BEACON - Create a Legacy (March 2012)

reate a egacy C L Vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year page 7

Three keys to successful giving through your estate plan page 13

Local philanthropist Herb Bacon is none other than Mr. April from the Rotary Club Calendar of 2011, “Legends of Rotary: A Tribute to Sexy Old Guys.”

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

2012 Gui d e to G iving Your Ti m e and M on ey

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2 Create a Legacy

W

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Because of your gifts...

e only pass this way once.

How will you leave your mark?

...thousands of our fellow citizens find help and relief at Marillac Clinic every year!

Marillac Clinic has a long and well-deserved reputation for responsible stewardship.

To discover all the great planned giving opportunities that can benefit your family and the mission at Marillac, call Claudia Crowell at 298-2234 or visit www.MarillacClinic.org

Ask us about qualifying for a Colorado Enterprize Zone Tax Credit.

L E AV E A

Make a difference in your community by Volunteering time Making contributions Remembering us in Planned giving

MDS serves 722 local people with disabilities and children with developmental delays

PEOPLE SUPPORTING PEOPLE www.mesadev.org 256-8640

March 2012

Herb Bacon doesn’t bring home the bacon as much as he gives it away family believed in hard work just as strongly, which was a good thing ou can’t have lived in the Grand considering Bacon’s father opened a Valley for long without having bank in 1929, which wasn’t a great heard about Herb Bacon, a longtime for the financial industry. time resident of the area. He’s been The local Bacon family bank would recognized by local and state groups go through seven different mergers for many accomplishments including and name changes over the years, his decades of service in the banking now carrying the industry, his philanWells Fargo brand. thropy, and the vast “I suggested they number of boards put the signs up with upon which he has duct tape, but that served. didn’t go over really Bacon is a compulwell,” Bacon said. sive philanthropist.

At 82, Bacon is He’s given back, retired now, with no literally, since the regrets. He still keeps day he arrived in his ear to the ground 1953 to help run the and knows banks are new U.S. Bank of going through a hard Grand Junction with time. his father and older “Herb Bacon has brother. always been a mover Bacon was a newand a shaker, worklywed and recent ing to get things MBA from the UniHerb and his wife, Laura May, have done,” long-time versity of Colorado given to our community for decades. friend Pat Gormley in Boulder when he said. “He has the ability to get people settled in the area, but it didn’t take to go along with him for the ride.” any time at all before he was followShortly after arriving in Grand Juncing the lead of his father and brother tion, Bacon served on the committee by giving whenever and whatever he for Mesa College, now Colorado Mesa could to help out. The family’s MethUniversity. Back then, the school had odist upbringing instilled a culture of 600 students, Houston Hall and two taking care of those around you.

Quonset huts that housed the caf“In my family, if you were suceteria, classes and offices. Now, the cessful in your community, you university boasts over 9,000 students. gave back,” Bacon said. “It was that In addition, several other charisimple.” table groups have benefited from The practice started back in Bird Bacon’s generosity and hard work.

City, Kansas, with a population then He’s been on the St. Mary’s Hospital and now of about 700, with the Board through several expansions Bacon grandparents making sure the and fundraisers, and they have a family understood generosity was not “Wilma Bacon Center.” Then there’s an option. It was mandatory. the Hilltop Foundation, which sports Growing up during the Great a “Bacon Campus.” He was one of Depression, Bacon had ample opthe youngest presidents of the Grand portunity to observe the need and Junction Chamber of Commerce. He results of the tradition. It didn’t have serves on the World Methodist Counto be much. He quickly realized that cil International Advisory Board and $1, $100 or $10,000 could be equally has traveled to Africa on missions to helpful, depending on the need. The help fight the AIDS epidemic. He was

By Terri Benson

Y

March 2012 one of the founding members of the local United Way. Add in the Mesa Land Trust, the Art Center, Suicide Prevention, Partners, and the Western Colorado Community Foundation, and you’ve covered only a small fraction of his beneficiaries, both personally and through the Bacon Family Foundation. Bird City, Kansas, also sports a library and the largest threshing museum in the country, thanks to the family foundation.

The Bacon Family Foundation is comprised of Herb and his wife, Laura May, their four children, and Gormley who was chosen to diversify the board. Bacon said the fact that Gormley is an Episcopalian democrat and the Bacon family is Methodist and republican, makes for a lively and interesting mix.

The only place Bacon has had little success is staying out of the limelight. In 2007, he was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, and the Grand Junction City Council proclaimed January 24, 2010 as Herb Bacon Day (it was also his 80th birthday).

Bacon and Laura May have been married 60 years and he said he thinks he’ll keep her, now that she’s broken in. Laura May is active with the foundation as well as other groups and sings in a choir. He’s never been invited to join the singers as Laura May said he only knows one note and they’re not real sure what it is.

Gormley and Bacon have been friends since their 20s. According to Bacon, you don’t need a TV or newspaper if you have Gormley around, as he said he knows everyone and everything. While it’s easy to pigeonhole Bacon as a pinstriped banker and staid philanthropist, you’d definitely miss the mark, as Gormley has the dirt on the “real” Herb Bacon.

The two buddies have been Rotarians since 1958. Gormley recounts when Bacon was inducted as president of the group.

“We decided on an unusual method of passing the gavel,” Gormley said.

“Our meeting room was near a pool and we tossed first the gavel, then Jim Duffy the outgoing president,

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

and Herb into the pool. Little did we know, neither men could swim and we ended up fishing both of them, and the gavel, out of the drink.”

Gormley recalled a family fishing trip where Bacon returned home with a body piercing (add early trendsetter to Bacon’s talents). An attorney friend who’d been on the trip had made a wild cast and “caught” Bacon in the ear.

While many retired professionals take up golf as a hobby, Bacon’s has always been travel. When his five children were at home, it was crosscountry travel in a nine-passenger station wagon, but has evolved to expeditions to the far reaches of the globe. Always one to share what he can, Bacon often gives well-attended travelogues at the Museum of Western Colorado titled “Where in the World is Herb Bacon?”

