Kayenta Connection June 2023

Steve McAllister, Doug Rowland, Jeff Sproul & Naomi Doyle

This year’s Memorial Day pool party was a lot of fun, with great food and dancing to live music.

It was also a chance to honor our friend Doug Rowland.

Every year, for over two decades, he has organized the set-up and take-down of our bi-annual Kayenta Homes & Properties’ pool parties.

This is no easy task in the desert heat, and we want to express our appreciation.

Jeff Sproul, KHP broker, has worked personally with Doug for the past 12 years, and is especially grateful to Doug for his dedication and hard work.

Although he is retiring from assisting at the pool parties, he will retain his part-time job managing the Concept Home 2 on most weekends.

Weekends at the real estate office always include people stopping by to express their positive interactions with Doug, including the vast knowledge he shares about Kayenta.

Thank you Doug for supporting Kayenta Homes & Properties with your time, warmth, and charming personality.

Kayenta Homes & Properties

Our office is open 7-days a week to help with all your Kayenta real estate needs.

Your Kayenta Home and Properties Sales Team:

Jeff Sproul, Principal Broker
Steve McAllister & Naomi Doyle, Sales Agents

435-628-7234

Center for the Arts at Kayenta

Warp Trio

Warp Trio

June 2 & 3

Warp Trio – Elton John Beyond Tribute 

Warp Trio is NOT your typical band. Warp Trio is a cross between chamber music ensemble, rock band and art project. Whether performing in a nightclub, gallery space or concert hall, Warp Trio is transporting audiences to the next level of concert experience.

Since their inception at the beginning of 2014, Warp Trio has maintained a broad range of repertoire ranging from traditional classical to their own original compositions and virtuoso arrangements of music spanning several different genres. They have performed as individuals all over the planet, and as a trio have begun to make their mark on the classical music scene with their energizing performances throughout the U.S.

Warp Trio programs aim to take the audience on a journey.

The Last Five Years, A Musical

The Last Five Years

June 15 - 24

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical sprinkled with humor.

The Last Five Years tells the bittersweet tale of a brief marriage between two young artists. The storytelling is non-linear: Cathy, a struggling actor, starts her tale at the end of the marriage, working backwards through the timeline. Jamie, a literary prodigy, begins his at the onset of the relationship. The two narratives intersect on their wedding day before diverging again to arrive at the beginning, and end, of their five years together.

With music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown, this nearly sung-through musical has captivated audiences and critics, earning a Drama Desk Award (music and lyrics), a film adaptation, and productions around the world. Performed by local artists Mimi Knell & Greg Knell .

CFAK art exhibition schedule

Visual Art Exhibitions

WE BELIEVE THAT ART, IN ALL FORMS, ENHANCES OUR LIVES AND DEMANDS DISPLAY

The Desert Spirit Art Committee organizes three juried visual art exhibitions each season at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. The Committee invites established and emerging regional artists to submit their original artwork that responds to the exhibition’s theme.

The exhibitions are free and open to the public during the Center’s business hours as well as during performances and special events.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming season’s exhibitions.

Found Objects, open to 2- and 3-D artwork:
November 1 – December 27, 2023

People, Places & Ponies, open to photography only
January 3 – March 6, 2024

Impressions on Paper, open to printmaking only
April 3 – May 15, 2024

Come, be a part of the art in Kayenta!

CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT KAYENTA
881 COYOTE GULCH COURT • IVINS, UT 84738 • 435-674-2787

Kayenta Art Village

 Studios, Galleries,
Businesses & Dining Options

Unique Experiences,
Local Perspective,
Exceptional Art.

Lyman Whitaker Wind SculpturesLyman Whitaker Wind Scupltures • Datura Gallery

Locals Sale at Good Medicine 

Good Medicine beauty lab

We appreciate being part of the Kayenta Art Village and so we will be hosting a

“Locals only” sale with 30% OFF
all our products for two days:

June 16th & 17th – 10am-5pm daily.

Our products are all lovingly made in Kayenta from safe, natural, and locally-sourced wild botanical ingredients.

Come visit our location in the Village – 877 Coyote Gulch Ct. Suite A

 

 

Good Medicine Beauty Lab

Kayenta Community

The local perspective. Our businesses and residents news and events.

Make Space

MakeSpace Art School Summer Sessions

Cool Off and Create.
Sign-ups are now open! Come learn with your neighbors and friends.

MakeSpace has a special offering for our community’s year-round desert dwellers. Based on input and requests, we’ve assembled a full calendar of classes and open studios, going all summer long! As always, you’ll find classes here for artistic dabblers, deep divers, and everyone in between.

Come hang out and enjoy our air-conditioned oasis  

Support this unique community space for artistic exploration and expression.

Peak-Sun prime time, 2-5 pm

In the heat of the day…slip away! Many of our summer classes are in the afternoon, offering a cool space for expert instruction, creative play, and conversation. Come solo, or bring some friends along. 

Visit our website at makespacekayenta.com for all the details on summer session classes.  A few highlights are below:

Make Space Classes

Cassandra Wood Class

Create Your Travel Journal

When: June 7 & 14
Time: 11:00am-1:30pm 

All packed up and ready to go? Don’t forget your travel journal! 

