Issuu

Embracing Your Inner Superhero

May is our issue dedicated to women, which, to be honest, is one of my favorite subjects. I love being a woman.

Women are powerful. We are a force that is needed in the world. We continue to make significant contributions to society across a plethora of fields.

Women are capable. It’s time we recognize our abilities and worth. We are well equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to get the job done.

Women are strong. We need to claim our strengths and use them to our advantage. This involves resilience, self-confidence, purpose and authenticity.

Women are nurturing. Women have an innate way of taking care of those around them. This can manifest in different ways. Showing empathy, fostering a sense of care for others, and providing emotional support.

Women are smart. Being considered a smart woman is less about specific qualifications and more about a combination of mindset, skills, and behaviors that reflect a commitment to growth and understanding.

Women are so much more!

However, as women, we are often told we aren’t good enough, or we need to be a specific way, and the truth is, every woman has the potential to be a superhero in her own right. There are always challenges to tapping into that power, but the more we do it the easier it gets.

Let’s celebrate women! Let’s encourage and support each other. And let’s embrace our inner superhero!

Happy May!

TIFFINIE STORM, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @GRANDJUNCTIONLIFESTYLE

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Tiffinie Storm | tiffinie.storm@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mollie Freilicher, Vanessa Brines, Tiffinie Storm, Stephanie Plieness

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Walsh, Mollie Freilicher, Lisa "Moose" Kral, Annamarie O’laughlin, James Robb

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

3:5-6

city scene

Rotary “Robin Hood” Grants 1: Reverent Rhythms 2: Robin Hood Grant Recipients for 2025 3: Mesa County Search and Rescue 4: Grand Junction Public Radio, KAFM 5: Palisade Fire Department 6: Cappella Memory Care 7: Support a Soldier

Rotary Snowball Sweepstakes 1: Looking for a Fun and GREAT cause? Found it! 2: This Year’s Volunteers 3: The Big Winner 4: The main event at Wonder Bump. 5: Sunshine and smiles on the slopes. 7: Staging for the big race. Photography by Thomas Walsh

1-7: Palisade Historical Society Photography by Lisa “Moose” Kral

FAM needs people like YOU. When you invest your time and dollars in FAM, you provide vital resources mentoring, housing, employment, education, and hope to young people aging out of foster care. Join a community that empowers personal growth and shows our youth they are never alone Your support builds a brighter future.

529 25 1/2 Road, Suite B-103 Grand Junction, CO 81505

970.234.3519

"You don't age out of FAMily "

-Kimberly Raff, Founder and Executive Director of FAM

fosteralumnimentors.org

Our mission at Sky Canyon Veterinary Hospital is to better the lives of pets, their owners, and nurture the bond they share. We are a full-service veterinary hospital that provides exceptional, compassionate care for dogs and cats at all life stages.

970.985.4911 | skycanyonveterinaryhospital.com 2387 River Road Unit 140, Grand Junction | info@skycanyonvet.com

JUNIOR Service League

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PLIENESS

THE HEART OF SERVICE: HOW THE JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE OF GRAND JUNCTION IS UPLIFTING THE COMMUNITY, ONE GRANT AT A TIME

For more than four decades, the Junior Service League of Grand Junction (JSL) has been a quiet but powerful force in Mesa County, channeling the passion and energy of local women into meaningful change. Since its founding in 1983, JSL has awarded over $1.1 million in grants and contributed more than 750,000 volunteer hours, touching lives in nearly every corner of the community.

This past December, JSL once again put its mission into action, awarding $35,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families across the Grand Valley. The grants were distributed during the organization’s annual Grant Recipient Reception, an event that highlights the direct results of the group’s year-round fundraising and volunteer efforts.

“We are so proud of the work our members do and the impact it allows us to make,” said Kristin Lee, JSL’s Community Giving Chair. “It is a joy to see how our collective effort supports organizations doing truly transformative work in the community.”