Locals have been treated to up close and personal views of Scotland, Alaska, Chile, Easter Island, several South American countries and the Amazon, Patagonia, Iceland, Bhutan, Thailand, Africa, Zanzibar and Durban, to name a few.

Another of Gormley’s “Herb stories” recounted what he’d heard about an eventful trip to New Guinea about 10 years ago.

“The tour bus was in an area not heavily visited by tourists when Herb saw a statue on the hill and jumped off the bus with his camera,” Gormley said. “Before the driver and tour guide could catch up with him, he had been waylaid by three bandits who cut off the back of his pants to get his wallet and credit cards. That didn’t faze him, and he and Laura May departed shortly thereafter on a catamaran. They were out to sea when the bandits tried to use the cards.”

Gormley laughed at the memory, adding it was no laughing matter for frantic family and friends back in the states when the credit card company notified them of unusual usage linked to the theft.

Herb is one man who doesn’t so much believe in bringing home the bacon, as he does in giving it away. ■

Create a Legacy 3

A growing legacy at the Art Center

T

he Art Center’s history started in 1952, when Brush & Palette Club and community members decided that local and regional artworks and artists needed a permanent gathering place. The Art Center was incorporated in 1953 as the Western Colorado Center for the Arts.

The center grew from its original small blue house with classrooms on the upper story to the facility it is today. The Art Center currently holds adult and children’s classes 12 hours a day, six days a week. Through sponsorship and donations, fees are kept low and need-based scholarships are available to the community. Local businesses have ensured that Tuesdays remain a day when everyone can visit our exhibits for free.

Though the last remaining founder, Ruth Moss passed away in December, her legacy has lived on along with so many others that gave their hearts and souls to the Art Center. Many of

our founder’s families have stayed close to us throughout the years and continue to support our programming. Many community members have picked up where our founders left off. The Art Center has over 1,200 individual, corporate and family members who volunteer, donate, sponsor and exhibit annually.

Art Center members Chuck and Robbie Breaux are a new generation of givers. They believe that if you are capable and blessed, and most of us are, you should give more than you take and consider leaving a legacy to those institutions that change lives.

Please continue to support our efforts now and for the future. For information on legacy giving, contact Camille Silverman at 243-7337, or email csilverman@gjartcenter.org.

We continually get better at what we do through interaction and support from people like you. ■

The only thing you take with you when you’re gone... is what you leave behind.

John Allston

Please consider The Art Center in your legacy giving.

For planned giving opportunities call (970) 243-7337 or visit www.gjartcenter.org

The Western Colorado Center for the Arts 1803 North 7th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado

4 Create a Legacy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012

Going where we are needed doing what comes to hand S ome people can’t imagine doing what we do. We can’t imagine not doing it.

Volunteers of America is a thriving community of staff members, volunteers, partners and friends united in service to help those in need. We seek out, support and empower the most under served people in this country through hundreds of human service programs in more than 400 communities in 44 states. We address the most challenging issues of our day and develop innovative solutions.

That is our legacy.

A tradition of service to seniors For over 30 years, we have served those in need in western Colorado.

Our elderly services programs promote the health and independence of our increasing senior population.

VOA support services include senior meals, home health, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, income based independent housing and the program of all-inclusive care for the

elderly in Montrose, Delta and San Miguel counties.

What will your legacy be?

We rely on the community’s support of our programs and thank all of our faithful contributors who help make these programs possible.

Memorial gifts are a wonderful way to honor a loved one. In recent years, these gifts helped purchase resident computers and activity busses for Valley Manor Care Center and The Homestead Assisted Living. What a beautiful and lasting way to remember those we love. Many of our supporters have made a difference through planned giving bequests or trusts. You can help us continue the mission of VOA to help serve our community’s seniors for many years to come. For more information, call Eva at 240-0139 ext. 27.

VOA is a 501 (c ) (3) charitable organization, so your donations are tax deductible. ■

Please remember your pets in your estate planning O ur pets are part of our families.

They greet us when we walk through the door, they listen to our troubles and they often share our beds at night.

We’d never dream of leaving our two-legged companions who do all of the above, but not always as perfectly, out of our estate planning. But we don’t always give the same careful thought to our four-legged family members.

What if family or friends are unable or unwilling to care for your beloved cat or dog? If you don’t have a written contingency plan for your animals in the event of your ill health or passing, get started on one now for everyone’s peace of mind.

“If you have no one who’s willing

to take care of your pets when you’re gone, we’ll make sure they’re loved and nurtured until we find them a loving, adoptive home,” Roice-Hurst Humane Society Shelter Manager Judy Bowes said.

For nearly 50 years, the nonprofit, “no-kill” animal shelter has been saving and re-homing pets, many who’ve entered the facility as a result of their owners’ end-of-life situations. If not for that long-term safety net, what might happen to the Mesa County pets who are suddenly orphaned?

To find out more about RoiceHurst and its life-saving mission, and ways to help continue that mission, call 434-7337, visit www. rhhumanesociety.com, or visit their new facility at 362 28 Road. ■

March 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Create a Legacy 5

Create a lasting legacy at Hilltop P

ut simply, planned giving is planning to make a gift through your estate. You can achieve your financial goals, tax and estate objectives by planning now. It also allows you to support the causes you care about both now and in the future.

Hilltop has provided vital services to people of all ages in western Colorado for over 60 years. In order to fulfill our mission, Hilltop depends on the generous support of our friends who have chosen to leave a legacy of hope for the future.

Gifts made as part of your overall financial or estate plan that can benefit you and your loved ones now and Hilltop later, are known as planned gifts. Planned giving occurs through cash donations, stock donations, disposable income, insurance policies, real estate, matching gift donations and endowments. By selecting a plan that best fits your particular situation, you can provide for your needs now

or in the future.

Planned gift giving opportunities include: • Ensuring your assets are not taken away from your loved ones.

• The ability to change your mind if a need for the assets arises.

• Passing assets on to your loved ones or other individuals to reduce your tax burden.

• Providing a steady income to loved ones and retaining the assets.

• Designating how Hilltop will use your assets.

• Providing future income to Hilltop.

• Offering unique tax-savings and/or income-producing benefits to Hilltop.

