Settling into Summer: A New Chapter at GJ Lifestyle Magazine
Hello Western Colorado Friends and Neighbors,
As June turns into July, it feels like the perfect time to start my new role as Publication Director for GJ Lifestyle Magazine. Having lived my whole life on the Western Slope, I can feel the change summer brings without even checking the calendar. Here on the Western Slope, May teases us with a hint of relief from the winter cold but doesn’t quite deliver. June, while more consistent weather-wise, still keeps us guessing a little, and reminds us that Mother Nature is in charge, sometimes changing suddenly. It’s entirely possible that your new Chaco tan can be covered by thick socks a few days in June. July, though, settles in comfortably as true summer. I hope to settle in just as comfortably at GJ Lifestyle Magazine.
Growing up here, summer meant family reunions at Glade Park or at Devil’s Kitchen on the Monument. Long days playing outside with the other Orchard Mesa kids, camping, fishing, and swimming. In my teen years, summer was the perfect time to cruise North Avenue, much to the dismay of Officer Fox with the GJPD, who must have gotten a few gray hairs from dealing with rowdy teens every Friday and Saturday night.
My summers are much more relaxed now, but I still love the outdoors, especially in Western Colorado. We live in a truly wonderful place. I am excited to share some of my experiences with you, but most excited to learn more about your lives.
Wishing you a summer filled with adventure, a summer of relaxation, or a little of both.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Maggie Moorland
maggie.moorland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Faith Rodriguez, Tiffinie Storm, Maggie Moorland
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Maggie Moorland, Chandler Smith, Joshua Scott
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Starfish Gala
Photography by Joshua Scott
SARAH SHRADEROutdoor Enthusiast
CO-FOUNDER MESA COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATION COALITION
ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANDLER SMITH, DEREK DEAN
“Bonsai! Bonsai!”
In the 1984 movie The Karate Kid the word bonsai was used almost as a battle-cry, a motivational and mentoring tool. It literally means potted landscape, originating from the Chinese pun-saie. Symbolically it can represent growing and being shaped into the best version of yourself - “grow where you are planted”.
Sarah Shrader is one person who has a knack for doing that with her own life and encouraging others to do the same.
She has achieved successes in business, environmental advocacy and educational pursuits and currently heads the Outdoor Recreation Education program at Colorado Mesa University. As co-founder of Bonsai Design, she and her company produce aerial adventure experiences like the newly installed zipline that runs across the Colorado River between Orchard Mesa and the Las Colonias area of the Riverside Development Zone in Grand Junction. This summer marks the second season of operation for the Riverside zipline.
In 2015 Sarah and several other business owners involved in the outdoor recreation field began collaborating on ideas to promote outdoor recreation in Mesa County as a cornerstone to local economic stability and sustainability. That monthly get-together grew into the formation of a legally organized nonprofit now registered as Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition (GVORC). You can learn more about efforts to establish and maintain outdoor recreation as a key element of financial stability to our local economy, and find ways to get involved at gvorc.org
Local leaders like Sarah help the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts connect with stakeholders in the industry.
In addition to her role at CMU, she stays aware of issues that directly affect the community in relation to outdoor recreation and how revenue from this industry impacts the local economy in significant ways. She also stays abreast of achievements reached by local athletes, academic excellence in college and high school students and those reaching excellence in vocational trades.
In 2017 a GJHS student enrolled in the concurrent WCCC program for manufacturing technologies (CADD and computer-operated metal lathe) won the Colorado gold medal in the annual Skills USA competition and brought that state championship back to GHJS. The student was Jacob Fairbanks and upon his return from that competition in Denver Sarah offered him a job at Bonsai his Senior summer where he could begin applying those manufacturing and precision design skills in the workforce.
She regularly looks for opportunities to connect practical skills to jobs and service needs. Students in the Outdoor Recreation program at CMU have many options for internships and on-the-job training as they pursue degree completion. Another student did that, working as a bicycle technician at Ruby Canyon, specializing in mountain bike service while finishing a marketing degree.
Local academic and business leaders like Sarah help the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts connect with stakeholders in
the industry and help reinforce the local workforce with cutting-edge skills as students graduate in current technology and practical skills programs.
