Grand Junction, CO July 2023

Adventures in Local Lifestyle

Greetings, Adventures in Local Lifestyle come in all shapes and sizes, and Summertime is no exception.

River Rafting had a banner season with record high water levels and the MTB (mountain bike) enthusiasts have had spectacular weather for their adventures on the abundant trails in Mesa County. Hikers and trail runners have also seen close to ideal conditions this year in the valley, with adequate cloud cover to help keep temperatures moderated and fun maximized.

And baseball...

JUCO was one of the best seasons ever with record-breaking attendance, four schools who made their first-time appearance in the tournament and a field of ten teams, all with no prior championship. Seeing a new first-timeever JUCO champion was a thrill for many, including this long-time local.

The first Food Truck Friday was the night before JUCO play began and a week later there was a huge taco-margarita festival at Las Colonias. There are so many fun things going on throughout the summer months that no one could take them all in, so pick your own favorites and make some marvelous memories.

Wakeboarding, SUPing (stand-up paddleboard), waterskiing, backpacking in the high country and countless "off the beaten path" pursuits make where we live an outdoor-recreation paradise. What's equally enjoyable for some is the array of in-town things to do: mini-golf, shift carts, and amusement venues (think Bananas). Western Colorado golf courses are also abundant and offer some of the best scenery on the planet for hitting the links - whether you lose a record number of golf balls or have a personal-best game.

Museum(s) of Western Colorado have a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences to... well, EXPERIENCE! Museum of the West in downtown GJ, Cross Orchards interactive farm and Dinosaur Journeys Museum in Fuita all offer great ways to beat the heat and learn fun things in the process. And don't forget Gateway Canyons Resort: Great dining, golf, an incredible car museum, and top-notch accommodations for a summer stay-cation.

SCOTT FAIRBANKS, PUBLISHER

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Garrett Gross | garrett.gross@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Vauna Gross | vauna.gross@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. April Schulte-Barclay, Brooke Carlson, Faith Rodriguez

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashlee Ficklin, Lisa Kral, Bob Sammons

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

We hand chop our vegetables throughout the day, roast our meats in the wood-fired oven, make our own sauces in-house and, of course, make our own dough.

We’re so fresh, we don’t even have freezers in our restaurants.

Founded in 1983 by Dr. Robert Marquis, VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital consists of a team of veterinarians with over 90 years combined experience.

• General Practice & Integrative Services

• Wide Range of Advanced Surgical Procedures

From cats and dogs, to exotics and pocket pets, we’re here to meet all of your veterinary needs.

To The Headaches of Hiring

COLLABORATE WITH A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED STAFFING AGENCY

Our staffing and human resource professionals provide services that relieve employers of the burdens of recruiting, screening, hiring, and all payroll related tax and insurance reporting so that you can focus on what is important, growing your business.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @grandjunctionlifestyle

Fruita Chamber of Commerce Picnic

The Fruita Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Membership Appreciation Picnic on a beautiful sunny day. Thanks for the yummy food

Community Hospital

Community Hospital opened a new primary care office in Palisade.

Palisade After Hours

Blaine's Farm Store hosted the Palisade Chamber of Commerce Business After hours. They treated CoC members to a great presentation of local produce and a tour of all the new things that they are working on

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GrandJunction

GET OUT THERE AND VOLUNTEER!

Summertime is the perfect time to get involved in the community. There are plenty of events, festivals and activities to keep you busy in Mesa County all summer long, but another way for people of all ages to stay busy is to get out and volunteer.

Why volunteer in our community? United Way Mesa County (UWMC) believes the caring power of the community can provide everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential. With this belief in mind, they realize that many people in our community want give back, but don’t know where to start.

Therefore, they created Volunteer United. It can be an overwhelming and sometimes frustrating process to find local volunteer opportunities that fit into

daily life. With Volunteer United, amazing local volunteer jobs are just a click away, and people who are interested in volunteering can search based on their schedule, causes they are passionate about, skills needed, and more, making it easier than ever to give volunteer time.