You will use lettering, sketching, watercolor painting, and inking to establish your very own, one-of-a-kind journal. Discover your own style, practice techniques to help you pair down visual information to just the basics, and have fun doing it! Learn the fundamentals of composition and illustration to record memorable moments from your next journey.

MakeSpace class

Margaret Abramshe

Working with Color in Fabric

When:  June 12
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Through a combination of instructor demonstration, practice sessions, and independent studio time, you will learn how to work more effectively with color. We will experiment with how colors relate to one another, developing four different color schemes. You will then create a final project that will serve as a take-home reference and inspiration for your future work.

MakeSpace Class

Rorie Tafoya

Exploring Alcohol Inks

When: July 15
Time:
10:00 am-12 noon

Come create with alcohol Inks! Perfect for beginners, this class will cover the basic supplies used, while learning how alcohol ink and pure alcohol interact with each other.  Four different types of airflow will be demonstrated including air puffer, canned compressed air, straw and air-gun. The balance of the class will be spent experimenting and creating your own, unique abstract masterpiece.

MakeSpace Class

Matt Pectol

Introduction to Oil Painting for Beginners

When: 3-Week Session (Fridays) starting June 23rd, June 30, and July 7

Time: 10:00 am-12 noon

There is nothing like painting with oil and for those of us that love it, it is an addiction! If you are curious, but new to oil painting, or new to art in total, this class is for you!

Guided by professional local artist and beloved teacher Matt Pectol, you will quickly learn your way around the painting studio as you experiment with various techniques, methods, and materials. Over the three-week session you will learn:

• All about the materials (paints, mediums, surfaces, brushes)

• How to work with a limited number of colors

• Basic color mixing

• How to layout and sketch a painting

• Painting from images as well as still-life

• Projects to practice at home between classes

MakeSpace Kayenta

Your Community. Your Classes. Your Space.

Plus many more classes including five new Fiber Arts Workshops, Linocut Printmaking, and others.
Go to makespacekayenta.com for a complete list and to enroll.

And, while you are there, register your email to receive monthly updates on classes.

MAKESPACE | 918 ART VILLAGE WAY | IVINS, UTAH 84738

Desert Rose Labryinth

Photo: Alan Holben

Preserving a Community Asset

Janell Bassett, Editor

The beauty of southern Utah has inspired the work of many wonderful artists. The tranquility of Kayenta also inspires moments of reflection among both residents and visitors. These two impulses are intrinsically woven together in the peaceful vistas of the of the Desert Rose Labyrinth and Sculpture Garden across the street from Kayenta Arts Village.

Originally built in 2004 by a group of residents on land donated by Terry Marten, the development of the labyrinth and collection of the artistic offerings in the area were facilitated by artist and long-time resident Cheryl Collins. She helped raise funds to build the facility and convinced her artist friends to donate their work. Today, under the auspices of the Kayenta Arboretum, Collins still works with a group of volunteers to maintain the site.

Over the years, increased visitor traffic and the growth of the invasive tamarisk have changed the experience of the labyrinth. At the invitation of Roger Head, chair of the Kayenta Arboretum, volunteers with the Desert Preservation Initiative (DPI) have been working to remove tamarisk from the area.

“Tamarisk increasingly impacts access to and the experience of the labyrinth,” says Head.  “This is a very public site and one that is important to the overall impression of Kayenta.”

DPI President Chuck Warren is equally enthusiastic about the project. “The street view of the area was largely eliminated by the growth of this infestation and it was impacting the trail approaching the site,” he says.  Beyond the view, the presence of tamarisk has other negative impacts. “Surprisingly there is considerable water in the gullies around the site which make possible the rapid growth of this dangerous plant,” says Warren, “thereby increasing fire danger” and, as Collins adds, “choking out the native plants.” 

As the focus of the Arboretum is on successful desert landscaping and educating the public about what works best in this environment, once the tamarisk is removed, the area will be replanted by Arboretum volunteers. “The trail experience will be enhanced by removing the dense underbrush the tamarisk created and making the canal visible again,” says Head.  “Basically, the tamarisk gave the appearance of an unkept jungle for our visitors, which detracts from the beauty of the sculptures displayed throughout the walk.” 

Artist and labyrinth facilitator Chery Collins discusses plans for tamarisk removal with Ken White, Arboretum treasurer, Roger Head, Arboretum chair, and Chuck Warren, DPI president.
Dense tamarisk growth inhibits views, creates fire danger and chokes native plants.
Dense tamarisk growth nearly obscures the entrance to the Desert Rose Labyrinth and Sculpture Garden

Roger and Bonnie in Dubai

Resident Spotlight

Janell Bassett, Editor

Roger and Bonnie Head

Bonnie and Roger Head have spent a lifetime pursuing projects that will hopefully make our world a better, happier place.  Their pathway is dotted with a multitude of projects envisioned, managed, and successfully completed.  This enthusiasm hasn’t diminished as their pursuits led them to Kayenta.  While they’ve placed a priority on traveling and spending time with their two kids and four grandchildren, they also continue to explore new ways to make the Kayenta lifestyle even better.

