By Lorie Gregor, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

Your office is the great outdoors!

Want a dream volunteer job? Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is looking for a few good men and women to donate several hours a week to be out on the Riverfront Trail and be a Trail Host. This adventurous group of people has been volunteering for the City collectively for almost 100 years!

The mission of the Trail Host program is to provide a friendly presence to trail users. Often times, people need help with directions, their equipment, their pets, or the rules of the trail. Trail Hosts provide that needed help and also report any concerns to the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Trail Hosts meet once a month from March through September. The meetings are held at noon on the first Wednesday of the month in various park locations and are always informational. Many agencies provide support to the Trail Hosts including the Police Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, Animal Control, the State Parks Department and the Department of Wildlife.

Rod Harry became a Trail Host in the spring of 1998.

“It keeps me healthy and keeps my cardiologist smiling,” Harry said. “It’s only two hours a week and it’s free, and I get a free lunch in August.”

The Trail Hosts have been involved in leading rides for the Rob River Rally and they have a booth at the Poker Walk. It’s not just for bike riders. Walkers/runners are welcome too!

If you are interested in joining a dynamic fun loving group of people who share an appreciation for the great outdoors and want to learn about wildlife, safety and the Riverfront Trail, this is the place to be!

TRAIL HOST PROGRAM

First meeting: March 7 at noon (bring your lunch) at the Parks and Recreation office, 1340 Gunnison

For more information, call Lorie at 254-3876.

GRAND JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION CLASSES:

February 2

Triple Step

Two easy lessons and you’ll be twirling around the dance floor! Must register as a couple. Lessons are from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Cost is $12.

February 12

Party Hearty for American Heart Association

Wear red and Zumba for your heart health! All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.

There will be a free clinic at 3 p.m. to learn the steps. The event takes place at 4 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $5.

February 21

Garden Talk

Learn about indoor cactus and succulents from cacti expert Don Campbell with the Chinle Cactus Society from noon to 1 p.m. Cost is $5. Proceeds support Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.

February 22

Bicycle Maintenance

Bring your bike to Brown Cycles from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and learn how

to tune up for spring riding! Cost is $28.50.

February 27

Beginning Line Dance

No partner or previous skills needed. Just be willing to have fun! Class takes place from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $18.

Gentle Yoga

Increase flexibility, strength and relaxation in a supportive atmosphere from 7:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Mondays through February 20. Cost is $36 for the entire session, or a $4 drop-in fee.

Adult Piano

Learn how to play the piano with Piano Marvel. Interactive software is like having your own personal tutor every time. Days and times vary. Cost is $45.

SAVE THS DATE:

April 21

Southwest Arborfest

Live music, beer tasting, chili and salsa competition, arts and crafts, free tree seedling giveaway, touch a truck and more. This day is great family fun and takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lincoln Park.

SENIOR RECREATION CENTER SPECIAL EVENT

February 9

Sweetheart Party

Dinner and dancing to live music from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $3.