Grand Valley Echo October 2011 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 4 Number 1

INSIDE

Mid-October/ Mid-November 2011

Saving money at Parachute Town Hall

Amy Beasley page 5

Loan payoff page 9

Since Parachute Town Hall started using a new energy savings system called the Navigator in August, electric bills have decreased by 27 percent during the Photo courtesy of Cam Burns work week. The system monitors building use and adjusts energy use when the building is unoccupied.

Town building now on cutting edge of energy use management By Cam Burns, Echo contributor

Sports & recreation page 12

Seniors page 20

Our schools page 21-24

Most residents of Parachute and Battlement Mesa are well aware of the solar flowers at the rest area off I-70, and of the solar arrays on Parachute’s town hall, water treatment facility, and library. But there’s a new addition that’s doing the heavy lifting when it comes to reducing non-renewable energy use in town. The Energy Navigator, at garfieldenergynavigator.org, is a webbased tool that provides data on energy use in any building it’s connected to. It tracks energy use, then displays the used energy in a simple-to-understand format on any computer. While the solar arrays on civic buildings make a public statement about clean energy use in Parachute, the Navigator does something more important – it changes how the buildings operate. Tracking use to utility bills Nearly all buildings function without regard to the energy they use. Lights, heating and cooling equipment, and other systems are generally operated with timers or computers that simply turn equipment on or off according to a setting made by a facility manager. Sometimes the settings don’t match when people are actually using the building. We’ve all seen empty buildings lit up and/or heated at night, when no one’s inside. Unfortunately, about the only interaction building managers have with the energy their facilities use comes in the form of a bill, which is passed along to an accounting department – so no one really questions how the building uses energy or notices if usage goes up or down.

Earlier this year, Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), a Carbondale-based nonprofit that does clean energy work, developed the Navigator to address energy use in buildings. The Navigator uses energy data from buildings’ utility bills. That data gets uploaded into Utility Manager, a type of energy accounting software. The data then gets put in the Navigator where it becomes accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. The easy-to-use display shows monthly energy use and cost in dollars as well as the carbon emissions associated with electricity use. Then, those in charge of running the buildings can adjust how they’re heated, cooled, ventilated, and lit. “We can make lots of energy with solar panels and other devices, but if we’re making all that energy and then using it wastefully, there’s not much point,” said Mike Ogburn, an energy engineer with CLEER. “The Navigator is a unique energy solution because it gives us the detailed information about energy use so we can use it more more efficiently.”

Managing energy use, saving money As of early August the Navigator was tracking 69 buildings across Garfield County, including libraries, town halls, recreation centers, and wastewater treatment plants. Alpine Bank recently added its central operations facility to the Navigator. For 23 specially selected buildings – including Parachute Town Hall – the Navigator can be used to view 15-minute “live” electricity use by day, week, and month. Eleven of the 23 buildings include live solar tracking. The information is displayed on a screen according to physical location (Parachute, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, etc.) and building type (town hall, recreation center, etc.). When energy

Continued on page 3

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

LETTERS TO THE ECHO Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded our word-count 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.

Vote for Dani to help find a cure for IBD

Dear Echo: Many of you are aware that my husband Jerry and I have been active for many years in supporting the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in their attempt to find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is an embarrassing, painful and debilitating disease with no cure. IBD has had a deleterious effect on our family as well as many of our friends and neighbors. One of these is Danielle “Dani” Gonzales and she is who I am writing about today. You can read Dani's story online at ibdicons.com/vote. Dani was diagnosed with IBD at the age of 13. This spring she had surgery to remove her entire colon. Needless to say, Dani's life has changed significantly. But she still has dreams of having a child of her own one day, which her doctors say is possible if her disease is held in check. Still, she worries that since there is not a cure for IBD, she risks passing it on to her child. Those who have suffered with IBD never want to see their own children suffer as they have. Now the good news: Dani has been selected by CCFA and Janssen Biotech, Inc. as one of nine finalists in the IBD Icons competition. This IBD awareness event to be held in Las Vegas will be conducted by 2010 American Idol top contestant, Casey Abrams, who also suffers from IBD. This event is being held to celebrate the courage and persistence of people living with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Janssen Biotech, Inc. has pledged $1 up to $20,000 for every online vote cast for one of these nine contestants. We are asking that each of you go to ibdicons.com/vote and cast your votes (there is no limit) for Dani. Janssen Biotech's pledge of $20,000 will go a long way to fund additional medical research to find a cure

for Crohn's and colitis. Please vote for a cure! Thank you all for your support. Mary Lee and Jerry Mohrlang Battlement Mesa

Soup kitchen begins year three of service Dear Echo: The Monday after Labor Day began year three of our soup kitchen mission project at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church. A free lunch is provided every Monday from 12-1 p.m. We began serving 10 to 12 people and now we serve 20 to 40 people. (This may be, in part, because the food is so good!) We are open to everyone and people come for reasons of their own. Thanks to Jim Landrum, we know that our Monday free lunch is well advertised and the invitation still goes out to all in the community. A very big thank you goes out to all of the people who participate in this program. Working monthly in teams are: Sue and Bill Baer, B.J. Lindauer, June Zacharias, Marietta Kovacs, Beanie Branaman, Ginger Swanson, Cindy Day, Joyce Landrum, Sharon Temple, Laurel Koning, and Lori Sweers. And our program could not continue without those people who are willing to fill in when needed. So, a big thanks also goes to Carol Schelling, Adelia Inman, Mitzi Burkhart, Idella Henry, Sue Knuth, Bert Botkin, Linda Levine Elaine Warehime, Hope Perrine, Flo Rinker and Sherrill Barr when they can help out. A thank you also goes to Jane Chapman for the two years she worked on a team while she held a full-time job. We do think this is an important mission project and from what I and others hear, the community also thinks so. Lori Sweers Battlement Mesa

Oktoberfest the biggest ever Dear Echo: The Oktoberfest Festival for 2011 at Cottonwood Park on Oct. 1, was the biggest ever for the Parachute-Battlement Mesa Area Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event. The weather was perfect, the attendance was estimated at more than 500, the food was outstanding, and the entertainment was enjoyed by all ages. Oktoberfest is a yearly event, initiated several years ago to incorporate the Fourth of July fireworks and a fall festival that attracts the Battlement Mesa/Parachute communities and surrounding areas. Chamber board members have been very pleased with the ever-increasing popularity for the event and the support of all the attendees and sponsors. The following businesses, corporations and individuals deserve a big “thank you” for their donations of time, money and labor to another extremely successful Oktoberfest. Firework sponsors: Alpine Bank, Antero Resources, BNS Services, Encana Oil and Gas Inc., Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, Town of Parachute, Wells Fargo, and Williams Production. Fireworks display: Fireworks West Barbecue: Stallion Oil Field Services Miscellaneous donations: Clark’s Market, Girl Scouts (clean-up), Dependable Waste, Parachute Radio Shack, Parachute True Value, Signs by Tomorrow, Parachute Auto Parts. Entertainment: Exit 42 Band; Dave Wallen, magician; Big Sky Bounce; and face painting: Devyn and Reagan Cyphers, Codi Pfau and Desi Smith. Mary Lee Mohrlang Battlement Mesa

More letters on page 13

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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Lynn Shore, Karen Klink, Joseph Kuper, Debra Crawford, Keith Lammey, Jean Lein, Barbara Barker, Jennifer Kelly, Mitzi Burkhart, Carrie Godes, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Jeanne Miles, Brian Berg, M.E. Denomy, Charlie Hornick, Rebecca Ruland, Sue McEvoy, Cam Burns, Bob Knight, Heather McGregor, Rob Ferguson, Dustin Weist, Brooke Whitman, Laurel Koning, Mary Lou Wilson, Heidi Rice, Community Counts, Susan Alvillar, Mary Anderson, Derek Wingfield, Betsy Leonard, Vina Klahn, Kathy Germano, Jessica Valenzuela, Hunter Metcalf, Ceara Friel, Veronica Duran, Carol Lybrook DDS, Julie Lana, Jean Edmonds, Timeless Memories

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 3

B U S I N E S S

Parachute’s First Street is filling up with restaurants Coffee, pastry, or burrito? By Heidi Rice, Special to the Echo You won't go hungry living in Parachute these days. With five existing restaurants and three that just recently opened or are opening soon on First Street, there's plenty of food to go around. The latest restaurant scheduled to open in late November is the Mountain Grind Coffee shop, featuring gourmet coffees and fresh pastries. The shop, located at 222 E. First St., is owned by Savannah Tompkins. "We'll have a wide variety of beverages and coffees and in the near future we'll offer a full lunch menu as well," Savannah said. Savannah, of Grand Junction, is no stranger to the restaurant business having spent more than nine years in the coffee industry with Starbucks. Her father has a business in Parachute and other family members have worked in the oil field industry in the area as well. "Parachute is a great little town and after spending a lot of time working in the Grand Valley area the past year, I really saw the potential," Savannah said. "After a lot of hard work and planning, my dream of opening my own coffee shop became a reality." Mountain Grind Coffee will include specialty espressos, mochas, high-quality coffee, smoothies, fresh cafe-style pastries, and breakfast items.

Solar energy use information is then used with Active Energy Management – CLEER’s term for actively managing how a building is operated – the drop in energy use can be dramatic. Several years ago, Parachute remodeled its town hall and installed a state-ofthe-art heating and cooling system. After moving into the building in December 2008, it became apparent to town officials the system was not operating as expected. “With only a two-hour visit from CLEER engineer Mike Ogburn the issue was identified and corrections made to the system,” said town administrator Robert Knight. “The building now operates at a consistent temperature, which will result in energy savings in addition to the solar panels already installed. This has been a great partnership and Parachute looks forward to do our part in helping others achieve similar results.” Information from the Navigator led Mike to adjust the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system’s software so that the HVAC system went to unoccupied mode after normal business hours. When set to unoccupied mode, the building heating and cooling runs much less often. After changes were made in early August, energy savings during the first full

"We will also have the ability to provide catering," Savannah said. "We can help out with coffee and food items for business meetings and large groups of people." The store will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. And if it's Mexican fare you crave, there are now two additional restaurants on First Street. One, Nalini's Restaurant, re-opened three months ago and has now added a bar. The restaurant serves a menu of homemade items that includes burritos, tacos, and cheese and meat dishes. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The other is a new business, Las Palmas, located at 103 First St., which opened in July. Las Palmas offers all the traditional Mexican dishes, including burritos, tacos and soups. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "We also offer hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids," added owner Judith Zeloera, who is trying her hand in the restaurant business for the first time. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. So what do these businesses mean for Parachute and Battlement Mesa? "These are small business people going out and trying to do what they can," said Parachute Town Administrator Bob Knight. "It's a sign of recovery in Parachute, but it's a very, very slow and cautious incline." But in the meantime, you can eat, drink and go home with a full belly. "We want to be a place where locals and people traveling on I-70 can have a one-stop shop to receive outstanding customer service, a delicious beverage and food items," Savannah summed up. "I truly want everyone to leave with a smile on their face and hope that we can make their day a little better."

from page 1

week were 27 percent of electricity use, which included electricity savings of 39 percent on Saturdays and 48 percent on Sundays. Savings on natural gas are also expected in winter after additional boiler setting changes. The total forecasted energy savings from this simple software change are $3,000 to $5,000 per year.