Roger began his career looking for adventure.  He found it in Alaska where he ultimately spent 35 years developing public and private sector facilities throughout the state.  A major accomplishment, which he completed in his spare time, was the development of Hilltop Downhill Ski Area in Anchorage, where many of the activities for the 2001 Winter World Special Olympics were held.

Bonnie began her career teaching but after learning Roger (a high school boyfriend) was in Alaska, she decided to become a part of the adventure. After they married in a small Inupiat village on the far northern coastline of Alaska, Bonnie began a new career, pursuing her talents as an artist in acrylics, colored pencils, and pastels, and becoming an Economic Development specialist.  At the peak of her career, she became the Executive Director of the Alaska Academic Decathlon, hosting two National Decathlon events.

After spending 30 winters in Alaska they began looking for a southern location where they could escape a few of the colder months of the year.  The search ended when they drove through the Virgin River Gorge and saw Pine Valley Mountain with the red sandstone cliffs in the foreground.  They first purchased a “winter retreat” in St. George but soon realized that their lives were really meant to be spent in Southern Utah.  In 2002 they purchased a lot in Kayenta, designed their home, and moved in in 2007.

Once settled in Kayenta they became involved with the development of the Kayenta Desert Arboretum.  Over the years they were instrumental in pulling together grant funds that expanded the Arboretum from a small demonstration garden to a complete trail system leading to the Desert Rose Labyrinth.  Both continue to serve on the Arboretum Board.

In 2010 Roger became interested in a newly formed Kayenta Arts Foundation and ultimately assisted with developing the concept and the campaign for funds to build The Center for The Arts at Kayenta.  Roger continues as a member of the Board of Directors working to elevate the status of the theater with a professional staff offering professional performances of a national caliber.

Bonnie has become an avid Ukelele player and she continues to work as an artist. Their love of gardening includes a productive vegetable garden in Kayenta Community Gardens.  They say that making the decision to build their home in Kayenta was probably the best decision of their life.  Their only regret is that with so many activities that are available here, there just isn’t enough time to take them all in.

Just married.
Same parkas we wore 50 years later.
Celebrating the arts at Center for the Arts in Kayenta.

Editors note. If you know someone that you think should be featured in our monthly Kayenta Connection under our NEW “Resident Spotlight” section please email the Kayenta Connection at kayentaconnection@rdicreative.com. Our intent is to focus on the incredible people living in our community– be they seasoned residents or new recruits. 

Study Group follows up on Reservoir Questions

Janell Bassett, Editor

Following the April community meeting about the proposed Dry Wash reservoir, members of a study group of Ivins residents following up on the issue—Shelley Lapkoff, Mark Lindquist, Wayne Pennington, Dan Krupicka, Kim Wheatley, and Ed Andrechakmet with Zach Renstrom, General Manager of the Washington County Water Conservation District (WCWCD), Mayor Chris Hart, who is also a board member of the WCWCD, and Councilman Mike Scott.  The Dry Wash reservoir would be located between Kwavasa Drive and Old Highway 91, and would hold reuse water that has been treated in Bloomington, fit for irrigation and human contact, but not for drinking.

Renstrom reported that the Dry Wash reservoir is needed to meet the demand for water in this part of the county, according to a new WCWCD master plan (now available online at https://www.wcwcd.org/about-us/reports/). Supplying water to the Shivwits band (required soon under a formal agreement), Black Desert Resort (including its golf courses), and new developments in Ivins and Santa Clara puts strain on the water resources of WCWCD, according to Renstrom.  The study group is researching possible alternatives to meet this demand as well as looking into optimal designs and use of the reservoir if indeed constructed.

The group has submitted a list of on-going questions for the City of Ivins and the WCWCD. These ask for details on the plan for the reservoir, the need for the reservoir, and the maintenance and operations of the reservoir, including costs, benefits and possible alternatives. Finally, the group seeks an understanding of what would be done, if the reservoir is built, to eliminate negative impacts on Kayenta/Ivins. As Shelley Lapkoff puts it, “If the reservoir becomes an ‘attractive nuisance’ bringing fishermen and non-motorized boating on the reservoir, Kayenta could lose some of the peace and serenity that we have come to know and love.” 

Among the specific details that will be important to the community are questions about the financing of the construction (WCWCD covers this) and the ongoing operation (City of Ivins will maintain the grounds around it at the city’s expense, funded through tax dollars). Liability issues, such as potential negative impacts from erosion, subsidence or landslides on private property, as well as maintenance issues including control of dust, insects and invasive plants are among problems that need answers to be spelled out in detail.

The group says that City also needs to revisit the commercial/industrial use of the proposed land, as the goals of the current Ivins City General Plan are in conflict with repurposing Dry Wash from a natural, scenic area to an irrigation reservoir. If the reservoir project moves forward, rezoning to accommodate this industrial use should be fully vetted by the Planning Commission, including public hearings.

What’s next?

The WCWCD said it would facilitate meetings between their technical consultants and Kayenta residents who have expertise and interest to address the study group’s questions. Such meetings are currently scheduled and the participants hope for collaborative sharing of viewpoints to optimize the outcome, whatever it may be.

