2011 Grand Valley Echo mid April by Alyssa Onmach

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley FREE

Volume #3 Number 7

INSIDE

Mid-April/ Mid-May 2011

Officer Bady: The ‘community’s dog’ Officer Bady on-duty What should you do when you see Officer Bady? • There’s a reason the sign in Officer Bady’s patrol vehicle reads “K-9 Caution Stay Back.” When Bady is on-duty, he is completely cued into his handler, Officer Derek Wingfield. He is a tool, like a taser or a baton, for the police department to use and should be regarded as such when he’s working. • When the blue and red lights come on the patrol vehicle, “it’s a bad time” to approach Officer Bady, says Officer Wingfield. Give them room to do their jobs. • If you see Officers Wingfield and Bady around town when they’re not on a call, be sure to always check with Officer Wingfield before ever approaching Bady to pet him or interact with him in any way. As sweet as Bady can be when he’s not working, he’s completely obedient to Officer Wingfield, and he’s trained to protect and defend him. • Don’t crowd Bady. Even at public relations’ events, it’s important to move slowly around him and approach him one at a time.

Chamber banquet page 7

Nature page 14

Winning wrestlers page 15

Parachute welcomes the newest member of the police department

Left, Officers Bady and Derek Wingfield. Below, Bady at Photos by Carrie Click attention.

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Our Schools page 18-19

Terrific Kids page 19

He can outrun any human, and sniff out the slightest scent. Not only that, but under the appropriate circumstances, he can apprehend a perpetrator with the best of them. And although he can’t drive a patrol car or tap out paperwork on the computer, he can do things no mere mortal can. He’s Officer Bady, and he’s here to serve. Bady is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah), imported from Poland, who’s received extensive training with his handler, Parachute Police Officer Derek Wingfield. He officially joined the Parachute Police Department on March 26. The Belgian Malinois breed is similar in looks to the German shepherd, though the Malinois’ origins are rooted in Belgium. Highly intelligent, agile and obedient, the dogs are increasingly being used for police work in the U.S. since they’re naturally inclined towards law enforcement activities. “Eighty percent of what they do is instinct,” says Officer Wingfield, “and 20 percent is learned.” Finding Bady Officer Wingfield was the first to approach

Parachute Police Chief Cary Parmenter about the town getting a police dog. Officer Wingfield attended the police academy at DeltaMontrose Technical College before being hired in Parachute. There, he developed great admiration for a K-9 handler team: a police dog named Buddy and his handler, Cedaredge Police Officer Dan Sanders.

Continued on page 3

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

I read it in the

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Thank you to this month’s contributors: All copy submitted to The Grand Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Grand Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication of any submitted material that does not meet the publisher’s standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.

MISSION STATEMENT To provide a voice for local schools, nonprofit groups and civic organizations; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Grand Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life. The Grand Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute. Subscriptions are available for a $35 annual fee.

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Kris Walker, Rifle Funeral Home, Bill Cornelius, M.E. Denomy, Keith Lammey, Robert Knight, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, Sarah Tahvonen, Maria Marco, Betsy Leonard, Rob Ferguson, John Constine, Mary Anderson, Sean Jeung, Grand Valley Christian Church, Charlie Hornick, J. Steven Randol, Sharon Temple, Barbara Barker, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Don Chance, Jim Klink, Emily Hisel, Jennifer Kelly, Ed Kosmicki, Stefanie Horton, Veronica Duran, Jeanne Miles, Rebecca Ruland, Eryn Paskett, Karsyn Valencia, Sue McEvoy

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 3

C O V E R

S T O RY

Left, Parachute Police Officer Derek Wingfield and Bady have developed a strong bond. Right, Officer Derek Wingfield and Chief Cary Parmenter stand next to a specially modified K-9 vehiPhotos by Carrie Click cle. Bady is “the community’s dog,” says Chief Parmenter.

Officer Bady “I was their decoy, their chew toy,” Officer Wingfield says with a smile, of the mock training scenarios set up at the academy. Even still, the team impressed the cadet.

Officer Bady donations Officer Bady’s procurement and training was paid for solely by donations from the following: Blac Frac, Encana, J.C. Excavating, Metcalf Excavating, Parachute Veterinary Clinic, Solvay Chemicals, Town of Parachute, Walmart Grand Junction, and Williams Production.

“I saw the quality of the dog, and the quality of the work he and Dan could do together,” says Officer Wingfield. A dog lover since childhood – “I had a 4-H dog when I was 8,” he says, and the Winfield family has two Labrador retrievers now – he approached Chief Parmenter about adding a four-legged member to the force. Chief Parmenter was receptive. “I’m very open to bringing in tools that benefit the department as a whole,” Chief Parmenter says. A lot of training, a lot of support With Chief Parmenter’s go-ahead, it was up to Officer Wingfield to lay the groundwork for procuring a K-9 officer. He contacted Bill Delay of Rocky Mountain Canine Academy in Black Hawk, Colo. Besides decades spent training and certifying police dogs and their handlers, Bill also acts as a kind of broker for finding the most appropriate dogs from all over the world and matching them with handlers’ and police departments’ needs. Bady fit the bill. As Bill Delay and fellow trainer Phil Strebett began working with the dog, Chief Parmenter let Officer Wingfield out of his schedule so he could travel to Black Hawk and Denver to learn alongside Bady. The two began bonding as well. The cost of procuring and training a K-9 officer, in

continued from page 1 addition to outfitting a police vehicle with a kennel, and paying for training aids such as a bite suit, is around $23,000. It’s not a line item that was in the Parachute Police Department’s budget, but no matter. Officer Bady’s costs have been donated separately, entirely through businesses (see box). Even his dog food is being supplied at cost through Parachute veterinarian Lee Smith. Chief Parmenter and Officer Wingfield estimate that Bady’s feeding, medical and maintenance costs at $2,000 to $4,000 a year – far less than employing a full-time two-legged police officer. Officer Wingfield conferred with other police departments and colleagues regarding his new charge, especially Deanie Earthman of the Grand Junction Police Department, who has been a canine handler for nearly 20 years. Even though at first Officer Wingfield was a bit apprehensive about taking on a Malinois, Officer Earthman helped him to see Bady’s special talents. “I thought Parachute would get a [German] shepherd,” says Officer Wingfield, “but Deanie told me, ‘Bady is the dog,’” says Officer Wingfield. “And she was right.” On and off Like any creature with a purpose, Officer Bady loves his job. But when it’s time to go off the clock and just be a dog, where does he go? Straight to the Wingfields’ house.

K-9 officers on patrol The concept of using dogs for law enforcement work is worldwide, and goes back thousands of years to ancient Greece, though Officer Bady is Parachute’s first and only police dog. It’s a trend in police work that’s only growing. According to Chief Parmenter, Garfield County Sheriff’s Department has five dogs, Rifle has one, and the Glenwood Springs Police Department has two Colorado Springs and Denver each have 10. St Paul, Minn. has 26; Dade County, 36.

Dog vs. human What can a K-9 police officer do that a human officer cannot? • Officer Bady is faster on foot than any human. • He’s able to burrow into small, cramped places humans can’t go. • His sense of smell is far superior to ours. A human officer may not be able to attect narcotics or gunpowder, for example. Bady can. • His ears are acute and sensitive, helping his awareness in daylight as well as night. • His prey drive – that is to apprehend when commanded – is instinctual. • His desire to please and be loyal to his handler is bred into him.

Because such a strong bond develops between a working dog and the dog’s handler, police dogs usually stay with their handlers when they’re off duty. So where does Bady sleep? “In a kennel beside the bed,” says Officer Wingfield. Officer Wingfield says he needed to get his whole family on board when Officer Bady joined the police department. That meant not only his wife Jessica, but the couple’s two children, Gavin and Logan. At home, Bady does typical dog stuff just like the family’s other two dogs. “He has a dual personality,” says Officer Wingfield. When it’s time to go to work – Bady knows it’s time for duty when he sees Officer Wingfield dressed in his uniform and badge – the dog naturally goes into professional mode. For Officer Wingfield, working alongside Bady is a dream come true. “It’s surreal,” he says. “Kudos to Chef. I’m indebted to him.” But for Chief Parmenter, Officer Wingfield earned the right to have such a special partner. “Officer Wingfield’s drive and passion factored into the decision for Bady to join us,” Chief Parmenter says.

Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

GO GRAND VALLEY

Your calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send public event items to gve@crystalvalleyecho.com. Be sure to include the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else readers need to know. • April 15: Tax day

• April 15: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 15: Town of Parachute irrigation system is on (barring unforseen circumstances).

• April 16: 7-11 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watch Fun Night for high school students at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 16: 8-11 a.m. Grand River Gallop, 5K and 2K family walk at the Grand River Hospital’s south entrance to raise money for Meals on Wheels. 625-6423.

• April 16: 2 p.m. Grand Valley Historical Society meets at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse and features storyteller Steve Lee portraying Colorado pioneer Otto Mears. Admission free to society members; $3 donation requested of non-members.

• April 19: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ladies who Do Lunch Bunch at the Parachute Branch Library. This month’s selection is “29” by Adena Halpern. Contact Karol at the library, 2857630.

• April 19: Last day to register for “Spirituality at End of Life” DVD screening and workshop at Grand River Hospital from 12-4 p.m. in Rifle. Lunch served; no charge. Call Sean Jeung, chaplain at Hospice of the Valley, 544-1574. • April 20: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630. • April 20: 2:30-4 p.m. Anime Club at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 21: 12 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce board meeting is at Alpine Bank. 285-0388.

• April 22: Parachute Branch Library closed for staff training. 285-7630. • April 22: 12-4 p.m. “Spirituality at the End of Life” DVD screening and workshop at Grand River Hospital in Rifle. Lunch served; no charge. Call Sean Jeung, chaplain at Hospice of the Valley, 544-1574.

