Grand Junction, CO August 2023

Kids and Critters

We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. This issue is always one of our favorites, perhaps because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for kids in the Grand Valley in this issue.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. There is nothing like the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Best wishes,

August 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

Faith Rodriguez, Heather Benjamin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashlee Ficklin, C. W. Morgan, Lisa "Moose" Kral

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital

Did you know that VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital receives annual recognition for client experience excellence?

It’s our mission to provide every patient and client with compassionate and professional high quality care. It’s been an honor serving the western slope community and beyond for over 40 years.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

State of the Community Breakfast

The Fruita Chamber of Commerce held their annual State of the Community Breakfast. A big thanks to Mayor Joel Kincaid, Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell, Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, State House District 54 Rep. Matt Soper, State Senate District 7 Senator Janice Rich, and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for taking the time to speak with our community.

Palisade Chamber of Commerce Open House

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce moved their office back to the corner of 3rd and Main to accommodate the growing business demands. They held an open house during the first farmer's market of the season to show their refreshed space.

Bank of Colorado Grand Re-Opening

Bank of Colorado celebrated a Grand Re-Opening of their 2903 Patterson Rd location. They celebrated with food and fun!

Want to be featured?

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

BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TIARA RADO ANIMAL HOSPITAL

A Legacy of Caring

BEGINNINGS

It was 1993 that Veterinarian Dr. Robert Marquis (mar’ kwis) opened Tiara Rado Animal Hospital. Dr. Bob, as his friends and family knew him, was known for his good natured personality, his sense of humor and his dedication to finding a way to treat even the most challenging conditions. His staff members remember him saying “There’s a way to fix this” and “I’m willing to try” to help animals who had health conditions he hadn’t seen before. He was always on the phone with others who had specialty training and constantly learning and improving his skills while innovating with the latest technologies available.

CONTINUED >

His staff members remember him saying “There’s a way to fix this” and “I’m willing to try” to help animals who had health conditions he hadn’t seen before.

SERVICE

One thing he was well known for was his willingness to take regular flights in his own airplane to pick up an ailing pet from another regional community and transport those patients to the animal hospital here in Grand Junction. He would also provide coaching through a procedure over the phone from time to time and his range of surgical skills kept him well provided with unique, challenging and fascinating cases.

On one occasion, Dr. Bob got a phone call from Dr. Rebecca Lemmon at Sky Canyon, asking for some guidance on a surgical procedure underway and he drove to the clinic to assist with the procedure while it was happening. Another time, during a heart surgery on a pet, Dr. Bob’s friend, who is a human-medicine cardiologist, came to assist him with surgical placement of a pacemaker in a dog with heart trouble. Rehab medicine was also a high priority and half of the building was converted to the “rehab house” that still provides recovery services as part of the hospital’s comprehensive care.

LEGACY

His family and friends, patients and their people knew Dr. Marquis as someone larger than life and then he was gone all too suddenly. On May 11th, 2018, Dr. Bob tragically died in a plane crash.

Five years later, his legacy as a ”fearless human” continues with great strength. He would often tell pet owners who needed a specialized procedure for their pet, “I haven’t done this before, but I’m willing to try.” He created a culture of quality in the way he believed the best about his people and their abilities. He expected a lot but showed great confidence and that culture remains.

Birdie, his wife, said that she often saw him be first to take on new innovations and one of his most notable was the green Tesla car he bought - probably one of the first in the Grand Valley. He had a dog, Enzo, that loved that car and since Dr. Bob always left the hatchback open for him, Birdie said “This was maybe the only Tesla that got infested with mice because it was Enzo’s spot. He was often seen driving with the dog

riding shotgun and he would be talking to Enzo like he had a human passenger.” Enzo always got the copilot seat in the plane too and like Dr. Bob, Enzo always gave of himself. Enzo donated for blood transfusions and saved the lives of many animals that needed surgery.

FUTURE

VCA bought the practice around 6 months before Dr. Marquis’ death and he functioned as the medical director, overseeing all aspects of care daily until his death. Afterward, VCA provided resources to continue the legacy: Urgent care, advanced surgical services and a fully enclosed dental suite continue to be available today.

