Grand Junction, CO July 2021 by City Lifestyle

J U LY 2 02 1

Barb Abrams

Britta Acord

Linda Afman

Holly Alm

Amy Baldwin

Rochelle Basinger

Becky Behrens

Ahna Brock

Jim Brunswick

Kelley Burford

Janice Burtis

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Toni Charlesworth

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Anne Connolly

Shelly Cross

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Cindy Day

Tom Fee

Carol Francil

Jillian Gallegos

Marjorie Genova

Marjorie Genova Lynn Gillespie

Catlyn Gohn

Allie Halpine

Tina Harbin

Mandy Harter

Lalita Heinemann

Brad Higginbotham

Adam Hochevar

Judy Hoffschneider

Mindy Kamenski

Dave Kimbrough

Jan Kimbrough-Miller

Andrew Kramer

Linda Kramer

Alex Kubick

Danny Kuta

Joe Kuta

Joanna Little

Lori Maser-Jones

Sandra Mathewson

Diana Mathis

Jessica Meyer

Mike Miller

Bill Needham

Pam Olson

Brandon Palmer

Nicole Parentice

Judy Pearce

Kate Porras

Patti Poschman

Shelly Ramos

Joe Reed

Rachael Richardson

Ray Rickard

Anna Rickenbach

Michelle Ritter

Shannon Roehm

Mandy Rush

Rebekah Scarrow

Carlie Schafer

Steven Schiff

Shanon Secrest

Corrina Shirley

Joe Silzell

Shannon Simons

Shannon Sneddon

Shannan Speer

Carrie St.Clair

Amy Swain

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Joe Tripoli

Grace Varley

Trisha Whittington

Leta Wilburn

Myco Wilburn

Katie Worrall

Cyrie Wortmann

Nattigan Wortmann

Paula Zimmerman

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Liberty, Lifestyle, and Summer Fun JULY: SWEET SUMMER TIME

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

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

July is prime time for all of the best activities summer has to offer. From pool parties and backyard barbecues to baseball games and family vacations, this month reminds us to kick back and have some fun! So, go see a GJ Rockies game, take a cooling dip in a pool or the river, smoke some ribs, brisket, pork shoulder or chicken and have a ball. Our summer issue is full of ideas for taking advantage of all the exciting events

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krista Wisner, Stacey Atkins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jesse Horn, Jennifer Maxfield, Ashlee Ficklin, Desiree Gibson, C. W. Morgan, Lisa “Moose” Kral, Selena Sanchez, Nate Wallace, Carma Brown, Bruce Sauer

happening in Mesa County. Fourth of July brings us plenty of star-spangled fun, from patriotic parades to awe-inspiring fireworks displays. We even have some tips for honoring the liberties we enjoy and those who protect our freedoms. We’re sure you’ll find something in this issue to get you in the mood for summer fun! You may even feel a little more grateful for the things Old Glory stands for. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town! Yours in Liberty, Lifestyle and summer fun,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Scott Fairbanks, Publisher

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

ON THE COVER Old glory “The Glorious One”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE SAUER 4

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

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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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 12 Todd & Sonee Kumro Travel for Fun, or Service!

16 Honoring Old Glory Patriotism and the Stars & Stripes.

22 Challenger Baseball They’er Back in Full Swing!

22 28

28 Ted Leblow Not an Ordinary High School Teacher.

16 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Local Limelight

28 Hometown Hero 32 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Music and Mulligans June 4th, teams gathered at Adobe Creek for the KAFM, Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce "Music and Mulligans" golf tournament. Live music, good friends, a fun day golfing and raising money to support the business building efforts of the Fruita Chamber of Commerce, made for a great day on the "links".

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Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

Putting for Non-Profits The first annual tournament to support Junior Service League was held Friday, June 11th at Adobe Creek. The fundraising goals of $35,000 was handsomely surpassed and JSL has high hopes for future year results with this fun event.

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GOOD TIMES

A La Mode A La Mode was a big success! Chefs, bakers and institution staff cooks came together to showcase sweet and savory taste delights in the 2021 Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club's main event for 2021. This event supports numerous community organizations and gives local culinary artisans a great amount of visibility.

