BEACON - Create a Legacy 2015

reate a egacy C L LOCAL guide to giving your time

and money 2015

Joe Higgins with Partners stands in front of a mural created by the kids after hearing a speaker from Costa Rica.

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2 CREATE A LEGACY

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2015

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Joe with Dave, 1969

By Melanie Wiseman

I

t would be difficult to find anyone in Mesa County who doesn’t know the name or face of Joe Higgins. At the helm of Mesa County Partners for the past 34 years, Higgins demonstrated his commitment to the program when he announced his retirement this April to the Partners board of directors 2 ½ years ago, giving the program time for a smooth transition to new leadership.

“I get the credit but the bottom line is I didn’t do anything but my job,” Higgins said. “It’s the volunteers and the senior partners who make Partners who we are. They mentor the kids and the kids get better—not because of me, but because of them.”

Higgins knows the success of Partners first hand. He got his first junior partner in 1969 while attending college. He has had eight junior partners, including his current partnership, and still keeps in contact with each of them.

Higgins’ first junior partner, Dave, was a troubled youth from a dysfunctional family in Denver. He told Higgins if he hadn’t been his Partner, he would probably be dead by now.

“Dave convinced me there is something magical about mentoring,” Higgins said.

Billy was Higgins’ first junior partner in Mesa County.

“He was involved in meth,” Higgins said. “He’s been clean and sober for 15 years now. He became a Christian and that gave him strength. His family sees me and says thank you, and now they are volunteering because of the help Billy received.”

Felipe used to get into a lot of trouble with his friend Nathan. One day in 1994, Nathan asked Felipe to hang out with him in Fruita. The same day, Higgins asked Felipe to go for a hike on Glade Park. Felipe chose the hike.

That day, Nathan broke into a home in Mack, murdered a man while he slept, and is in jail for the rest of his life.

Felipe went on to become a li-

censed electrician. He is now a crew supervisor for the Partners Restitution program, and has been a senior partner, helping with the same programs that turned his life around.

Felipe will be speaking at a March 14th retirement/roast celebration in Higgins’ honor.

Joe with Billy

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Joe with Felipe Who mentored Joe? When Higgins was just 5 years old, his father died. He was also the oldest of four children at that age.

His mother remarried five years later and eventually his family totaled nine children, two being adopted.

His childhood home adjoined the property of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Denver.

“Father Borer from our parish became my mentor,” Higgins said. “My best friend growing up was named Randy, who had a much harder life than I did. Father Borer took both of us under his wing. He was leader of the local Boy Scouts, my spiritual advisor, and we went camping and hiking together. I kept in touch with him until he recently passed away.

He definitely had a positive impact on the direction my life took.”

Visiting Randy in the Denver juvenile hall was Higgins’ first experience with kids in delinquency. That experience in addition to helping start an inner city Boy Scout troop, opened his eyes to the fact that there are kids out there who want someone to care about them and accept them for who they are.

Higgins’ life takes direction After high school, Higgins got his undergraduate degree from St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. While in college, Higgins was matched with his first junior partner in 1969, and after graduation he went to work for Partners in Denver as a case manager for two years. He helped start a rafting program he likes to call “getting kids down troubled waters.”

Higgins married his wife, Fran, a psychiatric nurse, and they moved to Montana. For three years, Higgins

CREATE A LEGACY 3

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was instrumental in creating jobs and grant writing on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

He then earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. During that time, he worked for the State of Arizona’s Justice Planning Agency for five years.

Having always kept in touch with the Denver Partners Office, he was contacted about two job openings: one in Denver and one in Grand Junction, where his wife was from. They chose to raise their daughters, Christie and Jeena, on the Western Slope and Higgins began his 34-year career for Mesa County Partners.

Higgins’ legacy and service to Mesa County goes far beyond Partners, yet it’s always about the kids. He served on several boards, including the State Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Board for 28 years, Mesa County Community Corrections Board for 24 years, and the Mesa County Family and Adolescent Partnership Board for 18 years.

In 1991, he received both the Point of Light Award from President Bush and the El Pomar Foundation Award of Excellence.

“One of the things I’m really proud of is the research for reliable findings we have done with the eight Partners programs in Colorado,” Higgins said.

“There aren’t many youth programs that put money into research, but we know we are an evidence-based program. Without a doubt, that’s one of our strengths when we go talk to private foundations.”

Since 2000, Partners has been able to measure different skills such as commitment to school, self-confidence and self-esteem, appropriate communication and social skills, future aspirations and attitudes around alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

“Pre- and post-tests show that having a mentor can open up the horizon for these kids,” said Higgins.

In the last three years, research shows all of the kids in Mesa County

Partners who were active with a mentor reported no drug or alcohol use.

“That’s amazing to researchers, considering many of these kids are 12, 13 and 14, which are their experimental years,” Higgins said. “That’s powerful stuff I’m really proud of.”