Volunteer United is an innovative, online, community-volunteer portal hosted and managed by UWMC that features up-to-date volunteer opportunities from dozens of agencies across Mesa County. The portal is hosted right on the UWMC website or by visiting www.volunteermc.org, providing those looking to give back a simple and accessible one-stop shop for open volunteer positions in their local area.

Not only is Volunteer United a great resource for those that want to volunteer, it is a great way to recruit volunteers as well. The Volunteer United portal is a free service to all nonprofits, educational institutions, and local government branches in Mesa County that wish to post volunteer needs. UWMC provides virtual training to each agency that wishes to use the platform, ensuring the integrity of the volunteer opportunities that are being posted and timely updates to volunteer jobs.

United Way Mesa County, founded in Grand Junction in 1959, is not just a fundraising organization. UWMC facilitates community collaboration to ensure the community’s needs are being addressed and provides education, information, and referrals to the

community at large. Their work is focused on three building blocks for a good life. These building blocks are health, education and self-reliance. UWMC funds programs provided by health and human service agencies in Mesa County. This year, they are funding 43 programs at 33 different local nonprofit agencies. The programs address a variety of social problems focused on health, education and self-reliance. UWMC hosts the Mesa County Imagination Library, and United to Solve Homelessness, among other successful high impact programs.

Now that summer time is here, add volunteering in our community to your list of activities. United we can give more, united we can do more and together we can make a true difference.

United Way Mesa County believes the caring power of the community can provide everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Adventure Is Out There

All You Have To Do Is Go Find It

For the team at Kooler Garage Doors summer adventuring is in their blood, and, turns out, a couple of them have been adventuring together since they were young.

Let us introduce you to Pascual Ramos. He is the manager of Kooler Garage Doors, and while he isn’t a Grand Junction native (he was actually raised in Gunnison) he loves the area and the people here. Pascual loves getting off the beaten path to explore all over Colorado. He is up for all of the summertime adventuring: hiking with his dog, off-roading,

mountain biking, and boating. Whether it be a quick day trip with a meal at a new restaurant thrown in, or a lengthier stay, he is ready to explore.

He has had this attitude since he was young. His family would go on river trips every summer. Sometimes they would raft, other times just enjoy picnicking by the river. Turns out that one of his co-workers, Jesus, and his family, were usually there for these river trips. Hard work and taking care of business makes their outings even more rewarding when it’s adventure time.

Commute by Bike

Save Gas be Fit

The climate in Grand Junction is temperate and semi-arid, which doesn’t sound nearly as good as it feels. Across the year, residents see 250+ days of sunshine. In the winter, the mountains get snow, while ‘Junction’ remains mostly dry. Rain tends not to last long. In the summer, the heat is tempered a bit by the dryness, which makes Grand Junction a great place to ride a bicycle.

GJ Bike Night, now in its third season, is up and riding every Friday. Ian Thomas founded GJ Bike Night three years ago, after riding with groups in Boston, Massachusetts and Reno, Nevada. Riders meet at 544 Rood Avenue, at 7 pm, and are encouraged to wear helmets, lights, and speakers. The ride usually starts around 7:30 and lately there have been over a hundred riders! Thomas themes each week, and you can find out more over on Instagram (follow @gjbikenight).

For more serious riders, or once you’ve

regained your bike legs, it’s time for the bike commute. Riding is great exercise for the body. Biking means less wear and tear on the knees, ankles, and hips, and a fantastic aerobic experience. The more you ride then, the better.

One way to ride more is to commute. Commuting to work on a bike means incorporating exercise into my daily routine, which means healthier living, both physically and mentally. I ride five miles a day, five days a week. My ride in or out is twenty minutes, and that means I’m getting forty minutes of wonderful movement every day, as I get to work and back.