• April 23: 11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for area children, held by the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute, is on the grounds of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center (inside if inclement weather). Easter Bunny, gifts, photos, and more.

• May 1: Last day for Grand Valley High School (GVHS) senior girls to apply for a scholarship from Chapter IP. See the counselor at GVHS.

• The second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. the Battlement Mesa Service Association’s Oil and Gas Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

• May 2: 7-9 p.m. The Alex Project Celebration at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630.

• May 3: 9-10 a.m. Learn Gmail, Part 1, is at the Parachute Branch Library. Registration required. 285-7630. • May 4: 12-5 p.m. Encana Energy Expo is at the Garfield County Fairgrounds, Rifle. More than 80 exhibitors, lots of info. Sher Long, 285-2700. • May 4: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630. • May 6: 10:15-10:45 a.m. Flip Flap Jack Breakfast, a ticketed event, is at the Parachute Branch Library. Story Time to follow. Free tickets available at the library. 285-7630. • May 6: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630. • May 7: 7-11 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watch Fun Night for high school students at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630. • May 9: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. AARP Driver Safety Class is at the Parachute Branch Library. $12/AARP members, $14/non-members. 285-7630. • May 9-13: Town of Parachute refuse collection. • May 10: 9-10 a.m. Learn Gmail Part 2 at the Parachute Branch Library. Registration required. 285-7630. • May 10: 7 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watch meeting at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630. • May 11: 12-2 p.m. Learn to share digital photos at the Parachute Branch Library. Bring your camera and cords. Register at 285-7630. • May 12: 12 p.m. Networking program presented by the Glenwood Business Incubator Company is at the Parachute Branch Library. • May 13: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• Anyone who has suffered the loss of a friend or loved one through suicide is welcome at HEARTBEAT, a support group for survivors after suicide that meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. The meetings are a safe place to share this unique pain and provide and obtain mutual support. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church located at 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail pamsz@sopris.net.

• The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Board of Directors meets at the recreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.

• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement Mesa Service Association meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

• Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and every Friday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library. Both open to young children. Call Michelle at 285-9870.

• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts a luncheon prepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50 for those over 60. Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216. • The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., the Battlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432. • Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center to discuss issues of concern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open to the public. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.

• April 24: Easter

• May 13: 1 p.m. The Grand Valley Educational Foundation’s annual board meeting is at the Garfield School District No. 16 board room, 251 N. Parachute, Parachute. The meeting is open to the public.

• April 25: 9:30 a.m. Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet the fourth Monday of every month at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Call Ann Arrington at 2859757 or Mary Galterio at 285-0243 for more info.

• May 14: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aprons and Appliqué is at the Parachute Branch Library. Make a reversible apron, and learn how to do invisible machine appliqué. $20 includes the pattern. Registration required. Lunch provided. 285-7630.

• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hosts interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM.

• April 26: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at the Parachute Branch Library.

ONGOING

• Every Saturday at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts Bingo Night with cash prizes. Free hot dogs every third Saturday. 540 N. Parachute Ave., 285-1353.

• April 27: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630. • April 27: 1-6 p.m. Child Safety Fair at the Garfield County Department of Human Services, 195 W. 14th St., Rifle. Community presentations, resources, games.

• April 27: 9 a.m. Eric Schmela of the Battlement Mesa Company invites you to a Community Coffee Talk, an informal gathering at the Grand Valley Fire Station to share, connect, and discuss. Let's bring our community together. Free coffee and doughnuts.

• April 29: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 30: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Spring Shopping Event at Battlement Mesa Activity Center with Thirty-one Gifts, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Miche, and many Miller, more consultants on hand. Tracy warmnwickless@aol.com for more info.

• The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots of classes and activities: swimming, dancing, personal training, water aerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, and more. Call 285-9480. • Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley United Methodist Church serves a free soup lunch at the church at 132 Parachute Ave. • Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. • The first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the Rifle Branch Library community room. Leslie, 618-0890. • Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute meets at the community room of the Parachute Branch Library, age 60 and older, or anyone with a disability, can take The Traveler to Rifle. The Traveler also goes to Grand Junction the second Tuesday of each month. Call 625-1366 for more info.

• Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except the first Thursday of the month), the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 2859892, to join in.

• A photography exhibit featuring works from Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke-White, Edward Weston and more, is at CMC’s West Garfield Campus in Rifle, now through Sept. 16 at 3695 Airport Road, Rifle, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Alice, 947-8367.

UPCOMING • May 19: 11:30 a.m. Chapter IP PEO luncheon and card party. $10. Lee Allen, 285-5628. • May 30: Memorial Day. Parachute Branch Library and other government offices closed. June 5: 4-6 p.m. Colorado River Valley Walk to find a cure for digestive diseases at Centennial Park in Rifle. For information, go to cctakesteps.org/corivervalley or 866-768-2232.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 5

Obituary Musette Lee (Dunn) Tardif

G R A N D VA L L E Y I T E S

Mary Moore and Mary Lee Mohrlang “Take Steps” to fight digestive diseases

Nov. 1, 1922 – March 20, 2011 Musette Lee Tardif went to join her husband, Kenneth, on March 30. She was 88. Musette was born Nov. 1, 1922 in Columbia, S.C. to Otis Lafayette Dunn and Musette Olivia (Cook) Dunn. She graduated from South High School in Denver in 1940 and went on to graduate from Colorado Women's College in 1942. On Nov. 21, 1943, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Warren Tardif, at the City Park Baptist Church in Denver. They had four children. Kenneth and Musette enjoyed their retirement in Parachute. They loved trips in the mountains, and traveling to Moab, as well as Alaska. Musette was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents, and her brother, Sydney Dunn. She is survived by her children Kenneth (Norita) Tardif, Jr., Allen Tardif, Kent (Gwen) Tardif and Susan (Kenneth) Plantell; grandchildren Stig (Laura), Tage, Jeremy (Barbara), Jared, Jodie (Troy), Dara (Byron), Amy, Will (Kari), Kayla, and Randy; and great grandchildren Gavin, Hunter, Paiten, Jackson, Nikki, Blake, and another on the way. A memorial service was held on April 8 at Rifle Funeral Home. Pastor John Jayne officiated. Interment followed on April 9 at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver.

Rifle fundraising walk takes place June 5 By Kris Walker, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America

Take Steps co-chairs Mary Moore and Mary Lee Mohrlang are inviting area residents to take part in the first Take Steps Walk to be held on June 5, from 4-6 p.m. at Centennial Park in Rifle. Like hundreds of thousands of other Americans around the country participating in more than 100 Take Steps walks, Mary and Mary Lee are helping to raise much-needed awareness of and funds for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as IBD. These are chronic, painful and debilitating diseases impacting more than 1.4 million Americans including 30,000 in the Rocky Mountain region which includes Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. Both Mary and Mary Lee are intimately familiar with these diseases as they each have a loved one with IBD. Mary’s 20-year-old daughter Dani Gonzales lives with IBD, and is serving as the event’s Honored Hero. And Jerry Mohrlang, Mary Lee’s husband, has lived with IBD for many years. Both have been active in prior walks. “We are excited to have our first walk in Rifle,” says Mary. “We are calling this the Colorado River Valley Walk and are inviting the whole Colorado River Valley to join us in helping to find a cure for these diseases.” Mary says the fundraiser will be a fun walk, with music, activities, and great food to reward teams for their fundraising efforts. In addition, a new camp for Crohn’s/colitis kids has opened in Colorado, and money will be raised to help local children attend the camp. Mary and Mary Lee both recruited teams to assist them in making this walk a success. Call Mary at 285-6901 or Mary Lee at 285-1167. “Come be a part of this effort,” says Mary. “Only by banding together can we find a cure.” For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps, visit www.cctakesteps.org/corivervalley or contact Kris Walker at kwalker@ccfa.org or 866768-2232. For more information about Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, call 800932-2423 or go to ccfa.org, join CCFA on Facebook at apps.facebook.com/supportccfa, and follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at twitter.com/ccfa and twitter.com/takesteps.

Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

LETTER TO THE ECHO Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded our wordcount limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, gve@crystalvalleyecho.com, or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include your name, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.

What is Common Ground? Dear Echo:

Many of you have seen the new bulletin board near the entrance to Clark’s Market and stickers on cars and businesses and might have questions about what Common Ground is and who is responsible. Let me explain. Several months ago, a cross section of Battlement Mesa homeowners and businesses, along with the Battlement Mesa Service Associaton, gathered to form Common Ground. Our belief is that each and every resident, business owner and entity in Battlement Mesa has the responsibility to do their best to make the community we live in just that, a community. Portions of each of our individual lives overlap here in Battlement Mesa and that is our Common Ground. We recognize the unique character of Battlement Mesa and the extraordinary amenities available to us unlike any found elsewhere for a community of this size. We also recognize that new challenges and opportunities will face our community in the future and it is critical to work together as a community to protect and continue to improve our community, our Common Ground. We understand that there are numerous opinions and points of view when our community seeks to address these challenges, but if we as individual residents take it upon ourselves to seek out the facts, then we have taken the first important step toward determining a solution by standing on Common Ground with others in the community. Even though our fact-based opinions may differ, we will have done our part to create a hallowed place where all of us can stand side by side on Common Ground and work together to explore sensible, fact-based solutions. Let’s go forward and stand together on our Common Ground for a better community and a better tomorrow. Please support the concept of Common Ground by obtaining a free bumper sticker or home window decal at Clark’s Market, Alpine Bank, the Battlement Mesa Company or the Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District. If you wish to post an ad on the Common Ground bulletin board, contact Steve Rippy at 285-9050. Carol Bevans, Chairman, Common Ground Battlement Mesa

