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Volume 4 Number 5
Mid-February / Mid-March 2012
‘The heartbeat of the oil and gas industry’ Encana is breaking ground on its largest US field office building yet – in Parachute By Carrie Click, Echo editor
Our Schools pages 22-24
Seniors page 17
Grand Valley Energy page 13
Photos and frames page 5
World champion page 3
Inside
When Encana breaks ground on its expansive new office building in the Parachute Park planned unit development (PUD) in the next month or so, it’s going to mean a lot more than simply the addition of a very large commercial structure to the local skyline. “With this office building, Encana is parking themselves in the epicenter of the oil and gas industry,” said Hayden Rader of Glenwood Springs, the developer who’s been working since 1992 on developing Parachute Park, an industrial subdivision in west Parachute. “They’re positioning themselves for the future in the heartbeat of the oil and gas industry.” At three floors and 51,000 square feet, the new building’s footprint covers more than a third of an acre. There Encana’s new office building in Parachute is scheduled to break ground in the next month or so, and should be comare larger buildings in the area: in comparison, the pleted by the beginning of 2013. It will be able to accommodate more than 300 employees. Battlement Mesa Activity Center is 53,000 square feet, Architectural rendering courtesy of Hayden Rader Grand Valley Middle School is 70,000 square feet, and Although Encana is putting down roots, the Rader moved to Plan B, working to create an indusGrand Valley High School 101,000 square feet. Still the new building will be Encana’s largest U.S. field office when it’s company won’t own its new building. Encana will trial park instead. So began a 20-year process of lease the structure from Shea Properties, a division untangling and renegotiating approvals, roadways, completed, most likely during the first part of 2013. of the J.F. Shea Company that originated in 1881 in design modifications, and a range of other issues. Working with the Town of Parachute, Town ‘The main artery’ Oregon, with offices in California, Colorado and “Encana could build a headquarters in Denver, so why five other states. The company has a history: it was Attorney Steve Carter, Town Administrator Bob this commitment to Parachute?” said Del Dawson, a involved in building both the Golden Gate Bridge Knight, Colorado Department of Transportation, Re/Max Country Realtor who was part of brokering the and Hoover Dam. Garfield County, Exxon, Williams, numerous individdeal. “The reason is location. Logistically [utilizing the GE Johnson out of Colorado Springs is the contrac- uals, and a variety of energy industry companies, Exxon-built Parachute-to-Piceance Colony road], Parachute tor for the Parachute building. The company is Rader slowly sorted out the Parachute Park mess, provides closer access to the Piceance Basin than Meeker, required to hire a large percentage of local subcon- readying it for a new life as an energy industry center. Rifle and Rangely.” “Bob Knight pulled a big rabbit out of the hat, tractors and workers for the project. Currently, Encana rents office space north of Parachute securing a DOLA grant for road way improvements in the former American Soda/Solvay building where A lengthy process on and off site,” said Rader. “We all did. There were Encana management staff numbers continue to grow. This Pulling all the pieces together for Parachute Park rabbits being pulled out of hats all over the place to year 240 employees report for work in Parachute, up from and Encana’s new building hasn’t happened quick- get this thing done.” 170 staff in 2007. ly. An 80-acre subdivision had initially been platted The result of decades of detangling and restrucGas well numbers continue to increase, too. Most in 1980 in the area, complete with not only an turing is Parachute Park’s 45-acre-net industrial recent counts report a total of 3,200 local wells, adding to industrial component but with single-family homes, development. With Encana’s building as the anchor, the total count every year. a theater, bowling alley and grocery stores. Some of six more lots have sold since October, leaving 18 Dawson has seen the energy industry come and go. He the infrastructure, such as water and sewer, had lots left, between one and three acres each. was around during Black Sunday in May 1982, when Exxon been developed when Black Sunday hit town, leavTwo more buildings are planned for construction laid off 2,200 oil shale workers in a matter of hours and ing the partially-built subdivision abandoned and and are scheduled for completion by the end of this changed the course of Parachute’s and Battlement Mesa’s unused for decades. year: one for Enterprise Gas Processing and the economy virtually overnight. Developer Hayden Rader first got interested in other for TLC Pipeline Construction. However, the fact that Encana is committing to a 20- Parachute Park property in 1992, not for a mixed-use “We don’t have many uncommitted lots left,” year lease in the new Parachute Park subdivision is good subdivision or industrial park, but for another purpose. said Rader, speaking of Parachute Park lot inventory. news for the economy. “I started purchasing property [in Parachute Park] “What’s happening is that [energy] companies are “It’s stunning,” Dawson said. “It means Encana knows that with a group of investors to develop it as a gam- seeing the need to be in Parachute,” said Dawson. “Parachute is the entryway to the Piceance Basin,” Parachute is becoming the main artery [to the region’s gas and bling center,” he said. for the long term.” for Parachute, here added Rader, “and companies want to be here.” When gambling wasn’t approved oil industry]. And it means they’re
Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
From the Publisher
Clarifications
Happy Valentine's Day The Echo: A labor of love – but we need some help! If you are a regular reader of The Grand Valley Echo, you will notice this Echo is a bit different than those you’ve read during the past months. In short, it’s thicker and is filled with lots of stories and information to read. We normally base the Echo’s page count each month on the number of ads that are purchased. This is a common practice with newspapers, and a way to maintain some control of expenses versus income. We normally run a fairly low percentage of ads to pages... usually about 50 percent or so. Many newspapers run a much higher ad percentage, but we want to give you the most editorial copy that we can. This month, however, we had so much news to share with you, and not enough advertising to carry a larger paper that we decided to run a very low percentage of advertising. That means that the Echo is essentially sponsoring its own production and print costs. Consider it a Valentine’s Day gift. The point is, we think it’s important that the Parachute and Battlement Mesa communities have an informative newspaper that focuses on what’s important to know right here. However, we need your help. Due to the decline in business advertising, we devised a Ride the Rail campaign where individuals and businesses who don't normally run large ads are able to support the paper and help us run a larger paper each month. Our Ride the Rail program runs $10 to $100 per month depending on size. We strongly encourage you to consider supporting the Echo in this way. Please contact the Echo at 963-2373 or gve@crystalvalleyecho.com if you’d like to know more. In the meantime, please enjoy this copy-heavy issue of the Echo – and think about becoming a Ride the Rails supporter.
A story that ran in the January 2012 Echo about the energy industry stated that Antero Resources is proposing to drill 200 new wells within Battlement Mesa’s planned unit development (PUD). Antero is actually proposing to construct a total of 10 drill pads within Battlement’s PUD. These 10 pads would then serve as bases for drilling up to a total of 200 underground horizontal and directional natural gas wells. Another story that ran in the January 2012 Echo about the 2nd Time Around Recycle Outlet did not mention both owners of the business. Both Ron Casto and Jeff Grant are business partners in the outlet. The Echo regrets any confusion that may have been caused by these stories.
echonewspapers.com 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.
PUBLISHER/DESIGNER ALYSSA OHNMACHT EDITOR CARRIE CLICK ADVERTISING SALES BARBARA PAVLIN
285-7634 DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATION STEVE PAVLIN Dawn Distribution • 963-0874
274 REDSTONE BLVD., REDSTONE, COLORADO 81623 970-963-2373 • gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Hayden Rader, Wind River Performance Horses, Ava Lanes, Anne Huber, Shirley Barrick, Alain Senac, Mary Anderson, Eric Sarno, Dick Ciprich, Barbara Pavlin, David Boyd, Bob Knight, Keith Lammey, Betsy Leonard, M.E. Denomy, Laurel Koning, Jean Edmonds, Julie Lana, Rob Ferguson, Mesa Vista, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, Barbara Barker, Carol Lybrook, DDS, Connie Berglund, Rick Blauvelt, Debra Crawford, CMC, Heather McGregor, Tarianna Lawrece, Emma Cruz, Artemio Baltazar, Hunter Metcalf, Jazmin McFarland, Dustin Weist, Baileyann Merry, David Walck, Jeannie Miles, Veronica Duran, Anne White, Mark Gregory, Jory Sorensen Charlie Hornick, Sue McEvoy
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 3
B U S I N E S S
Parachute paint attains world champion status Sugs Tru Luck beats out 1,000 horses to claim top honors By Carrie Click, Echo editor How many world champions do you know? Well, if you know Sugs Tru Luck, a 13-year-old black paint stallion owned by Jarvis and Chris Abbey of Parachute, you know at least one. He was named the 2011 Senior Heeling World Champion at the 2011 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championships held last November in Fort Worth, Texas. For the uninitiated, ‘heeling’ refers to the horse’s position in roping the back legs of stock, while ‘heading’ refers to roping the head. At the APHA World Championships, Sugs Tru Luck (“Toby” for short) competed against more than 1,000 horses that came from as far away as Australia and France. So, what put Toby above all the other paints, making him a heeling world champion? “It’s qualitative,” said Chris. “He’s judged on how he reacts and handles cattle. They look at how quiet he is before and after his run. They look at the overall quality of his run.” Not only can Toby heel, he can head and he has competed in other rodeo events as well. He’s versatile. It also helps that Toby has champion bloodlines, and an excellent disposition. “He’s so laid back. And he’s super cowy,” said Chris, referring to Toby’s instinctual ability to manage cattle. “He specializes in cattle events.”
Two different perspectives Last November, Sugs Tru Luck was named the 2011 Senior Heeling World Champion at the 2011 Chris and Jarvis Abbey operate Wind River Performance Horses on Paint Horse Association World Championshiops in Fort Worth, Texas. Here he is with trainer Jack Morrisiana Mesa above Parachute and Battlement Mesa. For both, their Wright of Penrose, exhibited by Jay Wadhams of Pueblo, and the Abbeys. Photo courtesy of Wind horse business is in addition to full-time jobs. Jarvis works in the energy River Performance Horses industry, and Chris is in her fourth year teaching at Grand Valley High School. Colo. at Key Stallion Station, a breeding center. There, Toby breeds with 15 to 20 “Most people don’t know about this part of my life,” said Chris, regarding her mares a year, and works with his trainer Jack Wright. work with performance horses. The couple come from Breeding world champions two different perspectives to Chris purchased Toby the horse world. Chris was from a polo ranch in Sheridan, raised in Connecticut, riding Wyo., so the couple would English and competing in like to breed a world champidressage growing up, while on, becoming involved in the Jarvis, from Lander, Wyo., entire process. has been around pack and “Our participation is limitbackcountry trail horses his ed [with Toby,] Chris said. whole life. “He is our most successful When it comes to showstallion so far. Our next goal is ing their horses, they’re both to breed a world champion. proud “parents” – in their It’s attainable.” own ways. The couple are well on “I always say that Jarvis is their way. They’re currently a lot more competitive than I showing Toby’s son, their junam when we’re showing,” ior stallion, Gay Bar Lucky Jac. said Chris. “I’m more laid Several of Toby’s colts live at back about it.” the Abbeys’ horse facility on However the Abbeys deal Morrisiana Mesa, and some with competition, they’re mares are expecting the chamdoing something right. pion’s colts this spring. Following his APHA win, Toby’s colts seem to be Toby was shown at the similar to their father on the National Western Stock good disposition scale. Show in Denver in January, “You can put a halter on where he added 56 APHA one of them for the first time points, confirming his status and lead him around,” Jarvis as a top performance bred said. “It’s like they don’t even paint stallion. He has numerhave to be trained.” ous other awards and acco“We really believe that lades to his credit. with commitment, research Even though the Abbeys and knowledge,” said Chris, live in Parachute, Toby Chris and Jarvis Abbey of Parachute with one of their world champion horse Sugs Tru Luck's colts. The Abbeys own “a small breeder can complete spends most of his time in Wind River Performance Horses on Morrisiana Mesa where they raise home-bred performance horses. P at the national big shows.” hoto by Carrie Click Penrose outside of Pueblo,
Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
G O G R A N D V ALLEY 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. • Feb. 15: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 9: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• Feb. 15: 2-3 p.m. A reception with local Sue Hornick, author of “More Than a Cowboy,” is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 10: 10 a.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new community park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388.
• Feb. 16: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • Feb. 17: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • Feb. 17: 6 p.m. Reel Readers book/movie to be announced at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • Feb. 18: 2-3 p.m. Cover letter workshop is at the Parachute Branch Library. Pre-registration requested. 285-9870.
