A big shout out to everyone who attended our Annual Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party on May 25th.
We all enjoyed the great weather, good food, fun and dancing. But, it’s the conversations we get to have with our residents that the Kayenta Homes and Properties team enjoys the most.
Over the past couple of years, Kayenta has welcomed many new, active, youthful & adventuresome residents. We enjoyed talking with many of them during this year’s event. New residents are choosing Kayenta for its great beauty, proximity to recreation, and the open areas just outside our neighborhood’s boundaries. Chatting with guests, the Anasazi trailhead is a favorite and has just been revamped and improved making it easier to navigate. Other popular areas being explored on bikes are Bulldog Pass, Motoqua Road, and Veyo Loop, and some residents even ride to Pine Valley and back.
Kayenta is also close to Ivins City and St. George’s advanced educational opportunities. Utah Tech is expanding their community education programs and we found out we have residents that are now getting involved with Utah Tech’s educational trips. This is just one more reason residents are making Kayenta their trailhead for future adventures.
Our office is open 7 days a week to help with all your Kayenta real estate needs!
Jeff Sproul, Principal Broker
Steve McAllister & Naomi Doyle, Sales Agents
435-628-7234 www.kayentahomes.com
Upcoming Events
DOCUTAH presents:
June 7
Song for Our People
The Center for the Arts at Kayenta is thrilled to partner with DOCUTAH on a new monthly film series. DOCUTAH seeks to open hearts and minds to the world through beautifully crafted stories on film, promoting education while creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and community.
About the Film: Go behind the scenes of an unforgettable recording session where an extraordinary group of artist activists come together to create a powerful new anthem to honor Black lives and inspire the fight for racial justice in America.
Rhaposdy in Blue Suede Shoes
June 14 & 15
St. George Dance Company Presents
2024 is the 100 year anniversary of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue. Help us commemorate this important piece of artistic history by celebrating the last 100 years of American music, and dance at our encore performance of Rhapsody in Blue Suede Shoes.
From the infectious energy of the jazz age to the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll; from the soulful rhythms of Motown to the infectious beats of hip-hop, this show celebrates the rich tapestry of American creativity and innovation.
For more information and tickets to the amazing events please visit our website.
We look for to seeing you at the Center for the Arts in Kayenta.
Kayenta Community
The local perspective. Our businesses and residents news and events.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Bookkeeper, General Office
Kayenta Community Services is seeking to fill a full-time bookkeeping position immediately.
POSITION:
General bookkeeping for several entities • Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
Monthly reconciliation of accounts • Deposits
Payroll • General Office and Phone
Contact: mattmarten1@gmail.com and accounting@kayenta.net
Photo: Alan Holben
DPI – Desert Preservation Initiative
Advocate: Chuck Warren
Reducing Fire Risk—It’s the homeowner’s responsibility
With fire season upon us, it’s unnerving to read that the USDA Forest Service Wildfire Risk to Communities website reports that “Washington County has a very high risk of wildfire—higher than 98% of counties in the US.”
While factors such as high winds and low humidity are beyond human control, community action to improve community safety is well within reach. Thus, the Desert Preservation Initiative is actively working with local fire authorities, specifically with Captain Adam Heyder of the Wildland Division of Santa Clara-Ivins Fire and Resue (SCIFR) to reduce wildfire risk.
While the primary responsibility of the Wildland Division is wildfire response, the division also works directly with partner agencies and community groups to increase community awareness of strategies to reduce wildfire risk. DPI’s goal of removing the highly flammable Tamarisk plays a central role in making Kayenta a safer community.
Heyder and his fire crew worked directly with DPI in the spring to supervise the burning of Tamarisk debris removed from Kayenta properties at the DPI corral.
Heyder is currently updating the Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan, which will include mention of DPI’s work. Community Fire Planning in Utah includes a focus on fire prevention and fuel modification as well as public education measures that inform and hopefully motivate local residents to do what they can to help prevent wildfires.
Heyder reports that SCIFR uses many ways to reach out to and educate the public, including an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram to post prevention and education messages throughout the year along with “an annual open house for the residents to attend, visit, and ask any questions they may have. We also have a presence at Heritage Days in Ivins and Swiss Days in Santa Clara.” He would also like to “get a community fire council going again to get the public involved in keeping it updated.”