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The 2024 grant recipients reflect the broad spectrum of community needs JSL supports — from addressing basic necessities to providing educational enrichment and mental health support.

Among this year’s recipients was Kids Aid, a nonprofit that works to alleviate childhood hunger by providing weekend meal packs for students in Mesa County. “Junior Service League is a valuable piece to our puzzle,” said Tessa Kaiser, executive director of Kids Aid. “We are committed to bridging the weekend food gap so kids can return to school ready to learn on Monday morning.”

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Also receiving support was Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, which provides shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and HopeWest, a trusted organization offering hospice, palliative care, and grief support throughout Western Colorado.

Other 2024 grant recipients included:

• Hope of the Grand Valley, supporting self-sufficiency for low-income families

• Good Samaritan Clinic of Western Colorado, providing free medical services

• Project 1.27, helping local families foster and adopt children

• Riverside Education Centers, which supports at-risk youth with afterschool programs

• Night Lights, Inc., offering respite care for families of children with special needs

• CASA of Mesa County, giving voice to children in the court system

• Steppin’ It Up, Inc., promoting mentoring and life skills for youth

A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND COMMUNITY GIVING

While JSL’s impact is most visible in the grants it distributes, the organization is equally committed to hands-on volunteerism. From mentoring programs for fifth-grade girls transitioning to middle school, to packing holiday food boxes and supporting the Family Center at Clifton Elementary, JSL members are often the boots on the ground behind many local initiatives.

Each year, the organization’s signature fundraising event, Viva el Vino, brings the community together for a fun evening of wine tastings, live music, and giving back. This year’s event will take place on April 26, 2025, at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade, with proceeds going directly to the community grants program.

“JSL isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a legacy of compassion

• Western Slope Blue Star Mothers, supporting active military and veterans

• Diaper Depot, helping families meet essential needs

• Colorado Discover Ability, which provides outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in building a healthier, more supportive, and inclusive Mesa County — and JSL is proud to be part of their story.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Women who want to make a difference in Mesa County are encouraged to get involved with JSL. The group welcomes new members each year who are passionate about giving back through service, leadership, and philanthropy.

“JSL isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a legacy of compassion,” said Lee. “We believe in the power of women coming together to lift their community.”

As the Junior Service League of Grand Junction looks ahead to its next chapter, its mission remains crystal clear: to serve, support, and strengthen the community, one act of kindness at a time.

CSU MASTER GARDENER

Other Extension Service Programs Highlighted

ARTICLE BY MILLIE FREILICHER AND VANESSA BRINES

What is eating my broccoli plants? Why are the leaves on my maple tree turning yellow? What is that grotesque-looking green caterpillar on my tomato plants? How do I get rid of weeds in my lawn?

Who are Master Gardeners, you may ask? Well, they are people who have a passion for gardening and love to share their gardening knowledge with the community.

Every year, these and thousands of other questions are asked with folks getting answers from people known as Master Gardeners. Who are Master Gardeners, you may ask? Well, they are people who have a passion for gardening and love to share their gardening knowledge with the community. Master Gardeners here have completed in-depth training through the Colorado Master Gardener Program. This program is a community-based, horticulture training and volunteer program through Colorado State University (CSU) Extension. The mission of the program is to enhance Coloradans’ quality of life by extending knowledge-based education to local communities, helping individuals make informed decisions about plants and fostering successful gardeners while protecting neighborhood environments.

Once training is completed, Master Gardeners help the gardening public solve their horticulture-related problems with scientific, researchbased knowledge, while providing meaningful outreach. Trainees complete 15 weeks of core training courses from October-March, with hands-on lab sessions held in-person. Upon training completion, volunteers share their knowledge and expertise by answering questions posed by people in the community. In fact, the Colorado Master Gardener Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!