FEEL FREE TO ACT YOUR SHOE SIZE. Kids of all ages can find their happy place thanks to our complimentary, safe and supervised youth programs.

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Our Family Serving Yours Serving the Grand Valley and surrounding areas (200 miles) Licensed & insured for all cemeteries Member of Monument Builders of North America

Phone: 970-242-2020 • Email: gjsgvm@gmail.com www.snydergrandvalleymemorials.com Hours: Monday - Friday 8-5 • Saturday 9-12 Cruise Planners Todd & Sonee Kumro sonee.kumro@cruiseplanners.com 970-587-3611 StumpedTraveler.com ©2021 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and USA.

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

06/21

FCC Member Appreciation Lunch May 26th brought Fruita Chamber members together for a member appreciation picnic at the Chamber office. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the company was equally great.

1. Suds Bros Tacos - MMMM! | 2. Root Beer Float Volunteers | 3. Enstrom’s Ice Cream, Float Bar

POST-COVID RECOVERY TEAM Looking at recovery from every perspective Not feeling like yourself following a COVID-19 diagnosis? Subtle changes could point to something more serious. We’ll assess both your cognitive and physical changes to better ensure your full recovery. INNOVATIVE TEAM APPROACH Multiple disciplines looking at all aspects of your health and caring for the whole you.

ARTICLE KRISTA WHISNER | PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEE FICKLIN

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

T OD D & S O N E E K U M RO 12

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

TRAVEL FOR FUN, OR SERVICE! Todd and Sonee

THERE IS SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY RIGHT NOW WHEN IT COMES TO TRAVEL. The pandemic has left many things up in the air as far as new rules and guidelines. Luckily with knowledgeable travel advisors like Todd and Sonee Kumro, you will not have to stress about border restrictions, quarantine requirements, or anything else that might arise. Todd and Sonee are trained to stay up to date with all of the constant changes so that your only focus will be to have the vacation of your dreams. Todd grew up knowing a thing or two about travel. As a military kid, he is from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. As a child, Todd lived in the Philippines, Japan, Midway Island, Iceland as well as several areas in the United States. Todd joined the Navy himself when he grew up and served in various places around the world for 20 years until he retired in 2003. Sonee was born and raised in Fort Collins and later attended college there as well. With her instilled love of Colorado, it is no surprise that the Kumro’s found a home here in the Grand Valley. When Todd and Sonee became empty-nesters they started making new plans for life. Sonee made plans to fulfill a dream of moving to Prague where she would be able to teach English as a second language. She became certified through the Cambridge University and was set to start her new journey. That was until Todd threw a wrench in her plans. Todd was attending a travel show and met with some cruise planners who spoke to him about their franchise. After months CONTINUED >

The Basalt Columns in Iceland

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

of research, Todd asked Sonee, to travel with him to Florida to receive some training. While in Florida Sonee fell in love with the idea as well and quickly saw the bigger vision of what their new business could be. They both knew this could become a passion for them. That’s where LegacyTravelAdventures.com was born. No matter what you might have in mind, the Kumro’s can make it happen. Sonee will start your vacation plans by doing an intake where she collects your information and then puts one or two packages together for you to look over. From there you will work together to tweak it until your vacation is exactly what you are looking for. She will also help aid you in getting all of your travel documents in order and give you access to an online portal. This portal will be your onestop-shop for everything you need from a copy of your passport to your itinerary. You can begin to plan your vacation and start making interest-free payments on your trip up to two years in advance. The Kumro’s can book a vacation anywhere you can imagine. Whether it’s Todd’s favorite destination of Iceland or Sonee’s favorite destination of Prague. They will take care of every detail. Have you been thinking about a trip to Hawaii? According to Sonee they have completely packaged vacations and one of them includes a trip to Hawaii, “We have a Hawaii package, so you go a couple of days early, you have a lei greeting, you get to go to the Pearl Harbor Museum, stay in the hotel a couple of nights and then take a 7-night cruise.” said Sonee. Hawaii not your thing? How about a cruise that is perfect for the kiddos, with Sesame Street characters that will stop by and tuck the kids in before bed. They also have childcare facilities that are certified to watch your young kiddos while the adults and/or older kids enjoy other activities. Looking to get a little more out of your vacation? Todd and Sonee can also book you a full-on experience vacation. “I want people to

Why Legacy Travel Adventures? According to Todd “We get

travel. I want them to see the world. I want people to go and immerse

promos that other companies don’t get. Sometimes we’ll get

themselves and meet people and see what other people experience

promos that aren’t shown because we’re a 27-year-old company.

and see how other people live and survive,” stated Todd.