The key component of the Partners program is prevention. It is Partners’ belief that young people can be prevented from entering lives of crime and unhealthy choices if a positive influence can be provided early in their lives.

“When I started with Partners in 1969, 100 percent of the kids were on probation,” Higgins said. “When I came to Mesa County it was 50 percent, and now it is less than 5 percent.”

During Higgins’ tenure, over 2,000 youth have been matched with senior partner mentors. Twenty-six thousand youth have participated in the restitution program, paying back over $2.5 million, and 1,600 youth have been involved in the Conservation Corp for 16-25 year olds.

“I want to encourage people to be mentors because it really works and we’re not done yet,” Higgins said.

“There are so many kids waiting for mentors today and next year there will be another batch of kids.”

As a society, Higgins feels we give a lot of lip service to today’s youth being our future.

“If you believe this, the best thing you can do is become involved with youth in some way,” Higgins said.

“The most important thing I think we can all do is let kids know we believe in them and their potential and give them positive acceptance.

It really does change two lives when you become a mentor. It works both ways. They may not say thank you at the time, but I can’t count the number of kids who have come back and said ‘Remember me? Thank you.

Partners made such a difference in my life.’”

Higgins said mentoring is like the wind.

“You can’t see it but you can see its impact. Something powerful happens, which gives these kids hope.” ■

Change 2 lives. Be a mentor.

Investments may go to general operating or a specific Partners Program:  One-to-One Mentoring  Western Colorado Youth Conservation Corps  Restitution/Community Service ---- Juvenile Offender Program  Mesa Youth Services Foundation Partners will work with donors and their advisors to identify the purpose within Partners that most closely meets the donor’s wishes.

Call 245-5555 or visit www.mesapartners.org

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2015

Your love of animals today can save homeless pets tomorrow

By Elaine Johnson-Craig

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here’s nothing quite like the human-animal bond. Our pets love us as we are, unconditionally. They’re playmates, soul mates and sometimes bedmates! They make us laugh and they lick away our tears.

We can’t imagine life without them, and they probably can’t imagine life without us. Our pets need us to take care of them. When we can’t do that anymore, our cat or dog becomes homeless. That’s when caring and committed caregivers like the staff and volunteers at Roice-Hurst Humane Society step in as the safety net for those animal companions until they can be re-homed.

When you’re doing your estate planning, think of your own pets and what might happen to them after your passing. What if family or friends are unable or unwilling to

decide today Influence Tomorrow “So many friends have benefited from HopeWest, so it was a natural thing to want to be part of the organization, not just today, but tomorrow. The Legacy Society is just another way for the community to be involved in something that means so much to us and many other people.”

– Les and LeAnn Zetmeir Please join us at a HopeWest information afternoon, during which you may take a tour of our facilities and get the latest information about HopeWest.

Friday, April 10 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

HopeWest Hospice Care Center, 3090 N. 12th Street For more information call Deb at (970) 257-2365.

HopeWestCO.org

care for them? The only option might be your local shelter, and you would want that shelter to be a thriving facility able to provide for your pet until a new family is found, no matter how long that takes.

For the past 52 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 other estate planning, you can change the lives of homeless pets in your own backyard. Whether you can help just one animal or can consider a memorial endowment, you’ll be leaving a life-saving legacy and paving the way for the next generation of kindness to animals.

For more information, call Elaine at 986-5819. ■

Decide today. Influence tomorrow.

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t our inception 22 years ago, HopeWest made a commitment that is at the heart of our mission—to profoundly change the way our community experiences serious illness and grief one family at a time.

Today, our organization serves more than 700 people each day. It is our goal to ensure that all in need of care have the level of support they deserve. It is through the generosity of our community that we are able 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.

The Legacy Society honors mem-

bers 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, helping the organization change lives.

“So many friends have benefited from HopeWest, so it was a natural thing to want to be part of the organization, not just today, but tomorrow. The Legacy Society is just another way for the community to be involved in something that means so much to us and many other people,” said Les and LeAnn Zetmeir. ■ We would like to invite you to a HopeWest information afternoon, during which you may take a tour of our facilities and get the latest information about HopeWest.

Friday, April 10, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Please call Deb at 970-257-2365 to learn more about HopeWest.

2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

By Cloie Sandlin

CHARLOTTE MAES

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 5

Vote for Volunteer of the Year T

he BEACON will announce the winner of Volunteer of the Year at BeaconFest on April 16. With so many wonderful volunteers to choose from, we need your help. We are leaving it up to you, dear readers, to vote for the 2015 BeaconFest Volunteer of the Year.

Last year, we received thousands of votes for the Volunteer of the Year. It goes to show that our readers really are passionate about local volunteers.

Here’s how the voting will work:

Step 1: The easiest way to vote for Volunteer of the Year is on our website. Go to www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Step 2: Click the ad on the home page that reads: “Choose this year’s Volunteer of the Year.”

