Grand Junction, CO April 2025 by City Lifestyle

Successful Investing

How do you define success in your life? Is it through a relational approach? Your family, friends or God? Or is it more how much money you earn, or your standing in the community? Or is it based on how big your company has grown?

One way to measure success is through the lens of an investor. Every day you could determine where to maximize your investment of money, talent, time, energy and relationships. Investment choices are not always easy, but they are an intricate part of how we live our lives. For example, do I spend more time at work or do I put in extra time on helping my kids with school or sports? Or do I volunteer to serve people in my community or go work on my golf game? Do I spend as much time building a relationship with my spouse as I do researching investing on Wall Street?

Each of these things are important, but the question is what do I invest the most in? And how does it benefit me in the long run? Everyone’s answers are different, and that’s ok. Our priorities tend to dictate our decisions. But take a closer look and see if you can make adjustments here and there.

I tend to invest more in the relational areas of my life. My religion, family and friends are my top priorities. However, I need to start trying to spend more time investing in my health and planning for my future. I just need to make a few adjustments with my time and energy to accomplish this. You don’t necessarily need to overhaul your life, or maybe you do, but it is completely based on your willingness on what to invest in, in your life.

In this issue we give you a few ideas on “Investing” that we hope you enjoy!

Happy Investing!

TIFFINIE

STORM, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

April 2025

PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Tiffinie Storm | tiffinie.storm@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Scott Fairbanks, Tiffinie Storm, Roger Lake, Bailey Morris, Angela Brookerd, REC Staff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lily Caldwell, Julie Carlson, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

1: When the Lion is fed it gives back great grants to deserving community causes. 2: This year’s “posse”. 3: Carnival goers had a “tiggerific” time.

4: Greeting carnival goers with a grin 5: Piglet isn’t so timid when helping out the Lions. 6: This year’s carnival was a “sa-weeet” experience. 7: Giving through a silent auction speaks louder than words. Photography by Kristen Lynn Photography

8: Art Center Director, Lee Borden and Guests at the event. Photography by Julie Carlson of The Art Center

business monthly

New Location - Main Street

Now located at 545 Main Street in Grand Junction, you can once again walk in and get your favorite fresh fruit creations from Willy and his staff. Custom dipped strawberries, ice sculptures and intricate fruit carvings make amazing centerpieces for any event. Be sure to check out the display at Viva el Vino in Palisade happening this month too. Scan to read more

Newly Credentialed Canine/Feline Veterinarian

VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital introduces its newest veterinarian with recent board certification in both canine and feline internal medicine.

Starfish Gala

Save the date for this year's Starfish Gala supporting the vital work of Foster Alumni mentors.

May 10th in the CMU ballroom. Doors open at 5 PM. Dinner, organization and achievements presentation and a grand time for all who attend. See their website for more details. fosteralumnimentors.org

“NOW, THAT MAN’S A COACH!”

Bus BergmanLocal Legend

ARTICLE BY SCOTT FAIRBANKS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY CALDWELL

Shortly before he died, Bus's daughter, Jane Norton, former CO, Lt. Governor to Bill Owens said, "Good news dad; there's baseball in heaven". He replied, "I hope they'll let me hit."

Walter Bergman Senior, “Bus” to most, was a natural leader. From remarkable high school and college athletic performances to team leadership roles, coaching and distinguished military service, the man lived a legendary life but always said someone else was the hero.

His mentors? Coaches like Skinner Jr. High basketball coach, North Denver High football coach, Harry Hughes - (Hughes Stadium at CSU campus) - and others who helped shape his character. Youth need quality mentors who can be trusted to guide and inspire greatness through character and by examples.

Bus became the leading HS running back in Colorado even though he didn't play football until his senior year; top scoring player in basketball his senior year and hit a buzzer-beater to win the last state championship North High has earned, to date. Through college, he led among his peers, serving as student body president, and team captain for both football and basketball his senior year at Colorado A & M (now CSU).

He was a "late bloomer" until senior year of HS, growing to 6' 2" and 220#. Formidable on the field, his nickname came partly from the size. Two stories fit, to his family, about the nickname Bus. Some people started calling him Buster after the WWII era comic strip character Buster Brown - also large in stature. Others said trying to tackle him was like trying to tackle a bus - long before Steelers hall of famer, Jerome Bettis was dubbed "the Bus".

Bus and teammate, Red Eastlac, who both lettered in athletics 10 times at CO A&M, signed their USMC enlistment papers mid-court during one college basketball game in 1942 shortly after

WWII began in an effort to help the Marines recruit more troops, leading by example. (Bus also hit a buzzer beater, game-winning shot against big rival CU during his senior year.) Lettering was limited to sophomores and upper classmen then and each had earned their letter in football, basketball and baseball and each limited to once per year. Following the war, those governing college sports allowed an additional year of athletics eligibility and both were allowed to letter in baseball again. At the time it was considered a minor sport.

