Issuu

M AY 2 02 1

Grand

Valley Women

GrandAchievers!

Where Smart Technology and Caring Hearts Truly Shine!

PAT K I M M E R L I N G

DR . ERIN MCGUINN

K AT R I N A M E TCA L F

NUR SE PR ACTITIONER

MD, FACC

NUR SE PR ACTITIONER

3 6 0 W E S T PA R K D R I V E , G R A N D J U N CT I O N 970 . 24 4 . 24 82 | W E S T E R N S LO P E CA R D I O .C O M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Women of Strength WHAT DEFINES A STRONG WOMAN? Her knowledge and wisdom? Her goals

Garrett Gross | garrett.gross@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

and accomplishments? Her life’s work?

Dani Moore

Melinda Gates said that "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."

Amy Kappler, Krista Whisner, C. W. Morgan, Raigan Holgate, Cloe Olmstead

No matter how a woman might be defined, it is clear that the Grand Valley has been blessed with amazing women who have made this valley into an amazing place.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Maxfield, C. W. Morgan, Ashlee Ficklin, Casey Dittmer, BANFF Film Festival, Sabre' Cook

Here’s to you: the mother, the teacher, the leader, the friend. To the women who use their voices every day to lift others and shape the world into something better: Thank you. Our lives are richer because of you. Cloe Olmstead

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction ON THE COVER Featured Women PHOTOGRAPHY BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF 4

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Grand Junction Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Grand Junction area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Grand Junction Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 12 Grand Junction’s Racing Star An Obstacle to Overcome

19 Timeless Allure Optometrist Adds PermanentBeautification Services

23 Casey Dittmer Western Colorado’s Maternity Photographer

23 12

32 A Heart For Service Bettering the Grand Valley

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Trend Setter

Local Limelight

Locally Owned

23 Locals Only 26 Local’s Choice 28 Our Town 32 Inspired By 34 Giving Back

Non Profit

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GOOD TIMES

Ribbon cuttings for new Chamber members. Retirement Outfitters just joined the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, celebrated by a ribbon cutting. Mountain Berry Bowls celebrated their Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting held by the Fruita Chamber of Commerce.

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Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

Relocation Ribbon Cuttings The Fruita Chamber of Commerce congratulates Grand Valley Home Loans on a long awaited new location on Aspen Street. Also celebrating a new location, Copper Club Brewing Company, where guest vendor food trucks will be a regular feature.

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AROUND TOWN

Springtime More Beautiful!

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 30+ Years Floral Expertise Dove Releases for Special Occasions Local and Global Delivery Available

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Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Held every fall from the Rocky Mountains of Banff, Canada, the 2020 Festival went virtual for the first time in its 45-year history. Following in the Festival’s footsteps the 2020-21 World Tour is hitting the virtual road and heading to a living room near you! From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winning films and audi-

ORCHARDS CROSS

ence favorites are carefully selected to travel the globe. This year’s tour will feature a collection of the most inspiring action, environmental, and adventure films, curated into online programs to be enjoyed from the comforts of home. Typically, the World Tour

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has stops planned in about 550 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe. Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports 2020/2021 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. For virtual tour tickets benefitting many local non-profit groups, visit:

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Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

https://filmfest.banffcentre.ca Or click on the links on the Grand Junction Lifestyle Facebook page or Instagram page.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ GrandJunction using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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TREND SETTER ARTICLE RAIGAN HOLGATE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SABRÉ

SABRÉ COOK

Grand Junction’s R a c i n g S ta r WHILE THE RACING INDUSTRY HAS LONG BEEN DOMINATED BY MEN, IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR AMONG WOMEN. Watching the tables turn, a rise in successful woman racers can largely be attributed to powerhouse competitors such as Danica Patrick, Lyn St. James and Grand Junction’s very own Sabré Cook. Cook started driving different variations of cars at just eight years old. As her dad was a motocross and supercross racer, his love for the sport was quickly passed to Cook and her brother. Their family’s love of racing runs so deep that they even opened a local carting track, Grand Junction Motor Speedway. As you can imagine, growing up at the track allowed Cook’s love for racing to flourish. From winning the Super Cart Stash Championship in 2012, to making it into the W-Series (an all-female, single-seater racing league) in 2019, Cook’s racing career is nothing short of impressive. As she gears up for upcoming races in Europe, Mexico

