Legacy insert 2017

reate a egacy C L LOCAL guide to giving your time

and money 2017

The fight for Western Slope water rights Mark Hermundstad preserves water for future generations

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

Your Guide to Giving Locally

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

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2017

The fight for Western Slope water rights

Mark Hermundstad preserves water for future generations Story and photos by Melanie Wiseman

by Williams, Turner & Holmes, PC, in Grand Junction. f there was ever a person you “Andy Williams needed help and wanted on your side of the ditch, took me under his wing, getting me it’s Mark Hermundstad. Although involved in water matters,” Herhe retired from practicing law in mundstad said. “I learned water law December, Hermundstad has left not from school, but from a practihis legacy in Colorado, fighting for Western Slope water rights for more cal standpoint; from Andy Williams and by reading many good water than 30 years.

Hermundstad, 61, always planned law resources.”

Hermundstad has heard many to go into law, but not water law specifically. Growing up in Wiscon- people complain that water law is complex, but he feels it isn’t if you sin, water wasn’t a big issue. understand a few of its basic rules.

“In the Midwest or the East, the “In order to get a water right in problem is getting rid of water, not Colorado, you basically have to do trying to collect it,” he said. “It was three things: You have to divert or a fairly foreign concept to me. Water is so important in Colorado and control the water—build a dam or such a scarce resource. I’ve enjoyed dig a ditch—and then apply it to some beneficial use whether it’s being involved in some fairly big irrigation or a municipal use,” he matters that will shape the course explained. “The third step is going of Colorado in the future.” to court to show that you’ve done Jumping into Colorado’s water the first two steps. Then the courts With an undergraduate degree issue a decree and you are plugged in political science, and minors in into the water priority system. The math and environmental studies older your priority is, the more from the University of Wisconsin– likely you are to get the scarcity of a Stevens Point, Hermundstad headed stream.” west to Colorado. He graduated In Colorado, water right matters from the University of Colorado’s are of such high importance that law school in 1980 and was hired they skip the Court of Appeals and

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Humundstad said this funny postcard is popular in the water rights world

go directly to the Colorado Supreme Court.

Standing up for water users “There’s a common misconception that all the water in Colorado has been spoken for already,” said Hermundstad.

Representing Western Slope farmers and ranchers in court ensures they have water rights for their crop or livestock operations.

“Priority comes into play in years of low snowmelt or rainfall, or at the end of the season when there may be a shortage,” he said. “One client in the Ouray area had a ranch in their family for 100 years that they had water rights for, but they never went to court for the final decree. I helped them get that, but they had lost 100 years of priority.”

Hermundstad has represented Ute Water since 1986. Other clients include irrigation organizations, such as Grand Valley Water Users Association and Orchard Mesa Water District, as well as energy companies, such as Chevron.

Western Slope vs. Front Range “Denver water has always been an adversary to the Western Slope,” said Hermundstad. “They have water rights on the Western Slope to divert water.”

In fact, he said, the phrase ‘Denver water’ has historically caused tension.

In 2006, Denver started approaching western Colorado entities regarding water rights.

“Instead of dealing with Denver piecemeal, we formed a coalition on the Western Slope from the headwaters of the Colorado River to the state line,” said Hermundstad.

“It was pretty contentious because we’re not a homogenous group. We negotiated for eight years to resolve

Western Slope water advocate Mark Hermundstad takes a stroll on the Riverfront Trail. all the issues, and I was the prime negotiator for the Grand Valley. Our primary goals were trying to keep water flowing down to the Grand Valley.”

This involved two vital pieces.

First, maintain and keep in place the senior water rights of the Shoshone power plant in Glenwood Canyon.

Second, secure the continued use of the Green Mountain Reservoir between Silverthorne and Kremmling, offsetting some of the water the Front Range was taking.

The result of all this conversation was the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA), the framework for actions that benefit water supply, water quality, recreation and the environment and the beginnings of a long-term partnership between Denver Water and the Western Slope, according to the Colorado River District. The agreement, which was signed in 2014, is among Hermundstad’s proudest accomplishments.

“It’s going to usher in a new era of relations with Denver,” Hermundstad said. “The CRCA will keep the lines of communication open to look for solutions in the future, which will benefit both sides of the mountain.”

2017

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Up and down the river The settlement of the Orchard Mesa Check case, a time-consuming project Hermundstad worked on in the ’90s, is another of his proud legacies. Complicated in nature, the controversy centered around numerous entities drawing on water in the Palisade area.

“We instituted a procedure 20 years ago that is still taking place today,” he said. “Major entities up and down the river get together on a weekly conference call...to talk about what is going on with their systems, and how water could be

better managed so all parties are satisfied.”

Improvements to irrigation systems require less water from the Green Mountain Reservoir, so as part of the Orchard Mesa Check case settlement, some water is held until the end of the season when flows are low. Then it is released to benefit four species of endangered fish that need the water.

“The endangered species act...can trump state water law, so if the fish ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” said Hermundstad.

Protecting, stewarding, restoring: Local organizations connect us to the lands we love

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n the past five years, Colorado Canyons Association has partnered with regional school districts to take over 10,000 students out onto their local public lands. With programs focusing on education, restoration and interpretation, CCA fosters community stewardship of the McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in western Colorado. As a membership-based nonprofit, CCA encourages cooperation among all NCA users and interests, and is committed to keeping the next generation of our community connected to our public lands.

Mesa Land Trust was founded in 1980 by local farmers who believed that the farmland surrounding Palisade was too valuable to lose to haphazard development. From their grassroots beginnings, over 65,000 acres have been conserved in and around Mesa County. Today, its members work to conserve the natural landscapes that surround us—the working farms and ranch-

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Present and future water issues drought is temporary, as there have Most of Hermundstad’s career has focused on Colorado water, but recent fluctuations in climate and water levels across the country have changed that.

“It’s been a real interesting turn in my practice over the last half-dozen years,” he said. “We’re looking less at what’s going on in Colorado and more on what’s going on river-wide.”

Drought has caused Lake Powell to diminish by 50 percent, and Lake Mead is only at 38 percent capacity.

Hermundstad hopes the 16-year

been periodic droughts on the Colorado River going back 2,000 years.

Nevertheless, measures are being put in place to make up for the lack of water flowing from upper-basin states like Colorado to the lower states and Mexico.