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 7

C H A M B E R

N E W S

Chamber event brings community together By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce Community support and encouragement…that pretty much sums up the annual Parachute/ Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Banquet and Auction held March 19 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Folks from across the community attended the banquet to show each other support and encouragement. More than 100 guests at the event perused the 100-plus items donated by area folks for the silent auction, which were widely varied. “Mardi Gras Madness“ was in full swing as attendees bid on items ranging from jewelry, gift baskets, dental checkups, and sports memorabilia, to gift certificates from area businesses, and many more wonderful gifts. Music for the evening was provided by Anne Huber and drinks offered by Ken Siedel. Creekbend Bistro catered the wonderful meal. Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight reminded us all of what community means as we encourage each other in good times and not so good times with a community toast. One of the highlights of the evening of was the chamber awards presentation: Spot Light Award – Metcalf Excavating Shining Star Award – Wayne and Nancy Clark Small Business of the Year – Dependable Waste, Gerald Cook Large Business of the Year – Stallion Oil Field

Services, Stephen Cyphers Volunteer of the Year – Judith Hayward Person of the Year – Lynn Shore After the awards, auctioneer Jack Pretti from Keller-Williams Real Estate auctioned off items. The support given to this community was shown also in the bid amounts offered up for the auction items. Some Grand Valley High School wrestlers with Coach Rich Gallegos were willing to work for the day for the high bidder. Susan Alvillar of Williams Production ran the bidding up until she won with a bid of $3,000! The event cleared more than $8,500 to be used by the chamber for scholarships, community events and promotion of our community. The theme of community support and encouragement echoed through out the evening. Upcoming Events April 21 – Chamber board meeting, Alpine Bank, 12 p.m. May 12 – Networking program presented by the Glenwood Springs Business Incubator Company, Parachute Branch Library, 12 p.m.

Their treatments range from braces to wisdom teeth, from dentures to sealants for all your family dental needs. Schedule an appointment by phone at 2857748, by e-mail at kathy@hdentistry.com, or by walking into 225 Callahan Ave. in Parachute. To contact the doctor directly, e-mail him at drh@hdentistry.com On H-Dentistry’s honor, they will use their Heads, Hands and Hearts to improve your Health. They also have a blog site at hdentistry.blogspot.com

Farmers Insurance, Robert "Clark" Loter, 1850 Enterprise Ct., ,#D, Rifle, 625-8800. With Farmers®, you get a professional, local agent who can help you with your auto, home, life and small business insurance needs, helping you simplify your life and who can offer you a broad array of coverage discounts. Farmers doesn’t just protect your assets, they can also help you build them. Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC offers mutual funds, variable universal life insurance, and variable annuities. Your Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent can help you with a financial strategy that fits your needs and objectives. So whether it's saving for retirement, college, or protecting your family, Farmers can help you toward your financial goals and dreams.

Businesses of the Month H–Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Hogan, 225 Callahan Ave., Parachute, 285-7748. H-Dentistry believes in giving great service and keeping the smiles of Parachute and Battlement Mesa healthy and happy.

As always, the chamber is looking for businesses that would like to support our communities by becoming a member of the Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact one of the board of directors or call 285-0388.

Top row, Best Costume winner - Margie Mackey; Danny Locker accepting the Shining Star award from Mary Lee Mohrlang for Wayne and Nancy Clark; Dependable Waste, Gerald Cook Small Business of the Year; Judith Hayward accepting the Volunteer of the Year award from Michelle Foster. Bottom row, Michelle Foster, Lynn Shor (Person of the Year), and Ted Anderson; Robert Knight making the Community Toast; Stallion Oil Field Services, Stephen Cyphers – Large Business of the Year.

Photos courtesy of the Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce

Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

GRAND VALLEY ENERGY A monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA

Land ho: The job of the landman I thought that it’s time to start describing some of the types of people who work in the oil and gas industry, so I'll introduce you to a new one each month. This month, I would like to talk a little about the “landman” and what kind of skills and responsibilities that this title brings. A landman can be employed directly by an oil and gas company, but is often an independent contractor who provides a service to an oil and gas company. His or her primary duties include identifying, negotiating, acquiring, retaining, or disposing of oil and gas leases and managing the company’s land department. You will often see a landman doing research at the county clerk and recorder’s office. A landman works to determine who owns the minerals in an area that the oil and gas company wants to drill. Even though this hardworking person is called a landman, frequently women fill these roles. He or she is concerned with the minerals underground and not necessarily the land above the minerals. If you own minerals in our county, your first contact with an oil and gas company will usually be an offer made through a landman to S Saturday/Sunday from 1:30 lease your minerals. The landman will offer a “bonus” to sign the P Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner lease, which is usually so much per acre of minerals that you own. E Monday - Chef’s Choice Then the landman will negotiate with you on the percentage of royC Tueday - Prime Rib Sandwich I alties that they will be willing to give you. For each dollar that the oil Wednesday - Chef’s Choice A and gas company makes, you will get a certain percentage, such as 15 Thursday - Meatloaf L or 18 cents, for every dollar made. Friday - All you can eat Catfish S So, the next time you see a landman, please thank them for being the “Yenta” that matches the mineral owner with a producer that We will be allows us all to keep warm in the winter.

Weekday specials under $10!

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and an Accredited Petroleum Accountant She has been nationally recognized as an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the narous.org website or through The Grand Valley Echo.

closed April 24th in celebration of Resurrection Day. We are open 5:30 am daily, 6 am Sat & Sun until 9 pm daily 315 E First Street • Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091

NEWS FROM COMMUNITY COUNTS INDUSTRY MEMBERS… Our website is back online!

www.communitycountscolorado.com The Community Counts Hotline

1.866.442.9034

Encana Join us for the 9th annual Encana Energy Expo! Encana and your community's energy industry invite you to join us Wednesday, May 4, 12 - 5 pm, Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle for another hands-on learning experience. Over 80 exhibitors will be on hand covering topics that include mineral and surface owners rights; geology; drilling and well completion; natural gas production; oil shale technology; reclamation; environmental initiatives; alternative energy; and education and training: We hope to see you at our Community Counts booth! (Contact: Sher Long or Sandy Kent, 285.2700.) Encana currently has 9 rigs drilling in the Piceance Basin. Present locations include 4 rigs north of I70 in our North Parachute Ranch area. We have 5 rigs south of I70 that operate in the Mamm Creek, Battlement/High Mesa, Wallace Creek and Plateau Valley areas. Great news this month is the opening of CNG fast-fill pumps in Rifle and Grand Junction. This officially ends the "missing miles" of CNG fueling stations along Interstate 70 on the Western Slope between Denver and Utah. The Rifle pump is located at the Shell station at Highway 6 and Railroad Avenue. The CNG fueling station in Grand Junction is at the city's municipal services campus, 2553 riverside Parkway. Contact: Sher Long 970.618.8443 or Sandy Kent 970.319.9026. Noble has made its second $75,000 contribution to the Battlement Mesa Reservoir Project as part of its Wildlife Mitigation Plan with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. They have also committed $1,000 to the Garfield County School District in support of their efforts to expand the kindergarten program to full day. Noble will completing its drilling program at the end of the month and has no plans to be drilling in the area for the remainder of 2011. Williams development of the Parachute T&T pad just off the Interstate interchange is proceeding well. The rig is expected on location mid-May and will be there until September drilling 15 wells. Completion of the wells will continue about 4-6 weeks after the rig leaves. Hopefully reclamation can be done before the snow flies next winter. If you have any questions about any of William’s activity, please call Susan Alvillar at 970.216.3878. Community Counts member meetings were held March 9 at the Parachute Town Hall and March 23 in Collbran at the Collbran Fire Station. In-depth discussions included operator activity, ideas for communicating factual information about drilling impacts and benefits, and information concerning changes and improvements to the Community Counts organization. For information on future meetings and membership opportunities, contact Judy Landrum, 1.970.412.4525, jklcolorado@cowisp.net,or visit our website and look under the “calendar” tab.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 9

G O V E R N M E N T

The Battlement Mesa Service Association

Are we on the right track? By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association School administrators tell me that pupil enrollments are down and Realtors tell me that more properties are on the market than a few years ago. Business people tell me their sales volumes have declined. Like most of the country, Battlement Mesa has been challenged by the economic events of the last two or three years. Nevertheless, sometimes residents tell me that they think Battlement Mesa is “on the right track.” Of course, I am always glad to hear that, but after I think about it, I start to worry because even if you are on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there. In other words, being on the right track is just the beginning. To be really successful you have to keep moving forward faster than your competition. We know that we still have work to do. We began our work in early 2010 when the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) restructured by adopting formal charters for each of our committees and recruiting additional committee volunteers. Once we finalized the restructuring, the BMSA established 12, 2010 goals. As I have previously reported, although we didn’t achieve every 2010 goal, we believe that we came close. It was a start. This year, the BMSA was more ambitious than last year and set these 24 goals: 1. Develop and implement a website redesign for battlementmesacolorado.com. 2. Reestablish procedures and acquire the equipment to use Comcast Public Access Channel 50. 3. In conjunction with the five northwestern Colorado counties, cities and towns, develop a visitor rack card for Battlement Mesa/Parachute. 4. Identify, develop and implement a strategy to enhance the benefit to and increase the community attendance at the December BMSA Community Meeting. 5. Identify desirable landscape improvements to the medians. 6. Identify community landscape enhancement and beautification improvements. 7. Monitor and, as needed, recommend actions to be taken on community maintenance items. 8. Review and monitor the water portions of the Health Impact Assessment. 9. Evaluate the possible economies of scale of the possible conflicting service contracts for the BMSA community. 10. Evaluate the practicality and cost implications of the creation of a special district in lieu of the current organization. 11. Update architectural design guidelines and policies, and review potential updates to covenant documents. 12. Continue to timely handle architectural approval requests that are submitted to the BMSA. 13. As required, cooperate with Garfield County staff in order to assure the satisfactory completion of phase 1 of the Library Trail. 14. Work with Garfield County, the BMSA and the Lyons family to assure the satisfactory completion of phase 2 of the Library Trail. 15. Continue the development of the Trails Master Plan. 16. Develop an inventory of the BMSA trails, parks and open space and define same. 17. Plan and, to the extent possible given available resources, make improvements to trails, parks and open space within the Battlement Mesa PUD. 18. Develop and, as necessary, refine a Battlement Mesa “All Common Ground: All Together for a Better Community” program and campaign. 19. Analyze and compare the cost of doing business in Battlement Mesa compared to Parachute, Rifle and other nearby communities. 20. Meet with area energy companies and Battlement Mesa Partners as it relates to the PUD and areas outside of the PUD, if it could affect the health and welfare of the Battlement Mesa residents. 21. Collect, review and distribute relevant information from energy companies to BMSA residents and the area media. 22. Provide support to the Health Impact Assessment and health studies relating to Battlement Mesa. 23. Review the Health Impact Assessment and provide comments on same to the BMSA Board of Directors. 24. In conjunction with the Grand River Hospital and Battlement Mesa Company, identify a suitable location for and develop a medical evacuation helipad. Our committees are hard at work and progress is being made. If you have ideas to help the BMSA’s committees achieve these goals, please let us know. As you can see, the BMSA and its committees have set some difficult goals for 2011 because we absolutely understand that even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