The bottom line, Heyder reports, is that the work of DPI is valuable because “it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to protect their own home. If there’s defensible space around homes, it makes the community safer as a whole.” Of course, it’s not just Tamarisk that should be removed, but any fuel that poses a hazard to homes, Heyder says, because “defensible space around homes saves lives and property which are our two main priorities as a fire department.”
The work of DPI not only helps educate Kayenta residents about the dangers of Tamarisk but also works to remove this dangerous tree. Heyder appreciates the partnership: “Thanks for what you folks are doing to keep your community safe.”
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).
Resident Spotlight
Janell Bassett, Editor
Deborah, Judith and Mary Hutcheson
Living artfully—it’s all in the family
Growing up in Reading, Pennsylvania, Deborah and Judith Hutcheson were constantly exposed to the arts. Their mother and father were both Arthur Murray dance instructors, and their father became a jeweler and had his own business repairing and crafting fine jewelry for over four decades. One of Deborah’s early memories is of “my father creating the most lovely pieces, especially for my mom. He would open up drawers filled with gold, silver, sparkly gemstones and diamonds and I knew I wanted to do what he did.”
Today, Deborah is a jewelry designer and metalsmith who, along with Judith, also an artist, is living a dream they shared—to showcase their work together. As the owners of Hutch Studio in Kayenta Arts Village, they live that dream and share their love of the arts with others every day.
Their road to Kayenta, where they live with their mother Mary, came about after years living in California. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, Judith took a road trip to the West Coast and never returned. She spent 30+ years in the Bay Area working in vaccine and ophthalmic clinical research, continuing to create art, even though “my time was limited.” Meanwhile, Deborah mastered her craft under her father’s watchful eye, eventually taking over his jewelry boutique. She remained in Pennsylvania serving on various boards and the city council. When their father, Mary’s husband, passed, Deborah and Mary joined Judith in the Bay Area, where Deborah devoted herself to creating her own collections and traveling the art show circuit.
In 2017, the sisters, their mother, and SkyeDog, their Lakeland Terrier, decided to live together and to find the ideal place to do so. After considering Palm Springs, Phoenix, Kanab, and Las Vegas, they were astonished by the beauty of Kayenta; “we had no hesitation and moved in June 2018,” says Judith.
The decision to open the studio was driven, in part, by Covid shutting down the art circuit for Deborah and Judith’s choice to take early retirement and get back into painting full-time. An opening in the art village led to the creation of Hutch Studio as a working space. “People are fascinated to watch how the creative process unfolds and are always interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect of what we do and meeting the actual maker is something people love,” adds Deborah. Describing the studio, the sisters say they both “lean towards a more modern aesthetic in style and art, so that naturally comes through in our space.” The space reflects Deborah’s use of clean lines with different materials to create a contemporary appeal in her jewelry while Judith’s paintings are representational with a biomorphic, at times sensual, approach to realism.
Beyond their art, the Hutcheson sisters are involved in a wide range of community and outdoor activities—enjoying playing music, tennis, camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing, and a bit of canyoneering. Judith is a member of the Ivins City Arts Commission and Deborah is on the Kayenta Arts Foundation. Both volunteer with Windhorse Wisdom and work in the Kayenta Community Garden. Bottom line? They both embrace the Ivins motto of “living artfully,” a lesson learned as a family.
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.
June 2024 Ivins City Council Update
Mike Scott, Council Member
Yes I Know Taxes Is A Four Letter Word
At the last City Council meeting I uttered the unspeakable… the unthinkable: Let’s consider a property tax increase. If my goal was to make everyone in Ivins mad at me, I mean everyone, then mission accomplished. But once your blood pressure drops back into a normal range, please consider my reasons. Here is what I presented at the meeting. I would like to get your feedback. Please email me at mike@MikeScott4Ivins.com
Part 1: Property Taxes: How Does Ivins Compare?
- Ivins has not increased its property tax rate since 2010.
- In 2010, only 45% of the cities in Utah had higher tax rates than Ivins.
- The Ivins tax rate was higher than 55% of the cities in the state in 2010.
- Last year, 72% of the cities in the state had higher tax rates than Ivins.
- More cities had higher tax rates because they have been raising rates while Ivins has not.