In 2021, the Ivins City Council promised informational meetings on the reservoir, and more recently at the WCWCD/study group meeting, the mayor said he was open to a Talkabout on the reservoir, once the engineering reports were finalized; possibly in the fall or early 2024.

The study group invites Kayenta residents to join in the effort to seek answers and find workable solutions to the county’s water needs, which may or may not result in a new reservoir being built in Kayenta. Please contact Mark Lindquist at mark@exerciseenlightenment.com to join the group or add your name to the mailing list for future communications about the reservoir plans.

Petite Feast Dinner Club

ARRIVE AS GUESTS….LEAVE AS FRIENDS

Resesrve Your Seat at the Table

JUNE DINNER

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2023

HORS D’OEUVRE

GARLIC ROASTED NEW POTATOES WITH PAPRIKA AIOLI

PETITE CRUDITÉ PLATTER WITH LEMON HERB DIP

LEMON CITRUS SHANDY

FIRST COURSE
COMPRESSED WATERMELON SALAD WITH MICRO GREENS, BASIL MINT VINAIGRETTE, AND COCONUT ICE

SECOND COURSE
GRILLED SHRIMP WITH ZUCCHINI FETTUCCINE AND PURPLE BASIL PESTO

ENTREE
PAN SEARED COD SERVED OVER CORN, TOMATO, AND BROAD BEAN SALAD

Vegetarian entree available as well – contact Victoria through the website to discuss options.

DESSERT
CHILLED STRAWBERRY SOUP WITH FRESH BERRIES, RASPBERRY GELEE AND MILK GELATO

 To reserve your seat at the table please click on the link below.

About Petite Feast Dinner Club: after 35 years as a restaurateur, caterer, chef, and Food and Wine best new chef nominee, Victoria Topham is opening her kitchen to share her unique culinary skills and healthy cooking style with guests just like you. PF Dinner Club offers guests the opportunity to socialize with new friends around a shared table while enjoying deliciously upscale meals. Monthly dinners will feature an hors d’oeuvre hour followed by a multi-course dinner where mingling with the chef in the kitchen is encouraged. ** Think – mash-up of a restaurant, dinner party, and cooking class.  And, she always has a few unplanned courses and surprises for her guests!  Events are announced monthly through the website and pricing for each event varies. Victoria is happy to accommodate your special celebration requests and dietary preferences whenever possible. I hope to see you soon.

Thank you so much for a lovely evening at your home!  The meal was a true delight in all respects!  And we had lovely conversations with our table mates who we had not met before.”  – T. Castanias

DINNER LOCATION: PRIVATE HOME IN KAYENTA, UTAH
**exact address and driving directions will be emailed 1 week prior to the event
.

VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY # 83
CHICKEN, SPINACH & SWEET POTATO ENCHILADAS

Let’s travel south of the border this month with Mexican enchiladas. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s no wonder that enchiladas are one of Mexico’s most popular dishes. In their most basic form, they’re rolled tortillas stuffed with meat or cheese topped with a tomato/chili-based sauce. But here, your basic chicken enchilada is jazzed up with spinach, roasted sweet potato and a not-too-fiery green chili sauce. If you want to enjoy a meatless meal feel free to omit the chicken to make the dish entirely vegetarian. Go ahead and sub in a can of drained black beans for the chicken; the sweet potato black bean combination makes for a creative and nutritious, crowd-pleasing alternative that might just turn you into Meatless Monday convert.

Enchilada making can be a demanding affair. From the complicated sauce and filling-making to the frying of the tortillas, right up to the stuffing and rolling, the project often feels like an awful lot of work. But thanks to an ingenious “no-need to fry’ pan spray/microwave tortilla technique (see video) and the quick cooking sauce that doubles as a salsa, you can have these bad boys on the table with a minimum of effort. You can also skip the tortillas entirely and serve the ingredients bowl-style with store bought corn chips on the side.

Cream cheese and evaporated milk are nontraditional recipe additions that give these enchiladas a super-creamy texture. Their mild flavor compliments the subtle sweetness and natural earthiness of the spinach and sweet potato. Fold in the shredded chicken breast and you’re well on your way to a delicious and satisfying dinner. I’ve made an easy tomatillo sauce that tastes like it simmered all day that can be spiced to your liking with additional green chilies to provide exactly the right amount of heat, but you could also use store bought green chili sauce thinned with stock if you are short on time.

Chef’s tip: I like to think large-format on this recipe. I make a double batch of each component so I can cook once but eat well all week. The creamy spinach sauce is excellent over grilled chicken or fish, the tomatillo sauce is wonderful with scrambled eggs and the roasted sweet potatoes can be tossed with a punchy balsamic vinaigrette for an interesting alternative to traditional potato salad to enjoy alongside a simple grilled chicken breast.

Tim and Judy say that they prefer Margaritas with Mexican dishes. But if you want to drink wine, Tim suggests a light, fresh white wine, served well chilled. Something like Pinot Grigio, Vermentino or Chenin Blanc would be great choices. My go-to for Mexican is always ice cold beer – Bohemia Obscura is delicious if you can find it.