Maintenance costs lowered, too Operational and energy use cost savings aren’t the only benefit. After changing the software so that the building uses unoccupied mode in the evenings and on weekends, the equipment runs less, meaning fewer repairs and maintenance costs. According to Mike, with the new settings, the heating and cooling equipment in the east wing of the building now runs 118 fewer hours per week – a 70 percent reduction in run time. The west wing heating and cooling system still operates 24/7, but town hall officials made changes to operational schedules in the lobby and council areas. All told, the west wing heating and cooling system now runs roughly 30 percent less each week. Use of the Navigator along with Active Energy Management has also improved comfort in town hall. South-facing office airflow settings have been reset to match the building’s original design, keeping staff more comfortable on sunny days. The council chambers are now set to “on demand only” operation, allowing occupants to request cooling or heating only during meetings, saving energy and allowing staff to turn off one or both systems in the room if not needed during meetings. The Navigator was developed by the CLEER team, with Mike Ogburn, CLEER’s energy engineer, leading the effort. Primary support came from a Department of Local Affairs New Energy Communities Initiative grant with additional support coming from a Department of Energy Better Buildings grant. The tool was based on an energy management concept used by New Energy Technology, a Grand Junction consulting firm, and on web-based solar energy tracking systems in use at existing solar installations in the county. CLEER partnered with Lucks Digital of Carbondale for software development and Bailey Haines for graphic design. Now, additional communities in Colorado are expressing interest in also using the Navigator. “If every public building in Colorado were using the Navigator, we could be saving millions,” added Mike.

Solar panels on the Parachute water plant.

Photo courtesy of Cam Burns

Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 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.

• Oct. 16: National Library Friends Week starts today and runs through Oct. 22. $10/year for Friends of the Parachute Library membership. 285-9870.

• Oct. 18: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Bunch features “Crooked Letter” by Tom Franklin, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• Oct. 18: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Flu shot clinic at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station. $20/shot, $25/spray, $10/children. 6255200.

• Oct. 19: 2:30 p.m. The Anime Club streams episodes from the Internet at the Parachute Branch Library. Club is open to all anime fans in middle and high school. Snacks provided. 285-9870.

• Oct. 21: 5-6:30 p.m. Annual chicken and biscuit dinner sponsored by the United Methodist Women includes full dinner and homemade pie. $9/adult, $5/children. Grand Valley United Methodist Church in Parachute.

• Oct. 22: Philanthropic Educational Organization’s Chapter IW’s annual fall fashion show at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Doors open at 1 p.m.; fashion show starts at 1:30 p.m. $23/advance, $25/at the door. Call Flo at 2851023, Jane at 250-0310.

• Oct. 22-23: Watch for empty bags being distributed throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute to fill with nonperishable donations for pick up during the Kiwanis Food Drive for LIFT-UP on Oct. 29. Charlie, 309-0363.

• Oct. 26: 3-4 p.m. The Good, the Bad, and the Gross has a special edition for Halloween for fourth to sixth graders. Make gross edible treats. To sign up, 285-9870.

• Oct. 29: 10 a.m. on. The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute asks Grand Valleyites to leave non-perishable food donations in the bags that have been provided this month outside for pick-up for the Kiwanis Food Drive for LIFTUP. Donations can also be dropped off at Clark’s Market in Battlement through Oct. 31. Charlie, 309-0363.

• Nov. 6: Daylight Savings Time ends. Fall back.

• Nov. 7: 6-10 p.m. Reel Readers features “True Grit” by Charles Portis, which inspired two feature films, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• Nov. 8: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tips, Topics and Talks on Tuesdays event features Pamper Yourself Day with chair and hand massages and more at the Parachute Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave. 285-7934.

• Nov. 8: 7 p.m. Page Turners women’s book club of the Parachute Branch Library focuses on “Messenger of Truth” by Jacklyn Winspear. All are welcome. 285-9870.

• Nov. 11: Veterans Day. Thank you.

• Nov. 11: Annual Veterans Day dinner at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, sponsored by Williams and Common Ground. 285-9480.

• Nov. 14: AARP Safe Drivers Class at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. 285-9480.

ONGOING • There is no Community Coffee Talk with Eric Schmela of the Battlement Mesa Company in October. The next talk is scheduled for Nov. 30. 285-9700. • The Village Artists Art Show at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center continues through Oct. 28. The show is free and is open whenever the activity center is open. The art is for sale. • The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has a variety of exercise classes for preschoolers to seniors. Call Anne, 2859480. • Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. • The fourth Monday of every month, the Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Call Ann Arrington at 285- 9757 or Mary Galterio at 285-0243 for more info. • The last Monday of the month, an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute Ave. 285-9892. • 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, 244 Grand Valley Way, in Parachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m. • Every Tuesday, seniors 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.• 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. • The second Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tips, Topics, Talks on Tuesday is at the Parachute Valley Senior Center; men and women of all ages welcome. 540 N. Parachute, in Parachute. • Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630. • The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide – is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one through suicide – no matter how long ago. This peer group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, email 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, 2850388, 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. 2859432.

• Every last Wednesday of the month from 5-6 p.m., an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group meets at Alpine Hospice, 1517 Blake Ave., Suite 100B in Glenwood. Andrea, 303-704-6377.

• 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.• 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.

• Weekly transportation on Thursdays from Parachute to Glenwood Springs and towns in between is available to seniors and disabled people on The Traveler minibus. Service is for door-to-door pick up and return for a fee of $8 round trip. Trips can be for doctor appointments, shopping, visiting, or personal needs. Call 625-1366, 48 hours in advance for reservations.

• 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, 285-9892, to join in. • Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hosts interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM. • Every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the Parachute Farmers Market sells produce and local products on First Street. Call Parachute Town Hall at 285-7630. • 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.

UPCOMING • Nov. 19: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Home for the Holidays shopping event at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center featuring Scentsy, Avon, Pampered Chef and more. Tracy 285-6671. • Nov. 19: Mesa Vista Assisted Living’s community open house, craft and bake sale. Kathy, kathygermano@gmail.com. • Nov. 19: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce meeting features guest speakers Ed Green, Tom Jankovsky and Fred Jarman from the Economic Development Group of Garfield County at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station. • Dec. 3: The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter IP’s annual Holiday Home Tour is in Battlement Mesa. Four beautiful homes to be featured. • Dec. 3: 7-10 p.m. Third annual KSUN Radio Christmas Gala at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. $30/donation in advance, $35/donation at door. Tickets available at Alpine Bank, Battlement Mesa Activity Center, Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry, Wells Fargo.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 5

G R A N D

VA L L E Y I T E S

Running cans, running Old Mountain Gift Parachute native Amy Beasley gets back into barrel racing By Heidi Rice, Special to the Echo

Amy Beasley and Gigi.

Photo by Timeless Memories

Who says you have to be young to be at the top of your game? Age hasn't stood in the way of Amy Beasley, 38, and Gigi, her 14-year-old quarter horse, in their barrel racing competitions. Amy is the mother of three and owns the Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry shop in Parachute with her husband, Chris. She took up barrel racing in the last year and is doing quite well for herself. "I'm a fourth generation native in Parachute Creek," she said. "My grandfather was a rancher and my grandmother was a teacher." Amy grew up around horses and used to rodeo when she was younger, but had to get rid of her horses when she went to college. "But then about six years ago, the kids said they wanted horses," she said. "And then my daughter Allie and I started barrel racing. It's one of the biggest rodeo events for women." Barrel racing, or “running cans,” is one of the most popular rodeo events for women. It involves three barrels set up in a triangle in which the horse and rider have to weave in and out as fast as they can without hitting the barrels. Both Amy and Allie, 13, belong to the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) and compete locally. They ride their horses at least three to four times a week. In her first year of competition, Amy won a spot in the third division while competing in Eagle. Winning prizes include cash and saddles. "If you do well, you can then qualify to compete nationally," she said. The Beasley name is well known around Parachute with the late Dave Beasley having served as mayor and his wife, Judy Beasley, now serving as the current mayor. Meanwhile, Amy continues to run the family business with her husband and plans to continue to compete in rodeos with Gigi. "It's a lot of fun and there's a lot of camaraderie in the competitions," Amy said. "You meet a lot of people."

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Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 7

C O M M U N I T Y

Obituary Evelyn L. Langhus Aug. 27, 1919 – Aug. 28. 2011 Evelyn L. Langhus, formerly of Battlement Mesa, died on Aug. 28 at her residence at the Loveland Good Samaritan Village in Loveland, Colo. She was 92. Evelyn was born Aug. 27, 1919 to Carl W. and Minnie Annie (Anderson) Peterson of Frederic, Wisc. After high school, she attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. She received her bachelor of science degree from Superior State Teachers College in Superior, Wisc. Evelyn taught for five years in Wisconsin before World War II started. She then worked as a receptionist at Madigan General Hospital in Fort Lewis, Wash. While there, 3,000 prisoners of war from the Philippine Islands were admitted as patients. When the war ended, Evelyn went back to teaching in Rhinelander, Wisc. She married Gunnar J. Langhus of Shelly, Minn. on June 30, 1951. They moved to Nome, Alaska where she continued teaching in Nome’s public schools, teaching Eskimo children, whom she found to be delightful and loving. When her husband was transferred to Anchorage, she transferred to the Elmendorf AFB and later to the Anchorage School District, retiring in 1975 after 26 years of teaching. They moved to Valdez, Alaska, where Gunnar worked on the Alyeska Pipeline as a supervisor. When he retired, they moved to Homer, Alaska and built their home. For years, they spent summers in Alaska and winters in Sun City West, Ariz. Eventually tiring of moving back and forth, they moved to Battlement Mesa in1988 and to Loveland in 1995. Every move found her teaching Sunday school classes. While at the Good Samaritan Village, Evelyn was active in the Spiritual Life Center. She was also a member of the Lutheran Church. Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and one sister. Memorial services were held on Sept. 3 at the Loveland Good Samaritan Spiritual Life Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Village Scholarship Fund for Nurses in care of Kibbey Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537, 970-667-5885.