So these companies work with us and give us promos that other

That’s where these first-hand experiences come into play.

companies don’t get.” Todd goes on to say, “we are travel insur-

According to Todd ”we work with companies that allow a five-star

ance specialists, and traveling with a travel insurance specialist

experience, but go and help work on an elephant rescue or go work

is super important. You want to make sure that you are covered

where children and people have been rescued from human traffick-

on the other end. You will also want to travel with us if you have

ing.” If going and serving is exactly what you are looking for then the

special needs. We are special needs certified.” As an amputee,

Kumro’s can make it happen. How about the experience of living

Todd knows a thing or two about what can arise when traveling

with a real Amazon tribe where you hike to a stunning waterfall,

with special needs and knows how to make sure that you have

learn to blow a blow dart, and get to witness a special ceremony.

the equipment, lift accessible vehicles, etc… that you might need.

“Another thing we feel strongly about is Faith-based travel. So

Along with being quality agents, Todd and Sonee are also

we are faith-based travel specialists.” Said Sonee, “we are looking

active members of the community. If you happen to see them

for churches and pastors who want to take their people over to

at the various farmer’s markets, golf tournaments, or Fruita &

Israel or a Journey of Paul Cruise. We are looking for people that

Palisade Chamber of Commerce events. Stop by and say hi! You

want to do faith-based journeys.”

will be glad you did!

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

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honoring

Old Glory PATRIOTISM AND THE STARS & STRIPES ARTICLE GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

THE FIRST FLAG

maritime rights being constantly violated

Just one year into our nation’s declared independence, Betsy

by England. Sept. 13-14 of 1812, the bom-

Ross was commissioned to make flags by the Pennsylvania State

bardment sought to subdue US resistance

Navy Board. That same year the United States Congress adopted

and prove England’s dominance upon the

the Stars and Stripes as the official national flag. Betsy Ross went

water. While aboard a British vessel as

on to make flags for another 50 years, mostly through government

a prisoner of war. The words to the Star

contracts. Her design was adopted on June 14 of 1777 and each June

Spangled Banner were written as Francis

14th is the national holiday we know as Flag Day.

Scott Key observed not only the bombardment, but the relentless resilience of the

OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE?

soldiers whose resolve and sacrifice kept

In 1789 Congress ratified the Constitution which formally orga-

the flag at full height through the night-long

nized the system of government into three distinct branches with

barrage. Much later, those words, coupled

specific duties and limitations.

with music written by John Stafford Smith

+ Legislative - to negotiate in good faith, make the laws and repre-

became the official national anthem of the

sent the will of the people.

United States of America when adopted as

+ Executive - to uphold the laws, enforce public safety and direct

such by congress March 3, 1931.

the military.

Democratic societies throughout the ages

+ Judicial - to prosecute crime, prescribe punishment and pursue

have rarely endured beyond 200 years and

justice for victims.

ours seemed to weather the trial of that first

The Constitution showed the rest of the world that a fledgling

two centuries with remarkable vigor and

nation, previously seen as an experiment was not only organized but

optimism. Celebrations of the bicentennial

truly independent.

in 1976 spanned much of the third quarter

During the War of 1812, while the British Navy bombarded Fort McHenry, in retaliation for the United States fighting back against

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

that year, following the 200th celebration of Independence Day!

CONTINUED >

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HONORING OLD GLORY (CONTINUED)

Through those centuries Congress maintains the responsibility to set rules for display and for the dignified treatment such an emblem deserves. Laws regarding the flag have changed through time including how and when a flag should be retired from service. Some laws specify what manner of attention should be shown by those serving in an official capacity such as active military, police, fire and emergency medical personnel. Civilians are also directed to give certain attention to the flag as is passes in a parade, when being raised or lowered and during the playing of the national anthem or the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. One example of laws being updated regarding conduct towards the flag happened in 2009 with Congress passing the Defense Authorization Act. Previously, military veterans were forbidden by law from rendering a hand salute unless in full uniform. When in civilian attire, active military and veterans were directed to stand at attention when civilians were to stand with their right hand over their heart. This act, authorized active duty and military veterans to render a hand salute at those times of honoring the flag, when in civilian attire too.

