Issuu

Empty Bowls in the Grand Valley LI FE-LESSO NS IN GRATITU DE CO LO RADO GIV ES DAY I N M ESA COU NT Y

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November 2023 PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

Sarah Jensen | sarah.jensen@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Gratitude for our Community November is a time for gratitude and giving. I love this time to reflect on what I have, to enjoy meals and traditions with friends and family, and to give where I can. Growing up in Grand Junction, I had the opportunity to meet some incredible people making a difference in our community and around the world. This year, I have been able to work with a nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities to live independently, sat down with the founder and director of a nonprofit that helps girls leave trafficking in Africa and earn an education, and have met advocates and counselors who help children in our community. Grand Junction and its surrounding areas have hundreds of nonprofits that inspire ways to help those in need. This month we feature a few different local organizations and Colorado Gives, a website that highlights causes and how to donate. As we reach the end of the year, we at Lifestyle encourage you to find a way to give back to the community. Whether it’s through time or donations, find what works for you. Have a fantastic and safe November!

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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

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Colorado Gives Day in Mesa County

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Hometown Hero HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

Must See LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Chef ’s Selection FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Trend Setter S PO RTS + R EC R E ATION

Hosting Tips HO ME + DEC O R

Events

Uniting Communities through Compassion

22 Empty Bowls in the Grand Valley 28 Life-Lessons in Gratitude Local Legend Tex Tolman

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Sarah Jensen 6

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR

Giving thanks for our incredible community & customers. December 14th - 16th Holiday Specials Drinks & on Jewelry Hors d'Oeuvres

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

3: Comic-Con attendees look at booths 6: Cosplay Contest at Comic-Con 7: Lessons on Dungeons and Dragons gameplay at Comic-Con.

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14 12

9: Raku demonstration at Art Night on Main 10: Local Musicians at Art Night on Main 13: Pottery making demonstration at Art Night on Main

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

New Finance Director for Grand Junction: Jennifer Tomaszewski

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The City of Grand Junction announced Jennifer Tomaszewski, CPA as its new Finance Director, a position that became open with the retirement of Jodi Welch from this role. As Finance Director for the City of Grand Junction, Tomaszewski’s responsibilities will include oversight of the annual budget, accounting, financial reporting, grant administration, sales tax, payroll, and Municipal Court. Tomaszewski recently served as Assistant Finance Director for the City of Santa Maria, California. Photography Grand Junction City

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Writers - Get Noticed, Contribute to the Community Hello readers! Our team at GJ Lifestyle magazine is looking for writers to help us bring local content to you. Are you a writer? Know someone who is a writer? We would love to get in contact! Please email our publisher at Scott.Fairbanks@ citylifestyle.com.

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Hunter's Chicken Poulet Sauce Chasseur

This wonderfully warm Fall dish was shared by Susan Saulnier. She originally found the recipe online, but was never able to re-find the source. It is too good not to pass along!

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • • • •

8 chicken pieces (skinned if you wish) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons oil salt and pepper to taste 8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 3 shallots, minced 1 tablespoon flour 1/4 cup cognac 1/2 cup white wine 1/2 cup chicken stock or bouillon 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS: In a Dutch oven or other sturdy, deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter with 1 tablespoon of the oil and brown the chicken over med high heat, until golden on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and remove from pan. Drain off the pan drippings, give the pan a quick swipe with a paper towel to clean it a bit and then return it to low heat and add the other tablespoon of butter and tablespoon of oil. When the butter melts, add the minced shallots and cook gently for three minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes or until the mushrooms are softened. Sprinkle the mushrooms with the tablespoon of flour and cook for one minute stirring constantly. Add the tomato paste and stir to blend. Pour on the cognac, white wine and bouillon and stir. Add the browned chicken and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how done you like your chicken and how big the pieces are. Serve topped with chopped parsley. Makes four to six servings. This recipe was shared by - Susan Saulnier, Program Service Technician with Mosaic in Grand Junction. She also provided the “Halloween Soup” recipe in the October “foodie” issue. Her title and employer were printed incorrectly.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN SAULNIER