23rd annual Kiwanis Food Drive set for Oct. 29 By Charlie Hornick, Echo contributor

Kiwanians and friends of LIFT-UP are conducting the organization’s 23rd annual food drive in Battlement Mesa and Parachute on Oct. 29. Food collected is used to stock the LIFT-UP Food Bank in Parachute, which serves local families in need. Last year the drive collected nearly four tons of food. Utilization of the food bank has recently increased over 100 percent. Food bags are being distributed to residents of Battlement Mesa and Parachute on Oct. 22-23. Residents in nearly off neighborhoods are asked to fill the sacks with non-perishable items. Organizers of the event are asked that filled bags be on the curb for collection by 10 a.m. on Oct. 29, when volunteers begin fanning out to collect the grocery sacks. Apartment dwellers can leave donations on their front porches. Residents who miss the morning pickup on Oct. 29 can take their contributions to Clark’s Market in Battlement Mesa later in the day through Oct. 31. If you would like to assist in the food drive or would like more information, please call Charlie Hornick at 309-0363.

Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

Chamber News Business of the month: Stallion Oilfield Services

Next General Chamber Meeting Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station

Stallion Oilfield Services Ltd. provides well site support services, and production and logistics services to the oilfield with more than 1,700 employees in 65 locations. As the largest provider of quality auxiliary rentals and services for oil and gas operations in the domestic United States, Stallion has been providing housing, water and sewer systems, waste management, satellite systems, solids control, well site construction and oilfield heavy hauling to the oil patch for many years. Stallion is committed to providing the services essential to this industry. Stallion’s equipment and housing are manufactured for the oilfield environment. From solids control technology to auxiliary surface rental equipment to site construction, the company offers detailed services that provide a one-stop source for a cross-section of needs. Whether before, during or after drilling and throughout the production life cycle of the well site, Stallion’s motto is "Everything but the Rig."™ For more information about Stallion Oil Filed Services, contact manager Stephen Cyphers, P.O. Box 471, Rifle, 625-4016.

Featuring guest speakers from the Economic Development Group of Garfield County – Ed Green, Tom Jankovsky and Fred Jarman

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 call 285-0388.

– Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Shop locally and support your local chamber businesses! PARACHUTE RADIO SHACK 316 E 1st street next to Napa Auto Parts M-F 9 am – 6 pm and Sat 9am -4 pm

970-285-2111

The Colorado Heritage Group 73 Sipprelle Drive Suite J-1 Battlement Mesa ,CO 81635

MARY LEE MOHRLANG Cell (970) 216-5058 MaryLee@KW.com BRANDY SWANSON Cell (970) 319-3574 BrandySwanson@KW.com

Happy Halloween

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 9

G O V E R N M E N T

Town of Parachute News Slight improvement in sales tax, developers’ interest in town By Robert Knight, Parachute town administrator Parachute has been seeing a slight resurgence these past few months in our sales tax and lodging tax collections. This has been a remarkable change from the steady decline we experienced from January 2009 until January of 2011. Overall, our revenues dropped 48 percent during that time period so any increase is welcome news. Parachute is in the process of compiling its 2012 budget, and we continue to take a conservative approach. Following traditional forecasting models for budgeting fell by the wayside in 2009, so cautiously forward is the new rule in this ever-adjusting local and national economy. Parachute Park Boulevard is now complete, and engineering work continues for the new I-70 interchange. I suspect the interchange will be built and operational toward the end of 2012 or early in 2013. A new 60,000-square-foot office building is in the planning stages to be built in the Parachute Park planned unit development off Parachute Park Boulevard. We are hoping to see ground breaking this year. The building is scheduled for completion as early as possible next year. A smaller energy-related office building is also planned to be built late this year or early next year. I have been in contact with several developers looking to build near the new interchange and perhaps do some infill near the new Comfort Inn. No plans are set in stone but developers are finally starting to talk about building again as their confidence seems to be growing. A small tract of land behind the Shell Station on County Road 215 will be improved to accommodate some semi-truck and oversize vehicle parking. This will include improved landscaping in anticipation of building expansion in the future. This should help relieve some of the large truck congestion in the rest area and encourage travelers to stick around a bit to enjoy our restaurants and other shopping opportunities. The Mountain Grind coffee shop is nearing completion on East First Street and people are anxiously awaiting their fix for a latte or fresh pastry. Nalini’s Restaurant on First Street has reopened, and Las Palmas Restaurant has opened on First Street as well. Next time you are in town, take a drive west on First Street past the rest area and sample all the good food at the new restaurants as well as the great food still being served at our other restaurants in town. See page 3 for a story about Parachute’s new restaurants.

Have a story idea? Contact the Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

Grand Valley fire district pays off loan Payoff on fire station building loan saves taxpayers more than $500,000 By Lynn Shore, Echo contributor

On Oct. 1, the Grand Valley Fire Protection District (GVFPD) paid off the remaining balance of a $5.5 million loan used to build its new fire station at 124 Stone Quarry Rd. in Battlement Mesa. This payoff is saving the taxpayers of the fire district in excess of $500,000 in interest. The fire district’s board of directors considered refinancing the loan at a lower interest rate but decided eliminating the loan was the most prudent course of action. Despite the state of the economy, the payoff was possible in large part because of oil and gas industry property valuations. According to the Garfield County Assessor’s Office, more than 50 percent of oil and gas properties in Garfield County are located within the boundaries of the fire district. These properties provide the vast majority of the assessed valuation of the district and, therefore, a preponderance of its revenues. Oil and gas properties have not suffered the decrease in valuation seen in the other property categories in the county. In fact, oil and gas property valuation in 2011 is up 26 percent over 2010. In May of 2008, the Grand Valley Fire Protection District broke ground on its state-of-the-art 8,000-square-foot fire station. The district had outgrown its longtime headquarters on Battlement Parkway and needed to provide living quarters for the staff, now on 24-hour shifts. The district used roughly $2.5 million of funds in its capital reserve and borrowed approximately $5.5 million from Wells Fargo to pay for the station’s construction. The Wells Fargo loan was a 10-year loan at an interest rate of 4.35 percent, with an annual payment of $702,000. In spite of a constant increase in revenues during the last six years, the staff has maintained a reasonable budget, allowing the district to increase its reserves. Cash on hand at the end of July exceeded $7 million. The district paid the principal amount of $4,161,514 and accrued interest of $53,302, leaving sufficient cash on hand to run the district and make necessary capital purchases.

Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, 11

The Battlement Mesa Service Association Battlement Mesa: Are we a city? www.bmac-co.org 970-285-9480 Village Artists Fall Art Show on display through October 29, free admission Annual Veteran’s Day Dinner, Friday, November 11 [Sponsored by Williams & Common Ground] Space is limited, sign up early Home for the Holidays Home-Based Business Fair, Saturday, November 19 starting at 9 AM Free Admission KSUN Christmas Gala, Saturday, December 3. Tickets available at BMAC in November Ladies Night Out, Complete an interest sheet for this popular event to return February 2012 AARP Safe Driver Course, free for veterans, their spouses and dependents, Monday, November 14 Call for more information on these events and fitness classes at BMAC

Check out BATTLEMENT MESA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT'S new website for valuable information about water & wastewater operations, district management, documents, employment & association management.

www.bmmetrodistrict.com 970-285-9050 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

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By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association Have you noticed that when the media refers to Garfield County’s cities and towns, Battlement Mesa is never included? The only exception that I can think of is the Garfield County, Colo. website where Battlement Mesa is listed under the “Our Towns” tab with an additional notation that Battlement Mesa is “unincorporated.” Since Battlement Mesa’s population is greater than several of the towns in Garfield County, it seems unfair to be excluded from these lists simply due to our unincorporated status. Webster’s Dictionary defines a city as “an inhabited place of greater size, population, or importance than a town or a village,” and a town as “a cluster or aggregation of houses recognized as a distinct place with a place name; a compactly settled area as distinguished from surrounding rural territory.” Most people would agree that Battlement Mesa is “a cluster or aggregation of houses,” that it is “recognized as a distinct place with a place name” and that it is “a compactly settled area as distinguished from the surrounding rural territory.” Nevertheless, Battlement Mesa rarely, if ever, is included as a Garfield County town or city. Apparently the media believes that a community isn’t a city or town unless it is incorporated. In fairness to the incorporation criteria argument, I should explain that Webster’s Dictionary also indicates that, in the U.S., being governed under a charter granted by the state can be criteria to determine if a community is a city. Nevertheless, Webster’s doesn’t state that only incorporated communities are cities. In many ways, Battlement Mesa looks and functions like a conventional city. Like most cities, we have apartments, houses, streets, a city center, schools, a fire department, centralized water and sewer services, and a city government. The primary difference between Battlement Mesa and most cities is our source of funding. Unlike a conventional city, Battlement Mesa’s funding is provided by homeowner assessments in lieu of tax revenues. And when you think about it, there isn’t much difference between homeowner association (HOA) assessments and taxes except that taxation is a much more complex system for generating funding. In both cases, the citizens and businesses are the source of the funding. Another major difference is that most cities have employees who provide a variety of services whereas Battlement Mesa doesn’t have employees. Instead, Battlement Mesa contracts with others to provide most of the city services, or the services are provided by a special district or the county. And, remember, many cities have privatized some services. Privatization simply means that contractors are used to provide these services. Also, Garfield County provides more services to Battlement Mesa than it does to incorporated communities. Perhaps it doesn’t matter whether or not Battlement Mesa is referred to as a city and whether or not it is included on published lists of Garfield County cities and towns. Probably what matters most is how we perceive ourselves. I believe that we will miss opportunities to improve our community and increase property values if we limit our city’s vision to “conventional HOA” functionality, rather than to think and act like a vibrant city. History has shown that the most successful communities are those that have a clear vision, a mission that supports that vision, and a proactive and detailed plan to achieve their vision. Battlement Mesa is a unique community. These unique features are both strengths and weaknesses. It is critical that we identify the factors that make us unique and to determine which factors are positive and which are negative. As a community, we need to develop a strategy to promote and market our strengths and to overcome our weaknesses. To achieve this vision, Battlement Mesa must think and act like a city rather than “just an HOA.” The road to a vibrant, successful community is filled with potholes but if we unite as a community and focus on those things that we agree on rather than those that divide us, we will be successful. I invite you to join me in this endeavor. The truth is we’re in this together. We will either be successful together or we’ll fail together. Let’s find our common ground and move forward.

ksun christmas gala fundraiser december 3, 2011 7 – 10 p.m. at the Activity Center $30 Donation in Advance/$35 Donation at Door Tickets available at the following locations: Alpine Bank • Battlement Mesa Activity Center Wells Fargo Bank • Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry **

We would love to have you support our station!

KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO 398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246

www.ksunradio.org

**Not valid on Valentine’s Day

Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO â&#x20AC;˘ Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

S P O R T S

R E C R E AT I O N Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association News

Nighttime tennis is on its way By Vina Klahn

Battle for the Cure a great success By Laurel Koning, Echo contributor As the men and the women assembled at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course on Sept. 27, the focus was on two goals: Would the women beat the men? And would the funds collected help conquer breast cancer? The answers were split. The funds will definitely be used to continue the research for answers and cures for breast cancer, but the women once again walked away without the traveling trophy. The men upended the women for the second year in a row! Fifty-two golfers, along with support staff helping man the event, participated in this event. All who participated turned their score in. Calculations were made to total the 10 best net scores for the women and the 10 best net scores for the men. After this was done, the men soundly defeated the women. An individual skill challenge was set up for the eighth hole. Closest to the pin was captured by Sara McCurdy for the women and John Koning for the men. A great dinner and social hour followed the play, along with the distribution of gifts and door prizes. Thanks are to be noted to Grand River Hospital, E.D. Moore, and Headliners for their donations of prizes. The best success of all was the collection of more than $1,400 for the Rally for the Cure and Susan G. Komen Foundation. Thanks to all who participated or donated to this great effort.

Battlement Mesa Activity Center is a beautiful place to play tennis. Especially this time of year, autumn colors are vibrant in all directions. Thirteen players participated in the Oktoberfest Round Robin Tournament the morning of Oct. 1. The weather was gorgeous and the competition was all in the good spirit of fun. Pete and Hope Perrine once again hosted the evening social where members and guests enjoyed brats, burgers, and fabulous side dishes. The evening ended with the fine fireworks display as part of the community Oktoberfest celebration. It was extremely well coordinated and enjoyable to watch. We're all excited about plans moving forward to improve the lighting at the courts. Tennis club members feel the courts would get more use if it were possible to play at night. Bill DesOrmeau, association president, has been working with the activity center on the project. Improvements will be made before winter. If necessary, further work will be done in the spring. Plans are underway for the annual Christmas party in early December. Bill and Mary DesOrmeau have volunteered to host the event at their home. Members will be notified when a date is finalized. With cooler weather in the mornings, weekly play starts at 9 a.m. Ladies play Monday, Wednesday and Friday. When the men can gather enough players, they have the courts on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. As always, we encourage tennis players to join us. Annual membership fees remain at $18 per couple and $10 per single. Questions may be directed to Joy Kemper at 285-6545 or Vina Klahn at 285-6718.

Patrick McCarty, a board member of the Colorado Big Country Resource Conservation and Development presents a grant of $500 to Mary Anderson, executive director of the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District. The grant is for a baseball batting machine to be used at the Callahan ball fields. Photo courtesy of Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District

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Letters continued

from page 1

Quilt show couldn’t happen without help

Dear Echo: The Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters Quilt Show was very successful. We had 200 viewers go through the Battlement Schoolhouse and Glover Cabin. We had several antique quilts on loan from community members for the quilt turning in the cabin. The Viewers Choice award went to Jean Proud for her hand quilted and hand appliquéd magnificent quilt, Ladies of the Sea. Monty Rhodes received second place with a wonderful quilt, Civil War Tribute. Marge Sheppleman received third place for her amazing quilt that had over 2,400 pieces. All donations from the show went to the Grand Valley Historical Society. Thank you to everyone who supported the show. We would also like to thank the following men for helping us with the quilt show: Dick Deussen, Rick Hanson, Fred Inman, Tom Noel, Marvin Rhodes, Larry Sacca, and Keith Sheppelman. We couldn't get it done without them!

Judi Gentilcore Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters

What’s wrong with Battlement Mesa’s reputation as a retirement area?

Dear Echo: After reading [the August Grand Valley Echo] I looked up the 2000 census information on Battlement Mesa and found that the 55 and older age group was 35 percent of the total population, which is considerable. It would appear that a large number of older people and retirees did buy into the advertisements by the developer that Battlement Mesa was being developed as a retirement community and that it was “a good place to live.” Based on the figures that were cited from the 2010 census it appears this age group no longer believes this is a retirement community or that it is “a good place to live” since they comprise only 17 percent of the population now. Also, I have noticed that many of the vacant lots that were to be “the future home of _____” are now up for sale. Why try to discourage any group of prospective customers such as retirees from buying property in this area by making the argument that this is not a retirement area? Why [wasn’t] this argument made prior to the energy boom when many people were moving here under the false impression that it was a retirement area? Garry Evenson Battlement Mesa

Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

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

Soaking it in

Treating Adults & Children

This month, I am asking that you indulge me in a personal article. Last October, when my Mom passed away, I brought my dad, Al, from his home in Michigan to Colorado to be with me. He was my constant companion on all of my travels from Texas to California for oil and gas conferences that I was asked to be a speaker. Like most of us who have not come from oil and gas producing states, for 82 years, Dad was only a consumer of oil and gas and knew very little about how and where it was processed. Much to my surprise, he just relished learning about all the oil and gas production and what goes into it from the travels that we went on. He soaked in all the information that we saw and talked about. Things like what are pumper jacks, dehy units, where the gas went, how the income is calculated, what the pits are for, what is Community Counts, who owns the minerals. I even caught him reading and rereading my columns in the Echo. He listened attentively at the Kiwanis meeting where the county assessor presented the report about oil and gas taxes to the county. Most of us spend our lives learning things from our parents. It was a humbling honor to be able to have Dad learn things from me. I lost my dad unexpectedly on Sept. 14. Little did he know that he still taught me a great lesson in this last year of his life. We need to all soak in the information that is out there, no matter how old we are. It is never too late to learn about things to which we have never been exposed. So I invite you in memory of my dad, Al, to listen, look and learn – and never stop! Alfred Denomy Oct. 14, 1928 – Sept. 14, 2011 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 naro-us.org website or through The Grand Valley Echo.

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 15

O I L

G A S

Community Counts working with Grand Valley By Mary Lou Wilson, Community Counts Western Colorado communities are impacted every day by the activities of the oil and gas industry. Community Counts is a partnership among operators, contractors, residents, municipalities, counties and the community at large. Founded in 2007, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to being good neighbors by offering residents resources for open and respectful dialogue when they have issues, concerns or questions relating to the industry. Other resources provided by Community Counts are its website, where citizens can find links to members, a calendar of community events, and a map of participating operators’ activities in the area. The site also offers information about a wide variety of workshops and seminars for operators and the community. For more information, contact Community Counts at 970-712-7317, 866-442-9034, and communitycountscolorado.com.

Community Counts launches roadside sign campaign In October, Community Counts launched a local roadside sign campaign. These signs have the Community Counts logo and toll-free number (1866-442-9034) that links community members directly with an operator so that they can receive resolutions to concerns or answers to questions in a timely manner. This service reinforces the organizations belief that mutual respect and good communications lead to understanding and the ability to work toward common goals. – Mary Lou Wilson, Community Counts

Community leaders talk about Community Counts Because education is the key to operating in western Colorado’s small communities, it’s really important that the energy industry be accessible, transparent, and able to communicate with the communities where we operate. Williams feels strongly that natural gas operators need to have a clear and open connection to our community, and Community Counts is the perfect way to do that. – Susan Alvillar, community relations representative, Williams Production

It’s very important for the natural gas industry to be involved with Community Counts because oil and gas operators do impact our community. As a rural community member, this organization has been very helpful. It’s made this a safer place for me to ride my horses and enjoy the smalltown lifestyle we all want. – Mary Anderson, executive director, ParachuteBattlement Mesa Park and Recreation District In this community, you have to start with a foundation of trust. When you have a group like Community Counts that acts as a buffer on behalf of the interests of both residents and operators, mutual trust can grow. Whether it’s clearing up the congestion at Una Bridge, or simply opening up the lines of communication between operators and residents, Community Counts is ready to help. – Bob Knight, town administrator, Town of Parachute

Sheriff’s Auxiliary to monitor the area by sitting by the bridge in a cruiser. That brought awareness to industry drivers that eyes were on them and that courtesy matters. The auxiliary also counted vehicles and marked down company names. The top companies received visits by Community Counts to promote awareness about the area and to be especially careful around the bridge. In addition, the counts were passed along to Garfield County Road and Bridge and presented to the Garfield County Commissioners to heighten their awareness of this area. This type of reporting could potentially move the bridge up in the ranks for road improvements. Today, the Community Counts answer line road signs are posted on either side of the bridge.

Trashed in Parachute Because of Parachute’s proximity to I-70, drug-related activity in our community is often a concern. It’s highly unusual for a town the size of Parachute to be able to afford a dog like Bady, but I knew how much the community would benefit from having him on our team. With the overwhelming support form Community Counts and local businesses, we were able to bring Bady onto our police force, and our neighborhoods are much safer because of that. – Derek Wingfield and Bady, patrol and K9 officer, Parachute Police Department

Community Counts provides the following opportunities: • Industry relationship-building opportunities • Access to community leaders and elected officials • Access to membership database • Development, workshops, and seminars • Increased community visibility • Cost effective advertising • Member advocacy • Promotion of industry benefits • A collective community voice • Business to business referrals

Bridging the gap at the Una Bridge The Una Bridge southwest of Parachute was trouble with a capital “T.” The entrances to the narrow bridge and bridge itself are difficult to navigate by large vehicles associated with natural gas operations, and neighbors were feeling the pinch – literally. Community Counts asked the Garfield County

Wrestlers usually try to trash the competition. For the Grand Valley High School wrestling team, trash took on a whole new meaning – at the county road north of Parachute. It all started last spring when a Community Counts member purchased the team during a live auction at the annual Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce banquet. The Chamber kept half the proceeds and the other half went to the wrestlers who agreed to provide work services for the lucky winner. Soon after, scores of wrestlers descended on the county road with orange vests, gloves and trash bags. At the end of the day, the team was tired, but the road was clean. Afterwards, Garfield County Road and Bridge volunteered to pick up the trash and take it to the landfill, and their crews even fought a spring snowstorm to gather all the bags.

A clean sweep in Parachute

Anyone who has ever wielded a dust cloth knows it is a never-ending chore. The same is true for Parachute’s streets. Trying to keep dirt and dust off the roads with all the natural gas traffic was presenting a challenge. And, the town’s old street sweeper was not up to the task. Enter Community Counts members. Local oil and gas operators and contractors stepped up to the plate to purchase a new sweeper for the town. You can see it today, with all the contributors’ logos displayed on the sweeper.