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

FLAG ETTIQUETE? YES. HERE’S WHY.

Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, “America is great because

commercial use, sometimes just for fun, and sometimes

it is good.” He led up to that statement by stating that

they hold deep significance. The symbols contained in

the teaching of correct principles and the virtuous lives

the Stars and Stripes are about so much more than global

of it’s citizens brought about America’s greatness. He

branding for the country on an international stage. Like

made clear that his belief in America’s greatness had

any other nation, we need a way to be recognized quickly

much to do with truth, honor and lives of integrity. He

and identified as a nation, such as when participating in

also stated that “if America ever ceases to be good, it

Olympic Games. For decades, our “colors” have been

will cease to be great”.

seen as a symbol of good will, the promotion of peace and

Honoring the legacy of liberty we enjoy under the

the representation of individual liberties protected by The

Stars and Stripes is one way we can remain “good”. Our

Constitution. Cooperation with other nations is certainly a

community does so many remarkable things to care for

bedrock principle represented by the flag. Holding firmly

each other, strengthen our neighbors and work together

to the foundation of individual rights however, sets the

for the common good.

USA apart from all other nations.

White represents purity. Purity of purpose, purity of

Commonly spoken of, the red stripes represent the

action, and an unsoiled and unspoiled set of virtues

blood sacrificed by those who have given - much as

which never expire. A little introspection is good. We

the founders committed to do - their “lives, fortunes

grow as individuals and as communities when seeking

and [their] sacred honor” defending the liberties the

to improve.

“Glorious One” represents.

It seems the design includes the white as a way to

The solid field of blue stands for unity in honor - blue

encourage Americans to always be seeking out ways

is symbolic of being true to a code of honor - while each

to grow, improve, become better and to keep those

individual star represents the right of each state to rep-

values integrated in our lives like the white stripes

resent its people independently within the frame work of

are ever present and integrated throughout the body

the US Constitution.

of the flag.

CONTINUED >

ORING THE LEGACY OF LIBERTY WE ENJOY UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES N E WAY WE CAN REMAIN “GOOD”. OUR COMMUNITY DOES SO MANY ARKABLE THINGS TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER, STRENGTHEN OUR

HBORS AND WORK TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD.

NEI

RE M

IS O

HO N

What about the White?

Symbols are found all around us. Sometimes they are for

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HONORING OLD GLORY (CONTINUED)

FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES Honoring the serving, the fallen and the values “for which it stands”, our flag is an iconic reminder of values, freedoms and virtue that perhaps we pay closer attention to around Independence Day! Did you know that when 21 shots are fired at a military funeral - usually three volleys by seven rifles - the number 21 also has great symbolic significance? The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. By adding the digits in 1776, 1+7+7+6 the sum is 21. Each time a loved one who has made the ultimate sacrifice defending all the flag stands for is laid to rest, that final salute offered by the honor guard is also a renewed declaration that those remaining will uphold the values by which Old Glory helps to keep us a nation united and “indivisible”. For more information about flag etiquette and the symbols associated with its care, display and handling, please visit: https://www.military.com/flag-day/flag-ettiquettedos-and-donts.html

H o n o ri n g t h e se r vi n g , t h e fa l l e n a n d t h e va l u es “ fo r wh ic h it st a n d s”, o u r f l a g is a n ico n ic re m i n d e r of va l u es , fre e d o m s a n d vi r t u e t h a t p e rh a ps we p ay c l ose r a tt e nt io n t o a ro u n d I n d e p e n d e n ce D ay!

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

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C H A L L E NGE R BA S E BA L L

THEY’RE BACK IN FULL SWING!