• Feb. 21: 12-2 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Bunch; book to be announced, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 10: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Grand River Hospital District’s Parachute and Battlement Mesa Health Fair, at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Screenings, blood draws, health education. 6256433. • March 12: Nominations for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Colorado Northwest District Resource Advisory Council that includes Parachute and Battlement Mesa is due today to the BLM office in Silt. Go to blm.gov/co/st/en/blm_resources/racs/swrac.html or call 876-9008 for criteria and nomination process.
• Feb. 22: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tackle it Tuesday project work day at Parachute Branch Library. Drop in for as much time as you want, but dinner reservations required. Call the library at 285-9870.
• Feb. 22: 2:30-4 p.m. Anime Club is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 13: 7 p.m. The Page Turners Book Club features “Messenger of Truth” by Jacqueline Winspear, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• Feb. 23: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 14: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• Feb. 24: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 15: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• Feb. 28: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at Parachute Branch Library features Diane Dayhoff’s program of tatting and huck weaving. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday at 1 p.m. Go to battlementmesacolorado.com for more info.
• Feb. 29: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 1: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 1: 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Energy Advisory Board meets to encourage positive communication and responsible energy development at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., Rifle. RSVP if you’re attending the meeting as complimentary dinner is served. For topics, more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisoryboard.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.
• March 1: 7 p.m. The Sweet Adelines singing group performs in the Parachute Branch Library’s community room. Tickets are $3/person, and advanced tickets are available at the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Parachute Library; 285-9870. • March 2: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 2: Last day to file for Battlement Mesa Metro District’s board election. Two, four-year terms are open. Election is May 8. Call 2859050 for forms. • March 3: 8:30-8:45 a.m. CARE Pet Food Bank distributes food to those needing help feeding their dogs and cats, at the Kum & Go parking lot at Tamarisk Trail and Stone Quarry Road in Battlement Mesa. 947-9173. • March 5: 6-9 p.m. The Alex Project Celebration Dinner. Contact the Parachute Branch Library at 285-9870 for more info. • March 6: Comments to the BLM are most helpful if received by today regarding a proposed water treatment facility in the Piceance Basin. Go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo/index.html, or contact the White River Field Office in Meeker, 970-878-3800. • March 6: 6 p.m. The Democratic Precinct Caucus for Precincts 24, 25, 26 and 27 is at Grand Valley High School, 800 Cardinal Way, Parachute. Paul Light, 285-7791. • March 7: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 7: 1 p.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new community park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388 . • March 8: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 8: 6-7 p.m. Basic e-mail class is at Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
• March 8: 7 p.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new community park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School at the Battlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388.
ONGOING • Starting this year, the Battlement Mesa Company’s Community Coffee Talks will take place on a quarterly basis. • The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has a variety of exercise classes for preschoolers to seniors. Call Anne, 285-9480. • Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. • 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. • 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 Roxie Jones at 285-9791 and Patsy Noel at 285-2472 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., 800-272-3900, 987-3184. • 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. • Seniors age 60 and older and disabled of any age may ride The Traveler, a wheelchair-accessible van with door-to-door service from Parachute to Glenwood Springs and to various towns and locations in between in Garfield County. Suggested donation is $8 round trip. The Traveler also travels from Parachute to Grand Junction the second Thursday of the month. Donation is $20 round trip. Call 48 hours in advance for reservations and information at 625-1366. • 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 third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tips and Talks on Tuesday is at the Parachute Valley Senior Center; men and women of all ages welcome. 540 N. Parachute, Parachute, 285-7934. • Grand Mesa Chorus rehearses every Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way, Grand Junction. All women age 16 and older are welcome to audition. Call Shirley at 255-9419, grandmesachorus.org. • 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, e-mail pamsz@sopris.net. • The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Board of Directors meets at the recreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. • The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement Mesa Service Association meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. • Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and every Friday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library. Both open to young children. Call Michelle at 285-9870. • Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts a luncheon prepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50 for those over 60. Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216. • The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., the Battlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432. • 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. • 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. • Common Ground meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The group is comprised of citizens from Parachute and Battlement Mesa who are committed to working together for a better community. All residents interested in contributing their time and energy for the betterment of Battlement and Parachute are encouraged to attend. • 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, 2852318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in. • The first Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m., the Energy Advisory Board meets to encourage positive communication and responsible energy development at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., Rifle. For topics, more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915. • Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hosts interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM. • Saturdays at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts Bingo Night with cash prizes. Players bring a snack to share; come and bring a friend. The senior center is at 540 N. Parachute Ave., at the intersection of County Road 215 and North Parachute Avenue, 285-6492. UPCOMING • March 16: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 17: 5 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and auction is at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. $30/person; tickets available at Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo, and Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry. 285-9480. • March 17: 6-7 p.m. Interview techniques class is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 20: 10 a.m. Tips and Talks on Tuesdays is at the Parachute Valley Senior Center and features a talk about dentistry given by Dr. Garry Millard. 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute. • March 20: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Brunch host local author Marilyn Barnewall at the Parachute Branch Library to discuss her books, “When the Swan’s Neck Breaks,” and “Flight of the Black Swan.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Parachute Library; 285-9870. • March 23: 7 p.m. “A Night at the Movies” at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center featuring the 2009 film, “It’s Complicated.” 285-9480. • March 27: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at Parachute Branch Library and features Maggie Cook’s demonstration of pastel art. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday at 1 p.m. Go to battlementmesacolorado.com for more info. • April 19: Last day to apply for Grand Valley Educational Foundation scholarships. Contact Grand Valley High School counseling office at 285-5705, ext. 4105, or go to garcoschools.org and click on “Grand Valley Educational Foundation.”
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 5
B U S I N E S S
Photographs and frames After a career in school administration, Ava Lanes takes an artistic turn By Carrie Click, Echo editor Tucked away in one of Battlement Mesa’s neighborhoods is Ava Lanes’s single-story house. It’s an inviting place, with a tidy front yard, and a two-car garage adjoining Ava’s home. What makes it different is that vehicles aren’t parked behind the garage door. What’s there is Heritage Gallery and Frame, Ava’s picture framing and original photography gallery. “I want to do this full time,” said Ava, standing in her rather artistic garage amidst rows of picture frames and her colorful, large-format landscape and nature photographs. “This is where I want to go.” Even though Ava has spent the last 36 years in education, she’s quite familiar with picture framing. In her native North Dakota, she co-owned a storefront matting and framing shop before moving to Colorado in 1990. She served as principal of Rifle Middle School, and later became the assistant superintendent of Garfield School District Re-2.
Shifting from schools to photos and frames After retiring from Re-2 six years ago, Ava became an educational consultant to schools all over the country. Still, she kept thinking about utilizing her photography and framing expertise. “It’s my passion,” she said. “Matting and framing can make an original photograph really special.” Beside the traditional mat, glass, and wood or metal frame, Ava employs several innovative materials, which involve adhering the photograph directly onto resin, metal, or canvas, the last of which is the most reasonably-priced Ava Lanes with one of her hummingbird photographs in a custom mounting. Sometimes she can medium. Photo by Carrie Click “shoot right out my back door,” she said. In addition to framing, Ava can also create posters, custom framing, and can handle historical preservation pieces, which involve extra care. Working out of her garage/studio has direct cost advantages for her and her cus- few of Ava’s bird photos being published in the magazine, Birds & Blooms. “My mom loved birds,” she said. tomers, too. She also takes photos in Twin Lakes and Telluride – and she takes photos of far“I have low overhead working here,” she said, “so I can cut better deals.” off places, too, such as Mexico and Hawaii. Mountains and birds Not only does Ava travel for photo shoots, but she participates in at least four Ava credits noted Colorado photographer John Fielder with teaching her much juried art shows and fairs a year where she sells her photographs. of what she knows about photography. She has attended workshops he has held “My photography is great because it helps feed my [travel] habit,” she said with in Telluride, learning about what makes a great photograph. a smile. Ava’s photographs are familiar to western Coloradans – there are aspen leaves, Ava Lanes can be hummingbirds, mountains, flowers and wide-open spaces. Ava’s also working on reached at Heritage a three-subject series, of paths and roads, steps, and benches. Gallery and Frame, 285“Sometimes, I shoot right out my back door,” Ava said, pointing to a photo- 9805, heritagegraph of a hummingbird she took in her galleryandframe.com, backyard. avalanes@mac.com. Birds are a favorite subject, leading to a
Ava’s custom mounted and enlarged nature photographs.. Photos by Carrie Click.
Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
C H A M B E R
N E W S
Chamber dinner and auction set for March 17 By Anne Huber, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce
The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership drive is currently on. The chamber is your connection for what’s going on in the community. Quarterly meetings are an opportunity to network with other members and promote your business specialties. A general business membership is $100/year; nonprofit membership is $75/year; and an associate (individual) membership is $50/year. Download a membership form from the chamber website at parachutechamber.org or contact Mary Anderson at 285-0388. The annual chamber dinner and auction, to be held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, is a fun night with lots of activities and a great chance to interact with business leaders in the community. Dress is casual or you can use your imagination to dress up in a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Social hour starts at 5 p.m. Enjoy a drink at the cash bar, operated by the Arroyo Saloon. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Local businesses and individuals contribute items to be auctioned. This is the chamber’s major fundraiser for the year. Proceeds help finance the fireworks display held each fall at Cottonwood Park. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo, and Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry. You do not have to be a member of the chamber to attend. There will be many items to bid on at both the silent auction and the live auction that follows dinner.
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• 963-2373
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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
Next General Meeting Thursday, May 10, 2012 Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber of Commerce Battlement Mesa Firehouse Program: To be announced
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 7
O B I T U A R I E S Marlys D. Barrick The Colorado Heritage Group A COZY PLACE TO CALL HOME Split bedroom plan, master bath with a garden tub, new carpet, fresh interior paint- MF home. Battlement Mesa - $99,900
ABSOLUTELY IMPECCABLE MANUFACTURED HOME Two living areas, custom built-ins, huge master suite with walk in closet and five piece bath. Battlement Mesa - $47,500
SOUTHWEST FLAIR Beautifully landscaped courtyard. Large kitchen bar plus a dining room. Unique master bath. Battlement Mesa - $199,900 A HOME WITH FAMILY APPEAL Large family room on lower level. Open views across back of home, jetted tub, granite, tile accents. Battlement Mesa - $325,000
XERISCAPED EASY CARE YARD Covered porch and patio, cul-de-sac lot and great views. Sun-lit den, eat-in kitchen, fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $175,000 TRULY ONE OF A KIND Windows accent the kitchen nook. Gigantic trex deck with awning. Two story elegant custom home. Battlement Mesa - $390,000
LAND: MINI RANCHETTE SUBDIVISION Borders BLM property, 360* views. 8.38 acres includes a 1500 sq.ft. shop and located close to I-70. Battlement Mesa - $235,000
NEED EXTRA PARKING SPACE? Low maintenance yard-spr. system. All appliances included, new blinds. Subdv. has walking trails/ park. $139,900
ADJOINS THE GOLF COURSE Pristine setting in exclusive subdivision. CC&R's protect your investment. Sq. ft. min. - 2200sq. ft. Battlement Mesa - $68,000
SUN-LIT COZY KITCHN NOOK Unique MF home on a cul-de-sac lot. Laminate flooring in the living room, soaker tub in master bath. Battlement Mesa - $120,000
DO YOU WANT PRIVACY This 160 acres is located on the northwest side of DeBeque. Vast and open views. Zoned SF or Agr. DeBeque - $215,000
ECONOMY IN SPACE AND CARE Split bedroom plan each with its own bath. Open living, dining and kitchen in this lovely townhome. Battlement Mesa - $115,000 RANCH ON A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC Vaulted ceilings, walls of windows, large walk-in shower in master, floor to ceiling rock fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $248,000 STUCCO RANCH WITH TILE ROOF Large office with a wall of custom oak cabinetry, two fireplaces, entry courtyard, beautiful yard. Battlement Mesa - $415,000 RURAL RIFLE SUBDIVISION MF home on spacious lot with room to add a shop or garage. Large living room with cozy fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $154,900
Marlys D. Barrick of Fruita, Colo. passed away peacefully surrounded by family as the sun was rising on Jan. 26, 2012. She was 76. Marlys was born in Osage, Iowa to Ruby and Jurgen Tebban in Osage, Iowa. She moved to Venice, Calif. in 1949 and graduated in the Class of ‘54 from Venice High School. Marlys and her three children moved to Parachute, then Grand Valley, in 1969 where they became part of the Parachute community. Marlys married Dale Barrick in 1973 and the two families became one with Eddie Barrick and Justin Barrick who came along in November of 1974. Marlys worked at Choice Hotels and the Marriot Hotel. Later she succumbed to her children’s requests to help raise her grandchildren. She moved to San Diego, Calif. in 1994 to enjoy her apartment at the beach, but the Western Slope of Colorado kept calling her back. She moved back to the Grand Valley in 2006, and resided in Fruita until her passing. Marlys is preceded in death by her husband Dale Barrick. She is survived by her brothers Ron and Jerry Tebban, children Thomas T. and Cindy Rich, Laurie and Ron Bond, Shelley and Dan Oliver, Dale (Eddie) and Shirley Barrick, Justin and Holly Barrick, 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren and her cat Simba.
