2013 Grand Valley Echo February

Page 1

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

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

Volume 5 Number 5

INSIDE

Mid-February / Mid-March 2013

Parachute’s Wind River Performance Horses breeds a world champion

Grant awarded page 3

Three of the horses from Wind River Performance Horses on Morrisania Mesa. Photo courtesy of Chris Abbey

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Our Schools pages 12-14

Chris and Jarvis Abbey of Morrisania Mesa have reached a sought-after goal. Recently, one of their homebred junior stallions, Gay Bar Lucky Jac (aka “Spike”), became the 2012 American Paint Horse Association’s (APHA) World Champion in junior heeling in Fort Worth, Texas. “This is a huge accomplishment because he did all this at only 4 years old and during his first full year of showing,” said Chris. The Abbeys’ Wind River Performance Horses operates on Morrisania Mesa. Spike

Gay Bar Lucky Jac is a 2012 APHA world champion. He comes from Wind River Performance Horses, owned by Chris and Jarvis Abbey, far Photo courtesy of Chris Abbey right, of Morrisania Mesa.

was exhibited by Jay Wadhams of Pueblo and trained by Jack Wright of Penrose, Colo. “It was Wind River Performance Horses’ goal to breed a world champion and that goal was achieved,” said Chris. “We think this young stallion has a very bright future and is just starting his career.” Spike also ended 2012 on a high note by leading the nation in several events. He was the 2012 APHA honor roll winner in junior heeling and junior steer stopping as well as a reserve honor roll winner in junior heading. “This win is also very special because our senior stallion, Sugs Tru Luck, was a world

champion in the senior heeling last year,” said Chris. “This was our last world show with Sugs Tru Luck who won several top five placings at this year's world show.” He was sold to Fernando Sanchez of Wills Point, Texas. “This was bittersweet for us since Sugs Tru Luck was the foundation of our breeding program,” Chris said. “We still have several sons and daughters and plan on continuing his legacy.” For more information Gay Bar Lucky Jac and Wind River Performance Horses, go to windriverperformancehorses.com.

Winter ecology outings a big hit

Nature at Home and Afield page 14

Grand Valley Energy page 16 Scenes from the recent winter ecology field trips on the Grand Mesa. Photos courtesy of Lynn Shore

By Dave Devanney, Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute Seventy 4th graders from Bea Underwood Elementary School in Battlement Mesa got to see what it was like to walk on snowshoes in the deep powder on the Grand Mesa recently. This was the 13th year that the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute has conducted its popular winter ecology program. A variety of volunteers from the Kiwanis Club and the Grand Valley High School Key Club guided the enthusiastic students through the “Sunny Side South” and “Busy Beaver” educational classes. Teachers and several parents were also on hand for support. Mesa Lakes Lodge staff served a lunch of hot dogs, chips, brownies and hot chocolate. While we did not see Justin the beaver again this year, the kids of all ages had a great time. And the kids really liked the part where they got to throw snow at their teacher – what fun! This event was totally funded by the Kiwanis Club and made possible by the community support of our fundraising efforts during the past year. The Kiwanis Club and the 4th graders say thank you!


Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

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

•• TOO MUCH NEWS... ...TOO FEW ADS •• The amount of advertising and sponsorships sold determines the size of the paper. We’ve had to cut many valuable, informative stories because the page count of the Echo is so small. Advertise your business or consider sponsoring the Echo if you find value in receiving this newspaper every month. • ADVERTISING SALES • BARBARA PAVLIN, 285-7634

103.9 FM

TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7! Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming KSUN RADIO – THE VOICE OF THE GRAND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CARDINALS KSUN thanks all of our dedicated members. Your membership keeps our station on the air. Your contributions continue to be used to expand our program offerings. If you would like to join, please call Floyd at 285-2246. Membership is only $25.

2013 KSUN ANNUAL MEETING We are in the planning stages for our Annual meeting which will be held in the Spring.Last year’s spaghetti dinner, along with our guest, the Assistant General Manager of the Grand Junction Rockies, was definitely a hit. We are trying our best to offer a similar program for everyone to enjoy.Keep tuned…. we will have details soon!

Hope you will find time to tune your radio to KSUN – 103.9 FM.

KSUn radio - THE VOICE OF THE GRAND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CARDINALS. BROADCASTING GAMES LIVE!

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

www.ksunradio.org

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.

Chris Abbey, Dave Devanney, Lynn Shore, Mary Anderson, Geoff Renstrom, Garfield County Public Health, Annick Pruett,

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.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNER ALYSSA OHNMACHT EDITOR CARRIE CLICK ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR JAE JULGRAN ADVERTISING SALES BARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634 The Grand Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute. Subscriptions are available for a $35 annual fee.

Sue Chapman, Rob Ferguson, Lionel Pena, Harmony Willms, Codi Clark, Kathy Germano, Keith Lammey, Mitzi Burkhart, Ann Galloway, Charlie Hornick, Debra Crawford, David Boyd, Sue McEvoy, M.E. Denomy,Betsy Leonard, Will Roush, Shannia Burns, Tanner Zimmerman, Ashlynn Speakman, Tarianna Lawrence, Jordan Scott,

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATION STEVE PAVLIN Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

274 REDSTONE BLVD., REDSTONE, COLORADO 81623 970-963-2373 • gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

Kathy Keeling, Anne Huber


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 3

S C H O L A R S H I P S

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AWA R D S

Encana offering academic scholarships to local high school seniors Encana Gas (USA) Inc. is offering several scholarships for local and regional 2012-13 high school seniors. A $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for up to four years) will be awarded to one graduating senior in each high school where Encana USA operates, including Rifle, New Castle, Parachute, Rangely, Fruita, Palisade, Meeker, DeBeque and Grand Junction. “Our scholarship program invests in our youth and future workforce by providing the resources and financial commitment to help them become self-sufficient and develop their education,” said Joyce Witte, Encana community investment advisor. “Several of our scholarship recipients have gone on to become Encana interns, and even employees. We are proud of their hard work and accomplishments.” The Encana USA scholarship is awarded directly to the student to be used for any college-related financial need, such as tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks and rent. All qualified high school seniors are encouraged to submit an online application. The web address is accessible through the student counselor’s office. To be eligible for the scholarships applicants must: • Attend one of the nine high schools listed above • Declare an energy-related field of study in petroleum, chemical, mechanical or environmental engineering, geology or geophysics • Attend a four-year university or technical/trade program • Demonstrate a solid academic record • Embody community involvement and leadership • Submit proof of acceptance and registration in a qualifying program The deadline to submit online applications is March 16, and recipient recommendations will be made by individual school districts. Encana USA will conduct student interviews, and final selection of award recipients will be in early April. For more information about Encana USA’s scholarship program, please check with your school counselor or e-mail amy.lassahn@encana.com. – Geoff Renstrom, Encana

Grand River Health offering college scholarships Grand River Health is once again offering area students a chance at one of seven $1,000 scholarships to those who are interested in healthcare-related fields (nursing, radiology, pathology, pre-med, etc.) Any person who lives in the Grand River Hospital District (GRHD) or is a full-time student in one of the three in-district high schools (Rifle, Grand Valley or Coal Ridge) and who wishes to pursue a career in the medical field may apply. You must be planning to attend a college, university or technical school in the fall of 2013. Applicants may include graduating high school seniors, individuals who have previously graduated high school and GRHD employees. Awards will be given only to individuals who have not previously received a scholarship from GRHD. Scholarship applications are available at all in-district high schools or you may download an application at grhd.org. If you need additional information please contact Kaaren Peck at 625-6423. – Annick Pruett, Grand River Health

From left, Eric Schemla, Garfield County FMLD board member, Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director, and Mike Samson, Garfield County FMLD board member. Photo courtesy of Mary Anderson

Federal Mineral Lease District awards grants to Parachute and Battlement Mesa

The Federal Mineral Lease District (FMLD) board members hosted a luncheon on Jan. 9 at the Hotel Denver in Glenwood Springs to announce the recipients of the district’s fall 2012 grant awards. The FMLD is an independent public agency that distributes funding received by Garfield County from mineral development on federal lands. The district awards grants twice per year, in the spring and fall. The grants awarded for the fall 2012 grant cycle totaled more than $1.7 million and were distributed throughout the county. Parachute and Battlement Mesa recipients included: • Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - $350,000 • Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District - $23,250 • Garfield School District #16 - $25,000 Funds designated to the park and recreation district are being used to start building the infrastructure of the new community park that will be located between the Grand Valley Middle School and the new Grand River Medical Center on Battlement Mesa. The community park idea is a combined effort of Common Ground, Jerry Mohrlang, the Battlement Mesa Service Association, Keith Lammey, the Battlement Mesa Company and the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District.

– Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District; Carrie Click, Echo editor

Echo Brief Free radon test kits offered by CLEER through February Throughout the month of February, free radon test coupons are available to Garfield County residents. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. The only way to know if radon is a problem in your home is to use a radon test. Free test coupons are available at the Glenwood and Rifle Public Health offices, town and city halls throughout Garfield County, the CLEER office in Carbondale, or by calling 665-6383. For more information please visit garfield-county.com – Garfield County Public Health


Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

G O 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. • Feb. 15-28: A Dust Bowl exhibit is at the Parachute Branch Library; the exhibit examines the story of the Dust Bowl and is free and open to the public during regular library hours. • Feb. 16: 7-10:30 p.m. Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse Community Dance. Come at 7 p.m. for a dance class; dance starts at 8 p.m. Dances are held monthly, on the third Saturday of the month. Free, though donations gratefully accepted. Susanne, 250-6262; Judi, 285-9696.

• Feb. 18: All Garfield County offices, including the landfill, will be closed in observance of President’s Day. Offices serving the community in emergency or 24-hour capacity will remain open, such as the Sheriff's Office, the Coroner’s Office, and Criminal Justice Services. The Garfield County Regional Airport will be open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport's administrative offices will be closed.

• Feb. 19: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Bunch meet at the Parachute Branch Library for a discussion of Great Depression era literature, including “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, “The Worst Hard Times” by Timothy Egan, and “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse. Enjoy a potluck lunch. 285-9870.

• Feb. 22: 5-6:30 p.m. Grand Valley United Methodist Women's annual beef dinner at the Grand Valley United Methodist church, 132 N. Parachute Ave.. Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The menu includes beef, potatoes, vegetables, salad, a huge choice of homemade pies, and beverages. Carry-out available.

• Feb. 23: 12:30 p.m. The Parachute Branch Library offers a fun-filled afternoon of history for The Big Read. Local singer/songwriter Nate Adams will start at 12:30 p.m. with a 30-minute tribute to Woody Guthrie. Starting at 1 p.m., esteemed author and historian Andrew Gulliford will talk about talk about the history of Colorado oil shale. Gulliford invites the audience to participate in this conversation by bringing photos, stories, memorabilia, or anything else to share about the oil shale boom and the bust.

•March 2: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. 2013 Battlement Mesa & Parachute Health Fair. In addition to low cost blood work, free health screenings and health education will be offered. All screenings are for adults 18 years or older. Blood screenings that will be offered the day of the Health Fair are: (all participants receiving blood work are reminded to fast for 12 hours prior.) Comprehensive - Metabolic Blood Chemistry $45; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) $25; Complete blood count $15

A1C $10. Cash, checks or credit cards accepted for payment. For more information 625-6433.

•March 2: 5:30 p.m. Rifle Animal Shelter’s Spaygetti and No Meat Balls Dinner, at the Rifle Elks Club. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Dinner includes lasagna, spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and a donation dessert bar. Tickets can be purchased at Rifle Animal Shelter, Valley Veterinary Clinic Divide Creek Animal Hospital, Downtown Drug, Jimmy’s 66 and Jim’s Automotive, and at the door. Proceeds benefit the Rifle Animal Shelter community spay and neuter program. For more information call 625-8808 or visit rifleanimalshelter.org.

• March 4: 11 a.m. Breakfast with Dr. Seuss. The man with the cat in the hat is coming to the Parachute Branch Library. Welcome him with a green eggs and ham breakfast. Reservations required. Sign up at the library or 285-9870.

• March 4: 3 p.m. The Good the Bad and the Gross, Snot Edition, at the Parachute Library. Designed for 4-6 graders, this is a hands-on learning experience, challenging youngsters to be ready for the good, the bad, and, yes, the really gross. Program is limited to the first 15 participants who sign up by calling 285-9870.

• March 5: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Ursa Operating Company

LLC has recently purchased certain Garfield County assets of Antero Resources and are hostig a ‘meet and greet’ at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Station #1 (Battlement Mesa Firehouse), 124 Stone Quarry Rd. in Battlement Mesa. Ursa will also host a second ‘meet and greet’ on March 6 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1535 River Frontage Rd. in Silt. • March 11: 3:30-5 p.m. The Battlement Mesa Service Association’s Oil and Gas Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The public is welcome. 285-9432. • March 12: 10 a.m. Tackle it Tuesday at the Parachute Library. Calling all quilters, stampers, needle crafters and scrapbookers. There will be tables, irons, ironing boards and cutting mats all set up for your convenience. Drop in and bring your project for a day of crafting, food and friends. Bring your own lunch, refreshments will be provided. 285-9870. • March 14: 9 a.m. Fabric Flower Pounding at the Parachute Branch Library. With just a hammer, you can make lasting images appear on fabric or paper. Patt Jones from the Glenwood Sewing Center will show you how to create lasting images using only fresh flowers, leaves and elbow grease. Class is free, but registration is required by visiting the library or by calling 285-9870. A short materials list will be handed out upon registration. • March 15: 6 p.m. Reel Readers. March’s selection is “The Client” by John Grisham. Read the book and then join your fellow bibliophiles at the Parachute Branch Library to watch the movie. All are welcome to enjoy the screening, whether you’ve read the book or not. Refreshments will be served. Discussion will follow the film. 285-9870. Ongoing • March Madness Marble Counting. Come to the Parachute Branch Library anytime in March for March Madness Marble Counting. Check out our jar of marbles, and guess the correct numbers of marbles (without losing your marbles), and win our Cabin Fever basket. • The Parachute Branch Library hosts Story Times, including Toddler Story Time, Ready to Read Story Time and Bilingual Story Time on a regular basis each week. Lots of other reading clubs and events for all ages meet at the library as well. 285-9870. • Call Wells Fargo at 285-7848 to see if you qualify and to make an appointment for free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Wells Fargo, 71 Sipprelle Dr., Suite 2, Battlement Mesa. • The Grand Valley Recreation Center has a variety of exercise classes for preschoolers to seniors. Call Anne, 285-9480. • Every Monday at 11 a.m. come to the Parachute Branch Library for Ready to Read, and interactive storytime with Miss Marie. 285-9870. • 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 second Monday of every month at 1 p.m., the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the Rifle Branch Library community room. Leslie, 618-0890. • 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 Sew and Sew Chairwoman Adelia Inman at 285-9096 or 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. • Tuesdays in February at 9 a.m., Conquer Mouse Fear: The Beginner Computer Class. Learn to love the mouse, the internet and your new email at the Parachute Branch Library. Conquer Mouse Fear provides a small class size and the opportunity for you to get lots of practice with a skilled instructor to guarantee your success. Class is limited to six, so call 285-9870 to reserve your space today. • 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. • 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. • Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630. • The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide – is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one through suicide – no matter how long ago. This peer group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, email pamsz@sopris.net. • The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District board of directors meets at the recreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. • The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement Mesa Service Association meets at the Grand Valley Recreation Center. • Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. bring your youngster to Toddler Time, storytime designed just for toddlers. Come to the Parachute Branch Library to enjoy games, finger play and more. 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 Grand Valley Recreation 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, 471-9312. • Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Recreation Center to discuss issues of concern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open to the public. Dave, 2852263 or Paul, 285-7791. • Common Ground meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Recreation 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 Continued on pag 16


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 5

A R T S

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

Symphony Swing to perform in Rifle Feb. 22 The Colorado Heritage Group GREAT BUY TO START THE NEW YEAR Fenced yard borders walking trail. MF home with two car attached garage, eat in kitchen with built-in hutch. Battlement Mesa - $89,000

COUNTRY LIVING AT IT'S BEST Radiant floor heat, pine doors and trim, two sided fireplace, elegant kitchen, beautiful home. Parachute Rural - $415,000

RELAX IN HOT TUB PRIVACY Lovely ranch with full finished walk out lower level. Master suite on main, entry courtyard, vinyl siding. Battlement Mesa - $229,900 HARDWOOD AND TILE FLOORS Floor to ceiling rock fireplace in living room, center island in kitchen, elegance abounds. Battlement Mesa - $390,000

LAND:

ENJOY THE MOUNTAIN AND VALLEY VIEWS Elegant townhome with versatile floorplan. Decks on main and lower level. End of the cul-de-sac, private feel. Battlement Mesa - $164,900.