Town of Parachute News

Clean up, a new boot ramp, street sweeping service, and a new roof for the Visitors Cabin By Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight

Spring clean-up time is upon us. Now is your opportunity to dispose of your refuse at a nominal charge or for free, depending on the material. This program is strictly for residential customers of the Town of Parachute and is not intended for commercial or business entities. As usual, the town-supplied dumpster will be placed at the Town Maintenance Facility on Grand Valley Way. We will be offering curbside refuse collection this year from May 9-13. Make sure your curbside refuse is stacked in an orderly manner on your property near the curb to help our public works crew with this operation. If you need assistance disposing of your refuse, please contact Parachute Town Hall and we will help organize volunteers to assist you. If you are unable to participate because of age or infirmity, please contact town hall and leave us your contact information. The following list includes items that will not be collected, and fees for items that are specifically charged by the landfill. You will need to make payment arrangements with town hall for charged items prior to the collection. No hazardous wastes! Includes: • Petroleum products • Paints/stains/varnishes/removers • Computers or electronic equipment • Asbestos • Ammunition • Waste water from treatment plants, car washes etc.

Fee schedule Auto tires - $5 Small truck tires (20”) - $13 Medium truck tires (22”) - $18 Large truck tires (24”) - $25 Heavy equipment tires - $40 Appliances - non-Freon - $20.00 Appliances - Freon - $30

The Town of Parachute is also pleased to let residents know that the boat ramp by Cottonwood Park has been completed. We express our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the Colorado Division of Wildlife for installing the ramp, cleaning up the debris in the parking area, and for grading the parking area. The bridge for the Parachute Park Boulevard bypass has now been completed. Work will begin shortly on the improvements where Parachute Park Boulevard and Diamond Avenue intersect with Highway 6. Barring unforeseen circumstance, water is planned to be turned on for the town irrigation system on April 15. There may be interruptions in service the first week or so depending on the number of breaks in the line, if any. A semi truck dumped a load of bagged sawdust on March 31 on County Road 215. Our many thanks to Jay Johnson and his crew from Newpark for the manpower and equipment they used to help us remove the many pallets of sawdust off the roadway. The town street sweeper underwent some significant repairs and is now back in service. We are operating at a reduced staffing level because of downsizing necessitated by the downturn in the economy making it impractical for scheduling street sweeping on regular intervals. Wet roads make it easier for the sweeper to clean the roadways and our public works crew will get out as often as possible. The opening of the Visitors Cabin at the Parachute rest area was delayed a week from its usual opening of April 1 to allow us to replace the wood shingle roofing on the cabin and the restrooms. The shingles were past the point of maintenance and parts of the underlayment were exposed. We appreciate the patience of the chamber and the volunteers as I know they were excited about getting in there and greeting the travelers as they stop in to visit on their way to parts unknown.

ARROWOOD PLUMBING Check out our expanded inventory! Now offering tool rentals.

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243 E. 1st Street - Downtown Parachute -970-270-8869

Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 11

G . V. G R AT I T U D E

Are you thankful – and you want everybody to know about it? Please try to keep your gratefulness under 500 words and send to Grand Valley Gratitude, 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623, or e-mail gve@crystalvalleyecho.com.

Thank you from Grand Valley Givers

Thank you for a successful Youth Thanks from the Wrestling Tournament Parachute/Battlement chamber

Dear Echo: The Grand Valley Givers would like to thank all of those individuals, businesses, school groups, and churches that helped support the Grand Valley Giving Tree and our local families in need during the holiday season. Through your generosity and support, we were able to supply 183 families with gifts and food boxes. In addition, during the 2010 holiday season, we fulfilled our mission of servant leadership. This was accomplished by getting the youth of our community involved with the collection of donation jar funds, gift wrapping, and the Giving Tree gift pick-up day. Specific information regarding Grand Valley Giver donations: • Total monetary donations (to date): $ 6,808.83 • Total spent on Giving Tree gifts for needy children: $ 3,910.62 • Total spent on specific items for students as requested by Garfield No. 16 staff members including winter coats, a trumpet, a ski field trip, dental work: $428.99 • Remaining Grand Valley Givers budget: $2,169.22 Grand Valley Givers is in place to support needy students of our community throughout the entire year for basic-need items such as dental/medical expenses, clothing, and school expenses. The remainder of our budget will be used to support our kids in these areas. Teachers or other Garfield No. 16 staff members initiate this process by first referring the student’s need to the Grand Valley Givers. Thank you to the entire Parachute/Battlement Mesa community for your support of our kids and the Grand Valley Givers. We look forward to your support and partnership in supporting our community throughout the entire year and during the next holiday season. If you have any questions regarding the Grand Valley Givers please speak with any of Garfield No. 16’s school principals.

Dear Echo: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District would like to say thank you to the following people for making the 2011 Youth Wrestling Tournament so successful! Thank you to Tony (head coach) and Angelina Serna for being the main coordinators of the tournament and hospitality room. Tony Serna and Tom Rugaard...thank you both for putting the brackets together on Friday afternoon and for your work at the tournament. Thank you to all the parents who helped with set up, clean up or provided food for the hospitality room and/or worked at one of the tables. Thank you to Justin Busch, Ryan Gallegos, Meg Pfau, James Drinkhouse and Will Hinkle for officiating all the games. Your time and talents are very much appreciated. Mr. Gregory and crew from the high school provided a good concession stand for all in attendance. Glenwood Springs City Market/Kim Renteria provided the drinks for hospitality room. Thank you Vicki Herwick and Buddy Walls for helping with clean ups. Last, but certainly not least, thank you, Ryan Frink, and Garfield District No. 16 for the use of the Grand Valley High School. It takes a lot of effort and dedication from many to host a youth wrestling tournament. Each and every person who helped or contributed is very much appreciated! Mary Anderson, Executive Director and Danny Manzanares, Program Supervisor, Parachute/Battlement Park and Recreation District Parachute

Dear Echo: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce would like to graciously thank the following folks for their contributions to the annual Chamber Banquet and Auction. Through your efforts you have shown what community means. Thankyou! Thank you Alpine Bank, Battlement Mesa, Battlement Mesa Company, Bottle Cap Liquors, Dependable Waste, Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc., Williams Production, Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage/Denise Gallegos, Saddleback Storage, C and C Transload, R & S Sales & Services, Swallow Oil Company, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, Morhlang/Jones Team from Keller Williams Real Estate, Old Mountain Gifts and Jewelry/Pack and Ship, Grand Valley High School Wrestling Team, Rick Gallegos, Valley Car Wash, H Dentistry, Chuck Pederson, Becky Warner, Bray Real Estate, Battlement Mesa Activity Center, Mac’s Landscape Services LLC, Star Precast Concrete, Grand Valley Historical Society, Anytime Sewer and Drain, Silvertip Printing, Grand River Hospital District, Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church, Daylight Donuts, Wildrose, CP Enterprises, Foot Support Group, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, KSUN/KSBP Radio Station, Micro Plastics, Parachute Veterinary Services, Battlement Mesa Golf Club, Rifle Insurance Agency, Mary Anderson, Strands of Time, VJ’s Outlaw Ribbs, Grand Valley Pub and Grille, Parachute Radio Shack, Western Implements, Cook’s Trucking, Clark’s Market, Full Throttle Tire and Auto, All Inclusive Decorating, Parachute True Value, Grand Junction Pipe & Supply, Signs by Tomorrow, JoeNiki Enterprises, John and Sherry Loschke, The Grand Valley Echo newspaper, Everett McAlary, EZ-IT Computer Tech, Berna B’s Classic Cuisine, Parachute Auto Parts, Stallion Oil Field Services, Barbara Pavlin, Melaleuca Marketing Rifle Truck and Trailer, and The Guzzler.

Bill Cornelius Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Jory Sorensen Grand Valley Givers Parachute/Battlement Mesa

This space sponsord by YOUR ORGANIZATION see page 20 for more information

Shommy’s Restaurant and Bar v v v v v April 30th St. Pierre vs. Shields U.F.C. Buy 1 Entree Get 2nd HALF Off **

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v v v v v FULL MENU ALL DAY - 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

285-9711 Inside Phillip’s 66 in Parachute **Not valid on Valentine’s Day

TO GO ORDERS AND DRIVE THROUGH AVAILABLE

Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

S E N I O R S

Mesa Vista News Easter activities and birthdays By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director We at Mesa Vista had a wonderful March celebrating Mardi Gras and St.

