2012 Grand Valley Echo March by Alyssa Onmach

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley Volume 4 Number 6

FREE

INSIDE

Mid-March / Mid-April 2012

Answering oil and gas questions

Anything Goes Art Show page 3

WAIT training page 5

Community Counts signs can be seen throughout the Grand Valley area. By calling the toll-free number on the signs, residents can get immediate help Photo courtesy of Kirby Wynn regarding oil and gas industry concerns.

Sports & Rec pages 6 - 7

Several avenues are available for addressing energy industry issues By Kirby Wynn, Garfield County Oil and Gas Liaison

Seniors page 14

Our Schools pages 18-20

Most people understand and appreciate that the oil and gas industry provides jobs and a vital boost to our local economy. Less commonly understood is where to go and who to call to resolve some of the issues that can coincide with nearby oil and gas drilling and production activities. The most common industry-related issues that crop up in the Battlement Mesa and Parachute vicinity are: • engine and other machinery noise • dust kicked up from heavy truck traffic • and intermittent petroleum or exhaust odors. When residents experience nuisance levels of industry-related noise, dust, odors or other impacts, there are two fast, easy, and effective options for reporting issues and receiving immediate follow-up to investigate and remedy the problem. Community Counts Colorado, a local nonprofit organization, provides a toll-free answer line (866-442-9034) for citizens to call to obtain industry information or to report an issue of concern. The answer line is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to provide immediate access to representatives from each oil and gas exploration company. Callers are welcome to anonymously report issues or provide contact information to receive updates regarding how the issue is being addressed.Another great option is to contact me, Kirby Wynn, Garfield County’s oil and gas liaison at 625-5905 or kwynn@garfield-county.com. I am available to provide a com-

munication conduit between citizens and the oil and gas industry. If you experience issues from oil and gas activities, take a moment to observe important details such as the location, wind direction, and other specifics that may help identify what is causing the issue and where it may be coming from. After taking note of the important details, call Community Counts or your Garfield County Oil and Gas liaison for help. When the need arises, do not delay calling for assistance. Prompt reporting will provide the best opportunity to identify and interrupt the source of the nuisance. Your call will be handled quickly and courteously and you will become part of the solution. Who knows, the person you help the most just may be your good neighbor down the street. So make the call and be in control of your own well being and the well being of your community. In addition to helping residents address oil and gas issues, Garfield County provides unique educational opportunities to learn about oil and gas activities each month. The next event is on April 5 at the Rifle Branch Library. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will present “A resident’s guide to the new hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure rule” during the Energy Advisory Board meeting. All Garfield County residents are welcome to participate. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a light meal and social time is provided for meeting attendees. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. For mealplanning purposes, RSVPs are suggested. Please call Denice Brown, Garfield County oil and gas assistant, at 625-5915 so she may order the correct amount of food for attendees.

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

FROM THE EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Take the Echo Shot We’re always thinking of ways to get our readers involved in this newspaper – your paper. Many of you already submit information, columns, letters and stories. That helps the Echo truly represent Parachute and Battlement. So, along those lines, starting with the mid-April edition, we’re trying something new: The Echo Shot. Here’s how it works: • Each issue, we’ll feature our favorite photograph out of the photos submitted to the Echo for Echo Shot consideration . • All photos need to be taken within Parachute or Battlement Mesa, or the immediate area. • Indoor, outdoor, landscapes, people, at work, at play….what’s important is showing a little slice of life in Parachute and Battlement… whatever that means to you. • Photos taken within the last few months of the Echo publication date are best. And a few details: • All photos need to be submitted by the first day of each month. • Submitting by e-mail is best. (See below for our contact information.) • When submitting photos, include a brief (one or two sentences) description of what’s going on in the photo and where it’s taken. • If four or less people appear in your photo, please identify them by name (correctly spelling names is especially handy). • Photos need to be big – in megabyte terms, 1 MB or more. That means a lot of cell phone cameras won’t work. You’ll need to use a camera that can take photos with lots of pixels so we can reproduce then in the newspaper. We’ll feature the winner’s photo each issue and make a big deal out of your photo abilities. So click away and let’s see how this goes. We look forward to seeing what you’ve got!

Carrie Click Editor

Alyssa Ohnmacht Publisher

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

Kirby Wynn, Anne Huber, Joline Gnatek, Elaine Ware, Laurel Koning, Charlie Hornick, Sara McCurdy, Chandra Mortensen, Mary Anderson, M.E. Denomy, Community Counts, Denice Brown, Cary Parmenter, Keith Lammey, Jim Klink, CMC, Grand Valley Educational Foundation, Anne White, Pam Szedelyi, Barbara Barker, Mitzi Burkhart, Mesa Vista, Kathy Germano, Annick Pruett, Connie Berglund, Luke Runyon, Garfield County, Cindy Rhodes, Don Chance, Rebecca Ruland, Ken Haptonstall, Brian Berg, Veronica Duran, Jeanne Miles, Douglas Mikesell, Dustin Weist, Emma Cruz, Artemio Baltazar, Tarianna Lawrence, Jessica Valenzuela

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 3

A R T

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Judges give awards to Anything Goes Art Show participants The Battlement Mesa Activity Center (BMAC) hosted the “Anything Goes” Art Show from Feb. 6-17. Twenty-two artists displayed 41 original pieces of artwork that competed for cash prizes by a local panel of judges. The artwork included needlework, watercolor, photography, pencil, pastels, and mixed media. The judges – Dr. Robert Toll, B.J. Lindauer, and Bruce Knuth – used the following criteria: • Interesting subject matter • Initial visual impact • Finished look of presentation • Originality

• Technical quality • Clear main theme The winners were: 1st place: Robin Thompson – photograph – “In-Between” - $100 2nd place: Frank Gnatek – watercolor – “Santa Fe Trading Post” - $50 3rd place Shawnee Barnes – Tennessee spinner (miniature) gourds – “Native American Gourd Ornaments” - $25 Peoples’ Choice – Robin Thompson – photograph – “In-Between” - $25

Top, a scene from the art show; lower left, Robin Thompson receives the first place award from Blake Roush; lower middle, Lynn Shore; lower right, more work.

Come chat with us over Coffee, Donuts or one of our breakfast items!

Honorable mentions: Lynn Shore – photography – “Frosty Morning” Caleb Frink (age 9) – pencil sketches – “Grand Valley Cardinal” and “Funnel Web Spider” Petroleum Development Corporation sponsored the art show. BMAC plans to make this a semi-annual event. – Anne Huber, Battlement Mesa Activity Center

Village Artists Pastel demonstration with Maggie Cook coming up at March 27 meeting The Village Artists met Feb. 28. The speaker was Dianne Dayhoff who had a great display of tatting; she had learned this type of handiwork from her grandmother many years ago. The art of tatting, a form of lace construction, seems to be making a comeback. More ladies want to learn how to make these doilies. Dianne also showed us how huck weaving is done. It is a different type of embroidery. The Village Artists sponsored a two-day workshop by Robert Harper, painting with oils and acrylics, on Feb. 23-27. This was all organized by Jean Buchan, one of our Village Artists. It was excellent! This March and April, different pieces of art are decorating the hall by the pool at the activity center. Come and see! Our own Lillian Wyant has a great art show of her oil paintings at the 809 Art Gallery at 809 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs during the month of March. The Village Artists are being asked to bring their latest pieces of art work to the June meeting to be chosen for an advertising flyer that will be distributed in our area (and others) prior to our October Art Show in the activity center. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Parachute Branch Library. The March 27 meeting features Maggie Cook’s demonstration of pastel art. Go to battlementmesacolorado.com for more info. – Joline Gnatek and Elaine Ware, Village Artists

“It’s Complicated” is the first presentation at Movie Night By Laurel Koning, Echo contributor

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Where can you go and watch a great movie with Meryl Streep, the recent Oscar-winning Best Actress, get a free glass of wine and enjoy an abundance of hors d’oeuvres for only $10? At the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, that’s where. On March 23, the inaugural showing of “It’s Complicated” is being screened in the activity center lobby. Using the same screen that was used for the summer Family Flicks program, we will offer the “over-21” crowd the chance to socialize, taste great appetizers and enjoy a movie… right here at home in Battlement Mesa! This comedy finds Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin in an unexpected romantic triangle. It’s always amazing what uncomfortable situations these three can continually find themselves in. Tickets for this event are $10 if purchased in advance and can be purchased at the activity center, Old Mountain Gift & Jewelry, Alpine Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. A cash bar will also be available throughout the evening’s performance. This great opportunity is being hosted by the Battlement Mesa Activity Center and sponsored by Common Ground, Antero Resources, Williams Production, Encana Oil & Gas and WPX Energy.

Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

GO GRAND VALLEY

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

• March 15: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 16: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 17: Happy St. Patrick’s Day. • 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. An interview techniques workshop is being held 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 21: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 21: 3-4 p.m. Hunger Games Trivia Contest is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 22: Grandparents Day is being celebrated at Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in Parachute. Contact Principal Rebecca Ruland at rruland@garfield16.org. • March 22: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 23: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 23: 6-9 p.m. Reel Readers features “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 27: 10 a.m. The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club is kicking off its 2012 season with a coffee at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course clubhouse, 3930 N. Battlement Parkway, at 10 a.m. All women golfers welcome. Sara, 285-9182. • March 27: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at the Parachute Branch Library and features Maggie Cook’s demonstration of pastel art. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Go to battlementmesacolorado.com. • March 28: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 28: 2:30-4 p.m. Anime Club is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • March 29: 10 a.m. No Bilingual Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library today. 285-9870. • March 30: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 1: April Fool’s Day • April 1: Parachute Visitors Cabin opens for the season at the Parachute Rest Area. • April 3: 10 a.m. The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club’s season begins with a 2-best ball format at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, 3930 N. Battlement Parkway. Meeting to follow. All women golfers welcome. Sara, 285-9182. • April 4: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 4: 2:30 p.m. “The Good the Bad the Gross” special edition: Create a Marble Maze for grades 4-6 at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 5: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 5: 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. Agenda for this meeting includes a review of hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure rules presented by a representative from COGCC. RSVP if you’re attending the meeting as complimentary dinner is served. For topics go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx. Contact Denice Brown, 625-5915. • April 6: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• April 6: “Tackle it Tuesday” project day. Drop in for as much time as you want, but dinner reservations required. Call the Parachute Branch Library at 285-9870. • April 7: 1 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club is holding its Easter Egg Hunt at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. 984-9480. • April 8: Easter • April 11: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 12: 6-7:30 p.m. Basic Computers Level 2 is at Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 12: 6:30-8 p.m. Family Literacy Night is at Bea Underwood. • April 13: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • April 14: 1-4 p.m. “All-in-one” Job Seeking Workshop is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

ONGOING • The March Community Coffee Talk hosted by Battlement Mesa Company has been cancelled. Watch this calendar for information on the next meeting. • 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. • Every Tuesday, a group plays pinochle at 1:30 p.m. at the Parachute Valley Senior Center. Call Cheryl at 285-9755 for information or to arrange a needed ride. The senior center is located at 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute. • 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 Paul, 285-7791. • 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, 285-2318, 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 garfieldcounty.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915. • 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. • 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 • April 17: 7-9 p.m. The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America presents “Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease,” at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood. To register go to http://online.ccfa.org/glenwoodspringsibdInfo. Mary Lee Mohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore, 309-8589. • 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.” • April 24: 7-9 p.m. The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America presents “Nutrition & IBD: Choices for Adults and Kids,” at Grand River Hospital in Rifle. To register go to http://online.ccfa.org/riflenutrition. Mary Lee Mohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore, 309-8589. • May 10: 12 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s next general membership meeting is at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse. The website is currently being updated at parachutechamber.org. • June 3: The Take Steps Walk Steps Walk for Crohn’s & Colitis is at Centennial Park in Rifle from 4-6 p.m. Sponsored by Alpine Bank. Mary Lee Mohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore, 309-8589.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 5

G U E S T

WAIT Training:

S P E A K E R

Shelly Donahue speaks to the hearts of parents and educators

By Charlie Hornick, Echo contributor

Shelly Donahue, who has taken her message of hope and challenge to 48 states and eight foreign countries, spoke to a group of parents and educators at Grand Valley High School on March 2. Shelly spoke openly and frankly about the issues confronting our teens in the area of sexuality. Using stats from research she boldly speaks on how teens can someday experience “the best sex ever” by waiting for marriage. The response of those who came to the seminar was phenomenal. One parent commented, “Shelly was awesome. She gave a great presentation that was funny, informative, and right to the heart.” Feedback from the evaluation sheets was overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the message heard that evening. Several commented afterward, “This message needs to be heard by all of our parents, teens, and educators.” Shelly has 33 years of experience as an educator. Nineteen of those years she was a health and PE teacher, as well as a coach and mentor. She does WAIT Training in public and private schools across the country. “WAIT” stands for “Why am I tempted?” and is part of the educational and Shelly Donahue with Kevin Whelan. This is a picture of Shelly using Kevin Whelan to make Photo courtesy of Charlie Hornick a point about bonding using tape. equipping program of the Center for Relationship Education. She cites the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial in 71 percent of the cases in which teen girls became pregnant, the boyfriend was consequences of being sexually active during the teen years. She also gives data 21 years old or older. Today’s teens face many issues. Hollywood portrays sex in a deceiving way. supporting her rationale. For instance, she told the Parachute audience that teenage boys who are sexually active are eight times more likely to commit sui- Pornography is more readily available than ever due to our advanced technology and will be the cause of more divorces than any generation has ever seen. Whereas the cide. Many teens will use alcohol and drugs to cover up the pain. Her message was also encouraging. She quoted form the National Survey of senior citizens of today worried about two major venereal diseases when they were Family Growth statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control that teen teens, there are now 28 sexually transmitted diseases, four of which are viruses. Shelly encouraged Parachute parents to have loving boundaries for their chilsexual activity is continuing to decrease. Sixty-eight percent of boys and 67 percent of girls, ages 15 to 17, have never had sex. That was significantly lower than dren, to talk with them, and to applaud them when they do right. She challenged the 2002 data. Shelly concluded, “This is the best class of teens we have had for parents to lovingly and courageously express to their teens, “When I was your age, I made my choices. Now I am here as your parent to help you make yours.” many years. We need to applaud them.” Shelly’s focus is for teens to “live well, love well, and marry well. This generShe also stressed the importance of parents loving and talking to their teens. A major concern is that we have a generation of girls living in households where ation wants this message,” she said. “They have just never heard it.” A parent and educator at Friday’s meeting wrote, “I wish I would have had this their fathers are no longer living in their households. Teen girls often try to fill the void of the absent father by becoming sexually active. An alarming statistic is that message when I was a teen.” New ASE Mechanic Gunther Boldt

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Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

S P O R T S

R E C

Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club kicks off season March 27 By Sara McCurdy, Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club

The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club is kicking off its 2012 season with a coffee in the clubhouse at 10 a.m. on March 27. This is a get-acquainted meeting and all women golfers in the area are invited to attend. The group is open to 9- or 18-hole women golfers of all ability levels. In addition to weekly play on Tuesday mornings from April to October, the club will again join the Battlement Mesa Men’s Golf Club to co-sponsor the “Battle for the Cure” fundraiser for breast cancer research in September. Match Play and Club Championship Tournaments (for both 9- and 18-hole divisions) are part of the program for 2012 and 18-hole players can also participate in the Travel Team competitions. The 2012 season begins April 3 with a 2-best ball format starting at 10 a.m. Our first meeting of the season will follow. Anyone who is unable to attend the coffee but would like to play with the group on the first day should sign-up in the pro shop by noon on April 1. The club appreciate any ideas you have for helping us make this an exciting year, so please feel free to share them. Call me, Sara McCurdy, at 285-9182 if you have any questions about the coffee or the Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club.