Step 3: Choose your favorite volunteer from the drop down menu, enter your email address and submit. The online voting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.

You can also mail in the published ballot on page 8 of this insert. Ballots must be received by April 13, so plan ahead! Mail your ballot to:

BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 The Volunteer of the Year is someone who goes above and beyond his or her usual duties and responsibilities in order to make a difference in the lives of others. This year, we received 20 amazing nominations. Since we have so many deserving and dedicated volunteers in the area, my only advice to you when voting for the Volunteer of the Year is “Good luck.”

Nominated

by Chatfield Elementary School In the morning, you can find Charlotte busy cleaning tables for the kids at breakfast. When the bell rings, Charlotte is at her desk working one on one with first graders to enhance their reading and writing. Some of these children do not have a parent or grandparent to read with them, but Charlotte is always there. All the children know who Grandma Charlotte is because she has worked in the first grade for more than seven years. They remember when they were privileged to get to go read with Grandma Charlotte.

Charlotte has such a positive attitude, and she believes all children should read. She puts her words into action by volunteering at our school. She wants to start them young so they can be lifelong readers. She has a smile for everyone and is generous and kind. The staff enjoys the treats she brings to share. We are so thankful for her! She doesn’t think she needs recognition but we do!

DEBBIE DANIELS Nominated by Gigi Bechthold, Life Choices Family Resource Center Debbie has been a volunteer for Life Choices for 30 years. Her commitment to this organization has been paramount in its longevity and success. Her roles here have included peer mentor, executive director and board member. She also mans our hotline on the weekends. Debbie is always ready to help in any capacity and she does it with love in her heart and a smile on her face. Her positive attitude and

willingness to get involved are contagious. We are blessed to have her in our organization.

GARY & LINDA ARNTZEN Nominated by Sheli Apodaca, Gray Gourmet Gary and Linda Arntzen have been serving lunch to the Gray Gourmet diners in the Fruita area for over 12 years. They have participated in parties and other kinds of entertainment at their dining site. The Arntzens were recognized at a Gray Gourmet luncheon at the Fruita Community Center where they volunteer, for the many years they have contributed to the senior lunch program. They were also a great help in the planning and implementation of the luncheon.

They display a great heart of community spirit and really bring a sense of pride to the program.

JOY BUSH Nominated by Diane Barger, RSVP Joy Bush focuses her energy and passion to make a difference in the lives of others.

She is committed to service and has made a lasting impact on people through nonprofit organizations for many years.

She has been an active member of RSVP for 11 years. Through RSVP, she welcomes travelers at the Colorado Welcome Center and Visitor and Convention Bureau, supports patients at HopeWest, helps at the Homeward Bound of Grand Valley thrift store, and is an adult literacy tutor for Mesa County Libraries.

Joy is also involved in many projects with Salvation Army, Grand Junction Symphony, Mesa County Fair, Hilltop, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, American Cancer Society, Colorado Canyons Hospital, and Palisade Chamber of Commerce.

She has tutored school children with the RSVP Senior Scholar proj-

ect, fed the hungry at Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, kept the grounds looking beautiful and assisted in the office at the Western Botanical Gardens, and prepared taxes for others.

Joy has committed to improve the health of our senior population by serving meals at Gray Gourmet, keeping them involved in activities at Mesa Manor and providing Medicare assistance through RSVP SHIP. Joy has volunteered over 7,600 hours through RSVP. She captures the essence of truly serving the community and is a joy to us all.

KATHIE ILES Nominated by Cathy DiPaola, HopeWest Ten years ago, the idea of using Hospice teen volunteers to spend time with residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities was born at HopeWest. Named “Beauty Queens,” the idea was to have a group of teens spend time with residents on a scheduled basis, applying makeup and nail polish to make these women feel a sense of increased self-worth.

Kathie Iles has been the driving force behind this project, donating not only her time but the makeup as well. Kathie knows instinctively that the primary goal of this project is not to make the participants look better but to offer them a little of the world outside the facility. She treats all involved with respect and makes them feel valued. The time spent with the women is also for reminiscing, sharing stories, laughing and releasing a tear or two.

Kathie is a role model for the teens as they sit and talk with these women, learning that although they are separated by years, their experiences are shared. Kathie has volunteered with the Victim’s Assistance Program for 12 years, the annual Parade of Lights, Homeward Bound, the soup

6 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR kitchen and Mesa County Search and Rescue, and accompanied World War II veterans on five honor flight trips.

(Photo by Andy Hutmacher).