Hilltop is setting up a series of seminars run by experts in the insurance and financial worlds. We offer services at no charge to help you and/or your advisors choose a plan that most closely meets your needs.

We are happy to explore how charitable planned giving works and how

it will benefit you. This information is not intended to be tax, accounting or legal advice, and potential donors should consult with their own tax, accounting or legal advisors in connection with planned giving.

Hilltop leads through action to make a difference for people of all ages in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. Children’s programs and services include counseling and access to health insurance to young mothers. Youth services include an alternative school and living accommodations for youth in need or with special issues, and our adult services include support at the Workforce Center, professional services and a program for brain injury patients. Domestic violence services include safe houses in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose, and counseling for abused women and families. Senior life op-

tions include programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, home care, and three upscale assisted living facilities that include a newly opened Memory Care Wing.

People are at the core of everything Hilltop does.

We strive to address and alleviate our client’s and their family’s needs so that an individual or family can regain or maintain their dignity. Hilltop believes that by providing valuable services and utilizing our partners, that our clients have the tools to live a stable, secure and happy life. You can designate your planned gift to any aspect of Hilltop’s funds or programs. The possibilities are abundant and rich with the excitement of giving. Hilltop continues to care deeply and respond personally when needed most.

For additional information and help in estate planned giving, call Sarah Catlin at 263-2127 or email sarahc@htop.org. ■

A lasting legacy A lifetime of hope Planned giving through Wills and Trusts is the best way to ensure that your funds go to the organizations you supported during your life. For over 60 years Hilltop has provided individuals and families with services that range from prenatal health care access to senior living communities. Our wide ranging programs cover Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties with a continuum of care that is unmatched. Your legacy gift to Hilltop can make a positive difference for people of all ages.

To learn more about the benefits of planned giving, call Sarah Catlin at (970) 263-2127 or visit us online at www.htop.org and click “Donate Now.”

6 Create a Legacy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012

Committing to families, caring for Hospice

By Rick Sapp, Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado

A

fter seven years of being a volunteer and a supporter for Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, I was thinking about why I’m a loyal advocate for this incredible organization. There are so many reasons, but I’ll try to put a few of them in a nutshell.

The countless ways they help people As a patient care volunteer for Hospice, I do a lot of listening, which I enjoy. A person who is dying often wants to reminisce by talking about their life, their family and their feelings. This is extremely important.

Since Hospice lifts so many physical and emotional burdens, this allows a person to spend their last days or

So many friends have benefited from Hospice...

...so it was a natural thing to want to be a 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.

- LeAnn & Les Zetmeir

When we were raising funds to build the Hospice Care Center, I talked with many individuals and businesses. Several contributed to other organizations’ capital projects in the past, but had never seen their donations come to fruition. At Hospice we were committed to the goal and that new Care Center building came to life, just as we promised our donors.

When Hospice asks for funding support, whether for patient care, grief counseling or facilities, people know that their donations will be used for vital needs.

People like you are giving to Hospice, talking about Hospice, helping Hospice patients and leaving legacy gifts to Hospice. Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado serves 3,000 patients and families every year. They must raise $1,000 per family to cover what is not reimbursed by other revenue sources. That’s why Hospice depends on our help to continue this critical, extraordinary work. Hospice is ours. Let’s keep it growing.

For more information on Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, contact Kathy O’Shea at 257-2365, or visit www.hospicewco. com. ■

By Amber Seaton, Colorado Discover Ability

Legacy Society

Join the Heart of Hospice Legacy Society

Planned gifts can easily be made through wills, trusts, life insurance or annuities.

For more information please call 970-257-2365.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado 3090 North 12th Street, Unit B • Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 www.hospicewco.com

admis

Their conscientious use of funds

This community

A triumph for Kate

You, too, can leave a legacy of caring

fresioen

months sharing genuine time with their family. Hospice lets them die with dignity and comfort. Their whole family is supported during caregiving and grief.

April 19, 2012 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand Junction, CO

I

n a sea of snow skiers, our daughter, Kate, cheerfully stands out in a bright orange “Blind Skier” vest, though, she might rather you notice her “super cool” pink helmet. Despite being born with a significant visual impairment and the challenges it brings, Kate, 9, is learning to ski with the help of Colorado Discover Ability’s adaptive ski instructors.

Feeling the thrill that most of us can see, she relies on directional cues from her “sighted guide” and the assistance of a horizontal ski pole held by her instructor, giving her confidence and steady support. When she meets the bottom of the mountain, the concentration clears her face and a smile spreads across her cold, chapped cheeks. “Ski flying,” she calls it.

Having a ski instructor who specializes in the skills and equipment specific to our child’s special need gives Kate an extraordinary opportunity.

Because of these talented and willing

instructors at CDA, we are able to head to Powderhorn as a family every weekend.

For more information, contact CDA at 257-1222, or visit their office located at 740 Gunnison Ave. in Grand Junction. ■

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012

volunteer of the year 7

Vote for Volunteer of the Year

By Cloie Sandlin

O

n April 19, the BEACON will announce the winner of Volunteer of the Year at BeaconFest. But this year, you get to choose the winner.

The easiest way to vote for the Volunteer of the Year is on our website, www.BeaconSeniorNews.com. There will be a poll posted on the home page with each of the nominees. The poll will close at 5 p.m. on April 12.

You can also mail in the published ballot on page 9 of this insert. (We will only accept ballots that are mailed to us.) Please mail in your ballot by April 12. 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 24 amazing Volunteer of the Year 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.”

With those words in mind, here are this year’s nominees:

Alice Cochran Nominated by Brenda Goodwin, Mesa View Elementary Alice Cochran has been a foster grandparent volunteer in my fourth and fifth grade classroom at Mesa View Elementary for almost two years. Alice was also a foster grandparent volunteering in my summer school classroom for two years.

Alice is in the classroom daily, arriving in any kind of weather. She helps students who need personalized one-on-one assistance, working with them individually and in small groups. It has made a difference in their abilities in reading, writing and math. She never backs away from a challenge like re-learning math in a new way or helping students on computers. She is cheerful and genuinely enjoys working with the students.