Recruiting those with college degrees to military service meant assigning leadership commissions right after completing basic training. There was little formal officer training up front; after all it was wartime.

When USMC forces took a key position on Okinawa, serious combat supply shortages arose; ammunition in particular. Counter offensives made resupplying crucial. Then 1st Lt. Walter Bergman, earned the Bronze star for heroic actions and the meritorious V for valor on the night of May, 18-19, 1945. Through his own initiative, he organized resupply routes for three companies under his command - on foot, the only way to achieve it. He was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptional merit under combat conditions and the "V" for valor for his leadership and personal risk while coordinating with and personally visiting troops on the front lines during the barrage.

Following his completion of graduate school back at A&M, and declining a pro football contract to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Bus accepted the head football coach position at Fort Lewis College in Durango. When asked why he would

At first sight, Tommy Lasorda (Dodgers), guest speaker at JUCO, “Now that man’s a coach!” “ ”

turn down one of the most lucrative offers ever made by the Eagles he simply told them, “I lifted some heavy things in the Marines and hurt my back.” What he didn’t tell most people and few ever knew, was that the injuries occurred in combat as he carried one after another of his comrades from the battlefield, often under heavy fire.

Leading Ft. Lewis to their only undefeated season - to date - in 1947, was achieved with his half brother, Bill Noxon playing on the team he coached. Bill scored at least one touchdown in every game he played for Ft. Lewis. After two winning seasons there Bus got a visit from a fishing buddy who was the Athletic Director at Grand Junction’s Mesa College and was told by this

“buddy” Jay Tolman, that he wasn’t going home until Bus agreed to become the head coach for football and baseball at Mesa. After four days, Bus told his wife, “I think he’s serious. I better take the job.” Thus began his time in Grand Junction. Besides the love of sports and fly fishing, Bus and Jay had another common bond. Both grew up without their birth fathers. Jay’s dad died from a serious baseball injury when Jay was a young boy (under 12) and Bus’s dad died from appendicitis complications when Bus was only two years old. Perhaps having that in common was one of the things that made their friendship so strong and their working relationship so successful. CONTINUED

JUCO’s story has been told many ways. This year with the help of Bus’s son Walt, we can share a little more of the roots and look further forward too.

As early as 1954 the idea of a national tournament for JUCO Baseball was taking roots with Walter “Bus” Bergman while he coached Mesa College and the GJ Eagles Semi Pro team. Then, there were no major-league teams west of the Missouri River. His time as head coach of the Eagles took the team multiple times to the American Baseball Congress tournament in Wichita, Kansas and he gained valuable insights into how a tournament could be organized and operated. One day while discussing the idea with Jay Tolman in the basement office of Wuben Hall, the “old man”, Dr Horace Wuben, frequent eavesdropper, overheard Bus say, “wonder what the ‘old man’ would think of the idea”. At that point Dr. Wuben emerged from his listening place and said, “the ‘old man’ loves the idea”!

Finally in 1958 the first JUCO baseball tournament, poorly attended and by all accounts pretty miserable for players and meager fanbase alike, was held in Miami, Oklahoma. It didn’t take long for Bus and a few other founding influencers to get busy advocating for the tournament to come to

Grand Junction. To say “the rest is history” would be a huge understatement. In recent years the community has made immense improvements to Suplizio field and to the football side of the Lincoln Park sportsplex as well, investing a combined $19 Million in improvement projects, leading to the current agreement which secures GJ as JUCO’s home through 2044. What a legacy!

“Humble and confident, the guy everyone wanted to hang out with,” is how one admirer described Bus. His son Walt said this about another recurring statement; “People would say ‘being with Bus in public was like being with a celebrity’. ” Walt remembers going for a five minute walk downtown which turned into 20 minutes or more because everybody wanted to talk with his dad. .

At the memorial service for Bus his grandson said something like this: “I hope I can accomplish even a small fraction of what he did in his lifetime.”

Special thanks to Walt Bergman who shared a close up view of his dad’s story. There’s so much more to tell than time or space permits. Though just scratching the surface, together with those who knew him best, we hope our community is inspired by knowing more of the story that goes with the name Bus Bergman.

INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS

REC IS ABOUT OPPORTUNITY

ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF, REC STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

REC STAFF

Vision - Riverside Education Centers envisions a community where all students realize their goals and fulfill their dreams.

Beginnings - As a former third grade teacher, Mary Spirio saw first-hand the lack of academic support many students experienced outside of school. She envisioned a program that removes the barriers to learning and opportunity that many kids face.