Sarah has spoken at influential events centered on economic benefits of outdoor recreation many times and even testified before the US Congress Natural Resources Committee concerning the vitality of good stewardship over natural resources.
When asked about some of her favorite activities and adventures, Sarah shared these things:
Favorite food? “Ha, ha! I love food.”
Favorite activities? Climbing 14ers. “I’ve climbed 42 of Colorado’s 58 peaks over 14,000 feet high, over half with my dog Otis (best dog ever). More favorites to do outside: Skiing with my boys - Luke age 21, Henry age 19 and Oliver age 17 and adventuring in the backcountry with my husband Thaddeus”.
”One of the most thrilling adventures I’ve ever had was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft.) with my son Luke”.
[That story was featured in the Sept. 2022 edition of GJ Lifestyle magazine.
See citylifestyle.com/grandjunction/ issues/2022-09.]
Growing, becoming the best version of herself and guiding others through the same process are at the heart of this lady’s adventures, community involvement and family time.
ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOSTER ALUMNI MENTORS STAFF
Outstanding Achiever - Holly Stanley
A FAM Success Story
Foster Alumni Mentors, FAM for short, is a non-profit organization in Grand Junction that offers a variety of supports to clients 16 years and older, who have experienced foster care formally or outside the human services system. Their main goal is to support, empower and provide tools to help “foster alumni” to reach their full potential in a unique person-based way. They help alumni ease into a “normalized” life by providing the skills necessary to become great contributors to the community near and far. FAM helps foster alumni believe in themselves, shows them they are not alone, and that it is possible to follow and achieve their dreams.
FAM doesn’t stop there. This organization goes above and beyond. They build family. Here are just a few things they have to offer.
*Learning how to take care of basic needs (e.g., how to pay rent, shop for groceries, banking, taxes etc.)
*Professional Development (e.g., how to build a resume, find a job, apply for college, scholarships, leadership and vocational training.)
*Access to educational resources for financial, physical, relational, and mental health.
*Monthly FAM time for all alumni to gather, bond and build community.
Meet Holly Stanley. One of the FAM great success stories!
Holly was put into foster care in Ohio, at the age of 13. Her teenage years were met with much difficulty. When she was 18 years old, she aged out of the foster care system. With no roots or family ties, and not having anything to keep her there, the next decade or so was filled with moving all over the country for various reasons. She finally settled on Grand Junction when she decided to start attending CMU. It was in 2019 that she was introduced to Foster Alumni Mentors by a friend of a friend.
Holly met with Kim Raff, Executive Director of FAM, and
immediately knew she had found a safe place. “I looked across the table and thought to myself, wow, someone who has been in foster care like me, can become an amazing person like this. She was well put together with a family and a business. I loved her positivity and her vibe. I instantly knew this was a place that offered things I had never had before.” As Holly and Kim visited, Kim was listing the many opportunities and supports that FAM offered, but one thing in particular hit her heart. Kim was mentioning FAM pictures, but to Holly FAM and Family were synonymous. Having FAM pictures was the greatest thing she’d ever heard. “I was touched, and became involved with everything that FAM had to offer.”
First and foremost was her education. She found out that FAM offered scholarships, but were not the ones who decided on the recipient. That was determined by the University program.
She was honored to be the one chosen for that through CMU, and started her journey in obtaining her degree. The path was not easy. There were times when
CONTINUED >
FAM has been a rock in my life. They understand.
life presented some hardships, but whenever this happened, she knew she had the support she needed. Whether it was helping in emergencies, helping with food, or helping when financial difficulties arose as she navigated school, an internship and work, they were always there. “FAM has been a rock and support in my life. They are people who have been in the same situation and understand. They are positive and relate to people. They are my friends and family. They have been instrumental in my life. It’s moving to have something like this in my life after not ever experiencing ‘a real family life’ before. I have always craved a connection and I finally have that with FAM. Their support network is unmatched.”
Holly graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2023 with her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology. She was recognized as “Student of her Class” during graduation. She is currently District Manager at Mesa Conservation District. Holly is still, and will always be, part of the FAM family. She volunteers as much as she can.
If you have experienced or aged out of the foster care system, or know someone who has, and need(s) support, please reach out to Foster Alumni Mentors (FAM). They will bring you into their “FAM” family and give you the tools and support you need to succeed.