With the vacancy for Medical Director, Dr. Caylie Schena stepped up right away. She said it was intimidating to try to fill those shoes but an honor too. She also said it’s a little bit amusing to her that Dr. Bob finished veterinarian school the year she was born.

Dr. Bob loved people and set up ways for people to get their pets the best care possible even when they couldn’t afford all the cost. Shortly after his death, the Marquis Miracle Fund was established in his memory. Dedicated pet owners needing costly procedures for their pets now have access to the Marquis Miracle Fund which assists financially when owners cannot cover all of the cost for specialized care.

This legacy appears to be on solid footing for generations to come. What an honor to have a conversation with the team as they shared their commitment to care for pets and their people.

Dr. Bob loved people and set up ways for people to get their pets the best care possible even when they couldn’t afford all the cost.

Kids Aid Backpack Program

Grand Junction is home to a remarkable program making a significant impact on the lives of underprivileged children in the community. The Kids Aid Backpack Program is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to children who face food insecurity. By supplying bags filled with nutritious meals, the program aims to empower these young individuals and ensure their well-being.

The Kids Aid Backpack Program was established with a simple yet powerful objective: to ensure that no child in Mesa County goes hungry. In 2004, as he was dropping his daughter off at school, Mike Berry encountered a little girl that was crying on the playground.  He discovered that she was cold, tired from sleeping in her car the night before, and hungry.  This interaction planted the seed for Kids Aid.  Mike wondered, “Why isn’t someone doing something about kids in our community going hungry?” Then he realized he was that someone, so he got to work.   The program is now available in over 90 locations serving preschool through college-aged students, with approximately 175 volunteers proudly assembling and delivering an average of 2,400 bags a week!

The organization collaborates with local schools and community partners to identify children who are at risk of food insecurity. These children often rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition and may face hunger during weekends and school breaks. To address this issue, the program provides nutritious meals that are discreetly distributed to children in need.

The Kids Aid Backpack program is a shining example of how the Grand Junction community rallies together to support its most vulnerable members. Through generous donations from local businesses, individuals, and

organizations, the Kids Aid Backpack Program is able to sustain its operations. Volunteers play a crucial role in packing the food, ensuring that each bag is filled with nutritious food items appropriate for the children’s age groups. This collective effort demonstrates the community’s commitment to nurturing its future generations.

The impact of the Kids Aid Backpack Program extends far beyond just providing food. By alleviating hunger, the program creates a positive ripple effect in children’s lives. Proper nutrition enables them to focus better in school, improving their academic performance and overall well-being. Moreover, the program helps foster a sense of belonging and support among children who may otherwise feel marginalized. By addressing their basic needs, the program empowers these young individuals to dream bigger and reach their full potential.

The Backpack Program has touched the lives of numerous children, leaving an indelible mark on their futures. Participants of the program have given testimonials such as, “My parents don’t make a lot of money.  With six people living in one house our food supply drops quickly. This helps greatly.”  Another one is, “not having to worry about food helps me focus on bills and my children’s happiness.”

This program is a beacon of hope for children facing food insecurity. By addressing their basic nutritional needs, the program not only improves their physical health but also instills a sense of belonging, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future. Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, donors, and community partners, this remarkable program continues to uplift and inspire the young hearts of Mesa County, ensuring that no child goes hungry.

In 2004, as he was dropping off his daughter, Mike Berry encountered a little girl that was crying on the playground.  She was cold, tired and hungry.  This interaction planted the seed for Kids Aid.

MONUMENT Little League

Nothing says summer in the Grand Valley like baseball. Monument Little League is a non-profit organization that has been sharing the love of the game with the rising generation for over 50 years. The league started out where Pomona Elementary currently sits, and later on, moved a bit south when George Humphries donated the land to the league. They have been growing and enjoying ball games ever since.

Toby Cruz has been volunteering with Monument Little League for 36 years. 22 of those years he served as president of the board. Even though he turned that over to John Duffy 4 years ago, he is still heavily involved. While Toby served as president he worked to make steady improvements. Over the years, new dugouts were built, automatic sprinkler systems installed, fencing put in, new scoreboards installed, trees planted, new roofing and bathrooms remodeled. It is constant progress and it is all for the kids. Toby wants to be sure they have a safe place to play and grow. Even his wife got in on the action and ran the concession stand for 25 years.