ROOM TO ROAM CLOSE TO TOWN Mini ranchette upscale subdivision, gas, phone, electric at property line, shared well in place. Battlement Mesa - $225,000 NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY Take advantage of the low price on this residential lot in Battlement Mesa. Impact fees paid. Battlement Mesa - $45,000 PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Covenant controlled subdivision, golf course community, several building options. Battlement Mesa - $75,000

FIVE BEDROOMS - WOW! Stucco ranch with finished garden basement. Large backyard borders open space. Quality upgrades. Battlement Mesa - $289,900 DO YOU HATE YARD WORK? Let the HOA do your outside jobs so you can enjoy this elegant townhome. Top quality finishes. Battlement Mesa - $199,000 THIS HOUSE IS BEAUTIFUL A dazzling kitchen for cooking and entertaining, private office, tile flooring, granite fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $489,000 FENCED YARD / STORAGE SHED Tri-level home with living and family room, fireplace in dining room and center island kitchen. Battlement Mesa - $189,900 SPACIOUS LIKE NEW MF HOME This home features a detached two car garage, covered patio, fenced dog run and upgrades throughout. Battlement Mesa - $117,000

BUILDING OPTIONS BEGIN HERE Nice lot, bargain price, impact fees paid. Subdivision has walking trails, close to shopping. Battlement Mesa - $39,900 NEVER MISS YOUR TEE TIME Covenant protected community. Great building site borders the 17th fairway, serene setting. Battlement Mesa - $68,000 GOOD LIFE WISE INVESTMENT Awesome building site with views, upscale neighborhood, .82 acres overlooks the 17th green. Battlement Mesa - $65,000 A VERY AFFORDABLE LOT A lovely home has been designed for this building site. Amenity filled community. Battlement Mesa - $42,900 OWN AN ATV? You might enjoy this very private 160 acre parcel overlooking the town of DeBeque. Call for details. DeBeque - $215,000

SUNRISE TO SUNSET VIEWS Covered entry porch and patio. Gas fireplace warms the sunlit living room. Easy care landscaping. Battlement Mesa - $158,000

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

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

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangSwanson.com

Dancin’ time comes again to the Roaring Fork Valley as the Symphony in the Valley presents Symphony Swing playing and singing Swing Era music for those who “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Symphony Swing will be held at two different venues. In Rifle, the dance is performed at the Grand River Hospital Ballroom, 150 Airport Rd., Feb. 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. In Carbondale, the dance is performed at The Orchard in The Gathering Center, 110 Snowmass Dr. Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, which include a buffet dinner and a cash bar. The dance benefits the all-volunteer orchestra in its 20th year of bringing affordable classical music to audiences up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. Part of the fundraiser is an opportunity to sponsor a musician’s chair in the orchestra for $250, or the conductor for $1,500. For tickets, contact sitv.org or call 379-0149.


Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

Obituary

2012 Cavity-Free Club Winners

James Richard Hokanson

Congratulations

1939 – 2013

Left, Julie Jenkinson (with daughter Alexis)

James Richard Hokanson of Battlement Mesa died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 25 in Austin, Minn. from complications due to cancer. He was 73. He was born to the late Richard and Irene Hokanson in Coraopolis, Pa. Raised in Pittsburgh, Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1961. His first teaching job was in Cleveland, Ohio where he met his wife, Mary. Jim and Mary were married June 30, 1962, in Reedsburg, Wis. Last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Green Bay, Wis. Jim taught and coached in the Cleveland and Berea school districts. In 1968 the family moved to Reedsburg where he bought Reedsburg Hardware Company. For the next 44 years, Jim sold tire chains to county highway departments across the upper Midwest. In 1991, Jim and Mary moved to Aspen, where he enjoyed skiing, hiking, and the second love of his life, golf. They later moved to Battlement Mesa, where they lived in a house of Jim’s own design overlooking the golf course and the Colorado River. Jim could often be found watching the Steelers or Packers, visiting his children and many friends, or on one of his many African safaris with Mary. He appreciated good food, good music and dancing. Jim was fun to be around, and will always be remembered for his amicable spirit and quick sense of humor, which brightened the lives of those around him. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, and their five children: Ann, Jim, Mike, Betsy and Theo. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Ann Hokanson/Peter Jacobs and their children Ben, Henry and Cecily; Jim and Lisa (Novy) Hokanson and their children Kayla, Ellie, Abby and Jake; Mike and Tracy (Becker) Hokanson and their children Emily, Tom and Matt; Theo and Becky Hokanson and their children Isabelle and Jack Hokanson, Jazmin Wilson, Eustace and Savannah McGowan; and Jim’s sister Joyce Walker and nephews Bill Walker and Rich Walker. Donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic Health System, Austin Hospice, 100 First Drive NW, Austin, Minn. 55912.

Longer Hours & More Convenience at Glenwood Springs and Rifle clinics Scheduled appointments available through 6 pm Glenwood Springs every Monday and Wednesday Rifle every Tuesday and Thursday with dental every Thursday 970-945-2040 • Glenwood Springs/Basalt/Rifle

Below, Colton Scott

Only Brush the Ones You Want to Keep!


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 7

Golden Age Games hosts bowling tournament The Grand Junction Veteran’s Golden Age Games team will be hosting a team format bowling tournament in honor of our late friend and team member Asa Farrington. Asa was an avid sportsman, loved fishing and participated in many of the Grand Junction V.A. recreational events as a member of the Golden Age Games team. Asa was a U.S. Navy veteran. He also had a long career as an engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation. The tournament will take place at the Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Rd. in Grand Junction on March 9. Bowling begins at 3 p.m. The entry fee is $250 per team. This is a team format scratch competition. There is a 20 percent payback in cash prizes for first, second and third place. There is a 40 team limit. The entry deadline is March 1. The funds raised will assist the 2013 Grand Junction V.A. Golden Age Games team to travel to the national games in Buffalo, N.Y. in May. All funds will be used for transportation and housing of the team members. The Golden Age Games is a national event, the only national multi-event sports and recreation seniors’ competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with wide ranges of abilities and disabilities. For information and to register your team, call Nancy at 640-1356 or David at 234-1497. – Sue Chapman, Grand Junction Veteran’s Golden Age Games

S P O R T S

&

R E C

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

Challenger British Soccer Camp returns in 2013 By Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Executive Director Mary Anderson

Current programs: • Youth boys basketball teams for grades 3-6 are full. Please sign up for next season. • Youth wrestling begins on March 4. Sign up by Feb. 22. Registration fee is $75, singlet deposit $50. The first tournament will be on March 31. • The Sunlight Winter Sports Buses cost $15 per person for rides to and from Sunlight for the season. All passengers must have a reservation and a signed registration form to ride the bus. For reservations, call Rifle Recreation at 665-6570, rifleco.org or register at the Rifle Parks and Recreation office, 202 Railroad Ave., Rifle.

This summer: • The Second Annual Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp returns this summer. There were more than 60 participants last year. The camp runs Aug. 5-9. For more information, visit challengersports.com or call Eric at 285-0388.

The recreation district’s five-member board of directors holds meetings on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the district office, 259 Cardinal Way. The board members are elected biannually by the members of the community. Current board members are Jason Fletcher, Denise Gallegos, Ron Palmer, Michael Richards and Marilyn Bulger.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementmesaparkandrec.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.

Soccer Camp 2012

Sponsored by

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District 285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"


Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

Chamber News Ribbon Cuttings – Wednesday, January 23, 2013 by the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

WHY SHOP LOCALLY?

Ellen DeKam gives Paul Schultz trim with her . aspecial sissors From left, Chamber President Paul Schultz, Nancy Jay, Fifty Shadz Salon owner Ellen DeKam, stylist Angie Ellsworth, Sue McKinstry, Michelle Foster and Marylee Mohrlang. Not pictured: Bruce Hoggan

FIFTY SHADZ SALON (formerly Luigi’s Hair & Nail Salon) is located at 101 South Cardinal Way in Parachute. Fifty Shadz is a full-service salon. Services include haircuts, perms, color and multi-color foils, extensions, spa pedicures, nail enhancements, manicures, tanning, salon-quality hair products, purses and wallets. Call Ellen and Angie for an appointment at 285-6664 (shop) or 270-4406 (cell). The large signs that decorate the salon’s windows were designed and made by Gabe Brubacher.