Anna StoutWhat’s Next
Local Leadership
ARTICLE BY FAITH RODRIGUEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GJ CITY
When your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Anna Stout has been a leader in every sense of the word in her position as Mayor of Grand Junction as well as during her nine years as CEO of RoiceHurst Humane Society. As Anna closes each of these chapters to embark on a new era full of new adventures and new opportunities to make a difference in Mesa County, let’s take a look back at her accomplishments and celebrate her new beginning.
Anna’s tenure as the mayor of Grand Junction has been marked by dynamic leadership and a commitment to policies that
aim to enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents. From the start of her term, Mayor Stout brought a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience in community service and local governance. She made it clear that she would focus on addressing critical issues.
Anna Stout’s term as mayor has been characterized by her dedication to making Grand Junction a better place for all of its residents. Her leadership has brought about significant positive changes in the areas of housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, public health,
education and social equality. As her City Council term continues, residents of Grand Junction can look forward to more policies and initiatives that will further enhance the city’s growth and development.
Not only has Anna been a leader in local government she has been an outstanding leader as CEO of Roice-Hurst Humane Society for most of the last decade. She is closing this chapter with a full heart of gratitude and pride in knowing she has devoted her life to this organization and is ready to take on a new adventure.
There are many notable accomplishments over the last nine years. These accomplishments include significantly increasing annual gifts and contributions from $330K to an average of $1.2 million annually over
CONTINUED >
“LEADING ROICE-HURSTHASBEEN ONE OF THE MOST RE WARDINGEXPERIENCES OF MY CAREER.”
the past five years. RHHS has expanded services to Delta and surrounding communities through a Delta satellite facility and purchased a brand-new, customized mobile veterinary clinic. Anna created innovative initiatives such as hiring a human social worker, co-deploying human and pet health services, a dog hiking program, kitten kindergarten at DYS, and partnering with Homeward Bound to create the first-of-its-kind Homeward Hounds program. Two new pilot programs Anna was instrumental in creating show her expertise in thinking outside of the
box and bringing multiple county-wide issues together are the Pet Adoption Prescription Program and a partnership with Mind Springs Health. The Pet Adoption Prescription program is for local mental health providers and primary care physicians to prescribe a waived adoption through RHHS for patients whose holistic health would be improved by pet ownership. The partnership with Mind Springs Health incorporates interaction with shelter pets into therapeutic treatment plans for substance abuse patients at residential inpatient facilities.
Reflecting on her time with RoiceHurst, Stout expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a passionate team and an engaged community.
“Leading Roice-Hurst has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Stout said, “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the organization will continue to thrive.”
As the Roice-Hurst Humane Society looks toward the future, the legacy of Anna Stout’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide the organization. Her commitment to animal welfare and community engagement has set a strong foundation for Roice-Hurst to build upon in the years to come.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGGIE MOORLAND
of the River The Wisdom
ADVENTURE THERAPY AT ITS BEST
Everything Joe had said was true. The river changes you.
I never would have guessed that I'd become a "River Rat" in my mid-twenties. I love the outdoors, my home state of Colorado and a shot of adrenaline every once in a while, so whitewater rafting should have been the perfect fit. But I was terrified of moving water.
Growing up on River Road, the river was both enthralling and terrifying. A rushing ditch flowed in the middle of our yard, with a wall made of river rocks and concrete as a barrier. It was just tall enough for a small child to lean over. To get a good look, you'd have to let your feet off the ground and lean over, which terrified my mom. She warned my brother and me that witches lived down there to keep us from even peeking. When we would walk through the back pasture to the river’s edge, my grandma would sternly warn us about the undercurrent. She explained how the surface looked smooth and calm to lure you in, but underneath was powerful, churning and could suck you under.
This all stuck somewhere in my psyche. For years, I stayed away from the river. A deep respect for the river's power and unpredictability was forever instilled in me.
CONTINUED >
It took some time, but my perception changed when I worked at Partners, a youth mentoring program. Joe Higgins, the founder, was a real-life river rat. The kind you only find in Colorado. He believed in the power of the river, nature as a healer of all human ills, and had a brain so full of John Wesley Powell quotes and other knowledge, that it was awe-inspiring. Even though I had to fight panic attacks, I caught a little bit of the fever before I even helped inflate one of our ancient, nonprofit rafts.