MARILYN BERNSTEIN Nominated by Laura L. Johnson, Bookcliff Middle School For 10-plus years, Marilyn has volunteered at least one day a week to work with struggling students in my eighth grade literacy class. The impact of her work has been significant with most of these students making above-average gains by the end of the year. She is also a supportive force in these students’ lives. The students rise to the challenge and earn the opportunity. In addition, all of our eighth graders benefit from a lesson of tolerance during our unit on stereotyping that Marilyn has created using her own cultural history of being Jewish and having family members in Europe during the Holocaust. This is a highlight of our year. Marilyn may have retired from teaching, but she is still making a difference for my students, and she is very deserving of any recognition to show our gratitude.

MONIE HOWARD Nominated by Barbara Ward Much of Monie Howard’s free time is spent as the volunteer coordinator for Sharing Ministries in Montrose.

Upon its founding, she said she knew right away that she wanted to be part of the organization. Throughout her time with the organization, she has done a little bit of everything (even before the organization had computers), including sorting food for outgoing food boxes and helping clients complete applications, then sorting and filing them. A handful of volunteers in the early days has grown to over 150. Monie works an average of

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com two days a week in the office, and that’s not including the time she puts in calling volunteers in the evenings.

Monie always smiles and always strives to make Sharing Ministries bigger and better.

RAY GATES Nominated by Joe Whalin, Bookcliff Middle School Mr. Ray Gates taught at Bookcliff for 30 years. He was instrumental in creating a relationship between Colorado Parks and the Riverfront Commission and Bookcliff seventh graders. In this relationship, Bookcliff seventh graders have completed many projects for these two entities.

Mr. Gates has been retired for eight years, yet he continues to drive a bus for Bookcliff eight to 10 times a year so our current seventh graders can continue to volunteer for the Colorado Park Service, helping facilitate the many projects they don’t have the manpower to complete.

He also works side by side with the kids and teaches them the history of the Riverfront Trail and Colorado Parks. Without his volunteering, BMS would not be able to continue this valuable community service.

BARB KREMSKI Nominated by Katharine Smushkov, Dual Immersion Academy Barbara has been an amazing volunteer. She comes to school every morning with a big smile. She is part of the Foster Grandparent Program.

I cannot describe how happy my students are when they have the opportunity to interact with Barbara.

Thank you, Barbara, for being part of first grade! The students are learning so much from you.

KRISTI SMITH Nominated by Jennifer Allen, Hilltop’s Latimer House Kristi Smith is a dedicated receptionist and special event volunteer for Hilltop’s Latimer House. She has been volunteering for one and half years

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at the Latimer House and is always willing to help wherever there is a need. Whether it is filling in for open reception shifts or working at our Men In Heels race, she always has a helpful and willing attitude no matter the job. She brings years of professional experience and service to our organization along with a kindness and genuine attitude of volunteerism.

Her calm exterior gives our clients a sense of tranquility in stressful situations and our staff knows when she is volunteering that things will run smoothly and that great service will be given.

We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and are thankful for Kristi’s dedication, friendly smile, and contribution to Latimer house staff and clients.

DONNA SCHMITZ Nominated by Angela Walsh, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Every week for the past 10 years, Donna has happily given her time at the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen. Donna bakes homemade cakes, brownies, pies and cookies on Tuesdays for the Soup Kitchen’s Wednesday lunch. She even brings whipped cream to top them off. The guests, volunteers, and staff all love and sincerely appreciate her homemade treats.

But pastries aren’t the only things Donna creates. She also prepares hot vegetables every Wednesday, which include butter, bacon and garlic. They’re always scrumptious.

One day recently she processed two banana boxes full of Brussels sprouts, trimmed them one by one, and gave them her special attention in the sauce pan.

She is active in the lives of her kids and grandkids and always puts them first. She also volunteers as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s Church.

Not only does Donna work hard, but she’s jovial, kind, energetic, positive and just plain fun to work with.

CELIA KESLAR Nominated by Chantelle Penfield, Paonia Care & Rehab Center Celia Keslar is not only a volunteer, but also a friend. She has devoted her time volunteering at Paonia Care & Rehab since 2012. In that time, she has used her creative talents to enhance our activities to include a variety of crafts, such as making 35 blankets with the residents to donate to the local ambulance and fire department. She has also assisted in making sweaters for each resident in our facility (about 45 sweaters).

She also attends outings to assist residents when shopping and during other community events.

Celia is patient, kind and her smile has a way of uplifting residents’ spirits. She is here five days a week, sometimes more. She is a true advocate for the residents and provides them with a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. She is always willing to jump in and lend a hand whenever needed. Celia is friendly and welcoming to all who interact with her, whether it is a resident, family member or staff. She truly cares and shows amazing compassion. She is truly one of a kind.

DOMENICA MARSALA Nominated by the third through fifth grade teachers at Holy Family Catholic School Ms. Domenica Marsala is our Foster Grandparent Program volunteer. She is here five days a week, all day and assists six teachers. She loves working with the children. Attention to detail is how we would describe her performance. She does testing for reading fluency and comprehension, and helps students study their spelling words, complete papers, work on special projects, practice math facts,

2015 and do homework. She does an outstanding job working with our young writers to draft, revise and proofread their writing. All her work is done fully and correctly.

