How about some ‘Art in the Park’?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering families a unique Art in the Park program at the Colorado River State Park in Fruita.

The entire family can enjoy a great activity before the start of school by creating artistic masterpieces inspired by nature.

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Stop by anytime from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 7-10 at the visitor center. The program is free but a $7 daily vehicle pass or $70 annual pass is required to enter the park.

For the most up to date information, check the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jamesmrobbcoloradoriverstatepark, or call the Fruita park at 970-858-9188.

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New to Medicare?

Attend an educational session for new Medicare beneficiaries Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will present a two-hour educational session aimed specifically toward new Medicare beneficiaries. No selling; just telling!

The free seminar runs 10 a.m.-noon at RSVP, 422 White Ave., lower level US Bank building. Reserve a seat by calling 970-243-9839.

School supply drive

Roman Family Chiropractic is accepting donations of new school supplies now through Aug. 30. With a donation, folks will receive a gift certificate for a complimentary initial office visit and discounts on massage.

The supplies will be distributed to hundreds of Grand Junction’s children and teachers. Drop off supplies at 2584 Patterson Road, suite D, in the Redstone Plaza. For more information, call 970-243-8896.

Celebrate Colorado Day

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is set to celebrate Colorado Day Monday, Aug. 5, by offering free entrance at all 42 state parks. Colorado Day was created by the state legislature to mark the anniversary of statehood, granted in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Free entrance at the state parks is an annual Colorado Day tradition.

All other fees including camping and reservations will apply.

By the way, did you know that Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are the most visited state parks in Colorado? But we digress.

There’s no excuse; get out there and catch a fish, hike, geocache, camp, meditate, fly a kite, have a picnic, watch a sunset, ride a bike — don’t squander this opportunity.

Linking nonprofits with donors

The GJ Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched “Chamber for Good,” a service that seeks to connect local donors to local charities serving local needs.

“It is a natural extension of our ‘Shop Local’ effort,” said Diane Schwenke, president and CEO of the Chamber.

Chamber for Good aims to support the nonprofits in the community that meet a need and serve some segment of the local population.

A 501c3 charity can post on the site subject to meeting the eligibility requirements of being secular in nature and having a local presence. There is no charge.

The site can be found via a link in the Chamber’s website, http://www.gjchamber.org or by going directly to http://www.chamberforgood.com/gjchamber.

Yummy leftovers

Big game hunting license leftovers will go on sale to the public Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 9 a.m., at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices and more than 700 hunting license retailers statewide.

In the spirit of fairness, internet sales of leftover licenses do not begin until 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Leftover licenses are those limited licenses that did not sell during the annual license draw process.

To purchase, bring your driver’s license and hunter education card.

Are you a ‘Survivor’?

Auditions are planned for the CBS reality TV show, “Survivor,” next month in Vail. For those interested in trying out for the show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17, sign up at http://www.denver.cbslocal.com/vailsurvivorcastingcall.com.

On the same day as the real tryouts, the public is invited to participate in the “Survivor” Family Adventure Challenge, which is for those who don’t want be on the TV show but want a tryout-like experience.

Participants will compete in the Water Balloon Toss of Death, the Escape from Babagoza obstacle course, Hula-Hoopalooza, and the Great American Apple Stack Challenge, among other hilarious challenges. This free contest also includes food, beverage and entertainment along the race course way. To sign up for the Family Adventure Challenge, register at http://www.bluecreek.com.