HOW LOVE IS CENTRAL TO WELLNESS
UPCYCLING THE WEST
THOSE WHO CARE, THOSE WHO SERVED
Lifestyle Letter
We all have someone whom we love dearly. We want to make sure they are fed, clothed, have shelter. We want to protect them from danger, help them grow, and teach them everything we can. We do all of this for one simple reason. Love.
In 2025 I am hoping that the concept of brotherly love becomes the norm. It’s a simple vision. But, it can only exist if we choose to unite and be led by the love we have inside us. We have to put aside our differences and divisions and not let hate determine the direction of our lives. Brotherly love is “showing kindness and compassion towards others without expecting anything in return.”
Can we imagine a community of love? What would it take to build it? Are we willing to put aside our prejudices and invest in this undertaking?
Here are a few ideas on where we can start.
• Treating others with respect
• Forgiving
• Self-control
• Generosity
• Kindness and compassion
• Looking out for one another
It is the little things that sometimes matter most. When you see an opportunity to help or do good for someone, take it. It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture or even take up much of your time. Sometimes small acts of kindness are the easiest to do and end up meaning the most to somebody who isn’t expecting it.
There is plenty of love out there in the world; you just have to open your eyes and look for it. Everyone is going through something right now and showing more love and compassion in the world is never a bad idea. Take some time this month, not just on Valentine's Day, to spread kindness, love, gratitude and friendship. It truly makes each and every day of our lives and those we touch so much better.
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Tiffinie Storm | tiffinie.storm@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Shelby Lee, Tiffinie Storm, Faith Rodriguez, John Heffner, April Schulte-Barclay
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Faith Rodriguez, John Heffner, Shelby Lee, Lisa "Moose" Kral, Jamie Zartman
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: This partygoer is gettin’ her kicks for NYE at Peche in Palisade. 2: New Year festivities keep the “Merry and Bright” of Holiday Season 20242025 going strong! 3: Finishing touches by le chef du cuisine. 4: New Year crudites, Some chefs say you eat with your eyes first. Lookin’ tasty. 5: Freshly launched for 2025, 13 Brix Smokehouse BBQ. 6: As “The Mask” would put it, “SSSSMMOHHKIN”! 7: Rib-Stickin’, Smile-Makin’ goood BBQ. Happy New Year to your taste-buds, bud! Photography by Lisa “Moose” Kral, Dancing In My Head Photography
8: Lee Borden, Art Center Executive Director, with Gaynell Colaric. 9: Entertainers: Abigail Mangum, Kaeden Claeyo, Dana Lyn Schmidt, Gabe Gallegos, Lee Borden, Becca Burr, Amelia Burr, Olivia Burr 10: Kel Hogue 11: Getting ready for the toast when the ball drops in NYC’s Times Square. 12: Abigail Magnum 13: Jan McRae, Peter Booth, Sharon Pearson, Tanya Davis 14: Brenna Fowler Photography by Julie Carlson - The Art Center
15: Guests checking in for First-Day Hike at Highline Visitors Center 16: Hikers search for answers and learn the impact of “light polution”. 17: Hikers on the Highline loop, a little over three miles. 18: Hikers try to solve a mystery with clues along the trail. Who stole the Milky-Way? 19: The Milky Way is missing from the night sky. Suspects and victims are named. 20: Highline’s new campground on the west side is dark-sky certified for night-sky exploration. 21: The view from Mack Mesa Reservoir Photography by Highline Lake State Park Staff
FORGING ART from Scrap:
THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF COLORADO'S JEFF BATES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAITH RODRIGUEZ
Jeff Bates, a distinguished metal artist based in Fruita, Colorado, has garnered acclaim for his innovative sculptures that transform discarded materials into captivating works of art. His creations, which include sculptures, fences, gates, benches, and furniture, are celebrated for their unique aesthetic and functional design.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Bates’ journey into metal artistry began during his high school years in Oklahoma, where he learned basic welding skills from his Future Farmers of America (FFA) teacher. This foundational experience led him to weld for the oilfield while attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he majored in law enforcement and wildlife conservation, and minored in industrial arts, graduating in 1981.
TRANSITION TO ARTISTRY
By the mid-80s, Jeff and his family relocated to Crested Butte, Colorado. There, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and in law enforcement but spent his days off creating unique furniture, and artwork, and selling them locally. In 1998, the family moved to Fruita, Colorado where Jeff dedicated himself fully to his art. Bates’ business flourished, supplying artwork to numerous stores and shops, not only in Colorado, but all over the Southwest.