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF , WITH LINCOLN FOLKERS

Adaptive Heroes In mid 2022 after spending two seasons coaching Challenger Baseball, Lincoln was introduced to James Churchman (a Hollywood Stuntman) who founded and runs Flying Hero Club. The Flying Hero Club uses specialized stunt equipment used in movies to transform children and adults with exceptionalities and illnesses into superheroes for the day. Lincoln met with Jim and agreed on a plan to have a Flying Hero Club event in Grand Junction on August 26, 2022. In preparation for the event, Lincoln Folkers, Jeramy Casteel and others created a new not-for-profit organization that paved the way for The Flying Hero Club to come and fly over 100 adults and children in a two-day event. This event gave participants with intellectual and physical challenges a chance to experience the exhilaration and freedom of flight through the use of professional stunt flight rigs. Along the way, Lincoln met a young man named Tanner and became friends with him and his family. Through conversations with Tanner’s dad, Jeramy, Lincoln discovered without regular therapy, Tanner would suffer setbacks when his physical therapy routine became inconsistent or was interrupted. Lincoln saw how Tanner’s dad struggled to make sure Tanner had a regular therapy routine CONTINUED >

FUN, MOBILE THERAPY FOR RURAL AND FRONTIER COMMUNITIES NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GRA N DJ UN C T I O N

Lincoln Folkers is a long time local and former

firefighter,

paramedic,

with

GJFD, former member of management of a Mercy Ship vessel and serial entrepreneur. Passionate about helping people with what Adaptive Heroes refers to as their individual EXCEPTIONALITIES!

but because of the high demand for therapy appointments, often had challenges finding available therapy or accessibility to the treatments Tanner needed. The concept for new mobile therapy gyms was born. Lincoln Folkers is a long-time local and former firefighter & paramedic with GJFD, former member of senior management aboard a Mercy Ship vessel and serial entrepreneur; passionate about helping people with what Adaptive Heroes refers to as their individual EXCEPTIONALITIES! EXCEPTIONALITIES is defined by Adaptive Heroes this way: Instead of using the common language of intellectual or developmental disabilities, we see individuals as EXCEPTIONAL because each one is unique. Uplifting human beings elevates them and avoids diminishing the value of those with differing levels of ability. Adaptive Heroes’ Mission is: To deliver kind, innovative, fun - physical, occupational and speech therapies to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through a mobile platform that provides easier access to those living in the rural and frontier areas of western Colorado. This program challenges the status quo by looking at the way services are delivered to those with varying abilities and designing something that works better. In this program, that means therapy that can come to them, in areas where these services are not readily available locally. The team at Adaptive Heroes is working tirelessly to raise funds and organize the construction of a mobile therapy clinic or gym built in a bus with special adaptations that include accessibility on and off the bus as well as trained professionals to provide

H OM E TOWN H E R O | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

the care and panning to help those in need of ongoing therapy maintain quality and consistency in treatment which will improve steady functionality. This pursuit also includes the necessary certifications with the state of Colorado to provide this care in complete compliance with professional standards and legal regulations. In all populations throughout the USA, 6.8% of individuals have some need for these services and with the mobile service buses being developed, these services will become much more readily available for rural and frontier residents in need of kind, caring and FUN support for their individual progress and maintenance. Many who have a pause in receiving these therapies find that they go backward in their daily functionality, yet when consistency is restored, so is functionality. Currently, the first of these buses to be outfitted as a mobile therapy clinic is nearing completion with a plan for additional vehicles and a broader reach throughout western Colorado over time. The VISION of this program is to help those needing these services in rural areas to have happy, healthy, functional lives wherever they live. Many other resources are being identified for funding and program collaboration. Through partnerships with higher education in the region, and institutions that train therapists, Adaptive Heroes is expanding accessibility and improving medical capacities throughout rural and frontier communities in western Colorado. Long term, this concept is envisioned to reach far beyond local needs and benefit countless others throughout many other states.