Obituary Billy E. "Gene" Kelso Nov. 21, 1924 – March 6, 2012 Gene Kelso of Battlement Mesa passed away March 6. He was 87. Gene was born Nov. 21, 1924 in Omaha, Neb. to Frank and Elsie Kelso. Gene served in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise (Scarborough) Kelso. He leaves behind his son Michael; daughter Cindy (Charley); granddaughter Heidi; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held March 9 at the Battlement Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Forever Shih-Tzu Rescue, 1316 Weidman Manor Ct., Ballwin, MO 63011. Online condolences may be made at riflefuneralhome.com

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 7

S P O R T S

R E C

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - “Where The Fun Begins”

Team Medina are the Adult Coed Volleyball Champs The Colorado Heritage Group NEW CARPET / NEW APPLIANCES Nice MF home with a covered patio and fenced yard. Built in hutch and pass through bar in kitchen. Battlement Mesa - $99,900

OODLES OF OPTIONS Like new stucco ranch, finished upper level unfinished lower level, energy efficient home. Battlement Mesa - $297,500 ROOM FOR ANYTHING/EVERYTHING Family room down living room up, five bedrooms, chef's kitchen with island bar, open space scenery. Battlement Mesa - $325,000 VIEW FILLED CUL-DE-SAC LOT MF Home with fenced yard, outbuilding and views. Textured walls, kitchen pantry, eat-in nook. Battlement Mesa - $120,000 IF SPACE IS WHAT YOU NEED Light and roomy country kitchen, large deck and storage building. MF home with large fenced yard. Battlement Mesa - $135,000 MOVE-IN-CONDITION New interior paint and carpet. Eat-in kitchen, tons of parking and extra storage space. Rifle - $139,900 QUIET PEACEFUL NEIGBORHOOD Park like setting for this townhome. Private deck, center island in kitchen, immaculate condition. Battlement Mesa - $115,000 ROOMY FAMILY STYLE RANCH Large living room with lots of windows and vaulted ceilings. Large bedrooms, split floorplan. Battlement Mesa - $248,000 PERFECT DESIGN FOR PARTIES Enjoy the golf course setting from the covered patio. Luxurious home with oversized garage. Battlement Mesa - $415,000 COUNTRY FEEL CLOSE TO TOWN MF Home with a great master suite, outbuilding and views. Textured walls, pantry gas fireplace. Rifle - $154,900

PRISTINE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR Move-in ready ranch, living room with views and fireplace, cozy den plus two bedrooms and two baths. Battlement Mesa- $175,000 PRIVATE, PEACEFUL, PERFECT One of a kind custom two story. Master on main, library, open loft family room, expansive deck. Battlement Mesa - $390,000

LAND: BORDERS BLM PROPERTY Open space and 360* views on 8.38 acres. Mini ranchette sub division with well in place. Battlement Mesa - $235,000 IMAGINE THIS… Building your dream home on this flat, view filled lot located on the 17th green of Battlement Mesa Golf Course. Battlement Mesa - $68,000 160 ACRES WITH WIDE OPEN VIEWS Unimproved 160 acres overlooking DeBeque. Zoned SF or Agr. Borders some BLM. DeBeque - $215,000 MAKE AN OFFER 20 Acres near Asgard subdivision, rural Silt- great views of the hogbacks being sold as is - landlocked. Silt - $25,000 INVEST NOW OWNER FINANCING Spectacular open space scenery, walking trails, private entry, common areas, 1600sq ft minimum. Battlement Mesa - $71,500-98,000 USE YOUR IMAGINATION Walking trails and open space border this corner lot with many design options and senic views. Battlement Mesa - $59,000 BREAK GROUND THIS SPRING Water, sewer and rec. tap fees paid. A great spot for your dream home. Covenants to protect your investment. Battlement Mesa -$59,900

mohrlang • swanson

By Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Executive Director Mary Anderson

Programs Adult Coed Volleyball: Team Medina were again named the champions…this time for the winter program. The runner-up champions were the Speyekers. Congratulations. It was a fun season. Youth Girls Volleyball: The season wrapped up on March 3. Each participant received a medal and attended a party after their last match. Thank you to Kalina Kidd, Mindy Whiting, Victor Reza, Dave Walck, Carol Wells, Cher Medina and Marilyn Bulger. Their efforts were most appreciated. Youth Basketball for Boys: Basketball wrapped up on March 3. Thanks to the coaches and families for making it a great season. Special thanks to Domino’s Pizza for providing pizza on Feb. 25 to the players. There were games that day at St John Elementary School for the 3rd and 4th grade teams. Youth Wrestling: Practices are being held at the small gym at the Grand Valley High School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. K through 6 grade is held March through May annually. Open to both boys and girls. Tony Serna will be the head coach. Fee to participate is $100 which includes fees for six league tournaments. There will be a youth tournament on May 5 at Grand Valley High School. Craig will be hosting the first league tournament on March 31. Youth Spring Soccer: Teams that are registered for the league are U10 Boys, U10 Girls and U12 Girls. Practices began with a parent meeting on March 13. Weekly practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. League matches begin on April 7. British Soccer Camp: There will be a British Soccer Camp held in Parachute May 28-June l. Pamphlets for the camp are available at the district office. Participants that are pre-registered by April 14 will receive a free jersey. Each participant will receive a soccer ball and T-shirt to Top, Winter 2012 Adult Volleyball keep plus professional instruction. Champions, Team Medina; middle, 5th and British Soccer Camp Fundraisers: A parent group is 6th grade Youth Volleyball Champions; 5th organizing fundraisers for the British Soccer Camp. They and 6th grade team coached by A.J. have raised more than $1,000 (at press time) and have three Buffington and Doug Pfau. Photos courtesy of Mary Anderson more fundraising events planned. Please mark your calendars for a bake sale on March 17 at Clark’s Market, and another bake sale the day on April 7 at Clark’s Market; both run from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. On April 14, a chili cook off is being held at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District from 3:30 to 6 p.m. There will be a chili dinner provided at the chili cook off plus silent auction items, a table of fashionable jeans, etc. All proceeds go to send several youngsters to the British Soccer Camp. Thank you to Alpine Bank for the contribution of $500 to help with this cause. Tee Ball: Tee ball is for 5-7-year-olds and is held at the Callahan Ball Field Complex in Parachute. Sign up by mid-April. Program fees are $40 and your child will get a T-shirt to keep. Battlement Mesa/Parachute New Community Park: Plans are to begin work on a new community park located on approximately six acres below the Grand Valley Middle School. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, Common Ground, Battlement Mesa Service Association, Battlement Mesa Company and Garfield School District No. 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.

The district’s five-member board of directors hold meetings on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each month at the recreation district office (259 Cardinal Way) at 7 p.m. Board members are elected biannually by members of the community. There will be a board election on May 8. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.

The NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…

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Sponsored by: Sherry Johnson

Grand Valley Historical Society features “Troubled Tales” on April 14 The Grand Valley Historical Society (GVHS) will hold its annual spring meeting on April 14 at 2 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. The program will feature the presentation and slide show by Robert Silbernagel that was originally scheduled for the January meeting. Robert has been the editorial page editor for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel for the past 16 years, and is the author of “Troubled Tales,” which traces the events that led up to what’s been called the Meeker Massacre and the subsequent expulsion of the Utes from Colorado. He has also written several newspaper and magazine articles on various topics of Colorado history. Mike Perry, director of the Museum of Western Colorado, says “'Troubled Tales’ is a powerful and provocative story that draws us into the time and mind of western Colorado during the 1870s and ‘80s.” Robert will discuss the events outlined in his book and will have copies of his book available for purchase. There will be a short business meeting held prior to Robert’s presentation and refreshments will be served after the program. All are welcome to attend. Nonmembers of the GVHS are asked for a donation, and, as always, members are free. The GVHS hopes that you can make this informative and interesting presentation on a bit of local Colorado history. - Jim Klink, GVHS

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 13

Echo Briefs Applications available for free CMC First Ascent Youth Leadership program Rising ninth- and 10th-graders in north-central Colorado can attend the free First Ascent Youth Leadership program this summer at Colorado Mountain College’s campus in Leadville. Now in its 18th year, this program offers students a chance to learn leadership skills in a residential, outdoor college setting, then return to counsel other students in future years. The program will run from June 24-29. First Ascent teaches leadership, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and communication. Students build self-esteem through new challenges such as rock climbing, summiting Mt. Elbert and rafting the Arkansas River. Each year, the program accepts 40 students who show potential to be leaders and successful students. Applications are due May 1, and are available through high school counselors or online at coloradomtn.edu/firstascent. For more information, contact program coordinator Paul Edwards at 970-947-8329 or pedwards@coloradomtn.edu. – Colorado Mountain College

are as follows: • American Legion Ward Underwood Post No 114 $1,000 Academic Scholarship • American Legion Ward Underwood Post No. 114 $1,000 Vocational Scholarship • Pam Brock Teacher $2.000 Scholarship (twoyear) • Carl H. Bernklau $2,500 Scholarship Applications can be obtained through the GVHS guidance counselor's office. Additionally, the Carl H. Bernklau Continuing Education Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is available to GVHS graduates who are currently attending college in Colorado. College students wanting to apply for the scholarship can do so at garcoschool.org. They can 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, CO 81635. For additional information regarding grants, scholarships, or donations, please visit the Garfield No. 16 School District's website at garcoschools.org. – Anne White, Grand Valley Educational Foundation

Grand Valley scholarships deadline due April 19

Western Colorado Community Foundation celebrates its Grand Valley High School (GVHS) seniors have 15th anniversary

until April 19 to apply for Grand Valley Educational Foundation (GVEF) scholarships. The scholarships available for GVHS seniors who will attend college or vocational school in the fall

The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) celebrated its fifteenth anniversary on Feb. 15 with a special celebration of those in the com-

munity who have a “heart of gold.” The heart of gold theme for the event is a tribute to one of the foundation’s legacy donors, Ellen Jo Waldeck, who donated a royalty interest in a gold mine that has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to multiple organizations. Incorporated in late 1996, the assets of WCCF have grown to more than $30 million, total assets having doubled in the past two years. Funds come from individuals, families, organizations and businesses that set up a permanent fund to support something charitable – a favorite nonprofit organization, a cause, scholarships, etc. Assets are pooled and invested for the long-term; earnings on the funds are distributed in the form of grants and scholarships each year. The foundation awarded $1.4 million in grants and scholarships in seven counties in 2011. In Garfield County, WCCF partners with 2 Rivers Community Foundation in Glenwood Springs and the Rifle Community Foundation in Rifle. WCCF also works in partnership with the CMC Foundation to administer the Genevieve Clough Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than 200 scholarships over the past five years. The Mt. Callahan Community Fund benefiting Parachute and Battlement Mesa is also managed by the foundation. For more information about WCCF, 2 Rivers Community Foundation, Rifle Community Foundation, or the Mt. Callahan Community Fund, contact Pam Szédelyi at 945-0105 or pamsz@sopris.net. - Pam Szédelyi, WCCF

Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker

Massage your scalp with apple cider vinegar • Store the garbage bags in the bottom of the trash can. When you toss out the full one, just reach down and pull up a replacement.

Seniors Brief Pinochle group plays on Tuesdays A group has formed to play single deck bid-partner pinochle at the Parachute Valley Senior Center every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Instructors teach the game as well as help improve current players' skill. Call Cheryl at 285-9755 for information or to arrange a needed ride. The senior center is located at 540 N. Parachute Ave. in Parachute.

• Store nuts in the freezer in a tightly sealed container or resealable bag. They do not need defrosting before use.

Mesa Vista News

• A quick way to freeze herbs is to add a bit of water to chopped herbs and pour them into an ice cube tray and freeze. When you need herbs for stews, soups, sauces, etc, just pop in an herb ice cube.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 16

• Spray Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces; no more stains.

By Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence Activity Director Kathy Germano

• Massage your scalp with aloe vera or apple cider vinegar to reduce dandruff. • Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan; the marshmallows won’t stick to your fingers. • Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a pail of rinse water when cleaning a no-wax floor. This will prevent soap buildup and keep the floor from looking dull. • Soak clay pots in water for two to three hours before using them to pot plants in. Otherwise when watering newly potted plants, the pots are likely to absorb water. • Save those silica packets you find in vitamin bottles and shoe boxes. Place one packet in a plastic bag with dry seeds collected from your garden. The silica will keep them dry so more seeds will germinate when planted. • Prolong cast iron cookware by placing a coffee filter in the pan when not in use. The filter absorbs moisture and prevents rust. • Deodorize the freezer by putting a cup of freshly ground coffee in a shallow bowl and keep it uncovered for a couple of days in the freezer. • When boiling potatoes for salads and you want nicely shaped pieces, use a bamboo skewer instead of a knife or fork to test the potatoes. This way the potatoes are less likely to fall apart and you get a better feel for doneness. • To chop nuts for cakes, breads, etc., use the food processor. To prevent the nuts from turning into nut butter, process them with two tablespoons of sugar taken from the amount of sugar called for in the recipe, then pulse the nuts to the desired texture. • Rather then greasing and flouring pans when baking cakes, grease and sugar them. Sugar spreads better than flour and does not clump. Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.

We had a great Valentine’s Day decorating cookies with Grand Valley Middle School students. This month, we look forward to our St. Patrick’s Day celebration. We are having a social hour on March 16 to celebrate in Irish fashion. We are making shamrocks to hang on our holiday tree for the occasion. We made spring swags for our doors to bring a little spring into our community at Mesa Vista. We celebrated one March birthday for Richard Miller on March 6. Happy birthday Richard! The 4-H club brought some furry friends to visit on March 8. We are visiting the Rifle Senior Center again in March for lunch and camaraderie with fellow seniors. We are planning some future outings with some of our senior friends. On March 15, Ula is performing on her accordion at 2 p.m. She always puts on a great show and all are invited. Our beauty salon is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until the last appointment into the evening. All are welcome and may make an appointment by calling the residence at 285-1844 ext. 14. Don’t forget about the diabetes toenail clinic on the third Thursday of every month. You may call the same number for an appointment. Until next month, have a joyous spring and visit us at anytime. Our doors are always open. Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Senior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing for older adults in Colorado.

Senior Center News Bingo is for everyone and all ages By Mitzi Burkhart, Echo contributor Bingo today is lots more than just covering numbers in a straight line. About 20 regular players gather at the Parachute The senior center’s new Bingo board Valley Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third lights up numbers on the first and third Saturdays of each month for fun, snacks and two Saturdays of the month. Photo courtesy of Mitzi Burkhart hours of competition to win cash prizes. A hush falls over the room as a new flash board lights up each number announced by a caller. Players age 90-plus to children accompanied by adults concentrate on covering their cards according to patterns for different games. Cash prizes start at $5 and increase for different games and for a greater number of players. Winning the kitty or getting blackout could bring big prizes – up to $150 for the lucky players. A packet of 15 game cards costs $9 to get started. Beside the suspense and excitement of competition, players enjoy free popcorn, shared snacks and fun socializing. Why not get up a group of friends and have a night out with Bingo? Senior Center staff are there to answer all your questions and help in any way. No reservations are needed, and you can come to just watch. Be sure to come at 6:30 or earlier. Call 285-6492 for information. The Parachute Valley Senior Center is located at 540 N. Parachute.