ARTISTIC STYLE AND PHILOSOPHY
Working in a Southwestern/ Steampunk/ Cowboy style, Bates is renowned for repurposing discarded materials, giving new life to items others might consider junk. For his lifelike sculptures, his creative process involves studying photographs of his subjects, understanding their musculature and proportions, and meticulously scaling his sculptures, often to 1.5 times life-size. He constantly checks measurements during welding to ensure accuracy. He has referred to his art career as an "evolution from all different directions".
NOTABLE WORKS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Bates’ contributions to public art are significant, particularly in the Grand Junction area. His sculptures are featured in multiple traffic circles including the roundabout at 24 and G roads. Benches and bike racks are scattered through the city’s parks, and sidewalks. Large scale artwork adorns several fire stations. All enhancing the city’s visual landscape. Jeff recently installed his second sculpture in downtown Grand Junction for the 40th - year celebration of Art on the Corner. Jeff said, "I am proud to be a part of this long standing event." "Self Reflection" received
2nd place in the Best in Show category. His work is also present in other states, reflecting a broader appreciation for his artistry.
One of his notable projects includes a metal sculpture that honors the community’s past and present, showcasing his commitment to creating art that resonates with local history and culture.
RECOGNITION AND IMPACT
Regarding Art on the Corner, Jeff said, "I am proud to be a part of this long standing event."
Bates’ work has been featured in various publications, highlighting his unique approach to metal art and his contributions to the cultural fabric of Western Colorado. His ability to transform scrap metal into aesthetically pleasing and functional pieces has earned him a reputation as a skilled and innovative artist.
CONCLUSION
Jeff Bates exemplifies the transformative power of art, turning discarded materials into creations that enrich public spaces and reflect the spirit of the community. His dedication to his craft and his ability to blend functionality with artistic expression make him a prominent figure in Colorado’s art scene and a local artist we are proud to have in the valley. To learn more about Jeff, go to his website at skyriverranch.com or follow him on Facebook at Jeff Bates Art.
ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABODE HOSPICE
Caring for you, where you are.
Quality Care,
Anywhere
When hospice care is needed, there are a number of things to consider. Western Colorado families frequently want service that can come to them at home, in a nursing facility or long-term assisted living, which sometimes includes memory-care. Shelby Lee, Community Liaison for Abode Hospice of Western Colorado said this about the team in our community: “Our hospice team provides compassionate, around-the-clock care to ensure your loved ones are supported even during holidays or overnight.”
Since 2017 Abode Hospice has been giving personalized care to the families of western Colorado in Mesa, Garfield, Delta and Montrose counties. Owned by a western slope family in Durango, Abode has formed a partnership with Bright Spring Health Services for regulatory compliance oversight and to have access to broader resources in personalized care for their patients. As a result, Abode maintains one of the highest ratings by Central Medicare Service (CMS) in quality of care.
Supervised by a medical director who is a practicing medical doctor and a registered nurse clinical supervisor, Abode holds a western slope staff of just over 30 caregivers who administer specialized care wherever the patient is located. Many patients are able to receive care in their own home even when specialized care is required. With the monitoring technology and personalized care plans designed for each patient’s individual needs, those under the care of Abode have the highest likelihood of staying where they are most comfortable and near family and friends for as long as possible.
For many, even most people, the topic of endof-life care can be uncomfortable and unsettling. Part of how this is caringly navigated comes back to the 24/7 availability of caregivers including holidays, combined with personalized care plans that take into account the needs of family members as well. When a spouse has been the primary caregiver for someone needing constant care, it often becomes exhausting mentally, emotionally and physically. Having some relief to the rigor of 24/7 care emphasizes the importance of self-care when looking after a loved one.
Witnessing that relief in action is one of the greatest rewards for those who do this invaluable work of caring for those in the winding-up scenes of their lifetimes.
“OUR WHY: OUR HOSPICE TEAM PROVIDES COMPASSIONATE, AROUNDTHE-CLOCK CARE TO ENSURE YOUR LOVED ONES ARE SUPPORTED EVEN DURING HOLIDAYS OR OVERNIGHT.”
- SHELBY LEE, MHA, BA COMMUNITY LIAISON
FOR ABODE HOSPICE, WESTERN COLORADO
LOVE YOUR HEART
When it comes to your health, what does love have to do with it? The answer is: It has everything to do with it.