If you have not joined the Virtual Dinner Party but would like to dine with us, please prepare this recipe – or any other – and share it with your family, friends and neighbors. It is our group’s firm belief that by preparing something good to eat and sharing it with those we love, we are participating in one of life’s greatest joys. The connection, community and good will that come from it fill us with joy, hope and gratitude. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Thanks for coming to the party and Cook On! – Victoria

CHICKEN, SPINACH & SWEET POTATO ENCHILADA

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp. canola oil
3/4 cup diced onion
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. Mexican oregano
1 6 oz bag fresh baby spinach
1 C cream cheese
1 can evaporated milk
1 ½ C shredded chicken breast (poached or store bought rotisserie)
1 small sweet potato, peeled, diced and roasted
1 C shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 C green enchilada sauce (high quality store bought or see recipe sidebar)
6 corn tortillas
Chopped scallion, tomato, sour cream, avocado & cilantro for garnish

METHOD:

PREPARE FILLING:
Heat 2T oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin and oregano. Cook until onion is translucent and garlic and spices are fragrant but not browned. Add fresh baby spinach, cream cheese and evaporated milk. Lower heat and cook until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth and creamy. Fold in shredded chicken, roasted sweet potatoes and ½ C of the cheese. Taste for salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the tortillas.

PREP TORTILLAS:
Place a couple of sheets of paper toweling on a large dinner plate. Top with a single corn tortilla. Spray both sides of tortilla lightly but thoroughly with pan spray. Top with a second tortilla and spray the top side with pan spray. Continue with this process until all tortillas are stacked and sprayed. Fold up the overhanging paper towel to cover tortillas. Invert paper towel wrapped tortilla package on dinner plate so that tortillas are completely covered. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until tortillas are soft and pliable. Remove from microwave and cool slightly before proceeding. *see video prep

FILL AND ROLL TORTILLAS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking dish lightly with pan spray and set aside.
Spread 1 C prepared enchilada sauce (see recipe side bar) on bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with 1/3 C filling, then roll. Place enchiladas in dish, seam side down, then top with remaining 1 cup sauce. Sprinkle with remaining ½ C cheese, and bake until cheese melts and tortillas brown on the edges, 15–20 minutes. Serve enchiladas topped with chopped scallion, tomatoes, avocado and cilantro.

SIDE BAR
FOR THE SAUCE, SAUTÉ:
½ # tomatillos, outer husk removed and halved
½ white onion, cut into thick slices
1 ea poblano pepper
1 ea jalapeno pepper (optional)
2 ea garlic cloves
1 C fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 t fresh lime juice
1 t brown sugar
1 t olive oil or pan spray
freshly ground black pepper and salt

METHOD:

Prepare Sauce: Place tomatillos, onion slices, garlic, poblano & jalapeno peppers in a bowl and toss lightly with olive oil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with vegetables. Roast the vegetables under a broiler, turning as needed, until the vegetables are nicely charred on all sides. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and cover with plastic film and let steam until cool. (Once cooled you may peel the charred skin off the peppers, but I like the rustic char the skin adds to the finished sauce so I skip that step.)

Transfer vegetables to the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse the vegetables with the cilantro, sugar and lime juice until roughly chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You may need to add a little water or stock if sauce is too thick. Set aside.

Coyote Tales

EVEN IF YOU MISSED THE SHOW
YOU CAN STILL GET THE WHOLE STORY!

“You never see the wind except through what it touches…”
– Robert Perkins, storyteller from our last event

On March 24th eight storytellers took the stage at The Center for the Arts at Kayenta for the first show of Coyote Tales’ 2023 season. The warm and encouraging crowd welcomed the mildly anxious but willing performers to the spotlight to share their true tales based on the theme, “BUSTED.” Stories ranged from a pair of very interesting nighttime visitors, to a well-intentioned balloon stealing daughter, to an arctic outdoorsman’s encounter with a wolf.

GET THE WHOLE STORY

If you were unable to attend but want to hear the stories, please visit the Coyote Tales story archives on our website.

Let us know what you think!

The evening was a roller-coaster of emotions.  We laughed, we were inspired, we reflected, but overall we were mesmerized by the authenticity of each story and its presenter. As always, the goal of each of these events is to foster community spirit through the telling of well-crafted stories. Coyote Tales hopes to build on the shared connection between the teller and the audience. Our stage is a no-pressure arena to celebrate our diversity, our community, and our experiences.

Our next event is scheduled for Saturday, September 9th at the Ivins City Heritage Days Festival. 

The theme for the evening’s stories is, “WILD.”

If you are interested in getting on stage to share your story, 

please contact Victoria through the Coyote Tales website.

 

Follow us on Facebook so you won’t miss any of the details.

Everyone has a story – Vic

Coyote Tales events are funded by Petite Feast, Utah Humanities, Utah Division of Arts and Museums
Kayenta Homes and Properties, Desert Dweller Realty and SBDance

For information on Coyote Tales including stories in our archives please visit our website.