MAKE AN OFFER 40 acres- surrounded by BLM property. 20 Acres- great views of the hogbacks being sold as is - landlocked. Silt - $25,000 and $45,000 SITES TO SEE Enjoy Battlement Mesa amenities. A variety of building lots. Water and sewer tap paid. Owner financing. Battlement Mesa - $71,500-98,000 A CHOICE RESIDENTIAL LOT Great location, walk to shopping, borders open space. Beautiful building lot, covenant protected. Battlement Mesa - $59,000 BUY NOW AND BUILD LATER Versatile building site. Covenant protected subdivision. Walking trails and open space. Battlement Mesa -$59,900
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
In memory of Jan Menke Senac Oct. 16, 1952 – Jan. 30, 2011 I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart. ~ Alain
Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
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Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - “Where The Fun Begins”
Dates set to meet about new community park plans By Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Executive Director Mary Anderson PROGRAMS
Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp: May 28-June 1 British Soccer Camps provide players of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts. Each day includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily tournament. The Challenger coaching staff provides children with lessons in respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership. Camp programs include a free ball and shirt, and a free British Soccer jersey for online registrations 45 days prior to camp. Mini Soccer – Ages 4-5, 9-10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, $92 First Kicks – Age 3, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday, $78 Half Day – Ages 6-16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday, $122 The additional program below is available to campers who also sign up for the half day camp: Ages 6-16, 1-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, $45 A $10 per player late fee will be assessed on applications received within 10 days of the program start date. Registration available online. Call Eric Sarno at 285-0388 with questions. Adult Coed Volleyball: Six teams have been playing against each other each Tuesday night since Jan. 20 for a total of eight weeks at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center gym. Games are held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fun for everyone. Babysitting is available.
Youth Girls Volleyball: Wow; more than 60 youngsters are practicing and playing games at St John Elementary’s gym. Marilyn Bulger is the head coach. Youth Basketball for Boys: This program began on Jan. 9 and will run through the first weekend in March. This is for third through sixth grade boys. Teams are full, with one, third and fourth grade team that is being coached by Juliene Metcalf and two, fifth and sixth grade teams; one coached by Doug Pfau who is being assisted by A.J. Buffington and the other coached by Mike Higgenbotham. Parachute teams are holding their own at league games. Games were held in Parachute on Feb. 11 and will be held on Feb. 25 at St John’s from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m. Youth Wrestling: Pre-registration is encouraged and is open now. Kindergarten through sixth grade is held March through May annually and is open to both boys and girls. Tony Serna will be the head coach. Fee to participate is $100 which includes fees into six league tournaments. The tentative date for the Parachute tournament is set for April 7. Youth Spring Soccer: This is a competitive league and begins with practices in March. Early registration is required due to the large number of teams to be scheduled throughout the league. There are two divisions: a boys division and a girls division. Teams that are registered are U10 Boys, U10 Girls and U12 Girls. PARK PLANS
Battlement Mesa/Parachute new community park: Plans are to begin work on a new community park which is located on approximately six acres below the Grand Valley Middle School. There will be public meetings held on March 7 at 1 p.m., March 8 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 10 a.m. at the Grand Valley Fire Protection Building. At these meetings, there will be presentations to showcase the design ideas for the community park and gather public input. There have been three meetings scheduled so that more people may be accommodated for attendance purposes. The designs are very unique and environmentally friendly. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, Common Ground, Battlement Mesa Service Association, Battlement Mesa Company and Garfield School District #16 are all working together for the benefit of all citizens located within the recreation district boundaries. A Great Outdoors Colorado Grant will be applied for in the fall of 2012. It is our hope that there will be many people who would like to share their input and/or volunteer to help to build this park. This most certainly will be a positive addition to our community.
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.
Sponsored by
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District 285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"
Sports Briefs Parachute/Battlement Mesa Bowlers News Boni Rust led the women with 464 and Tom Gentilcore led the men with 472 in our first-ever, adultsonly event at Rifle’s Fireside Lanes event in January. Everyone had a great time, and we are looking forward to our next event, which is scheduled for March 3 at 6 p.m. RSVPs must be in by March 1 at 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. There will be three games of bowling, and we’ll have some prizes too. You will need a reservation, as we are limited to 48 bowlers. Call Dick Ciprich or Margaret Cooke at 462-3159 to secure your spot or you can e-mail Dick at rjc300@aol.com – Dick Ciprich
Tin Cup Golf Club News Free golf memberships (a $25 value) are being accepted thru May 1. You can pick up applications at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center desk or where the golf cage is set up. Call 250-5154 for further information. – Dick Ciprich
y’s Restau m m r 285-9711 an o h t S Inside Phillip’s 66 in Parachute
Proud to sponsor the STUDENT OF THE MONTH
EMMA RUSHING "Emma is a terrific student whose hard work helps her earn top grades in all her classes. Her positive attitude is infections to other students. She has earned the ultimate compliment and that is when she is in a class, she makes the whole class better. She leads by example, while not being afraid to confront her fellow students that are not demonstrating the proper behavior. Other students respect her for her work ethic, positive attitude, leaderships skills, and her ability to know when it is ok to have a good time and play with her friends. Specifically, Emma is the Student Council Secretary, a leader in National Junior Honor Society, and involved in many sports. She recently lead the development of behavior related skits that the student council students preformed for the whole school. She is a country girl at heart and loves being around her horses. Overall, Emma is the kind of students other students should and do try to emulate. Having her at GVMS, makes GVMS a better school." Mr. Krueger and GVMS Staff
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 9
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Vance Johnson (and Parachute) featured on Channel 9 News By Carrie Click, Echo editor
The Happy Hookers group, of which Idella Henry, right, was a member, meet every Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Photo courtesy of BMAC
Battlement Mesa Activity Center News
Saying goodbye to Idella Henry In 1992, Idella Henry was living in California, near Escondido. Her daughter, Heidi, who lived in Rifle at the time, thought that Battlement Mesa would be a great place for her mother to retire. Idella did move to Battlement Mesa and when she had been here two days, she came to the activity center, applied for a part-time job and was hired on the spot by Mary Anderson, the director. Idella worked on the front desk for 10 years. She says she loved her job – she’s a people person. And members loved Idella. Previously, Idella worked as a personnel specialist for Solar Energy Research Institute in Denver, so she was well-suited to the position of front desk customer service. After retiring from the activity center, Idella continued to be an active member, faithfully working out on the treadmills several times a week and joining the Happy Hookers (a needlework group) every Thursday. Idella is an accomplished knitter and always had a beautiful project in hand. Idella has a great sense of humor. One day as she was checking in, Cody (front desk) commented to her that she might be the oldest active member. Idella said, “I don’t know if that’s a compliment.” But she knew that it was and that she should be proud of her active and healthy lifestyle. On Feb. 2, the Happy Hookers and a few other friends celebrated Idella’s 90th birthday and said their good-byes as this would be her last visit with the club. All of us at the activity center will miss Idella and wish her all the best as she moves to her new home in Westminster, again near her daughter Heidi. And we all say, “Thanks, Idella, for spending 20 years with us.” If any of her friends need her contact information, please contact Anne at the activity center. - Anne Huber, Battlement Mesa Activity Center
S P E C I A L S
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Vance “VJ” Johnson told a television audience on Super Bowl Sunday that he’s “living the dream” today – co-owning VJ’s Outlaw Ribbs restaurant in Parachute with his family. “It’s different than the Super Bowl dream,” said the former Bronco, who played in three Super Bowls as part of the Three Amigos’ triple threat of wide receivers: VJ, Mark Jackson and Ricky Nattiel. Denver’s Channel 9 News sportscaster Rod Mackey interviewed VJ in “Life After Football,” a segment featuring Bronco player interviews before and after the big game on Feb. 5. Rod traveled to Parachute to shoot the segment, which featured VJ, Parachute, and interior and exterior shots of Outlaw Ribbs. VJ talked about some tough times he had after his football career, including being broke and living on the floor of his office. He said his lowest point was losing his son Vaughn in a motorcycle accident in September 2007. “After losing him, I didn’t want to live,” said VJ, but his father Eugene helped him get back on his feet. “He told me, ‘That’s not the Vance Johnson I raised,’” VJ told Rod. VJ said he’s found happiness, and recently married. He compared life to riding huge waves of highs and lows. “I don’t want to go back in there,” he said of getting through the low points. Along with VJ, Vance’s dad Eugene, mom Ima Jean and son Scott are all part of running the Johnson family’s restaurant, located off I-70 in downtown Parachute. Barbara Pavlin contributed to this story.
Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
G O V E R N M E N T
Government Briefs
Town of Parachute News From Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight
BLM seeks nominations to Western Slope Resource Advisory councils SILT – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Northwest Colorado District is seeking public nominations for five open positions on its Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands, composing more land than any other federal agency. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, tribal officials and academics. Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees are judged on the basis of their training, education, knowledge of the council’s geographical area, and commitment to consensus building. In the Northwest District, of which Parachute and Battlement Mesa regions are included, five positions are open, including: • two openings for Category 1 members (ranchers, representatives from the energy and mineral industry, the timber industry, transportation, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation) • two openings for Category 2 members (representatives from environmental, archeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation, and wild horse and burro organizations) • one opening for a Category 3 member (representatives from elected government offices, natural resources, tribal groups, natural science academic institutions, and the general public. Nominations must be submitted by March 12 to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn: David Boyd, 2300 River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Additional requirements and nomination forms can be found by going to blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/racs/nwrac.html or by calling David at 876-9008. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form. – – David Boyd, BLM
Board vacancies at Battlement Mesa Metro District The Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District will hold a regular election on May 8 to fill the positions of two outgoing board members. Upon election, the new directors will both serve one four-year term. If you are interested in running for a director position, a self-nomination and acceptance form or letter must be filed with the designated election official of the district on or before the close of business on March 2. Self-nomination and acceptance forms and an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate forms are available upon request from the office of the District Manager, 401 Arroyo Dr., Parachute, CO 81635; 285-9050.
• Parachute is happy to report its first year of positive growth since 2008. We expect our total revenues will end the year about five percent up from 2010.
• The new Encana building will break ground soon, we have building plans submitted for a new building for TLC Pipeline and Enterprise Services has purchased a lot in the Parachute Park planned unit development as well. (See cover story.) We hope this resurgence in building continues as our sluggish economy becomes more energized.
• The annexation of part of American Soda's property has been completed and we look forward to the efforts of the Grand Valley Parks Association in turning this section into a full-blown arena complete with grandstands for equestrian events.
• A new member of our public works crew, Harley (Bud) Walker, is a long-time resident of Parachute and we are glad to have him on board with us.
• It is that time of year again when we like to remind our resident dog owners to renew their town licenses. The town has migrated to a three-year licensing requirement. The three year license fee for animals that have been spayed or neutered is now $15.00. The cost increases to $22.50 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered.
• All business licenses expired the end of December as well so please come in to see usif you have not already renewed.
• Development ideas in the areas near the new interchange continue to spring up and we hope will take root once the interchange is open. We are hoping to entice businesses that will diversify our local economy but welcome any and all new services to our town.
• No plans have been formalized but we are looking at the potential of extending water and sewer services to the western edges of town to accommodate any new growth.
All in all, we are hoping for a return to some normalcy as we wind our way through this new calendar year with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
101 CARDINAL WAY IN PARACHUTE, CO •
285-6664
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– Battlement Mesa Metro District NEW HOURS: Tue. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm • Sat. 9 am - 3 pm • Closed Sun. & Mon. Evenings available by appointment.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 11
G O V E R N M E N T The Battlement Mesa Service Association
The road we’ve traveled By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association
103.9 FM
TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7! Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS Let KSUN announce your upcoming project, meeting dates, programs, fundraiser, or presentations on our Community Calendar. This free announcement will be read as a courtesy of KSUN Radio.