She keeps careful notes on who she tutors, and gives us great feedback on how the students are doing. Her joy of learning is contagious. She will often research some area of study that we are working on and bring back interesting information to share.

Working as a team player, Domenica participates in our school activities. She is quick to ask, “Is there anything I can do for you?” She is a role model for the teachers and the students. We can always count on her and would be lost without her!

ELISHA LUJAN Nominated by Rosa Culver and Julie Gastineau, Shelledy Elementary Mrs. Lujan began working with the school district many years ago.

During that time she acquired many strategies to help students learn, such as volunteering to attend district and school-based training. Today she uses these talents in her Foster Grandparent volunteer position to make a difference with student learning. Every day she is at Shelledy Elementary, she touches her students’ lives with her compassion, dedication and belief that every student can learn. Her humor endears her to her students and colleagues. Her high expectations show her students that she believes in them. Even though she puts in a full day, she finds the energy and enthusiasm to tutor a student after school. She finds ways to get them excited about learning and about their growth.

She works tirelessly to help students grow and be happy. Her colleagues trust her to guide students.

We are dependent on her knowledge and her big heart to do what is necessary to help students grow academically and emotionally. We love Mrs. Lujan and couldn’t help as many students without her.

IRENE BLADOW Nominated by Vernann Raney, Dos Rios Elementary Irene Bladow is a retired teacher

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and an invaluable volunteer. She is willing to jump in wherever she is needed. She volunteers in many classrooms throughout the school, including first and third grade and in the library. In the third grade classroom, she works with students to provide more individualized help. In first grade, she is a valued piece of the teacher’s literacy and handwriting block.

She has a great relationship with students. Her work ethic is impeccable. She has worked many hours reorganizing the bookroom, updating data and labeling, researching for levels and organizing it so that teachers can come in and check out the books they need and get back to their classrooms quickly. She continuously works toward improving young people’s lives.

MARIANNE TRAVER Nominated by Shannon Freed, Roice-Hurst Humane Society Marianne Traver had recently lost the second of her two wonderful lab mixes to old age and wasn’t sure she wanted to adopt another.

Her son was working at the shelter and suggested she start volunteering.

He knew what a big animal lover she was and that she was missing having a dog in her life.

She started volunteering for RoiceHurst in February 2012, walking dogs and helping with the morning washing of pet dishes, laundry and general cleaning. She says volunteering at the shelter has enriched her life more than she could have imagined. She loves working with the animals and learning more ways she can help.

Marianne has gained a lot of confidence as she has discovered and developed skills she didn’t realize she had, such as processing volunteer paperwork and data entry. She also

gives orientations to new volunteers and does paperwork and phone calls from home. She helps at some of the off-site events and has helped transport dogs to the shelter, and to appointments with groomers and vets.

She volunteers 15 or more hours per week and hopes she can continue helping for many years to come.

MIKE DERMODY Nominated by Rose Moglia, Dual Immersion Academy Mr. D comes to my class (and other classes) multiple times a week. He is always willing to do anything you ask him to do and to work with any of the kiddos. He is always full of love and smiles. He doesn’t mind sharing stories and enriching class discussions. He is never judgmental or evaluative. He is helpful to both the kiddos and the teachers.

MARY MILLS Nominated by Michelle Weakland, John McConnell Math & Science Center Mary Mills joined the John McConnell Math & Science Center in September of 2008. She jumped right in as our floor docent, assisting kids with exhibits and helping them handle our live animals.

Mary stays productive cleaning up exhibits, caring for the animals and critiquing our up-and-coming teachers. She is a source of positive and constructive feedback aimed at providing the best hands-on and fun environment for future generations.

Her experiences with volunteering also include the Catholic Outreach Day Center, Mesa County Library, Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, judging the District 51 spelling bee, and helping at her church. We depend on her smiling face each week and appreciate her “let me show you” attitude with each guest.

SID SMITH Nominated by Niki Yenter, Gray Gourmet The Gray Gourmet Meals on Wheels program serves home delivered meals to elderly homebound seniors five days a week. The real heart of the service is our volunteer corps, each delivering up to 20 meals a day. Sid Smith’s dedication to our programs helps ensure we have drivers for each route. Sid commits to drive a route which is at capacity each Thursday and also delivers food to one of eight meal sites weekly. But he does not stop there. He signs up to drive any open route when other volunteers take time off.

He is not afraid of going into the unknown and often says, “Just put me where you need me.” Sid’s cando spirit, big smile, warm heart and watchful eye are a blessing to our program. We honor Sid and value his commitment to our seniors.

RICHARD PARISH Nominated by Darcy Johnson, Community Food Bank Richard Parish is the dedicated volunteer that every nonprofit seeks to have supporting them. He is not merely involved—he is committed.