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

ARTICLE VARIOUS AUTHORS - BY PERMISSION PHOTOGRAPHY CARMA BROWN

APRIL AND MAY HAVE A SECRET YOU SHOULD KNOW.

job to deal with people. When she can marry it with

CHALLENGER BASEBALL!!!!

the national pastime, though, she’s a force. The kind of

When she founded Grand Junction’s Challenger

person you imagine must not sleep much. The kind of

Baseball League for special needs children nearly

person that wins national awards and then downplays

twenty years ago, Carma Brown never imagined it would

the honor because she doesn’t want attention on her-

affect this many lives on Colorado’s Western Slope.

self. The kind of person that starts a baseball league

“Talk to Carma Brown for an hour, and you feel like you can accomplish anything after feeding off her

for special needs children because decades earlier her little brother didn’t have access to one.”

boundless energy. You plan on talking to Carma Brown

“I grew up in Little League, me and my five siblings,”

for fifteen minutes, but she keeps you on the phone

Carma says. “We were all baseball and softball kids,

for an hour with her wit, charm, and passion. By the

and my dad coached, so I grew up in my own Little

end of the conversation, your cheeks hurt from smiling

League here. And then the last of our six brothers and

so much at her stories about baseball and life on the

sisters is my little brother Darren, who has mild mental

Western Slope. She only told you a handful, though;

retardation. There was really nothing for him. He sup-

you’re certain she has hundreds more.

ports everybody, but he played tee ball, and then he

Talk to Carma Brown for an hour, and you’d better keep up. She talks fast, and if you don’t, too, you’ll never find a break in the conversation. It’s not that

didn’t have anywhere else he could play or anything else he could do after that.” That stuck with Carma her whole life.

she’s rude; it’s that she’s passionate, with more energy

One day seventeen years ago, with two sons playing

and drive than she knows what to do with and a nat-

Little League Baseball in Grand Junction, an opportunity

ural ability to make you feel like you’ve known her for

came up for the local league to add Challenger Baseball,

years, even if you only just met.

then a relatively new division of Little League designed to

Talk to Carma Brown for an hour and you find that,

cater to special needs children. As it seems like she’s done

besides her family, her passion lies in two areas: base-

with most things in her life, Carma went full steam ahead.

ball and people. You better be ready if you ask her about

“I was the minor boy’s rep at that time, and I hated my

those two things; she talks even faster when she’s dis-

position,” Carma says, laughing as she re-lives the mem-

cussing something she loves.

ory, “so I would have done anything to get out of minor

A mother of two and an insurance manager in Grand Junction for the last two decades, it’s Carma’s

boys. I was like, ‘I’ll try to start this! I don’t really know what I’m gonna do, but I can figure it out.’”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

CHALLENGER BASEBALL (CONTINUED)

Little League’s Challenger Division was estab-

Stumble they did, with bad field conditions, a

lished in 1989, with the stated mission of enabling boys

tough time finding interested kids, and little oversight.

and girls with physical and mental challenges to enjoy

Somehow, though, Carma had fulfilled her responsibil-

the game of baseball. Challenger teams are set up

ity: get a league for special needs kids off the ground in

based on abilities rather than age (kids from 4-18 can

Grand Junction. For Hamilton and her daughter Lindsay,

play; even young adults as old as 22 are eligible in cer-

muddy fields and logistical problems were miles away

tain circumstances), and the rules of play vary from tee

from the stuff that actually mattered.

ball to coach pitch and even player pitch, depending on what the athletes are able to do.

“It enabled Lindsay to have contact with her peers,” Kelli says of Challenger’s role in her daughter’s life.

If Challenger baseball is new to you right now, well,

“She got older, and she was able to have friendships

you’re just like Carma was back then—only you haven’t

with high school peers that she would not have had

volunteered yourself to start and run a league.

otherwise because of that connection that was made

“The first year was kind of a disaster,” Carma

on the baseball field. They got to see Lindsay as some-

admits, chuckling about how far the league has

one like them. They were able to see that they had

come since those early days. “But it was really an

more in common than their differences.”

easy mission for me once I got the right people

Something special was happening, and momen-

involved, like my very best friend Kelli. Her daughter

tum stayed in Carma’s favor through the first year. A

is disabled so she was automatically going to be the

construction company helped build fields compliant

coach, there was no question, and her daughter was

with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Carma—and

going to play, and we had some brave little kids that

Kelli—pushed through managing games despite often

showed interest that first difficult year.”