From left, Bruce Hoggan, Paul Schultz, Jane Chapman, Mary Jane Wahlman, Marylee Mohrlang, Michelle Foster and Sue McKinstry. Photos courtesy of Anne Huber

BODACIOUS BITES opened September 2012 in the Saddleback Shopping Center on Tamarisk Trail. Mary Jane Wahlman and Jane Chapman are the owners. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Their services include breakfast, lunch, catering and special event dinners. Eat in or carry out. Call Jane or Mary Jane at 285-0117.

According to the websites buylocalrogue.org and localfirstchicago.org, customer service at local businesses is better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. In a local business, you know the person behind the counter and they know you. They have a deep understanding of the products they’re selling and they take time to serve their customers. – Anne Huber, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Shop locally and support your local chamber businesses! parachutecolorado.com The next general membership meeting is Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse.

PARACHUTE RADIO SHACK 316 E 1st street next to Napa Auto Parts M-F 9 am – 6 pm and Sat 9am -4 pm

970-285-2111

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

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

See information about the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet and Fund Raising Auction on next page


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 9

Grand Valley Fire Protection District

GRAND VALLEY RECREATION CENTER GVRC CAN BE A PART OF YOUR 2013 FITNESS GOALS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER or sign up for a weight room safety class TIFFANY CHAPMAN – 970 234 6867 • TOM MOHER – 625-2847 Ongoing Classes – Join Anytime – Zumba, Cardio Sculpt, Total Body Fitness, Taekwon Do, Tiger Kung Fu, Indoor Cycling, Water Aerobics & Yoga New Morning Classes for Indoor Cycling, Cardio Sculpt Lite & Introduction to Taekwon Do For hours, class schedule and prices call 285-9480 or check the website:

www.gvrc.net Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District oversees the operations of the water and wastewater plants and also owns Grand Valley Recreation Center. The BMMD website has valuable information about all district operations, district management, documents and employment. The BMMD Board of Directors meetings are held at the district office; 401 Arroyo Drive (across from the Recreation Center) on the 4th Thursday of each month at 9 AM. November and December meetings are the 3rd Thursday. Meetings are open to the public.

Get help changing your smoke detector batteries By Rob Ferguson, Grand Valley Fire Protection District deputy fire chief If you should have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at gvfpdops@sopris.net. For the month of January 2013 the fire district responded to 44 calls for service. (January 2012 was 50 calls): 12 fire incidents 1 structure fire 3 fire alarms 2 brush fires/fire outside/trash/rubbish 2 hazardous materials 30 emergency medical calls 4 vehicle crashes 2 public assists 0 dispatched and cancelled enroute

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

Training hours per crew 46.25 Green Crew • 38.75 Black crew • 23 Red Crew

www.bmmetrodistrict.com The district is approving burn permits at this time until Memorial Day as long as weather and conditions are safe to have open burning. Residents should be aware that the district will not be conducting any prescribed burns this year. This is from problems last year throughout the state with prescribed burns getting out of control. The district has started a smoke detector battery program. If you are unable to buy a battery or you simply could use some help changing out the battery in your current smoke detector, give the fire district a call. We will come out and replace your old or dead battery with a new one. Make sure your smoke detector is clean and has a good battery in it. You should be testing your detector monthly and replacing batteries every six months. If your smoke detector is making short chirping sounds that usually means the battery needs to be replaced. Remember if you have a question you can always call the fire district office and we will be more than glad to help you.

970-285-9050 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Treating Adults & Children Specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

NOW SERVING PARACHUTE & BATTLEMENT MESA Brian J. Burton DMD,MS Affordable monthly plans available Most Insurance and credit cards accepted

• Complimentary initial exam • Clear or metal traditional braces • Surgical cases • Invisalign • Temporary Orthodontic Implants • Damon Orthodontist system 970-243-6455 225 Callahan Avenue • Parachute, Colorado

Join us for the Annual Awards Banquet and Fund Raising Auction for the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber of Commerce

• Mardi Gras Theme • Saturday, March 16, 2013 • Grand Valley Recreation Center • 5 PM – 9:30 PM • Good Food – Cash Bar Tickets are $35/pp and are on sale at Alpine Bank and Grand Valley Recreation Center The banquet will include dinner, cash bar provided by the Arroyo Saloon; silent and live auction; Community Service Awards for ‘large business’, ‘small business’, ‘volunteer’ and ‘service association’ of the year


Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

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News from Bea Underwood Elementary By Bea Underwood Elementary Principal Kathy Keeling

Terrific Kids for January 2013 The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood Elementary School’s Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.

We have just completed the winter session of Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing. The teachers will help students set goals for themselves based on their NWEA scores and classroom assessments. I would like to say thank you to the Kiwanis members for their support of the students at Bea Underwood Elementary. The Kiwanis members have sponsored a snowshoe trip for the fourth grade as well as sponsoring our Terrific Kids and providing a sledding field trip for these students. Thank you for providing incentives and activities that are both fun and educational for the students. On Feb. 27-28, the 3rd grade students will be taking the reading Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) assessment. TCAP for the 4th-5th grade students will be in March, and there will be additional testing for 3rd grade at that time. Below are some tips to help your child to be successful on this test. Physical preparation: • Make sure you child is staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. • Set an appropriate bedtime so your child is well rested. Children who are not rested are less likely to be able to concentrate and may become easily frustrated. • Provide a nourishing breakfast or students may eat breakfast at school.

Bea Underwood Elementary School January’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Bill Coehlo (Kiwanis representative), Emily DeKam, Parko Franco, Kasey Davis, Raeanna Humphrey, Dom Harrison and Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative); second row, Tabitha Call, Keaton Jansen, Hannah Frink and Logan Wingfield; third row, Sierra Albright, Allison Chartier, Brayden Harper and Chase Dooley; fourth row, Kathy Keeling (BUE principal), Ryley Sacket and Carlos DeLaCruz. Not pictured: Natalia Chavez.

Congratulations to all of March’s Terrific Kids!

• Please plan ahead so students are not absent with medical appointments during the testing dates. Testing strategies: • Remind your child to read the directions carefully. • Encourage your child to read all answer choices before choosing an answer. • Focus on one question at a time rather than thinking about the whole test. • Eliminate any answers that you know are wrong, and then consider only those that might be right. • If your child is unsure of an answer, skip the question and go on rather than spending a lot of time trying to figure it out. • If your child has extra time at the end of the test, remind them that they should go back to complete any unanswered questions and then check all other answers.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 11

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Grand Valley Middle School News

Grand Valley Middle School Star Anthony Reza By Lionel Pena, GVMS I’d like to tell you about the life of Anthony Reza. He was born in Grand Junction on Sept. 16, 1998. He is very athletic but mainly he plays and trains for football. His position is tight end. He made three touchdowns last season for our team. Anthony has a sister at Grand Valley Middle School. Her name is Estrella. Anthony’s favorite subject in school is math. His teacher is Ms. Loesch, and he says he’s learning a lot from her this year. Outside of school, Anthony’s favorite type of food is Mexican food. Mostly he likes tacos. Especially Taco Bell tacos. His nationality is Mexican-American. He looks forward to playing football in high school at GVHS.

Judgments By Codi Clark, GVMS My name is Codi. My main worry as a GVMS student is the judgment people place on others. I am 14 and I’ve been judged by my actions all my life. I don’t want the same for my little brother who is now 7. I got pulled out of school because of judgment on people, then the residents around here started judging me too, it’s hard to sit there and be judged all the time. When kids are judged they tend to get in more trouble because they aren’t getting the attention they need, they’re just sitting there being judged. Judging people doesn’t make you look any better; it actually makes you look worse. You aren’t any better than us kids that are getting judged, we just need guidance. I started to get the love and attention I needed and now I am back in school, passing with decent grades, staying out of trouble and I’m choosing my battles not taking on every single thing that comes at me. I’m not a diamond and no one is but, it’s the effort I put towards being a better person. I have my friends sticking by my side through thick and thin. They’re helping me with my actions. I also have my mother who helps me alot. Kids just need people by their side that will help them as much as possible. This is probably a weird article to read but I think someone that has been through this type of thing should be someone to stand up and speak out for those others that are going through the same. Thanks for reading and listening to me and understanding where I come from.