Having extra eyes, hands and assistance when students are working has eased the

burden of trying to be everywhere at once.

Students rely on her every day. It has been a blessing to have her in my classes.

Betty Shull Nominated by Lynn Boelke, Mesa View Elementary “Gramma Betty” has been a wonderful help in my third grade class. She has many talents and abilities, which she uses each day with my students. She works with students to read, write, multiply, divide and spell. Betty has a great rapport with all the students and always stays busy looking for ways to help the students and me.

Gramma Betty is a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to help students.

Bob Martin Nominated by Jeff Mason, Palisade High School Band Bob Martin is astronomical! Two of his kids went through the band program at Palisade High School. The last one graduated in 2009, but Bob has continued to help the program.

He comes in at 6:30 a.m. three times a week to help a jazz band and then comes back at 2 p.m. to help another. He is a guitar player and helps the rhythm section. Bob helps at concerts, after school and he even started helping out GJHS jazz bands. He has given a ton to the marching band, chaperoning trips, events and performances. He is knowledgeable, fun, has a tremendously positive attitude and will always jump to help out. We appreciate all he does and continues to do.

Dr. Bob Pengro Nominated by Karen Leonhart, Rim Rock Elementary Rim Rock Elementary has been fortunate to have Dr. Bob Pengro volunteering in our classrooms for the last three years. He has volunteered in the fifth grade and is now volunteering in the first and second grades. We are able to use Dr. P’s experience, knowledge and grandfatherly qualities to work with our students. Dr. P reads with students, works on spelling and sight words with our students.

We are so grateful to his commitment to our community, school and students.

Dave Rosen Nominated by Lynne Klish, the board and staff of Colorado Discover Ability Dave Rosen is a phenomenal individual

who wastes no time in figuring out how to tailor a ski lesson for an individual. His motto of “There’s more than one right way to do anything” is evident throughout his teaching.

The lessons he teaches are adaptive to those with disabilities. He takes the initiative to make the lesson individualized by listening to the learner and thinks of creative ways to help the individual understand the method.

He puts himself in our shoes doing everything from skiing blindfolded or in a mono-ski, all to better understand our perspective.

After a day on the slopes with Dave, one comes away with a sense of accomplishment.

The same tenacity applied during the lesson can be applied to whatever adversity one may face in life. It might be in a different way, or take a little longer or more practice, but it can be done. Dave has a gift of teaching, is thoughtful, patient and has a fantastic attitude that can be applied to all areas of life.

George Rossman Nominated by Maggie Moorland, Mesa County Partners George Rossman cares so passionately about Partners that she is there at every opportunity. She is an adult mentor, Partners board member, a trustee to the Mesa Youth Services Foundation and more. She organizes the Hazel Miller concert each year to benefit Partners and serves on the marketing and recruitment committee. If Partners’ staff needs assistance, George is there.

“I volunteer because the need is there and if I can make the slightest bit of difference for someone not as fortunate, that is from my heart,” George said. “I wish more people would volunteer. There are some kids in tough situations out there.”

Harry S. Truman said, “You can accomplish anything in life, provided you do not mind who gets the credit.” In describing George, I believe this sums her up completely.

Helen Spence Nominated by Kyle Compton, Vega State Park Helen Spence is a remarkable person and a priceless asset at Vega State Park.

She has been the seasonal interpreter/volunteer coordinator for the past eight years. In the off-season, Helen volunteers her time at Vega’s Visitor Center.

Last year, she received an award for logging over 5,000 volunteer hours with Vega since 2003.

Helen is a longtime resident of Plateau Valley and her knowledge of the park and surrounding area is invaluable to visitors and the staff. Her selfless devotion to this park is something to behold. Despite her own physical difficulties, Helen never complains and always has a smile and encouraging words.

Prior to coming to the park, Helen taught third grade in Plateau Valley schools for 35 years. She was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She also volunteers as board president for the Plateau Valley Hospital.

James Chapman Nominated by Sheli Apodaca, Gray Gourmet James Chapman has been a volunteer with Gray Gourmet since January 2005. During this time, James is responsible for driving two different home delivery routes per week. His time consists of picking up his route book and meals, then delivering the meals to over 20 different homes.

Because he drives two different routes each week, he has become well acquainted with his clients. They find him to be kind, friendly and always wearing a smile. We are honored to have James as one of our most valued volunteers.

Jeanne Fox Nominated by RSVP Jeanne Fox joined RSVP in March 2009 and was already volunteering at the American Red Cross, the Palisade Library and the Palisade Chamber. She added Child

8 volunteer of the year and Migrant Services to her list of volunteer placements.

Was that enough for Jeanne? No! She became an RSVP office volunteer and then began to volunteer at Clifton Elementary.

Jeanne also served as RSVP Senior Scholar Ambassador, visiting schools, talking to teachers and school administrators, and taking photos of RSVP volunteers in action.

Jeanne gives one day a week as RSVP SHIP Program Assistant. She keeps SHIP statistics current and client contact data entered to meet required government regulations. She coaches RSVP staff about Excel spreadsheets and is always willing to take on another project. She is inexhaustible! When other RSVP staff members need help on a project, they say, “I want my own Jeanne.”

Joanna Scott Nominated by Lindsey Redd, Sara Urso & Jenna Dahl, Fruita Middle School Joanne has been a volunteer in several of our classes at Fruita Middle School for the past three years. Her volunteer position is a high priority for her, as she is consistently working with students. Students reach out to her for her wisdom and help. She is a huge support to these students when it comes to completing work in class, taking notes, staying organized and being focused. She is always willing to advocate for students, valuing what is best for them.

Flexibility is another one of her strong points, as her schedule frequently changes when we move her to work with different students. Joanne always does this with a smile on her face. “Grandma Joanne” is a huge asset to FMS and is a joy to us and the students she works with.

Joy Bush Nominated by Melanie Wiseman, Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau Joy Bush uses Mark 10:45 as a guide for her life. We are here to serve rather than be served.

“I have to think in my heart of hearts that it makes a difference in someone’s life that I get up in the morning,” Joy said. “I can’t think of anything worse than getting up and not having anything to do.”