having little help, and before she knew it, the calendar

Talk to Carma Brown for an hour, and you quickly

rolled around to year two.

learn about her “very best friend Kelli.” That’s Kelli

“After the first year, those kids, I promised them that

Hamilton, a mother of two who has been in Grand

if you please come back next year, I promise every one

Junction with her husband and kids for nearly two

of you will have buddies,” Carma says, her voice quiv-

decades after moving from Parker. She met Carma

ering even now when recalling the old memory, “and

very soon after reaching the Western Slope, and

the first time you don’t have a buddy at a game, you

jumped on immediately as a coach, in part to get her

can leave and never come back.”

own daughter, Lindsay, involved with a sport.

Much of the program’s lasting success can be traced

“We started the league with just two teams, and

back to the buddies. Carma had a program that first season

it became a great way for Lindsay to play ball, and

at every game, where a buddy—a local high school or col-

become active, and do something that would not have

lege athlete—would be assigned to each Challenger player

been an opportunity for her otherwise,” Kelli says. “As

to help with baseball activities, and most importantly, help

parents, it was special for Jerry and I to see her partic-

emotionally support the child as a new teammate.

ipate in the game like that. I continued being a coach

“Whatever the need is, that child’s buddy would

until Lindsay was no longer able to play because she

accommodate that,” she explains of the way they do

turned 21, and I just stayed with it, because the magic

things to this day on the Western Slope. “So if they

that happens never gets old.”

need a push in their wheelchair, that’s what they’re

Nowadays, Grand Junction’s Challenger League

going to do. If they just need them to stand there and

has eight teams—conveniently named after the eight

give moral support to throw the ball to first base, well,

teams of the Pioneer League—but things didn’t

then that’s what their buddy is going to do.”

begin that way. With just two teams to start, trying to

Talk to Carma Brown for an hour, and you quickly learn

play once a week on a field often too muddy and inac-

she doesn’t just spend her spare time with Challenger

cessible for wheelchairs and walkers, the first season

Baseball. That’d be too easy, you get the feeling; she needs

was rough, to say the least.

to be overbooked to really come alive. During the summers

“But above everything, I just knew the vision,” Brown insists, “and we stumbled through the first year.”

that’s the case, when she serves as a host mom for the Pioneer League’s Grand Junction Rockies. CONTINUED >

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

CHALLENGER BASEBALL (CONTINUED)

They are a great host family for us. She’s just so good for the Rockies. Everybody knows Carma.” Ritter knows Carma better than most, though. In addition to working with her as she hosts the pro ballplayers that the young front office executive must oversee every Pioneer League summer, Ritter grew up playing Little League Baseball Tasked with hosting professional baseball

“If you’re involved in Little League here, and

Western Slope, Carma has invited Eddie Butler,

this goes back to when I was playing, we were

Kyle Freeland, Sam Howard, Ryan McMahon,

always with Carma,” Ritter says. “We always knew

Harrison Musgrave, and many more into her

Carma would be there. She was always there.

home the last several years. She tells you sto-

She wouldn’t miss a game. Now, she doesn’t miss

ries about them; you laugh, and you shake

a Challenger game, she doesn’t miss a Rockies

your head in amazement. Is there anything this

baseball game, she takes care of the players, and

woman doesn’t do? You don’t share the stories

she just takes care of people. That’s a big plus on

with anybody, though. At least not yet. It’ll make

Carma. She’s just a good person.”

for something cooler in the future.

When asked about working with her best

Mick Ritter, the assistant general manager of

friend, Kelly, Carma said, “Kelly and I are such

the Grand Junction Rockies, jumps at the chance

opposites and that’s really why it works. She sees

to vouch for Carma.

things as a mom learning to trust others to care

“She’s tireless,” Ritter says.

for her daughter Lyndsay. I see things as a big

You make a note the amazement in his voice,

picture organizer.” We both love this program and

because, well, you feel the same emotion. “It seems like she’s always running. She’s at every single one of our games, her and her husband. 26

with—you guessed it—Carma’s sons.

players assigned by the big league club to the

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

all it means to the families, the players and to our awesome community of “buddies” whose lives are impacted deeply by the service they give!”