Please contact the radio station with your information. We would love to get the word out for you!
KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals, Broadcasting Games LIVE! JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO 398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246
www.ksunradio.org
It helps if at least once a year we stop and look back down that long road we’ve traveled. Throughout the year we’re mostly focused on where we’re going. We’re trying to figure out how we’re going to make it to the top of the next hill in the road ahead. I’ve noticed that when you look back down the road that you’ve just traveled, it usually looks less difficult than it did on the outbound side. Maybe you agree. I think that could be said for the road the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) has traveled this past year. In many ways, BMSA’s 2011 journey was challenging. In early 2011, the BMSA Board of Directors held a workshop and established our 2011 goals. In 2010, we only set 12 goals but our 2011 list doubled to 24 goals. I guess that we were really optimistic on the day we met. After a few days, reality set in and we began to realize how difficult our 2011 journey was going to be. Despite the expanded list of goals, I think it is fair to say that 2011 was a “good year” for the BMSA. True, we didn’t achieve all of our 24 goals, but we achieved many goals and made progress on most of the others.
Here is a recap of some of our successes: • We acquired ownership of two large tracts of park land and open space (including Saddleback Park) from Saddleback Village, LLC.
• We adopted a new amendment (the eighth) to the Amended and Restated Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Battlement Mesa. This change allows owners the option to increase their off-street parking if certain requirements are met.
• We accepted a bike/pedestrian easement from John M. and Jody J. Lyons and the Lyons Family Partnership, LLP which was essential in order to proceed with the Library Trail.
• We completed the construction of the long awaited Library Trail which connects our trail system to Parachute.
• We reached an understanding with Garfield County to assure that we are notified of GarCo’s planning department reviews/approval activities within a three-mile radius of Battlement Mesa. • We coordinated with Garfield County to chip and seal several of Battlement Mesa’s streets. • We worked with Garfield County to complete a drainage improvement project on Thunderburg Trail that corrected a significant drainage problem.
www.bmac-co.org 970-285-9480 MAKE JANUARY YOUR “BACK TO FITNESS” MONTH! BALLROOM DANCE, Instructor Laurel Koning INDOOR CYCLING, Instructor Cheri Brandon BELLY DANCE with Nylena BEGINNING YOGA, Instructor Debra Streit WATER, POWER, SCULPT, Instructor Michelle Bargas EVENING WATER AEROBICS, Instructor Debbie Wolchek TAEKWON DO, Instructor Bob Haynes “STEP IT UP”, Instructor Kyle Grambley PICKLE BALL, For more info: Jack Elsea 285-1200 KUNG FU, Instructor Tom Doudy ZUMBA AND TOTAL BODY FITNESS WILL BE RETURNING SOON - CALL FOR INFORMATION
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.
• We completed a comprehensive mapping of the noxious weeds that have infested the 3,200acre PUD and began a spraying program to help control noxious weeds.
• We adopted new, less restrictive, language regarding the installation of playground equipment within the Battlement Mesa PUD.
• We adopted language in our standards which regulate vegetation that overgrows onto Battlement Mesa’s streets and roadways. • We completed and implemented a redesigned city website at battlementmesacolorado.com. • We started a new online, monthly Battlement Mesa newsletter. • We created and are maintaining a Battlement Mesa Facebook page.
• In conjunction with five Northwestern Colorado counties, we developed a Battlement Mesa promotional rack card that is being printed and will soon be displayed with similar cards in our community as well as in the cities and counties in the five-county area.
• We commissioned the community’s first third party reserve study to better understand the timing and magnitude of future expenses related to maintaining and replacing Battlement Mesa’s infrastructure. Prior studies were done internally.
• We repainted most Village and directional signs, including the large Battlement Mesa sign at the waterfall.
• We repainted all of the bollards along Stone Quarry Road that protect the telecommunication boxes. • We installed several trash/pet waste containers along sections of our trail system.
www.bmmetrodistrict.com 970-285-9050 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
• The BMSA helped fund the cost of the three summer “Movie Nights.”
• We developed and adopted an updated BMSA logo and installed new signage at the new BMMD/BMSA business office. Yes, it seems like it was a busy year!
Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
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BCC hosts a community open forum Co-chair explains group not against drilling, but promoting drilling in a responsible manner By Betsy Leonard, Echo contributor Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) hosted a community open forum on Jan. 24 to discuss impending oil and gas development in the Battlement Mesa planned unit development (PUD). About 60 people attended the meeting. Dave Devanney and Paul Light, BCC co-chairs, served as the masters of ceremony. The Jan. 24 forum At January’s BCC forum, Dave Devanney outlined the purpose of the meeting, which was to “clear the air” of some of the rumors that have been circulating about BCC. He stated that this citizen’s group is not against drilling, but promotes drilling in a responsible manner. BCC is concerned with the health and well being of all Battlement Mesa residents. BCC has spoken to several attorneys to assist them in their work to address air, water, and soil quality as well as noise, traffic, and light pollution. Even though the first phase of the HIA was terminated, the Colorado School of Public Health addressed the second phase, which was to develop the design for an
environmental health and monitoring study (EHMS). Five study designs were submitted to the county at the end of December: 1. Air, water, and soil study designed to monitor the levels of pollutants released throughout the well development and production process. 2. Characterization of air emissions study designed to assess the hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) emitted from natural gas development (NGD) activities and their impact on human health. 3. Dispersion of air emissions study designed to assess the degree and extent of HAPs emitted from NGD activities and their impact on human health. 4. Medical monitoring study designed to track physical and mental health trends over time and to identify health effects of NGD in Battlement Mesa. 5. Community monitoring study designed to track ongoing community health status and identify community effects of NGD. Study No. 1 is designed to be conducted independently. Studies 2 and 3 are designed to be conducted together and studies 4 and 5 are also designed to be conducted together. Running some of these studies together will allow for significant cost savings in sampling and field efforts. At the meeting, attendees could look at posters that outlined each village and the proposed well sites. Several concerns were expressed and questions were
raised. Other areas of involvement were covered, such as assisting with the Garfield County air quality studies, and monitoring the EHMS. BCC background The BCC started in May 2009 after Antero Resources announced they had leased Exxon-owned mineral rights and planned to develop 10 pads within Battlement Mesa’s PUD boundary. After initiating a petition – securing more than 400 signatures – to ask that a comprehensive health study be conducted before any drilling begins, Colorado School of Public Health conducted a health impact assessment (HIA). Two drafts were presented before the Garfield Board of County Commissioners terminated the project. With the help of the Western Colorado Congress and Global Community Monitor, a “bucket brigade” was also established. This is a citizen action group that captures polluted air samples that can be processed at a lab for analysis. This system arose from the work of environmental activist Erin Brockovich to provide an easy, inexpensive technique to collect air samples. Attorney Ed Masry contacted an engineering colleague and Battlement Mesa’s bucket brigade formed. Although these analyses may or may not stand up in court, they can be used to point to recurring problems and/or trends.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 13
DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUS Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Grand Valley High School 6:00 pm Precincts 24, 25, 26, and 27 For information call Paul Light at 970-285-7791
T anf as tic N ail Salon 0065 Tamarisk Trail, Battlement Mesa • (970) 285-1116
The salon that offers great tanning in secured private rooms. • Manicures, acrylic nails done in your choice of colors and designs. • Hand crafted earrings along with hair accessories to permanent hair feathers and bling tinsel. • Top of the line tanning lotions also available. • AH Touch Above Massage Therapy is offering multiple therapeutic packages every Wed-Fri.
Hours: Monday thru Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-2pm & Closed Sundays. Call or check us out on fb @ Tanfastic Nails for specials!
GRAND VALLEY ENERGY A monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA
Mailbox money
For years, people who received royalty payments for their minerals have dubbed the money that they get “mailbox money.” They have felt that the royalties that they received just magically showed up in their mailbox. In reality, it is important to make sure that the money that a person receives for royalties is carefully reviewed for accuracy. We would not dream of renting out our house and not making sure that the rent check that we receive from the tenants is the amount that we agreed to in our lease contract. Well, minerals are also leased to a tenant. They are property that we own, pay tax on and protect, just like a home or pasture. When a person receives a royalty it is a payment for the use of the minerals and not just “manna from heaven.” To make sure that the amount is accurate, the mineral owner should know the terms of the contract, called the oil and gas lease. A mineral owner also needs to know what wells have been drilled on the property and are producing gas or oil. This kind of information can be found out by asking the company that has drilled the wells. Usually, you can find their address and telephone number on the check stub to ask them for information. After a person finds out what wells have been drilled, then review the check stub to make sure the wells that the company has drilled are listed on the check stub. If they are not all there, then call to ask why. Sometimes, it is just an issue of the well having work being done on it or being shut down because there is no place to sell the minerals for a gain. While you have the company on the telephone, it might also be a good idea to inquire where your minerals are sold, how the company gets them there and how your price reported is calculated. The more you know the more equipped you are to protect your royalty payments and make sure that they are accurate. So, the next time a royalty check arrives, look at it like a monthly project, just like paying your bills, not just magic mailbox money.
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 Echo.
Echo New Briefs Two Parachute/Battlement-based crime cases take place in January Three Parachute/Battlement Mesa men are being investigated in two separate criminal cases that occurred in January. Jeremy W. Caywood, 30, of Battlement Mesa was shot and killed on Jan. 14 at a home between Parachute and Rifle. Thirteen days later Nathanial Rice, 26, of Parachute was arrested at his home. Rice was booked into the Garfield County Jail on Jan. 27, and was released after paying an $11,000 bond. On Feb. 8, he appeared in court regarding the case. He is being charged with reckless manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and illegal discharge of a firearm, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. In a separate case, Michael Keith Spell, 22, and Lester Vann Waters, 47, both of Battlement Mesa, are being held in North Dakota following the disappearance of math teacher Sherry Arnold, 43, of Sydney. Mont. near the Montana woman’s home on Jan. 7. Spell and Waters have been charged with kidnapping. As of mid-February, Arnold’s body has not been found. – Carrie Click
Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
Echo Briefs BLM seeks public comment on proposed Pumba natural gas pipeline south of Rifle SILT – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a natural gas pipeline proposal south of Rifle. Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. is proposing to construct the Pumba Pipeline, a buried 24-inch pipeline that would transport natural gas from the East Mamm Creek Compressor Station southeast of Rifle to the Rifle Compressor Station west of Rifle. The 11.2-mile pipeline would cross 7.2 miles of BLM land and four miles of private land. In addition, Encana proposes to construct a buried 16-inch steel water pipeline that would parallel the Pumba Pipeline. The 6.7-mile water pipeline would link the Lake Fox Tie-in in South Grass Mesa with the Rifle Compressor Station, with 5.5 miles on BLM land and 1.2 on private land. Both pipelines would be bored under the Colorado River from private property to avoid impacts to the riverbed, aquatic wildlife and the adjacent riparian ecosystem. Bore depth would be between 130 and 380 feet. The new bores would be near an existing pipeline bore beneath the river. The BLM wants to hear any concerns or issues from the public about the proposal. Although comments will be most helpful if received by Feb. 15, comments may be accepted after this date. The proposal and map are available at blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo/GSFO_MasterPlansOfDe velopment.html. Written comments and questions should be directed to Colorado River Valley Field Office at 2300
River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Electronic comments may be submitted to blm_co_si_crvfo_webmail@blm.gov. Be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. For more information, contact David Boyd at 876-9008, dboyd@blm.gov. – David Boyd, BLM
BLM seeks public comment on water treatment facility in Piceance Basin MEEKER – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks public comment on a proposal from BOPCO, L.P., to construct a facility 20 miles west of Meeker, Colo., to treat produced water from oil and gas development on the Piceance Basin and discharge it into Yellow Creek. The proposed Yellow Creek Produced Water Treatment Facility would treat up to 24,000 barrels of produced water from BOPCO’s Yellow Creek natural gas field and discharge up to 18,000 barrels into Yellow Creek each day. BOPCO has acquired a surface discharge permit from the State of Colorado for this project. If approved, construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in 2013. The proposal includes new construction of buried pipelines, a power-line, a six-acre facility and associated structures along Rio Blanco County Road 20 on BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife surface. The six-acre facility would be entirely on BLM land.