Commute riding is different from a GJ Bike Night, mountain biking at Powderhorn, or a road bike jaunt over a Rocky Mountain pass. In fact, a road bike is not the best commute bike. Road bikes are light, have lots of gears, and they’re fast. On a commute in town, though, what works best is a hybrid or a mountain bike,

because they’ve got bigger tires, more durable frames, and can be ridden upright. The bigger tires make for a cushier ride, and coupled with the frame, this makes for an easier and more enjoyable ride on a variety of surfaces.

Riding fast when commuting is inviting an accident. I bring lights (no matter the time of day), wear bright colors, and ride like a guest. I regularly remind myself to ride slow, stay in the bike lanes, make eye contact with drivers, and give them (and pedestrians) the right of way. I ride because Junction is a wonderful place to be, and I can. I have plenty of time and it’s fantastic to be outside.

I wear a helmet and photochromic glasses to protect my eyes. When it’s not sunny, they remain clear and protect my eyes from stones, raindrops, debris blown up by cars, etc. Another game-changer for me is a pannier. Some can make do with a rack, or basket. I use a pannier because I need to bring some things, in addition to my lunch. The pannier has two bags with

pockets that rest atop a rack and hang on either side of the back wheel. With a pannier, I can skip the sweaty and uncomfortable backpack. I encourage you to spend some money and effort on the commute gear because it replaces driving a car. I enjoy biking and I want you to enjoy it as well.

Finally, I use the commute to transition. I like the time alone to gather up my energy, and then unwind and let go. The bike helps through movement; I can release the anxiety and stress as I pedal and push. Markers on the way help me do this. I pedal past a park early on and I am reminded of the innocent joy I get on two wheels. I pass a school where I turn on the way in, which means it’s time to get ready to work. On my way home, I take a left into a bike path lane. At this point, I can be me, wholly me, enjoying the pleasure of being in a healthy body on a bike. The Bookcliffs and Mesa in front of me offer beauty and nourishment; both work and the day are behind me.

As we slip into summer, let’s ride!

“Riding is great exercise for the body. Biking means less wear and tear on the knees, ankles, and hips, and a fantastic aerobic experience. The more you ride, then, the better.”

Summertime!!!

TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY IN THE SUMMER HEAT

Ahh… summertime!

With sunshine casting its light upon summer activities there can be tremendous fun to be had by all. The warm weather invites us to get outside for hiking, water sports, gardening, reading on the hammock, and so much more. The sun helps to recharge our batteries and provides plentiful health benefits like the synthesis of Vitamin D, which contributes to a healthy immune system and acts to protect muscle function and brain health. However, too much sun exposure can cause illnesses like sunburn and heat exhaustion. As with so many other ailments, there is power in what we ingest to cure what ails you. In fact, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to achieving proper hydration and the desired cooling effect. Let’s take a deeper dive!

To beat the heat, we often think of guzzling an ice-cold drink to hydrate. However, there is more to consider when it comes to maintaining temperature regulation within your body than whether your food or drink is served hot or cold. Did you know that all substances are innately designed to have a nature, or property, associated with them? Each nature influences the body and can either act to restore balance or disrupt harmony within the system. When it comes to temperature control, substances are considered cold, cool, neutral, warming, or hot in nature. Likewise, many illnesses also have a nature associated with them in terms of being considered hot or cold. When one has an illness “cold” in nature, warming substances are indicated. When an illness is based in heat, it is appropriate to ingest substances cooler in nature.

In the summertime, it is best to stay well hydrated and for most of us, choosing

ARTICLE BY DR. APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

substances to eat and drink that are cooling in nature will serve us well on a hot summer day. Most fruits, such as berries and melons, are considered cooling, as are vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and asparagus. Pathology tends to be organ specific. For example, heat (or inflammation) can show up in the liver causing symptoms like irritability, pain, and premenstrual syndrome. In those cases, choose dandelion tea (served hot or cold) to soothe the liver and cool the system at the same time. Also, consider avoiding alcohol as it is hot in nature and negatively affects the liver. Another “no no” if you are trying to beat the heat is coffee. In this case, caffeine is not the culprit. Instead, it is the nature of the coffee bean, it’s hot. Really hot. Both alcohol and coffee also act as a diuretic in the body, leading to dehydration.