Changes By Harmony Willms, GVMS There are a lot of things in our school that I would like to see change. I have chosen to interview a new student. His name is Levi Nolan. I have asked him about 10 questions about his new school year. The first question that was “How is the school year different from last year?” His response was “There are more people around in the hallways in school and sometimes that can be a challenge.” The second question was “What is one benefit from the new school year?” His answer was “Switching classes and not having to sit there all day. The way the new system is set up its way better.” The third question was “What is one bad thing from the new school year?” He said “The lunches are the one bad thing from this new school year”. I thought these were all great answers. I agree with a lot of his answers but I also disagree with some of them. In my eyes 6th grade was my year to get to know the school and everything was scary. It was also hard for me to get around from class to class. The only change between my school year and his school year is we changed classes all day. We only spent about an hour in one class then we switched. There are a lot of different things about this new school; like our classes, and they are so different. We are in one class for about two hours and 45 minutes, and then we go to lunch. As soon we get back from lunch, we go to another class and as soon as we spend almost three hours in that class, then we go to our final class. Then we are for done for the day. That is how our classes go this new school year. In my eyes, there are a lot of things that our school could change. Like the classes mixed together. I really dislike that we have mixed grades. That sets back classes like band and others where we have material that we have to learn over again. There are also a some of the assignments that the lower grades don’t get to have that we did which I enjoyed. The school year has changed and the weeks have changed and it’s a lot to have to adapt to. There is also a change in the lunches. They are divided differently. In my eyes, that wasn't the best idea because it’s our social time and now that we are separated by last names, we might not always have our friends in that lunch and last year we did. That is where I stand on the changes in the new school year.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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


Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

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Grand Valley High School News Most Improved Student: Triston LeMon By Tarianna Lawrence, GVHS Congratulations to sophomore Triston LaMon for earning Most Improved Student for the month of December. Why do you think you earned this award? What did you change? Triston: “Well, I started to really focus and do my homework.” What activities are you involved in? Triston: “I’m involved in theater.” What do you plan on doing in the future? Triston: “I plan on going to college to become a firefighter.” What separates you from everyone else? Triston: “My style and music interest definitely makes me unique.” Who is your hero? Triston: “Mitch Lucker is my hero by far.” Triston, keep striving to be the best you can be. You will be a terrific firefighter someday. Good luck in your future and make the best out of the next few years you have left at Grand Valley High School. Winterfest royalty members Korrie Hurt, Jonathan Marbas,

Paul Gonzalez and Nelys Gonzalez were crowned during halftime at the boy’s basketball game. Photo courtesy of GVHS

It’s time to get crowned

December Student of the Month Kyra Chenoweth By Jordan Scott, GVHS At Grand Valley High School the students take great pride in their character, both in class and among the community. The Student of the Month is chosen to honor the students who excel academically and have created honorable reputations for themselves. December’s student of the month is sophomore Kyra Chenoweth. Kyra is actively involved in her school and community, participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer, FCA, and Key Club. When asked how she felt about receiving this award she replied, “It’s a great feeling to be recognized as Student of the Month, I plan to keep working hard and representing Grand Valley High School.” Her positive attitude combined with an admirable work ethic leaves no room to doubt Kyra will continue to achieve great things. Congratulations to Kyra Chenoweth on her selection as Student of the Month for December, keep up the good work.

December Spotlight: Trenton Hagerty By Ashlynn Speakman, GVHS Trenton Hagerty was chosen as Student of the Month for December. Trenton said, “What makes me Student of the Month is that I am hardworking, involved in school, and I have a positive influence on the people around me.” Trenton is involved in activities outside of school such as basketball and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.. Striving to be great in December, Trenton is also striving for his future. When asked about his future goals he replied, “My future goals are to go to college and either get a degree in business and become a personal trainer, or study oil field engineering.” Demonstrating excellence as an all around individual, Trenton Hagerty was a well deserved person for this reward.

By Tanner Zimmerman, GVHS

Congratulations to the Winterfest 2013 royalty. The honorees were seniors Paul Gonzalez and Nelys Gonzalez, juniors Cara Young and Miguel Valles, sophomores Korrie Hurt and Johnathan Marbas, and freshmen Braeden Paskett and Litah Campbell. Nominees for royalty were chosen based on the following criteria: • Academic Success – Strives for good content and responsibility grades • A GPA of at least 3.0 • School Involvement in a variety of activities, not necessarily sports • Character – a student who makes you proud as a staff member Students who were selected as both nominees and official royalty really do exemplify the Cardinal Rule. These are the students who really stand out among the other students. Sophomore Korrie Hurt says, “I am a very hard working student, I focus in class to get everything done, and the dance was a good break from everything.” We are very proud of our students here at Grand Valley High School that are determined to succeed. Congratulations, keep up the hard work.

Alternative Student of the Month Hannah Bohler By Shannia Burns, GVHS You hear all the time about the Student of the Month, or the Most Improved, however this article is to honor the Alternative Student of the Month Hannah Bohler. Alternative Student of the Month focuses solely on the students who attend the alternative school. Hannah won the award based on her self-directed progress through her school assignments. When asked what it felt like to win this award Hannah replied, smiling brightly, “Good! I’m proud of myself. It took me a bit off guard, I wasn’t expecting it. I don’t think I even knew there was an award.” Hannah felt that she earned this award “because I worked hard and diligently.” Some of her hobbies include doing crafts of any kind. When asked what she sees for her future she stated, “I see many accomplishments, opportunities, and adventures in my future.” Grand Valley was honored to give Hannah the award, good job Hannah.

It’s not over ‘til it’s over By Haley Johnson, GVHS It’s game day and all anyone can think of is what lies ahead. The athletes are in their game zone and have prepared for this night for days. Their music is playing, their adrenaline is pumping; this is their moment, their time to shine, their time to prove that what they do in high school will mean something more to them in the future. They are ready. Having been faced with multiple injuries, the Grand Valley Boys’ Basketball team doesn’t have the record they want, but has fought hard to compete in every game this season. Although their record doesn’t show it, their fight, their strength and no-quit attitude has made them a force to be reckoned with. Coach Scott Parker has never stopped believing in what they can accomplish and often says that, “There’s been a ton of changes this year for the better, and although we still have a ton of room to improve, we have made huge strides already this season.” On the other side of spectrum, the Grand Valley Girls’ Basketball team has a record to be proud of. Although facing adversity can sometimes be the best thing for a team, the only thing stopping them from making it to the final 8 is themselves. Coach Mike Johnson stated, “We have high expectations for the season, it has gone well, but being faced with adversity, teams can either break or rise to the occasion. We will see where we fall.” Because it’s not over until it’s over, no team has been defeated unless the final buzzer goes off and the last shot goes up. Both teams still have the ball in their court; it’s up to them what they do with it.


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 13

Battlement Mesa Service Association

Why people choose Battlement Mesa By Keith Lammey, Battlement Mesa Service Association Anyone who has spent time talking with our residents understands that the vast majority of Battlement Mesa’s population didn’t grow up here. In fact, many of our residents came from areas outside of Colorado. Most Battlement Mesa residents have chosen to live here. Newcomers and longtime residents will both tell you more than one factor attracted them to Battlement Mesa. It would be fascinating to compile all of the reasons why people move to Battlement Mesa. If we had such a list, it would accurately define Battlement Mesa’s strengths. Our community leaders should take actions that build upon Battlement Mesa’s appeal and eliminate or diminish the factors that discourage people from moving to or staying here. Yes, there are many things that we cannot change, but there are just as many things that we can change. One of the things that we can change is what marketing firms call branding. We need to project a consistent and positive image or brand in ways that communicate our community’s strengths. Although you may not have noticed, the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) has been working on our brand. Our first step was to refresh our logo and to consistently use The Colorado Dream tagline on our signage, written correspondence and online communication. You’ve all seen it: Battlement Mesa – The Colorado Dream. Our re-branding efforts began in 2011 when the board first dedicated funds to projects to improve communication within the community and to create greater awareness of what Battlement Mesa has to offer. We replaced our out-dated website with a new, more robust website, battlementmesacolorado.com, which came online in December of last year and has seen enormous growth in the number and frequency of visits. During January, there were 1,185,482 hits on the site. We also track page views and visits. In January the site had 32,232 page views and 11,147 visits. It is interesting to note that many of these visits are from outside of Colorado. We also are publishing a monthly online newsletter that can be delivered to your e-mail inbox. Although the newsletter hasn’t enjoyed the phenomenal growth of the website, it seems to be enjoyed by many as indicated by the fact that the newsletter’s open rate and click-through rate is about double our industry’s open and click through rate averages. In addition to our e-newsletter, we have also created and printed the “Insiders’ Guide” that explains some of the history of the area and provides insight into our business community and some of what our community has to offer. The “2013 Insiders’ Guide” will be published and distributed early this summer. The BMSA’s Public and Community Relations Committee partnered with volunteers from Parachute and the Northwest Colorado Cultural Heritage Tourism group to create and produce a rack card, often seen in hotels that promote various attractions to visitors or tourists, promoting Battlement Mesa and Parachute. In addition to being available locally, our rack card is distributed throughout all of northwest Colorado. As a community we may not know all that we need to know about why people choose to live in Battlement Mesa but the BMSA’s board of directors understands that we need to build our brand and to continue our efforts to strengthen Battlement Mesa’s image and appeal. Additionally we also need to invest in and expand our strengths. More on that next month.