 

Xetava Gardens Cafe

435.656.0165

Locally owned and operated cafe under the giant red cliffs of southern Utah. Full espresso bar, beer/wine, patio dining…with local, organic, vegetarian and vegan options.

Hours of Operation

Monday
espresso bar 10-11
lunch/dinner 11-5

Tuesday/Wednesday
CLOSED

Thursday/Friday

espresso bar 10-11
lunch/dinner 11-8

Saturday/Sunday
brunch 9-12
lunch/dinner 12-8

Health, Fitness & Wellness

Kayenta’s locally run gyms, fitness classes, spas,  group workouts, wellness activities and mindful experiences.

“Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you’ve got to squeeze your buns. That’s my formula.”

Richard Simmons

Elevate Fitness

A new focus with new classes to inspire and motivate everyone.
Check our website and Facebook page for more details.

Elevate Rise & Shine Intro/beginner Yoga • 8:00 am Tues

Elevate Cardio • 8:00 am Wed

Step & Strength • 8:00 am Thur

ElevateFit • 9:30 am, Mon, Wed, Fri

Ali’s Yoga • 9:30 am Tues

Elevate Yoga • 9:30 am Thur, 10 am Sat

Elevate Zen Stretch • 10:45 am Mon, Fri

Elevate Studio • 435-632-1381 • jyfitness@me.com

Participants MUST be vaccinated. Class size is limited and subject to change.
Pre-registration is required. Contact John before attending your first class.

Be happy. Be healthy. Have a blast!  ELEVATE!

Find Your Joy Yoga

Find Your Joy Yoga

Tuesdays at 9:30 am

At John Yohmans’s Elevate Fitness Studio in Kayenta!

Classes are $15 • Punch cards are available for $75 (5 classes)

No sign-up is required!

I will also be offering Sacred Healing Classes one Saturday morning a month
at my most sacred place, my home.

Classes include:
Sacred Tea Ceremony • Meditation • Yoga
Class/workshop will be 2 hours.
Please email me for a list of upcoming classes and dates.

Vaccination cards are required to attend in-person classes.

Call/text: 435-862-7743

Sacred Space Spa

Body, Skin, and Energy Work

Ask about our add-ons to enhance your treatment! 

Please call or text to schedule or with any questions! Please remember that I am usually booked at least 2 weeks out.

Namaste, Aly Hansen

For a full list of Spa Treatments visit:

Tel: 435-862-7743

Trips and Trails

Kayenta Exploration Group

We are on summer hiatus and will resume trips in the fall.

For details call Charles Dillier at 435-656-1956

Javier’s Massage

Javier Guzman LMT/LMMT

(Kayenta Resident)

Massage is medicine for the body and mind

“I think he is a neighborhood treasure. He has a very nice casita where he works. I love his massage and he is a really nice, thoughtful, considerate, good guy.” ~ Christy Lueders

Call or text for an appointment:

Javier Guzman
206-271-6165

Kayenta Home Yoga

June 2023 Classes:  Vigorous Vinyasa & Yin/Deep Stretch

Life is a balance of holding on and letting go:

Yoga practice leads you in the right direction, while non-attachment allows you to continue the inner journey without getting sidetracked along the way.  The outcome is not the point. It’s the quality of mind that accompanies the work that is of value—the ability to nurture a calm, curious, observant intelligence. (Yoga Sutra 1.12, Yoga Journal)

Vigorous Vinyasa:  mindful, alignment-based Vinyasa classes which include seated and standing poses,  balance and core work, all leading up to a challenge pose (for example, inversions or arm balances). You are welcome to level up or down and to skip poses — this is your practice, take what you need and leave the rest!

Relaxing Yin/Deep Stretch classes open the body and mind, turning awareness inward.  Each pose is held for several minutes, allowing time for the tissues to lengthen and inviting the mind to enter a meditative state.  Yin Yoga has been described as an internal massage for the tissues and organs.  Leave feeling relaxed and supple in body and mind!

June Schedule:

Wednesdays 9:30-10:45am Vigorous Vinyasa

Thursdays 9:30-10:45am Relaxing Yin/Deep Stretch

NEW TIME Fridays 9:30-10:45am Vigorous Vinyasa

$15/class or purchase a 4-class pack for $50.  Pay cash or Venmo.

Your first class is free! Classes are held at my small Kayenta Home Yoga studio. Bolsters, blocks, and straps are provided. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Questions?  Email or call me for more information and to sign up. I look forward to seeing you on your mat!

Karen Kushner (E-RYT 500)
978-621-0499

Kayenta Pickleball Group (KPG)

The courts have been repaired and are back in use!

THANK YOU to Matilda Mylander for all her tireless effort and thanks to all of you members for your patience! They are very usable, and we have had some very enjoyable games and some very good exercise already. If you have an interest in joining or have played very little to even not at all and would like to try it prior to paying dues, contact Denton Zubke by email at dbzubke@gmail.com or by phone or text at 701-570-4043. It’s a great way to meet other Kayenta residents and enjoy some fun and get some great exercise.

We’re planning on more organized events such as clinics, beginner classes, and round robins in 2023.  Join us in learning to play.  It’s fun the first day, infectious, and great for fitness.  Please email Denton Zubke or Erin at the Kayenta office for more information.