Although he’s retired, Hermundstad isn’t leaving water behind. He leads New Dimensions classes for adults 50 and older, works part time for Ute Water and is interested in exploring volunteer opportunities that keep him involved. ■

connect people to theses lands. And we’re all connected—nonprofits that protect, steward and preserve the landscapes that surround us here in the Grand Valley. Your legacy will help us ensure the continued preservation and stewardship of local lands and rivers for future generations.

For membership or donation information, contact: Colorado Canyons Association: 263-7902 or www.coloradocanyons association.org/membership Mesa Land Trust: 263-5443 or www.mesalandtrust.org Tamarisk Coalition: 256-7400 or www.tamariskcoalition.org/ get-involved/get-involved ■

Leave a Legacy...

to help ensure that the Grand Valley's natural heritage, scenic landscapes, and river corridors will benefit future generations. We would be happy to talk to you about remembering our non-profit in your will or estate plans.

es, wildlife habitats and scenic and recreational lands—which define our community and enhance our economy and quality of life, for our use and enjoyment today and for generations to come.

Tamarisk Coalition has served the Grand Valley for nearly 15 years, bringing educational resources and expertise to rid riverside lands of invasive plants and restore natives like cottonwood and willow. The coalition has treated tamarisk and Russian olive on 500 acres of the Colorado River, with 2,900 to go, creating jobs for locals and young adults, and mitigating flood and wildfire risks to the community. We

Colorado Canyons Association fosters community stewardship of our National Conservation Lands with a focus on Dominguez-Escalante, Gunnison Gorge and McInis Canyons National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in Western Colorado. Contact Joe Neuhof at (970) 263-7902 coloradocanyonsassociation.org Mesa Land Trust is dedicated to protecting and enhancing western Colorado’s working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat and scenic landscapes to benefit the community at large, enrich lives, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and ensure our connection to land. Contact Mary Hughes at (970) 263-5443 mesalandtrust.org Tamarisk Coalition is committed to restoring rivers in the West through collaboration, education and technical assistance.

Call Stacy Beaugh at (970) 256-7400 tamariskcoalition.org

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The things we value most:

an introduction to planned giving

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y dad spent a lot of time trying to teach me that things had no value. I remember as a teenager always wanting something.

One day he asked me, “Do you really think all these things will make you happy?”

This was after I insisted at great length that I had to have a leather coat I’d seen. In fact, I seem to recall pleading that I would “just die” if I didn’t get it.

I blithely answered, “Yes. I will be happy if I could just have that coat.”

Though likely disappointed at my response, my dad struck a deal: Spend some time each week for a month volunteering at something and he would buy me the coat. I was devastated, of course. After all, my friends didn’t have to do anything to get stuff, so why should I? But I grudgingly agreed.

My sister worked at the local hospital, so I signed up to volunteer.

I helped people find where they were going, pushed a cart around carrying magazines and books, and I took flowers to patients. Despite my best efforts to hate the whole experience, the human drama called life started to penetrate.

The experiences of the people I met were extraordinary and I was drawn to their stories. I volunteered for longer than a month.

Years later, I walked into another hospital to begin my first job as fundraising manager. It was scary.

I really didn’t have a clue what the job was all about but I figured it was just like marketing and I’d been doing that for a while. It didn’t take long to figure out how wrong I was.

I realized that it wasn’t even about money but about people. So I began

to really listen, and I read books and talked with anyone who could provide some insight into the world of philanthropy.

During one such conversation, a donor told me, “I give because it makes a difference. I’ve been very fortunate and I want to give back something really important.”

There it was in a nutshell—philanthropy in its pure and unvarnished form—a conscious well-thought-out plan to give because making a difference is important. That’s really all planned giving is about. It gets a bad reputation because people talk about it in terms of their will or their estate plan—neither of which is much fun to think about, as it involves planning for our permanent departure. Planned giving can also be intimidating because it’s wrapped up in all that talk about capital gains, IRS regulations and the legalities of trusts and annuities.

Those areas of planning shouldn’t be ignored, but they are not the heart of charitable planning.

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We insure our cars, our houses, our toys and our very lives. Why wouldn’t we also spend some time figuring out how to insure our values? Planning your philanthropy is about passing on your values.

What’s important to you? Church?

Health care? Education? Social services? Most of us spend an important part of our lives giving to those things—not just donations but gifts of time and talent. These gifts have helped define our very essence.

So why not consider the ultimate gift—an enduring reflection of our passion and beliefs?

Think about philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. He wanted books to be accessible to everyone. He valued education and through planning, he was able to give eternal life to that value. Through gift planning, he gave the gift of books to generations of readers.

But this type of “value insurance” isn’t just for the wealthy. Planned giving is about a wonderful, anonymous donor who set up an en-

A Plan For The Future With Benefits Today How can your appreciated assets pay off at retirement?

The current tax code provides incentives for Americans to save today in order to meet the financial needs of the future.

Each of these plans (like the IRA and 401(k)) deliver tax benefits in return for a decision that, in effect, defers access to income.

The charitable planning strategy known as the DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY has four benefits you won't find in other retirement plans.

1. A charitable income tax deduction 2. Partial bypass of capital gains tax on appreciated stock 3. Partly Tax-free income 4. A gift to charity

Ryan Stringfellow is a development officer for St. Mary’s Foundation and works with community members regarding charitable gifts towards various hospital and community programs. Ryan can be contacted at 970-298-7569 or ryan.stringfellow@sclhs.net.

970-298-7569 ryan.stringfellow@sclhs.net

Donors transfer the stock to a qualified charity in exchange for a DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY agreement. The agreement calls for the charity to make annual payments, beginning at a set date and continuing for life. When the donors pass away, the remaining value of the asset passes to charity. When the stock is transferred to charity donors receive a charitable income tax deduction and they will bypass part of the tax due on the capital gain. Based on the donor's ages and length of deferral, they can receive substantial annual annuity payments for life. Part of that annuity payment may be tax free. With the DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY you will realize your goal of improving your retirement plan and realize a long-term philanthropic objective as well.

To view an illustration of how a DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY can work for you, call or email our office today.

www.stmarygjgift.org This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary.

Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

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dowment to make sure that cardiac rehabilitation care is available to everyone in need far into the future.

There’s also the donor whose bequest provides spiritual healing for patients in need. Of course, there are many tangible benefits to planning your present and future gifts, such as tax deductions, guaranteed income for you or family members, and gift plans that fit your specific estate and tax situations. An amazing benefit is the ability to choose your “social capital” benefits rather than letting Uncle Sam choose through taxes. That’s the beauty of gift planning.