Before I knew it, I found myself running rapids; guiding kids to discover the magic of the river. I spent nine years with the Partners program. Nine summers of the Moab daily, Glenwood Springs, the Gates of Lodore on the Green River and the Yampa River. Hundreds of kids, hundreds of pounds of cold chicken lunches and the most rewarding experiences I could imagine.
Everything Joe had said was true. The river changes you. I saw it in the kids. I saw it in myself. Kids who never had a chance to be kids, had the chance to swim, have water fights and eat all the food they wanted on the warm sand. We all learned. We learned how to rely on each other to paddle through the rapids, and how giving up isn't an option once you're headed downstream. We discovered where to find strength when there's no turning back and how to support the weakest in our group. We realized that strength and weakness are never static; one moment, you could be the strongest paddler and
the next, you might be swimming through the scariest rapid, relying on everyone else to pull you back into the boat. We also learned that it's okay to need help and how these experiences relate so much to life. The words of writers and poets made sense.
A few years after leaving Partners, I got married and let my husband run the boat on every trip. I was out of practice. Then, life dealt me a few heavy blows. Divorce and its aftermath filled me with uncertainty and fear. But a seven-day river trip restored my spirit. Despite self-doubt and discouragement, the old river lessons resurfaced, reminding me to look downstream. The experience was transformative, with the river’s immersive therapy helping me rediscover myself.
This May, I took a trip down Ruby & Horsethief Canyons on the Colorado River with my brother, sister-in-law and her friends from college and the slew of kids they all have now. It was their annual “Cinco de Floato” trip, always a weekend close to Cinco de Mayo. They are a fun crowd to spend four days with.
This year, I was doubting what I was capable of again. I had been a shell of myself for months. My boyfriend and best friend, Matt, died suddenly late last year.
CONTINUED >
The words of writers and poets made sense.
We were very close. Like my grandma had warned, life seemed somewhat calm and smooth and without warning, the undercurrent swept something important away. It had fooled me and made me complacent, just like she said.
The memories of rafting and Matt were everywhere I looked. Preparing for the trip cut open the still-raw wounds from losing him. But, he was an old Adventure Bound guide who had words of wisdom to share on the river. On a rough Westwater trip, I asked him how he was so confident. "You just get in the current and don't stop rowing. That's all you can do.," he said.
Those words became my guiding light. “Just get in the current and don't stop rowing.”
But, I went on the trip. I had been hiding away from the world for too long after Matt died and I was still here. I would have to start living again sometime. The trip down Ruby/Horsethief was bittersweet, yet awe-inspiring. I had somehow forgotten how to look up at the sky until I was looking for someone up there.
Being with my brother, his family and friends reminded me of what it was like to live again. I watched my niece and nephew swimming, having water fights, and eating as much food as they wanted on the warm sand. It was as rewarding as it was years ago with Partners.
Rafting holds a special place in my heart. I relive wisdom shared by Joe, the true river rat, my late mother and grandmother, and of course my best friend Matt. I remember what others have taught me; to stay in it, there is only one way out, and that is downriver. When you feel like all choices are taken away from you, or you’re scared, that is a single thing to focus on to clear everything else away for a while; just getting downriver, for now.
This is the kind of therapy that only being outdoors and allowing Mother Nature to challenge your limiting beliefs can bring. I highly recommend it.
Niki Hunn: Serving Generations
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
When Thomas Hunn opened his jewelry store in 1985 he was already serving the Grand Junction community through involvement with causes like Rotary Club and contributions to organizations like Hope West, Boy Scouts and CMU (Mesa State College) to name just a few.
Today that legacy of contribution and a reputation of superior service to customers, through excellence in the field of jewelry, lapidary craft and gemology continues through his daughter Niki. Her son Nicklas W. Beightel has been working with her in the profession since 2014, right after his graduation from GJHS (Go Tigers!). Nick rounds out a third generation in the family business.
Niki is also a GJHS alumnus and began working with her father in 1991. At age 16, on her way to school with a friend driving, they were in a car accident at 15th Street and Elm Ave. that left her friend with a traumatic brain injury and a lifetime of limitations. The other driver ran a stop sign. Niki’s injuries included multiple fractures to her head, face and teeth, both femurs and pelvis. 35 years later, she
is finally having the last restorative dental work needed to restore the original shape of her smile.