Top, Mesa Vista residents Ruby Stout, Rose Wibben, Carolyn Thornton and Fern Brethower and visiting students decorate Valentine’s cookies; . Photos courtesy of Mesa Vista Spring swag with Opal Ellsbury.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 15

H E A LT H

Meals on Wheels holds March for Meals fundraising campaign By Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital District During the month of March, the Grand River Meals on Wheels (MOW) is holding its annual fundraising campaign, March for Meals. The campaign’s purpose is to raise funds, increase awareness, and thank the volunteers who help the program serve meals to disabled and recovering citizens, and homebound seniors living in New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Parachute, and Battlement Mesa. Since 1976, the Grand River Hospital District has supported and operated Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County. The program has a robust volunteer base, with more than 100 dedicated people delivering meals. In 2011, the program delivered more than 9,400 meals. Grand River’s Nutritional Services staff prepare meals that are healthy and nutritionally sound. In addition, Meals on Wheels give clients special birthday baskets and offer Portions for Pets, providing cat and dog food monthly to clients whose pets are in need, which discourages clients from giving their own food to pets. Grand River Meals on Wheels has been celebrating its campaign in several ways, including Mayors for Meals. On March 7, mayors from New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute delivered meals to show their support of the program. Citizens can support Grand River Meals on Wheels this year with the Meals on Wheels Car Donation program, which accepts all cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs regardless of the condition. Towing is free to the donor. To participate, call 888MOW-KAR1 and identify Grand River Meals on Wheels as your designated recipient of the donation. Donors must have the title with VIN in hand when calling. Visit www.grhd.org for more details on how to donate your vehicle. In addition, mark your calendars for the Grand River Gallop, an annual run/walk, held on April 7 beginning at 9 a.m. Proceeds from this event go towards MOW. For more information about Meals on Wheels, call 625-6423. If you would like to make a donation you can do so by mailing a check (made out to Meals on Wheels) to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 912, Rifle CO 81650. You can also call 625-6423 or donate online at grhd.org.

Health Brief Four local organizations team up to offer free mammograms on March 16 Pathfinders, The Aspen Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Grand River Hospital District, and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to offer free mammograms to women in need. This first-ever event is on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center located at 501 Airport Rd. in Rifle. The free mammograms are available to women who are uninsured, underinsured, or are at high risk for breast cancer. Some restrictions do apply. Mammograms are available on a first come, first served basis and by appointment only. Transportation assistance is also available from Pathfinders by calling Jennifer Glynn at 9871171. Appointments can be made by calling the radiology department at Grand River Medical Center at 625-6442. - Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital District

“Get Your Plate in Shape” By Connie Berglund, Family Nurse Practitioner Grand River Student Health Center

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is "Get Your Plate in Shape.” Here are some easy guidelines to help you and your family eat and stay healthy.

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark green, red, and orange in color. Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables all count. For canned vegetables, choose reduced or no added salt. Add fruits to meals and snacks. Fruit can be dried, frozen, canned, or fresh. Eat at least five servings a day of fruit and vegetables. Choose fruits that are canned in 100 percent juice or water. Make at least half your grains whole. Choose 100 percent whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta, and brown rice. Check the ingredients on labels to find whole grains products. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk. The amount of calcium and other essential nutrients are the same, but it contains less calories and fats. Vary your protein food choices. Try to include seafood two times a week as your protein on your plate. Experiment by including seafood, beans, peas, nuts, and soy as your main dish. Keep your meat and poultry portions on your plate small and lean. Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars. Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Select fruit as your dessert. Eat sugary desserts less often and choose 100 percent fruit juice and stay away from fruit flavored drinks. Watch the salt content in the products you buy and compare them with other brands and select the brand with the lowest sodium content. Make saturated fats choices not your everyday foods. These foods include desserts, pizza, cheese, sausages, and hot dogs. These saturated fats should be an occasional food choice. Select lean cuts of meat and poultry, fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food. Canola, olive, peanut, safflower, and sunflower oils are healthy choices. Enjoy food, eat less. Avoid oversized portions and choose smaller plates, bowls, and glasses. Cook at home more often. When eating out, choose lower calorie dishes and options with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Drink more water and limit alcoholic beverages. Keep cold water on hand or add lemon for flavor. Low-fat milk is another healthy drink choice. If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to one alcoholic beverage per day for women and two for men. Be physically active. Choose activities you like and start doing what you can. Increase your activity gradually by 10 minutes as you can tolerate. Children 4 to 6 years old should be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Older children and teenagers should be active for at least 60 minutes or more each day. Adults should be active for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes or more each week with a moderate activity such as brisk walking. For more information, go to choosemyplate.gov.

Correction/clarification In February's "To Your Health" column in the Echo, "Caring for your young child's teeth" by Family Nurse Practitioner Connie Berglund of the Grand River Student Health Center, the Echo omitted the word "fluoride" in two sentences. Those sentences should read as follows: For children younger than 2 years of age, brush the teeth with plain water or fluoride-free toothpaste. For children 2 years and older, a pea sized amount (small smear) of fluoride toothpaste should be applied to the child’s toothbrush. The Echo regrets the error.

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

Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

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G A S

The future of drilling An Aspen Public Radio series looks at the energy industry By Luke Runyon, Aspen Public Radio

Editor’s note: The Grand Valley Echo is partnering with Aspen Public Radio (APR) by publishing a threepart series that recently aired. The station serves Rifle to Avon, Glenwood Springs to Aspen. We thank APR for allowing us to print the script for these broadcasts. For the March Echo, here is the second of APR’s three stories.

Colorado’s natural gas industry is growing... fast. Drilling companies are seeking permits to open more wells. And the requests are no longer limited to just the western part of the state – the region generally thought of as Colorado’s natural gas mecca. Now parts of northern and eastern Colorado could be on the brink of a drilling boom as companies are scooping up mineral rights to a massive shale formation. Nationally, demand for gas is growing and that has companies aggressively exploring in the state. Changes in drilling technology will likely have an impact on the future of energy development here. Representatives of the oil and gas industry repeatedly point out that drilling creates jobs. In fact, it’s one of their most popular talking points. “The deeper you go, the more good things you learn about oil and natural gas, an industry that support 9.2 million American jobs, with 20 percent new jobs in natural gas alone since 2006,” a recent commercial from the natural gas industry claims. In the current slow economy, that prospect is appealing to residents and to government – local and national. Apparently the message is getting through – at least in Colorado. The Colorado School of Mines has seen interest in their petroleum engineering programs double in the past five years. “Most of our students are from Colorado so they’re interested in staying here and so there are opportunities,” said Bruce Goetz, School of Mines director of admissions, “but most of that is with natural gas, not oil.” Goetz said many oil and gas companies not only create the jobs, but make them sound pretty good to your average high school graduate: high pay, relatively stable job security, and in the current market, an abundance of job offers. “People want to know, how can I get a degree to work in that field?” Goetz said. And the jobs Goetz is talking about aren’t isolated in a single area. New wells and drilling rigs are popping up nearly everywhere in the state, including some areas that up to now were untouched by gas companies. One big reason is the Niobrara Shale formation. It’s a huge swath of shale rock that rests underneath portions of northeastern Colorado, Nebraska and up into Wyoming. Much like shale formations in western Colorado and the eastern US, the Niobrara has the potential to be the next big boom for drilling companies. “It’s still evolving and companies are still in the process of doing their investigation and their evaluations and figuring out whether and