Mission: To deliver kind, innovative, fun - physical, occupational and speech therapies to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through a mobile platform that provides easier access to those living in the rural and frontier areas of western Colorado. We see individuals as EXCEPTIONAL. Uplifting human beings elevates them and avoids diminishing the value of those with differing levels of ability.

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COLORADO GIVES DAY IN MESA COUNTY UNITING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COMPASSION

ARTICLE BY FAITH RODRIGUEZ

M UST SE E | LOCA L SERV I CE S

Colorado Gives Day, a statewide celebration of philanthropy and giving, has touched the hearts of communities across the state of Colorado. In Mesa County, this annual event takes on special significance as it brings together residents to support local nonprofits, foster a sense of community, and make a lasting impact on the region. Colorado Gives Day was created by the Colorado Gives Foundation. Their mission is to make good happen by connecting people, ideas and nonprofits. Since their inception in 2010, Colorado Gives Day has raised over $415 million making it the biggest 24-hour giving movement in the state. Colorado Gives Day, observed on the first Tuesday of December each year, has become a cherished tradition, marked by collaboration, compassion,

and generosity. Organizations that cater to a wide range of causes, from hunger (The Community Food Bank) to homelessness (The House) to mental health (Counseling & Education Center) and animal welfare (Royce-Hurst Humane Society), are at the heart of this event. Another nonprofit that not only participates in Colorado Gives Day but also encourages the community to give and support our local nonprofit organizations is United Way of Mesa County. Zebulon Miracle, Executive Director of UWMC states, “Colorado Gives Day is an excellent opportunity to give back to the organizations that work tirelessly throughout the year to provide services across the state. Giving is easy, is extra impactful with matches and combining generosity from many, and is an opportunity to research and find out more about the 3,400 nonprofits that participate. As a nonprofit director, I have seen the financial impact that Colorado Gives Day has on keeping our organization thriving. As a donor, I feel more connected to the community around me and know my dollars are helping causes that speak to me.” The people of Mesa County take great pride in their ability to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. Community involvement takes many forms during this event. From families teaching their children about the importance of giving, to local businesses offering matching donations, Mesa County residents find creative ways to give back. CONTINUED >

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One of the cornerstones of Colorado Gives Day is the user-friendly online platform, ColoradoGives.org. This website allows donors to explore and support their favorite nonprofits with ease and security. The incentive fund, a feature of Colorado Gives Day, has a significant role in Mesa County as well. This fund is made possible by generous donations from community partners and sponsors. It amplifies the impact of every dollar donated, encouraging nonprofits to raise as much as they can on this special day. The more a nonprofit raises on Colorado Gives Day, the larger their share of the incentive fund, which effectively multiplies the impact of every donation. This creates a sense of friendly competition among nonprofits and motivates them to engage their supporters. Colorado Gives Day in Mesa County is a day when the residents come together to make a positive impact on their community and the lives of those who call it home.

M UST SE E | LOCA L SERV I CE S

“Giving is easy, is extra impactful

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and combining generosity from many, and is an opportunity to research and find out more about the 3,400 nonprofits that participate.”

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Empt y Bowls in the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach of Grand Junction feeds hundreds of people daily. Once yearly, they host an impressive fundraiser where all proceeds are allocated to provide those meals. Empty Bowls brings together community members of various talents and abilities and creates a unique event that is dependent entirely on volunteers and donations. Empty Bowls originated in Michigan in 1990 when high school teacher John Hartom encouraged students to make ceramic bowls and used them to host a soup luncheon for the staff. After everyone had eaten, Hartom related that while they were full, many in the community had “empty bowls.” Those attending were

asked to donate to the food bank and keep their bowls as a reminder of the less fortunate. This idea and representation quickly spread. In 1996, word of the event reached Grand Junction and was presented to Sister Caroline Conway by Ginger Rice, Carol Murphy, and Denis Haberkorn. They organized the first local Empty Bowls fundraiser which was held at the Art Center. Today, potters from all over the valley are invited to donate handmade ceramic bowls. On Empty Bowls Day, these bowls are laid out on tables and everyone with a ticket can choose their favorite one. Once chosen, the bowl is sanitized and filled with soup that has