About 1.2 miles of the proposed 1.4-mile pipeline right-of-way would be on CPW land; and about 1.1 miles of the proposed 1.5-mile power-line right-ofway would be on CPW land. A separate agreement authorizing the pipelines and power-line across state land would be required between BOPCO and Colorado Parks and Wildlife before the project would be approved. Before BLM begins an environmental assessment of this proposal, it wants to hear any issues or concerns from the public. When the environmental assessment is drafted, it will also be made available for public review and comment. Copies of the proposal, including maps, are available online at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo/index.html, or by contacting the White River Field Office in Meeker, 970-878-3800. Written comments can be mailed to Janet Doll, BLM WRFO, 220 E. Market St, Meeker, CO 81641 or sent via e-mail to jdoll@blm.gov. Please note "Yellow Creek Produced Water Treatment Facility" in the subject line for all e-mails. Comments will be most helpful if received by March 6. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. – David Boyd, BLM
Look for the “Drop Zone” Save on Pallet Deals* Starting February 20th
* When Clark’s Market buys a whole pallet of the same product, we are able to offer these products at great savings to our customers. We will have a large variety of items available in the “Drop Zone”
$$$ START SAVING MONEY AT CLARK'S $$$
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 15
C O M M U N I T Y
Arts & Entertainment Briefs BMAC hosts “A Night Out at the Movies” What could be better than staying right here to enjoy a great movie on the “big screen”? Please join the inaugural Night Out at the Movies on March 23 in the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. This event has been planned for adults only and will be shown in the lobby on the same large screen used during our summer Family Film Fest. “It’s Complicated” starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will be our premier offering. This romantic comedy was released in December of 2009. If you missed it, then join us for our private showing. If you have already seen it, you know that you would love to see it again, in the comfort of your own activity center! Tickets will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Each ticket entitles you to a complimentary glass of wine and a wonderful assortment of both cold and warm appetizers. A cash bar will also be available throughout the night. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. in the lobby with appetizers and drinks being served. The showing will begin at 7:30 p.m. This event is being hosted by the Battlement Mesa Activity Center and sponsored by Common Ground. The movie viewing fees have been paid for by Antero Resources. Tickets are available at the activity center, Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and Old Mountain Gift Shop. - Laurel Koning, Echo contributor
Village Artists meet on Feb. 28 The Village Artists met Jan. 24 at the Parachute Library. Eight artists and a guest were present. Connie Cox, Lillian Wyant and Jean Edmonds brought in an art piece to work on as we discussed future art meeting programs and critiqued our last art show at the activity center and made plans for the annual art show next October. The Village Artists are sponsoring Robert Harper's oil/acrylic workshop at the Parachute Library. The two days of lessons will be Feb. 23, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Feb. 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for a total cost of $90. For more information on this workshop, contact Jean Buchan at 285-2234. Our next meeting, Feb. 28 at the Parachute Library at 1 p.m., will have Diane Dayhoff presenting a program of tatting and huck weaving. The March 27 meeting will feature Maggie Cook's demonstration of pastel art. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings, which are the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Information on our group is also on the battlementmesacolorado.com website. Lillian Wyant will be the featured artist showing her paintings at Gallery 809, 809 Grand Ave., in Glenwood Springs during the month of March. On the evening of March 9 there will be an artist’s reception at the gallery. - Jean Edmonds, Village Artists
Bountiful Baskets becoming part of Grand Valley area By Julie Lana, Echo contributor
Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op is a community of people who utilize their purchasing power as a group to buy items at wholesale prices. They are dedicated to helping their communities eat healthier by providing fresh, high quality, delicious produce at an affordable cost.
Bountiful Baskets is now becoming a part of the Parachute/Battlement Mesa community. The co-op started distribution in downtown Parachute last spring and has recently moved to the Grand Valley Fire District Station on Stone Quarry Road.
As a group, the co-op purchases high-quality produce at wholesale prices. Items are distributed evenly among participants. It is a great way to bring healthy food to the table at an affordable price. Bountiful Baskets is not a business; it is a completely volunteer-run food cooperative. Conventional produce baskets, which include fruits and veggies, are offered every other week. The contribution is $18 for first time participants and $15 for returning participants plus a processing fee of $1.50 each time to cover PayPal costs. Organic baskets are also available for an additional $10 on top of the conventional basket price. A recent basket contained a head of lettuce, a bag of Brussel sprouts, broccoli, a head of cauliflower, corn on the cob, bananas, kiwis, tomatoes, pears, oranges, and apples. Baskets will have different amounts as the case ends are evenly distributed through the baskets. The baskets contain a variety of fruits and vegetables from order to order. Participants do not choose the types of fruits and vegetables but they can choose from extra items (at extra cost) such as breads, specific fruit or vegetable packs, granola, and cases of fresh fruit. Many participants do enjoy the mix and surprise of every basket. There is no commitment once participants register with the co-op online. Some enjoy the variety and newness while others do not. One can decide if it is right for them. Registration allows members to receive reminders for the next order and delivery days. Participants may order as often as they prefer. All orders are done online at bountifulbaskets.org. Ordering takes place from noon on Monday through 8 p.m. on Tuesday and baskets are picked up the following Saturday. Participants who do not pick up their baskets during the set time frame donate their baskets to the fire station. For the Parachute area, the next order dates are Feb. 27 with pick-up on March 3. If you are interested in Bountiful Baskets and would like more information, stop by during the next delivery day from 3-4:20 p.m. on Feb. 18 to see how it works.
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-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
Grand Valley Fire Protection District By Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson
103.9 FM
A busy start to the new year
TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7!
Well, we are off and running in the new year! All the fire district’s CPR instructors are recertifying their instructor status in the month of February. The fire district would like to congratulate three individuals for completing their emergency medical technician – Intermediate level certification. They are Darrell Charlesworth, Andrew Duprey, and Cody Reece. They went above and beyond to learn more of the medical field to bring better service and patient care to the community. We are always striving to train the firefighters better just so they are safer on incidents but even better when providing the services to you.
Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS Let KSUN announce your upcoming project, meeting dates, programs, fundraiser, or presentations on our Community Calendar. This free announcement will be read as a courtesy of KSUN Radio.
Without the support of the community, we would not be able to provide the best service possible. The fire district would like to thank the community for their continued support.
Please contact the radio station with your information. We would love to get the word out for you!
This will be the 50th year for the fire district providing fire and emergency medical services to the area. Look for more information about our 50-year anniversary this summer. We will be having an open house at the Battlement Fire Station. BE SAFE!
KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals, Broadcasting Games LIVE!
For the month of January, the fire district responded to 50 calls for service: 6 fire incidents 1 structure fire 1 fire alarm If you should 3 brush fires have an 1 equipment fire emergency, 23 emergency medical calls 6 vehicle crashes please call 1 public assist 911 as soon 3 gas leaks/hazmat assignments as possible! 3 carbon monoxide incidents 2 animal rescues 5 good intent calls In addition, five commercial quick reference/company safety inspections were conducted. Training hours per crew: Green Crew: 21.25 hours Black crew: 25 hours Red Crew: 25.50 hours 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. If you should have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at gvfpdops@sopris.net.
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
JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO 398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246
www.ksunradio.org
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 17
S E N I O R S Mesa Vista News
February birthday wishes to Betty Henson, Opal Ellsbury, and Fern Brethower By Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence Activity Director Kathy Germano
We had a fairly mild January and managed to get to the Rifle Senior Center for a wonderful lunch and social time. We are having lunch at the Parachute Valley Senior Center on Feb. 15. We are so fortunate to have such an active student body in our community. We enjoyed a surprise piano concert by one of our middle school students, Chase Church, and we hope he will visit and perform again. The middle school honor club visited on Feb. 8 and the high school leadership club brought Valentines for the residents on Feb. 14. Dianne Dayhoff’s tatting class was well received and she hopes to have more craft learning classes in the future. If anyone has any ideas or interest in a particular class you may reach her at 283-5190. Our entertainment this month was a piano performance by Bob Thon Mesa Vista residents from left, Shirley Barr, Carolyn Thornton, Louise Meno, Muriel Stewart, and from Grand Junction on Feb. 7. Photo courtesy of Mesa Vista Marcelle Church. Mesa Vista will be hosting a special diabetic nail clinic every month. We have had a great need for this in the community and are so pleased that Comfort Keepers is sponsoring this service. A registered nurse will be here the ings time and longer days will be welcomed. Spring is just around the corner! We third Thursday of every month from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $25 and everyone is hope you have a wonderful month and feel free to visit us anytime. welcome. Reservations can be made at 241-8818. Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Celebrating birthdays in February are Betty Henson on Feb. 3, Opal Ellsbury Senior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing for on Feb. 22, and Fern Brethower on Feb. 27. We wish you all a very happy birtholder adults in Colorado. day! I am sure that March will bring thoughts of preparing our garden. Daylight sav-
Come chat with us over Coffee, Donuts or one of our breakfast items!
Senior Center News
Mountain Family Health Services dental director to speak at senior meeting
All Homemade! Donuts including: Cake and Raised, Fritters, Cinnamon Rolls and Twists.
Cooked to order breakfast including: Pancakes, Omelets and French Toast
PARACHUTE
Homestyle Catering also available!
970-285-9697 7 days a week • 5 am - 12 pm 124 E. 1st St., Parachute
RIFLE
970-625-1705 Tues-Sat. • 5:30 am - 12 pm 112 W. 3rd St., Rifle
The March Tips and Talks on Tuesdays meeting will be at 10 a.m., March 20 at the Parachute Valley Senior Center 540 N. Parachute Avenue. Dentistry will be the topic at the get-together. The program will feature Dr. Garry Millard, dental director of Mountain Family Health Services with a clinic located on 14th Street in Rifle. As a Navy dentist for 10 years and a periodontist for 15 years, he brings extensive experience to his practice. Garry will explain services provided by the Rifle clinic with emphasis on dentistry and the links between diabetes and gum disease and will answer questions from the audience. As usual, blood pressure readings are available from 10 to 10:30 a.m. when the program starts. Word games and refreshments will round out another timely Tips and Talks on Tuesdays program. Dates of future programs will be on third Tuesdays rather than second Tuesdays as before. No reservations are necessary, so come and bring a friend. Call 285-7934 for more information.
– Mitzi Burkhart, Parachute Valley Senior Center
Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
LETTERS 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.
Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker
Keep a powder puff in your flour canister
Grand Valley Historical Society apologizes for cancellation
• A small carpet scrap makes a great cold weather insulator. Trace your feet on a piece of paper or cardboard and make a pattern. Then cut the carpet to fit, place in rubbers, boots or winter shoes that could use a little help with the cold.
Dear Echo: The Grand Valley Historical Society regrets the cancellation of the January meeting featuring Robert Silbernagel, author of "Troubled Trails," the story of what's become known as the Meeker Massacre. He will be rescheduled for a future meeting – tentatively in April. Please watch for more details.
• If you are one egg short for the cake, just add two tablespoons of mayonnaise, you’ll be the only one who’ll know.
Thank you, Jim Klink Grand Valley Historical Society
Ladies Night Out at BMAC
Dear Echo, The first Ladies Night Out (LNO) to be held in several years was a recent event at the Battlement Mea Activity Center (BMAC). On behalf of the staff and ladies who attended, we wish to acknowledge the generous donations of Parachute and Battlement Mesa area businesses that donated door prizes: Shommy’s Restaurant, Wells Fargo, Mindy Lindauer, Battlement Mesa Golf Club, Valley Car Wash, Wendy’s and Battlement Mesa (True Value) Hardware. Jane Chapman and Mary Jane Wahlman of Bodacious Bites served delicious homemade soups and homemade breads. The evening included a craft project and fitness class demos for Zumba (Bobbi Rowe), step aerobics (Kyle Grambley), and indoor cycling (Tiffany Chapman). The next Ladies Night Out is scheduled for May. Our thanks to all who made this an evening of fun. Anne Huber Director Battlement Mesa Activity Center
Thank you, Encana for kindergarten program
• To freshen stale, hard marshmallows, put them in a plastic bag and dip it in hot water. To keep them from drying out in the first place, store marshmallows in an air-tight container and keep in the freezer. • A few drops of wintergreen oil on a cotton ball will make the house smell fresh and clean for months. • Use Life Saver candies as birthday candle holders; they are colorful and inexpensive. • For kids’ fun – Supply them with fresh lemon juice that they may use as ink. They can write secret messages with toothpicks dipped in the lemon juice. To read the messages after the juice has dried, place the paper in the sun or hold it near a light bulb (not too close). The juice turns brown and words magically appear. • Do not place house plants near a radiator. Dry, hot rooms are not good for growing plants. Remove plants to a cool part of the house at night. • After making soups in quantity, pour into bread pans or ice trays and freeze. Turn out and wrap in plastic; takes less space in the freezer. • Put marbles in the bottom of the double boiler; when water boils down the marbles will warn you. • Drop a thimble over the center tube of the percolator before adding coffee grounds. • To prevent a crust from forming inside the lid and around the rim of jars of mustard, chili sauce, honey, etc., cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap before screwing on the lid. • Keep a clean powder puff in the flour canister to dust flour on the rolling pin, pastry board, etc. • Before opening a package of bacon, roll it in a tube; this loosens slices and keeps them from sticking together. Roll with bacon facing out and put a rubber band around the bacon before storing. • For extra ice cubes for parties, make in muffin tins; they’re larger and last longer. • Remove bottom screws from towel rack brackets and replace with cup hooks to hang washcloths, small towels, etc. • When traveling, always pack a candle to rub on zippers that refuse to budge; it also can be useful in the event of a power failure. • Put those old computer mouse pads under the washing machine to keep it from “walking” across the floor. • Use air freshener to clean mirrors.