Paying attention to what your body needs throughout the day will also help you beat the heat this summer. If you find yourself craving something that may not be what’s best for you at the moment, ask yourself, “What does my body really want right now? Am I thirsty, hungry, or tired?” Asking ourselves this question can prevent us from making rash decisions that would likely make us feel worse and instead grant ourselves the opportunity to serve ourselves well. Being in tune with your body and knowing more about what you ingest can help you enjoy the summer and its bountiful activities with pleasure!

Cucumber and Lemon Infused Water

Ready for a drink that is sure to please your palate and help you cool off at the same time? This recipe is a crowd pleaser:

In 8 cups of water, add 1/2 a sliced English cucumber and a sliced lemon. Stir. Add a few sprigs of mint and refrigerate for at least two hours. Enjoy!

“Did you know that all substances are innately designed to have a nature, or property, associated with them? Each nature influences the body and can either act to restore balance or disrupt harmony within the system.”

Bob SammonsMILE-HIGH Memorabilia

If you haven’t had the opportunity to chat with Bob Sammons your are missing out on a good time. Bob is the kind of guy that has a story for everything. Military service? He’s got a story of how he choose the Air Force over the Army. Sports? Loads of stories and memorabilia. Science? He is a psychiatrist that specializes in transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression. BBQ? Of course. His secret is to cook it low and slow and to always use apple juice.

It is well established that Bob has stories. Some of his favorites include his large collection of sports memorabilia. He has posters, trophies, jerseys, balls, hockey sticks, mugs and flags. He has several signed pieces by Micheal Jordan, and signatures from many other notable names. If you get a chance to talk with him, be sure to choose a comfy seat because you won’t want to leave.

• A Boutique All Memory Care community

• All Private Studio Apartments with individual bathrooms

• The Innovative Vigil Monitoring System

• Specialized Dementia Care: Our entire staff is trained in and dedicated to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other-related dementias.

• Moments Program: A complete-person approach to care and engagement

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us today.

AT WESTERN SLOPE MEMORY CARE, THE IDEA THAT THE PERSON COMES FIRST INFLUENCES EVERYTHING WE DO AND CREATE.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Take

Visit

Go

Explore

Try

Hike

Explore

Go

CELEBRATE A "SUMMER OF MORE"

at Gaylord Rockies

Discover more of what you love this summer at Gaylord Rockies Resort. With thrilling slides and a winding lazy river, Arapahoe Springs Water Park is the perfect summer hangout spot for the whole family. Throughout the resort, explore delicious dining, relax in the spa, or explore interactive activities and fun seasonal events as you make this a summer to remember forever.

More Thrills

Guests can highlight their summer with family fun at Arapahoe Springs Water Park with outdoor pools, a water slide, lap pool, outdoor hot tubs, and a 720-footlong lazy river that features waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers. An exclusive experience and amenity for overnight guests, the water park is the heart of the 85-acre resort. Guests can also reserve poolside cabanas, for the ultimate in stress-free pool time.

More Fun

During Summer of More, guests celebrate with family-friendly activities throughout the resort. Young guests are invited to join Benji the Bighorn sheep, Rowan the River Otter, and everyone’s favorite Adventure Kid, Sophie, for a new interactive show, Adventure Kids’: Join the Club. The all-new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse, inspires kids to let their inner artist come to life while creating fun crafts.

More Dining

Enjoy a six-course, chef-crafted, winepaired dinner with hand selected wines in Old Hickory Steakhouse. Old Hickory Master Cocktail Classes are adult experiences where guests learn from our master cocktail artisans, as well as local brand experts. In partnership with some of Colorado’s best breweries, the Mountain Pass Beer Dinner series features a fivecourse dinner paired with hand selected beer from a local brewery.

Guests may visit GaylordRockies.com to learn more.