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JENSEN

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

been made and donated by local restaurants. More volunteers staff the event and others provide live entertainment. Attendees can enjoy their meals and keep their bowls as a reminder of those in need. The event has grown so much that the Art Center can no longer host the event and the annual Empty Bowls is now located at the Catholic Outreach building. A thousand tickets are available each year and they are often sold out. The Art Center has continued its involvement and besides the many hours potters spend there making the bowls, the center also donates supplies and kiln space for potters who want to contribute. High schools, ceramics classes at Colorado Mesa University, and independent potters have all donated bowls to the fundraiser in past years.

Sister Karen Bland, a representative from the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, attributes the success of the fundraiser to the community. She said, “While there are lots of catastrophes in the world and we can feel limited at times, there is always something we can do.” She suggests we start with little things and help using our skills to give back in ways that we can. Sister Karen has participated in Empty Bowls for the last 25 years. She makes dozens of bowls to donate each year. This year, she made around 75. Empty Bowls shows us that everyone has something to give. We can help and lift in our own way, even by eating a bowl of soup. To learn more about how you can donate or volunteer, visit catholic outreach.org/how-you-can-help CONTINUED >

“ W h i le there are lot s of c at a st rophe s i n the world and we c an feel l i m ited at t i me s , there is always someth i ng we c an do. ”

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GRA N DJ UN C T I O N

Empt y Bowls shows us that ever yone has something to give. We can help and lift in our own way, even by eating a bowl of soup.

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

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Chef Brad's Coconut Yams ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

ingredients • 3 c mashed yams • 1 c sugar • 1/2 c milk • 1/3 c butter • 2 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla • 1/2 tsp salt Topping • 1 c coconut • 1 c chopped pecans • 1 c brown sugar • 1/3 c flour • 1/3 c melted butter

directions Begin by prepping your mashed yams. You can use canned, or cook your yams and let cool, then peel and mash. Preheat oven to 375 Mix ingredients then put mixture into an oven-safe casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients, then add to the top of yam mixture in the casserole dish. Bake for 35 minutes. Enjoy!

This recipe has been a family favorite for the publisher for over 20 years! If you are looking for a sweet potato recipe to add to your Thanksgiving dinner, give this recipe a try. You might just get hooked.

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Hall of Fame Jacket

Life-Lessons in Gratitude LIFE LESSONS IN GRATITUDE Approaching this month’s topic of gratitude has had me reflecting on a lot of things I have to be grateful for. Friendship is one of those things that seems to transcend age, race, financial circumstances and even some of the most startling differences in personality people can have. Friendship is one of the things I find myself tremendously grateful for this time of year

and I felt that in an uncharacteristically personal way, I’d share a bit about a friend of mine and what that influence has come to mean to me over nearly twenty-five years since we met.

A CONVERSATION WITH A FRIEND I’ve known Tex Tolman since 1999 when he was building premium quality homes in some of the nicest new developments

LOCAL LEGEND TEX TOLMAN

ARTICLE BY SCOTT FAIRBANKS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT, IAGO BEAUMONT

T R E N D SE T T E R | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

around the Grand Valley. One of the earliest things I learned about him was his love for baseball and especially coaching. I’m also grateful for the time spent together in many other things we both enjoy: golf, fishing, construction projects, backpack trips and Scouting activities, and have learned that he loves coaching in all these areas just like he does in baseball. My own experiences and those I have witnessed have shown me a type of servant leadership that is focused on relationships and seeing the potential in others - then helping them tap in and bring that potential out in improved performance. Being a guide like this helps others recognize their potential, their gifts and to ultimately excel in those gifts. Personalized training like his expertise with a “fungo” bat stuck with baseball players long after their time in competition. In May, a long overdue honor was bestowed upon my friend because others who also value their experiences with him advocated for his recognition. For over 50 years Tex has been directly involved with the national championship tournament for junior college baseball administered by NJCAA known as JUCO. Grand Junction has hosted this event for 65 years and is contracted with the National Junior College Athletic Association to continue hosting the tournament by contract until 2035. In March 2013 The NJCAA published an article about JUCO’s history titled A “Grand” Place for Baseball, which included the following: “In 1955, NJCAA President Reed K. Swenson (Tex’s Uncle) determined that a study was needed