It’s accomplished through some powerful tools that provide an exhilarating opportunity to direct your assets exactly as you please

while controlling that portion of your income and assets that can be retained—or lost. More importantly, every one of us will leave behind a set of intangibles that will clearly define our lives and our legacy.

These intangibles are comprised of the values we honor in our lives and the ways we demonstrate that honor. This legacy is a testimony to our lives and the ideals that will hopefully transcend any material inheritance we pass on.

If we could, how many of us would will a set of morals, ethics and principles to our children and grandchildren? Well, through charitable planning we can. Now that’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. ■

Planning for your pets today brings peace of mind tomorrow

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here’s nothing quite like the bond between a pet and its people. Our pets love us as we are, with unconditional trust and devotion.

They improve our mental health, enhance our emotional wellbeing, keep us physically active and teach us empathy and compassion.

We can’t imagine life without them, and they probably can’t imagine life without us. Our pets are completely dependent on us to take care of them, and when we can’t do that anymore, our pets may find themselves homeless. That’s why it’s critical to think about who will care for them and to have arrangements in place before something happens.

When you’re doing your estate planning, think of your pets and what might happen to them after your passing. Roice-Hurst Humane Society has forms available to walk you through the process of planning for your pets—from identifying a new caregiver to documenting your pet’s daily routine, medical history, dietary needs and anything else a new owner would need to

know. These forms can be left with your will or with a future caregiver.

When family or friends are unable or unwilling to care for them, the compassionate staff at Roice-Hurst will love and care for your pets until they find their new home. Come meet our caring staff, tour our shelter and leave with the peace of mind that your pets will be in great hands after you’re gone.

For over 50 years, Roice-Hurst, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, has saved and re-homed thousands of cats and dogs. Without the support of donors past, present and future, their life-saving mission could not continue. By remembering Roice-Hurst in your will or estate planning, you can change the lives of homeless pets. Whether you help just one animal or contribute to a legacy endowment that will provide funding in perpetuity, you’ll be leaving a life-saving legacy and paving the way for the next generation of kindness to animals.

For more information, contact Anna Stout at 434-7337, ext. 107. ■

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COMPLEXITY, MEET SIMPLICITY. When retirement can stretch on for decades, even the most educated among us can find themselves lost in planning for it. That’s where I come in. With a client-first commitment and the resources of a leading independent financial services firm behind me, I can help bring order to your financial life so you’re free to focus on what matters most. See what a Raymond James advisor can do for you. LIFE WELL PLANNED.

KENT SHETTLER Financial Advisor 200 Grand Avenue // Grand Junction, CO 81501 T 970.245.1600 // F 970.245.9538 kent.shettler@raymondjames.com // raymondjames.com/kentshettler ©2016 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and are • NOT Deposits • NOT Insured by FDIC/NCUA or any other government agency • NOT GUARANTEED by the financial institution • Subject to risk and may lose value • Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or the investment center. 16-BR4EE04-0002 JPR 2/1

Who will care for them when you can’t?

For over 50 years, Roice-Hurst Humane Society has served our community’s homeless pets and the people who love them.

Call us today to learn about legacy giving and safeguard their future for generations to come.

www.rhhumanesociety.org

970-434-7337

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2017

Create a lasting legacy through the Western Colorado Community Foundation

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egacy is a word to describe something you leave behind when you’re gone. Your children, your professional work and accomplishments, and gifts to your community are all part of the legacy you might leave.

At our Community Foundation, we help donors leave a lasting legacy right here in western Colorado— the place we all love and call home.

Our donors appreciate that the annual earnings from their funds are directed to make an impact to

As the result of a donor’s generosity, the Western Colorado Community Foundation funds programs like the Lunch Lizard summer food truck.

causes they care about every year, while their endowment principal builds over time, creating permanent funding that is here for our community—for good, forever. That is the power of a lasting legacy.

Many people establish legacy funds while they are alive; others make provisions for an end-of-life gift as part of their will or estate plans. In either case, legacy gifts can take the form of cash or stock, property, royalty interests or other business holdings. A bequest or planned gift can lessen the burden of taxes on your family and heirs, and can include a variety of tax benefits and other incentives depending on how the gift is structured.

One of our early supporters cared deeply about people in our community that needed help with basic needs like putting food on the table or providing a place to shelter their

family for the night. This donor recognized that the organizations that serve our disadvantaged neighbors would need support and funding for many years to come. This donor established a legacy fund that will continue to support things he cared about now and well into the future. It is his generosity that allows our foundation to address unmet needs, such as child hunger during summer months when schools are closed, by creating and funding new programs like the Lunch Lizard summer food truck. This donor’s legacy ensures that kids will be fed all summer long. How might you leave your mark?

To learn more about leaving a lasting legacy, contact the Western Colorado Community Foundation at 243-3767. Learn about our many donors, grants and scholarships at www.wc-cf.org. ■

For 20 years, our Western Colorado Community Foundation has helped connect generous donors ~ People Who Care with ways to improve lives in our community ~ Causes That Matter Working together, we make our communities a better place to live.

Learn more about maximizing your charitable legacy, right here in Western Colorado

• Primarily endowed funds, invested to grow over time with earnings available annually • Flexible fund options including donor-advised, designated, and scholarship • Ability to accept unique assets including real estate, royalties and mineral rights • Maximum tax benefits as allowed by the IRS

Contact us: Western Colorado Community Foundation

225 N 5th St; Grand Junction, CO; 970.243.3767

www.wc-cf.org

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Western Colorado Community Foundation Celebrating Twenty Years

l e a v e y o u r m a r k . . . Charitable Funds for Community Good

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Montrose Community Foundation:

lowing organizations have Agency Endowment Funds with the MCF: Academic Booster Club, Breast Cancer Awareness Fund, Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans, HopeWprojects and programs that they, future engineers and nurses to arest, Magic Circle Players, Montrose their family or their employees feel chaeologists, our scholarship funds Botanical Society, Montrose Library most passionate about. Through Do- help our local students’ dreams and United Methodist Church. nor Advised Funds, we have given come true.

When gifts are made to the MCF more than $200,000 to programs Individuals and families have Community Endowment Fund, we and organizations like Sharing Minfunds with the MCF that are set up use the income earned to put the istries, Christ’s Kitchen, Cait’s Place to grant to organizations of their dollars back into the community. and The Stage, Montrose Recreation choice for as long as they desire.