Patrick’s Day. On April 2 and April 9, Dianne’s Diggin’s hosted a craft day for the residents. They really enjoy her craft ideas. We enjoyed a guitar performance on April 12 by Elliot Leonard. We also hope to visit the firehouse this month as the weather didn’t cooperate with our plans in March. The residents are excited for spring and are already thinking of fishing and picnics. We will soon be meeting in the courtyard to designate garden plots. Keller-Williams Real Estate Group will be visiting our facility in May to assist the resident’s in planting our large flower pots, petunias are the flowers of choice. We are celebrating two residents’ birthdays this month: Carolyn Favre on April 1 and Yvonne Erickson on April 28. Our resident services director, Kim LaRocque, also celebrated a birthday on April 11. We hope to attend the Grand Valley Historical Society’s event on April 16, which features Steve Lee as Otto Mears at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Otto Mears built the highway from Silverton to Ouray, among other accomplishments. We will be coloring eggs for Easter on April 20 and making Easter baskets for all on April 22. We are planning to have the library story time kids join us for an egg hunt. The residents always enjoy the little ones. We are also pleased to be offering a move-in special from April 1 to June 1. New residents during this time can enjoy $500 off their first month’s rent or their security deposit. Happy Easter and here’s to sunny days ahead. Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Senior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing for older adults in Colorado.

The Colorado Heritage Group

Check Out These Amazing Deals! NEW LISTING BETTER THAN NEW! Custom window coverings, tasteful accent paint, glass block tile shower, added storage solutions, come home today! Battlement Mesa - $299,000

RESORT LIVING YEAR-ROUND Full stucco, tile roof, courtyard, tiled foyer, kitchen and bathrooms. 10’ ceilings, quality abounds. Battlement Mesa - $245,000

UPSCALE RANCHETTE LIVING 360 degree views-adjoins BLMdomestic well in place-covenants8.38 +/- acres-two horses allowed. Parachute - $249,900

Senior Briefs The Traveler available to seniors and disabled Every Tuesday, Battlement Mesa and Parachute area residents 60 years of age and older, and anyone with a disability can ride The Traveler, a mini bus, to Rifle to do errands. The Traveler is a 16-passenger van, and accommodates wheel chairs. It offers door-todoor, driver-assisted service for medical appointments, grocery and Walmart shopping or for any need in Rifle. Departure from Parachute after picking up passengers is 9:30 a.m. and The Traveler returns 1:30 p.m. from Rifle. The suggested contribution is $6 for a round trip or $3 for one way. The Traveler also provides transportation to Grand Junction on the second Thursday of each month. The suggested contribution is $10 one way or $20 for a round trip. When scheduling rides or to inquire about other Traveler service call call at least 24 hours in advance. Be ready to provide the dispatcher with your name, phone number, address, destination address and appointment time. Cancellations should be made as soon as possible to the same phone number. The Traveler is run by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and receives its financial support through the Garfield County Senior Programs and local municipalities. Call The Traveler at 625-1366. – Mitzi Burkhart

Driver safety class offered in May A new four-hour AARP Driver Safety class for drivers 50 and over will be held on May 9 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Parachute Branch Library. The fee for the workbook and handouts is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, payable to the instructor. The class is presented by the High Country Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which is a sponsored program of Colorado Mountain College. – Mitzi Burkhart

FRESH PAINT-NEAT & CLEAN Versatile, informal floor plan, lovely master, tiled walk-in shower, oversized patio, sprinkler system. Battlement Mesa - $155,000 OWN A LITTLE BIT of HEAVEN Two parcels just below Harvey Gap Reservoir. Borders BLM, privacy, treed and spectacular views. Silt-20 acres $25,000 40 Acres $45,000 ___________________________ LIVE IN CAREFREE LUXURY View filled windows, awning covered deck, tiled floors, granite counters, elegant master suite, Italian tile. Battlement Mesa $199,900 HATE YARD WORK? You will love this fashionable town home. High ceilings, 2 fireplaces, wet bar, tile galore, huge lower level family room. Battlement Mesa - $255,000 EXPANSIVE COVERED DECK Free standing gas fireplace, guest bedroom with Murphy bed, lots of scenic filled windows. Battlement Mesa - $189,900

SELL MOWER – PLAY GOLF! Bask in the living room views, covered patio with exceptional scenery, private guest bedroom and bath. Battlement Mesa - $156,900 THE ULTIMATE IN MF HOMES Extremely spacious floor plan, 1,700 +/- sq.ft., park like setting, covered porch, living, dining, den and 3 bedrooms. Battlement Mesa - $139,900 GRACE with QUALITY Large windows enhance the scenery, vaulted ceilings and skylights. Manicured landscaping large patio. Battlement Mesa - $269,900 IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE Pecan plank and tile flooring, upper deck and lower patio, open views for miles, two living areas with fireplaces. Battlement Mesa - $279,900 AREAS FOR THE DOGS & KIDS Sodded yard, sprinkler system, awning covered deck, shed, dog run, all bedrooms have walk-in closets. Battlement Mesa - $149,900 WOW – AWESOME Stucco ranch-style home with view filled windows throughout, fine finishes, cherry Pergot floors, jetted tub, more. Battlement Mesa - $334,900 AN AFFORDABLE BEGINNING Textured walls, new paint, new light fixtures, new carpet and appliances. Lattice covered patio, fenced yard. Battlement Mesa - $129,000 TRULY an EXCEPTIONAL HOME End unit, maintenance-free town home, upper deck, lower patio, BIG views, walk to activity center/shopping. Battlement Mesa - $230,000 BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME Quality construction/amenities, gorgeous master bath, huge closet, unique deco accents and trim throughout. Battlement Mesa - $329,900 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME Now is the time to invest in raw land, prices are not going to be this low again. Some parcels offering owner financing. Starting at $69,000.

mohrlang • jones The NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…

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This space sponsord by YOUR ORGANIZATION

73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635

see page 20 for more information

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 13

H E A LT H

Health Briefs Grand River to offer breakthrough 3D breast cancer screening equipment

Help managing diabetes If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you are far from alone. More than 23 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but being diagnosed does not mean you can’t live a full, active, healthy life. There is no doubt that being diabetic means changing your lifestyle. You may have to carefully watch what you eat and monitor how active you are, as well as manage medications such as insulin. Having diabetes can seem daunting at first. There are things to remember, foods not to eat, and appointments to keep. Having a support system and resources to turn to when you have trouble can be great help along the way. For many, taking time to receive diabetes management education can help tremendously with day-to-day activities and future planning. Diabetes management is composed of two services: diabetes self management training (DSMT) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT). DSMT includes education on the disease process, healthy eating, blood glucose monitoring, and preventing complications. MNT usually consists of a review of an individual’s food, activity, and self-monitored blood glucose records, and patient planned interventions. Both services may be provided in an individual or group setting. Many people who have diabetes can benefit greatly from these programs. A person who is newly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, or impaired fasting glucose can be referred to and may want to take part in diabetes management education. Locally, Grand River Hospital and Medical Center in Rifle offers diabetes management education within their Changing Lifestyles program. They have a registered nurse and a registered dietitian, who is also a certified diabetes educator, on staff to make sure participants are getting what they need. For more information about their program, call 625-6200. If you think receiving diabetes education would be helpful to you, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. Sarah Tahvonen writes about health issues for the Echo from Rifle. If you have any comments or suggestions for a health-related topic you’d like to see covered, e-mail toyourhealth35@yahoo.com.

Tel: (970) 285-9050

Grand River Hospital and Medical Center in Rifle will be one of the first facilities in the nation to offer a type of innovative 3D equipment for breast cancer screening with a Selenia® Dimensions® digital mammography system. The Selenia Dimensions system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and a groundbreaking 3D platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance. Grand River expects to begin offering 3D breast screenings to women after installation of the equipment at the end of May. By offering women the latest technology in mammography, Grand River hopes to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. – Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District

Japan radiation questions answered Local health departments have been getting a lot of questions about the impacts of radiation from Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in mid-March. A toll-free number, which is being staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends is available to answer questions, at 877-462-2911. In addition, information is available at cdphe.state.co.us and at colorado.gov/cohealth. Information may change, either due to a situation update or as messages are coordinated. Dr. Al Bronstein from Denver's Poison Center is working to get everyone on the same page with consistent messages. – Maria Marco, Garfield County Public Health

This space sponsord by YOUR ORGANIZATION see page 20 for more information

Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District • SERVING THE COMMUNITY • WATER & WASTE WATER OPERATIONS • BATTLEMENT MESA ACTIVITY CENTER