Joy is an outstanding volunteer for the Visitor and Convention Bureau and is valuable in many roles across the Grand Valley.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com At the VCB, Joy assists visitors with energy and respect. She keeps current on what is happening in the area and attends training field trips and seminars in order to make sure visitors have the best possible experience.

Joy’s love of the area and people led her to volunteer at the Fruita Welcome Center.

Joy also volunteers at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, Homeward Bound and is involved in prison ministry at the Rifle prison. She volunteers on the mission committees at two local churches and teaches both children and adults. Joy’s love of teaching led her to tutor three students for two hours each week at the Adult Literacy Center at the Mesa County Library.

Joyce Helm Nominated by Susan Rose, Colorado State University Extension Joyce Helm is my right hand for managing the Master Gardener Program. She organizes and runs the registration desk for the course, scheduling helpers, maintaining attendance records, overseeing the distribution of handouts, collecting and recording funds when necessary, and tracking weekly test scores.

Joyce organizes and directs our annual tree auction and plant sale, which is a major fundraiser for the Master Gardener Scholarship Fund. This involves heading up a committee of volunteers to contact nurseries for donations, scheduling pickups and deliveries, and ensuring that the plants are properly tended.

Joyce’s amazing commitment, organizational skills, people management capability, and thorough follow through are tremendous assets to our program.

Karon Carley Nominated by A. B. Carley, Operation Interdependence Dedication and determination ensure success. Karon Carley possesses these elements and through her leadership, Operation Interdependence has grown into a local and nationwide success.

Dedication to military has always been special for Karon. Since high school, she’s written deployed friends and family, reminding them of home and how much they mean to us. As time passed, through her hard work, she advanced from volunteer to president and prime mover of an organization reaching 25,000 troops each month.

March 2012

Since her arrival, Grand Junction has grown from a small shipping unit to a major player of OI. Growth like that doesn’t come overnight or without a great deal of effort.

In this unpaid position, Karon spends many hours keeping OI running smoothly. Between scheduled packing meetings, letter and note writing, corresponding with out of state volunteers and attending local speaking engagements, very little personal time remains.

Sixteen hours a day and seven days a week should count for something.

Lela Ala Nominated by Donna Lee Brown Lela Ala is known as the Montrose pianist who can play any request by ear.

For 30 years, she has volunteered and now continues to play four gigs a week at local nursing homes and senior centers. Despite post-polio syndrome, her sunny disposition infects everyone she meets. At 88, she is still going strong.

Lois Bell Nominated by Julie Hinkson, United Way Lois Bell does not shy away from commitment. Lois joined United Way of Mesa County 23 years ago.

We respect her opinion and value her skills as an office assistant. Her work ethic and dependability are second to none. We love her enthusiasm and sense of humor. One of Lois’ favorite sayings is, “Believe in your mission as you sail life’s seas.”

Lois plays an active role in the community outside of United Way. She is active in her church, with People First (a self-advocacy movement for people with developmental disabilities), and is the secretary for the Kiwanis Aktion Club. She loves family, animals, the Denver Broncos, reading and country music.

Lois bowls and is active in the music club at the Center for Independence, playing the guitar and hand bells. She has outstanding commitment to United Way and her community.

Lora Romero Nominated by Chipeta Elementary Lora Romero is a former special education teacher, who uses her talents and skills to

help first grade students at Chipeta Elementary. Lora works with students two days a week, reading with them to help them make progress in their reading skills.

With budget cuts and larger class sizes, her expertise and time spent in the classrooms is crucial. Her presence adds “one more teacher” so that students are receiving experienced instruction.

Lora is kind, patient and honors each child.

Her empathy towards each child is obvious and her desire to make a difference is apparent. She is dedicated and reliable. She truly loves the kids.

Mac Burnett Nominated by Kaaren Peck, Grand River Hospital District Mac Burnett is a consummate volunteer. He has volunteered at the Department of Wildlife, has overseen the Salvation Army bell-ringing brigade, built houses for Habitat for Humanity (delivering meals for Meals on Wheels on his lunch break), helped Catholic Charities and the Jesse Tree.

Mac delivers meals twice a week for Meals on Wheels. He volunteers at both of Grand River Hospital’s health fairs and safety fair.

An avid bicyclist, Mac is the poster child for wearing a helmet. Years ago, his helmet saved his life when he was in a bike accident.

He brings that damaged helmet to encourage kids to always wear one.

Mac does not volunteer for any sort of acknowledgement or pat on the back. With all of this volunteer action, Mac does it with a huge smile and a big heart.

Mark DeWolfe Nominated by Elaine JohnsonCraig, Roice-Hurst Humane Society When Mark DeWolfe heard Roice-Hurst Humane Society board president Julie Butherus during a TV interview ask for help with “boards and nails” for their

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012 upcoming shelter remodel, he figured the organization would welcome some professional help. As a commercial construction project manager between projects, he had the expertise (and now the time) to help a cause he loved.

“I always said that if I had the time or the ability to help my community, it would be through helping animals,” Mark said.

Mark was the driving force to keep the project affordable and on task. Besides donating his time as project manager, Mark did hands-on volunteer labor and single-handedly solicited thousands of dollars in funds and in-kind donations from more than 30 area individuals, businesses and organizations.

Without Mark’s selflessness, dedication, commitment and caring for our orphaned pets, we certainly would not have the wonderful facility we have today.

Mary Lou Chilton Nominated by Wynell Webster, Clifton Branch Library Mary Lou Chilton has been a faithful volunteer at the Clifton Branch Library since December 2008, with over 400 volunteer hours.

Mary Lou has been instrumental in training new volunteers, lightening the load for staff, and easing our minds that tasks are complete, correct and consistent. She reshelves books, helps with paperwork, and often spends extra time and care to rearrange items or make suggestions. Her years of business sense are valued and we learn from her constantly. She is intelligent, compassionate and genuinely cares about the library.

Even when we are all busy, her hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. We would love other seniors to be encouraged to volunteer by her example.