In January, we granted $40,000 to Foundation, Trout Unlimited-GunThese types of funds are called 17 different organizations that have nison Gorge Anglers, Community Donor Directed funds. These funds1/2impactful Page Ad for The programs in theBeacon areas of Please review the details of this proof.

Options, Montrose Olathe Adaptive are invested with the MCF family education and recreation from the SportsSIZE Program and Montrose High of funds and the interest earned is income from the Community Fund.

QUANTITY ARTWORK SPELLING DESCRIPTION School STEM project. granted annually. Through family In the next few years, the MCF will Replytotostudents this email with changes MCF awards grants funds, the MCF OR has granted to the be focusing on building our Comfrom Montrose and theifsurroundMethodist Church-Children munity Endowment Fund through APPROVED the design isUnited ready for production. ing areas. MCF promotes scholarand Youth Ministries as well as to planned gifts and donations so we ships, accepts applications, reviews HopeWest, Life Choices and Mary can give even more, stable support applications with a scholarship Vader’s Helping Hand Fund. Adto our local nonprofits. committee, and grants scholarship ditionally, the MCF holds Agency For information on how to leave monies to deserving students that Endowment Funds for nonprofit or- your legacy with Montrose Commuthe committees feel best meet the ganizations that are building assets nity Foundation, call 249-3900 or specific scholarship criteria. From for a more stable future. The folvisit www.montrosecf.com. ■

Connecting donors to community needs

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he Montrose Community Foundation helps people make a lasting difference by serving the needs and philanthropic aims of donors who wish to better their community,TEXT nowORand in970-901-0476 the future. MCF proCALL vides donors with flexible, efficient hoops.lesley@gmail.com and tax-effective ways to ensure their charitable giving achieves the greatest possible impact.

Last year the MCF granted over $300,000 to programs and organizations through our donors and funds.

Through Donor Advised Funds, individuals, families and businesses give a tax-deductible gift to MCF to begin a fund and then advise MCF on where they’d like to grant those dollars. They can give as little or as much as they’d like each year and rely on MCF to suggest relevant

DER

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PROOF 4

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?

Let us help you create it.

IT’S WHAT WE DO.

your passion. Whether it’s gardening, art, 1 Identify performing arts, feeding the hungry, trout fishing, the

SIZE: 10.375” x 5.2”

The MCF has worked with individuals, families and organizations for over 25 years to help donors leave their own mark on their community. If you are considering updating or beginning your estate plan, please call us to discuss our planned giving program.

environment, housing the homeless, your church, the youth at your church, scholarships and education.

2 Contact the Montrose Community Foundation (MCF).

MCF will work with you, your investment 3 The advisor or attorney to make sure that documents are in place and everything is set.

Contact the MCF today at 249-3900 to get started.

WWW.MONTROSECF.COM

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GEORGE DECKER Nominated by Doug Van Etten, Colorado Archaeological Society George has been finding, locating, documenting and, in some cases, sharing archaeological sites for decades.

He has been an active member in the Colorado Archaeological Society’s Grand Junction chapter and is perhaps the group’s most frequent field trip leader, sharing his knowledge of archaeology sites in Mesa and Montrose counties with other club members and field trip attendees.

DIANA MATHIS Nominated by Jeanie Morris, St. Mary’s Medical Center Diana loves to make people’s lives better! Her volunteer positions include leading the St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, the local chapter of Mended Hearts and a peer-to-peer support group for cardiac patients. She is also a key organizer of the Go Red for Women education event. Remarkably, she still works full time and is very involved with her grandchildren’s activities. Her energy and positive attitude are infectious and she spreads joy wherever she goes!

TOM SHOAF Nominated by Jeremy Herigstad, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra Tom regularly volunteers to usher Grand Junction Symphony concerts through RSVP. He not only works our Saturday night concert, but he also tends to sign up for Sunday as well. He is very personable, punctual and dependable, always smiling and always willing to help new ushers. Any time I call to remind him about volunteering, he already has it on his schedule. Tom is my best senior volunteer without a doubt.

CARL GALLAGHER Nominated by Bambi Harmon & Angeline Barrett, John McConnell Math & Science Center Carl has worked tirelessly to help us get all of our exhibits listed, analyzed, measured, revamped, repaired and new ones created so that we can move to our new home on the Colorado Mesa University campus next year. We couldn’t do it without him.

DIANE DEA Nominated by Darcy Johnson, Community Food Bank Diane is a long-time Mesa County resident and Community Food Bank supporter, volunteering four hours each week as an interviewer. She has knowledge of and is sensitive to hunger-relief needs and issues in the community, which shows as she works directly with food bank clients who are seeking emergency food for themselves and their families. She establishes and maintains effective relationships with other food bank volunteers, ensuring smooth communication and respectful customer service for those the food bank serves.

She is a dedicated and committed team player, demonstrating flexibility and professionalism when transitions and changes occur. She has excellent judgment, is an independent worker and makes decisions with the best interest of the food bank and its clients in mind. Diane is an excellent volunteer, one that any organization would be happy to have on board.

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Vote for our 2017 V T

he Volunteer of the Year is someone who goes above and beyond to make a different in the lives of others. The winner will be announced at BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair at Two Rivers Convention Center on Thursday, April 20. With so many volunteers to choose from, we’re leaving it up to you, dear readers, to vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year.

Vote online (easiest)

Step 1: visit www.BeaconSeniorNews.co Step 2: Click the link in the right-hand colu

(or visit www.beaconseniornews.com/vote-vo ballot form.

Step 3: Fill out the ballot by providing your

favorite volunteer. (We will never send you un to a third party.)

Step 4: Click “Submit”

CYNDA BYERS Nominated by Jennifer Allen, HopeWest Cynda has been a volunteer at HopeWest for 14 years and has volunteered in many areas. Her experience started at Heirlooms, working in our store and helping customers. She has also been part of our Life Stories program, which provides a vehicle for patients/clients to leave a personal legacy for their family members. She currently works as an administrative volunteer, assisting in our medical records department. She has given over 2,600 hours of volunteer time to HopeWest and is a vital part of our team.