- The Utah Taxpayer’s Association says about 60 cities and towns raise property taxes each year. That’s about 25% of the cities and towns in the state.
Part 2: Property Taxes & General Fund Expenses
Ivins property taxes increased 72% since 2010 because of new taxes from new construction. That fits closely with a population increase of 70% in the same period.
With no increase in the tax rate since 2010, taxes did not increase to adjust for inflation. It is reasonable to expect the City’s costs to increase for three reasons: Population growth, inflation, and new or improved City services. Higher costs from population growth are covered by taxes from new construction. Increasing sales and room tax revenue helps fund new and improved City services. Higher costs due to inflation should be covered by property tax increases.
Population growth plus inflation increased 122% since 2010. But the City’s General Fund expenses increased by 148%. Why so high? General fund expenses increased faster than population growth plus inflation because the City added services since 2010. Here are a few examples: Fire Lake Park maintenance began in 2017 ($10,025 a year), Suntran began in 2013 ($112,000 a year), School SRO costs began in 2013 ($75,602 a year), The Police Department has increased patrol capability and investigations, and the biggest cost increase is because our Fire Department has changed from volunteer-oriented to full-time personnel.
Part 3: Public Safety
The Ivins Public Safety budget (Police, Fire, EMS) is $3.5 million for 2025. That’s after deducting revenue from ambulance services and wildlands reimbursement.
Public Safety costs increased 164% since 2013. Increases in population and inflation would have increased costs 107%. Costs tracked well with population and inflation increases until two years ago. Costs are $760,000 higher mostly because both departments have improved and added services.
We can’t fill that $760,000 gap with a property tax increase because it would be a 36% increase. But we should show support for our Public Safety needs with at least modest tax increases.
Part 4: What Impact Would A Tax Increase have?
Inflation last year (CPI Western Region) was 3.4%. If we had increased the property tax rate to adjust for the impact of inflation last year. It would add $12.64 to the tax bill on a home valued at $750,000. It would increase the City’s property tax collections by just over $71,000. That increase would still leave the Ivins tax rate lower than 68% of the cities in Utah.
All cities:
Average increase = 25.6%
Median increase = 11.5%
Part 5: Think Ahead
We should maximize our General Fund reserve. That’s our safety net. We would need to add $700,000 to reach the 35% reserve allowed by the state.
We list 32 projects in addition to 2025 projects in the 5-year capital plan for $35 million. Taking out $11 million for the regional park, and $9.8 million for secondary water, leaves $14 million. Using 2025 as an example, 40% of the cost is paid from the Capital Projects fund. Based on that, we need $1 million a year. Hopefully that comes from increased sales/use tax and room tax.
Regional Park: The estimated cost is over $11 million. The maximum impact fees we can apply to it is $2.5million. Redo the impact study to give this park all fund allocation. (Note: This change may not help a lot. The fund is budgeted to have just $1.8 million at the end of 2025.)
A ladder truck will likely cost Ivins more than $1million. Our impact study is out of date (2021) showing the Ivins share of a ladder truck at $500,000 and the development of a new fire station. Update the study, ladder truck allocation, and decide yes/no on a new fire station.
Our utility bills include money to replace our culinary water lines, storm drains, and sewer lines. There is no “utility” bill for roads. Roads need to be replaced after about 50 years. The cost today is over $80 million. Less than 15% of our roads are “regional” roads that would qualify for grants. We should already be setting aside close to $1 million a year.
Ivins Animal Shelter. The budget includes $5,000 for some HVAC work, internal redesign, and changes to the play area. The shelter is overdue for more substantial expansion and redesign. Fund a study to determine cost and timing and add to 5-year capital plan.
We don’t have a plan to landscape Hwy 91, bury Hwy 91 power lines, add recreation amenities like pickleball, etc. Determine what to add to the capital plan and timing.
The easiest thing for us to do is nothing. But it is important to act on these issues now so we do not leave future city councils and residents with insufficient resources to keep Ivins not only viable but thriving.
More City Information
I try to keep these articles relatively concise. Not doing too well at that. It’s frustrating because there’s so much to discuss. So, please email me at Mike@MikeScott4Ivins.com for more information about these and other Ivins issues. Also, please tell me what issues in Ivins matter to you. Visit my website at www.MikeScott4Ivins.com for regular updates and now you can also add your comments to my articles.