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

and the United States later this year, Cook is prepared to show her talent as the fierce competitor that she is. Cook’s passions extend past the driver’s seat. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Colorado School of Mines in Mechanical Engineering and is currently working in Texas for Infinity and Renault-F1. Her extensive mechanical knowledge, growing list of championships, and networking within the racing community are all preparing her for her ultimate goal of racing in the IndyCar Series, the premier openwheel racing series in North America. When asked how being a woman in a male-dominated sport has affected her career, Cook replied that it has definitely been an obstacle to overcome. However, she tries not to focus on that and just wants to bring her A-game and be the best racer, every day, regardless of who she is competing against. Focusing on improving her own skills and ability is what has made her a leader within the series and inspires others to get involved as well. For anyone wanting to get into racing, Cook explains that the best way is to simply learn the information and try it out. By finding local races and resources, there are opportunities for anyone to enjoy the racing experience. Cook says that finding a community is the best way to grow your knowledge, experience and opportunities for racing.

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

SHE WANTS TO MAKE GRAND JUNCTION A COMMUNITY THAT PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO LIVE IN, BUT ALSO WANT TO LIVE IN. 14

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

ARTICLE AMY KAPPLER PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEE FICKLIN

Helicopters, to Weddings, to

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ROBIN BROWN

and OH 58 helicopters. She spent eight years as an Army pilot with 9/11/2001 occurring about midway through her service. Dec 9, 2003, her chopper was shot down. After surviving the landing she and her FOR ROBIN BROWN, A STRATEGIC PLANNING MILITARY

copilot remained hidden for over an hour until they could be rescued.

BACKGROUND COMBINED WITH A PASSION FOR BETTER-

After two deployments for herself and three for her husband

ING HER COMMUNITY CREATED AN INTRIGUING TRAJEC-

Jason, the Browns decided to leave Oregon where an ROTC job had

TORY LEADING TO HER POSITION AS GRAND JUNCTION’S

located them. When Jason got a job offer in Grand Junction they

ECONOMIC DEVELOPER. Robin’s years in Grand Junction have

moved here amid the bleak winter scenery of February. However, it

been filled with community achievements such as the reopening of

only took a few weeks as spring emerged for the beauty of the Grand

the Avalon theater in 2014, and the revamping of the Art and Jazz

Valley to work its magic and it’s been over ten years that they have

Music Festival. While her eight years in the Army were also full of

been rather content nestled here in this community that has a way of

accomplishments, she has since utilized the skills she learned to do

causing people to put down roots.

CONTINUED >

some truly wonderful things for the Grand Valley. Growing up in a military family led Robin to choose a career path that included a military scholarship and choosing an occupation in military service that would be both, challenging and rewarding. She chose and qualified for aviation and became one of only a few women to join the ranks of the pilots who are assigned to operate the Bell 206 CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Because it utilized her strategic planning background, wedding planning became her first job after moving to the Grand Valley. Through wedding planning, she was hired to plan a black-tie party where she met a woman who wanted to talk to her about another job

Robin went on to open her own PR company after being encour-

involving the Avalon theater. Robin assumed the client wanted her to

aged by her soon-to-be first clients, Josh and Jody Niernberg,

throw a party but quickly realized she was actually being interviewed

local restaurant owners. Robin enjoyed the idea of PR because

for the Development Director job. Not having ever done fundraising,

she felt that the valley’s best stories weren’t being told. Eventually,

she laughed, and went straight home to order “How to Run a Political

PR led her to interview for the Economic Development Director

Campaign” from the internet. Despite the initial hesitation, she

job that she holds currently.

excelled. She raised 9 million dollars, which led to multiple other arts

Through the years in her current position, Robin has been focused

and culture projects in the Grand Valley that were previously thought

on bringing new business to the Grand Valley as well as promot-

of as unnecessary. Robin’s focus has contributed greatly to making

ing locally established businesses with the goal of creating a bet-

this such a wonderful place to live, with new projects including the

ter living wage for residents. She wants to make Grand Junction a

many river walks and the Los Colonias Park pavilion.

community that people can afford to live in, but also want to live in. She has already made some excellent advances to this cause such as lowering the percentage of kids that are on free/reduced lunches by almost 10%, and creating overall job growth in many industries. We are lucky to have such a hard-working, motivated, and overall wonderful person on our team here in the Grand Valley!