JOHN, KAREN & SIENNA MCKINNEY Nominated by Christina Douglass, Harmony Acres Equestrian Center John McKinney, his wife Karen and daughter Sienna are selected as Harmony Acres Equestrian Center’s volunteers of the year. While we are only supposed to name one volunteer of the year, we would be remiss to leave out the rest of the family. John is a retired military veteran, who came to Harmony Acres when Sienna began volunteering. Every time we turned around, John had cleaned up something or fixed something for us. Pretty soon he became an official volunteer and has become an indispensable part of the facility. He fills in to feed the animals any time our regular staff can’t and constantly finds things to fix or redesign to make our lives easier. He is not deterred by hard work, bad weather or mud, which we encounter all the time at our horse facility. We have shown up to work countless times to find that John and his family have cleaned up and organized the entire barn for us, or fixed something vital to our facility.

Somehow they always seem to know exactly what we need to make our program operations run smoothly and safely. Karen and Sienna volunteer at the barn on a weekly basis; help out with animal care, feeding and cleanup; and help handle the horses for our therapy session and programs for kids. The giving and generous heart of this family is beyond measure and we are so grateful for their support.

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Volunteer of the Year Mail-in ballot

om.

umn that says, “Vote for Volunteer of the Year” olunteer-of-the-year). You’ll be directed to the

r name and email address, then pick your nwanted emails or pass your information along

You can also mail in your ballot published on the back page of this insert. Ballots must be received by April 17, so plan ahead. Mail your ballot to: BEACON Senior Newspaper, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

PAT BRINEGAR Nominated by Allison McAtlin, Pomona Elementary Pat Brinegar has been a volunteer in my first-grade classroom for six years now. She will do anything that is asked and goes above and beyond. She reads and writes with children and brings treats and makes many special connections. She is a retired teacher, comes several times a week and loves the kids. She has put in over 160 hours so far this school year.

KAY FREDETTE Nominated by Peter Booth, Museum of Western Colorado Since retiring, Kay has volunteered for the Museums of Western Colorado for 31 years. This 78-year-old comes to the museum up to four days a week. She worked 865 hours in 2016. She started working in the MWC’s paleontological museum in 1986 and helped move the program from Grand Junction to Fruita in 2000. Kay now serves as the MWC’s volunteer laboratory supervisor. Her skill and knowledge is exceptional. She directs the cleaning and preparation of fossil specimens to be studied and exhibited, a very time-consuming process with some specimens, requiring months to be prepared. Kay also helps with fossil identification and is responsible for training new laboratory volunteers. During summer digs, Kay helps direct fossil excavations, which often involves working in 100-degree heat for hours at a time. But her efforts have paid off with some noteworthy finds that have significantly expanded our understanding of the ancient Jurassic world. Kay’s assistance has been significant in making the MWC’s Dinosaur Journey into one of the leading paleontology museums in the nation.

BECKY WIEMER Nominated by Jody Brandon, Western Slope Center for Children Becky is an active volunteer on our fundraising committee. She always steps up and takes on anything she can, from organizing events to passing out flyers promoting our fundraisers. She has a place in her heart for the children we serve and is just a humble, kind and amazing lady.

9

JANIE HELLSTROM Nominated by Melissa Hurni, Scenic Elementary School Janie Hellstrom is a superstar grandma and top-notch Scenic family volunteer. Janie has the biggest heart and will help whenever and wherever she is needed. Not only does she volunteer weekly in her granddaughter’s second grade class, but she volunteers in our school library twice a week and helps both first- and second-grade classes. She is such a wonderful addition to our family and is always a friendly face. Janie joins in our classroom celebrations and loves to help with projects. She is a wonderful lady and I am not only fortunate to be her granddaughter’s teacher, but I am fortunate to know such an incredible woman.

BILL STEVENS Nominated by Ruth McCrea, Mesa County RSVP Handyman Project Bill’s commitment to helping others and desire to make a difference is why he joined RSVP in 2005. His passion and dedication for whatever task he does is evident. In all of his volunteer placements, the common theme is his cheerfulness and willingness to do any requested task. Bill assists weekly with administration in the GJPD Citizens Public Safety Academy. He also volunteers at HopeWest, helping with patient care inventory twice weekly. As the ramp crew leader for the RSVP Handyman Project, Bill does everything to ensure clients receives fair and equitable treatment with a custom-designed ramp that fits their needs. It’s satisfying for Bill to visualize a custom design for a client’s special needs and to see the finished product take shape! Satisfying, too, are client comments. Bill has worked on over 100 ramp jobs since 2005 and he takes on special projects.

DON RIGGLE Nominated by Tiffany Waugh, Hilltop Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) Don Riggle has been volunteering for Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) for four years now, transporting homebound seniors to appointments and errands. In 2016, Don drove 3,164.5 miles and 304 hours. As an example of his dedication, he once drove from vacationing at Lake Powell back to Grand Junction to help give someone a ride. His compassion and understanding toward our riders shows. He even keeps a stepping stool in his car for those who need extra help. He has our rider’s best interests at heart and will go the extra mile.

HARRY & CHRIS SEGELKEN Nominated by Laura Taylor, Roice-Hurst Humane Society Harry and Chris Segelken are all-star volunteers at Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Harry is our go-to fixer and faithful dog walker and has saved the shelter hundreds of dollars in repair and labor costs. There is no project he isn’t willing to tackle. Chris has a magic with our dogs, especially while patiently earning the trust of the most fearful ones and coaxing them out of their shells, helping them become adoptable and find their forever homes. The Segelkens care deeply about the animals and our organization, which is evident in how they give their time so selflessly and consistently. They have also adopted from RHHS, which could be a symptom of too much volunteering! Harry and Chris are always willing to lend a helping hand and manage to bring a sense of humor with them. We are so grateful for the time and energy they dedicate and their ongoing devotion to RHHS.

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CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2017

You don’t need a large estate to make a lasting impact: A testimony from Marillac Clinic supporters Craig and Joanna Little

W

e have been supporters of Marillac Clinic for more than 28 years, both as donors and volunteers. When it came time to revise our will, we both knew we wanted to do something for the clinic that has meant so much to us.

After meeting with an estate planner, we learned that it was incredibly easy to designate a percentage of our estate to several of the causes we care about. Needless to say, Marillac was at the top of our list.

We also found that you don’t need a large estate to make a lasting impact. It feels so great to know that we can leave a legacy of giving that will continue to fuel Marillac long

after we’re gone, and that average folks like us can make a long-term difference in the community we love so much. ■

Joanna & Craig Little

Decide today. Influence tomorrow.

F

Decide today.

Influence tomorrow.

Legacy gifts are a timeless way to make a difference in the world. Please consider HopeWest in your estate planning.