He is an active and engaged participant who believes in the food bank’s mission, those we support and those we serve. He demonstrates this by doing whatever needs to be done. A leader and a valued community resource, Rich is willing to pick up food, pack food boxes, pack bulk product, stock the pantry, train volunteers, fix malfunctioning equipment—you name it. Rich is that volunteer that has impact beyond the hours he is on site. He doesn’t just show up, he comes to the table with a great attitude, flexibility and a willingness to share his skills and insights. And he does it all with humor, good judgment and grace.Without the dedication of volunteers like Rich Parish, the food bank could not meet its mission or goals. ■

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2015

You don’t need to be rich to leave your legacy

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or over 27 years, Marillac Clinic has provided high-quality health care services for Mesa County’s lowincome and uninsured residents in a manner that respects the individual’s dignity. The clinic serves as a medical home for patients, offering medical, integrated mental health, dental, optical and medication assistance on a sliding scale and according to ability to pay.

Craig and Joanna Little have been supporters of Marillac Clinic for many years, both as donors and volunteers. When it came time to revise their wills, they both knew they wanted to do something for the clinic that meant so much to them.

After meeting with an estate planner, they found that it was incredibly easy to designate a percentage of their estate to several of the causes they care about. Needless to say,

Marillac was at the top of the list.

“You don’t need a large estate to do Joanna and Craig Little this,” the Littles said. “It feels so great to know that we can leave a legacy of giving that will continue long after we’re gone, and that average folks like us can make a lasting impact in the community we love so much.” ■

Marillac Clinic’s mission and vision: We reveal God’s healing love by improving the health of the people and communities we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE

Touch the minds of the future by supporting The Western Colorado Math and Science Center

Today!

Please call

254-1626 or stop by 2660 Unaweep Avenue in Grand Junction

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2015 IT’S AS E ASY AS 1… 2…3

With so many wonderful volunteers to choose from, we at the BEACON need your help! All nominees are featured in this month’s issue of the BEACON with a short description of why they were nominated.

1. Read about each volunteer on the previous pages 2. Pick your volunteer  Charlotte Maes

 Ray Gates

 Irene Bladow

 Debbie Daniels

 Barb Kremski

 Marianne Traver

 Gary and Linda Arntzen

 Kristi Smith

 Mike Dermody

 Joy Bush

 Donna Schmitz

 Mary Mills

 Kathie Iles

 Celia Keslar

 Sid Smith

 Marilyn Bernstein

 Domenica Marsala

 Richard Parish

 Monie Howard

 Elisha Lujan

3. Vote for your favorite volunteer online at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com or Mail this official ballot to: PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 The winner will be announced at BeaconFest, Thursday, April 16, 12:50 p.m., at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., Grand Junction

PLEASE HAVE ALL BALLOTS SUBMITTED BY APRIL 10, 2015.

2015

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Preserve the Monument for future generations

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he Colorado National Monument drives local tourism as the iconic main attraction and creates a healthy influx of tourism dollars to our valley. The Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) helps promote this geological gem.

The CNMA’s most visible presence is in the retail store in the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center.

Profits from the store as well as CNMA membership dues and donations pay for a variety of items and programs to engage the community, enhance the park and improve visitor experiences.

The annual Colorado National Monument Calendar features stunning photographs taken by local professional and amateur photographers.

These photo artists donate their work to the calendar, which serves as an additional source of revenue. In 2014, close to a half million people visited

our store and over 700,000 people visited the park.

Please help us support the Monument and preserve this natural wonder by becoming a member of our nonprofit association. A CNMA membership gives you special privileges, including discounts in our store and other park stores, a monthly e-newsletter, and invitations to special hikes, lectures, meetings and social events.

Call us at 858-3617, ext. 307 or 308, email us at info@coloradonma. org, or visit www.coloradonma.org to purchase a membership. You can also sign up at the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center, six miles from the west entrance to the park.

Here’s a deal that’s hard to beat.

If you’re 62 or older, you can also purchase a lifetime pass to any of the 400+ National Park Service parks, monuments and historical sites for only $10. ■

Things to keep in mind before leaving a legacy

By W. Bruce Phillips, Elder & Phillips, PC

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any individuals are interested in planned giving or legacy giving to a charity or nonprofit. I often hear people ask, “When should I make the gift?” and “What kind of gift should I make?” That all depends on the circumstances and goals of each individual. Some may have the financial ability to make gifts during their lifetime. Others may need or choose to make gifts at a later date, such as upon their death or after the death of a spouse or their children.

The most common type of gift is cash. However, noncash gifts can also be made, such as securities or property. If a security or real estate has increased in value, you should gift it directly to the charity. This will allow you to avoid capital gains tax, and take a deduction for the full value of

the gift. If it has depreciated in value, sell it first and then donate the proceeds so you can take a deduction for the capital loss and claim a deduction for the amount given.