Tel: (970) 285-9480

Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

Nature at Home and Afield

Grand Valley Fire Protection District

by Betsy Leonard With wild land fire,humans aren’t separate from nature The Battlement Creek Fire of 1976 resulted in some substantial changes in federal wild land fire management. The fire occurred on Morrisania Mesa, and started on July 11 from a lighting storm that passed through the area. The Bureau of Land Management in Grand Junction was responsible for suppression of that fire. On July 16, a B-26 air tanker crashed while dropping retardant and the pilot was killed. The very next day, three firefighters were killed and a fourth severely burned during a burn-over while working on the fire. The incident was a catalyst for the mandatory use of fire shelters and fire resistant clothing and demonstrated the need for closer interagency coordination between federal, state, and local wild land fire agencies. We tend to think of humans as separate from nature. But, in truth, we have always been a part of nature. When we build our homes in the forest, or in the mountains, we create the urban-wild land interface, that is, the edge between development and the forest. Each kind of natural environment or ecosystem has its own rhythms with relationship to fire. The gambrel oaks and shrubs in our area will respond differently to fire than a Ponderosa pine or Douglas fir forest. Some species actually depend on fire for their development. And the fire-resistant cones of the Lodgepole pine will not open unless seared by a hot fire. We live in an area of canyons and ridges, so fighting fires in this kind of terrain often requires specially trained firefighters. Smokejumpers are most often deployed to fires that are extremely remote. A smokejumper is a wild land firefighter who parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires. Their duties can be hazardous and extremely arduous. They have the reputation of doing exceedingly dangerous work. Smokejumpers were used to fight the South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain. Steep topography, thick flammable vegetation that limited visibility, and increasing early afternoon wind collectively conspired to cause a firestorm that killed 14 brave firefighters that day. Developments in science have helped to protect firefighters: clothing made of Nomex, a material that will not burn or melt at 700 to 800 degrees; gloves made of flame-resistant leather; and chaps made of nylon on the outside and Kevlar (a tough material also used in bulletproof vests) on the inside. This combination protects firefighters from both flames and sharp saw blades used to cut brush. The main firefighting tool is a Pulaski, which has a hatchet blade for chopping on one side, and a hoe for digging up plants and clearing the ground on the other. Firefighters also wear a hard hat, and they carry a first aid kit, a backpack containing water and a fire shelter, made of aluminum foil bonded onto fiberglass cloth. A firefighter can deploy this low, triangular tent in less than 20 seconds. However, sometimes in a fast moving fire, there is not even time for that, as was the case with the South Canyon Fire. Resource managers of public lands now understand the importance of fire in the cycles of nature. Suppressing fire is no longer the best solution because it tends to build up dangerous amounts of fuel. Land managers have begun to use prescribed burns – fires carefully planned that bring about desired changes. And, let’s face it. In western forests, disturbance and change are inevitable and necessary. We can feel a measure of safety knowing such well equipped and trained firefighters are on call when fire turns disastrous. Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.

Sponsored by

WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

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285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

FA I T H

As I See It Is death faith’s most teachable moment? By Sean Jeung, chaplain and bereavement coordinator for HomeCare and Hospice of the Valley Recently, I read the statement…. “death is faith’s most teachable moment.” I was reading one of many books I devour as a way to feed my insatiable hunger for learning everything I can about spiritually companioning the dying. My experiences as a hospice chaplain support that statement as truth. One’s spiritual beliefs are often held close to one’s heart. Many people find it almost impossible to put into words what they truly believe when it comes to spirituality. Most of our lives, there’s little need to try. However, when someone we love is dying or if we ourselves are facing our own mortality, what we believe in is sometimes all we have. There is very little this life offers us in the way of teachable moments that can compare to losing the physical presence of another human being we love. I’ll never forget a woman whispering to me hours before she died, “How does anyone do this without God?” Belief in something we can’t see or prove; something good, something true, something sacred; gives those who are dying an intimate sense of comfort and helps give those of us being left behind the strength we need to survive our grief. In hospice care, we understand that those facing end of life issues navigate the experience much more smoothly when supported and assisted by a team of trained, experienced professionals. When spirituality is explored as part of that journey, patients and their families are provided a safe and supportive way to express and explore their beliefs. It’s a beautiful and rich experience when our questions, fears, concerns and expectations can be heard. When my own mom was dying, she used the months she had between diagnosis and death to prepare her five children for the inevitability that we would walk the earth as motherless adults. She was our anchor and most ardent fan. None of us could grasp how we would survive losing her. She spent weeks massaging thoughts into words and words into what she would eventually call, “Ann’s Legacy.” In that simple but eloquent gift to her children, she was able to express her beliefs about life and death, God and the universe. She explored her open heart and poured it out like pints of pretty paint on a white canvas. She gave her children the hope they desperately needed when she assured us she would never be farther away than the nearest breeze. She allowed us to glimpse a dimension of her life that had always been sacred; her personal relationship to Spirit. In that act of unselfishness, she placed beneath each one of us a foundation of loving trust that she would be with us all the days of our lives and she set the course for my life work becoming what it is today. At the end of life, spirituality becomes larger than life itself. When we share with loved ones what we believe, what we are unsure of, what we question and what we know in every cell of our beings to be true, we offer a gift of unprecedented beauty and grandeur. All of us have the power to make that kind of difference in the world. A workshop and DVD, “Spirituality at End of Life,” is being offered from 12-4 p.m. on April 22 in partnership with Grand River Hospital, and is something everyone interested in end-oflife issues should consider attending. Open and free of charge to the general public and all professionals working with people navigating the waters of illness, I invite you and even encourage you to consider setting aside the day. Lunch will be served. All participants must pre-register no later than April 19 by calling 544-1574. Sean Jeung is the chaplain and bereavement coordinator for HomeCare and Hospice of the Valley. She can be reached at info@hchotv.org or by calling 544-1574.

• The Echo Worship Directory • To be listed in The Echo Worship Directory, please contact gve@crystalvalleyecho.com to set up an account, there is a small monthly fee of $10.

All Saints' Episcopal Church 150 Sipprelle Dr. Battlement Mesa 285-7908 Pastor's mobile: 985-5797 The Reverend Edmond-Joseph Rivet, Priest-in-charge Website: allsaintsepiscopal.info Church e-mail: office@allsaintsepiscopal.info Pastor e-mail: frej@allsaintsepiscopal.info SUNDAY Sunday Eucharist: 10:30 a.m. Choir: 9:30 a.m. Children's Godly Play: 10 a.m. WOW: Worship On Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist: 6 p.m. Soup Social: 6:30 p.m. Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.

••• Crown Peak Baptist Church 101 W. Battlement Parkway Parachute 285-7946 crownpeakbaptist.com Rick Van Vleet, Senior Pastor Dan LaRue, Associate Pastor Matt Loftin, Youth Pastor Brian Jarrett, Minister of Music Sunday Morning Worship – 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study for all ages – 9:45 a.m. (Children's Church offered during 11 a.m. service) Wed. Night Dinner 5:30 p.m. Wed. Night Programs 6:30 p.m. (Adult, Children & Youth Groups)

Grace Bible Church

The Lighthouse

755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa 285-9862 Charlie Hornick, Pastor Lance Easterling, Youth Pastor Josh Elliott, Pastoral Intern Penni Nichols, GBC Child Care Director

(Assembly of God) 1833 S. Battlement Parkway Battlement Mesa 285-7236 or 379-5947 (Pastor's cell) Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew

SUNDAY Blessing Up for Church Broadcast 103.9 FM Sunday School: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Evening Service: 5:30 p.m. Youth / Children’s Activities Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri. Awana: Tuesdays 7:00pm (Sept. – April) High School Youth: Sundays 5:00-7:00 p.m. Middle School Youth: Wed. 7:00-8:30 p.m. *Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places) Website: grace-bible-church.com 24-Hour Prayer Line: 256-4693

••• Grand Valley Christian Church Second Street & Parachute Avenue Parachute Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080 e-mail: keeperoffaith@aol.com Church Office 285-7597 Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

Small groups meet throughout the week ... Visit our website for more information. Come -- Experience God's Power for life & living Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship Go -- With Christ in a ministry of service with a focus for evangelism

•••

Daily Prayer Tuesday thru Friday 9:30 a.m.

••• Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute

SERVICES Sunday school: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Worship service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (Children's Church & Nursery) Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon: Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

••• Shepherd of the Mesa (WELS) Website: shepherdofthemesa.org Bill Cornelius, Pastor 987-3093 Youth Directors: Kristy and Rory Roder, Brandon Downing WORSHIP: Sunday at 10 a.m. Bible Information Class: Monday at 7 p.m. Family Bible Study: Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: Historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse on County Road 300 Lutheran Catechism: Wednesday at 3 p.m. Women’s Bible Study Group: Monday at 9:30 a.m. Location: 12 Rosewood Way In Home Bible Study throughout the week. Call for times and locations in your area.

••• Wellspring of Life Church at Grand Valley High School Cafeteria 800 Cardinal Way Parachute

Faith Baptist Church

Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor

Pastor David Bartlett

235 N. Railroad Ave. Parachute John Yadloski, Pastor 285-7424

Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m. Youth and Children’s Sunday School

Contact Us Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

•••

P.O. Box 125, Parachute, CO 81635 285-9892 grandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net

•••

210-5795 210-5849

•••

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 17

Faith Briefs Purple Party Grand Valley Christian Church is hosting a Purple Party on April 16 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There’ll be a luncheon, raffle, inspirational speaker Janet Streed, and music by Darlene and Marylou, plus lots of fun and Christian fellowship. A limited number of tickets are on sale, so a RSVP is needed. Tickets are $6.50. Call the church at 285-7597 or Kelli at 260-1080. – Grand Valley Christian Church

Joshua Elliott ordained on April 17 Joshua Elliott, pastoral intern at Grace Bible Church in Battlement Mesa, has accepted a call to become thee pastor at Snyder Bible Church in Snyder Colo. and is to be ordained on April 17. Josh’s ordination service will be held during both the 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. hours. Nelson Miles, president of Frontier School of the Bible, will give the ordination sermon. Josh’s father-in-law, Pastor Tim Goold, will give the charge to the candidate and Charlie Hornick, pastor of Grace Bible, will give the charge to the congregation. Josh became an intern at Grace Bible Church in June, 2010 after graduating from Frontier School of the Bible and marrying his wife, Kathy. Josh has fulfilled all the requirements of his internship and will graduate on May 6. In February, he received a unanimous call from the church in Snyder to be their pastor. Snyder is next to Brush in eastern Colorado. He will begin his duties as pastor there the last week of May. Josh and Kathy’s last Sunday at Grace Bible Church will be May 1. Josh will give the message at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. There will be a reception for them with a meal right after the service in the fellowship hall. Josh’s wife, Kathy, has been employed by the Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry Trading Post in Parachute. Both will be greatly missed. All are invited to attend the ordination services at Grace Bible Church at 0755 Spencer Pkwy. on April 17 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Charlie Hornick

Kiwanis National Day of Prayer on May 5 The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute is sponsoring a National Day of Prayer Observance on May 5 from 7:30 a.m. in front of Parachute Town Hall. Various church groups and pastors from the Parachute and Battlement Mesa area will meet for prayer from 7:30- 8 a.m. for prayer for our nation, our state, and our community leaders. Afterwards, around 8 a.m., all are invited to stay for a continental breakfast goodies at the Parachute Branch Library’s community room. This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic well known as an inspiration to millions, is this year’s honorary chairperson. Prayer will be offered for eight major spheres of influence: government, church, military, family, education, media, business, medical and emergency services. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 309-0363. – Charlie Hornick

Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

O U R

S C H O O L S

GVHS News

Involving Parents and Children

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning The Preschool and Kindergarten Round-Up is being held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 20. Children must be 5 years old by Aug. 15 to enroll in kindergarten, and 3 years old by Aug. 15 to enroll in preschool. Preschool scholarships may be available for families that qualify. Staff will be on hand to help enroll students and answer questions. Call 285-5702 for more information or visit cfl.garcoschools.org/. – Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning celebrated Grandparents' Day on March 24. More than 50 grandparents came to support their grandchildren at school from as far away as the Eastern Slope, Meeker and Paonia. See photos below.