New ASE Mechanic Gunther Boldt

“We will treat your vehicle like it’s our own… with your safety in mind.” – Owners, Bonnie & Bobby Hancock

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 am to 6 pm Sat. by appt.

We have 3 bays open for auto repair & a 4th bay coming soon! We do brakes, exhaust, struts, shocks, front end & rear end work. We offer fleet management.

Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

Echo briefs Information sought regarding stolen dog case

Flu vaccination clinic on Oct. 18 in Battlement Mesa

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in solving a case involving the theft of a dog that attacked a Parachute resident. Sometime during the night of Sept. 15, an unknown suspect or suspects broke into the Colorado Animal Rescue facility near Glenwood Springs and stole a dog that was in custody for attacking a female resident in Parachute almost four months prior. Deputies believe the dog was stolen after business hours from a window located in the rear of the building. Damage that occurred to the window is estimated at approximately $150. Garfield County Crime Stoppers and the Garfield County Sheriff's Office are searching for information that will lead to the arrest and/or indictment of a suspect or suspects involved in this case. Remain anonymous and earn up to $1,000 by calling 945-0101 or visiting garcocrimestoppers.com.

Garfield County Public Health is offering a flu vaccine clinic on Oct. 18 at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It is recommended that everyone who is older than 6 months of age get a flu shot or nasal spray this year. No appointments are necessary for the clinic. Adult flu shots are $20 and flu mist nasal spray is $25. Children’s shots or mist are $10. The health department accepts Medicaid, Medicare Part B, and CHP+, and accepts cash or check.

– Jennifer Kelly, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Michelle Foster takes charge at Metro District The Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District elected Michelle Foster, a longtime resident of Battlement Mesa, as president of the board at its July 28. She officially assumed her position at the Aug. 25 meeting. Michelle is the first woman president of the district, which provides Battlement Mesa’s water and sewer treatment services, and owns the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Michelle is no stranger to public service. She served as a volunteer for the Grand Valley Fire Protection District and has served on the boards of the fire district, the Grand Valley Historical Society, the Friends of the Library, Kiwanis, Mt. Callahan Community Fund, the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Garfield County planning commission for 12 years. – Lynn Shore

Symphony in the Valley presents Mozart in the Spotlight in Rifle Symphony in the Valley is featuring flute soloist Jane Kuenzel in Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in G Major for its opening concerts of the 2011-12 season. The “Mozart in the Spotlight” concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Rifle High School Auditorium. Also on the program is the Overture to Mozart’s light-hearted opera, The Magic Flute, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C Major, also known as the Linz Symphony. All three pieces are being performed by the community orchestra under the baton of conductor Carlos Elías. Jane Kuenzel studied at The Juilliard School and is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory. After making her solo debut at age 15 in Cincinnati, she has performed as a flute soloist with orchestras in Charleston, S.C., Evansville, Ind., and served as principal flute for orchestras in Evansville and at Owensboro, Ky. She has also performed with orchestras in San Francisco and St. Paul. She has held the position of principal flute for the Grand Junction Symphony since 2005. The program is also being performed at 4 p.m. Oct. 16, at Glenwood Springs High School. Tickets are available at the door, 30 minutes prior to the performance, at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for young people 3-18, and $30 for families. Music students are admitted free. – Heather McGregor

Annual chicken and biscuit dinner set for Oct. 21 The United Methodist Women are holding their annual chicken and biscuit dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church in Parachute. Besides chicken and biscuits, the menu includes gravy, mixed vegetables, salad and the ladies' famous homemade pies. The price is $9 for adults and $5 for children. Take outs will be available. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 132 N. Parachute Ave. in Parachute and all are welcome. – Grand Valley United Methodist Church

– Carrie Godes

Village Artists plan Grand Junction arts center tour on Oct. 25 The Village Artists are taking a private tour of the Center for the Arts in Grand Junction on Oct. 25. The group is meeting at 9 a.m. in the upper parking lot of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center to car pool. Following the tour, the group is going out to lunch before returning to Parachute and Battlement Mesa. In addition, the group's free art show continues through Oct. 28 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The show is open when the activity center is open, and the art is for sale. – Jean Edmonds

Annual fall fashion show is coming The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter IW is sponsoring their annual fashion show on Oct. 22 in the Community Room at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Fashions from Christopher & Banks, Miller’s Dry Goods, JC Penney’s and The Children’s Place are being modeled by women, children and teens. Wine pairings are again being offered this year – wine specially picked out for the hors d’oeuvres being offered. Non-alcoholic drinks are also being served. Tickets are now available and cost $23 in advance, $25 at the door. Money raised from this event goes towards scholarships for local women. For tickets, or more information, contact Flo at 285-1023 or Jane at 250-0310. – Karen Klink, PEO IW

Health care expanded to more veterans Honorably discharged veterans who served in the Korean demilitarized zone from April 1968 to August 1971 are now eligible for enrollment into Veterans Administration-provided health care. Previously, only veterans with boots on the ground in Vietnam and certain surrounding countries were eligible under the Agent Orange Exposure Program. This includes brown water U.S. Navy veterans. The VA has 15 conditions that are automatically service-connected for relation to Agent Orange exposure. The three most common are type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer. Veterans who believe they are eligible may request an enrollment form from the Grand Junction VA Medical Center. Requests for the enrollment form can be made by calling 970-263-5019. Veterans can also ask questions on the Grand Junction VA Medical Center's Facebook page at facebook.com/vagrandjunction. Please do not post personally identifiable medical information. – Joseph Kuper , Grand Junction VA Medical Center

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 17

Nature at Home and Afield The Colorado Heritage Group

By Betsy Leonard

GRACE AND LUXURY Upscale and elegant townhome with versatile floorplan. Stunning kitchen with loads of cabinetry. Battlement Mesa - $245,000

VIEWS IN ALL DIRECTIONS Great landscaping and outside space in this well kept manufactured home. Eat-in kitchen, covered patio. Battlement Mesa - $120,000

RURAL ESTATE SETTING Gigantic detached shop- 2400sq.ft. with 16' garage doors, custom ranch, game room, gourmet kitchen. Rifle - $649,500 FAMILIY INSPIRED DESIGN Two story windows in living room. Kitchen cabinets/ counters galore. Master on main, three bedrooms up. Battlement Mesa - $285,000 A HOUSE BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN Luxurious master suite on main. Secluded office -custom bookcases. Unique breakfast nook - big views. Battlement Mesa - $390,000

VIEWS OF THE MOUNTAINS A quiet and friendly neighborhoodgolf course lot- gorgeous ranch with walls of windows. Battlement Mesa - $415,000

FLOWING FLOORPLAN Charming remodel - new flooring, recessed lighting, a wow kitchen. Private feel steps from downtown. Rifle - $139,000

A GREAT BUY - A GREAT PRICE Move-in condition townhome with split bedroom plan. Unique use of space, kitchen island. Battlement Mesa - $115,000

MF HOME WITH TONS OF UPGRADES Minuets from Rifle, covenant free subdivision, gas fireplace, textured drywall, walk-in closets in all bedrooms. Rifle - $153,900

GOLF CORSE CHARISMA Quality stucco ranch- adjacent to golf course- oversized garage- full stucco, immaculate condition. Battlement Mesa - $199,000 TOWNHOME WITH 1600 SQ.FT. Walk to activity center, deck with awning. Model- like condition. Battlement Mesa - $199,900 EXQUISITE TOWNHOME Lower level media room-wet barlavish master bath - jetted tub. Two fireplaces, vaulted ceilings. Battlement Mesa - $255,000 FIVE BEDROOM-REALLY! Finished garden level with family room plus two bedrooms- full stucco, back deck and patio- open views. Battlement Mesa - $325,000 NEED EXTRA PARKING SPACE? A great place to start in this cozy ranch. An eat in kitchen opens to living area - like new! Rifle- $149,900 SCENIC VISTAS Fenced RV Parking and storage, large covered deck/outdoor living, hardwood interior doors. Battlement Mesa - $170,000 RANCH ON QUIET CUL-DE-SAC Vaulted ceilings - walls of windowsbreakfast nook-walk-in pantry. Master bath with large walk-in shower. Battlement Mesa - $248,000 MF HOME - GREAT CONDITION Large fenced yard/ covered deck. Free standing fireplace, big kitchen, upgraded appliances. Battlement Mesa - $134,900 MF HOME WITH A FACELIFT Great price, great condition, split bedroom plan, eat-in kitchen, built in china closet, fenced yard. Battlement Mesa - $119,000

NICE PRICE - NEW CARPET MF Home on large corner lease lot. All appliances included, great views, rec. center. Battlement Mesa - $29,900

LAND OWN A LITTLE BIT OF COLORADO 20 and 40 acre parcels, being sold as is. Landlocked property, gorgeous views, steep terrain. Silt - $25,000 and $45,000 RURAL LIVING ON 8.38 ACRES Domestic well installed. Natural gas and electric to property line. Two horses allowed - 360* views. Battlement Mesa - $249,900 UNIMPROVED 160 ACRES Views of Grand Mesa /Powderhorn. Recreation, grazing, single family zoning - MF/ Modular allowed. De Beque - $215,000 A GREAT TIME TO BUY A LOT Covenant controlled community. Nearby amenities, golf, tennis, swimming. Take a look begin your home plans. Battlement Mesa - $79,000 USE YOUR IMAGINATION Invest in your future home now. Nice building sites and views. Exterior design and plans available. Battlement Mesa Starting at $69,000 ONE OF THE FEW GOLF COURSE LOTS LEFT Wise investment - fantastic views. Flat and walk-out basement building sites. Covenant protected community. Battlement Mesa - Starting at $74,900

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

Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058 Brandy Swanson, 970-319-3574 73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com

Staying ahead of noxious weeds

After reading about Russian knapweed in the last Echo, it stimulated me to find out a little more information about noxious weeds in Colorado – in other words, in our backyards and neighborhood fields. According to Executive Order 13112 issued on Feb. 3, 1999, a species is considered invasive if it meets these two criteria:

1) It is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) Its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm to human health.

