Education

ADUs - What and Why

Article by Roger Lake 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." ...

Local Services

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...

Life + Culture

Bus Bergman - Local Legend

“Now, That Man’s a Coach!” Article by Scott Fairbanks | Photography by Lily Caldwell 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) ...

Home + Design

Creating a Harmonious Home

Article by Tiffinie Storm A well-designed home tells a unique story. Your story. You can create a space that feels personal, comfortable, and inspiring, no matter your style. Whether you are drawn to rustic charm, modern minimalism, or timeless elegance, anything goes. Building a harmonious home is planned and designed to create peace, well-being and balance. It involves aligning your physical surroundings, relationships and internal state. The principle of "Harmony" can be described as the...

Home + Design

Crafting Homes

The Kooler and his family helping to build home equity and community. Article and Photography by Matthew Kuelhorn In Grand Junction, where the Colorado River winds through red rock canyons and snow-capped peaks stand tall, my family is making a difference—one home at a time. At Kooler Garage Doors , my wife, children, and I are on a mission to make homeownership simpler, more beautiful, and more valuable for families across the Western Slope. Growing up in small-town America shaped my...

Wellness

Quality Care, Anywhere

Caring for you, where you are. Article by GJ Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Abode Hospice 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...

Health + Wellness

Love Your Heart

Article and Photography by 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, 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...

Life + Culture

Nurturing the Nurturer

Care, for the Caregivers Article by Tiffinie Storm 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...

Arts + Culture

Canvas Of Courage

The Grand Junction Veteran's Art Center's role in making a difference our community. Article and Photography by John Hefner 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...

Fitness

Sky Chasing

Elevate Kids Promotes Healthy Activity Article by Melinda McCaw Elevate Kids Co-founder | Photography by McCaw Media One in five children and adolescents have obesity, according to the CDC, and this percentage continues to rise. Only 24% of children aged 6-17 engage in 60 minutes of physical activity daily. In fact, children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of screens, such as TVs, video games, and computers. Additionally, 52% of children in D51 qualify for free or...