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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, January 30-February 1, 2019 B-7 The Park Record Town rallied for federal worker with cancer during government shutdown Fran Collins was getting treatment for breast cancer THOMAS PHIPPEN Glenwood Springs Post Independent GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COlo. – In early January, a few days into the partial government shutdown, Fran Tieyah Collins was in the hospital with complications from stage IV breast cancer and a daunting schedule of treatments. Without a paycheck and a new year with a new deductible, Collins, an administrative officer with the White River National Forest’s Glenwood Springs headquarters, was worried about how she’d survive. Collins’ mother, Barb Tieyah, posted on the GoFundMe that was created for Fran in October: “We know God has a plan for this beautiful lady. She is such a strong woman and [her husband and two children] need her,” Tieyah wrote. The donations that came in over the next few days allowed Collins to get hospice care set up at home, despite the shutdown. “You realize people are looking out for each other in the community. I’m sure this isn’t the only act of kindness,” Collins said in an interview. An end, for now The partial shutdown ended Friday after 35 days and two missed paychecks for most federal employees, with Congress and the president reaching a resolution to fund the government until Feb. 15. Though the shutdown may not have affected CHELSEA SELF/POST INDEPENDENT Fran Collins, left, and her mother Barb Tieyah in Collins’ Rifle, Colorado, home just a day after her most recent chemo treatment. a large number of people in the Roaring Fork Valley, the community still came together to help those who needed it. Employees who were furloughed will now receive back pay, but that doesn’t mean the month wasn’t difficult. The shutdown didn’t affect Collins’ ability to get treatment, but it added to the difficulty and stress of the treatments. For Collins, the uncertainty was where to spend the money. “What’s the point you’re going to hit where you can’t get back and forth to treatments? What’s my priority in bill paying? Keeping a roof over my head is the priority? Gas back and forth to treatments?” she said. “Every federal employee is going to hit their limit where they’re no longer able to pay their bills. That’s my worry,” Collins said. Businesses pitch in Glenwood Springs-based Alpine Bank stepped in to help federal employees make it through their missed paycheck by offering a six-month, interest-free loan equal to one month’s salary. More than 30 furloughed employees in the Roaring Fork Valley and nearly 900 in Colorado had applied for and received loans by Friday, said Glen Jammaron, vice chairman and president of Alpine Banks. Alpine paid out more than $4 million of the $5 million the bank set aside for the loan program. The government funding is only temporary at this point, and Alpine is working on when to start the six-month repayment period for the loans. “This is a three-week, temporary deal. That probably doesn’t give federal workers a lot of warm fuzzy feelings,” Jammaron said. Alpine will allow federal workers to apply for the loan program through Monday, but doesn’t want to start the clock on the repayment until there’s some surety the government will remain open. “We won’t start the ticker on the interest-free period until we get that final resolution,” Jammaron said. Alpine was far from the only local institution to help locals during the longest shutdown in history. Local churches offered food and to pay bills. Some hair stylists offered free haircuts. Gilberto Landeros, owner of GLC Custom Finishes in Glenwood Springs, had advertised on Facebook that his company would help families affected by the shutdown, and, according to Collins, he just showed up with an offer to help with her medical bills. “He came over, and we didn’t know who he was … just a nice gentleman who wants to help out in the community,” she said. Landeros matched the donations any of his employees made to Collins, and helped other families affected by the shutdown. “We’re just trying to help people in our community. We’re not going to change the world, but hopefully we can put a smile on people’s face,” Landeros said in a previous interview. If it hadn’t been for the help of Landeros and others who donated to the GoFundMe, Collins said she would have had a much harder time continuing treatment. A total of 47 people donated to the GoFundMe, most of them in the past month, raising nearly $5,000 for her treatment. “It allowed me to rent my bed, buy my wheelchair, ramps, transfer board, all that,” she said. “No matter what the situation — cancer, shutdown, or somebody getting hurt — people are kind,” her mother said. Last week, the family posted that the cancer markers in Collins’ blood had decreased, a sign of decreased tumors. “We went to cancer treatment expecting more news like last week. But God stepped in and gave us some miracles,” the post said. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Blackjack Cora Jane Rory Blackjack is a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. This handsome boy is shy and would love a patient family with no children that can help him gain some confidence. He is possibly mixed with a guarding breed, so he will need a dog-savvy adopter who can give him the training and structure he needs. Meet Cora, a 3-year-old Lab mix. This girl has a ton of energy! She does well around cats and other dogs. Cora loves to run and play and would make a good running or hiking partner. If you can provide obedience training and exercise, she will make a great companion! Jane is a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. She is very sweet and loves affection. She is a little shy at first but walks nicely on leash, doesn’t jump, and really wants to please. She’s been in a home with cats and did well but has chased kitties outside. She also loves treats! Meet Rory, a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. She needs a little time to warm up to new people, but if you go slow and earn her trust, she will be the most loyal friend you have ever had. She loves long walks, and knows her basic obedience skills! Frosty Miranda Priestly Miss Business Teddie Frosty is a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair with a soft black and white coat. He is a sweet cat who enjoys the company of humans and other cats. Frosty is looking for a forever family that loves to curl up on the couch and cuddle together on chilly winter nights. Miranda Priestly has been with Nuzzles & Co. for a little over a year now. She’s twelve years old, and she is just as fabulous and sassy as her namesake! You can find Miranda basking in the window sill of Kitty Corner at our Adoption Center—lounging is what she’s best at! Miss Business is a 1-year-old tortoiseshell Domestic Shorthair with a big personality! She is outgoing, friendly, and easygoing. Miss Business does well with other cats and enjoys being around people. She’d love a forever home where she can relax and spend time with her family. Teddie is a sweet and curious 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair. This handsome orange tabby boy is a loving cat who would love to find his best friend and snuggle buddy. Teddie likes to play and explore, and he’s sure to bring lots of love and fun to his forever home! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit: SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed, Mondays-Saturdays. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Nuzzles & Co. at 649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco.org. Park City Medical Center Park City Medical Center needs volunteers 14 to 114 years old who want to work in a welcoming environment, stay busy with a variety of tasks, and have fun on the job. If you’d like to put your talents and skills to good use and help out a valuable community resource, please contact the volunteer manager at lisa. graham@imail.org. Park City Museum Do you love history and Park City? Are you interested in furthering your involvement in the community? The Park City Museum needs volunteers to help install and take down traveling exhibits, catalog and process collection items, assist in the Research Library, lead both adult tours and school group programs, and assist as gallery guides. Please contact Jenette Purdy at the Park City Museum for more information: 435-6497457 or education@parkcityhistory.org. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers est. 1990 2018 Committed To NARI TROTTER STEFANIE BOWEN (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building It’s the Place the Locals Choose Welcome Sundance Adolph’s Famous Specialties Full Service Bar with Bar Menu Opens at 4pm Classic Steak Tartar Smoked Salmon Shrimp Cocktail Escargots de Bourgogne Shrimpcargo Swiss Style Raclette Ahi Tuna Sashimi Salmon, Mango & Avocado Salad Steak Sandwich “Best in Town” European & American Cuisine Dinner Served Starting at 5:30pm Open Daily • 435.649.7177 • 1500 Kearns Blvd. |