In January 2006, Mary opened the doors of the Riverside Educational Center (REC), a nonprofit organization assisting 22 students with their homework. Her initial vision was to provide no-cost, after-school tutoring

for the elementary and middle school kids of the Riverside neighborhood, with additional efforts made to provide them with diverse learning opportunities through enrichment classes.

By REC’s 10th anniversary in 2016, REC had grown to serve 150 kindergarten through 12th grade students in three locations. Mary had moved on, but she left the organization in the capable hands of current REC Executive Director Joy Hudak, with the strong support of a dedicated Board of Directors.

“I am a strong supporter and advocate for REC.” - Niki Hunn

Since then, in partnership with Mesa County Valley School District 51, REC has expanded to a total of 16 tutoring sites serving more than 1100 students.

REC programming has developed into so much more than after-school tutoring. On-site enrichment classes include an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)-based topics. Outdoor programming is supported by strong partnerships with other organizations within the Grand Valley community. A focus on community building is strengthened through parent engagement and

by staff committed to creating a nurturing environment for learning.

REC’s mission to provide academic support in a safe and supportive environment, to provide diverse learning opportunities, and to foster social and emotional development will continue to be a guiding force as it looks for new opportunities to impact kids in the Grand Valley who need

Present day - “Riverside educational Center is an essential, vital part of our community to protect our young children school aged from falling through the cracks. They provide the support that some families are unable to provide. Some examples would be tutoring, taking them on trips, teaching them how to deal with emotional situations, and many, many more. The success rate of REC students is very high, especially the graduation rates! They are much more apt to go to college as well and further their education. Mostly in part because they are taught how critical it is to get educated when they are young. Many of these children didn’t have an understanding of how crucial education was until they were taught through REC. I am a strong supporter and advocate for the Riverside Educational Center!”

Niki Hunn - 2024-2025 President, Rotary Club of Grand Junction

ADUs - WHAT AND Why

What is an ADU and why should I consider it?

Currently Mesa County has a shortage of affordable housing approximately 4,000 units over the available rentals and under construction or approved permit locations.

Reports from the Grand Junction Housing Authority indicate that even with the many hundreds of units approved or already in construction there are nowhere near enough units that can be rented for a rate that meets the requirements to be considered “Affordable.”

Spelled with a capital “A”, Affordable means rent is less than one third the median household income for the area. Spelled with a lower case “a”, affordable means less than one third the average “affluent” income. Mesa County historically lags behind many areas in the country when it comes to wages and especially in the past decade, the area has outpaced many areas in property value growth and rent increases, making things progressively more difficult for those earning median income levels or less.

So how does this pertain to ADU’s? Oh yeah, and just exactly what is that? ADU stands for accessory (pronounced ak-sesoree) dwelling unit. Estimates suggest that nearly half of the current shortfall could be remedied by homeowners with

ARTICLE BY ROGER LAKE

adequate lot space building or converting outbuildings for residential living on their properties. As recently as a year ago Mesa County was offering significant incentives for these types of building projects including reduced and, in some cases, waived fees for permitting and utility placement.

Grand Valley Connects is one of the programs serving our community with Navigators who are trained and active in seeking out housing options for those with income, disability and mobility challenges. Some resources, like a recently discontinued directory of available rental units, have begun to make these challenges even more difficult. On average, an individual ADU built from scratch will cost around $200,000 for a two bedroom two bath dwelling. A new home similarly equipped on its own lot would cost closer to $325k with comparable living space.

One benefit to adding an ADU is the equity enhancement to a property. Whether refinancing or making a payment to cover financing an ADU, the cashflow is nearly always positive enough to justify the expense. If building to accommodate a family member or to provide an “A”fordable dwelling for lower income renters such as seniors on a fixed income, the equity improvement may still outpace the cost of ownership. If investing for additional cash flow, STR (short term rental) managers can make it somewhat passive to operate and booking services like Air B&B and VRBO have well established track records for vetting vacation renters, generally yielding much higher positive cash flow than long term leases. If you choose to act on this idea, be sure to check HOA covenants and local regulations for property use to be sure you stay in the clear with code compliance.

Since incentives change over time, if you are interested in the possibilities of an ADU on your property, checking with the building department for current conditions is the way to go.

INVEST IN YOUR GREENS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JANIE JONES

Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.

DANDELION GREENS:

Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.

BROCCOLI:

Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS:

Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.

KALE:

Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.

ARTICHOKES:

Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.

ASPARAGUS:

Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.

SPINACH:

Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.

APRIL 9TH

Poetry Night at the Library with Western Colorado Writers Forum

Central Library, 443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 6:00 PM

Poetry Night at the Library is a monthly program at the Mesa County Library. Each month poets are invited to read their work based on a previous month’s challenge, or any other poem they’d like to read. No poetry experience is required – all are welcome!