Charitable gifts can be made at a later date by using a will or trust.

You can make a gift with no restrictions on their use, or make a gift for a specific purpose. Residuary legacies allow you to gift the balance of an estate or trust after other bequests are made first. Contingent legacies allow you to make gifts to charities if named beneficiaries do not survive you. This allows you to provide for your spouse and children first before a gift to a charity is made. Similar provisions can be used in IRAs or life insurance policies.

If you are considering a gift to a charity, contact your attorney or financial planner, or the charity’s planned giving director. ■

CREATE A LEGACY 9

Become a member of the Monument Association*, the nonprofit partner of the Colorado National Monument since 1964!

Your membership supports:  Education programs for local youth – 9,000 kids participated in 2014  Research  Junior Ranger day camp  Park enhancements  Preservation and conservation of public lands

Visit www.coloradonpa.org to learn more about membership, shop our online store or for information on events. Email us at info@coloradonma.org. *Your membership is a tax deductible donation

10 CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2015

Community Food Bank feeds families

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ommunity Food Bank is not a government-funded food warehouse or distribution program. All food donations are shelved and immediately distributed directly to any Mesa County resident in need, at no cost to the client. Local clients, 40 percent of whom are 18 and younger, can receive a three-day emergency supply of shelf-stable, nutritious food nine times a year.

In a typical year, Community Food Bank reports 16,000 to 20,000 client visits for a variety of reasons: families experiencing a recent job loss; temporary health problems and the associated medical expenses; low-income, single-parent families; the under employed and/or working poor; families struggling with unexpected household expenses; and families recovering from a disaster.

Our community is still feeling the effects of the recession. Along with the increased need of assistance, food costs continue to rise, and grants are decreasing. Thus there is a growing

need for assistance through monetary and tangible donations.

Over 73 percent of last year’s budget was used to purchase food.

Monetary donations to Community Food Bank are used to purchase food from our community partners at discounted rates. Food donations are accepted from local churches, individuals, businesses, organizations and food drives, and in turn, placed in our emergency food boxes. All donations are tax deductible.

In addition to donating money and/ or food how else can I help?

Community Food Bank could not successfully assist clients without its dedicated volunteers! (There is only one paid staff member.) All other positions are filled by volunteers, including board members. Examples of ongoing volunteer positions are interviewer, packer, warehouse stocker, runner, driver, shopper and board member.

Call them at 640-0336 or visit 200 S. Spruce St. in Grand Junction. ■

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library, assist in The Radio Room or help staff a booth at special events.

• Consider a tax-deductible donation. Donating cash, a vehicle or other property is a mutually beneficial way to reduce your taxes and help community radio.

• Become an underwriter. Associate your business with KAFM by supporting the station’s program service with a financial or in-kind gift. By supporting KAFM, you promote your business to thousands of listeners who appreciate companies that support the community.

• Planned giving. Your estate gift to KAFM is a great way to help the station build a lasting foundation for the future. By designating a portion of your estate, trust or will to KAFM, you may also provide your family with significant savings on estate taxes, to help you leave more to your heirs.

To learn more about KAFM 88.1, visit www.kafmradio.org or call 2418801. ■

Community radio plays a vital role

AFM 88.1, Grand Junction’s only locally owned community radio station, broadcasts and provides an online schedule of diverse music, cultural and information programming to foster a healthy, vibrant community.

Volunteers share their passions and local nonprofits can promote their mission and publicize events through KAFM program options. Tune in to hear from poets, painters and musicians, and a broad discussion of issues. Thanks to community support KAFM has served the Grand Valley for 16 years. Community radio only works when everyone participates, so member support and volunteers are critical.

Please consider one of these ways to help KAFM continue to be a strong voice for the community: • Become a member. Be part of the listening family that sustains us financially.

• Volunteer. Become a DJ or on-air programmer. Volunteer in our music

2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

How to build and protect a legacy

By Baird Brown & Jamie Roth, The Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC

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ccording to Merriam-Webster, a legacy is “something (such as property or money) that is received from someone who has died.” The person receiving the property or money is sometimes referred to as an heir. Another word for legacy is inheritance. An heir can receive a legacy through a will or trust created by the decedent. If a decedent does not have a will or trust, the laws of the state of Colorado will determine who receives the legacy.

Leaving a legacy is fairly straightforward. Make a provision in your will or trust to control who receives your legacy. The tricky part is protecting the legacy for your heir and their descendants.

There are primarily three ways a legacy is lost. First is by the heir’s own bad decision-making. Some heirs spend their inheritance without

thinking of the future. They buy a red convertible or take fancy vacations on impulse.

Second, the heir may have creditors the decedent knows nothing about.

When the legacy is given to the heir, with no protection, the creditors seize it.

Third, an unprotected legacy can be factored into the marital assets of an heir (in whole or just the appreciation on the legacy). When the heir gets a divorce, a chunk of the legacy can be awarded to the ex-spouse.

