Features, Meeker

Bringing music and joy to the residents of the Walbridge Wing

By Doc Watson
Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Johnny and Virginia Barton have had a regular Thursday evening “gig” at the Walbridge Wing for 17 years, where they play old country and western songs that our senior citizens can appreciate and enjoy. With Johnny on the guitar and lead vocals and Virginia on harmony, they led off on Thanksgiving evening with Merle Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again” and went on to provide more than an hour of entertainment for folks who truly appreciate it, both residents and staff.
Originally coming from the Fresno, Calif., area, where they ranched, ran a body shop, sold used cars and had a small band—Johnny also plays banjo and mandolin—they came to Meeker for the hunting about 30 years ago and have been permanent residents since 1992. Johnny works at the Environmental Plant Center, and Virginia is practically a full-time volunteer at the wing, helping with activities or whatever else is needed.
In addition to his many instruments and the portable amplifier and microphones they use each evening, the Bartons also own much sound equipment. It is their sound system, in fact, that is used each year for the bank robbery reenactment during Meeker’s Independence Day celebration.
Jean Gianinetti, Wing activities manager for 14 years, said she could count on one hand how many times the Bartons have missed a Thursday evening. “They have also played for special occasions, such as [Ethel] Starbuck’s 99th birthday party,” she said. “A lot of our residents’ families have had them play at the resident’s funeral service because the residents love them so much.”
In addition to all this, Johnny has built the flower boxes around the facility and planted flowers in them. “He is just a wealth of knowledge when it comes to plants,” Gianinetti said. “It’s kind of barren up here, so he has really helped us figure out what to do.”
“I really can’t think of anything they haven’t done for our residents,” Gianinetti went on to add. “Ginny has gone on trips with me to take our residents shopping and things like that. Without people like Ginny and Johnny—and we do have other volunteers—my job would be miserable. I am just so glad for this opportunity to acknowledge them.”
As Alabama’s “Born Country” came through the speaker, such volunteers were, indeed, something to be thankful for.

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Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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