When we think of love, we often think about love as it relates to relationships, whether it is romantic love, love within a family, between friends,
"SELF-LOVING: A
You can feel the effects of emotions in your body in real time as you conjure the idea of the emotion. As an exercise, close your eyes and think of one of the emotions listed under love and pay attention to your body’s response. Notice your heart rate, your
PERSON THINKS AND ACTS
LIKE BOTH SELF AND OTHERS MATTER."
or with pets. Studies show experiencing loving relationships improves cardiovascular health, boosts immune function, speeds healing time, and has even been shown to lengthen our life expectancy. If love results in the warm embrace of a hug, the hormone oxytocin (nicknamed the “love hormone”) is released, which is attributed to developing bonding and trust within relationships.
However, the definition of love can be defined much more broadly than love within relationships. Love can be defined as one of two primary emotions, the second primary emotion being fear. It has been said all emotions stem from one of those two emotions. For example, gratitude, joy, and happiness are extensions of love, while anger, jealousy, and anxiety are extensions of fear.
breath and other sensations in your body. Then, perform the same exercise thinking of one of the fear-based emotions. Notice where in your body you feel various sensations. For example, we often feel physiological changes in the chest, stomach, and head. You may notice that the location of where you feel the sensations is where you tend to develop chronic symptoms like heart palpitations, stomach aches, or headaches, respectively.
Once you realize your emotions have a direct tie to your physical health, it is exciting to realize you hold the power to improve your health picture and alleviate many symptoms on your own by simply choosing love. You literally have the beautiful power to feel great, mentally, emotionally and physically because you can choose to live within love.
THE BEAUTY OF BEING HUMAN IS WHAT BRINGS ONE JOY — WHAT BRINGS OTHERS JOY.
If simply choosing love seems almost too good to be possible or you think it seems too self-serving to choose love, it may help to have a roadmap to understanding the difference between being selfless, selfish, and self-loving. Psychologist and life coach, Dr. Paula King, distinguishes the three in the following manner:
Selfish- a person thinks and acts as if they matter, and others do not.
Selfless- a person thinks and acts like others matter and they do not.
Self-loving- means a person thinks and acts like both self and others matter. This person seeks to know and understand themselves and seeks the same with others. This person negotiates differences with others and works to collaborate on solutions to problems.
Being self-loving can be explored more deeply when we seek to “understand ourselves” by living within the purview of what brings us joy within our personal value systems. The beauty of being human is what brings one joy — what brings others joy. When we choose to be intentional about finding and living in joy, we are choosing to be self-loving. Since love breeds health, we get to enjoy being healthy and we can contribute to the health of our world.
Close to Home & Close to Your Heart
NURTURING THE NURTURER
ARTICLE BY TIFFINIE STORM
CARE, FOR THE CAREGIVERS
Caring for another person can be a profound act of compassion. However, it is a role that can impact both the physical and mental well-being, and bring about a large amount of stress for the caregiver.
The demands of caregiving can feel overwhelming. Managing medications, medical appointments, transportation, providing emotional support and daily living can become all consuming. Whether you are caring for a disabled loved one, an aging parent, a chronically ill friend, either in a hospital setting, at home or an assisted living facility, it is a huge responsibility.
The caregiver’s own health is often overlooked. The immune system weakens with chronic stress making the person susceptible to illnesses. It can cause depression, anxiety and other medical challenges that are often magnified by the dedication of oneself entirely to another’s care.
Another aspect of caregiver stress is the financial one. Many caregivers are forced to reduce their hours of work or completely leave their jobs to care full time for others.
Prioritizing your well-being will improve your quality of life and the ability to provide care and compassion to others. Remember, taking care of yourself is necessary, not selfish. Practicing self-care benefits both you and your loved one in the long run. It’s ok to seek support and take time to recharge from the demands of caregiving.
Not taking the time to avoid this kind of burn-out can lead to compassion fatigue which has been linked to a host of complications mentally and physically.
*Take care of your own health. If you are not well, you cannot take care of others. Make time for exercise, eating nutritious meals, and regular check-ups. Your health is just as important.
If you can’t take care of yourself, you aren’t able to care for others.
*Accept support from others. Knowing your limits and saying no to other things is okay. Asking for help is important. Overworking yourself can lead to resentment and burnout.
*Take breaks. Read a book, go for a walk, meditate, or just relax. Find something that helps you recharge and make it a priority.
*Self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. Mistakes are inevitable, so is frustration. However, showing yourself compassion and understanding is important.
*Make connections. Don’t give up on the relationships you have outside of your caregiving. Socializing with friends and staying involved in the things you are interested in is much needed. It will help prevent you from feeling alienated or isolated.