Located in beautiful Kayenta.
New night classes plus other exciting workshops! As the desert starts to heat up it is a perfect time to chill down and create some art with friends in our beautiful air-conditioned school. A variety of classes, dates, and times available to meet your scheduling needs. See some of the upcoming options below.
One-Day Oil Painting Workshop: Birds of a Feather
June 6
Time: 10 am – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Angela Woods
Painting our feathered friends, from humming birds to roosters, requires specific techniques. In this workshop, local artist Angela Woods will share her methods for successfully painting birds including shape, color, and feather techniques. A mixture of demonstration and one-on-one student instruction will increase confidence in this vast and varied subject matter. Additional topics covered will include drawing, composition, layout, light and shadow, and color mixing
Small Format Black and White Linocuts
June 7 and 8
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Abraham McCowan
Join local artist and professional art instructor Abe McCowan for this unique printmaking opportunity! Whether you are new to carving and printing or have years of experience, this workshop will focus on the basics of relief printmaking using linoleum blocks. The small group format will allow for demonstration and hands-on individualized instruction throughout the two days as well as plenty of press time.
New Evening Oil Painting Studio!
3-Week Session starting June 8th
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Instructor: Matt Pectol
You asked, and we heard you! We are thrilled to announce that Matt will be teaching a new Saturday evening class this summer! Led by professional local artist and beloved teacher Matt Pectol, you will enjoy creating in the company of other oil painters. Experiment with various techniques, methods, and materials as you work on projects of your own choosing. Whether you are early in your painting journey, or well into the process of developing your own personal style, this is the place!
MakeSpace Open Studio
Friday June 7, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
A First Friday Event
Get a behind-the-scenes look at this hub of creativity.
Your Community. Your Classes. Your Space.
View the full schedule online.
Information & Class Registration
And, while you are there, register your email to receive monthly updates on classes.
MAKESPACE | 918 ART VILLAGE WAY | IVINS, UTAH 84738
At the cocktail pre-party for the recent Coyote Tales Storytelling event at CFAK, an attendee asked me, “Why is it that we’ve all paid $20 for tickets just to see a bunch of our friends and neighbors stand up and tell a story for five minutes?” I can’t be certain, but I think after listening to the evening’s stories, I have an idea.
What makes Coyote Tales so special is that the stories told on stage are spoken live. They are true experiences and real life situations told in the authentic and unpolished voice of the teller. There’s a certain vulnerability, rawness and charm to each telling and hearing them – for me and I hope for you too – is a magical experience.
The evening’s participants were a varied group including a young woman who recently graduated from the theater department at Utah Tech, a Goshute elder, a rancher who spoke about ditch-riding with his five-year-old son during a flood surge, and a Kayenta resident whose unusual talent saved the day after a long train ride.
All told, nine storytellers shared their uniquely personal tales on stage and it was clear theatergoers felt a strong connection to each of them. Alone at the mic, brave tellers shared their tales with truth and sincerity – some storytellers stuttered, paused to remember details, or briefly choked up with emotion while speaking; and others, shared their story fearlessly with conviction and self-assuredness. The unpredictability of the evening only added to the excitement. As always, the evening was overseen by Coyote Tales’ self-appointed ‘Master-of-Sharemonies’, Doug Caputo. He expertly guided the evening with his usual charm and good humor.
Paula and Joe Ferrario debuted their toe-tapping original Coyote Tales theme song at the pre-party hosted by the generous folks at Kayenta Homes and Properties and Petite Feast. Steve and Naomi from KH&P deftly manned the bar while cheerfully chatting with theater goers. Behind the scenes, Miranda Wright and the staff at CFAK executed every aspect of production with ease and professionalism. Coyote Tales surely wouldn’t happen without their involvement.
Coyote Tales believes that by sharing our stories and listening to our neighbors we help foster a better understanding, respect and compassion for other viewpoints. I am deeply grateful for this community’s embrace of Coyote Tales and their unending belief in the power of sharing our stories.
The next Coyote Tales event is scheduled for September 7th as part of the Ivins City Heritage Days Festival. It will take place outdoors at Ivins City Park and is a FREE event. Everyone is welcome. The evening’s theme will be, FIRST. If you think you have a story to share, please contact me @ coyotetalescontact@gmail.com.