Weeds can be native or non-native plants that are unwanted in a particular area at a particular time. Sometimes, the area or time will change and the plant may become desirable, or possibly even cultivated. It is when weeds become so wide-spread that crops, livestock, or native species are threatened, they become more than just a “weed.” They might be termed noxious weed, invasive species, exotic species, or alien species. Whatever they are called, they typically may threaten our drinking water supply, agricultural crops, pasture lands and native habitats. There are approximately one million acres of noxious weeds in Colorado. They destroy wildlife habitat; reduce opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and other recreation activities; displace many threatened and endangered species; reduce plant and animal diversity; disrupt waterfowl and neo-tropical bird flight patterns and nesting habitats, and cost millions of dollars in treatment and loss of productivity to private and public land owners. Noxious weeds have been transported accidently from places as far away Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some have been brought here intentionally as ornamentals or forage crops. They find their way to new areas via boats, planes, soles of shoes, imported animals and agricultural products, and the wind. These weeds have an advantage in their new environments because the insects, diseases, and animals that normally would control them, are not found here. I have personal experience with Russian knapweed that is growing here in Battlement Mesa. All along the Colorado River, salt cedar, or tamarisk, can be found, along with Russian olive trees. There are ways that you can help. Familiarize yourself with the noxious weeds in our area, work with other landowners to identify the extent of weed populations, and plan and implement effective control measures. Guidelines you can follow to prevent the spread of noxious weeds include: • Avoid driving through noxious weed-infested areas. • Avoid transporting or planting seeds and plants that you cannot identify • For noxious weeds in flower or with seeds on plants, pulling “gently” out and placing in a secure closable bag is recommended. Disposal such as hot composting or contained burning can be done when safe and practical. • Use only certified weed-free seeds for crops or gardens. It takes vigilance on all of our parts to stay one step ahead of these noxious weeds! Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.

S P E C I A L S

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Monday - Steak Nite - $300 off freshly cut steaks Friday - Catfish Day Saturday/Sunday from 1:30 Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner

Thank You for your Patronage FREE DESSERT COUPON Mondays with purchase of Entree coupon expires November 14, 2011 Open 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. M-F • 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 315 E First Street • Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091

Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

Grand Valley Fire Protection District

Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker

October is Fire Prevention Month By Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson October is Fire Prevention Month. Remember to test your smoke detectors! Make sure you have a meeting point for you and your family in case of any fires in the home. Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide area of residential, commercial and some very remote areas with fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education and training in cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The district covers roughly 321 square miles. This is I-70 from mile marker 66.4 to mile marker 82.5, then all the way north to Rio Blanco County and south to Mesa County, including three-quarters of a square mile of Mesa County.

Wrap an extra-large gift with a paper tablecloth • Hollow out miniature pumpkins and/or squash to make serving containers for cranberry sauce, relish, dips, soup, etc. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of the pumpkin or squash so it will stand firm. • Hollow out the center of a small pumpkin or squash and use it as a candle holder.

For the month of September 2011, the fire district responded to 51 calls for service:

• If fabric softeners chafe or irritate the skin of your little one, just use baking soda in the wash cycle.

16 fire incidents 1 structure fire 3 fire alarms 4 brush fires 8 other type fire call – smoke scare, odor of smoke, gas leak, etc. 28 emergency medical calls 2 vehicle crashes 4 public assists 1 swift water rescue

• Stretch a meatloaf by adding a grated potato to the mixture before baking it in the oven. • Sandwiches won’t get soggy if you spread the mayo or relish between the slices of meat instead of spreading it on the bread. • Bake a potato in half the time by letting it stand in boiling water for 15” before placing it in an extra-hot oven (400 degrees F).

In addition: • 12 commercial quick reference/company safety inspections were conducted. • the annual fire inspections for Garfield School District No. 16 were completed. • 2 fire extinguisher trainings were completed. • 2 public education/events: - Grand Valley High School’s bonfire - Varsity football games for EMS standby

If you should have an emergency, please call 911 as soon as possible!

Training hours per crew: Green Crew – 8 hrs Black crew - 6.5 hrs Red Crew – 5.5 hrs

Remember to please watch out for children on Halloween. Children should have a flashlight or glow stick so they can be better seen in the dark while they are out trick-o-treating. For questions, comments or concerns, contact Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at gvfpdops@sopris.net. If you should have an emergency, please call 911 as soon as possible!

IF YOU ENJOY READING THIS PAPER, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! The Echo is available at many valley locations for free pick up AND IS DELIVERED TO THE HOMES IN THE BATTLEMENT MESA AND PARACHUTE AREA FREE OF CHARGE You can help support the paper by becoming a paid subscriber. Mailed paid subscriptions are available for readers outside our area.

• Help prevent a cut avocado from turning black quickly by keeping the pit in the unused half. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. • Ensure neat slices of meringue pie by sprinkling the top with granulated sugar before baking the pie. The meringue will look more delicious and won’t cling to the knife when cut. • Keep cupcake icing from smearing in the lunchbox by cutting the cake top, spreading the icing on the cut surface, and replacing the top. Like an Oreo, the icing is in the middle of the cupcake. • If you have an extra-large gift to wrap, try using a paper tablecloth. They come in lots of colors and designs. • A few drops of wintergreen oil on a cotton ball will make the house smell fresh and clean for months. • Don’t wear yourself out cleaning the house before hosting a party. Just flick a feather duster over the furniture and change those bright light bulbs to low-wattage or use colored bulbs. Why do a major cleaning before the party when you have to do it again after the party? • Leave cucumber peels on the counter over night and there will be no ants in that area. • Black pepper, bay leaves, or unwrapped sticks of spearmint gum on pantry shelves with deter weevils. • If a bit of egg yolk drops into the whites, dip a piece of bread near the yolk. The bread will grab the yolk like a magnet so you can remove it from the whites with no trouble. • To clean an electric coffee grinder, grind a small amount of rice until the machine no longer has any odor.

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

• If cauliflower has developed little brown spots, remove them by using a vegetable peeler.

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

• For crisp and tasty skins, rub the potato with oil before baking. Forget using the aluminum foil; that just steams the potato skin.

City: ___________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ___________ Please complete this form & submit $35 per year to: THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 We appreciate your support!

Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 19

H E A LT H

The Tooth of the Matter How to find the right dentist By Dr. Carol Lybrook, DDS Editor’s note: This is the first edition of “The Tooth of the Matter,” the Echo’s new column about dental health.

Finding the right dentist for you and your family involves a combination of factors. According to the American Dental Association, it all comes down to the four Cs: competence, convenience, compatibility and cost. First, you need your dentist to be competent, which means that he or she maintains a high level of professionalism and knows the latest treatments and developments in the dental field. To ensure competent dental care, look for a dentist who is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dentists who are AGD members must meet requirements for continuing education and are pledged to uphold the highest standards of ethics and patient care. A dentist may have a doctor of dental medicine (DDM) or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS). These degrees apply to general dentists and represent the same training programs, but different dental schools use different terms. Convenience is another important factor in finding a dentist. You'll be much more likely to keep appointments if you choose a dentist whose office is convenient to your home or workplace. Also, look for a dentist whose office hours fit with your schedule. Do you need evening or weekend appointments? Do you have children who could see a dentist after school? These are the type of questions to consider. Also, a convenient dentist is one who participates with your dental insurance plan. Most dentists in the United States participate with the large dental plans offered by most employers, but you won't know until you ask. If you have insurance, your insurance company can provide a list of dentists who participate with your plan. Take that list and ask your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations. Next, consider compatibility. For example, some dentists are specialists in treating patients who are fearful of dental procedures, whether it's filling a cavity or performing a root canal. So if you tend to be a nervous dental patient, ask your friends and colleagues to recommend a dentist that they like because he or she puts patients at ease. And ask a potential dentist whether he or she offers sedation dentistry, which involves treating you with a sedative via a pill, inhaled gas, or intravenous drug therapy prior to a dental procedure to help you relax. Trust your instincts: Is the office clean and neat? Are your records in order when you arrive? Is there a plan in place for after-hours dental emergencies? Find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable about asking questions, and who explains treatments and procedures so you can understand them. Finally, consider cost. Some people are very loyal to a dentist they like and will stick with him or her regardless of what their insurance does or doesn't cover. Others give more weight to cost. The search can be challenging. Be patient and the follow the four Cs to continue good oral health. Dr. Carol Lybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in the Southgate Plaza in Parachute.

Helping kids be healthy By Jean Lein, FNP-BC, Grand River Student Health Center, Parachute

A great way to keep school-aged children eating healthy is to pack their lunch. Although schools are making great strides making lunches healthy, you cannot always choose what your kids decide to put in their mouths when you aren’t around. Packing a lunch is an easy, inexpensive, healthy way to keep their stomachs from growling. Below are some tips provided by Grand River Hospital District’s dietician, Mickie Hosack, RD, CDE. • Try to pack foods from each food group for a well-rounded lunch. For breads, include bread, mini-bagels, tortillas, whole grain crackers, dinner rolls, or plain tortilla chips. For protein, pack low-fat lunchmeat and cheese sticks, hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, or nuts. To include fruit, try 100 percent fruit juice, water or juice-packed canned fruit, or fresh fruit. Great veggies to include are salads, baby carrots, celery sticks, snap peas, and salsa. To pack calcium, try low-fat flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, or sugar-free pudding made with low-fat milk. • You also want to make sure the packed lunch stays safe until noontime. Use ice packs and an insulated lunch box. Use frozen bread for sandwiches so the meat stays colder and fill a half-pint plastic freezer jar with water, freeze it, and then top it off with water in the morning so your child has something to drink at lunch and the ice also keeps the lunch box cold. In the winter, use insulated containers for soup and casseroles. • Below are some sample lunches for you and your child to try. All of them include the five food groups: – Personal pizza lunch: English muffin (grain), low-fat pepperoni or Canadian bacon (protein), 100 percent juice (fruit), pizza sauce/snap pea pods (vegetable), mozzarella cheese (calcium) – Wrap: tortilla (grain), chicken breast strips (protein), apple slices (fruit), leaf lettuce and sliced tomatoes (vegetable), sliced cheese (calcium) – Sandwich: bread (grain), low-fat turkey (protein), fresh peach (fruit), celery/peanut butter (vegetable), low-fat milk (calcium) – Chef salad: whole grain crackers (grain), ham and turkey (protein), 100 percent juice (fruit), salad mix (vegetable), diced cheese (calcium) – Taco salad: tortilla chips (grain), refried beans (protein), grapes (fruit), shredded lettuce and salsa (vegetable), shredded cheese (calcium)

Jean Lein is a family nurse practitioner who works at Grand River Student Health Center in Parachute. The center is dedicated to offering access to low-cost health services for the students and staff of Garfield School District No. 16.