HopeWestCO.org | (970) 257-2365

or the past 25 years HopeWest has fulfilled a commitment to profoundly change the way our community experiences serious illness, aging and grief—one family at a time. It is at the heart of everything we do.

Today, our organization serves more than 700 people each and every day. It is our goal to ensure that all in need have the kind of care we all want for our loved ones. This type of transformational care is possible only through the generosity of our community.

“So many people in our community have been helped by HopeWest and have chosen to be part of the organization, not just for today, but for tomorrow. The Legacy Society is a way for a donor to be involved in something that will help sustain our mission into the future,” said HopeWest Vice President of Development Debbie Horwitz.

The Legacy Society honors members who share a commitment to HopeWest’s future by providing financial support through wills, trusts, life insurance and annuities.

These types of planned gifts to HopeWest leave a powerful and meaningful legacy. Ultimately, it is how we change lives. This support enables HopeWest to: • Provide medical care, services and emotional support for individuals facing serious illness.

• Offer support and strength to family members during a loved one’s illness and the grief following a loved one’s death.

• Help grieving children and teens find comfort, support and hope through compassionate counselors and understanding friends.

Legacy gifts are a timeless way to make a difference in the world. To learn more about HopeWest and the Legacy Society, call 257-2365. ■

2017

CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

11

Leave your voice behind for loved ones

By Melinda Mawdsley

W

hen Nancy Carlson’s now-adult son was in middle school, he was given the assignment so many school-age youth have had to complete through the years: Interview a senior citizen to learn more about that man or woman’s life.

Her son sat down with a neighbor and a cassette recorder. Years later, Carlson was going through some things and came across the tape. The elderly man her son had spoken to had since passed away, so Carlson reached out to his family to see if they were interested in having the cassette.

“They were thrilled to have that recording of him talking about his life,” Carlson said.

Carlson, who lives in Eckert, saw the power that simply hearing the voice of a deceased loved one could have on a family. She told the story about the recording and its meaning after traveling to Beth Williams’ intimate Hill Country Recording studio near Cedaredge in late November to record the single, “Stormy Weather.”

The single was actually a follow-up to a full-length album Carlson had recorded, having first visited Williams’ studio months earlier to make a CD because “my children had never heard me sing,” Carlson said.

Carlson wanted to leave her children a recording of her music, so that when she is gone her music— and her voice—won’t be.

A lasting legacy She recorded the music through Williams’ Lasting Legacy program, a special program designed to give seniors a chance to record music, poetry and stories. in a small studio with high-quality equipment and Williams’ years of production expe-

rience.

Williams, a professional musician herself, works with people of all ages, but her Lasting Legacy service specifically gives seniors the opportunity to record such things as stories, poetry or personal history on CD. She even helps put cover art on the albums.

A relative newcomer to Cedaredge, Williams moved to the area from Texas four years ago. She said the reason for starting Lasting Legacy was a simple one.

“My father used to sing to me when I was a little girl,” she said.

“I wished I could hear my father’s voice again.”

Visits to nursing homes to perform through the years have only reinforced Williams’ realization that “so many people die and they are gone and leave nothing. I think it’s hugely important [to leave an audio legacy].”

Bob Doolittle, from Loveland, sought out Williams to record his music in May 2015, spending four days in Cedaredge at a small bed and breakfast, soaking in the scenery.

While there, Doolittle learned more about Lasting Legacy and took the opportunity to record a song, “Bare Branches,” with his sons in mind. He wrote the song for his boys, reflecting back on all the time

Beth Williams records Nancy Carlson’s vocals as part of Williams’ Lasting Legacy program, which allows seniors to record music, poetry and stories they can leave to their children. he missed with his children while he was working in the corporate world. He was walking around his property one day and saw a tree house that his boys had built without him.

Williams told Doolittle “not to take those songs to the grave,” he said, remembering the conversation.

Doolittle gifted his children a recording of that song for Father’s Day in 2015. He’s thinking of coming back to record more with Williams in the future.

“It was like I was at home,” Doolittle said. “I’ve got so many songs, and she said I’ve got to get them out of my head.”

Don’t wait until it’s too late Like Doolittle, Glade Park’s Don White also went to Williams’ studio to record music for personal reasons, but once there he learned more about Lasting Legacy. He immediately had thoughts of his 81-year-old mother.

“It’d be a great opportunity to get some stuff saved for grandkids and

great-grandkids,” White said.

He hasn’t scheduled anything and hasn’t had a chance to talk about it with his family. Williams knows plenty of people in the same boat, and urges seniors not to wait months or years for a chance to leave a legacy.

Singers can lose their voices at any time. Illness can surprise the healthiest person. Dementia can forever steal a candid spirit, Williams said.

Carlson has thought of it like a family necklace or other heirloom we leave behind. Are those as important as ensuring your children, grandchildren or other family and friends could hear your voice again?

Friends and family will find great comfort in future years, as they listen to the messages you leave them or watch a video you recorded.

Learn more about Lasting Legacy, offered through Hill Country Recording Studio, at www.beth williamsmusic.com/lasting-legacy or by contacting Williams or 856-4496.

She will provide more information on pricing, session availability and specific services. ■

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CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2017

Volunteers of America: filling basic needs for our most vulnerable seniors A

merica’s older adults need our help in the most fundamental ways. The number of seniors in our country will grow exponentially over the coming years and many will struggle with frozen incomes and rising costs of living.

A large number of older adults in western Colorado rely on Volunteers of America for life’s most basic needs, including food, shelter, safety, support, connections and care.

Even in the world’s most affluent country, seniors often have to choose between food and medicine.

Through senior meal programs, VOA serves hot meals accompanied by personal contact and safety checks to our area’s elderly homebound population. VOA also provides community dining sites with hot meals that provide not only

sustenance, but also an opportunity for socialization and engagement.

As we age, maintaining a house and yard become more difficult.

Imagine having to find a decent, safe place to live on an income of $800 per month. To increase options available to seniors, VOA makes affordable housing to seniors with moderate and lower incomes a top priority. Hundreds of seniors in western Colorado live in apartment communities maintained by VOA and many receive additional on-site services, allowing them to age in place.

Living in rural Colorado, there are often many miles between neighbors and even more miles to the nearest health care provider. Our home health services meets seniors where they live and provide in-

home care, allowing them to remain living in their homes instead of needing to move away from family.