Locally, Master Gardeners have been serving in the Tri-River Area since 1978, so it will celebrate its 50th anniversary in three years. The CSU Extension office which supports the Western Slope counties of Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray, is known as the

Tri-River Area Extension. Master Gardeners also help to maintain the 3.5 acres of demonstration gardens at the Extension office in Grand Junction. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk and include: a Plant Select garden, an arboretum, the Clifford Duncan Ute Learning Garden, waterwise gardens, a cactus garden (maintained by the Chinle Cactus Club & Succulent Society), and other demonstration garden beds. Master Gardeners serve as docents for the Clifford Duncan Ute Learning Garden, which is an ethnobotanical, native plant garden. Master Gardeners also support the Grow & Give project (www.growandgivecolorado.org) where community members grow produce to donate to those in need. You can often find Master Gardeners out in the community, staffing information tables at expos, festivals, shows and farmer’s markets or speaking throughout the Tri-River area.

Additionally, the CSU Tri-River Area Extension provides assistance and support to commercial growers, farmers, and ranchers through its Horticulture, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and Entomology programs. It also serves individuals and families through 4-H Youth Development and STEM, and through Family and Consumer Sciences, which also supports food service establishments and local cottage food producers.

Homeowners with questions regarding weeds, vegetable gardening, lawn care, fertilizers, trees, insect pests, etc. can reach out to the Extension office by contacting the Help Desk via phone (970240-1836), email (masterg1@mesacounty.us), or with an in-person visit (2775 Highway 50, within the Mesa County Fairgrounds). Volunteers answer homeowners’ questions and will include supporting documents, such as CSU Fact Sheets, to provide additional information and resources. In 2024, Master Gardeners in the Tri-River Area answered over 1,500 questions through the Help Desk and volunteered nearly 2,900 hours serving the Tri-River Area.

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water (minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water (minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

From Stem To Vase:

TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART

Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions

associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.

In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.

Flower Frogs

Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.

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“Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.”

Florals and Fruit

“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”

Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.

Hanging Florals

For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.

No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.

“They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO

Elevated Cocktails for Brunch Beyond &

3 Fun Spirits To Spoil Mom With This Mother’s Day

Whether Mom prefers to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, she’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make her brunch menu extra special. So while she’s indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped creamtopped pancakes, impress her with one of these three morning-friendly mixes.

Gin Jam &

A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam

• Spoonful of jam for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.

2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.

4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice

• 1/2 cup tequila

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• Lime wedge, for rimming glasses

• Coarse salt, for rimming glasses

• 1 bottle champagne or Prosecco

• Orange and lime slices for serving

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine orange juice, tequila and lime juice and stir to combine.

2. Line glass rims with lime and dip in salt. Pour in orange juice mixture and top off with champagne.

3. Add sliced oranges and limes to glasses and serve.

Margarita Mimosas

Sweet and tart combined with classic champagne bubbles make for the perfect brunch accompaniment.

Instructions:

1. Infuse vodka: Tear five basil leaves into small pieces and place into a small glass jar with vodka. Seal tightly and shake, refrigerate, then infuse for at least six hours, shaking the jar occasionally.

2. Make basil sugar: In a small food processor, combine sugar and remaining basil. Pulse until basil is chopped into small, uniform pieces and sugar is pale green.

3. Strain vodka into a glass measuring cup, squeezing basil leaves to release any remaining liquid.

4. Rim glasses: Pour basil sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Fill another shallow plate with water until a quarter-inch deep. Dip the rim of each glass first in water, then in basil sugar.

5. Assemble cocktail: Divide basil vodka between glasses, then add half-cup lemonade to each. Fill glasses with ice cubes and top with seltzer. Garnish with lemon slices.

Ingredients:

• 9 large basil leaves, divided

• 4 ounces vodka

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup lemonade

• Ice

• Seltzer

• Lemon slices, for garnish

Spiked Lemonade

This refreshing twist on a springtime favorite is enhanced with the sweetness of basil and turns the spirit a vibrant green.

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Everyone dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get our time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

8 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.