Secure Your Financial Future WORKING FROM HOME Earn monthly residual income with America's foremost green wellness company PLUS Get Bonuses and Profit Sharing For more information contact Barbara Pavlin 970-285-7634 • 970-309-1354

Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

S E N I O R S

Mesa Vista News Ruth Morton is turning 101 Happy Birthday to Carolyn Thornton, too By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director Mesa Vista has had a busy fall season thus far. We had a great community ice cream social celebrating National Assisted Living Week in September. The residents enjoyed a wonderful performance by The Whistlin’ Cowboy. Allen Stecklein is a professional whistler and Julia Stecklein accompanies him on her fiddle. We also had a wonderful day with Charlotte White making plum jelly. We are having a community open house, craft and bake sale on Nov. 19. We will be serving free hot cocoa and popcorn. Dianne Dayhoff, also known as Dianne’s Diggins, is leading the residents in craft projects every Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. The residents will have some of their crafts to sell at the open house to raise money for more craft projects. Come and see what Mesa Vista has to offer. Mesa Vista hosts a free toenail clinic every first Thursday of the month from 1-4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate. We are also offering a Respite Special beginning Oct. 1-Dec. 31. This is an offer for a short-term stay in a beautifully furnished room for up to 30 days with every third night free. In October are celebrating birthdays for Carolyn Thornton on the Oct. 15 and Ruth Morton on Oct. 18. Ruth is celebrating her 101st birthday! The group, So Many Tunes, will be performing again on Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 25, the middle school honor roll students are visiting our residents and painting pumpkins for Halloween. The residents always enjoy visiting with the students.

Senior Center News Tips, Topics and Talks on Tuesdays is Nov. 8 Join the Tips, Topics and Talks on Tuesdays event for a Pamper Yourself Day at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8, at the Parachute Valley Senior Center. This is the day to enjoy free chair massages, hand massages and possibly toenail trims and foot massages. As usual, blood pressure readings are available. Door prizes and homemade chili will round out the day of indulgence at the Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute. 285-7934. Join the fun - you need not be a senior center member. The group will skip a December program, but will resume Jan. 10, 2012. – Mitzi Burkhart

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.

FLU Clinics Provided by Garfield County Public Health Tuesday, Oct. 18 CMC Spring Valley Campus, 1pm-4pm Battlement Mesa Fire Department, 5:30pm-7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 20 Glenwood Springs Downtown Drug, 10am-2pm

Residents enjoy canning plum jelly.

Photo courtsy of Mesa Vista

Saturday, Oct. 22 Glenwood & Rifle, Public Health Office Locations, 10-2pm Thursday, Oct. 27 Glenwood & Rifle, Public Health Office Locations, 7-7pm Friday Nov. 4 Glenwood & Rifle, Public Health Office Locations, 7-7pm Saturday, Nov. 12 Glenwood Mall, 027 Hwy 6 & 24, 10-2pm

Glenwood Springs 970-945-6614 2014 Blake Ave.

Rifle 970-625-5200 195 W. 14th St.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 21

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Clough Fellowship program supports Grand Valley High graduates By Debra Crawford, Colorado Mountain College

Since 2007, the Genevieve Clough Fellowship program has awarded more than $2 million in scholarship funds to more than 200 recent graduates of western Garfield County high schools to support their pursuit of higher education. This year, a total of 58 graduates of Coal Ridge, Rifle and Grand Valley high schools were honored. Four years ago, Genevieve Clough of Rifle established the need-based scholarship program. Though Genevieve passed away last year, her program continues through a generous endowment she made through her estate plan. The scholarship program is managed through the Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Foundation and the Western Colorado Community Foundation. Past recipients know the life-changing impact the fellowship can have. Clough Fellow Maritza Arizaga, a Grand Valley graduate and a current student at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs-Spring Valley, said the award helps her complete her goal of becoming a doctor of ophthalmology and joining the Peace Corps. “With the generous aid of the Clough Fellowship, I will be able to complete my first years of college debt-free,” Mariza said. “I am very content with the decision of attending CMC with the help of the Clough scholarship. They are doing a great thing, changing the lives of many students who are pursuing a college education and sometimes don’t have the necessary funds to further their education. I know Mrs. Clough would be very proud to know that the [CMC] foundation is continuing her initial intentions of bettering Grand Valley High School graduate and new Clough Fellow the lives of many students.” Clough Fellows can pursue associate or bachelor’s degrees, or vocational technical certification. More Moises Chavez hugs Stormy Anderson on stage at a recent awards reception at CMC’s Rifle campus, where Moises is now information about the program is available through counselors at Grand Valley High School, and the other attending college. Photo by Charles Engelbert Photography two high schools in western Garfield County.

echonewspapers.com

Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

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Involving Parents and Children Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

From Bea Underwood Elementary School

Play helps children learn to interact and grow socially By Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning Recently, I attended a brain forum created by The New York Academy of Sciences and sponsored by The Aspen Institute. The title of the seminar was “Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning: Implications for Education.” We had the opportunity to listen to highly accomplished scientists discuss their research. One topic that surfaced in many talks was the concept of executive function (EF), which the National Center For Learning Disabilities defines as a set of mental processes that help connect past experience with present action. People use it to perform activities such as planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space. One central feature in EF is self-regulation. Children who are able to regulate themselves tend to have higher protective factors and lower aggression. They have more self-control, and are able to resolve problems with peers. They can reflect before responding to stimulus. EF is linked to prefrontal cortex development. Research shows that adults who are able to self regulate are less likely to be incarcerated. There are many factors that contribute to the development of EF. Some that parents have control of are plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and positive parenting. Children also need opportunities to practice self-regulation. One opportunity we provide them at school is called big body play. You probably remember playing active games like Tag or King of the Hill when you were a child, or playing in other vigorous and rowdy ways. We believe that children need to play in these ways. We sometimes call this big body play. We also believe that taking some risks helps children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Big body play is one of the ways we encourage children to take risks. Preschool or kindergarten students may make up running and chasing games with friends or play many variations of Tag. A child will wrestle, tumble, roll down hills, and jump across grass or pavement, or play alone. We support this play style because it provides so many benefits to children. When children play vigorously and sometimes roughly, they are learning how to use language and how to take turns, how to give in a little bit, how to sometimes dominate and sometimes hold back, and how to make and follow rules. They are learning about cause and effect, and they are learning how to understand how other children feel. While we believe that risk is necessary, a child’s safety and well being are our greatest concern. Children should be monitored during big body play. Their faces should be watched to see if they are smiling. Hand gestures and language to help them navigate their needs should be taught, such as, “That is too rough; I don’t like that,” or “ You are hurting me – stop it.” Rules should also be established to keep children safe. Common rules are no hitting, no pinching and no kicking. Some might think that these rules take all the fun and risk out of the play; however, kids learn to control themselves pretty quickly while still maintaining contact with their peers. We have found in our work that allowing this type of play is especially important for boys. It appears to decrease tension and allows them to focus more on learning inside the classroom.

Keeping student learning at the center of tough decisions By Brian Berg, prinicipal, Bea Underwood Elementary October is here and this means school is in full swing. Later this month, parent/teacher conferences are on Oct. 20-21. I always encourage parents to come with questions such as: What has my child learned so far this school year? What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses in school? How can we challenge my child more? What are the learning goals for my child? Our goal is to ensure learning is happening at the best possible rate for all students. Recently, all parents were encouraged to complete an online survey about my leadership skills. The information collected will help me learn about myself, how to be a better leader and, most importantly, help lead Bea Underwood Elementary to the goal of educational excellence. For the next year I will be challenged by participating in the National Board Certification for Principals, which is an honored distinction if you can pass the course work and tests. Exciting activities are coming to Bea Underwood including our Fall Carnival, Family Game Nights, Math Night, Parenting with Love and Logic, the Halloween Parade, first and second grade winter music programs, and the list goes on. Lastly, during the last three years, Bea Underwood Elementary has gone through tremendous changes in student enrollment, staff and community job layoffs and reconfiguration, budget cuts, state and federal mandates and a host of other things. We are still committed to putting students first and following our school’s vision of educational excellence despite the challenges we all face With the local, state and national elections coming up we can only hope people will do the right things to keep student learning at the center of tough decisions. Why? Because our children will run this country some day and we need to give them the very best today! Through it all, we appreciate your support, feedback and commitment to our learning community.

Grand Valley Center for Learning students and their families enjoy meal time together. From left, the Chan family, Kaelee and her dad, Kylie and her mom.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 23

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Terrific Kids for September’s 2011

Grand Valley High School

Homecoming 2011: GV was on fire for Belle’s Ball

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

By Dustin Weist, GVHS On Sept. 20, the start to Homecoming was abroad. Student rivalry between the juniors and seniors sparked up competition for the most school spirit. Students had plenty of opportunities to gain the most points for Homecoming Week with different competitions and chances for each class to take a win for their class. The seniors were able to pull out a 40-point victory over the juniors, climbing to the top and winning Homecoming Spirit. The competitions included Dress-Up Days, Hall Decoration, Class Posters, Studman Volleyball Games, a Powderpuff football game, Miss GV, an eating contest, and the Spirit Stick. The week started with Dress-Up Days with the theme for Homecoming Week as a Disney theme. Tuesday showed only a few dressed for the part as pirates, with the seniors blowing the competition out of the water. The next day the students were able to show their creative side with the classes dressing up to the theme of their hall. Seniors were looking for the spirit of adventure, dressing themselves to look old, young, and colorful with their theme of the movie “Up,” many looking like Carl Fredricksen, Russell and Kevin. Juniors found life’s greatest adventure in finding their place in the circle of life with their hall theme being “The Lion King.” The juniors showed their wild side with the looks of exotic animals and fierce lions. The sophomores went to infinity and beyond with cowboys, army men, and Andy’s other toys with their theme being Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story.” But, they fell with style losing to the seniors for that day. Freshmen took the long road, taking life like it was a highway for the movie “Cars.” They drove themselves into last place with few actually having the parts to dress as cars. Thursday, students and staff were able to show their brothers from another mother and sisters from another mister with everyone being able to dress as twins. Many enjoyed the simplistic ideas of the same look of clothes. Others pushed it to the limit with not only the same looking clothes but with the same hairdos and face paint designs. As of Friday morning, the seniors were behind by 160 points. The theme for Friday was school spirit. The school was filled with red, black and white. Students and staff together showed their Grand Valley pride. After the points were rallied together; the freshmen had a score of 1,910, the sophomores were in third place with a score of 2,160, the jun-

Bea Underwood Elementary School September’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Bill Coelho (Kiwanis representative), Samantha Scott, Eriana Loya, McKatie Hemmert, Brian Berg (principal); second row, Chelsi Valerio, Justice France; third row, Brennan Rigsby, Sarah Kelty, Aleah Duprah, Tyler Miller; not pictured: Railey Largent.