As Student of the Month, you do not think outside of the box, you cut to the chase…you sit in the box! Senior Kendra Hill was voted as the Student of the Month for March. Photo courtesy of GVHS

And the winner is…

By Eryn Paskett, GVHS Congratulations Senior Kendra Hill! This lucky gal was voted by the GVHS staff members as Student of the Month for March. This super student is a busy bee as she is active in school, prepares for college, and pushes through the long days leading up to graduation. Along with her outstanding work ethic in school she is an active member in GVHS athletics and her community. She had a very successful varsity softball season and now is playing her game on the green as a member of the varsity golf team. During the cold winter season she enjoys hitting the slopes as she busts a move on the snowboard. Balancing her busy play schedule and school, she strives to secure the seas of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center pool as a lifeguard. However, recreation, athletics, and work do not take up all her time; she still devotes her studies in the classroom 110 percent. Her devotion and hard work in school earned her the title of Student of the Month, which is not an easy task in any means. As her high school career comes to a close, she plans on attending Mesa State College to receive a degree in geology so that she can begin studying paleontology. Now that we all know a little more about senior Kendra Hill, one question still remains: What is her favorite thing about being awarded Student of the Month? Well, as she puts it, “The parking spot is really nice.” Congrats Kendra, keep up the good work!

Attention parents and guardians of the graduating class of 2011 By Karsyn Valencia, GVHS The journalism class at GVHS is preparing a section in The Grand Valley Echo that is devoted to the class of 2011 for the May edition. Parents and guardians, we encourage you to send us an inspiring quote that we can put in the senior section along with a baby or senior picture. This section of the newspaper is meant for parents to inspire their students with quotes, pictures, or anything else you would like to add. The staff already has some senior and baby pictures, but if you want to add anything else we ask that you send it in before April 28. You can contact the journalism advisor, Brooke Whitman, if you have any questions or just submit your information and pictures to her as well. You can contact Mrs. Whitman by phone, 285-5705 extension 4123 or by e-mail bwhitman@garcoschools.org.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 19

O U R Terrific Kids for March 2011

S C H O O L S

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elementary schools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.

Lauren Paskett, Striver of the Month.

Photo courtesy of GVHS

Striving to get to a place where she wants to be By Stefanie Horton, GVHS She searches through mountains and valleys to get to the place she wants to be. She strives for the best and does not let anything stand in her way. She plays volleyball, basketball, and soccer too. She is involved in Key Club and helping Grand Valley stand out in the crowd. School is not the only place she succeeds but in her community as well. She is the Mimaid president in the Young Girls Organization sponsored through her local church. A huge striver when it comes to this girl; who you may ask? The one and only Lauren Paskett. Lauren Paskett has accounted for many accomplishments throughout her freshmen year and has finally been recognized. Lauren lettered in basketball her very first year of high school; not many can say they have. Now, Lauren is being recognized for her striving personality and is Grand Valley’s Striver of the Month for April. I asked Lauren what she was planning to do in her future endeavors and she said, “I would like to become a professional ice cream scooper because I love ice cream, and on the side I would like to become a registered nurse.” I asked where she would go to college to pursue her goals and she said, “It is too early yet, I know I want to go to one of the BYU colleges.” Well Lauren, I am sure you will succeed even further in the future and I know you will still be a striver for years to come. Congratulations Lauren Paskett for being recognized for Grand Valley’s Striver of the Month for April, 2011!

GVHS News

Bea Underwood Elementary School March’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Kiwanis representative Opal Morgenthaler, Emelio Garcia, Niyna Cruz, Slade Einerson, Principal Brian Berg; second row, Isaac Letson, Angel Ruelas, Avery Arrowood, Nautica Rodriguez; third row, Diego Rivera, Eric France, Ryley Sackett, Kiwanis representative Bill Coelho; not pictured: Josue DeLoera.

St John Elementary School March’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Eliodoro Castaneda, Alex Espinoza, Faith Brown, Kathryn Martinez; second row, Kiwanis representatives Bill Coelho, Opal Morgenthaler, Layne Teter, Dusty Sprague, Nick Roberson, Emily France, Principal Kathy Keeling. Congratulations to all of March’s Terrific Kids!

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org

Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

KIWANIS KORNER Kiwanis busy planning its golf tourney on May 14 By J. Steven Randol, Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute planning for our May 14 fundraising golf tourney is well underway. This is our primary fundraiser and allows us to meet scholarships and other programs we promote. You can sign up at the golf course or contact a Kiwanian. Garfield No. 16 Superintendent Ken Haptonstall spoke at our April 12 meeting. Matt Spencer the CEO of the Colorado Mountain College Foundation is speaking on April 19; and we’ll host a spiritual aims program on May 3. Another great program was Carolyn Dahlgren, of the Garfield County Attorney’s Office, and we are hoping to have a program on the effects of radon. We visited the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on March 29 in Grand Junction, where we all had the feeling instilled in us that a life of crime is a serious dead end. The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at the Parachute Branch Library for coffee with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. All men and women of good will are welcome to come join us in serving our children and community. Chuck Hall is our president. Please come join us some Tuesday morning.

Chapter IP PEO offering luncheon, scholarships and more PEO luncheon set for May 19 Chapter IP Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) members in Battlement Mesa are once again planning their annual elegant luncheon and card party on May 19 at All Saints Episcopal Church beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $10. Call Lee Allen at 285-5628 or Sara Orono at 285-1111 for more information. Attention, GVHS senior girls Chapter IP PEO is again offering scholarships to two graduating senior girls from Grand Valley High School. Any Grand Valley senior girl wishing to continue her education in any field is eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is May 1 and applications are available from the counselor at Grand Valley High School.

Ride the Rails with the Echo

Officers installed for Chapter IP PEO Chapter IP PEO officers for the 2011-12 year were installed in March and will serve until March 2012. President - Dottie Scott Vice President - Sherry Johnson Recording Secretary - Sarah Oliver Corresponding Secretary - Wendy Mello Treasurer - Nancy Leonard, Chaplain - Carolyn Stott Guard – Betty Letson. PEO’s purpose is to promote education for women. Scholarships for local girls are just one of the many charities the chapter supports.

This space sponsored by an individual or family - $25/month

I read it in the

ECHO

The Grand Valley Echo is your community newspaper, and we need your help to continue providing you with a central, monthly source for local information. As you know, the paper is distributed free throughout Parachute and Battlement Mesa – but it’s not free to compose, edit, publish, print and distribute. In the past, newspapers have made their money from display ad sales, but with the changes in the media industry and the economy, that paradigm has changed. To address new financial challenges, we’re developing our “Ride the Rails” campaign. A rail ad – that

– Sharon Temple

is, a long, support ad that runs across the bottom of a page – gives readers a way to actively support the newspaper in a new way, rather than through straight display advertising. (See pages 16-17 for examples of Garfield School District No. 16’s rail ads). Ideally, rail ads run across the bottom of entire page, though they can be sectioned into smaller blocks, too, and cost between $10 for a small, block ad to $100 for a full-length ad per issue. Please consider riding the rails with us. Fun swag, including exclusive “I read it in the Echo” bumper stick-

ers go to all who help support your local newspaper. Join your friends and neighbors and help keep the community news in The Grand Valley Echo flowing each month. You can use your space to promote your business, honor a friend or family member, share your favorite quote, etc. We can bill your credit card monthly or you can prepay. Call 963-2373, or alyssa@crystalvalleyecho.com with questions and more information. We look forward to your participation, and to bringing you many more issues of The Grand Valley Echo.