Mesa Vista News

Happy birthday, ladies Mesa Vista residents enjoyed the Super Bowl and party for the occasion. We were invited to a movie night at the home of Dr. H (our local dentist) and his family on Feb. 8. Hot buttered popcorn, good friends and a movie are always special treats. The Hoggan family has been good friends to Mesa Vista residents. Feb. 19 Charlotte White will be hosting Good Ole Days at 10 a.m. and on Feb. 20 we will be venturing out to Grand Junction for lunch and shopping for the day. Celebrating February birthdays are Betty Henson, Feb. 3, Opal Ellsbury, Feb. 22, and Fern Brethower on Feb. 27. Happy birthday, ladies! The residents of Mesa Vista hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! - Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista

Seniors Brief Senior Center gives seniors their own library

The Valley Senior Center, located at 540 N. Parachute Ave., gives seniors access to many reading options. The recently remodeled Put-and-Take Library is in an attractive, spacious room lined with shelves overflowing with donated books. All of the books are available for borrowing on the honor system. There are no sign-out forms or dates for returning the books. Fiction and nonfiction books are mixed together on the shelves, with a large selection of mystery, western and romance books. In addition to books, donated magazines of all types may be borrowed like the books. Seniors can visit the library before or after the Wednesday lunch to pick out books or magazines. Library goers need not be a member of the center to take advantage of the library. Call 285-7216 between 9 a.m. and noon on Mondays to register for the Wednesday lunch. The cost for lunch is $2.50. – Mitzi Burkhart, Valley Senior Center

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


Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

Nature at Home and Afield By Betsy Leonard

The importance of indoor air quality, Part Two

All of us face risks to our health as we go about our dayto-day lives. Some risks are unavoidable, like driving a car or engaging in recreational activities, but fortunately, indoor air pollution is one risk we can do something about. As was mentioned in last month’s column, there are many sources of indoor air pollution in our homes including combustion sources, building materials, cleaning and maintenance products, personal care or hobbies, central heating and cooling systems, and outdoor sources such as radon and pesticides. Health effects from indoor air pollution may be experienced soon after exposure, or possibly, even years later. Immediate effects may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also be exacerbated by indoor pollutants. The likelihood of a reaction depends on the age of the person and certain preexisting medical conditions, among other influences. Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans. Environmental asthma triggers are found around the home and can be eliminated by taking simple steps: • Don’t allow smoking in your home or car. • Dust and clean your home regularly. • Clean up mold and fix water leaks. • Wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water. • Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers. • Keep pets out of the bedroom and off soft furniture. • Control pests – close up cracks and crevices and seal leaks; don’t leave food out. Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that is odorless, tasteless, colorless and radioactive and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gas can enter your home through cracks and openings in floors and walls in contact with the ground. Radon is a heavy gas and will tend to accumulate at the floor level. You can test your home with simple do-it-yourself radon kits. The kit should be state-certified or display the phrase, “Meets EPA Requirements.” And during the month of February, free radon test kits are available for all Garfield County residents through Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER). See the brief in this month’s Echo on page 3. Ask your builder about including radon-reducing features in your new home at the time of construction or remodel. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and are emitted by a wide variety of products used in homes. Common sources for VOCs include paints and lacquers, paint strippers, varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. VOCs can be released from products as they are used and while they are stored. VOC precautioins: Read and follow all directions and warnings on common household products. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air and ventilation (e.g. open windows and extra fans) when painting, remodeling, or using other similar products. Never mix products, such as household cleaners unless directed to do so on the label. Store household products that contain chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep all products away from children. Carbon monoxide causes headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue, and high levels can be fatal. Nitrogen dioxide causes eyes, nose and throat irritation, impairs lung function, and increases respiratory infections. Sources of combustion products include unvented fossil-fuel (oil, kerosene) heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, leaking chimneys, tobacco products, and back-drafting and malfunctioning furnaces and water heaters. All potential sources should be vented to the outside of the building. Install carbon monoxide monitors in homes where there are fossil-fuel burning appliances. Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors for cooking or heating. Lastly, never use a gasoline-powered generator indoors. The most important strategy for reducing indoor air pollution is to eliminate or reduce the sources of contaminants. Given that the majority of the air we breathe is coming from our indoor environment, it is important that we consider our indoor air quality for our own and our family’s health. Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.

Colorado likely to renew discussions about reintroduction of wolverines By Will Roush, Wilderness Workshop The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have recently proposed designating the entire southern Rocky Mountains as an experimental population area for wolverines. This Wolverines may soon receive protection throughout the announcement comes southern Rocky Mountains. Photo by Cameron Miller alongside the proposed decision to protect wolverines in the lower 48 states as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, citing the threats posed to their habitat by climate change. By limiting the protections afforded by the act for wolverines and their habitat, the experimental nonessential designation makes broad support for a reintroduction of wolverines in the southern Rockies region much more likely. “One of the most important things that we can do to ensure the survival of wolverines in the West in the face of climate change is to get them back on the ground in Colorado,” said Megan Mueller, senior conservation biologist with Rocky Mountain Wild, a Denver-based conservation organization. Though they look somewhat like a bear cub, wolverines are a rare, wideranging member of the weasel family with no relationship, either in behavior or ecology, to wolves or bears. Wolverines birth their young in dens dug deep into the snow in mid-February and need that snow to remain in place through mid-spring, when kits are weaned and can safely travel on their own. The well-being of wolverines is threatened as climate change decreases snowpack and causes snow to start melting earlier in the year in North America. The species historically lived in the remote, high-elevation areas of Colorado until the early 1900s when they are thought to have been eliminated from the region by poisoning and trapping. In the spring of 2009, researchers in northwest Wyoming tracked M56, a lone male wolverine, as he traveled 500 miles from near Grand Teton National Park into north central Colorado. He is thought to be the region’s first wolverine in more than 90 years. In 2010, with M56 continuing to make his home in Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials began conversations with interested stakeholders about a wolverine reintroduction program, just months before FWS placed wolverines on the candidate list for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Wolverine habitat, in general, is at high elevation in rugged mountain terrain so there is naturally a low degree of overlap with many human uses. Much of the wolverine habitat in Colorado is already protected as wilderness and roadless areas, so potentially reintroduced wolverines could thrive even with limited protections under an experimental nonessential designation. “Overall, federal protections will be a boon for wolverines across the lower forty-eight,” said Kylie Paul, Rockies and Plains representative for Defenders of Wildlife. “Creating an experimental designation is a step forward that may help get wolverines on the ground in the southern Rockies and on the road to recovery.” To learn more about wolverines one can view, online, the NATURE documentary film titled Wolverine: Chasing the Phantom at pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/wolverine-chasing-the-phantom/fullepisode/6078/ or visit The Wolverine Foundation at http://www.wolverinefoundation.org/. The Wilderness Workshop is hosting Eric Odell of Colorado Parks and Wildlife on March 13 and 14 for a presentation titled, "Can Colorado Contribute to Wolverine Conservation in the Face of Climate Change?" This will be great opportunity for the public to learn more about wolverines and whether reintroduction could occur in Colorado. Conatct 963-3977, info@wildernessworkshop.org, wildnernessworkshop.org for more information.