how they can produce this resource in a profitable manner,” said Dave Neslin, Colorado’s top oil and gas regulator. He chairs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a group that writes the rules and regulations governing how companies do business in the state. Neslin said in just the past two years the industry has embraced horizontal drilling. He said it promises to be the solution to some of the biggest concerns about drilling near homes: that gas wells drive down property values, they pollute air and water and clog already congested streets with truck traffic. “They have the potential to be much more productive,” Neslin said, “and it may result in, or lead to, fewer surface impacts because we may see one horizontal well replacing what would have been four or five vertical or directional wells and so you would have less surface impact and less surface disturbance.” This drilling strategy is likely to become more crucial to the industry because of where the Niobrara shale lies, in some cases, literally under people’s homes. The only way to get at the natural gas from under these homes would be drilling horizontally from as far as a mile away. One potential roadblock for many companies is cost. Horizontal drilling costs much more than conventional vertical wells. But, if you tap the right one, it can yield much more oil and gas than a traditional well. Larger companies appear to be taking on the challenge. Neslin said two years ago... of all the permits approved by the commission just three percent were for horizontal drilling. This year the number is 20 percent. Former oil and gas conservation commissioner Tresi Houpt said Colorado needs to proceed carefully in this new drilling boom. She emphasized that no matter what the style of drilling, environmental and public health must take precedence over profit. She agrees – natural gas can be a viable alternative to oil from overseas – but public health can’t become a casualty. “It’s not realistic to think that we can jump from being completely reliable on fossil fuels to renewables overnight, so we do have to find a bridge fuel, but we have to do it in the proper manner, in a responsible and balanced manner,” Houpt said. To Houpt that means stricter regulations on the oil and gas industry at the federal level. Despite his general support for gas exploration, earlier this year, a council created by President Obama proposed new stricter rules on natural gas operations, including requiring energy companies to reveal the contents of the fracking fluids that are drilled into the ground. Colorado’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Chairman Dave Neslin said the state already has similar rules on its books and Governor John Hickenlooper recently tasked the commission with forcing companies to turn over their chemical recipes. These proposed government regulations come as people in some parts of Colorado brace themselves for ramped up drilling. And for some, like the residents of Battlement Mesa and Parachute, time is of the essence.

103.9 FM

TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7! Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming

YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS Thank you to all that made the 2011 Christmas Gala a huge success! With the help of noted chefs Alian Senac and Margaret Cooke, all that attended enjoyed a fantastic dinner. Thanks to all of our committee members! It will be a challenge to exceed this year's event in 2012 - but we will sure try. Also a huge thank you to those that generously became members of KSUN. Your membership dues will be wisely used as we go forward into the 2012 year. But if you're not a member, it is never too late to join. For membership information, call Floyd at the radio station @ 285-2246. We would love to have you support our station!

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

www.ksunradio.org

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 17

Echo Briefs Garco All Hazards Team places second in national competition

S P E C I A L S

Weekday specials under $10!

Saturday/Sunday from 1:30 Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner Monday - Chef’s Choice Tueday - Prime Rib Sandwich Wednesday - Chef’s Choice Thursday - Meatloaf Friday - All you can eat Catfish

On Jan. 12, six members of the Garfield County All Hazards Response Team competed in the 22nd Annual Crisis Negotiation Competition at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. The competition included 17 crisis negotiations teams from across the United States. The teams were judged based on several categories during an eight-hour scenario that included active listening skills, team communications, intelligence gathering, and crisis management skills. Judges were comprised of New York FBI negotiators, former Army negotiators, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Ranger negotiators, just to identify a few. The Garfield County All Hazards Crisis Negotiations Team brought home the second place trophy overall, tying with Travis County Crisis Negotiations Team from Texas. – Garfield County All Hazards Response Team

Alpine Bank scholarship deadline March 30

SIMMER DOWN Playing Live March 31st! ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL Corned Beef & Cabbage Open 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. M-F • 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 315 E First Street • Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091

NIGHT OUT AT THE MOVIES Presenting

The J. Robert Young Scholarship’s deadline is quickly approaching. Applications must be postmarked by March 30. Candidates for this Alpine Bank scholarship must: • be graduates of a public high school within areas served by Alpine Bank • be seeking a business-related degree • have a GPA of 2.75 or higher • have a documented financial need • use the scholarship at a college in Colorado The scholarship is $1,000, and is renewable for up to four years. To apply, go to Western Colorado Community Foundation’s website http://wc-cf.org/criteria.htm. Other scholarships are also available at wc-cf.org. – Cindy Rhodes, Western Colorado Community Foundation

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt on April 7 The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 7, at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance, and parents can take a keepsake photo of their child with the Easter Bunny. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the activity center. Call 285-9480 for more information. – Don Chance, Kiwanis Club

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 AT THE ACTIVITY CENTER Doors open at 7 p.m. Free glass of wine and hor d’oeuvres $10 advance purchase/$12 at door Adults Only - Over 21 Tickets at Activity Center, Alpine Bank, Old Mountain Gifts and Wells Fargo Bank

Logos • Brochures Advertising Book layout & design Alyssa Ohnmacht

• 963-2373

Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

O U R

S C H O O L S

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning Involving Parents and Children

Lieutenant governor of Colorado visits center

From District No.16 Education for all to meet the challenges of life

By Grand Valley Center for Family Learning Principal Rebecca Ruland

Lt. Governor Joe Garcia made a brief visit to the Center for Family Learning on Feb. 28. This was one stop of many in support of early literacy. The state government has taken a renewed interest in school readiness for all of Colorado’s children. One collaborating organization in this venture is called Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC). Their goal in 2012 is to educate 1,000 employers across the state on the importance of school readiness and key issues related to early childhood literacy. EPIC is concerned about Colorado’s economy, business environment, and future workforce. They recognize that lower levels of education correspond with higher unemployment rates and more reliance on public assistance. They have found that at least half of the achievement gap found in the school years already exists when children start kindergarten. At the Center for Family Learning, we embrace the challenge of preparing young children for school. High-quality early childhood programs and full-day kindergarten, programs for families including parent workshops, health services, Raising a Reader and, most recently, Save the Children Early Steps to Literacy Success, are all designed to support young learners. In March, we are celebrating Grandparents’ Day on March 22. We also held a workshop, Nutrition for Healthy Bodies and Minds, and presented the third part of an early literacy parenting workshop through Raising a Reader. The third workshop focused on using thinking prompts and rhyming patterns while reading with young children. As always, childcare and dinner will be provided and everyone is welcome. For those who have attended the previous two sessions, their names will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate. A big thank you to both the Raising a Reader program and the Daniel’s Fund for making this parenting series possible.

By Garfield School District 16 Superintendent Ken Haptonstall, Ph.D. Part of the mission of Garfield 16 is to successfully prepare students for life, but what does that really mean? It means a great deal of things to a great deal of people, and depending on who you talk to, can mean very different things. Certainly we do teach kids how to read, write, do arithmetic, learn science, and a myriad of other “basic” skills. While doing those basic skills – and I emphasize basic because what the students learn today in 6th grade were the “basics” when I was a junior in high school not so long ago – the students of today get a healthy dose of teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, to compliment all of those basic skills. I often hear that we need to prepare students for a world that has not even been realized yet. While that is true in some sense, it is actually truer that the kids of today are living in their reality, while we “old” folks are still trying to catch up. Kids of today have many of the prerequisites necessary to be successful. They communicate well, although they typically use technology to do so, they work in groups, they are creative and imaginative, and often have creative ways to find the answers to the problems they face. For now those problems are centered on schooling, but they are developing the resources to meet those challenges of life as well. Some might argue that we are behind other countries on international tests and that indicates that our education system is failing. When you read research from other countries, those folks would tell you we have the best education system in the world. We don’t pre-select kids at early ages for academia or work; instead we encourage all students to become whatever their heart desires. We help all kids be successful. Most of those other countries begin sorting and eliminating students from formal education as early as 8th grade. That is not how we do things in our country; we support every child. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely! We can always improve our practice. Just like other professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects, teachers are constantly working to hone their practice and meet the needs of all the students that they serve.

Lt. Governor Joe Garcia gets to know the children and staff and the Early Learning Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ruland

As we work to successfully prepare students for life, be assured that we at Garfield 16 are always mindful that the most important people in our schools are the children. We will continue to improve and provide a quality education for all, and when a student walks across the stage, diploma in hand, from Garfield 16, they will be ready to meet the challenges of life.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 19

O U R From Bea Underwood Elementary

It’s time for 21st Century Learning By Brian Berg, BUE principal

S C H O O L S

Terrific Kids for February 2012 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.