She’s been an advocate for learning and continuous improvement through Rotary and Scouting with her sons. She is currently President-Elect for the Rotary Club of Grand Junction and takes office July 3, 2024. A position also held by her father during his many years of Rotary service. She also serves as a member of the Hope West Achievement Board and has been in that role for nearly a decade.
Philanthropy and community involvement through service on boards and committees is also being represented three generations deep as Nick serves alongside other business members in his involvement with service clubs and their efforts to give back, community wide.
Among Niki’s professional certifications is the status of Graduate Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the standard for professionals in the gem and jewelry field. She is also a multiple-time attendee at Jewelers Summit which is an exclusive, invitational
Niki at work
One of their favorite custom jewelry projects created together, came in the summer of 2021 when approached by Brian Kelly, formerly of the band FloridaGeorgia Line.
Tarpon closeup
Theme Jewelry
Serpentine bracelet
Mt Garfield under starry skies
Presenting the tarpon pendant
Niki, Brian Kelly, NIcklas
event limited to 50 of the top gemologist-jewelers in America and she is the ONLY Colorado jeweler to ever be invited!
She also recently returned from a jeweler's conference in Singapore where new techniques, traditional skills and new technologies come together to help jewelers and gem experts keep their business operations at peak performance and skill level. Even new fabrication techniques have advanced to the point that some manufactured stones can no longer be distinguished from natural stones in a lab.
Nicklas is also working toward GIA graduate certification and is currently Diamond-Level certified. When he completes his Graduate exam, he’ll be the third generation in the family business to do so.
One of their favorite custom jewelry projects created together, came in the summer of 2021 when approached by Brian Kelly, formerly of the band Florida-Georgia Line. He wanted to get a pendant made depicting the Florida Tarpon but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. The team at Thomas Hunn Jewelers went to work to bring that vision to life. This story was shared earlier in a Grand Junction Lifestyle article, February of 2022, titled “Wearable Art”, which can be found at: citylifestyle.com/ grandjunction/issues/2022-02
Continuing the legacy Thomas Hunn established, of service and giving back, Niki sponsors
Hope West’s annual Gala, CMU Rodeo’s Maverick Stampede, numerous other fund-raiser and community improvement events every year and has no plans to slow down efforts to serve throughout the community when opportunities arise that align with the family legacy.
Each year, Rotary Clubs throughout the Grand Valley provide books to SD-51 first graders that the individual children get to own and take home for summer learning. As a Paul Harris Fellow, M.D. level 10+ Niki participates in the mission of promoting peace globally, eradicating polio - a core mission of Rotary - and providing other vital life-giving and life-saving resources around the world. She’s pleased that her son Nick has also attained Paul Harris Fellowship with Rotary International.
Recently she also attended the final historic walk-through at the old GJHS campus in preparation for the closure and removal of those buildings from campus as final construction activities draw near in the completion of a brand new GJHS school and complete reformatting of the “Tiger Pride” campus.
Family, philanthropy, community, professional excellence and great friendships are forces that propel this great lady to continue forward at the heart of a legacy that may yet endure for many more generations.
CALLAHAN-EDFAST
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur
Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farmto-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
JULY 3RD
City of Fruita Fireworks Display
Fireworks will be lit from Snooks Bottom Park at dusk and are visible from many areas in the city.
Celebrate Independence Day with a great fireworks display sponsored by Western Rockies Federal Credit Union. Hosted by Fruita Parks and Recreation. Visit www.fruita.org/parksrec for more information.
JULY 4TH
Grand Junction 4th of July Parade
Main Street, Grand Junction | 10:00 AM
For more information visit downtowngj.org.
JULY 16TH - JULY 20TH
Mesa County Fair
Mesa County Fairgrounds | 11:00 AM
For over 120 years Mesa County Fair has exhibited the best that 4H youth and our neighbors grow, raise, make, create, and share what they do all year. Our county’s rural agricultiural heritage is fascinating and important.
Featuring great and exciting entertainment: A carnival, fireworks, equestrian shows, Monster Trucks and Bull Riding. Visit mesacountyfair.com for more information.