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 15

Dispelling common myths about the flu By Ann Galloway, NP-C, Grand River Student Health Center

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SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823 WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

Rifle - 970-625-1467 • Eagle - 970-328-7788

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. The flu affects the nose, throat and lungs and can cause mild to severe illness and even death. It is passed from person to person via droplets; when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks, the flu virus leaves their body and can infect another person who breathes that air. While this year's flu season started early for most of the country and is on the wane in the eastern part of the nation, it is just starting to peak here in Colorado. And for those of you who may have been hibernating since Christmas, the flu has arrived in Garfield County. Here are seven common myths about the flu that need to be dispelled, according to Gregory Poland, MD, a Mayo Clinic infectious disease expert. Myth Number 1: The seasonal flu vaccines can give a person the flu. This is the most common untrue myth. The flu shot is made of inactivated flu proteins and it cannot cause the flu. The flu nasal mist vaccine has weakened live flu viruses that cannot multiply or cause disease. Myth Number 2: Healthy people do not need to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. Not true. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all individuals age 6 months and older be vaccinated. This includes pregnant women. The only groups who should NOT receive the flu vaccine are those who have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine before, have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs, or anyone with a past history of Guillian-Barré Syndrome as a result of receiving the vaccine. Myth Number 3: It is too late to receive the flu vaccine. It is best to get the flu vaccine before flu season begins because it takes one to two weeks to build up immunity. However, it is never too late to receive the flu vaccine. Even if you have had the flu, you should get the vaccine to protect against other strains of the flu. Myth Number 4: Getting the flu vaccine is all that is needed to prevent the flu. Wrong. There are several other things you can do to prevent catching the flu. Frequent hand washing, getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and avoiding people who are sick are all ways to avoid catching the flu. Myth Number 5: Seasonal flu is harmless; just like a bad cold. On average, 40,000 people die of influenza and its complications every year. More than 250,000 people are hospitalized each year with influenza and its complications. Myth Number 6: Stomach flu is a form of influenza. Not true. Gastrointestinal viruses cause the “stomach flu” but these have no connection to the influenza viruses. If you have vomiting and diarrhea without fever and body aches you probably have a gastrointestinal virus but not the flu. Myth Number 7: There is no treatment for the flu. Actually there are two antiviral medications that are effective against the flu. Tamiflu is a pill and Relenza is an inhaled medication. Neither will cure the flu but they can reduce the symptoms and length of the illness and make you less contagious to others.The drugs are most effective if they are taken within 48 hours of the first symptom. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and since viruses cause influenza, these medications will not help treat the flu. The CDC recommends staying home and avoiding other people if you do get the flu. It is important to drink lots of fluids and take medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for the fever and body aches. Seek medical attention if you develop breathing difficulties, inability to drink fluids, confusion or severe irritability, not interacting with others, fever with a rash, or if your symptoms get better and then return with a fever and worse cough. You should not return to work or school until you have been fever free for 24 hours.

Ann Galloway is a certified nurse practitioner who works at the Grand River Student Health Center in Parachute.


Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

GRAND VALLEY ENERGY

Echo Briefs

A monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA

New energy company to hold community meeting March 5

Tanning oil: Oil and gas touches so many lives

With our temperatures hovering around zero for so long, many of us have been looking to get away to exotic places, such as Aruba and Curacao. We long for the vast beaches and the fun in the sun that comes along with their weather. If you were to ever visit one of these islands, you may find that refining oil that comes from Venezuela drives part of their economy. Before there was even a twinkle of the cruise ship’s lights breaking the horizon, companies, such as Shell built refineries on these islands. This bolstered some very thin economies, particularly on Aruba. Aruba did not have any ability to grow any agricultural products so the money and jobs that the oil industry brought were very welcome. If you were to talk with the local folks, you may find that they are comfortable with blending the oil industry into their daily lives. For the most part, any visitors to the island are oblivious to the plants and are able to fully enjoy the beauty of the islands. Today, the economies of these islands are primarily tourism, but they always have a back-up plan that can sustain them through slow times in the form of the oil industry. The governments and residents have found a way to blend these two extremely diverse economies together without a blip on the radar. Perhaps we need to study some of these exotic places to find the right ingredients to blend industries here. So slather that tanning oil on and know just a few miles away the “other” oil industry is helping keep the economy thriving.

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and an accredited petroleum accountant She has been nationally recognized as an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the naro-us.org website or through the Echo.

Calendar

continued from page 4

Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in.

• Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Celebrate recovery from alcohol & drug addiction downstairs at the Crown Peak Baptist Church, 101 W. Battlement Pkwy, Parachute. All denominations welcome. Call 285-0217.

• The first Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m., the Energy Advisory Board meets to encourage positive communication and responsible energy development at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., Rifle. For topics, more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisoryboard.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

• The second Thursday of every month, One Moment meets, which is a support group for bereaved parents who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or early infant loss. Meetings are led by Marcia Villarreal and Amanda Emerson-Burger at the Glenwood Insurance Agency, 1605 Grand Ave., Glenwood, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 963-7110, 379-5387.

• 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.

Ursa Operating Company LLC has recently purchased certain Garfield County assets of Antero Resources. Members of the Garfield County community are invited to a ‘meet and greet’ hosted by Ursa on March 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Station #1 (Battlement Mesa Firehouse), located at 124 Stone Quarry Rd. in Battlement Mesa. In addition, Ursa will host a second ‘meet and greet’ on March 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1535 River Frontage Rd. in Silt. This is an opportunity for the community to meet and ask questions of some members of Ursa’s team and for Ursa’s team to meet the community and share its current plans of development with the community. – Don Simpson, Ursa Operating Company LLC

Garfield County will be closed for President’s Day All Garfield County administrative offices of elected officials and departments will be closed on Feb. 18 for President’s Day. The Garfield County Landfill will also be closed. Offices serving the community in emergency or 24-hour capacity will remain open, such as the Sheriff's Office, the Coroner’s Office, and Criminal Justice Services. The Garfield County Regional Airport will be open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport's administrative offices will be closed. Information on county meetings and services is always available online at garfield-county.com. -Ranelle Lott, Garfield County


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 17

FA I T H

As I See It A tale of two towns

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

By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church Like many of you, I was glued to the media reports about the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. While recently reading about Newtown, I came across another village with the same name, Nowa Huta (“New Town”) in Poland. These two towns with the same name have contrasting stories filled with lessons for any community such as ours. Charles Dickens, in his classic novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” wrote these famous lines which could also be said of the two towns I want us to take a closer look at, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair...”. Nowa Huta was built by Stalin in 1949 to showcase communism. Wanting to show the world what he thought his ideology could promise, Stalin poured billions of dollars into its new steel factory, broad streets, bars, parks and theaters. No churches were planned as God was not believed in or needed. Laws were strictly enforced to assure that all had full opportunity to enjoy what the government determined was equality for everyone. All lived in the same type of apartments and all had equal access to recreation. No class struggle would be allowed, believing that a utopia of goodwill would result. They wanted to produce what Lenin called “an entirely new type of human being” – the new Soviet man. Nowa Huta is now considered a case study on the failure of communism. In the beginning, the city quickly drew 200,000 residents, but soon it began to deteriorate; it became one of the hotbeds for the Solidarity movement. By the end of just three decades, its citizens tore down the statue of Lenin and renamed their streets after religious leaders, and their central park after an American president. Newtown, Conn., on the other hand, was established in 1708 by a group of farmers who were second and third generation immigrants from England, who wanted to raise their families in health, safety and for the glory of God. They planned and built their town on the acres of land they had purchased three years earlier from the Pootatuck Indians. The Newtown meeting house and the Congregational church place of worship were one and the same. The town survived many struggles through its three centuries. The diversity of its people has strengthened the town’s resolves of freedom and compassion. Words cannot begin to express the shock of the 28,000 citizens of Newtown as they experienced the horror of this past December. There had not been anything like it in all of the town’s history. The families, neighbors and friends of Newtown are getting through it the best way any who are crushed in spirit can. They have been weeping, holding each other, walking together, expressing their grief, sitting silently at times, praying to God and a host of other things to get them temporarily past the moments of pain that come like tsunami waves. Newtown was not designed as a showcase as Nowa Huta was, but they have become an inspiration to the Continued on page 19

Grace Bible Church

Group twice a month at 7:00 p.m.

0755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa, CO 81636 285-9862

Our church has been active in serving the area for 122 years! Come Join Us This Sunday!

Charlie Hornick, Pastor Jed Johnston, Family Life Pastor Chasity McGillivray, GBC Child Care Director Jonathan & Bethany Koehn, Ministry in Spanish Stephen & Amanda Chapman, Church Planting

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: 11:00 a.m. Choir: 9:30 a.m. Children's Sunday School: 11-11:30 WOW: Worship On Wednesday Eucharist: 6 p.m. Repast 6:30 p.m. Study: 7 p.m.

