Rigby Meet

Whengrief occurs, animals can provide a level of comfort beyond spoken words. That’s why we have Rigby.

Rigby is a bright, handsome goldendoodle that joined our team at Brown’s Cremation & Funeral Service. At just five months old, Rigby has an uncanny ability to sense when families are grieving and need some extra attention. He greets everyone who walks in with a kind and loving demeanor, bringing a smile to every face he encounters. Sometimes these smiles produce more tears, but families are often comforted by his attention and affection during their visits to our funeral home.

Rigby’s role as our Grief Support Animal will involve visiting with the deceased’s family and loved ones at viewings and memorials, and assisting in comforting children and young people. Although he’s still in training, Rigby loves his position and enjoys being paid in hugs, kisses and treats.

Petting a therapy dog increases serotonin and dopamine levels in our brains. That chemical reaction is sometimes the one thing that can make a person feel normal, even if it’s only for a moment. It is our hope and intention that Rigby will improve an already difficult situation for the families we serve.

Stop by and say hello to Rigby (and our staff) at any time. Rigby will happily take you on a guided tour of our facilities if you find yourself preplanning for the future.

of hospitals and their grade, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Fraud continues to snare Colorado seniors

AARP reports that online crime targeting Colorado seniors continues to rise. In 2021, AARP says victims in Colorado lost more than $130 million to cybercriminals, as based on FBI records. That’s roughly double what the loss figure was in 2019. AARP says Colorado consistently ranks among the top 10 states for fraud reports related to online shopping and negative reviews of businesses with clearly deceptive practices. AARP ElderWatch Colorado also specifically points to scammers posing as wellknown retailers such as Amazon to bilk consumers out of their money. ElderWatch says it receives 200 to 300 fraud-reporting calls a month from Coloradans. To report fraud, visit stopfraudcolorado.gov or call AARP at 800-222-4444.

We strive to do more for our families than just disposition.

Summer Reading begins at Mesa County Libraries

Summer Reading isn’t just for kids, although it’s a wonderful summer activity that you and your grandkids can enjoy together! Kids, teens and adults can pursue their reading goals, win prizes and exercise their creativity in a number of free events throughout the summer. Sign up at any Mesa County Libraries branch, call 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org/srp. The programs wraps up July 15.

Grand Junction named a Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation

Grand Junction was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 40th year that the city has received this recognition. The community also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care. Grand Junction achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. For more information, visit arborday.org/programs/ treeCityUSA.

Writers Forum hosts Poetry Night at the library

Everyone is welcome to attend Poetry Night on the second Wednesday of the month from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Central Library, 446 N. 6th St. in Grand Junction. Each month facilitator Lisa Connors presents a specific topic and poets are encouraged to share their work with the group. Newbies welcome! T

Mobile food pantries help alleviate hunger

As of March 2023, all SNAP households’ benefits returned to normal amounts, which today, often falls short of what’s needed to feed hungry families. To help alleviate food insecurity, Food Bank of the Rockies supplies nutritious foods to these mobile pantries across Mesa County. For more information, visit foodbankoftherockies.org/about/western-slope or call 970-464-1138. Adults 60+ can also ask about EverGreen Boxes.

• Clifton Christian Church

3241 F 1/4 Road, Clifton

9-11 a.m. | 4th Saturday | 970-434-7392, opt. 2

• Grand Junction High School

550 North Ave.

3-4 p.m. | 2nd Tuesday | 970-242-0813

• Orchard Mesa Fairgrounds

2758 US-50 5-7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-464-1138