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

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LOCALLY OWNED PERMANENT MAKEUP

TIMELESS ARTICLE KRISTA WHISNER, GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER MAXFIELD

ALLURE “WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET PERMANENT

In the state of Colorado, it is a rigorous process to become certified.

EYELINER?” This is one of the questions that licensed

To the benefit of her patients, Dr. Miller did not let that deter her. With

optometrist Dr. Tracy Miller is repeatedly asked while

the growing popularity of permanent makeup, Dr. Miller is giving her

performing eye exams. Time and time again, she has

clients a place to feel safe and secure in the quality of work they are

been asked, and time and time again she did not have

receiving. As an optometrist for over 30 years, she knows the ins and

an answer. Eventually, that repeated question helped her

outs of caring for eyes. She is hoping this will help put to rest any of the

hatch a plan. If permanent eyeliner was in demand then

fears her clients may have. Dr. Miller’s goal is to help her clients simplify

why not become certified to do it herself?

their morning routine and to help them feel better about themselves. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

As an optometrist she speaks of the pleasure she

color and microblading. These services not only simplify a

gets caring for the eyes of her patients and helping

daily routine, they give many clients (even some men) the

them see better. Now she also gets the pleasure

poise and accuracy they tend to lose when poor dexterity

of caring for eyes in a new way that also helps

and diminished vision make looking their best more difficult

her permanent makeup clients look better too!

following medical treatment or due to conditions of aging.

Dr. Miller’s passion for these additional services is evident in her voice as she speaks about

For some, this restored confidence can truly be life changing, especially if dexterity has been lost!

her cosmetic services, which include permanent

With no more need to touch up repeatedly throughout the

makeup, Ombré Powder Brows, permanent lip

day, recipients of these procedures can exercise and sweat,

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

I LOVE THE FEELING I GET WHEN PATIENTS GAIN RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES IN A WAY THAT IMPROVES THEIR LIVES.

swim, shower and much more, always ready to go from one activ-

These treatments also go a long way to keep depression away when

ity to the next with minimal time at the bathroom mirror. Consider

someone has lost the ability to apply cosmetics to their own face. Dr.

this: It’s vacation time and the itinerary has horseback riding on the

Miller says, “I love the feeling I get when patients gain renewed confi-

beach, a dip in the lagoon and a massage on the schedule, followed

dence in themselves in a way that improves their lives. It’s quality service

by a dinner and live music show. No longer will it take an hour to get

with love and care for those who need a boost in confidence with added

the look just right between these activities. Shower, hair and outfit

convenience as they face the world and their daily lives with joy and ease.”

and out the door you go! Sweat, salt-water or fresh; soaps, lotions,

If decreasing your makeup routine is something that interests you,

shampoos and conditioners don’t affect the permanent makeup

please check out Timeless Allure with Dr. Tracy Miller at her NEW

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LOCALS ONLY

CASEY

WESTERN COLORADO’S MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

DITTMER

HIGH ABOVE THE GRAND VALLEY, PERCHED AMONG THE ROCK FORMATIONS AND WILDLIFE, A CAMERA LENS PEEKS OUT FROM BEHIND A BRANCH TO CATCH THE SPRING STORMS ROLLING THROUGH, WHILE A STUNNING MOTHER-TO-BE STANDS GLAMOROUSLY IN FRONT OF NATURE’S BACKDROP. Confidence exudes from the glowing subject as she stands tall. Casey started her photography journey in the early 2000s, and it was easy to see that something

special came from the images she captured. Now, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Casey is known among photography experts as an industry-leading expert willing to be bold. She was recently recognized as the Rise International Maternity Photographer of the year, as well as Wedding Portrait Photographer International top 100, recognizing her standout style and artistic flair. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CASEY DITTMER CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED)