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

Recurrence: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Wednesday

APRIL 9TH

Amy Maples, Soprano

Moss Performing Arts Center Love Recital Hall 1221 N. 12th St., Grand Junction | 7:30 PM

A Tennessee native, Amy made Colorado her home in 2013 and has since become a go-to soprano on the Colorado circuit. Amy’s desire to bring the transformative experience of live classical music to all types of people led her to develop Contemplative Concerts during which audiences may enjoy the music in whatever way they choose.

Price: $15-$20

Tickets:(970) 986-3000

APRIL 10TH - 11TH

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

Asteria Theatre 864 Bunting Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 7:30 PM

For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo-known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits-has touched the lives of millions of fans. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, experiencing Theresa Caputo live is the awe-inspiring event you won't want to miss.

Price: $49-$149

Tickets: (970) 986-3000

APRIL 13TH

Sensory Hour at Dinosaur Journey

550 Jurassic Court Fruita, CO 81521 | 9:00 AM

We understand that sensory sensitivities can make social events challenging. That’s why we’re creating a low-sensory environment for this event. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience at Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, Colorado!

Price: $5

Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday

Tickets: (970) 242-0971

APRIL 19TH

State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Sleeping Beauty

Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, CO | 6:00 PM

Experience the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty brought to life in a mesmerizing ballet performed by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a masterpiece of classical ballet. Book your tickets now and be enchanted by Sleeping Beauty!

Doors Open @5PM

Prices: P1 $85 - P2 $75 - P3 $55 - P4 $45

APRIL 25TH

Viva el Vino

Wine Country Inn, Palisade | 6:00 PM

An evening filled with an array of flavors and all for the benefit of local organizations doing great work throughout our Mesa County community.

APRIL 25TH - 26TH

Seussical the Musical

Avalon Theatre 645 Main Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 | 7:00 PM

Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical TYA is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors and students, $10 children 10 and under Tickets available through Ticketmaster and The Avalon Theatre Box Office

Tickets: (970) 260-7706

APRIL 26TH

Southwest Arbor Fest

North 12th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 at Lincoln Park | 9:00 AM

Free tree seedling, participate in a silent auction to bring home a larger tree, sign up for the City's private ash treatment, silent auction and more.

Arbor Activities 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Hazardous Waste Recycling 9 a.m. - Noon | Craft Beer Tasting 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Pricing: Free festival, Craft Beer Tasting $20 - 25.

APRIL 26TH

Shriners' Children's Gala

743 Horizon Dr Grand Junction, CO 81506 Double Tree Inn | 5:30 PM

Join us in the Ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel in Grand Junction for an evening of fun and purpose. Your attendance will help us bring ‘Love to the rescue!’ to children in need.

Dress is Cowboy Formal, jeans, button down shirt, and a jacket.

For more information call (970) 245-2277

Price: $150 Per Person

MAY 2ND

Matt Mathews: Boujee on a Budget Tour

159 Main Street Grand Junction, CO 81501, Avalon Theater | 7:00 PM

Doors Open @6PM

In a short amount of time, Matt has skyrocketed into the social media stratosphere through his hilariously raw social posts, side-splitting short-form videos and stand-up clips–earning him over 4.8 million followers on TikTok and over 2 million followers on Instagram.

Price: P1 $57.50 - P2 $47.50 - P3 $37.50 - P4 $29.50

Tickets: (970) 263-5700

MAY 3RD - 4TH

Ode to Joy with the GJSO Chorus

1400 N 5th St Grand Junction, CO 81501, Grand Junction High School | 7:30 PM

Sat, May 3, 2025 7:30 pm / Sun, May 4, 2025 3:00 pm - 2hr

Aptly named Ode to Joy this concert will move you to your core from its loud and dramatic opening with Verdi’s “Force of Destiny” and finishing with the transcendent power of Beethoven’s immortal 9th Symphony.

Price; $5.00-$55.00

Tickets: (970) 243-6787

Building The Perfect Flower Bed

How To Build Your Spring Time Flower Beds

With sunny skies upon us, it’s time to start planting flower beds! The colorful flowers and fresh floral scents mark the beginning of Spring. It can be hard deciding what you’re going to do so we put together a guide to give you a little gardening inspiration. With everything you need to know including plant necessities and tastefully decorating your garden, we have you covered!

ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

TAKE COLOR INTO ACCOUNT

Decide on a color scheme that includes 2-3 colors that complement each other.

CONSIDER PLANT HEIGHT

When choosing which plants you will use, take into consideration how tall the plants will grow and place the tallest in the back.

USE THE RIGHT SOIL

Different flowers have different soil requirements. Make sure you check what soil will fit your plants' needs best.

SUN AND WATER REQUIREMENTS

Look at the location of the flower beds. Is it in a sunny area or a shady area? Depending, make sure you choose flowers that will thrive in that area.