Mike Guliford Nominated by Duke Hitchcock, Senior Recreation Center Mike Guliford is an outstanding volunteer at the Senior Recreation Center and is currently on the Board of Directors. Beyond his normal duties of opening and closing the

center, Mike is also activity manager for Jack and Jill pool tournaments. Most days, Mike will be at the center helping and guiding other volunteers with their activities, setting up for parties and dances, decorating the center, or working in the kitchen. Whenever we need help, we always know that we can call on Mike.

Priscilla Mangnall Nominated by M.A. Bradshaw, Grand Junction Historical Society Priscilla Mangnall is nominated for her work as president of the Grand Junction Historical Society with the Museum of the West.

She conducts monthly meetings for topics of historical interest in areas throughout Mesa County. She conducts board meetings that meet quarterly, oversees an annual picnic and the annual highway cleanup in March. She was in the Reading 500 Club at the Chamber of Commerce, as she feels that reading to school children is beneficial to encouraging literacy and in creating a motivating environment. She displays interest in serving on the Legends Sculpture Reception Committee.

Rose Chapman Nominated by Jan Keirns, Fruita Monument High School A former nun and teacher, Rose Chapman worked as a Fruita Monument High School custodian for 23 years.

Rose comes to school with a smile on her face and puts her heart and soul into making our school great. Rose is a shining model for giving back to her community, faithfully helping out, whether it is opening a stuck locker, cleaning up a spill, or encouraging students and staff. She goes above and beyond her duties to cover needed activities. She’s worked with FMHS’ Booster Club and athletic events to ensure things went well. When her husband became ill, Rose retired to care for him.

With the budget constraints, the lead custodian schedule was changed to start at 9:30 a.m., instead of opening the school.

Rose volunteered every school day, coming in at 7 a.m. and working to keep things clean in the cafeteria through breakfast and lunch.

Recently celebrating her 80th birthday, Rose brings her positive spirit and is truly a blessing to students and staff at Fruita Monument.

volunteer of the year 9 Spencer Sorlye Nominated by Kathy Martin, Heirlooms for Hospice

Spencer Sorlye is energetic, determined, caring, enthusiastic, faithful, patient, never says no and is a bit of a perfectionist.

Spencer volunteered a total of 559 1/2 hours in 2011. He created props for Heirlooms for Hospice upscale resale stores in Grand Junction and Montrose, delivered and picked up donated items, repaired furniture, painted projects and more. His helps with Hospice’s gala fundraising events in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose. We could not do it all without him.

Stella Miller Nominated by Cheri Davenport, Joe Zeni Tammara , Clifton Elementary Clifton Elementary Foster Grandparent Stella Miller works with a classroom of students with significant support needs. Her

commitment to the education and well being of her students is remarkable.

Stella reads, sings, plays, writes, counts, cuts, glues, cooks and engages with students on a personal level, just as any typical teacher would, but she does more and does it every day. She engages students, reminding them of their own responsibility for learning, yet is there to support them with a kind word, gesture or deed.

We appreciate her hard work, her loving approach and her understanding of the needs of students. Her sense of humor enlivens tough days. It’s a tough assignment and Stella could just walk away. Instead, she chooses to come to school and monitor children throughout the day. That’s a high level of commitment. We value Stella because of what she brings to our school: a personal integrity that meets the challenges of educating her students in the 21st century. ■

Vote for your favorite

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2012 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  Alice Cochran  Lela Ala  Bob Pengro  Mac Burnett  Helen Spence  Mike Guliford  Joanna Scott  Spencer Sorlye

 Karon Carley  Betty Shull  Bob Martin  Lois Bell  Lora Romero  Dave Rosen  George Rossman  Mark DeWolfe  Mary Lou Chilton  James Chapman  Jeanne Fox  Priscilla Mangnall  Rose Chapman  Joy Bush  Joyce Helm  Stella Miller

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 19, 12:50 p.m., at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., Grand Junction.

Please have all ballots submitted by April 12th, 2012.

10 Create a Legacy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012

1 in 4 have mental illness M

any people have negative reactions when they hear the words “mental illness.” They react with fear, distrust and pity. At the Center for Mental Health, we understand these reactions because of the history of treatment for people with mental illness and abundant misinformation. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. According to the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, it is estimated that 26 percent or 57.7 million Americans over the age of 18 have a diagnosable mental disorder. That’s one out of every four American adults.

Great strides have been made in the mental healthcare field. Today, we know that mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorders are “biologically based.” They can be caused by the brain itself or life events that

affect the brain. Some of these mental illnesses can last for the rest of a person’s life, but can be treated with medication and/or therapy so that the person can have an improved quality of life. But mental illness, when left untreated, can get worse.

The Center for Mental Health is the community resource for those dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. The Center for Mental Health provides services in Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Governed by a volunteer board, the center has grown to become a vital resource to the area, providing services to more than 5,300 people each year.

Depression is not a normal part of aging. If you are feeling depressed, get help by calling 252-3200 or visit www.centermh.org. ■

Preserve independence for those with disabilities

Building homes, changing lives.

Habitat for Humanity Mesa County Contact Amy Rogers email: arogers@hfhmesa.org by phone: 970-234-0423 or visit our web site at hfhmesa.org

O

ver 700 people in Mesa County with intellectual and physical challenges have the opportunity to be a part of their community, have a job and make choices about how they live thanks to services that support their goals of independence.

Mesa Developmental Services is the private, nonprofit human services organization providing support services to this segment of our population. These services are varied and customized. Some live on their own and may need minimal assistance with budgeting and bill paying, while others need assistance with most every aspect of their daily living and receive round-the-clock services.

Young children with developmental delays have the opportunity for a disability free life when they receive early intervention services through

MDS’ Infant and Toddler Program.

MDS also supports individuals to become more self-sufficient through employment. Some work for local businesses as valuable members of their workforce. Others work on MDS operated work crews providing janitorial, lawn and grounds maintenance, or packaging/collating services, or they work in MDS’ retail store, Uniquely Yours, at 443 Main St. in Grand Junction.

Recently, MDS added Trusted Care Homecare/Homemaker services and Audyssey, a program to assist people with autism.