Between spending her time snapping unique, stylized images for local infants, seniors, and families, Casey is also called on to be behind the shutter for celebrities and icons. You can find her work featured in magazines across the globe or catch her teaching up-and-coming photographers. Even with all of the growth and success, Casey feels strongly about keeping her roots (and her company) here in Grand Junction. “I love to travel, gathering inspiration and techniques from all over, but it also shows me how fortunate we are to live in such an amazing location with a hugely supportive community. My clients are truly the best and I can’t imagine having my home base anywhere else.” Continuing to set the standard, Casey and her family are happy to call Colorado’s Grand Valley their home and always look forward to sharing its beauty in the next session, knowing what a special place it is. Learn more about Casey at cdittmer.com 24

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

C E L E B R A T E

LOCAL’S CHOICE

CLIFTON E L E M E N TA RY ’ S N E W L I B R A RY RECENTLY STUDENTS AND STAFF OF CLIFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ALONG WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, CELEBRATED THE RIBBON CUTTING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED SCHOOL LIBRARY. As libraries tend to be, the Clifton Elementary library was well-used and filled with books that were well-loved. Through the efforts of the community including Academy Mortgage and the D51 Foundation, nearly $68,000 in donations made this renovation possible. The library was remodeled with new paint and carpeting, but more importantly increased furniture and shelving, new technology including 3D printers, and of course, more books! What a wonderful new space that will inspire creativity and learning.

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

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MICROBLADING & PERMANENT MAKEUP

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As an Optometrist, I have worked with eyes for 30 years. Delicate work around the eyes required in eyeliner, brow enhancement, and even lips, gives me a venue to combine my expertise and artistic expression. I love the end result of helping my patients not only see better, but look & feel better.

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OUR TOWN

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY C. W. MORGAN

THE FLOWER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

life more beautiful

“One day, I k nocked on the door of th is old gentlema n’s house a nd when I f i rst saw h i m he looked as g r u mpy as

cou ld be. But then he not iced the f lowers a nd h is whole

demea nor cha nged a nd he looked a nd sou nded as thoug h the world d id a 18 0 - deg ree t u r n”.

CRYS GARNER STARTED WORKING AT JOHNSON’S HOUSE

Crys began receiving direct requests to personally create floral

OF FLOWERS 35 YEARS AGO. A legacy business, Johnson’s

arrangements to send all over. There was even an order to send

House of Flowers had been open in Grand Junction for over 97

flowers to London, England!

years. Crys started as a flower delivery driver but worked her

It became clear to Crys that it wasn’t fair to her new employer

way into being a florist. When Johnson’s House of Fowers closed

to side hustle these orders and Crys decided to start out on her

the community was generous and many of the employees were

own. She acquired some of the old assets from Johnson’s and

quickly offered new jobs. Crys took a job at another florist shop

that helped her get set up. As all good business stories go, Crys

in town. Shortly after, however, Crys started getting contacted by

started in her kitchen, but one day, she had the kitchen so full of

some of Johnson’s old customers, including a bride who had pre-

flowers, decor, and other items that her husband couldn’t walk

paid for flowers with Johnson’s before the closure. Generously the

from one side to the other! Her husband helped her set up her

new employer allowed Crys to fill the order. After the wedding,

own shop and even built her a cooler.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

Cr ys’ favor ite f lowers a re Da isies because they a re f u n a nd happy. T hat descr iption a lso fits Cr ys. Ma k i ng con nections is i mpor ta nt to her, a nd it shows. She is a pleasu re to ta l k w ith.

To this day, Crys is a one gal show. She takes the orders,

Crys’ favorite flowers are Daisies because they are

makes the arrangements, and delivers. When asked what

fun and happy. That description also fits Crys. Making

her favorite part of her business was, she replied with a

connections is important to her, and it shows. She is a

smile, “I love seeing the reactions of people.”

pleasure to talk with.