to determine interest and viability of a national baseball tournament. Swenson formed a special investigative committee and chose his brotherin-law and NJCAA Secretary, Jay Tolman from Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction, to chair the commission. (Part of this study included comparing the regional playoff structure in basketball as a potential model for baseball playoffs.) Tolman’s son Tex, recalls his childhood being surrounded by the preliminary talks of a junior college baseball championship.” “In 1955, I remember my father started talking about championship baseball,” Tex Tolman said. “(Swenson) and my father used to talk about it all the time on fishing trips.” In 1957, Tolman presented the results of his study which clearly indicated that the NJCAA membership desired a championship for America’s pastime. Approximately one-half of the NJCAA’s 230 member institutions participated in intercollegiate baseball and a majority of those programs supported the idea of a championship tournament.” Despite the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the concept, the NJCAA was unable to identify a sponsor or host that could adequately finance and support such an event. At the NJCAA Annual Meeting in March of 1958, the organization’s membership awarded the 1958 tournament to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College on a one-year trial basis in Miami, OK. (This tournament was poorly attended and had unfavorable weather which led Jay Tolman, D.S, “Dyke” Dykstra, Charles Lumley, Hurst Otto, Dale Hollingsworth - GJ Chamber Director and publicity chair -, Wayne Nelson, Rudy Sussman &

Friendship is one of the things I find myself tremendously grateful for this time of year and I felt that in an uncharacteristically personal way, I'd share a bit about a friend of mine and what that influence has come to mean to me over nearly twenty-five years since we met.

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GRA N DJ UN C T I O N

“It’s the people, their examples of gratitude and commitment to working together and the lives that exemplify ‘practicing gratitude’”.

Frank Gibbs to petition Grand Junction’s “Town Fathers” to get behind the tournament and bring it here for the foreseeable future. Many others including Reed K. Swenson, Sam Suplizio Sr. and Bus Bergman were heavily involved in garnering community support to place this tournament on solid footing as an annual event. My own sons got to benefit from coaching by Tex too; from construction projects their fellow Scouters lined up as community service, to outdoorsman skills and learning ice fishing on winter retreats. Every year for decades countless young men and women

T R E N D SE T T E R | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

were guided through dense forest to a spectacular waterfall, across the skyline of the Ragged Mountain range and through trackless wilderness to and from Tomahawk Lake for “high adventure” outings. For decades he also guided Scouters and on some occasions JUCO teams on excursions into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River in the Spring. I personally got to spend an afternoon on the golf course with him and we lucked into a three hour window with no one right behind us. The coaching I got and the opportunity to spend quality time with

a friend are things I’ll remain grateful for long after I can no longer swing a club. When I talked with Tex about this story, we spoke of his NJCAA Hall of Fame induction this May and the friendships he has made over more than 50 years coaching players and working with junior college baseball coaches from all over the country. Tex’s sister, Maggie and Central Florida coach Marty Smith who’s been a friend since 1997, combined efforts to advocate for his induction into the hall of fame and coach Smith’s team was already here, in Grand Junction for the tournament. By the way, his team also won the tournament this year. Mitch Thompson from McLennan Junior College in Texas also wrote to the selection committee advocating for Tex to be inducted this year. Among memories that hold deep meaning for Tex is the visit he received from coach Thompson during a particularly difficult hospital stay that coincided with the 2014 JUCO tournament. Tex missed the tournament that year and though Coach Thompson didn’t know Tex personally before that visit, he made the time to visit a well-known member of the JUCO

family who was absent that year from tournament activities. They’ve been good friends ever since. Cowley County Kansas coach Dave Burrows (1997 and 1998 tournament Champions) also joined the petitioners writing to the committee. When asked what means the most to him about this experience, Tex told me that what means the most to him isn’t necessarily the recognition, the five-plus decades of being directly involved with the tournament or the countless other opportunities to provide coaching in a variety of activities he enjoys. “It’s the people, their examples of gratitude and commitment to working together and the lives that exemplify ‘practicing gratitude’”. As we move into the Holiday Season we talked about the gratitude, both of us feel surrounding the interests we have in common. We want to encourage those who read this to “practice gratitude”, to search out your individual talents and gifts in life and seek out ways to use those gifts to help uplift others moving toward a bright new year. Tex also wants to express a deep and heartfelt appreciation for his wife Janine and for all of her support over many decades of community involvement.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GRA N DJ UN C T I O N

