and lift the weight palms up for 15 times then palms down and do the straight arm lifts again 15 times lifting up first to the front then to the side.

Cross training is important to endurance with one addition - there must be a sprinting element to any exercise. Try either of the two best which are biking or rowing.

Tennis is like a beautiful dance when played properly. Each strike of the ball causes movement of all the players. As a tip to players, remember that you move with each ball no matter which player has struck the ball. Thus the dance is complete. Each strike of a ball should cause all players not hitting the ball to do a small hop or the split step. After that hop the movement toward the ball is forward as if you are going up a pyramid, not a lateral move. This allows you to intercept the ball quicker and with forward momentum.

See you on the courts.

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