Desert Rose Labyrinth

The labyrinth is sacred ground, a place of rest and renewal.

The Desert Rose Labyrinth & Sculpture Garden is a community resource with the intention that all who walk the labyrinth will be blessed with peace, comfort, and open hearts. The Labyrinth is maintained and funded by Kayenta volunteers. Please be respectful and leave only footprints. For more information or to make group reservations, please contact:

Cheryl Collins: 435-674-1664

Beth Hopwood: 802-922-8905

Desert Rose Labyrinth
792 Kayenta Pkwy, Ivins UT

Community Advocates

Are you a Kayenta resident? Do you have a cause or passion that you are personally involved with in the St. George area?
If so, let your neighbors know right here.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Humanity
Advocate: Patrick Barickman

Habitat for Humanity facts

A Place to Call Home

Great progress has been made on rebuilding the home for Glenn and Lorretta Rogers on the Shivwits reservation. We don’t have a lot of details to report just yet but hope to have a fuller description of the project – with pictures of progress – for the July newsletter.

The last tasks that remain before the house will be ready for move-in are the finish flooring cabinets, countertops, bathroom vanities, etc.  Habitat for Humanity has been in the process of relocating their ReStore which has caused some delays in getting the final bids to complete the work. When the General Contractor obtains the required permits they will be able to complete work on the Rogers’ home.  

You may contact Scott Florence or the Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah (link below) for more information on how to help with this project.

Thank you for your consideration!

Patrick Barickman

835 South Bluff Street, St. George, UT. 84770

Desert Preservation InitiativeDPI – Desert Preservation Initiative
Advocate: Chuck Warren 

We are group of volunteers dedicated to identifying, managing, and removing invasive species and restoring the native landscape. While we recognize that the native species present today are not necessarily the same as those that were here 200 years ago, we work to rebuild the native habitat with an eye to what has been present historically.

Won’t you join us? If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or having a review of invasive plants on your property, please contact Chuck Warren, president, (chuckwarren222@ gmail.com) or Dan Beck, volunteer coordinator (danbeck2@me.com).

Inkas no kill Animal Supporters

INKAS – Ivins No Kill Animal Supporters
Advocate: Lois Hewitt 

Ivins No-Kill Animal Supporters (INKAS) is a 501(c)3 organization and a Registered Utah Charity. It was founded in 2010 with the mission of providing support to Ivins Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, now the Santa Clara-Ivins Animal Shelter. In 2006 our shelter became the first no-kill municipal shelter in the state of Utah. Maintaining a no-kill shelter, as opposed to one that euthanizes animals after a set period of time, is more costly because the animal’s needs must be met at the shelter until they are reclaimed by their owners, adopted, or transferred to an animal rescue organization. Through a memorandum of understanding with Ivins City, INKAS provides support through veterinary care, specialty foods, and other needed supplies. Funds are raised through the sale of merchandise at various local events and through the donations of many generous animal lovers. You can help by designating INKAS as your charity on Amazon Smile or by donating on our website.

Santa Clara-Ivins Animal Shelter

Bailee Mabe, Shelter Manager

474 North 200 West, Ivins

435-628-1049

Hours by appointment:
Monday – Saturday, 8am – 3 pm

Dogs and Cats

Ivins Night Sky Initiative
Advocate: Kai Reed

Ivins Night SkyPlease visit the Initiative’s website for more information at IvinsNightSky.org or email them. The mission of the Ivins Night Sky Initiative is to improve, preserve, and protect the night sky over Ivins and our heritage of dark skies through education and information about environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and to serve as a resource for City officials, residents, and businesses.

Let us know if this Initiative is important to you, if you are willing to get involved, and what else you think we should be doing to improve, preserve, and protect the night skies in Ivins.

Friends of Snow Canyon State Park
Advocates: Lori Capshaw

Events

We’d like to invite all Kayenta residents to join us in supporting Snow Canyon State Park. Our mission is to provide support to Snow Canyon State Park through various means. For more information and to join Friends please visit our website.

Nextdoor Kayenta

Nextdoor Kayenta
Advocate: Ray Borg

Nextdoor is a completely private online website environment for all of the Kayenta Nextdoor neighborhoods. Special thanks to Ray Borg for being our fearless leader.

Community and City Resources

Resident support services, businesses, and education and enrichment programs

Located in the desert community of Kayenta Utah, the Crescent Moon Inn is the perfect place to get away from it all.  The Inn is just a short walk or bike ride from the Kayenta Art Village, where locally-owned art galleries, the Sacred Space Day Spa and the Xetava Garden Cafe add to your unique experience.

For Reservations or Pricing call:
435-879-9076

Staying Put in Kayenta is a member-driven organization for Kayenta residents, proactively providing programs and services so members can lead vibrant, active and healthy lives while living in their own homes.

For information contact
Ellen Nathan
Secretary for Staying Put in Kayenta
435-652-8333

StayingPutKayenta@gmail.com

Looking for a Hair Artist right here in Kayenta?….JENN Hair Artist embodies the artistic creativity and passion of the beauty industry. She thrives in creating natural, sexy cuts and color styles for men and women. She looks forward to pampering you.