During the next few years you will hear a lot about 21st Century Learning or 21st Century Skills. The upcoming presidential campaign will use these terms as well as the news media. What does 21st Century Learning look like or mean? Simply, • how to find and use quality information • how to creatively and effectively use information to accomplish goals This goes beyond just being able to read, write, and do basic math. The future generation’s jobs will be to creatively solve the problems of the past, such as global warming, energy shortages, increasing health problems and cost, diminishing resources and the list goes on. What does 21st Century Learning look like? Students are engaged by trying to answer tough questions such as: • How can students reduce trash at lunch time? (Second grade last year worked on this problem.) • What are the best ways to conserve water during a draught? • What plants are best for the Parachute area to grow? And why? • How can you create a dog sled without using wood or metal? (This is a current question for third grade boys that will be working on with me this month.) In order to solve complex problems, students will need to read a lot of different information, work together, use technology, and build prototypes or models. Most importantly, students need to learn through failing and trying again. This young generation, or video game generation, understands that failing is a part of learning if the learning is exciting. Our job as teachers is to make learning exciting and engaging. This doesn’t mean entertaining students or making learning easy. Make learning similar to how students will be solving problems in their future jobs. That is 21st Century Learning! If you want more information, you can go to edutopia.org for video examples of 21st Century Learning.

Bea Underwood Elementary School February’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative), Caitlyn Garrity, Caitlin Strong, Edgar Raygoza, and Kasey Davis; second row, Matt Piquette (counselor), Nicole Estrada, Ryder Hurst, and Dominic Pullara; third row, Hector DeLaCruz, Ullrich Grajalez, Sierra Keif, and Zane Gilstrap.

St John Elementary School February’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Cecilia Garcia, Sammy Hemmert, Alyssa Hoyt, and Ryley Sackett; second row, Opal Morganthaler and Bill Coelho (Kiwanis representatives), Humberto Barreto, Montane Whiteley, Riley Buffington, Dylan Mueller, and Taeja Burns.

Congratulations to all of February’s Terrific Kids! Sierra Keif

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012

Grand Valley High School News Accepting some well-needed grant money By Douglas Mikesell, GVHS

At Grand Valley High School we offer many different courses, one of our most recent courses added is Computer Aided Drafting, also known as CAD. Currently the industrial arts program at Grand Valley is offering one CAD class and the students have been designing building and house plans. To fund the class the high school recently received a grant from Quest/CenturyLink for an amount of $5,450. Industrial arts teacher Robert Winn made this grant possible by writing a sevenpage grant that was accepted last spring. When asked about the grant Mr. Winn stated,” I was excited and relieved when the grant passed and my hard work paid off. I’m also impressed and pleased with the student progress and the success they have shown with the new program.” The Quest/CenturyLink Teachers and Technology grant has been very helpful improving our CAD class. Ryan Frink the principal at Grand Valley commented that “The staff here at Grand Valley is always striving to better the students by giving them the necessary tools to succeed.” This grant has allowed the school to purchase three laptop computers for the program. Two of the computers are being put to use by students and the third is being used by the instructor. This grant also allowed the school to purchase a large computer screen, and a high quality projector. Both of these items are very useful in teaching and presenting projects in the classroom. Not only is this equipment being used by the industrial arts program, but it has also been put to good use in other technology courses. The school also purchased 25 licenses of the AutoDesk suite, which includes programs like Computer Aided Drafting, Revit Architecture, and Auto Desk design. This grant has allowed the CAD class to do great things, and they just recently released designs for a house remodel and entertainment center to the public. Overall the money has been spent well and has greatly affected the courses offered at Grand Valley.

Hungry like Rocky

some of the guys on the team reached the leader boards for the league. The Cards made six of the nine lists for the leader boards. Senior Trever Smith placed fourth for scoring averaging 15 points a game, lead in 3 point shots per game with an average of 2.6, fourth for charges with 3, and fourth for free-throws made with 54 of 78. Trever Smith had this to say about the season, "Wouldn't have wanted a different senior year. Best team I've ever played with. But you can expect to see these guys do some damage next year, with the potential and love for each other. And coach I love you. He's taught me all I know and wouldn't be here without him. Gonna miss all you." Junior Trent Reidle also made the leader boards receiving fourth for 3-point shots per game with an average of 1.6, and fifth for free-throws made with 50 of 64. Reidle stated "The seniors set the bar high for us to achieve again. They left with a good work ethic. They'll be missed." Sophomore Tyler Scott received third for rebounds with an average of 6.4. And senior Eddie Pena received fourth for assists with an average of 2.5. As a team Grand Valley placed second for 3point shots per game with an average of 5.4, fifth for blocks with 1.8, third for rebounds with 28, fifth for steals with 6.4, fifth for assists with 8.9, and third for charges with 5. The most outstanding player off the bench was senior Chris McGruder. McGruder had 72 points, 12 assists, 36 rebounds, and had 2 of the five charges. McGruder quoted the Chicago Bulls former six time NBA Champion Michael Jordan about the season, "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." Grand Valley finished their season at districts losing to Coal Ridge and Olathe, but beat Gunnison. The games were well played and had a large amount of fans. The boys were physically tired and lost to Coal Ridge 42-47 but beat the Titans once earlier in the season. The boys finished the season with a hard loss to Olathe 39-56. Jake Higuera, loved his team this year and the effort they gave for each other. He will miss the leaving seniors and had this to say, "Trever Smith, Eddie Pena, Chris McGruder and Dustin Weist, will be missed but they left their mark here! We love you guys and will continue to give our hearts, every time we step on the floor." Higuera looks forward to next year through the accomplishments that the Cardinals achieved this year, "And as for next year, we are coming back hungry like Rocky!"

Striver of the Month: Rylie Gardner

By Dustin Weist, GVHS

By Emma Cruz, GVHS

Senior Eddie Pena shoots against Olathe in one of the last home games on Feb. 11. Pena put up three points in the 5346 win.

After a tiresome 22-game season, the Grand Valley boy’s basketball team found an end to a heart filled season. The Cardinals finished the season with a positive record of 13-9. The Cardinals Varsity coach, Jake Higuera, believed that the guys on the team played strong together and for each other saying, "Although we came up short of our goal as a team, we did not come up short on what defines our program; heart, love, and brotherhood, 20 men giving all their hearts for the love of their brothers. Everything we had we gave. We left nothing; all our heart, soul, and love is in the middle of every floor we stepped on." The teams this year were tall and aggressive but

Rylie Gardner smiling at her success of being Striver of the Month! Rylie Gardner is the Striver of the Month. She is a freshman at Grand Valley High School. She is a strong-minded person who will succeed and go far in life. She felt honored when they recognized her for being the Striver of the Month because it shows that the GVHS staff has noticed her hard work. How did you become striver? “I became striver because I always turn my work in and have everything done on time, and it’s done at my best. I pay attention in all my classes and give it my best.” What are some future goals you have? “One of my greatest goals is to excel in my horses and become a better rider. To graduate high school and go to college.”

What are some hobbies you are interested in “I love to ride horses.” Who is your role model that you look up to and why? “Bethany Hamilton because she got her hand bitten off by a shark, but she continues to surf. She is a great person and she never gave up on what she wanted and succeeded.” Gardner is a great student and will keep working hard to accomplish her goals in life. She will continue to do her best and what she does now will affect her later, she is doing a good job accomplishing a strong work ethic. She will continue to strive to be a leader for the upcoming freshman. Great job Rylie Gardner for being Striver of the Month!