WHAT ARE HUMAN HORMONES

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BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLENISHMENT

The medical and pharmacology professions have come a long long way in the last 20 years to make these bio-identical hormones available and safe for both men and women and are essential in maintaining your youth and vitality.

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HOMETOWN HERO

ted leblow NOT AN ORDINARY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

ARTICLE STACEY ATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER MAXFIELD

NOT EVERY TEACHER HAS A BRONZE

forces to secure locations for refueling

STAR,

helicopters and set up sites for head-

BUT

TED

LEBLOW,

JROTC

(JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING

quarters and communications.

COURSE) TEACHER AND HEAD COACH

The main mission of the Apache heli-

OF TRACK AND FIELD AT CENTRAL

copters was to protect the ground troops

HIGH SCHOOL IN GRAND JUNCTION

when they came under fire. The enemy sol-

HAS EARNED THREE BRONZE STARS.

diers soon learned to stop shooting when

The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic

the Apaches arrived or else they would

achievement, heroic service, meritorious

not survive. They would also fly over major

achievement, meritorious service in a com-

roads looking for areas that appeared to

bat zone. In his 21 years of active duty, he

have been dug out for buried Improvised

served three tours in Iraq, one in Kuwait,

Explosive Devices (IEDs) then call in the

and one in Korea, retiring in 2013 with the

Ordinance Explosive Division (OED) to

rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

come and clear the area.

Ted’s military career began in 1989 after

The last mission Ted had in Iraq was to

graduating from the University of Oregon by

serve as an advisor to three Iraqi generals.

enlisting in the National Guard. He served

He worked with a translator and traveled

one year in the Guard then went back to

everywhere with the generals. A success-

school on an ROTC scholarship, earning an

ful mission, Ted recalls, was when another

MBA from the University of Oregon. Upon

general, a friend of a general Ted was serv-

graduation, he was commissioned as an

ing, was shot and not likely to survive. The

officer in the aviation branch of the Army

general asked Ted to get his friend to a U.S.

and assigned to Apache helicopters.

facility where he would have a better chance

Deploying in the initial invasion of

at survival. There were a lot of protocols to

Iraq after 9/11, Ted worked with the 101st

follow, but Ted was able to get the man air-

Airborne as an aviation advisor. They

lifted to an American base and the lifesaving

were the first to arrive ahead of ground

care he needed.

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

Although Ted has been diagnosed with PTSD, he downplays his own suffering saying others suffer more. He chooses to focus on the positive outcomes of his service and avoids talking about any negative effects from his military career. This positive outlook carries over into his current role as JROTC teacher and Head Coach of Track and Field at Central High School. The leap from Lt. Colonel in the military to a teacher was an easy decision, as Ted’s favorite military assignment was teaching senior ROTC at

“WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT TEACHING, COACHING,

Brigham Young University in Utah. He was the head

MENTORING IS SEEING THOSE KIDS AND WHAT

Team competitions there. He knew then that when

DIRECTION THEY ARE GOING IN THEIR LIVES AND

lived in the mountains of Utah he and his wife wanted

HOPEFULLY I PLAYED SOME SMALL ROLE IN STEERING THEM IN THE DIRECTION THEY END UP GOING.”

of the program and coached the Ranger Challenge he retired he wanted to teach and coach. Having to get back to the mountain west part of the country. In 2013, when Ted realized that he had been away for 10 of the 18 years of his daughter’s life, he decided that it was time for him to retire from the military in order to have time with his kids still living at home. He found the position at Central High School, and they moved to Grand Junction in 2013. Last year, along with teaching JROTC, Ted became Head Coach of Track and Field. He had to break the news to his students that the season had been canceled on the day before their first meet. He told them, “This is a challenge. Don’t accept defeat. Don’t focus on what you can’t do.” The students accepted that challenge and grew together as a team, becoming much stronger together. The team came in 8th place in the state this year. The JROTC students also stood up to the challenge. At this year’s award ceremony Ted told the parents the thing he was most proud of about his leadership group was that “…not once did they complain about what they couldn’t do. They focused on what they could do. They didn’t give up and they didn’t complain about it.” In the off-season, Ted offers a free running club for youth in the area. He believes, “When you’re a youth, people around you influence you in the direction your life is going to go. If you have a good group of kids and they have a good activity that bonds them together then they’re gonna move in the right direction.” Ted hopes that the community can see that these kids he teaches, coaches, and mentors are a good group of kids that are doing the right things in life and are moving in a good direction. “My only goal is to continue to be a positive influence.”