*Seek professional help if needed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious, seek professional help. Therapy is a valuable support that can help with the toll of caregiving.
*Find other caregivers to help with relief. Respite provides much needed, temporary care for your loved one. Hiring additional caregivers can offer assistance with caregiving duties to help ease the burden.
*Learn about local resources. There are helpful resources in the community that can assist you with your needs. This doesn’t have to be something you do alone.
*Communication. It is of utmost importance to communicate with your loved one's physician or other health care providers. Prepare a list of essential questions before hand, to help you be prepared for the appointment. Be assertive and ask questions. It is important that you get as much information as you can. It is also your right to know what kind of care they are providing for your loved one. This ensures their safety and their care and helps you feel better prepared for what is in store.
*Set Realistic Expectations. Accept that you are doing the best you can in a very demanding role. Allow yourself some grace and don’t expect perfection. Celebrate small victories along the way. Those moments can be a source of encouragement and motivation, no matter how minor they may seem. They help you stay positive in the face of difficulty.
*Self Reflection. Consider keeping a journal to document your feelings. Self-reflection brings care-givers valuable insight into their emotional and mental well-being. It helps in identifying stress triggers and helps explore coping mechanisms. It allows adjustments to your self-care as needed.
*Personal Growth. Continual learning is a powerful tool for personal development. Workshops, webinars, and trainings can enhance your care-giving role. It is also an investment in your own personal growth journey. It allows you to stay empowered and well-equipped to provide the best care you can.
While caring for others is a selfless and honorable endeavor, it is crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being. By prioritizing self-care and seeking support you are more able to approach caregiving with a balanced and sustainable mindset.
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
THE SCOTTSDALE LURE OF
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale —also known as Old Town
Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm (including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail .
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor minigolf destination Puttshack . What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
“WITH FEW RAINY DAYS, IT’S EASY TO PLAN YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES WITHOUT WORRY. YES, THOUGH, THE SUMMER GETS HOT. BUT THE REST OF THE YEAR? PERFECTION.”
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
PLAY
Like golf? There are more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there is a course for you. One of the most popular in the area is the TPC Scottsdale as it is the locale of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended golf tournament in the world.
For most of the year, Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures, making spending a day splashing in a pool a perfect choice. Many local resorts have pool areas that feature fun extras such as water slides, lazy rivers, and even a cooled sand beach. And even if you’re not an on-site guest, you can often purchase a day pass to be on-site through ResortPass.com.
Of course, there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale is a popular mountain to hike (as is the iconic Camelback Mountain, which is located in nearby Phoenix), and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a park and trail system spread over 11 miles. Kids love McCormickStillman Railroad Park , which boasts a small-scale train that circles the park and plenty of play areas.
A destination filled with numerous attractions is A rizona Boardwalk , a center that includes Butterfly Wonderland , OdySea Aquarium , Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , Museum of Illusions , and more.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
Photo courtesy of Taliesin West
Photo by Michelle Glicksman
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
From mom-and-pop restaurants to those run by James Beard Award-winning chefs and celebrity chefs, Scottsdale has it all. There’s Luna by Giada , by famed chef and TV personality Giada de Laurentiis; Uchi by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole; FnB by James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman; and The Americano, which is helmed by celebrity chef and TV personality Beau MacMillan. Other local favorites are chef Joey Maggiore’s new The Italiano; Postino, for bruschetta and wine; Ocean 44 for seafood; and Old Town Tortilla Factory—which is set in a historic 75-year-old adobe home—for Southwestern with a Mexican twist.
If you’re looking for a night out, Downtown Scottsdale has the biggest concentration of clubs and bars. The walkable area has Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, El Hefe , Boondocks Patio & Grill , and many others.
If a more upscale lounge is your scene, check out the new Tell Your Friends speakeasy in North Scottsdale, located under The Americano restaurant.