Coyote Tales events are funded by Petite Feast, Kayenta Homes and Properties, Utah Division of Arts and Museums and Utah Humanities. We are grateful for in-kind support from Desert Dweller Realty, SBDance and The INN at Santa Clara. All proceeds from live Coyote Tales events have benefitted local nonprofits or have been FREE.
everyone has a story – Victoria
Many thanks to Alan Holben for his beautiful photographs.
Petite Feast Dinner Club
JUNE – CELEBRATION DINNER
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024
Summer is finally here! June marks the beginning of summer squash and vegetable season and this month’s menu hopes to showcase some of our local gardener’s best offerings. Deep green and vibrant yellow squash are available in abundance. While they’re often served sliced and cooked, this menu features a unique carpaccio salad of garden-fresh zucchini thinly sliced and served with housemade cheese and a bright and zesty basil mint vinaigrette. The homage to summer continues with homegrown piccolo tomatoes and grilled Utah corn showcasing summer’s bounty as a flavorful bed for a succulent pan seared chicken breast. The celebratory meal even starts off with summery bang by opening with an interesting take on vinegary salt roasted new potatoes served with a smoky paprika-spiced aioli. They’re the perfect accompaniment to serve alongside our take on a spiked lemon cooler. Cheers!
JUNE DINNER
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024
MENU
HORS D’OEUVRE
GARLIC ROASTED NEW POTATOES WITH PAPRIKA AIOLI
PETITE CRUDITÉ PLATTER WITH LEMON HERB DIP
LEMON CITRUS COOLER
FIRST COURSE
ZUCCHINI CARPACCIO SALAD WITH HOUSE MADE RICOTTA, BASIL MINT VINAIGRETTE
AND A LIGHT SABA DRIZZLE
SECOND COURSE
HOUSE MADE PASTA ALLA SORRENTINA
ENTREE
PAN SEARED CHICKEN BREAST SERVED OVER CORN, TOMATO AND GREEN BEAN SALAD
DESSERT
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE WITH FRESH BERRIES, BERRY SORBET AND GOAT MILK GELATO
To reserve your seat at the table please click on the link below
Petite Feast Dinner Club
DINNER LOCATION: PRIVATE HOME IN KAYENTA, UTAH
**The exact address and driving directions will be emailed 1 week prior to the event.
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.
“Another great dinner with such fun people!” – Jim and Sunny Poquette
“Soooo bumming! Karen and I will be back east and will miss your next few dinners. Thank you to you and Matt for opening your home to your guests. Such warm reception creates meaningful and lasting memories”– Peter R.
VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY #95
MIDDLE EASTERN SWEET POTATO TOSTADA WITH WHIPPED FETA AND SALSA VERDE
Vegetable centered eating is a huge food trend that’s popular right now for health and sustainability reasons. It’s all about paying produce the ‘center of the plate’ respect it deserves. It doesn’t necessarily mean taking traditional proteins off the plate, but rather means to gently nudge the focus of a dish toward the produce. By preparing vegetables with more assertive cooking methods like grilling, high-heat-roasting or charring, any vegetable can easily shape shift from humble side dish to vibrant main dish status.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and cauliflower are a few of my favorite options for creating ‘vegetable mains’ that are robust enough to share the plate with modest amounts of traditional meat, seafood or dairy protein to make a complete and satisfying meal. As an added bonus, eating in a more vegetable centered way is highly economical, delicious, and is also an easy way to kick start healthier eating habits while positively impacting the planet. In this month’s VDP recipe I’ve paired highly seasoned roasted sweet potatoes and crispy kale with protein and calcium rich dairy for a delicious dish that just might make veg-centric eating your new thing.
The recipe is for a Middle Eastern riff on the classic Mexican tostada. It starts with a flavorful schmear of feta, yogurt, and lemon spiked mayo slathered on a toasted pita or flatbread. The cooling puree is then topped with spicy roasted sweet potatoes and oven crisped kale. Typically a tostada would be crowned with the classic salsa fresca, but I’ve rebooted the concept with an herb forward pumpkin seed relish reminiscent of pesto. Drizzled on top, it provides the extra punch of flavor needed to bring this classic Mexican street food to unexpected and tasty new levels.