Yes! Sign me (us) up! Name (as you’d like to to appear in rail) ______________________________________________________ Individual o $10/month o $25/month o $50/month o $100/month Run our rail in ________________ issues sponsorship o Check enclosed o Please bill my credit card each month* ________________________________________________________ $10/month *Please provide an email address or phone number so we can get our credit card form to you.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 21

Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker Gently rub a damp paper towel over the cat • To prevent weeping whipped cream, place the whipped cream in a strainer over a bowl. Any excess liquid will drip out. • Before cutting into cheese-topped baked dishes such as lasagna, first perforate the pieces with a fork. This helps prevent the knife from pulling the layer of cheese off the top. • To store a chunk of Parmesan or Romano cheese, place it in an airtight plastic container along with 2 or 3 sugar cubes, which will absorb the moisture and will prevent the cheese from getting moldy. Replace the sugar cubes when they get soggy • To dice a lot of hard-boiled eggs for salads, try using a cooling rack with square grids. Peel the eggs, then press them through the rack directly into a bowl. It saves time and the eggs come out perfectly chopped. Cleanup is a breeze, too – especially with a nonstick rack. • Oven and grill racks are simple to clean using this trick. Place the racks in a plastic garbage bag, then pour in two cups of ammonia. Seal the bag and let it stand outside overnight. Cooked-on grime falls off with a light scrub and a rinse. DO NOT use ammonia on copper or aluminum pans. • Make perfectly round pancakes, by putting the batter into a plastic condiment bottle with a wide tip. You can find these at hardware or grocery stores. Be sure the batter is thin enough to flow through the tip. Heat the griddle and start squeezing the pancakes. A bottle with a resealable cap is perfect for serving late-risers or for making only a few pancakes. Just seal the bottle and store it in the refrigerator. • Cleaning the gunked-up coffee grinder is easy. Grind up the heel of stale bread. The dry hard bread cleans the coffee grounds from the sides and blades, and absorbs a lot of the sticky oils. Then just wipe out the bread crumbs with a dry paper towel. • Don’t throw away that pickle juice. Gardenias love pickle juice. Just pour the juice onto the soil at the base of the gardenia plant and that plant will produce mountains of snowy-white, sweetsmelling blooms. • Liven up weak soil by adding one shot of bourbon, Scotch, vodka or gin and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid per gallon of water. Use this in place of ordinary water for potted perennials and watch the results. • To be sure there are no ticks left in your clothes, put the clothes in the dryer and turn it on for a few minutes; this kills the ticks. • When lighting a lot of birthday candles, use a piece of raw spaghetti as a lighter. • Instead of birthday candles, use fuzzy pipe cleaners. They are colorful, stiff enough to stand upright, burn brightly due to the metal core, and your cake will be free of candle wax. • Gumdrops make colorful candle holders on a birthday cake. • Bananas are rich in potassium and phosphorus and can give roses, vegetables and houseplants an extra boost. Just air dry the banana peel until crisp, then crumble them up and store in a sealed envelop at room temperature and add them to the soil when planting. • Create unusual paint brushes for children by recycling toothbrushes, sponges, popsickle sticks, broken combs, etc. • Rubber gloves that have too many holes to make them useful, just cut the fingers of the glove crosswise for handy rubber bands. • To reduce cat hair around the house, gently rub a damp paper towel over the cat; it collects hair and dirt. • Add a handful or two of dry oatmeal to the soil mix when planting. Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.

Linda & Dave Devanney support the Grand Valley Echo

Echo Briefs Garfield County Sheriff returns nearly $3 million to county coffers Sheriff Lou Vallario has returned $2.89 million of his 2010 total budget to the Garfield County general fund. The total 2010 sheriff’s office budget was $18.86 million of which the sheriff spent $15.97 million total. Those expenditures represent a 3.4% increase over total expenditures in 2009. The sheriff also returned over $2 million in 2009. The sheriff’s office 2011 operations budget decreased from 2010 by nearly 7 percent, but the overall budget increased slightly by 1.7 percent due to additional dollars for possible salary and benefit adjustments, particularly significant forecasted increases in health care. As the sheriff has stated, his budget is based on known fixed costs; forecasting variable costs based on previous trends; estimating unknown but “anticipated” costs such as a major case investigation or wild land fire; and finally, completely unanticipated costs such as $77,991 in additional medical care for one inmate, Philip Michael Amonette. “We base our budget on what is needed, not wanted, and only spend what is necessary to maintain the safe operation of the sheriff’s office and provide the services that are expected by the community,” says Vallario. “If we don’t spend it, we return it, because it belongs to the taxpayers.” – Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at BMAC April 23 The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute is holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt for area children on April 23 at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. In case of inclement weather, the activity will be held inside the Activity Center. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to hand out gift s, and to let parents take a keepsake photo of their children. – Don Chance, Kiwanis of Grand Valley/Parachute

Storytelling presentation featured at Grand Valley Historical Society April 16 The spring meeting of the Grand Valley Historical Society is featuring a special storytelling presentation when it takes place at 2 p.m. on April 16 at the historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Steve Lee is portraying Otto Mears, who is considered to be one of the most influential men during the pioneering era of Colorado. Mears was renowned as the

builder of roads and railroads through the Rocky Mountains allowing the opening of Colorado’s high country to exploration and development. Mears also helped design the Colorado State Capitol building, was a witness at the Alfred Packer trial and was a power in state politics for more than 50 years. To this day, a stained glass likeness of Mears still appears in the Senate Chambers of the Colorado State Capitol building. Steve Lee, who bears a close resemblance to Mears, taught school for 32 years, often using his storytelling abilities. Currently, he is an educational program provider at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden and does historical presentations throughout the state. The historical society encourages all those with an interest in Colorado history to attend. The meeting is open to the public. Admission is free to society members, while a donation of $3 is requested of non-members. – Jim Klink, Grand Valley Historical Society

Plenty of activities at the Parachute Branch Library Story Times, Fun Nights, and a Flip Flab Jack Breakfast are just some of the activities coming up at the Parachute Branch Library. In addition, classes on digital cameras, appliqué, safe driving, and how to use Gmail are all on the library’s schedule of events. For more information, go to the Echo’s calendar on page 5, or call the Parachute Branch Library at 285-7630. – Emily Hisel

GarCo not accepting online firearms certificates Garfield County Sheriff's Office will not be accepting online firearms certificates for a concealed weapons permit. Online programs do not verify the true identity of the person online taking the course, nor does it confirm the identity, credentials or legality of the instructor. As defined in the Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-202.5, a handgun training class means: (a) a law enforcement training firearms safety course; (b) a firearms safety course offered by a law enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or a public or private institution or organization or firearms training school, that is open to the general public and is taught by a certified instructor; or (c) a firearms safety course that is offered and taught by a certified instructor. For questions, call Kiyvon Chapman at 665-0200. – Jennifer Kelly, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

Where’s Redstone?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s seven-year old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and is the monthly newspaper for the Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get to know your sister: Come visit.

Bring your bike for a ride around Redstone – and beyond By Sue McEvoy and Carrie Click

As winter’s snow pack continues to melt, the hillsides and valleys of the Crystal River Valley spring into life. Aspen buds glisten into new-green leaves and deer, elk and bighorn sheep give birth after the fall mating season. Bears emerge from hibernation with their cubs and the rivers start to rise. The Crystal Valley, too, shows signs of coming back to life, and becomes ideal for both road and mountain biking. Sure signs of spring are the bicyclists gliding up and down Highway 133 and families peddling along Redstone Boulevard. For the serious cyclist, a ride to Redstone and, six miles further, to Marble up the Crystal Valley on Highway 133 is challenging and exhilarating. If you choose this ride, know that traffic can be somewhat heavy and the road’s shoulders are narrow. A safer option is the Crystal River Trail that goes from Carbondale (look for Roaring Fork High School on the left) and runs five miles up the Crystal Valley to the BRB Campground Resort. This is a new, paved bike and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to Highway 133, and provides a wonderful ride. Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience, as you leave the busy highways and cruise along the West Elk Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. The two-lane road winds along the Crystal River and is soon surrounded by the towering cliffs of red sandstone that give the town its name. Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone! Mount Sopris looms over the Crystal River Trail. Photo by Ed Kosmicki

The Redstone General Store WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Open Daily

963-3126 292 Redstone Blvd. Redstone Across from the park

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Antiques • 12863 Hwy 133 • Redstone, CO 81623 info@avalancheranch.com • www.avalancheranch.com • 1-877-963-9339

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THE HEART OF REDSTONE WITH A UNIQUE SELECTION OF CENTERPIECES FOR YOUR HOME! REDSTONE CASTLE TOUR TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE! OPEN YEAR ROUND • OPEN DAILY

970-963-1769 225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone

redstonecolorado.com

REDSTONE CASTLE TOURS Saturday & Sunday • 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18 Children under 5: FREE (FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656) Tickets savailable at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store and Crystal Club Cafe. CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011, Page 23

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES: SERVICES: Home repair services: Experienced, with references. Swamp cooler start up, yard cleaning, tree trimming, $45/service, tree removal $350-600 small to large trees. Home painting, small houses $3,500 interior and exterior, $5500 large homes. Mike - 285-9330. pd FOR RENT: FOR RENT - RIFLE: Three bedroom, two and a half bath townhome in family neighborhood. Fenced backyard, storage shed. Washer/dryer, all appliances. No smoking, Pets negotiable. $1,000/mo. plus utilities. Call 618-4930. pd FOR RENT - RIFLE: Furnished Studio Room. Private entrance. Outside smoking. All utilities included. $500/mo. plus deposit. Close to town. Call 625-4253. pd

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS

PHOTO CLASSIFIED AD–Run an photo and 25 words for $15/month* LISTING CLASSIFIED AD–Run up to 40 words for $10/month* *25¢ per word extra. These ads must be prepaid.

Name:__ _______________

Phone Number:___________

Ad:

Submit this form and payment by the 1st of the month to: The Grand Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 IF YOU ARE RUNNING A PHOTO CLASSIFIED, SEND PHOTO TO gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

GRAND VALLEY INSURANCE SERVICES Home-Health-Auto-Life & Commercial Lines Sherry Loschke 970-285-7343 • 970-640-3115 email: s_loschke@msn.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY OUTSI DE STOR AGE NEW TO THE PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA LOCATED IN PARACHUTE

Travel Trailers, RV's, Boats, Trucks, etc. CALL JOHN - 970-986-1820 OR SHERRY - 970-640-3115

• Basic and Full Service Oil Changes • Automatic Transmission Flushes • Tire Sales • ASE Certified Mechanic on duty full-time

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS

285-9217

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • Electronic locate • Rooter work • Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments • Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections • Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36” CALL RICK or SCOTT

970-930-0124 P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650

• Septic Tank Pumping • Experienced Operators • Senior Discounts! Locally Owned & Operated. • Specials! DeBeque to Aspen to Vail & Beyond • Best Prices! 970-216-7576 • Guaranteed! www.peakseptic.com

Steve’s Painting & Decorating Inc. New Construction, Commercial & Mold Prevention

TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 963-2373 TODAY!

Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011