Many seniors could manage living alone if assisted with the activities of daily living, such as organizing medicines, getting to the doctor or cleaning a bathroom. Through the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), VOA provides participants with important medical care and other services at a central location. Working with community agencies, we investigate what seniors need and surround them with caring professionals and peers.

VOA reaches out to alleviate isolation and connect people to services, information and most importantly other people. Through a toll-free help line, staff members listen to your needs and provide possible solutions, which we investigate together until finding the best fit for your situation.

When living at home is no longer an option, we can help. Being a large provider of assisted living, skilled nursing long-term care and memory support, VOA offers a range of options for seniors whose health demands more care than can be delivered in the home.

We at Volunteers of America share the same dream of many: aging with honor and dignity, exercising control over our own lives and maintaining a familiar network of friends and neighbors. We cannot change the lives of every senior, but we can provide a network of services that make a serious difference in our corner of the world.

For more information on Volunteers of America and how to donate, visit www.voa.org or www.voa healthservices.org. The toll-free help line is 1-844-VOA-4YOU (1-844-862-4968). ■

2017

CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Offer a hand at Abraham Connection H ow often can you say that you have truly made a difference in someone’s life? Volunteers at the Abraham Connection, a homeless shelter in Delta County that offers emergency food and shelter to homeless and hungry men, women and families, touch lives every single day. In fact, these extraordinary volunteers change lives.

The mission of the organization is to offer a hand up, not a handout, helping guests move towards self-sufficiency. A volunteer team of case managers helps guests on their individualized path. Sometimes that means helping them get a photo ID or craft a resume. Sometimes that means helping them find community service outlets or mental health resources.

“We really want to help the people who come through our doors,”

Board President Cheryl Oeltjenbruns said. “We don’t want to be a revolving door for our guests. That’s why case management services are so important for our guests.”

There is no special education or training required to work with guests in case management. Anyone who has a heart for helping change lives can be effective in this role.

The shelter has had many successful guests who are now living independently.

How to volunteer The shelter is open from 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Volunteers man the shelter in three different shifts (6 p.m. to midnight; midnight to 6 a.m. and 6-8 a.m.). There are also opportunities to provide meals, help with administrative tasks, events and fundraising, and more.

Call 773-8290 or visit www.Delta AbrahamConnection.org to learn more. ■

Make a Difference “I volunteer at the shelter because I know what it’s like to need help.

I know sometimes you just need a hand, a hug, a simple smile, or to have someone tell you you’re not alone.” - Danielle, a shelter volunteer Make a Difference!

100% of your financial contribution directly benefits the homeless and hungry when you donate to the Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter.

Sponsor a guest for one night . . . $15.87 Sponsor a guest for one week . . . $111.09 Sponsor a guest for one month . . . $476.10

Please consider legacy giving!

You can truly make a difference in someone’s life!

Or give a monthly donation at www.DeltaAbrahamConnection.org

All gifts are tax deductible

970-773-8290

480 Silver Street | PO Box 910 Delta, CO 81416

Ranching traditions live on in Norwood family

By Barbara Ward

L

ike many young men in the early 20th century, Bob Alexander left West Virginia and headed west to work in the mines. After a few years of hard work and saving, he purchased land and started the Alexander Ranch, which now encompasses 5,000 acres in Norwood, Colorado.

Western Implement of Montrose would like to recognize the legacy of the Alexander family, not only for their dedication as clients, but also for their hard work and commitment to ranching.

Today this horse and cattle ranch is operated by three generations.

Though Bob has passed on, his legacy lives on through his son Kirk and grandsons David and Kerry,

who operate the ranch, enlisting the help of their children as well.

“Someday we hope to hand it down to our children,” David said.

The ranch is one of the few of its size remaining in western Colorado.

“Most [other ranches] have been bought up and developed into resorts or chopped into smaller parcels of land,” David said.

It’s no surprise, as ranching is not easy work. The prices of equipment and feed have risen and workers are hard to find. But the Alexanders persevere.

The ranch still has the look and feel of a cowboy’s ranch. It’s a piece of history and a treasure—one that the family hopes will live on many years into the future. ■

13

Proudly ensuring local farmer’s

legacies live on

4520 North Townsend Ave. Montrose CO, 81401

970-252-1311

14

CREATE A LEGACY

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Leave a legacy of heritage

A Legacy of Heritage

By Peter Booth, Museums of Western Colorado

T

Museums of Western Colorado

Discover Together museumofwesternco.org 970.242.0971

Vote for your favorite Volunteer of the Year!

With so many wonderful volunteers to choose from, the BEACON needs your help selecting the 2017 Volunteer of the Year.

The winner will be announced at a special ceremony for all nominated volunteers at BeaconFest, Thursday, April 20, at Two Rivers Convention Center.

2017

he Museums of Western Colorado is dedicated to preserving and telling the story of western Colorado’s heritage. Working together with you, the museum hopes to continue the preservation of that heritage and its legacy well into the future.

The Museums of Western Colorado is a multi-disciplinary cultural institution that includes the Museum of the West, Cross Orchards Historic Site, Dinosaur Journey Museum and the Loyd Files Research Library.

The MWC staff, volunteers and board members are proud of our exhibits, programs, archives and collections, but what we are most proud of are the museums’ many partnerships in the community.

Today, we continue to be strengthened and supported by the community, embodying our mission of striving to preserve its heritage and telling its story.

The MWC benefits from a breadth of strong and longstanding community partnerships, including those of Mesa County, Mesa County Valley School District 51, Colorado Mesa University, local businesses, Mesa County Libraries, local cultural

organizations, other heritage groups and local government bodies.

We believe, however, that our strongest partnership is with you.

It is your belief in the value of heritage that enables the MWC to continue the imperative work of preservation.

How can you help preserve the legacy of the community’s heritage?

• Participate in a MWC event or program • Bring your children and visitors to a MWC museum • Become a member • Make a donation to a MWC program of your choice • Become a monthly donor via the Colorado Gives website • Become a volunteer • Become a member of the MWC’s Major Donor Club-Grand Heritage • Consider the MWC when planning your estate If you feel strongly about working together to preserve our community’s heritage, you can continue that legacy by becoming part of the MWC. For information about visiting the museums, participating in programs, volunteering and donating, visit www.museumofwestern co.org. ■

Here’s how to make your vote count: 1) Read about each nominated volunteer on pages 8 and 9 2) Choose your favorite volunteer: ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

George Decker Diana Mathis Tom Shoaf Carl Gallagher Cynda Byers

❒ Diane Dea ❒ John, Karen & Sienna McKinney ❒ Pat Brinegar ❒ Becky Wiemer

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Janie Hellstrom Bill Stevens Don Riggle Kay Fredette Harry & Chris Segelken

3) Cast your vote Vote online at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com or mail this official ballot to: PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

The last day to vote online is April 16. Mail-in ballots must be received by Monday, April 17, 2017.