Tim says that he would stick with a white wine for this dish, and because of the yogurt and spices in the dish he would tend to lean toward a dry Riesling or perhaps a Gruner Vetliner, both with fresh green fruit flavors and high acidity. If the optional jalapeno pepper is included in the dish, he recommends a more aromatic wine such as Gewurztraminer to balance the spicy flavor.
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 comes from it fills us with joy, hope and gratitude. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Thanks for coming to the party. Cook On! – Victoria
VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY #95
MIDDLE EASTERN SWEET POTATO TOSTADA WITH WHIPPED FETA AND SALSA VERDE
WHIPPED FETA DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
3/4 C mayonnaise, homemade or high quality store bought
¼ C Greek yogurt
8 oz. of feta, crumbled
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
(any extra dressing can be reserved for later use)
SALSA VERDE INGREDIENTS:
½ C toasted pumpkin seeds – toasted sunflower seeds may be substituted
2 green onions, sliced
¼ C fresh cilantro, minced
2 T lemon juice
3 T olive oil
TOSTADA INGREDIENTS:
4 T olive oil, divided
1 small onion, cut into thick slivers
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ ea. jalapeno, deseeded, ribs removed and minced (optional)
2 small sweet potatoes, skin on cut into thick 3” planks
2 t cumin powder
2t smoked paprika
2t honey
1 bunch kale, washed, trimmed, and well dried
4 pita toasted rounds or flatbread, additional cilantro, pumpkin seeds and feta for serving
METHOD:
Prepare whipped feta dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients and blend well using an immersion blender or food processor. Adjust seasoning to taste. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.
Prepare Salsa Verde: Combine all salsa ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor and using quick pulses combine to make a chunky puree. You may need to add a bit of water to get the proper sauce-like consistency.
Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven 400 degrees. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine all filling ingredients except the kale on one sheet pan and toss with 2 T olive oil. Spread out in a single layer and roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and appealingly charred. Remove from oven and set aside. On the second sheet pan combine kale and 2 T olive oil. Toss lightly and spread out in a single layer. Roast in oven for 10 minutes or until crisp. Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside to briefly while toasting pita or flatbread in oven.
Assemble the tostadas: Spread the whipped feta on the warmed pita rounds. Arrange sweet potatoes on feta mixture and top with crispy kale. Drizzle salsa verde over all and sprinkle with additional pumpkin seeds, cilantro and crumbled feta if desired.
Serves 2 generously
435.656.0165
Xetava Cafe and Tapas+Bar is locally owned, and unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. Designed to be a respite from the bustle of modern life, the building is nestled under the giant red cliffs of Ivins, surrounded by the Kayenta Art Village and Center for the Arts. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the views while you choose between our new Tapas+Bar area or the original Cafe.
Hours of Operation
Monday
CAFE 11-5 • TAPAS+BAR 4-8
Tuesday/Wednesday
CLOSED
Thursday/Friday
CAFE 11-8 • TAPAS+BAR 4-9
Saturday
CAFE 9-8 (brunch ‘til Noon) • TAPAS+BAR 4-9
Sunday
CAFE 9-8 (brunch ‘til Noon) • TAPAS+BAR 4-8
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Kayenta’s locally run gyms, fitness classes, spas, group workouts, wellness activities, and mindful experiences.
“Believe you can and your halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Elevate Fitness
Current Class Offerings
ElevateFit / ElevateFITFusion
9:30 am, Mon, Wed, Fri
Elevate Yoga
9:30 am Thur, 10 am Sat
Elevate Studio • 435-632-1381
jyfitness@me.com
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!
Kayenta Home Yoga
Forget not that the Earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
-Khalil Gibran
June Class Schedule
9:30 – 10:45 Tuesday: Vigorous Vinyasa
9:30 – 10:45 Wednesday: Meditative Yin/Stretch
Please contact me for more information.
Pre-registration is required.
Summer Break:
Kayenta Home Yoga Studio will be closed in July and August.
Classes will resume in September. We will pick up where we left off – Noticing the breath, paying attention to the body, and focusing the mind.
Karen Kushner (E-RYT 500)
978-621-0499
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!
Sacred Healing Classes are offered one Saturday morning/month.