“One day, I knocked on the door of this old gentleman’s

Visit flowerextraordinaire.com to view some of

house and when I first saw him he looked as grumpy as

Crys’ work and get in touch with this extraordinarily

could be. But then he noticed the flowers and his whole

talented floral professional!

demeanor changed and he looked and sounded as though the world did a 180-degree turn”. 30

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

Join the Community Today!

The Grand Valley’s Private Address

www.bookcliﬀcc.com

P UT YO U R C IT Y O N O U R MAP. Start a magazine & build a legacy. Life is short. Love what you do.

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INSPIRED BY

a heart for ser vice

ARTICLE KRISTA WHISNER PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEE FICKLIN

BARB BOWMAN

WE LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL VALLEY, SURROUNDED

University of Colorado. Her major was in recreation, in the

BY ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS, MOUNTAINS, DESERT,

hopes that she would eventually get a career in tourism.

AND THE NATIONAL MONUMENT. It is no surprise

After graduation, she went backpacking around Europe and

that all of this beauty is what captivated Barb Bowman

landed in Germany for eight years where she ran youth pro-

when she settled here in 1989.

grams for the army community that was based there. Upon

Barb is a giver by nature, and truly one of the most fas-

leaving Germany, she decided to return to the states but

cinating women I have ever had the privilege of getting

ended up making another stop along the way; a stop in Africa

to know. She was born in Denver and later attended the

where she traveled and backpacked for another two years.

Provided by BANFF

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

Once back in the states, she met her future husband and they

During her time here, she has also gotten involved with our local

settled here in our beautiful valley. Her career here started in tour-

Rotary Club where she was able to connect more with the commu-

ism where she set her focus on helping Grand Junction become

nity. One of her highlights as a past-President of Rotary was bringing

not only a local destination but an international destination.

in the BANFF Film Festival. Because of the BANFF Film Festival,

Through her position at work, she had a hand in branding our val-

Rotary is able to give back to our community in a number of ways.

ley as Wine Country and also helped to start a Wine Train which

I want to close this article by saying Thank You to Barb for her

in turn brought more tourism. With more tourism, the community

love and dedication to our community. Because of people like her,

was able to expand in many areas including the building of more

we have had so many fun and wonderful things happening in and

restaurants and amenities.

around town. Grand Junction has been blessed to have you!

Provided by BANFF CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

GIVING BACK ARTICLE GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER MAXFIELD

Helping HANDS WITH THE ELEVATED NEEDS OF MANY LOCAL RESIDENTS THE FOOD BANKS OF THE ROCKIES IN PALISADE HAS SEEN A 54% RISE IN DISTRIBUTION SINCE MARCH OF 2020. Two local groups have helped make it possible to meet the increased demand for services. Humanists Doing Good is a local volunteer group with members ranging in age from their 20s to 70s. This group has been helping nearly every Friday for 13 months to assemble food boxes to be distributed through over 100 organizations committed to help Food Bank of the Rockies fulfill their mission to “Provide Nourishment to Those in Need”. Local Chick-Fil-A owners Kim and Joe Walsh went through a big remodel on their restaurant during the year of up and down quarantine closures and limited capacity dining. During the remodel their employees continued to get paid and many of them chose to participate in community goodwill projects such as assisting with preparation for distribution from the Palisade center of Food Bank of Since March of 2020, Food Bank of the Rockies in Palisade has

the Rockies. When talking about the help these Chic-Fil-A staffers

experienced a 54% increase in food distribution. Two groups have

gave, Director, Sue Ellen Rodwick said, “They were so fast! We never

been particularly helpful through this increased season of need. Chic-Fil-A employees during a remodel of their store and Humanists Doing Good or on Instagram at @mksmalleyart. 34

Grand Junction Lifestyle | May 2021

could have met this much demand as fast, without their help.” To learn of volunteer opportunities you can call Barbara Jones at 303-765-4751 or Sue Ellen at 970-464-1138.