2017

CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March is Write a Will Month: Better prepare yourself with free seminars W hen “someday” comes, how will your family know who gets all of your valuable stuff?

Learn from the experts as part of the first Write a Will Month event in Mesa County. This month organizers are offering two free, 90-minute workshops at the Mesa County Public Library in downtown Grand Junction.

“The purpose of Write a Will Month is to remind people that a personal plan for ‘someday’ is a really important thing,” said Mary Hughes of the Mesa County Fundraisers’ Network, which is sponsoring the Write a Will Month events.

“These workshops will help people understand how their wishes and plans can be committed to a legal document without a great deal of hassle or money. And, of course, we hope people will think about their favorite nonprofit organizations and charitable projects, even their own personal legacy, as they make their end-of-life plans. Ultimately, this is the opportunity for people to pause and think about a very important subject which rarely gets the attention it deserves.”

These free educational seminars are from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, and 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, and will feature presentations by attorney Gregg Kampf of Hoskin, Farina and Kampf, and Marsha Harbert of Two Rivers Trust Company.

Speakers will answer the following questions by discussing the basics about wills and estate planning: • Who needs a will?

• How do I avoid the government getting all of my money?

• How do I make sure my children, pets and favorite possessions are taken care of when I die?

• How difficult and expensive is this process?

• Are there any advantages to giving money to my favorite charity when I pass away?

The workshops are designed to help people avoid problems and better prepare them by ensuring their personal values are reflected in their end-of-life plans. There will be time for participants to talk briefly with experts one-on-one. No sales pitch involved. Refreshments will be served.

Write a Will Month sponsors include Hoskin, Farina and Kampf; Two Rivers Trust Company; and Mesa County Libraries; as well as members of the Mesa County Fundraisers Network: Colorado Canyons Association, Counseling and Education Center, HopeWest, The House, Marillac Clinic, Mesa Land Trust, Rocky Mountain PBS, Roice-Hurst Humane Society, Tamarisk Coalition, Third Sector Innovations and Western Colorado Community Foundation.

Sign up for the workshop by emailing writeawillgj@gmail.com.

For more information, call Jacquie Chappell-Reid at 640-5350 or Mary Hughes at 623-2350. ■

Write a Will workshops Learn more about leaving a legacy to causes you care about in this free, no-sales pitch, and no-obligation workshop.

Tuesday, March 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 29, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Mesa County Public Libraries’ Central Branch 443 N. Sixth St., Grand Junction For more information and to reserve your spot, call 640-5350 or 623-2350 or email writeawillgj@gmail.com.

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Write a Will Month ...and, to my beloved dog, who never asked me for a dime…

How can you be sure that man’s best friend will be taken care of “someday”?

Learn about wills and other ways to take care of ‘someday’ from the experts at a FREE seminar:

Mesa County Central Library Community Room

TUESDAY March 14th................... 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY March 29th............................... 5:30 - 7 p.m.

For more information:

(970) 640-5350 or (970) 623-2350 writeawillgj@gmail.com Underwritten by these Sponsors: Hoskin, Farina & Kampf (Presenter Gregg Kampf) Two Rivers Trust Company (Presenter Marsha Harbert) Beacon Senior Newspaper, Rocky Mountain PBS, MBC Grand Broadcasting, The Daily Sentinel Mesa County Libraries and Mesa County Fundraisers Network Members: Colorado Canyons Association, Counseling & Education Center, HopeWest, The House, Marillac Clinic, Mesa Land Trust, Roice Hurst Humane Society, Tamarisk Coalition, Third Sector Innovations, Western Colorado Community Foundation

16

CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2017

Avalon Theatre: Buy a paver, leave a legacy B

Avalon Theatre Foundation

ROOFTOP PAVER PROGRAM Become a part of the Avalon’s past, present and future!

J

oin the Avalon Theatre Foundation to complete the Avalon and the important work that remains.

Dedicate a paver on the rooftop terrace: $500 small, $1,000 half, $2,000 large or $2,500 for large with corporate logo.

Call us at 970-778-3088 or visit us at avalontheatrefoundation.org

ecome a part of the Avalon Theatre’s past, present and future. Honor someone or something special with a Legacy Paver, permanently placed on the theatre’s beautiful rooftop terrace.

The Avalon Theatre Foundation Board offers this donor recognition program using the elegant stone pavers. The rooftop terrace features magnificent views of the entire Grand Valley and downtown Grand Junction, and offers an impressive setting for weddings, cocktail parties, dinners, receptions and fundraising events.

The commemorative pavers, which will complete the third-level flooring, are limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. A Legacy Paver offers the option to honor a living or deceased family member or to show your support for the theater, whether you’re part of a church group, service club, small business, alumni group, informal social group, nonprofit organization or corporation.

Generous contributors to the Grand Junction community since 1976, Dan and Kay Carlson, owners of Carlson Memorials, have donated their time to contribute artistic custom engraving and install of all the pavers. Every Legacy Paver is designed and engraved according to the purchaser’s wishes, created by the Carlson’s craftsmen to ensure that it is an appropriate reflection of the person, family business or group purchasing the paver. The paver is also a source or historical

The

“A Legacy Paver offers the option to honor a living or deceased family member or to show your support for the theater.” record for rooftop visitors and future generations, which will remain on the rooftop for the life of the paver.

Currently 108 Legacy Pavers have been installed, generating over $103,000 for the Avalon Theatre.

This program will raise additional funds that can be used for a digital projector, retractable stadium seating and a hearing loop for the Encore Hall. These items were not financially feasible at the time of the theater’s renovation and expansion.

Future needs include expanding the stage and providing a support tower for performers.

For more information on the Avalon Rooftop Terrace Paver Program, Take Your Seat Program or the foundation’s planned Encore Hall, contact the Avalon Theatre Foundation at 778-3088 or visit www.avalontheatrefoundation.org.

You can also email info@avalon theatrefoundation.org.

The Avalon Theatre Foundation Board appreciates and is grateful to Grand Junction and neighboring communities that have made a beautiful, state-of-the-art performance center possible—one that any community would take pride in. ■

Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties

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