Continued on next page

St John Elementary School September’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, front row, William Herndon, Madison Walck, Malachi Craine, Collin Black; back row, Bill Coelho and Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representatives), Jennifer Vicencio, Evette Baltazar, Allison Chartier, Wade Wiese, Kathy Keeling (principal). Senior Lindsey Chartier shows some senior spirit with the newly invented hammer, which is supposed to replace the spirit stick.

Congratulations to all of September’s Terrific Kids!

Photo courtesy of GVHS

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

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Grand Valley High School Key Club members are off to a great start with many service projects already underway. Photo courtesy of Grand Valley Key Club

GVHS Key Club: Off to a great start By Julie Lana, GVHS The Grand Valley High School Key Club is preparing for a busy school year. The Key Club, a high school service organization supported by the local Kiwanis Club, is currently one of the bigger student clubs at the high school. This school year promises to keep the members on their toes as they participate in various service projects. During September, club members participated in the District Fall Rally in Glenwood. They met other students from clubs in the area to plan regional activities. Members helped with face painting during the Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the Parachute Park and Recreation District. The weekend of Oct. 79, members attended Key Leader Weekend, three days of leadership training. During the month of October, the club is taking

Homecoming

part in various activities involving breast cancer awareness including sponsoring “Go Pink” dress days at the high school, window painting at local businesses, and promoting the Pink Out event on Oct. 28. Also during October, Key Club will be assisting the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club with their annual food drive. Bags will be delivered to homes around Oct. 22 and the food will be picked up on Oct. 29. On Oct. 22, members will be driving to Grand Junction to help serve the Signature Chef Dinner, a March of Dimes fundraiser. Key Club will be providing activities for the younger students to enjoy during the annual Harvest Carnival at the Center for Family Learning. The club has also just begun a new service initiative this year with the Adopt a Soldier program. They have adopted an entire platoon of young men with

the first shipment of care packages going out this month. Members donated various items such as reading materials, snacks, candy, hygiene items, socks, as well as wrote many postcards, letters, and cards to send to their unit. This project has been extremely popular with the members, gathering over 11 boxes of items for their first shipment! Looking forward to November, members will be at the Parachute Craft Fair selling Christmas greenery as a club fundraiser as well as raising money for the March of Dimes. If you or your business is interested in pre-ordering your greenery, please contact a club sponsor at the high school. Key Club is constantly looking for ways to serve its community. If an organization would like to utilize the Key Club for one of their events, please contact the club sponsors, Alison Teter and Julie Lana, at 285-5705.

from previous page

iors as tough as they were fell behind the seniors by 40 points with their class receiving 2,870, and the class of 2012 became reining champ with a score of 2,910. The week was long, filled with excitement and spirit. The Studman challenge finished Thursday afternoon with the senior class' team beating the freshmen and juniors. The senior team won the challenge overall with a score of 27-25. But to the disappointment to the senior class, they lost the next day to the staff, 15-25. The seniors and freshmen were not able to beat the junior and sophomore teams with their great sport skills under the Friday night lights in the Powderpuff challenge. The junior and sophomore team were able to come on top beating the seniors and freshmen 14-0 at the end of the fourth quarter. It was a close game with a tied score of 0-0 until the fourth quarter when sophomore Ashlynn Speakman scored two touchdowns on the opposing team. Thursday did not come to an end just yet. After the seniors’ Studman win over the students and the juniors’ and sophomores' win over the seniors and freshmen team in the Powderpuff game, the night was upon the community. Family, friends and visitors were able to come together under the moonlight for the bonfire. The fire was strong and overbearing, standing as tall as a three-story building at the very least. Everyone was able to give support to each sport as they stood on the stage gaining the respect from the crowd. After all was announced, the seniors were able to blow off some steam with the car smash. It had been three long years for most of the seniors, just waiting their turn for a swing of the hammer. Everyone had a great time and were about ready for the dance on Saturday. During Friday, Sept. 23, the juniors gained more points with a very interesting Miss GV pageant. The competitors for the classes were freshmen Zane Pfau ("Miranda Lambert") and Brand Young ("Rihanna"), sophomores Carlos Valencio ("Rosalinda") and Will Hinkle ("Big Betty"), juniors Tanner Zimmerman ("Ivory") and Wesley Wood ("Ebony Clearwater"), and seniors Jake Smith ("Carmen Cassandra") and Rahiem Flores ("Fiona Skywater"). The pageant was tough but the competition had to come to an end. With her fantastic dance skills, Fiona was able to claim second place, and in first place for the 2011 Homecoming, Miss GV was Ebony Clearwater with her exotic dancing. After a fulfilling week at school, it was finally time for the Homecoming dance that would be the memory of a lifetime. Students had been getting ready the whole day. Some were so ready to dance the night away that they showed up early. The dance may have officially started at 8:30, but students were ready to dance by 8. The dance was an excellent time to spend with friends and dates, and to end the 2011 Homecoming Week. Overall, "Homecoming was pretty dang good," said junior Cory Gross.

Clockwise from top left: The GVHS bonfire was a huge hit as it lit up the night sky. Photo by Jessica Valenzuela; Senior David Witt really put some muscle into the car smash! Photo by Jessica Valenzuela; Wendy Flores, Monica Ruiz, Ofelia Barragan, and Araceli Cornejo took Twin Day to a whole new level. Photo by Ceara Friel; Ebony Clearwater, better known as Wesley Wood, strikes a pose. Photo by Hunter Metcalf; Jordan Quinn really enjoyed the Homecoming dance while singing along to the lyrics. Photo by Brooke Whitman

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 25

As I See It To love me like that By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church Recently, a televangelist suggested that a man who was married to a woman with Alzheimer’s disease consider divorcing her and moving on to get his needs of companionship met by someone else. “My spouse was not meeting my needs” is often the reason many use for abandoning the marriage covenant. Whatever happened to “love, honor, and cherish” and “till death do us part”? I think we could all learn lessons from a man I would call a hero. Dr. Robertson McQuilken was a missionary to Japan for many years, then for twenty-two years he was at the helm as president of Columbia Bible College (CBC). He became known as an international speaker and the author of best-selling books. When his wife, Muriel, suffered from the ravages of Alzheimer’s, he gave his resignation in the spring of 1990 to the college with these words: “My dear wife, Muriel, has been in failing mental health for about eight years. So far, I have been able to carry both her ever-growing needs and my leadership responsibilities at CBC. But recently, it has become apparent that Muriel is contented most of the time she is with me and almost none of the time I am away from her. It is not just ‘discontent.’ She is filled with fear – even terror – that she has lost me and always goes in search of me when I leave home. Then she may be full of anger when she cannot get to me. So it is clear to me that she needs me now, full time. Perhaps it would help you to understand if I shared with you what I shared at the time of the announcement of my resignation in chapel. The decision was made, in a way, 42 years ago when I promised to care for Muriel ‘in sickness and in health...till death do us part.’ So, as I told the students and faculty, as a man of my word, integrity has something to do with it. But so does fairness. She has cared for me fully and sacrificially all these years; if I cared for her for the next 40 years I would not be out of debt. Duty, however, can be grim and stoic. But there is more; I love Muriel. She is a delight to me – her childlike dependence and confidence in me, her warm love, occasional flashes of that wit I used to relish so, her happy spirit and tough resilience in the face of continual distressing frustration. I do not have to care for her, I get to! It is a high honor to care for so wonderful a person.” Robertson and Muriel had discovered that a deep committed love that included mutual sacrifice breeds the deepest satisfaction that life has to offer. Their lives, and consequently their marriage, had the foundation of the Lord of life and love. They learned that giving to and for one another was the way to a fulfilled life and relationship. Hence, their deepest needs and longings in a relationship were met as they caught glimpses of heaven on earth. In his book, “A Promise Kept,” Robertson shared that their relationship was not without challenges and frustrations. However, he chose to honor his wife who had honored him until God called her home in 2003. He saw caring for her as a great privilege and joy. She saw that she was more important than his career, his happiness, his needs, his wants, or his freedom. But in giving to her he learned more of his ever giving God, discovered more of what he really wanted in life, and that she was indeed “his precious.” When Muriel was in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, Robertson chose to take her with him even on flights to various cities. An attractive female executive sat across them at the terminal in Atlanta. After seeing how he had tenderly cared for his wife, she muttered – somewhat perhaps in protest, “Will I ever find a man to love me like that?”

FA I T H

• 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) Small groups meet throughout the week ... Visit our website for more information.

Grace Bible Church

The Lighthouse

755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa 285-9862 Charlie Hornick, Pastor Jed Johnston, Family Life Pastor Chastity McGillivray, GBC Child Care Missionary Intern, Amy Hamilton

(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. Boy Scouts – Call for days/times Awana: Tuesdays 6:30pm (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: office@mygvcc.info Church Office 285-7597 Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

••• 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

••• Faith Baptist Church 235 N. Railroad Ave. Parachute John Yadloski, Pastor 285-7424 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.

•••

Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m.

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

•••

210-5795 210-5849

•••

Page 26, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011

Where’s Redstone?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s nine-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.

Check out Redstone’s historic beehive coke ovens By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer With fall colors falling to the ground and temperatures beginning to cool, the Crystal Valley says goodbye to most tourists, and locals prepare for winter. October still offers wonderful days for exploring Redstone and Marble. A restoration project on Redstone’s historic coke ovens is nearly complete. The signature beehive ovens left over from Redstone’s mining years will be preserved for decades to come. And tours continue at the historic Redstone Castle, offering a glimpse of life in the early 1900s. Shops and restaurants remain open for visitors, and it’s a great time to settle into the Avalanche Ranch’s newly opened hot springs, or just up the road, the Penny Hot Springs. Redstone is located on Highway 133, just 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. For more information, go to redstonecolorado.com. Hope to see you in Redstone!

Hunting season is here! We offer fully guided, drop and spike camps! Elk • Bear • Mule Deer • Mountain Goat • Big Horn Sheep Blue Grouse • Ptarmigan • Turkey Come join us for your Western Adventure of a Lifetime!

New this year… Winter Trail Rides in the snow!

redstonecolorado.com

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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

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

www.redstonecastle.us

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011, Page 27

SERVICE DIRECTORY Sprinkler Winterization • Fall Clean up Trees – Shrubs – Patios Waterfeatures 876-5981 Licensed • Insured

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

Buy family size pizza and get a 7” dessert pizza for

100 (with coupon)

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

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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”

Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Logos • Brochures

Help for any writing project

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CALL RICK or SCOTT

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

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• 963-2373

TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 285-7634 TODAY!

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS Only $10 for up to 40 words! (25¢/word after that). Classified ads MUST be prepaid. Mail your check to: 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 and E-MAIL YOUR AD COPY TO: gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

Page 28, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2011