924A Art Village Way, Ivins, UT 83455
801 637-0884 (call or text)

Happy2Help is an in-home personal concierge service.

Services Include:

• Personal Shopping
• Health Recovery Assistance
• Meal Prep
• Snowbird Service
• Home Organization
• Event Assistance

Call or email Andrea, your trustworthy neighbor at
401-258-9772

Kayenta Committees

Board opportunities, landscaping, and ACC & HOA contact information.

Kayenta Deseret ArboretumKayenta Desert Arboretum

This is the month our gardens are the showiest.

Be sure to take a stroll through the arboretum to experience the beauty of desert landscaping.  Our latest major improvement can be found along the pathway and the back side of the Desert Rose Labyrinth.  Thanks to the efforts of DPI, all tamarisk has been removed from the area.  A great big thank you to the dedicated volunteers of this organization!  For the next several months we will be planning for the landscaping that will continue to improve the beauty of this area.  We are hopeful to be able use these new areas where tamarisk has been removed to add additional sculptures to this pathway experience.  We welcome any thoughts and ideas from the community.

Other improvements in progress include the removal and replacement of older plants in the arboretum and an ongoing low voltage pathway lighting project.

We are looking for landscaping-minded volunteers to continue the upkeep and improvement of the arboretum. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or just looking for information about the arboretum contact Roger Head, 435-632-1814.

kayenta landscape committeeKayenta Landscaping Committee

Please visit the Kayenta HOA website ACC tab for Landscaping documentation. Select Landscaping Regulations Rev 2017 and Landscaping Review Steps 2017.

Kayenta HOAACC & HOA Information

The Kayenta ACC meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month, 2:00 pm in the Kayenta Community Room. A hard copy of the agenda is posted in the Kayenta Homes & Properties office the Thursday before the meeting.

Questions? Ellen Nathan

Phone: 435-652-8333

Shonto Point HOA Meetings
February 15th, 2023, 2 pm, Studio, Center for the Arts at Kayenta

Shonto Point Annual Meeting
April 1st, 2023, 2 pm, Studio, Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Proxy ballots for candidates will be mailed before the meeting

Taviawk Annual Meeting
The Taviawk HOA Annual Meeting will be conducted via mail-in ballot between February 9th and February 26th, 2023. After F1 tabulates the ballots, the Board will hold the 2023 Annual Information Meeting to present the budget for 2023, ongoing HOA developments, and the voting results at the Ivins City Hall Conference Room at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

The Kayenta Concept

The Kayenta Concept is a philosophy that has steered the development of our exceptional community since its inception. The standards that underlie that concept are enforced by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), which serves both the Shonto Point and Taviawk HOAs. The pre-amble to the 2021 ACC Handbook lays out the basics of the architectural rules that have been followed to create the homes and land-scape we live in.

When your home was designed the Kayenta Concept was front and center. The ACC reviewed your design to evaluate whether it followed the rules, and the ACC monitored construction of your home through landscaping and occupation, again, reviewing adherence to design and construction standards. When you received your occupancy permit and construction deposit refund from the ACC, on-going compliance with the Kayenta Con-cept became the responsibility of your HOA Board of Directors. Your Board has the authority to perpetuate the Kayenta Concept into the future and gladly accepts that role.

The Kayenta Concept is worth reviewing to remind us that what we have here has only happened because of the rules Kayenta developer Terry Marten set up to own, build and live in Kayenta. His vision and the governing documents he developed to achieve and maintain that vision established the Kayenta HOAs and gave them the responsibility and authority to enforce the CC&Rs that underlie the beauty and value we all enjoy

Blue Can Recycling

Ivins City Dumpster Dates and Blucan Recycling Calendars

Ivins City

Ivins City Offices are open.

For Appointments with a specific department call:
Administration: 435-628-0606   
Building
: 435-634-9753
Parks or Cemetery: 435-634-7719
Public Works: 435-634-0689
Dispatch: 435-634-5730 or Animal Control: 435-628-1049

Ongoing Events and Activities

Weekly and monthly gatherings

Kayenta Book Lovers

Meetings the 2nd Monday of every month. For more details contact our bookclub

Kayenta Weavers

The Kayenta Weavers group meets weekly to enjoy the limitless creativity of off-loom weaving.

For information contact Katie

Submissions

Email submissions / changes to kayentaconnection@rdicreative.com with “Kayenta Connection (month)” in the subject line. Our Kayenta Connection Newsletter updates the 1st of the Month. Please submit 6 days prior to the end of the month to be included.

The Kayenta Connection is a publication that is focused on the Kayenta Community (residents, visitors and other interested folks). Information and articles should appeal to our Kayenta readers and reflect the spirit of our community. The KC cannot be responsible for mistakes submitted by the contributor.

The information submitted does not imply sponsorship or reflect the views and opinion of Kayenta Homes & Properties or Kayenta Development. Content not deemed appropriate for our readers will not be published. All information published in the KC is subject to editing.

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Kayenta Connection is underwritten by Kayenta Homes & Properties for the benefit of the Kayenta Community.