As Valentine’s Day approaches, we want to celebrate the love and joy our more than 100 volunteers bring to Hilltop participants, residents, staff, and the community. Whether you scan files, sort donations, teach a class, call Bingo, answer the Latimer House Crisis Line, give someone a ride to a medical appointment, lend a hand at special events, or help in a variety of other ways, your kindness and generosity truly make a difference. We’re grateful for every moment you contribute and the skills and talents you selflessly share.  

To share the impact, we’d love to hear your favorite Hilltop volunteer story or experience (please refrain from using names to protect privacy confidentiality.)  And we’re sweetening the deal by offering a chance to win Cupcakes for a Cause cupcakes, baked with love by Baker’s Boutique!  

Submit your story by February 4 tovolunteers@htop.org  for a chance to win a box of cupcakes. Each box includes four handcrafted cupcakes, one of each flavor: Old School Chocolate, Classic Red Velvet, Wedding Cake, and Blackberry Coconut.  

Two winners will be announced in the February 6 Digest, and we’ll share your stories throughout the month of February. Winners can pick up their cupcakes on Friday, February 13 (9am–7pm) or Saturday, February 14 (9am–2pm) at Hilltop on Main, 359 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.  

If you have any questions, feel free to call Mary Mlot (970) 244-0659 or Rachelle Horner (970) 244-0661.

January 23, 2026

Feeding Community, Creating Joy: Celebrating Hilltop's Activities and Dining Professionals

January gives us a special opportunity to pause and celebrate the people who bring energy, creativity, and care into Hilltop communities every single day. In honor of Activity Professionals Day on January 23, 2026, and National Be Kind to Food Servers Month, we are proud to recognize the extraordinary Activities and Dining Teams across Hilltop who help our residents feel connected, nourished, and truly at home. 

At the Commons of Hilltop, the Life Enrichment is led by Ani Breedlove, whose leadership sets the tone for a team known for its can-do attitude and engaging programming. Ani and their enthusiastic activity professionals approach every idea, event, and challenge with determination and heart. There isn’t a task this team won’t see through to the very end, always with residents’ joy and participation at the center.

Over at the Fountains of Hilltop, Greg Ruland leads a creative and dedicated Life Enrichment Team that ensures something engaging and wonderful is always on the calendar. From morning through evening, residents can count on thoughtfully planned opportunities that spark interest, encourage connection, and make each day feel full.

The Life Adjustment Program is guided by Alicia Lopez-Haukaas, alongside Randi Knipe, who together lead an Activities Team that fosters an inclusive and energizing atmosphere. Their professionals empower residents to create community, express themselves, and find joy in everyday moments, building confidence and connection through shared experiences.

Of course, meaningful days are fueled by nourishing meals, and Hilltop’s Dining Teams deliver with care and consistency. At the Commons of Hilltop, Michael Kelly leads a dedicated team committed to providing healthy, delicious meals. Their counterparts at the Fountains of Hilltop, led by Guidance Johnson, and the Life Adjustment Program Dining Team, led by Patrick Elliott, work tirelessly to ensure residents across Hilltop are well fed and well cared for. Their behind-the-scenes efforts make a daily, tangible difference.

We would also be remiss not to recognize the Senior Daybreak team. This small-but-mighty group, led by Tabby