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

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4 Liberty More Beautiful!

4TH OF JULY!!!

Downtown Grand Junction

Come

downtown

and

celibate

our

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Nation’s

Independence! The parade starts at 10 am and Fireworks will be at Lincoln Park.

8 STEVE HOFSTETTER

538 Main St. Grand Junction Co, 81501

One of the top booked acts on the college circuit, the original writer for collegehumor.com has also

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released six albums. At Columbia University, Hofstetter was a columnist for the Columbia Daily Spectator. After a summer writing for Maxim, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated for Kids, Hofstetter syndicated his column in several newspapers. Go to mesatheater.com for tickets.

9 GLADE PARK MOVIES UNDER THE STARS 16400 D S Rd, Glade Park, CO 81523

Till the movie (How to Train Your Dragon) there is local entertainment, a hayride, volleyball, food, and drawings for door prizes. Be sure to bring coats, and even a blanket (after dark we have cool mountain air), and lawn chairs. Some even bring sleeping bags! Be prepared for a big sunset and then lots of bright stars.

9 LINDSEY STIRLING

Las Colonias Amphitheater

From YouTuber to International TV Personality and award winning Musician, Artist Lindsey Stirling is an all around Entertainer with fans of all ages. As the premiere U.S. singer/songwriter, dancer and Electric Violinist, Stirling's gold-selling, self-titled 2012 debut album ignited her quiet rise to the forefront of pop culture. Get tickets at theampgj.com! Event starts at 6 pm.

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME 32

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

CONTINUED >

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CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

16 GLADE PARK MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

16400 D S Rd, Glade Park, CO 81523

Tonight is Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back! Be sure to bring your blankets and your appetite!

As always proceeds go to funding the operation of the Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department.

17 DAVID ADAM BYRNES Warehouse 25-sixtyfive

Rising Texas Music star David Adam Byrnes is set to play the big stage at the Warehouse! If you like fun country live music this is your night! So grab some friends and come and listen to one of the best do his thing! Music starts at 8pm.

31 THE GREATEST HITS OF FOREIGNER Las Colonias Amphitheater

With ten multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million! Get tickets at theampgj.com, the event starts at 8pm.

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. 34

Grand Junction Lifestyle | July 2021

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for over 40 year s, Western Slope Cardiology

(WSC) has been the heart home for tens of thousands of patients in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. WSC was founded in 1979 by two friends who trained together in Ohio, Drs. Webel and Snyder, who spent their entire careers at WSC. They built it from a two-person practice sharing call with two pulmonologists to a comprehensive program offering 24/7 coverage for all cardiac issues including cardiac surgery. After their retirement, the group continued to expand and grow in its offerings, remaining the only full-service program between Denver and Salt Lake City. With the addition of transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and atrial fibrillation ablation programs in the 2010’s, WSC helped Grand Junction remain on the cutting edge of cardiac care for the entire area, rivaled only by the Universities of Colorado and Utah.

From the beginning,

WSC’s mission has been simple and unchanged: to provide complete, high quality cardiac care for all patients needing it, regardless of ability to pay. WSC has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of patients from all over the county and even the world. Most of the providers spend their entire careers in Grand Junction, and they are proud members of our community. WSC is also extremely proud of the value of care provided, helping keep costs for patients at some of the lowest in the nation.

WSC has evolved

over the last 40 years, but it has always had quality, highly respected cardiologists who have a personal connection with their patients. Each member of the group feels honored to have been part of such a distinguished and long-standing organization. WSC will continue to provide outstanding, comprehensive care long into the future.

970.244.2482

WESTERNSLOPECARDIO.COM 360 WEST PARK DRIVE, GRAND JUNCTION