Gather

Set t ing th e Fal l Tabl e 32

H OST IN G T IP S | HOM E + DE COR

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or an autumn dinner party, setting a festive table creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. Improvise and use what you have around the house for adding elements to the table. Candlesticks, vases, little pumpkins and gourds, or fall decor you have on hand can make a great centerpiece. Add fresh flowers or dried foliage for that extra layer of texture and color.

The Traditional Table For this classic, traditional look, a plaid throw blanket stands in for a tablecloth to establish a festive base layer. Brass candlesticks with brown taper candles create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Use familiar accents such as amber jars filled with dried grass foliage and brass pheasants to adorn the table. To add a little character to the table, use a recycled wine bottle as a vase. The simple place setting is enhanced with a dried grass accent and brown silk ribbon tied into a bow to add a special touch to your traditional display.

The Fall Garden Party Table Are you planning to dine al fresco this fall? Create an earthy, fall garden party on the porch by using natural, organic elements, greenery and flowers. To make a statement, create a floral chandelier by hanging flowers upside down above the table using fishing wire (if your space allows). The centerpiece that runs down the length of this table consists of fresh eucalyptus with gold candlesticks and a ceramic pumpkin vase filled with flowers placed on top a tree trunk charger. Adding small pumpkins and fresh flowers along the center gives a little extra character. Instead of going with the classic white plate, enjoy a pop of color at your outdoor fall garden party with a blue place setting as a nod to the sky.

The French Country Table Rustic yet elegant, this tablescape combines the love of traditional, vintage and natural elements with an updated twist. The Spode Woodland Collection transferware designs are rooted in proper hunting tradition. The fawn table runner mimicking deer spots brings an earthy, yet elevated foundation as the base for this table setting. Coordinating fawn napkins wrapped with twine and topped with natural feathers creates a whimsical touch. The stunning centerpiece starts with a vintage silver water pitcher that is then filled with fresh, sweet arrowwood Viburnums leaves. To complete the look, pair crystal glasses with vintage crystal stemware. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GRA N DJ UN C T I O N

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Rim Rock Marathon and Half-Marathon

3 24 N COULS ON ST, FRUITA | 8 :0 0 A M The 8th annual Rim Rock Marathon is back! The full marathon starts at 8am, followed by the half-marathon at 9am. Sign up by November 2nd to claim your spot.

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Free National Park Entrance Day

ALL N ATION AL PAR KS Enjoy free entrance to America's national parks! Nearby, we have the Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Arches National Park.

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Veteran's Day Parade

MAIN STR EET BETWEEN 8TH A ND 2ND | 2:0 0 P M The 31st annual Veteran's Day Parade will be held to honor Veterans and those who support them.

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Downtown Tree Lighting

DOW N TOWN | 5:00 PM A magical way to start the holiday season, come and enjoy the Downtown Tree Lighting presented by Enstrom Candies! With a magical wave of his hand and a sprinkling of magic dust from the Wells Fargo rooftop, Santa lights all the lights on Main St., then sits down to visit with the kids before returning to the North Pole.

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Parade of Lights

MAIN STR EET, G R AN D J UN CTI O N | 5 :0 0 P M The Parade of Lights is Grand Junction's biggest parade of the year with more than 100 unique floats!

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Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

AVALON THEATR E, 645 MAIN ST | 7 :0 0 P M The beloved family tradition is back! Get your tickets soon! Doors open at 6pm. The ballet is 7pm-10:30pm.

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