So how do you protect a legacy?

Use a trust to protect your gift instead of giving an outright distribution to the heir. An asset protection trust (APT) is a great tool.

How could an APT work in your estate plan? First, you set up a separate standalone document for each heir you want to protect. You can decide that only some of your heirs need to have a trust, or you can create a trust for each of your heirs. Usually,

but not always, no assets are put into the APT until your death. Upon your death, the legacy you want to leave goes into the separate APT for that specific heir.

The APT terms can be customized, depending upon how you wish the APT assets to be used. You choose a trustee who is in charge of how the APT assets are to be distributed to your heir, and how the trust should be invested. There can be one or more trustees and types of trustees.

You can give the heir some of these trustee powers. Your heir cannot have control over any distributions out of the trust to him or herself.

You will choose an independent trustee to make those decisions. The independent trustee (who cannot be the heir), should be an independent party, but can be a relative of the heir (with some limitations). The heir can be given the right to remove the trustee and replace the trustee with another independent person.

An APT can be very flexible and tailored to the needs of your specific heir. A trust for the benefit of an heir

CREATE A LEGACY 11 with a special need, such as a disability, is a type of an APT. An heir with a drug or alcohol problem or a troubled marriage is another. An heir with chronic creditor problems or one with potential to get hit with a lawsuit (perhaps due to a high-risk occupation, such as a physician) is another one.

Before you decide to simply give your legacy to your heir, give some consideration to the possibility of “wrapping” the legacy in a protective coating of a trust (an asset protection trust) to benefit your heir and his or her descendants for generations to come.

Co-authored by Baird Brown and Jamie Roth, principals at Brown & Brown, P.C. Baird has 40 years of experience in family wealth preservation, focusing his practice in tax and estate planning. Jamie has a master’s of law degree in taxation from New York University, focusing her practice in estate planning, estate litigation and conservatorships/guardianships. ■

12 CREATE A LEGACY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

How Gold Mine Bingo helps nonprofits in Mesa County

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old Mine Bingo supports the following nonprofit organizations by providing a recently upgraded facility for patrons to come and play bingo multiple times daily. Here are some of the reasons these organizations choose to be a part of bingo in Mesa County.

The Grand Junction High School Booster Club is a group of parents, alums, students, faculty and other adults who have ties to GJHS. The Booster Club’s primary mission is to financially assist the activities of school-approved student groups at GJHS. These groups include those that enhance and enrich student learning and development through participation in academics, sports, theatre, music, business and other extra-curricular activities. The Booster Club raises funds year round and awards financial support on a monthly basis during the school year.

For 52 years, Roice-Hurst Humane Society has provided a safety net for

abandoned and relinquished cats and dogs in the Grand Valley. RoiceHurst’s goal is to save the life of every healthy or treatable, and adoptable pet that comes through the door.

Homes were found for more than 900 animals in 2014.

Fruita Monument High School Band is all about experiencing music, teamwork, hard work, facing challenges and tasting accomplishment. Students flourish and come alive as they learn and master instruments. School district funding hovers around $1,000 for the entire program. Bingo proceeds transform a mere program into a life-changing experience.

CASA of Mesa County represents the best interests of children who are victims of abuse. Volunteers are trained and then appointed by the court to ensure that the voices and needs of child abuse victims are represented in the courtroom. A CASA volunteer is much more than a mentor. A CASA volunteer is sworn in as an officer of the court and is specially trained to

know what is in a child’s best interest, and how to get the system to meet those interests.

The Central High School Band is fortunate to have the opportunity to raise funds through bingo. Bingo is the primary source of income for the CHS bands and this money allows them to travel to competitions, purchase music and new instruments, and work together without financial hardship to the families. Parents and students who volunteer to work bingo do so to compose a great band.

The Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 1247 has sponsored a bingo session for more than 15 years. The funds generated from their sessions are used to support veterans outreach programs, as well as veterans’ and their families in Mesa County. The auxiliary awards college scholarships to veterans and their family members. The ladies also contribute to the Grand Junction VA Hospital, Operation Changing Lives (support for returning veterans), Wounded Warriors Project, Wreaths

2015 Across America, and the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. They are dedicated to helping the brave men and women who have served this country.

The Palisade Band Parents Organization’s mission is to provide financial assistance and support necessary for all band students at Palisade, in order for them to have a quality music education. Your participation in their bingo sessions helps fulfill their mission and they are deeply appreciative.

Fruita Monument Booster Club has hosted a bingo session since November 2010. Their profits from bingo have helped teams and clubs at the high school with various needs.

With some of the funds, they have assisted Future Farmers of America and Knowledge Bowl teams to attend their national conventions, purchased cello cases for orchestra, and bought an automatic serving machine for volleyball.

Gold Mine Bingo appreciates the many people who come and support our nonprofit organizations by playing bingo each week. ■