We also talked with 3 coaches to get the scoop.

Shea Miller grew up playing softball in Arizona. She began coaching a couple of years ago when her daughter’s team needed some help. She has been working to grow the softball side of

Generations of Playing Ball

Monument Little League. They now have 8 teams, with girls of all ages and abilities and are looking to grow more. Shea enjoys watching as her players take on a “we” rather than a “me” mindset. Sports help kids learn discipline as they grow and learn how to be athletes. She sees a pattern of higher standards in grades and behavior with the kids that play. Shea has been in Grand Junction for the last 14 years and loves that it is the biggest small town you’ll ever encounter.

John Huston’s sons play ball and he could see the need for coaches to step up and volunteer their time. He is really glad he stepped up and has enjoyed the challenge of coaching. John loves showing the boys that one bad play does not need to change the outcome, whether that bad play is in baseball or in life. He wants the boys to learn from their mistakes but also treat them like amnesia - forget about them and move on. John says the league is a special place to watch kids grow up through generations of baseball. He wants you to know that their league always has a need for volunteers.

Josh Borchers is passionate about providing opportunities for all kids and pushing them to try new things. As a coach, he enjoys watching the kids grow both on and off the field. His sons will be playing for the next several years and he is glad to be involved. Josh says that a lot of good things come out of playing baseball. It is amazing to see a kid set a goal and accomplish it. He is adamant about helping them grow through real world coaching both on and off the field. He is proud to be part of Monument Little League and supports their motto and structure. Monument is for kids. Monument thrives on creating opportunities for kids and making sure that all kids play.

GO BABY GO!

You are not alone. We’re here to support not only your child, but you and your family. What do we treat? Here is a variety list, but not complete.

• Speech, language, voice, and articulation therapy

• Swallowing and feeding therapy

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Orthotic assessments

• FEES - Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

• MBSS - Modified Barium Swallow Study

• Wheelchair assessments and customized hardware

FAMILY HEALTH WEST PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION

Parenting can be hard in many aspects, but when your child needs specialized therapy the process to find the best care can be overwhelming. We get it. We embrace the whole-family health approach because your child’s needs and development impact everyone in your family.

Our pediatric rehabilitative clinic is built to provide skilled therapy specially crafted for your child. A number of our therapists have over 25 years of experience. Treatment is specialized to help your child meet the demand of their development. Whether the need is physical, developmental, speech, eating, or other more challenging needs, our team employs the broadest range of specialists to serve your family.

Building trusting relationships is so important. Many of our pediatric patients are referred to us by family physicians, pediatricians, and other community therapists. Their families know you can count on us for your child’s special needs, care, and treatment. Whether you need us for a long time or for a specific healing period, we have a variety of services and treatments. Diagnostic assessments are often the first step on the journey ahead.

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation and prescription

• Individual therapy sessions

• Group therapy sessions

• NICU follow-up services

• Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)

If you don’t see something that your child has or needs, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to speak with you, your family physician, or other treatment providers. Collaboration is important to us.

One example of our collaborative efforts is our Go Baby Go partnership with the CMU Engineering Department. Each year, several local children with unique needs are chosen as the recipient of this mobility project. Then, the teams of therapists and providers work with engineering students (and additional CMU students) to design and build a custom battery-powered kid car. These motorized cars are fun! But more importantly, they are designed to meet the needs of the child. These needs could include specialized seating supports or include cargo space for respiratory or feeding equipment. The power and steering are modified to be accessible for the child as much as possible. This is an amazing collaboration that challenges CMU students to create solutions and is a blessing to families.

Visit our website, FHW.org , for more information and to connect with us.

Backyard Chickens

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.

There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

CARING FOR CHILDREN

Q) HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU MEET?

with

Dr. Patrice Whistler and Dr. Michael Whistler (better known as Dr. Mike to his patients) are two incredible Pediatricians in our community.  They are passionate about kids, not only keeping their bodies healthy but making the world a better place for them. They are involved with organizations such as Girls on the Run and Kids Aid and they are always looking out for an opportunity to help our community and particularly the youth.