2 Hour Classes include:
Sacred Tea Ceremony
Meditation • Yoga
Email me for a list of upcoming classes and dates.
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
Aly is now a certified Insominia Coach.
Sacred Sleep CoachFor a full list of Spa Treatments visit:
Tel: 435-862-7743
Email MeJavier’s Massage
Javier Guzman LMT/LMMT
Massage is medicine for the body and mind
Hi, I’m Javier Guzman a licensed massage therapist who resides in the beautiful community of Kayenta. My handcrafted massages are designed for you whether you want relaxation, deep therapeutic, stress reducing, pain relieving, or just to improve overall health & well-being. Don’t delay your journey to a healthier you!
“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 Pickleball Group (KPG)
Does Pickleball Pique Your Interest?
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.
Email DentonDesert 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
Email Cheryl
Beth Hopwood
Email Beth
Desert Rose Labyrinth
792 Kayenta Pkwy, Ivins UT
Trips and Trails
Kayenta Exploration Group
We are on Summer Break
Trips will resume in October
For details contact Charles Dillier at 435-656-1956
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 of Southwest Humanity
Advocate: Patrick Barickman
To learn more about our projects and mission please visit our website.
Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah
835 South Bluff Street, St. George, UT. 84770
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
Ivins Night Sky Initiative
Advocate: Kai Reed
Ivins Night Sky launched on January 8th, 2019. We are a 100% volunteer, not-for-profit, citizen organization. We registered as a Utah nonprofit corporation in February 2019 and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS in March.
Our mission is to improve, preserve, and protect the night sky over Ivins and our heritage of dark skies through 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.
Email Ivins Night Sky
Friends of Snow Canyon State Park
Advocates: Lori Capshaw
Events
EventsWe’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
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
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
Good Medicine Intuitive Skin Care
Good Medicine Beauty Lab is a small women-owned company, that creates high-quality face and skincare products. The products are all hand-crafted in our Kayenta lab, from ethically sourced ingredients and wild desert botanicals.
• Unique face and body care products.
• Safe, natural, and locally sourced wild botanical ingredients
Stop by and test all our products, we will be open every day from 9-5!
Kayenta Art Village: 873 Coyote Gulch Ct. Suite C, walk towards the Center for the Arts & look for the bright purple door.
435-656-5240
Is your Home dated, and in desperate need of a complete makeover? I can completely update the look and feel of your home without costly remodeling. I can help with affordable solutions that will transform your space. You will have a home that is organized, more current, and looks beautiful.
Are you building a New Home and need the finishing Touches? I can help with all the decorative touches, from home furnishings to tile, paint & more!
Happy Up Your Home with Home Stylist Nancy Weezy Forman, Kayenta Resident
215.8050035 WEEZY@NANCYWEEZYFORMAN.COM
Happy Up Your HomeKayenta Committees
Board opportunities, landscaping, and ACC & HOA contact information.
Kayenta Desert Arboretum
Centering the importance of nature and the mind, Kayenta’s Art Village outdoor space includes an Arboretum dedicated to “waterwise” landscaping and a Labyrinth built by local residents. Free for the public to enjoy.
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 Landscaping Committee
If you love plants and gardening….
A phenomenal new resource is now available to guide you in creating your Kayenta landscaping, available on the Kayenta HOA website.
The Kayenta ACC Landscaping Committee has just released a new guide to plants currently suggested for use, listing plant characteristics such as typical height and width, growth rate and—perhaps most useful—whether the species is available at local nurseries.
There are links attached to each of the plant IDs and names which lead to images of the plants and in-depth information available online.
In addition, the guide specifies in what areas plants can be used, such as the natural area, the transitional area or in a courtyard. A “Notes” section includes other advice and things to know about a given plant.
This user-friendly Guide to Kayenta Plants is located in the ACC’s Landscaping Documents.
ACC & 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
Email EllenShonto Point HOA Meetings
The Shonto HOA Board meets regularly during the year avoiding some summer months. All meetings are from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month in the Theatre for the Arts, located in the Kayenta Art Village.
Taviawk 2023 HOA Board Meetings
The Board plans to meet on the Thursday after the ACC meeting (which is the 3rd Tuesday of each month) bi-monthly at 9:30 am at F1 Property Management.
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
Ivins City Dumpster Dates and Blucan Recycling Calendars
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.