Sunday Blessing Up for Church Broadcast 8:00am 103.9 FM Sunday School: 9:30-10:15am Morning Worship: 10:30am Youth / Children’s Activities Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri. Boy Scouts – Call for days/time Awana: Wednesdays 6:30pm (Sept. – April) Middle & High School Youth (Call for times) Boy Scout Troop # 255 – Mondays at 6:00pm *Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places) Email: pastorch@grace-bible-church.com Website: www.grace-bible-church.com 24-Hour Prayer Line: 256-4693 •••

•••

Grand Valley Christian Church

Crown Peak Baptist Church

Second Street & Parachute Avenue Parachute

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.

Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080 e-mail: office@mygvcc.info Church Office 285-7597 Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. •••

Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-9892 grandvalleyumc.qwestnetoffice.com grandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net 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. 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

•••

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) (A member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) We worship on the St. John Community Center Campus (just off of Stone Quarry Road) at 10:00 am on Sunday Mornings and at 7:00 pm on Wednesday Evenings. Everyone Welcome! Weekly Schedule: Monday 9:00 am Ladies Bible Class 9:45 am Kids’ Club, pre-school through 2nd Grade 1:00 pm 8th Grade Catechism 2:00 pm 7th Grade Catechism 3:00 pm 3rd through 6th Grade Bible History Tuesday 9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Pause to Praise Radio Program on KSUN 103.9 Wednesday 9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Soup, Sandwiches and Scripture Thursday 9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Leadership Meeting 3rd Thursday of the Month Sunday 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am SIS (Sisters in Service) meets the 3rd Sunday of the Month 3:00 pm Youth Group meets the 2nd Sunday of the Month Pastor Bill Cornelius Pastor’s Cell Phone (970)-987-3093 E-mail shepherdofthemesa@q.com Web site: www.shepherdofthemesa.org •••

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 •••


Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013

Where’s Redstone? Springtime in the home of “The Lion of Redstone” By Sue McEvoy

Whether the spring of 2013 goes out like a lion or not remains to be seen, but Redstone’s history is still steeped in the story of “The Lion of Redstone.” The town’s founder, John Cleveland Osgood was known as “The Lion of Redstone.” He was the sixth wealthiest man in America in 1900, making his fortune in coal and steel here in the West. As just one of the robber barons to make vast John Cleveland Osgood fortunes during the Industrial Age, Osgood built Redstone as a model company town featuring European-styled cottages for workers’ housing, and a Dutch inn, clubhouse, schoolhouse and firehouse. In 1901, two rail systems connected at the site of 200 bricked beehive-shaped coking ovens across the Crystal River from the village. For his own home, Osgood constructed Cleveholm Manor, now known as Redstone Castle. The 42-room mansion featured gold-leaf ceilings, Honduran mahogany paneling, Tiffany fixtures and Stickley wood paneling. Used a hunting lodge, guests included Teddy Roosevelt, Prince Leopold of Belgium and J.D. Rockefeller. Much of Osgood’s Redstone exists today. Portions of the coke ovens have been restored, and the Redstone Inn and 28 of the original cottages are now shops, businesses and homes along Redstone Boulevard. Guided tours of the Redstone Castle are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience as you leave the busy highways and cruise along the West Elks Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. The two-lane road winds along with the Crystal River and is soon surrounded by the towering cliffs of red sandstone that give the town its name.

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

Sleigh Rides Winter Trail Rides Book your winter adventure by calling 963-1144 or (229) 221-4590

For the western adventure of a lifetime… • Hourly or full day trail rides • Carriage or wagon rides • Pack trips to scenic Avalanche Lake • First-class, fully guided or drop camp hunts for elk, bear, mule deer, mountain goat or bighorn sheep

UNDER SPECIAL USE PERMIT FROM USFS OUTFITTER # 2463

Bolling Jones, Owner Randy Melton, Outfitter

970-963-1144

www.redstonestables.com • avalancheoutfitters@gmail.com

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Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Visit redstonecolorado.com for more information. Hope to see you in Redstone!

REDSTONE CASTLE TOURS

For more information and and upcoming events visit:

Saturday, Sunday • 1:30 p.m. (Daily tours start May 14th) Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18 Children under 5: FREE (FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

redstonecolorado.com

Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone, and the Redstone General Store CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us


GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013, Page 19

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS

Echo Briefs

FOR RENT: FOR RENT: Room for Rent. Furnished, private bedroom, with semi private full bath in mobile home for rent. Kitchen privileges included. Non-smoking, No pets. $100 per week. Employed, single female with references required. There is one old indoor cat in this home. 970-201-5690

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. 12-3 pd SERVICES: Laptop or desktop all brand repair. Broken screen? Running slow? Blue or black screen? Virus? We provide SALES, REPAIR, TRADE-IN, OR RECYCLING. We can fix most problems quickly. Free pick-up and delivery. We accept all credit cards. Call Dick at 250-5154 tfn

FOR SALE: FOR SALE: Sony-KF50WE610 50"Grand Wega HD television. Sony-DAVFC7 Dream Sound System and TECH-PTV48 TV stand. Entire package for $425.00. Everything is in fine working order and ready to go. Call 970-285-7867 or 970-261-2083. FOR SALE: Laptops for Less. Giving a computer as a gift or just need one? Order from COMPUTECH today. Dell, HP and Toshiba laptops from $180 and up. Fully loaded with programs and guaranteed! We now accept all credit cards. Call Dick at 250-5154. tfn WANTED: WANTED: Cash for your records. Buying and selling old records 33s, 45s and 78s. Clean out your garage and your storage. Jack's Album Attic 285-0215, jacksalbumattic.com, jacksalbumattic@comcast.net or info@jacksalbumattic.com Helping to keep the music playing. pd 11-3

As I See It continued from page 17 world. Not only have they been dealing with their grief, but they have become advocates for hope and promoters of change. They are making their voices heard, asking us all to do what we can to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. This tale of two towns demonstrates the value of freedom. While evil still manifests itself with ugly, senseless acts for now, the freedom to overcome that evil is a powerful force for good. We were all extremely blessed by 26 children of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Choir as they sang at the opening of the Super Bowl, “America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

Colorado Mountain College trustees decide on interim president In a unanimous vote, the board of trustees of Colorado Mountain College (CMC) voted to appoint Charles Dassance, Ph.D. as interim president of the college. Dassance will oversee the 12-location community college in north-central Colorado while the board seeks and appoints a president for the permanent position. The role of president became available in December upon the resignation of Stan Jensen. During the interim period, the college’s elected trustees will conduct a nationwide search for a long-term candidate. Details of how the search will be conducted are yet to be determined. Dassance was president of the College of Central Florida for 15 years, where he was named president emeritus upon his retirement in 2011. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Virginia. The board also voted on two tuition issues; in support of the Colorado ASSET bill, which would allow undocumented students meeting certain criteria to pay in-state tuition at Colorado’s public colleges and universities and to freeze tuition levels for 2013-14, keeping them at current levels. The college’s current tuition rates are $56 per credit hour for in-district students, $95 for in-state students and $299 for out-of-state students. This year CMC’s full-time, in-district students paid tuition of less than $2,000 for courses toward associate degrees, and in-state students paid less than $3,000. – Debra Crawford, Colorado Mountain College

BLM approves coal lease application in Rio Blanco and Moffat counties The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signed a final decision to offer 3,157 acres of federal coal reserves in Rio Blanco and Moffat counties in a future competitive coal lease sale. Blue Mountain Energy Inc. submitted a Lease by Application for this parcel adjacent to its Deserado Mine, which is seven miles northeast of Rangely and currently employs 164 people. The BLM estimates that this parcel contains 21 million tons of saleable coal. The BLM conducted an environmental assessment that included two opportunities for public comment on the proposed lease. A 30-day appeal period followed the decision. A sealed bid, competitive coal lease sale will be scheduled following the appeal period. The decision and final environmental assessment is available at blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo/index.html. About 90 percent of coal deposits in Colorado occur on public lands. Currently, there are nine producing coal mines, seven underground and two surface operations, encompassing 75,000 acres in the state. In fiscal year 2011, coal energy production on BLM Colorado’s public lands directly contributed $884 million to the economy. – David Boyd, BLM

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

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN

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

Logos • Brochures Advertising Book layout & design

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

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• 963-2373

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


Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February/Mid-March 2013


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