A) Patrice and I both went to Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was 2 years ahead of me in school.  We were both involved in the American Medical Students Association (AMSA) at our school, but had little contact with each other.  Then we both attended an AMSA meeting in Cleveland, Ohio where we got to know each other better.

Q) WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE?

A) Patrice comes from a family full of physicians, her father was an Orthopedic Surgeon and her mom worked in Public Health for the State of Kansas.  She has 2 brothers who are also physicians, one in Denver and one in Kansas City.  My grandfather was a general practice physician who graduated from medical school in 1886, about 100 years before I did.  I was a Chemistry major but had an advisor who suggested a career

We both were drawn to Pediatrics out of a love for children and making a connection with parents and families, as well as a desire to improve the lives of children wherever possible.

an Interview

Michael and Patrice Whistler

in medicine.  We both were drawn to Pediatrics out of a love for children and making a connection with parents and families, as well as a desire to improve the lives of children wherever possible.

Q) WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO GRAND JUNCTION?

A) Prior to Grand Junction, we were working in Tahlequah, OK.  I was a Pediatrician on staff at the Indian Health Service Hospital there, and Patrice was the Medical Director of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  After 5 years, it became apparent that Patrice would lose her job when a new tribal Chief was elected, so we began to look for other opportunities.  We were at a medical meeting in San Francisco and the person sitting in front of us had a name tag that said “Roger Shenkel, Grand Junction.”   Patrice approached him and asked how things were in Grand Junction and he replied that things were “terrific” and that the town was in need of more Pediatricians. He put us in touch with our current practice, and we had a great interview.  We have been here ever since, now 30 years.

Q) HOW DID PRIMARY CARE PARTNERS GET STARTED?

A) Primary Care Partners was formed out of a desire to create a group of like-minded, high-quality primary care practices who could then be large enough that insurance companies could not ignore us. From the original 3 practices, Primary Care Partners now has 5 practices in Grand Junction and in Fruita.  We are still independent, which is rare these days, and we still provide the highest quality of care for our patients and families.

Q) HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH KIDS AID?

A) We became interested in the Kids Aid backpack program out of a desire to help a great organization dedicated to combating hunger in the children of Mesa County.  They give children non-perishable food items on weekends to make sure the family has something to eat over the weekends. They are a very dedicated group of volunteers, and this year, as we did 2 years ago, we are donating $5 to the Kids Aid program for every Well Child exam we see in August.  We have lots of openings, so call today for your child’s checkup!

Q) HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH GIRLS ON THE RUN?

A) Patrice and I have been sponsoring Girls on the Run for many years.  This is a program that connects elementary school girls with adult coaches/mentors who encourage healthy lifestyles and exercise, as well as promoting cooperation, camaraderie, and self-esteem at a critical time.  Running is an activity anyone at any age can enjoy, all they need is a pair of shoes and a little motivation.

We really enjoyed getting to talk with the Whistlers. We are grateful to Roger Shenkel for showing them the beauty of Grand Junction and how they could fill a need. They certainly have!

A Fresh Cool Treat

equipment

• Popsicle molds - any size or style will work!

• Popsicle sticks

ingredients

• Fresh Fruit

• Coconut Water or Fruit Juice

• Honey (optional)

directions

1. Gather popsicle molds, popsicle sticks and ingredients

2. Wash, peel, and thinly slice fruit

3. Place desired fruit combination into popsicle mold

4. You can use just juice, or just coconut water, or mix as a 1:1 ratio. Add honey to taste.

5. Pour liquid mixture over fruit into molds.

6. Freeze overnight

7. When removing popsicles from molds, it can be useful to warm sides of the mold by holding a rag with warm water to the outside.

try some of these fun flavor combinations

• A mixture of berries in pear juice

• Lime and cucumber in coconut water

• Pineapple and mango in coconut water

• Strawberry and banana in apple juice

• Raspberries and mint in lemonade

Real Fruit Popsicles

Popsicles are the quintessential summer treat. They are perfect for cooling down on a hot day, but they can be loaded with sugar. These beautiful popsicles are loaded with fresh fruit and are easily customized. They are sure to please both the young and the young at heart.

Enjoy!

Do you have a recipe you would like featured in the magazine? Reach out to us via email or social media.