EVENTS
Scottsdale is also known as a destination for events that draw attendees from around the world. Depending on your hobbies, time your visit to coincide with the one that interests you most. Golf lovers (and those who like to party) head to Scottsdale for the popular PGA tournament WM Phoenix Open , dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass,” also includes concerts with well-known musical acts. Auto enthusiasts flock here for Auto Week , which includes the famous Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction . In late February and through March, the MLB’s Spring Training takes over the Valley, with Scottsdale Stadium becoming the home of the San Francisco Giants. There’s showmanship at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and rivalry on the field at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Classic , which draws players from around the world and features polo matches, a fashion show, parties, and more. And in 2025, Art Week , the next big event in the art world, debuts in Scottsdale.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Fashion Square
Photo courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
Photo by Michelle Glicksman
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 6TH
Stayin' Alive - One Night of the Bee Gees
Avalon Theater | 7:30 PM
Favorite Gibbs brothers hits, one night only.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Cards for a Cause
Grand Junction Elks Lodge | 11:30 AM
Poker tournament supporting Marrillac Clinics and other local non-profits
FEBRUARY 8TH
Marimba Reflections
Asteria Theater CMU | 7:30 PM
GJ Symphony Orchestra performance - Guest Soloist, Lee Cantrell
FEBRUARY 9TH
Marimba reflections - matinee
Asteria Theater - CMU | 1:00 PM
GJSO Presents Lee Cantrell
FEBRUARY 11TH
Adrian Herrera - Jazz Trio
Asteria Theater- - CMU | 7:30 PM
CMU Professor performs with his ensemble.
FEBRUARY 12TH
Banff Mountain Film Festival - GJ Rotary Event
Asteria Theater - CMU | 6:00 PM
Films Start at 7pm
FEBRUARY 13TH
Banff Mountain Film Festival - Hosted by GJ Rotary
Avalon Theater - GJ | 6:00 PM
Rotary Event - Annual Adventure Films
FEBRUARY 14TH
Banff Mountain Film Festival - GJ Rotary Hosting
Avalon Theater - GJ | 6:00 PM Films start at 7pm
FEBRUARY 15TH
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Egyptian Theater in Delta | 6:00 PM Films start at 7pm
FEBRUARY 16TH
Lyle Lovett Acoustic Concert
GJ Convention Center | 7:30 PM Doors open at 6:30pm show starts at 7:30Pm
FEBRUARY 21ST
Spectrum of Sound- GJSO (Symphony)
Two Rivers Winery and Chateau | 7:30 PM Concert begins one hour after doors open.
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Love Is Choosing Sky Canyon Veterinary Hospital For Your Pet’s Care.
Sky Canyon Veterinary Hospital is a locally and privately owned veterinary hospital, that provides gold standard patient care and excellent client service. We offer extensive services for cats and dogs at all life stages, including wellness care, advanced diagnostics, Cone Beam CT and advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HEFNER
Canvas Of Courage
The Grand Junction Veteran's Art Center's role in making a difference in our community.
The Grand Junction Veterans Art Center aka Operation Revamp, Inc. or ORIVAC advances the healing power of art by providing studios, equipment, supplies, and materials for veterans and families at no charge. It’s a place where Veterans can engage socially and productively. ORIVAC provides a platform for Veterans in Grand Junction to showcase their work and also provides an opportunity to learn new skills or continue learning skills that Veterans already have.
The vision of possibilities is potentially endless for Wendy Hoffman, President and founder of Operation Revamp, Inc.
Woodcraft in Progress
Wendy and her team will put in every effort to connect Veterans and their families with the resources they need to explore the program. Workshops, classes, open spaces, are available from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays 10am - 4pm.
“I received everything that I requested immediately after requesting, and I am very happy to have found this facility and this program. It is a wonderful resource for the veterans in this area, and I hope that more people will take advantage of this opportunity for the help that is offered, and the resources that are offered.” Anonymous participant.
The ORIVAC has a wide range of subjects to dive into: Leather work, drawing, painting, printing, wood work, modeling, stitching, sewing, reeding, epoxy, soap making, stained glass, and if it wasn’t listed here it doesn’t mean it’s not possible to start a new endeavor!!!
Community Connections are important and Wendy stated that the role the community plays is the life blood for the ORIVAC. Anonymous
people, The Grand Junction Lions Club, The Catholic Outreach, DMVA, VOA, and Western Region One Source just to name a few make it possible for veterans to have a venue for collaboration and social interaction.
Leading up to the pandemic of recent years ORIVAC was promoting its services to attract visitors and supporting local Veterans at the Grand Junction Airshow, Country Jam, and The Arts and Music Extravaganza.
Grand Junction has many resources for people and veterans but the ORIVAC is one that stands out in its capacity to offer a serious approach to not being so serious, and it should be pointed out, from all appearances it’s a place where veterans can work on projects at their own pace.
“We are all here because we are not all there,” Wendy said with a smile. If that rings true to you, stop on by and introduce yourself!
Support with financial donations at www.operationrevamp.org or get involved by stopping in to see what opportunities unfold!
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"We are all here because we are not all there."
Music Studio