Your support of MDS’ programs helps decrease systems reliance for those served and provides the dignity and community inclusion they deserve. ■

12 Create a Legacy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

THE LAW OFFICE

&

OF

BILLIE M. CASTLE

Professional Personal

Services Emphasizing:

■ WILLS & TRUSTS ■ PROBATES ■ LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

Trust in the services of a knowledgeable and

experienced professional who’s earned designation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney. Take comfort in a caring advocate with a personal interest in the well-being of each and every client.

(970) 255-7488 ◆ www.BillieCastle.com 2710 Patterson Road, Suite B, Grand Junction, CO 81506

TRIUMPH EARNED A person with disabilities has so many challenges.

And forget sports. It’s too hard.

Colorado Discover Ability’s summer and winter programs help participants create possibilities from the impossible.

And what’s that worth?

Everything!

Thank you for creating a legacy and life fulfilled for someone with disabilities.

Our participants will earn triumph with your help, and the help of our volunteers.

740 Gunnison Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

970-257-1222

March 2012

Legacy Campaign sustains forward momentum at CMU T he unwavering support of western Coloradans has helped Colorado Mesa University grow from a fledgling junior college to a thriving university with 9,000 students and an 86-acre main campus. Then as now, a maverick spirit among community members and institutional leaders has helped propel Colorado Mesa University forward.

The expectations are high as CMU moves into the future. To ensure success in the coming years and sustain the amazing momentum of recent years, CMU launched the Legacy Campaign to establish endowments in 12 key areas that will benefit the institution’s overall educational environment.

An endowment is a long-term investment in Colorado Mesa University that provides ongoing income to the university, primarily through interest earned on the funds. Endowments allow both the corpus (the original gift) to grow as well as the income the gift has generated. This type of funding strategy allows the donor and the university the ability to work together toward a common vision and goal.

By giving to an endowment, donors are making a lasting mark on the lives of current and future faculty

and students.

The 12 endowments funded through the Legacy Campaign will help recruit and retain the brightest and most talented faculty and the highest caliber students.

To date, CMU has raised 80 percent of its $5.7 million goal. An investment in the Legacy Campaign will support critical investments in faculty, stateof-the-art facilities, technology and more. It will ensure the university’s long-term financial sustainability.

Today, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings.

Serving as the primary intellectual and cultural center in western Colorado, and promoting the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national and international importance requires the sustained support of the community CMU serves.

Learn more about the Legacy Campaign and how you can become a partner by visiting www. coloradomesa.edu/legacy or calling 248-1902. ■

Giving to Marillac Clinic is easy and rewarding

“W

e have been supporters of Marillac Clinic for more than 15 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 means so much to us. After meeting with an estate planner, we found 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. You don’t need a large estate to do this.

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.” –Craig and Joanna Little Call Claudia Crowell at 298-2234 to learn how you can make a difference. ■

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2012

Create a Legacy 13

Three keys to successful giving through your estate plan

By Billie M. Castle, Attorney at Law

I

n addition to supporting charitable organizations during their lifetimes, many people choose to continue giving after death. Estate planning makes it possible to create what are often significant and lasting philanthropic legacies.

It’s crucial, though, that the process be carefully considered and documents deliberately drafted to avoid confusion or potentially troublesome legal issues. An investment in sound estate planning now pays dividends later by quickly and efficiently carrying out the last wishes of a donor.

While every case is unique with its own set of circumstances, here are three general guidelines to think about when incorporating charitable gift giving into your estate planning.

First, be specific. When naming charitable groups as beneficiaries, be sure to designate exactly what group

you have in mind.

Many groups have local, state and national organizations.

If you want your gift to go to the local affiliation, make that clear. The same advice also applies to churches and religious organizations. If there’s any confusion as to the intended beneficiary, a costly and time-consuming court ruling could be required to resolve the matter.

Second, designate the amount of your gifts not only as proportions, but also in dollar amounts. One good way to add flexibility to estate planning is to designate gifts as a proportion of the overall value of the estate. A person might stipulate, for example, that 10 percent of his or her estate go to one charity, and

perhaps 5 percent goes to another charity. This offers an advantage over designating only a dollar amount if there’s a possibility the value of the estate could significantly decrease over time. Otherwise, a single substantial gift could consume the entire estate. In addition to specifying the amount of gifts in proportions, set a cap in a dollar amount.

Stipulate that 10 percent of the estate goes to a given charity, but not more than $5,000. Assuming the overall value of the estate hasn’t decreased much, it’s easy to quickly distribute charitable gifts under such an arrangement.

Third, consider naming charitable organizations as benefi-

Supporting Today’s Young Minds.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders.

The Legacy Campaign for Colorado Mesa University is supporting critical investments in faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, technology and more. By funding endowments in 12 key ares, the campaign will ensure the University’s long-term financial sustainability. Your support directly impacts CMU’s ability to offer affordable tuition, fund scholarships, recruit top faculty and invest in programs that meet the demands of our region.

“Your gift means that the health sciences program will always be able to provide students like myself with the opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment.”

Carolina Verduzco • Health Sciences Student

To leave your legacy, visit coloradomesa.edu/legacy or call 970.248.1902 for more information.

ciaries of retirement accounts and annuities. There’s a tax advantage to this approach. Family members or friends who inherit retirement accounts and annuities must pay tax on the proceeds. Those same proceeds pass tax-free to qualified charitable organizations. This strategy offers a way to potentially give more to charities while less is consumed in taxes.

Those considering naming charitable organizations as beneficiaries of their retirement accounts should consult with their investment advisors to ensure the paperwork is properly completed.

Estate planning makes it possible for people to continue supporting charitable organizations even after death. It’s important, though, to work with a qualified estate planning attorney to make sure gifts end up where they’re intended.

To learn more you may contact Billie Castle at 255-7488. ■

14 Create a Legacy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere & heartfelt

Thank You

to all our great Volunteers for your overwhelming support in helping us provide “a bed with a heart for our neighbors in need” Our volunteers truly are the heart behind every warm bed at HBGV. It is your support of both time and treasures for which we are most grateful.

Thank You for all you do!