Dear Echo: I would like to thank the folks at Encana for their continued support of our full-day kindergarten program at the Center for Family Learning. For the past two years, Encana has given $20,000 to offset the tuition costs for local children to attend fullday kindergarten. In January of 2011, as well as this January, Encana provided the district with the funds necessary to offset costs for a portion of the full-day program. These funds are used solely to eliminate the need for tuition during this semester of school. Encana has pledged to one more year of funding , which will be realized in January 2013. Encana understands, as all of you do, the importance of early childhood education and the impact it has on the future success of our children. Gains in student achievement over the past three years, since the program has been running, have been tremendous. Our students are achieving at higher levels, allowing for greater success as they move on to Bea Underwood Elementary. So, from the staff, students, and families of Garfield 16, thanks Encana for supporting our school district! Ken Haptonstall, PhD Superintendent of Schools Garfield County School District No. 16 Parachute
• And last but not least, try eating pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A and the B vitamins. These elements, particularly the zinc, can lead to more sex hormones being produced, thus boosting one’s sex drive. Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.
**
**Not valid on Valentine’s Day
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 19
H E A LT H
The Tooth of the Matter Are you prepared for a dental emergency? By Dr. Carol Lybrook Editor's note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in the Southgate Plaza in Parachute. Kids are prone to accidents and we as parents need to be prepared. To celebrate National Children's Oral Health month, I wanted to talk about the unpredictable and how to prepare for a dental emergency. Thousands of dental emergencies – from injuries to a painful, abscessed tooth – take place every day. Would you know what to do if your child broke a tooth or had a tooth knocked out while playing outdoors? What if you had a bad toothache in the middle of the night and couldn't get to the dentist until the next day? Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. Keep your dental office phone number and an emergency number where the dentist can be reached after hours with other emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fire and police departments. Some families post these numbers on the refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door near the phone. Call the dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency. Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove any food or other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. If the toothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don't rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your dentist should evaluate the condition. Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth: Try to find the tooth! This may not be as easy as you think if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or while skateboarding, so try to stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if the tooth is dirty. Don't scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it's possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. If that's not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation, so try to get to your dentist immediately.
Caring for your young child’s teeth By Family Nurse Practitioner Connie Berglund, Grand River Student Health Center
Tooth decay is the single most prevalent disease of childhood. Left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infection that may lead to problems with nutrition, growth and development, school readiness, and speech problems. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be at their first birthday. Establishing a trusting relationship with a dentist at an early age is important for the child. There are many things parents can do to help prevent cavities in children. These include brushing the child’s teeth twice a day as soon as the teeth erupt. Start when the baby’s first tooth comes in by wiping the baby’s teeth after feeding. Because young children do not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their own teeth, an adult must brush the preschool child’s teeth in addition to allowing the child to brush. This also reinforces the correct method of brushing for the child. For children younger than 2 years of age, brush the teeth with plain water or toothpaste. For children 2 years and older, a pea sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste should be applied to the child’s toothpaste. The child should spit out the toothpaste after brushing, but not rinse his mouth with water because the small amount of toothpaste that remains on the teeth helps prevent tooth decay. Flossing should also be started as soon as two teeth touch and flossing sticks make it easier and more exciting for children. When parents feel that their child is doing a thorough job brushing their own teeth, they should allow the child more independence by allowing them to brush their teeth by themselves. This is generally around the age six or seven, by can vary with each child. However, parents should continue to supervise their child’s teeth brushing and reinforce any areas of concern. Parents can also prevent tooth decay by starting healthy eating habits at an early age. If the child is put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup, fill it only with water. Also, fill the child’s sippy cup (if used) with only water when it’s not mealtime. Offer healthy snacks like fruits or vegetables and avoid sweet or sticky snacks like candy, cookies, or Fruit Roll-Ups. There is also sugar in foods like crackers and chips and these should be only eaten at mealtime. Having a routine snack time is healthier on the teeth instead of frequent snacking by the child. Limit the amount of juice the child drinks to no more than one small cup of juice daily and only at mealtimes. Children who are thirsty should be given water or milk instead of juice. If the child drinks milk at bedtime, make sure to clean their teeth afterward. Finally, if parents find a cavity in their child, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to lessen the damage to the child’s tooth and to decrease the cost of the dental visit as well. What happens to your child’s baby teeth can affect the growth of the adult teeth as well. Starting early healthy habits for your child’s teeth and regular visits to the dentist can affect your child’s teeth way into the adult years.
Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling. Sometimes a broken piece of the tooth can be bonded back into place. Make sure you bring it with you when you visit the dentist. Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gently with a clean cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding can't be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. You may able to reduce bleeding from the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to put pressure on the wound. Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can't dislodge the object with floss, contact your dentist. Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately. To learn more about the preparation of a dental emergency, talk to dentist and define the plan that works for you and your family.
Have a story idea? Contact the Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
N O N P R O F I T S Mt. Callahan Community Fund
Developing young minds with Raising a Reader
Treating Adults & Children Specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
By Raising a Reader Executive Director Rick Blauvelt
NOW SERVING PARACHUTE & BATTLEMENT MESA
In this column, the Mt. Callahan Community Fund (MCCF) invites representatives of local nonprofits that MCCF has funded to write about their organizations so you can get to know these remarkable groups and how they benefit Parachute and Battlement Mesa.
Brian J. Burton DMD,MS
Have you ever read a story to a young child and watched her eyes light up with joy and wonder? For the local nonprofit, Raising A Reader, the perfect world is one in which every child from birth to age 5 hears a storybook every single day. The folks at Raising A Reader know from numerous research projects nationwide that reading to a child is the single most significant thing a parent can do during a child’s first five years to ensure that child’s reading success. They also know that literacy skills and language development in kindergarten are predictors of college attendance. Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute currently works in 11 preschool classrooms in Parachute and Battlement Mesa with 170 children and their families. The organization seeks to ensure that every child in Parachute (and beyond) will enter kindergarten ready for reading success, in love with books, and excited about learning. In Garfield County, just 63 percent of third graders tested proficient in reading on Colorado’s standardized test (CSAP) in 2010. Only 41 percent were proficient in writing. By third grade, the odds are stacked heavily against children not reading at grade level. Statistically, they are unlikely to ever catch up. For many of these children, the problem is rooted in early literacy neglect. Science has shown that 90 percent of the brain’s fundamental hard wiring occurs by age 5. This period represents a critical window for development of oral language, letter and sound fluency, and vocabulary.
Here is how it works here in our Parachute classrooms: Book Bag Program: Each week, 170 preschool children in 11 Parachute classrooms are given a bright red book bag filled with four age-appropriate books. Each set of books is sent home for a week, returned, and then replaced with another four books. This rotation provides 60 to 80 books to each home annually. Family Night Early Literacy Training: During the school year, parents and children attend three two-hour training/practice sessions held at the Center for Family Learning on Second Street. The research shows that a targeted program to train parents is highly correlated with significant improvements in the early literacy development of the child. Parents learn how to use storybooks to stimulate story recall, recognition of rhyming patterns, development of new words and other early literacy skills. Library Introduction Program: Each spring, each classroom takes a field trip to the Parachute library where children are presented with their own Raising a Reader library bag (to keep), their first library card, and the opportunity to check out their first library books. Leaders for Readers: This program matches volunteer readers to interested preschool classrooms for regular story time sessions. To sign up for a regular session in a Parachute classroom, call 230-9117. Does it work? The data Raising A Reader collects is persuasive. Recent data from Garfield School District No. 16 based in Parachute revealed that children with a Raising A Reader background scored from 3 to 10 percentage points higher on various kindergarten readiness tests than the full cohort of kindergarteners. The Parachute community has been incredibly supportive. Rebecca Ruland, principal at the Center for Family Learning, serves on our board and really helps us improve our capacity to help Parachute children. So, grab a storybook and read – to your child, to your grandchild, to any child who will sit and listen. Watch their eyes light up and remember that you are preparing a young child for the future we all will share together. For more information contact Rick Blauvelt, Executive Director, P.O. Box 2533, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602, rblauvelt@earlylearningfund.org, 230-9117.
Sponsored by: Sherry Johnson
Sponsored by: Mac & Sara McCurdy
Sponsored by: Barbara Pavlin
Sponsored by: Mary Lee Mohrlang
Sponsored by: Jennifer Richardson
Affordable monthly plans available Most Insurance and credit cards accepted
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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 21
Echo Briefs Friends of the Parachute Library holding membership drive The Friends of the Parachute Branch Library (FOPL) is having its 2012 membership drive in February. The Friends support the local library throughout the year by sponsoring programs and events. FOPL members receive advanced notice of upcoming library events, a sneak peak at upcoming book sales, and two-for-one prices at many library events. If you are interested in joining the Friends, stop by the library and pick up a registration form. There are several FOPL-sponsored events coming up within the next month: • The Sweet Adelines singing group will be performing in the library community room at 7 p.m. on March 1. The performance is open to the public with tickets at $3 per person. Advanced tickets are available at the library. • Local author Marilyn Barnewall returns to the Parachute Branch Library March 20 for a noon book club lunch and discussion of her books, “When the Swan’s Neck Breaks,” and “Flight of the Black Swan.” Marilyn was a guest speaker in January and impressed the crowd with her knowledge of the banking industry. At the time, she agreed to return to lead the discussion. Copies of her book are available at the library. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested for the lunch at noon. Call 285-9870 for more information. – Julie Lana, Friends of the Parachute Library
CMC tuition increase undecided, military receives in-district tuition rates
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Colorado Mountain College (CMC) trustees voted on Jan. 30 to table a decision on setting 2012-13 tuition and fees until the next board meeting, and approved granting in-district tuition rates for active military, veterans and their dependents. The board is considering whether to keep next year’s tuition the same as the current year’s, or to consider increasing tuition for lower-division classes by $2 to $3 per credit hour for in-district students, $6 for in-state and $20 for out-of-state. No tuition increase was proposed for 300- and 400-level classes. Trustees approved one-time bonuses, to be drawn from a college-wide $400,000 appropriation for part-time staff and adjunct faculty. No college-wide salary increases have been budgeted for the 2011-12 school year. CMC employees received a one percent salary increase for the previous year. A decision on tuition fees is scheduled to be made at the March 12 trustee meeting. – Debbie Crawford, CMC
Call for nominations for local humanitarians Now is the time to submit nominations for the Garfield County Humanitarian Service Awards. If you know someone who gives their time, attention, creativity and effort to benefit residents of Garfield County, please consider nominating them for a Humanitarian Service Award. Nominations are due Friday, March 2. Nominees are sought in four categories: youth, adult and senior volunteer, and staff member. The selection committee may also create other categories for winners to fit unique aspects of this year’s nominees. All nominees and those who submitted nomination letters are invited to attend the awards banquet, set for 5:30 p.m. April 16, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.At the banquet, all nominees are recognized and the winners in each category are announced. It is an inspiring evening to hear about the many dedicated people who are busy making a difference for others. The annual awards event, now in its 23rd year, is sponsored by Garfield County, the Garfield County Human Service Commission and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To nominate a humanitarian, visit the Garfield County website, garfield-county.com, click on “Humanitarian Service Awards” and then download the nomination form and rules. Each nomination package must include at least three letters from different people describing the nominee’s dedication to humanitarian service in Garfield County. Those without access to a computer can request a nomination form by mail by calling 456-3271. Tickets for the awards dinner are $20 and may be reserved by calling 456-3271. The Humanitarian Service Awards honor residents of Garfield County for their selfless contributions to make our community a more vibrant, diverse, caring, sustainable, supportive and safe place to live. – Heather McGregor
Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
G R A N D
VA L L E Y
Sophomore Ricardo Malta (Ricky) enjoys being in the spotlight for the month. Photo courtesy of GVHS
Striver of the Month
By Tarianna Lawrence, GVHS To become Striver of the Month you not only have to outwork everyone in your school, but you also have to do everything right in school and out of school. Ricky Malta, a sophomore at Grand Valley High School has shown that he has outworked several people by participating in wrestling and in track; he is a superior athlete as well as a terrific role model. Ricky says, “I’m surprised that I was chosen as Striver of the Month, but very honored!” How did you become Striver? Malta says, “I became striver of the month by doing well in school, by focusing on my grades, and getting along with students and teachers.” What are some future goals you have? His main goals are to join the military and then go to college in Florida. What are some accomplishments that you are proud of Ricky stated, “Well, I am proud of maintaining my GPA, as well as doing well in sports, and getting along with teachers and students.” Ricky not only has the terrific grades, but he also is an outstanding athlete as well as a great role model for others. Good Job Ricardo Malta, for being selected as Striver of the Month. Ricky is a true leader and he is going to go far in life!