Most Improved: John Montiel By Artemio Baltazar, GVHS

John Montiel excited that GVHS noticed his improvements. John Montiel is the most improved student of this month. He is a freshman at Grand Valley High School. He is a great kid who works really hard to accomplish what he sets his mind to. As a freshman, Montiel earned the right to play soccer for the varsity team. Montiel said “I really enjoyed playing soccer this year; it was a good experience, for me as a freshman.” His experience was great and helped him on keeping his grades up. He was honored when they recognized him for being the most improved. How did you become most improved? Montel said “I became most improved by doing my work, paying attention in all my classes and not getting behind on my work; and also by improving my grades.” What are some future goals you have? “I want to graduate high school and head off to college afterwards and get my degree in graphic design. Also, my priority is getting my grades higher and being one of the top role models at GVHS. What are some hobbies you are interested in? “Some hobbies I’m interested in are soccer, art, and snowboarding.” Who is your role model that you look up to and why? “My cousin is who I look up to because we are really close. He is like a big brother to me; he tells me to get a good education. He is a straight edge and he focuses on his music a lot.” Coach Eric Sarno said “John Montiel was new to soccer but worked to fit in playing with the group; he was a hard worker always battled and never gave up.” Montiel will go far in life with his mind set to the best. He will be a successful young man, with strength, knowledge, and will. Keep doing what you do best and you will become the person you want to become. Keep working hard, so you can accomplish anything you want to. Great job John Montiel for being chosen Most Improved for this month!

Student of the Month: Harley Rocco By Tarianna Lawrence, GVHS

Harley Rocco is being very enthusiastic about receiving his award. How did you become Student of the Month? Harley Rocco says, “I became student of the month by paying attention in class, and doing all my work.” What are some future goals you have? “My future goals are to get a stable job and be successful as well as not having to depend on anyone else.” How is the school year going for you as a senior this year? “My senior year is going great so far, I have passed all my classes. I’m very proud of myself, and I can’t wait to see what my future is going to be.” Who is your role model that you look up to and why? “My role model is my older brother. I look up to him because he was a great kid in high school, and he was a leader, and he was always on top of everything. He never failed at anything he did. After he graduated he decided to serve his country and headed off to the military.” What are some hobbies you are interested in “Dirt biking, hiking, going on walks, and working out.” What are some accomplishments that you are proud of? “I’m really proud of myself for making it this far, as a senior, and keeping up with my school work and everything.” Rocco wants to depend on himself only to achieve his goals and know the real world. He is few of many people who really have to survive on their own and make a living.

Dr. Seuss’s birthday: Be awesome! Be a book nut! By Jessica Valenzuela, GVHS What better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday than reading to a child? On March 2, Grand Valley High School Key Club members dressed as the Cat in the Hat and the GVHS Cardinal, celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday by attending Bea Underwood Elementary, St. John Elementary, and the Center for Family Learning. During their visit, Key clubbers organized multiple activities like reading out- loud to the kids and a coloring contest. Not only that, but they went above and beyond by giving away books to each one of the classrooms they visited. The books that were given away during their visit were gathered through a book drive that was held during the month of February. They raised an astonishing 300 books to give away. The books will all serve a great purpose at the schools, plus the key club members all enjoyed their time spent with the kids. “It was fun reading to the first graders because it reminded me of when I was their age and the high schoolers would read to me. It made me feel good to give them the excitement I use to feel when I was their age,” said Lindsey Chartier. It was a great day for the kids and key club members.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 21

FA I T H

As I See It

• The Echo Worship Directory •

Healthy for your body and soul

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

By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church Faith in God makes a huge difference, not only in your spiritual well-being, but in your physical health. Scientists have proven that “it pays to go to church.” People who live out their faith in God by regular church attendance and service to others fare much better physically than those who are nonreligious and who do not attend a house of worship regularly. One of the scientists who make such a claim is Dr. Harold Koenig. Harold G. Koenig, MD is director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. He has authored several books and articles, more than 300 scientific peer-reviewed articles, and is the former editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. He has appeared on numerous TV news programs including “The Today Show,” ABC’s “World News Tonight,” and “Good Morning America.” He is this year’s recipient of the Oskar Pfister Award from the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Koenig in his book, “The Healing Power of Faith,” published by Simon & Schuster, writes, “People who regularly attend church, pray individually, and read the Bible have significantly lower diastolic blood pressure than the less religious. Those with the lowest blood pressure both attend church and pray or study the Bible often.” Drawing from hundreds of scientific surveys he gives the following conclusions. People of faith are: • hospitalized less often • less likely to suffer depression and more likely to recover from depression if they become depressed • exhibit healthier lifestyles and tend to avoid alcohol and drug abuse • have a stronger sense of well-being and life satisfaction • experience significantly better health outcomes when they do go through a physical illness • have stronger immune systems • have nearly half the stroke rate • live longer Research also shows that the elderly who have a strong faith and regular church attendance are healthier and that their faith is “as significant a protective factor as not smoking in terms of survival and longevity.” Their risk of dying from cancer is 35 percent lower than their counterparts. Dr. Thomas Oxman of Dartmouth Medical School published a report in the journal “Psychosomatic Medicine” in which a rigorous scientific approach was applied to 232 select patients 55 and older concerning major heart surgery. The patients who were “socially active” and “took comfort in their religious faith” were “14 times less likely to die during the six months following surgery than their counterparts.” Scientists relate to us that when using the scientific method they cannot either prove or disprove such things as the reality of answered prayers or the existence of God. They consider the supernatural to be beyond the reach of their method of testing. But they can as Dr. Koenig reveals, “explore and chart in a scientific method the effect of religious faith and practice on physical and emotional health.” The above discoveries from research should not surprise anyone who is genuine in their faith. Faith makes a difference because God makes a difference in our lives. The God who created us had his glory and our welfare in mind when he established the church and commanded us to serve. The “Great Physician” has given us a prescription for living our lives day by day, good for the body and the soul.

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

•••

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.

•••

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.

•••

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 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 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.

Time for a relaxing soak in the Crystal Valley’s new hot springs By Carrie Click, Echo editor So far, there hasn’t been much of a winter in the Crystal River Valley. Snowpack has been well below normal. Even still, if you want to experience a winter wonderland this late in the season, the Crystal Valley is a good bet. March is typically one of the snowiest months of the year after all. This time of year, Easter is celebrated in the Crystal Valley on April 8 at the area’s two churches and with a memorable sunrise service on top of McClure Pass high above the valley. The historic Redstone Inn offers its Easter Sunday Brunch, and spring lodging specials abound at the inn and at area lodges. And spring provides visitors to take full advantage of the inn’s amenities, which include a full restaurant and bar, carriage rides, and tours of the Redstone Castle on the weekends. And if it’s time to soak off the winter, Avalanche Ranch’s hot springs pools are highly recommended. The Ogilby family has created a mini Shangri-La with beautiful stonework, naturallyheated pools of different sizes and temperatures, and even a waterfall. Call to make reservations; the place is getting so popular, you need to schedule your soak. Right in the center of Redstone, the Redstone General Store has the best selection of historical accounts of the area, including maps, books and DVDs. They offer a wide range of Redstone-inspired clothing, and claim, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!” Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone!

New this year…

Back by popular demand…

Winter Trail Rides

Winter Sliegh Rides

CALL NOW FOR YOUR WINTER ADVENTURE!

Book your winter adventure by calling 963-1144 or 963-2526

redstonecolorado.com

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

970-963-1769 225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone

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

www.redstonecastle.us

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012, Page 23

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS 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 7040373. 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, $45-70/tree. (Note: Globe willows shed multiple limbs and excess leaves - this can be controlled with correct trimming.) Call Mike 285-9330.

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS Only $10 for up to 40 words! (25¢/word after that).

Classified ads MUST be prepaid. Mail your check to: 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 and E-MAIL YOUR AD COPY TO: gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY For all your professional plumbing needs Service Work • Boilers • Water Heaters Furnaces • Coolers • Remodels • Leaks Gas • Controls • Radiant Heat

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

285-9217 Parachute, Rifle and Silt

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

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

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • Electronic locate • Rooter work • Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments • Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections • Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36”

Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Help for any writing project

CALL RICK or SCOTT

970-930-0056

970-930-0124

clickintoplace@yahoo.com

P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650

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

Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2012