THE NUMBERS 2011

THE NUMBERS 2011

MEALS SERVED 101,462

NIGHTS OF SHELTER 36,105

FOOD BOXES PROVIDED 1,200+

DAYTIME MEDICAL SHELTER 523 DAYS

2853 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970-256-9424

Website: www.homewardboundgj.org - e-mail: homewardboundvc@gmail

March 2012

Building a lasting legacy H

abitat for Humanity of Mesa County needs your help, now more than ever.

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to develop communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends. Habitat affiliates across the country operate separately and rely on donations in their service areas to provide financial stability. In addition to your regular contribution, there are several ways you can make a significant future gift to us while retaining or increasing the income you receive from your current assets.

Please consult with an attorney or tax advisor prior to making any planned gifts.

Consider the many ways you may leave your legacy for Habitat: Cash - All cash donations are deductible. Make year-end gifts, or make a gift in memory or honor of a friend or loved one, perhaps on the occasion of a birthday, graduation, anniversary or other special day.

Life insurance - Do you have life insurance policies that are no longer needed? Consider either donating the life insurance policy to us, or simply naming us as the beneficiary.

Bequests - Anything you leave to Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County will reduce the size of your taxable estate while helping a good cause.

The full amount of your cash donation goes to build homes in Mesa County, as our ReStore covers all of our overhead costs.

Securities - Stocks and publicly traded securities are easy to give and offer great tax advantages.

The best stocks to use for charitable giving are those that have increased

greatly in value, particularly those producing a low yield.

Bank accounts and CDs - You can name Mesa County Habitat as the “payable on death beneficiary” of your bank accounts or on certificates of deposit.

Retirement plan assets - Because our tax laws often subject retirement plan assets to the highest combined income and estate taxes, charitable donations of these assets may be the most efficient way to minimize tax ramifications.

Real estate - A gift of real estate offers you the opportunity to make a significant charitable contribution with a tax-friendly outcome. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

Retained life estate - Did you know that you can transfer the deed of your personal residence, land or farm to us now and keep the right to use the property for your lifetime and that of your spouse?

Charitable gift annuity - This is a wonderful way to increase income from stocks that pay small dividends and carry heavy capital gains.

Charitable remainder trust - This is a trust that will pay the donor (and one or more other named beneficiaries, if desired) a fixed or variable income depending on the type of trust selected. Why not name Habitat of Mesa County as the beneficiary?

Charitable lead trust - This type of trust pays income to one or more charitable organizations, such as Habitat of Mesa County, typically for a period of years, and then the remaining assets of the trust pass to noncharitable beneficiaries, such as family members.

To discuss these options, contact Amy Rogers at arogers@hfhmesa. org or 234-0423. Also, visit their website at www.hfhmesa.org. ■

Did you know?

98 percent of people 50 and older make charitable contributions. They are charitable, even in our depressed economy, 74 percent of seniors made donations last year.

March 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Create a Legacy 15

Pass on your legacy to a child in need with Partners F

or the past 35 years, Partners has been honored to work with the most devoted board members, volunteers and financial supporters in the Grand Valley.

Partners also has Joe Higgins at its helm. One can literally walk into the Partners building with no formal orientation and immediately know that Partners lives and breathes kids.

The Partners culture is to be involved in the community’s youth as a principle, not a job. A sign in the entryway of the Partners building reads, “One hundred years from now, it won’t matter what car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like, but the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”

Higgins lives and breathes the essence of this quote. He goes far beyond his role as Partners’ executive director and has personally been a mentor to many youth, including a young man named Felipe.

“My former junior partner, Felipe, tells the story of how he could have

Joe Higgins began to impact the life of his junior partner, Felipe, in 1994.

Felipe now works with Higgins and Partners, supervising youth much like his younger self.

been involved in a serious crime back in 1994,” Higgins wrote. “Rather than hanging out with his peer, who is now serving a life sentence in the department of corrections, Felipe was with me on a hike in Glade Park. It is clear to Felipe and me that a mentoring relationship can change two lives for the better.”

Felipe now works in the Community Service Restitution Program here at Partners, supervising youth much like his younger self.

Higgins has served since 1987 on the State Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Council. In 1994, he was an appointed member of the state commission to Rewrite the Colorado Children’s Code. Since 1990, he has been a member of the Mesa County Community Corrections Board.

Because the Mesa County Partners program has been so successful, in January 2011, Higgins and Tina McGuinness of Gunnison Partners, were asked to take the Partners model overseas. The country of Georgia has been quick to incarcerate juveniles,

but creative leaders were looking for a better way.

Higgins and McGuinness helped the Georgian Ministry of Justice, the U.S. Embassy/U.S. State Department and the United Nations Association of Georgia start a Partners model mentoring program. In Georgian, the program is called “Chemi Uprosi Megobari”—My Elder Friend. One year later, many Georgian youth are being matched with trained volunteers instead of being incarcerated.

It is a struggle to describe Higgins in so few sentences. He deserves volumes. Our community has been fortunate to have a creative leader driven to make caring about kids a fundamental part of its culture. His achievements are huge, as thousands of youth have been impacted by Partners. For Higgins, that is not yet enough. He will be in the office early tomorrow, still working tirelessly for the future of our youth. If that involves a raft trip or two, I’m sure he’s in. ■

We offer independent senior and family housing, home health services, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation, and assisted living.

Home Health of Western Colorado Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services (970) 240-0139

Senior CommUnity Meals A community based Meal Program (970) 835-8028

Senior CommUnity Care – PACE A program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (970) 252-0522

Senior Housing Grand View Meadowlark Court Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO 970-256-9904 970-252-8272 Centennial Towers Montrose, CO 970-240-0110 Cimarron Village Montrose, CO 970-249-2010

The Homestead at Montrose Assisted Living, Respite Care, Adult Day Program (970) 252-9359

Valley Manor Care Center Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care (970) 249-9634

Montrose Rehabilitation Center Inpatient/Outpatient Rehabilitation (970) 249-9634

Heavens View Delta, CO 970-874-5021 Family Housing Pavilion Gardens Montrose, CO 970-249-1200

Horizons Healthcare & Retirement Community Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation (970) 835-3113