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Thursday, June 28, 2012
Outlook community
Montrose Daily Press
The power couple s
Judge, advocacy center director proud to call Montrose home By Katharhynn Heidelberg Daily Press Senior Writer
There’s work, and then there’s a calling. In the Montgomery household, not one, but two members have been lucky enough to find their calling here. Jerry Montgomery is a former prosecutor and now the Montrose County Court judge. His wife Sue Montgomery heads the Dolphin House Child Advocacy Center, which serves child abuse victims and their nonoffending family members in six counties. It’s hard work, and high stakes, but the couple remains grounded by remembering why they do it. For Jerry, his position affords the opportunity to work with people, and figure out their issues and what can be done to help them. “Unfortunately, not many of them listen, but there’s that nugget every now and then, and when that happens, it makes it worthwhile,” he said at his sunny home in a Montrose subdivision as Sue sat at his side. Sue’s reward comes from helping child victims and their families overcome terrible crimes, including physical and sexual abuse. “Everything I’ve ever done is for kids, but I never really was hands on daily with children. It has made a huge difference in my life to see good can come out of something really horrible,” she said. Their careers are second starts for both Montgomerys. Jerry was in restaurant work for several years before health reasons forced him to give it up. But he didn’t give up on giving back. Instead, he parlayed his interest in law into a career as a defense attorney and, later, a prosecutor. “Criminal law is what I’ve always been involved in, as far as my legal career,” he said. The Montgomerys first came to Colorado during Jerry’s illness, when Sue got a job on the Front Range. After Jerry obtained his law degree and got experience under his belt, a position in the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office opened, and he was
Nate Wick/Daily Press
Sue and Jerry Montgomery talk about the joys of their life together and the challenges of their work. hired in 2007. Montgomery served as assistant district attorney before being tapped in 2010 as county judge after Judge John Mitchel retired.
The Montgomerys moved to Montrose (this time from Missouri) for Jerry’s job — and that’s when Sue also made a career move.
“I was going to retire. That lasted about three months,” she said. Sue had years of experience helping nonprofits set up and develop. She worked primarily with organizations that helped children overseas. When she came to Montrose, she stepped up to meet the needs of local children, first working with the elementary schools’ after-school programs. In 2009, she was named executive director of the Dolphin House, replacing Kay Alexander. The Montgomerys have an unusual challenge — not only are their jobs demanding, but unlike many other people, Jerry and Sue cannot talk to their significant other about the daily grind. Their positions preclude it. Dolphin House clients often end up in court as victims, with Montgomery presiding over the cases until they proceed to District Court. “He was my sounding board, and now I can’t do that,” Sue said. So far, their marriage has not created a conflict on the bench. Jerry says he has not been asked by any attorney to recuse himself, though he mentions his link to the Dolphin House when it is relevant. Because Sue does not conduct the interviews of child victims at the Dolphin House, she is not called as witness in any of the cases. “That does not present a problem,” Jerry said. Added Sue: “We don’t talk about the cases at all.” They have other outlets for stress relief — Jerry is a music aficionado. He and Sue both play the piano; Jerry, who also plays the bassoon and clarinet, has decided to learn guitar. And Sue does not confine herself to business writing by day: “I love to write,” she said, telling of four novels she has planned. The Montgomerys also take joy in their surroundings, from mountain drives to snowshoeing. Montrose is a great place for their interests, and they are here to stay, they said. “My son says this is what Colorado is — the Western Slope,” Jerry said. “When people are thinking about Colorado, they are thinking about here.” And other locals have the right attitude, he added. “People here have a tendency to put life first and work second. I think that’s an excellent philosophy.”
Montrose Recreation District offers something for everyone Activities for all ages are offered By Will Hearst Daily Press Staff Writer
With 64 years of experience and expertise, we are positioned to help you meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Serving an average of 380 people each day through 288 programs last year, the Montrose Recreation District has a significant impact on the leisuretime interests of many local residents. MRD executive director Ken Sherbenou expects the 2012 numbers to be just as good if not better. He said the district plans to continue expanding its programming as a way to get more community members involved without necessarily requiring additional facilities. For those unfamiliar with its offerings, there is perhaps no better time than the summer and fall to take advantage of MRD’s outdoor programming. Soccer, baseball and softball are perpetual favorites among local adults looking for some friendly competition, and it is not too late to put a team to-
gether for the district’s new fall softball league. An organizational meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10 at the McNeil office, 2104 Rio Grande Ave. Team managers who attend this meeting will receive a voucher waving the individual fees for one player on their team. The fall season will feature three divisions, men, women and co-ed. Sign-up ends July 23, and play begins Aug. 13. Early fall also brings adult flag football and volleyball leagues. See the MRD’s summer programming catalog for more information. Late-summer activities still are available for youngsters, including the second session of Summer Adventures for Children ages 6 to 10 and Club 1114 for 11- to 14-year-olds. Both activities are four-week programs designed to entertain and educate children from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each Monday through Thursday. The Summer Adventures program includes everything from science activities to outdoor recreation, while Club 1114 offers sports, leisure see recreation, page A7
Reflecting on 130 years of partnership with our community. Inviting your participation in building for its future.
Provide your input. Stay informed.
• Visit www.cityofmontrose.org • Stop by 433 South First Street • Email info@ci.montrose.co.us XNLV35573
• Call 240-1400 • Watch Channel 10 • Attend public meetings