Junior Monica Ruiz smiles because she is excited to receive such an honor.
Try hard, get more
By Emma Cruz, GVHS Students at G.V. work incredibly hard and their efforts are rarely overlooked, but there is always someone who works just a little harder then the rest. Monica Ruiz was recognized for junior/senior student of the month. Monica put in extra hours, more effort and tried harder in every single class. Friends of Monica would agree that she let nothing get in the way of her succeeding. We caught up with her later and asked her a few questions. For those who say they cannot put
H I G H
in extra effort because they have a job, what advice can you offer? “I have a job and I did it. I guess really just working hard and never settling for less.” With everything, school, work, friends, and family how do you manage to make time for everything and still stay sane? “I have a stop watch. I'm just kidding, it just happens.” We all know the school smart Monica, but what are some of your other hobbies? Anything in particular? “I like to read, it lets you go to places you can't go to in real life. I like to play soccer, it gets the blood in the brain. Maybe that's why I got student of the month.” Would you like to thank anyone? “My parents, my friends for being there for me, and my teachers for throwing help at me when I need it and when I don't. May we all learn from her, young or old. If we put our mind to it we can achieve greatness, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them," William Shakespeare.
Junior Samantha Vaskin is proud to be Most Improved Student of the Month.
Most Improved Student of the Month: Samantha Vaskin By Artemio Baltazar, GVHS Samantha Vaskin is the Most Improved Student of the Month. She was chosen by the staff of Grand Valley High School for her improvements throughout this year. She is involved in cheerleadering and went to state. Vaskin said “she had fun at state even though they didn’t place, all that mattered was that they did their best and had fun; she was honored when they recognized her for being the most improved because it shows that the GVHS staff has notices her improvements.” How did you become most improved? “I became student of the month by doing my work, taking care of business, and by having a positive attitude.” What are some future goals you have? “I want to accomplish getting my grades higher than they already are. Another goal that I have is finishing high school and planning to go to college in Chicago.” What are some accomplishments that you are proud of? “I have many accomplishments, but my main one is that I am a role model for my little sister, and that I am going to be the first generation out of my family to attend or graduate high school.” Vaskin is a great student and will keep working hard to accomplish her goals in life, and keep her mind work-oriented instead of result-oriented. She will keep doing her best to improve more and succeed more than ever with faith that whatever result she gets, is the best for her. Good Job Samantha Vaskin, for being selected as Most Improve. Keep improving and working hard!
S C H O O L
Winterfest King and Queen Lizbet Gonzalez and Artemio Baltazar receive their honors during the varsity boys basketball game.
And the winner Is… By Hunter Metcalf, GVHS A tradition at Grand Valley High School has honored eight of our students to receive the title of Winter fest Royalty. Two students from each class are chosen by GVHS staff to be a representative of the academic achievements, success, and cardinal spirit throughout the school year. The students chosen are a great representation of Grand Valley High School. The freshmen class winners were Shelby Belt and Houston Stansbury, sophomore representatives were Hanna Cornelious and Ricardo Malta, junior candidates, Wendy Muneton and Jordan Quinn, and our Winter fest King and Queen were seniors Lizbet Gonzalez and Artemio Baltazar. “I’m glad I won my senior year because it was a great experience” says Gonzalez after her name was announced. Baltazar stated after being crowned, “I have been working hard this school year and I’m happy the GVHS staff recognized my dedication.” These students are inspiring to their fellow classmates and set a solid example for their peers in the upcoming year!
Sophomore Lauren Paskett boxes out her opponent in the Rifle game on Jan. 28.
Lady Cardinals: Can they work their way back to the top? By Jazmin McFarland, GVHS “A rebuilding year.” This is what many people have claimed and predicted the Lady Cardinal’s basketball season to be. Starting three sophomores, one junior, and one senior, and having three freshmen, three sophomores, one junior and one senior come off the bench, the team was not expected to do very well due to a lack of experience and age. However, the Lady Cardinals were quick to prove everyone wrong. The Lady Cards started off their season really well. They took second place among nine teams at their first tournament, the Meeker Shootout, where they defeated Vanguard and Meeker, and then lost to Hayden in the championship game. They continued to prove themselves as they defeated their first
N E W S league opponents, the Rifle Bears, who were league champions with an undefeated record last year. After a long break without any games over the winter holidays, the Lady Cards proved to still have discipline and the tenacity to win when they defeated Hotchkiss and Gunnison in their first week back from break. However, the next week proved to be slightly more difficult for the Cards. They started off with a difficult loss to their rivals, the Coal Ridge Titans, and then also lost to the Olathe Pirates. Although they had two difficult losses in a row, they Lady Cards decided that losing was not an option and hopped back on the winning wagon when they defeated both Basalt and Cedaredge. They battled a tough game against Aspen, but unfortunately came up short by about eight points. Now, the Lady Cards have something to prove. With six girls being unable to participate through a period of five games due to disciplinary issues, the Cards have lost their last three games to Roaring Fork, Rifle and Meeker. It has been a tough stretch of games for these ladies, as dealing with adversities can prove to be quite challenging, or a major setback, the Lady Cards need to prove that it is a challenge that they can overcome. People should expect to see an incredible fight from these ladies. Although there have been many obstacles that have been put in place that they need to overcome, these girls still have the heart and desire to win and be in the state playoffs. As long as they are able to work together and stay together as a team, as long as they are able to perform to the best of their abilities day in and day out, these girls will be unstoppable.
was on edge with the knowledge that the win was just one shot away. The posts were ready to get the rebound, the guards were ready to deny any shot that came their way, the fans were ready to explode from either side of the court, and Reidle had to clear his mind and let himself get comfortable for the shot. Reidle received the ball from the referee and made his second shot. The crowd went wild with the flashes of red, white, and black jumping up and down cheering the loudest they could. Rifle was severely upset but respected Grand Valley for the well played game. Senior Trever Smith was the lead scorer of the game scoring 23 points, which was the highest score from any player in that game. On average the team scores 49.6 points a game, 28 rebounds, and collectively scored 695 points. Of the 695 points, Smith has scored 246, Reidle 175, and junior Jake White is the third leading scorer with 86 points. Sophomore Tyler Scott leads the team in blocked shots and rebounds. This big guy in the paint has had 18 of the 27 blocked shots and 96 of the 392 rebounds. Reidle also lead the team with steals, having 25 of the 100 steals. The rest of the season looks bright for the boys with their last game on Feb. 18. The team and coaches will see the last few games for four seniors this year. Trever Smith, Eddie Pena, Chris McGruder, and Dustin Weist have devoted plenty of time to the team and much more time to the sport. These four have played together since elementary school at Bea Underwood Elementary. They have enjoyed these many years of playing together and are leaving on a good note. They all showed true heart, love, and brotherhood. Head Coach Jake Higuera had a few inspirational words to say about the team, “I love these guys with all my heart because they fight for each other with all of theirs! You couldn't ask for a better group of guys, and I mean that from the varsity on down. They die everyday for what we are all about; heart, love, brotherhood! Stay hungry and keep fighting!”
Tyler Scott gets some face time with a Rifle opponent that resulted in a league win on Jan. 28.
Heart, love, brotherhood By Dustin Weist, GVHS In the 2011-2012 Basketball season the Cards have been on a roller coaster. There have been some incredible wins and some unexpected losses. The boy’s varsity team had a positive record of 95 as of the end of January. They played eight league games and won five. In their last game against Rifle they played a close game winning 41-40. At the start of the fourth quarter the score was 30-25 with key three-point shots made by Grand Valley in the fourth quarter. The game came down to a foul shot on junior Trent Reidle with .6 seconds left in the game. The intensity rose when the Cardinal fans were jumping out of their seats shouting louder than Rifle's crowd. Rifle did not have a home court advantage with this game. As pressure was on Reidle's shoulders to make his free-throws for the win, he missed his first shot. The crowd
THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
The Grand Valley Wrestling Team prepares for battle. Photo courtesy of GVHS
Let’s get ready to rumble! By Baileyann Merry With wrestlers who have been wrestling since they were old enough to start the pee-wee program to the kids who have started the sport for the first time this year, the Grand Valley wrestling team has been doing great so far for the 2011-2012 season. Even though there have been ups Continued on page 24
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 23
O U R From Grand Valley High School
Community service is part of education at Grand Valley By David Walck, Grand Valley High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Grand Valley High School (GVHS) honors community service. Once a student completes 100 hours of cumulative service during their four years at Grand Valley, they graduate with the community service honor bestowed by the board of education. All community service hours are pre-approved through the school administration. These hours must be outside of activity club expectations (25 hours), and students cannot earn any other form of credit, recognition, or remuneration for those hours. The fall semester produced 207 hours of community service from 35 different students. The contributions have been done in a variety of ways: officiating for Parachute Park and Rec, volunteering at the Parachute library, working within various churches, volunteering in elementary school after-school programs, babysitting at parent-teacher conferences, and working at LIFT-UP. GVHS wants to recognize outstanding performances of our activity participants and the service they provide. The GVHS Cheerleading team competed at the State Spirit Competition in December and as part of their service, they donated toys for less advantaged children. Coach April Hurt had them do an impromptu cheer performance at a Denver-area Target store when they were purchasing the toys. The spectators and employees loved the performance. The Grand Valley Key Club worked hard during the holidays to have a food drive to benefit local families. Key Club students challenged their classmates to bring in non-perishables in a competition with a reward at the end. Mark Jansen’s senior class advisory was victorious as they brought in the most food donations. The Key Club also gave their time and purchased gifts for the Grand Valley Givers Tree to help local families in need. GVHS Key Club is the school’s biggest service organization led by Julie Lana and Alison Teter. The Grand Valley Fine Arts Department continued its mission to provide quality music performances with the Winter Band/Choir concert in held in December. Music Director Barb Carroll conducted outstanding performances from the band, choir and guitar classes. Students were showcased in solos and group performances. A great evening was had by all for those who attended. The GVHS Theatre Co. competed at the state conference in December. All students scored well. Due to an electronic error, sophomore SNE Whitely and freshman Cayley Merry will be resubmitting their state-qualifying piece to be reevaluated for national qualification. Our winter sports programs have started their seasons with success. Senior Trever Smith and sophomore Haley Johnson were named to their respective all-tournament teams at the Meeker Shootout Basketball Tournament. Senior David Witt won the prestigious Grand Junction Central Warrior Classic Wrestling tournament at 170 pounds. Teams are continued their league play in the months of January and February. If you have any questions or concerns with activities department, please feel free to contact Assistant Principal and Activities Director David Walck at 2855705 or at dwalck@garfield16.org.
S C H O O L S
Schools Terrific Kids for January The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elementary schools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.
Bea Underwood Elementary School January’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Bill Coehlo (Kiwanis representative), Savannah Woodhams, Zach Turner, Melanie Loya, and Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative); second row, Xavier Amador, Fiona Craine, and Cintia Cornejo; back row, Braeden Place, Braylee Schaffer, Kelly Shoub, Canyon Smith-Shope, and Rodrigo Vargas. Not pictured: Andrew Black.
St John Elementary School January’s Terrific Kids from St John are Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representative), Bill Coelho (Kiwanis representative), Karizma Gustin, Wyatt Gardner, Ahmed Flores, Emma Andersen, Maria Banuelos, and Principal Kathy Keeling.
Congratulations to all of January’s Terrific Kids!
THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
O U R
S C H O O L S
Grand Valley High School students Artemio Baltazar and Sara Sirotek work with Kim Whelan on the classroom’s new digital microscope funded by the Grand Valley Educational Foundation.
Grand Valley Educational Foundation funds local students and programs Scholarship application deadlines approaching for GVHS high school seniors and college students By Anne White, Grand Valley Educational Foundation
Grand Valley High School seniors have until April 19 to apply for a number of scholarships offered by the Grand Valley Educational Foundation. Teachers working in the Garfield School District No. 16 in Parachute are also eligible to apply for grants from the foundation. Teachers and administrators must apply for those grants, which are then reviewed by the school’s principal and foundation members. Projects that have received funding in the past include a digital microscope for use in GVHS science teacher Kim Whelan’s class. “The digital microscope is installed and I am now able to access views of prepared slides and project these images to the wall allowing much improved teaching with my students as they attempt to identify various tissues of the human body,” Kim said. The GVEF also provided funding for GVHS math teacher Amanda Martin’s students to build a greenhouse. When complete, the greenhouse will be donated to the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning so that preschoolers and kindergarten students can explore the best way to grow food. Amanda’s students learned how to apply their math skills in designing and constructing the greenhouse. “Our mission is to prepare students for life,” said Amanda, “and the best way we can do that is to give them life skills.” For this grant cycle, scholarships that will be awarded through the foundation are available to GVHS seniors who will be attending college or vocational school in the fall include: • American Legion Ward Underwood Post # 114: $1,000 academic scholarship • American Legion Ward Underwood Post # 114: $1,000 vocational scholarship • Pam Brock Teacher Scholarship: two-year $2,000 scholarship
Additionally, a scholarship for GVHS graduates currently enrolled in college in Colorado is available: • Carl H. Bernklau Continuing Education Scholarship: $2,500 scholarship. College students wanting to apply for this scholarship can go to the district’s website at garcoschool.org and access the application under the “Grand Valley Educational Foundation” link and then the “Forms” link. They can also receive an application by contacting the GVEF at P.O. Box 682, Parachute 81635. Like the other scholarships, the Bernklau Continuing Education Scholarship application is due April 19. All scholarship applications are due by April 19 and can be obtained through the guidance counselor’s office at Grand Valley High School. Other programs GVEF has recently funded include Nathan Wubbena teaching fourth and fifth grade music students basic guitar playing skills using the half-sized guitars, funding for transportation for an after-school tutoring program, and resource materials for the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning. For additional information regarding grants, scholarships, or making a donation to the Grand Valley Educational Foundation, go to Garfield No. 16 School District’s website at garcoschools.org.
News for performing arts enthusiasts By Mark Gregory, GVHS language arts and theatre arts educator There's ample news coming out of Grand Valley High School and its performing arts department: • The 2011 fall play, “Steel Magnolias,” went very well, and the production finished in the black. It couldn't have been done without our great supporters, patrons, and – of course – students. • Our trip to the International Thespian Society (ITS) state theatre competition and conference was a huge success. Mara Mayfield and BaileyAnn Merry performed admirably and are excited for next year. Cayley Merry and SNE Whitely performed, but their scores were lost due to a computer glitch. They will be re-submitting their entry and might still qualify for nationals. I'll keep you posted. • We are currently in the process of getting our GVHS TheatreCo T-shirts and sweatshirts made for purchase in case any supporters would like to buy one and show your support. I'll keep you posted when we get the final design back from our shwag maker. • We plan to have our website finished in advance of spring break. This will also include a Facebook page. • The drama class presented its one-act plays in January at GVHS, and highlighted the growth of our theatre education (THEA) I and THEA II students. Our state competitors also showcased their performance pieces. • On Jan. 23, the GVHS Key Club presented its annual Talent Show. The winners were Alden Rasic and Jake Smith; Jessica Curtis was second; and Cayley Merry was third. All are invited to compete for the $500 prize in Kiwanis’ Talent Show coming up later in the semester. • Rehearsals for spring musical “The Music Man” are underway. News that should interest local teachers and parentsI have been selected to be on the Colorado Department of Education's Content Collaborative Committee for the Theatre Arts. The purpose of this committee is “the development of valid, reliable and fair student measurement tools that indicate student academic growth and can be used to evaluate educator effectiveness.” As a representative of this area and the theatre arts, I want to voice the opinions of educators and parents on THEA standards and assessment. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to give me any insight: Mark Gregory, Ma.Ed., Grand Valley High School Language Arts & Theatre Arts, educator; GVHS TheatreCo, producer/ director; 285-5705, ext. 4121. mgregory@garfield16.org.
School Brief Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show scheduled for March 7
When: March 7 Time: 6 p.m. Location: GVHS Cafeteria Audience Admission: $2 adults
Come support local students as they showcase their talent. Participating acts include piano, singing, gymnastics, and acting. Stars of Tomorrow, is a talent contest sponsored by Kiwanis that will involve many different acts from Grand Valley High School or Grand Valley Middle School. Each act had to first qualify during their school talent show. The winner of this competition will go on to the state competition that will take place in April in Fort Collins. Prizes will be awarded for the top four placers at this Stars of Tomorrow competition. – Jory Sorensen, Grand Valley Middle School
GVHS News continued from page 22
and downs in just about everyone’s matches, they each have been working hard and giving it their all to get ready for regionals. “Everything is practice until regionals,” says Coach Frink. The regional tournament is the most important tournament in a wrestler’s season because it determines if their season really mattered or not. When every wrestler goes to the tournament they start with an even record, so it’s like a start of a new season. It won’t matter if they had the best or worst record coming into regionals, everyone has an equal chance of going on to state. Everyone on the team has a high chance of placing in regionals, but one who sticks out the most is David Witt. Being the only senior on the team, Witt puts a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to be the leader for his younger teammates. This does not stop Witt from training hard and improving his skills everyday. “He has been workin’ like an animal,” said Coach Frink, “He has had an outstanding season and I know his efforts will pay off.” Currently Witt’s record is an impressive 31-0! With his hard work and dedication to success all of his fans are wishing for the best outcome possible to end his senior year. Congratulations wrestlers and good luck at Regionals!
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 25
FA I T H
As I See It
• The Echo Worship Directory •
Tebow and Tebowing – One pastor’s perspective
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By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church “What do you think of Tim Tebow?” is a question I have been asked dozens of times. Seldom, if ever, in the history of sports has one athlete had such an impact on the nation. In a recent ESPN poll, he was voted America’s new favorite athlete. If you are an American and have not heard of Tim Tebow, that means that you have been off the planet for the last few months. At the young age of 24, he is already in the encyclopedia and the word, “tebowing,” is now in the dictionary. He has set both NFL records and NCAA records. And his autobiography was the best-selling sports book of the year. Despite some less-than-stellar performances at times as quarterback of the Denver Broncos, he has had shining moments that grabbed the attention and hearts of fans all over the globe. His 80-yard touchdown pass to win the playoff game in overtime to beat Pittsburg set records with Twitter in the number of hits per second. So, what do I think? First, I believe that his widespread fan base is refreshing. Many of us have been sickened by the headlines of athletes who have used steroids, been arrested for heinous crimes, or exposed for sordid affairs. Any time there is an athlete who can have such a positive influence on our youth, we ought to applaud. It is exciting to me to see so many teens wearing a No. 15 Broncos jersey. Also, I contend that he has every right to point to heaven when he scores a touchdown and to give the glory to his Lord and Savior. He has as much right as those who strut in the end zone, beat on their chests, and then brag that they are No. 1. Tim just happens to believe that God is No. 1. It is interesting to me how many are offended by Tebow’s kneeling (“tebowing”) for a few brief seconds and praying. Is that not his right? Have none of his critics been in a New York airport or a foreign country where it is not unusual to see many show their reverence to God by kneeling or placing a prayer shawl over their heads? Whatever happened to graciousness in giving others some space to be themselves? I have been impressed with Tebow’s demeanor. We have watched him during locker room interviews demonstrate humility in the midst of victory and grace after defeat. How many athletes have declared that their teammates make them look better than they really are? How many athletes have said that they need to improve a lot in some areas? We have seen him be bold yet reservedly kind to unjust criticism. He does not back down from controversy regarding his convictions. Even as far back as high school he was criticized for being a home schooler who played in a public high school, leading them to the state championship. In college he became the center of controversy again over exercising his free speech by putting a Bible verse on his eye black. Each time he did not back down, nor did he get offended by pettiness. Perhaps the main thing I like about him besides his faith and character is his reminder to us all that football is just a game and that there is much more to life than football. His commitment to share the love of his Lord with others in an orphanage in the Philippines, at a children’s hospital in Florida, and at churches and youth groups shows the man he is off the football field. I believe that if I met Tim Tebow face to face, he would be gracious enough and humble enough to shake my hand and look me in the eye. When he would discover that I was his brother in Christ, we would exchange words of encouragement and possibly even a hug. And if I had an issue with him on how he lives out his Christianity, rather than griping to the world, I would take that up with him. After all, he is my brother.
Grace Bible Church 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 Sunday Blessing Up for Church Broadcast 8 a.m. - 103.9 FM Sunday School: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Evening Service: 5:30 p.m.
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. 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
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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.
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: Sun. 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. •••
The Lighthouse (Assembly of God) 1833 S. Battlement Parkway Battlement Mesa 285-7236 or 379-5947 (Pastor's cell) Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew 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.
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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.
Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-9892 grandvalleyumc.qwestnet.com We are a Christ-centered congregation committed to biblical and theological openness and inclusiveness. SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE Adult Sunday School: 8:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Time with refreshments at 11:00 a.m. We have a Communion Service on the First Sunday of every month Our “Awakening Chorus” Choir practices on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
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Wellspring of Life Church at Grand Valley Middle School 0364 Sipprelle Drive Parachute Pastor David Bartlett Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m. Youth and Children’s Sunday School 210-5795 210-5849 •••
We Invite you to Attend our Special Services on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday Tenebrae Service, Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast. We offer many volunteer opportunities to support community agencies. We host a free luncheon every Monday open to all. We offer a community garden that is free to all. Meditation and Spiritual Growth Group twice a month at 7:00 p.m. Our church has been active in serving the area for 122 years! Come Join Us This Sunday!
Page 26, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012
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.
In like a lion? By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer Whether the spring of 2012 goes out like a lion or not remains to be seen, but Redstone’s history is still steeped in the story of “The Lion of Redstone.” The town’s founder, John Cleveland Osgood was known as “The Lion of Redstone.” He was the sixth wealthiest man in America in 1900, making his fortune in coal and steel here in the West. As just one of the robber barons to make vast fortunes during the Industrial Age, Osgood built Redstone as a model company town featuring European-styled cottages for workers’ housing, and a Dutch inn, clubhouse, schoolhouse and firehouse. In 1901, two rail systems connected at the site of 200 bricked beehive-shaped coking ovens across the Crystal River from the village. For his own home, Osgood constructed Cleveholm Manor, now known as Redstone Castle. The 42-room mansion featured gold-leaf ceilings, Honduran mahogany paneling, Tiffany fixtures and Stickley wood paneling. Used a hunting lodge, guests included Teddy Roosevelt, Prince Leopold of Belgium and J.D. Rockefeller. Much of Osgood’s Redstone exists today. Restoration work was recently completed on Redstone’s historic coke ovens. The Redstone Inn and 28 of the original cottages are shops, businesses and homes along the Boulevard. Guided tours of the Redstone Castle are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Visit redstonecolorado.com for more information. Hope to see you in Redstone!
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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012, Page 27
THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: FOR SALE: 1995 Cavalier 14 x 60 mobile home, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, screened front porch and back porch. Nice fenced yard, insulated storage shed, concrete patio. No. 15 in quiet and private park in DeBeque. $12,500 or best offer. 970-283-1283. FOR RENT: FOR RENT: BATTLEMENT MESA – 3 BD/2 BA condo, washer/dryer, AC, 1 car garage, lots of storage; activity center dues included. First month rent ($1,200) and security ($1,200) due upon signing. NS, pets considered. Call 704-0373. SERVICES: SERVICES: Mike's Home Maintenance Service - Providing home service for the Battlement area. Lawns mowed from $15-35. Leaf removal/gutters cleaned. General home maintenance. Minor plumbing. House painting. Tree trimming and clean-up, $4570/tree. (Note: Globe willows shed multiple limbs and excess leaves - this can be controlled with correct trimming.) Call Mike 285-9330.
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Page 28, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012