• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •
Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley Volume #3 Number 3
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Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
A year of Echoes As 2010 draws to a close, we look back at some of the stories from the past year See page 11
Scenes from 2010: clockwise from top left, Parachute Visitors Cabin volunteer Fern Stone stands in front of the solar flowers that sprouted up at the Parachute rest area this summer; the Garfield County Sheriff’s Auxiliary free bike rally is always a big hit; Grand Valley High School photographers greeted spring with a colorful Echo cover shot; Ron Bailey captured this Grand Valley winter scene; and gas drilling continued in the area even though it wasn’t as active as previous years.
Echo file photos
Happy Holidays
Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
FROM THE ECHO
G . V. G R AT I T U D E
Are you thankful – and you want everybody to know about it? Please try to keep your gratefulness under 500 words and send to Grand Valley Gratitude, 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623, or email gve@crystalvalleyecho.com.
Grand Valley Educational Foundation appreciates teachers, administrators and citizens
When doing your holiday shopping, remember to support the businesses that support the Echo.
Dear Echo: Members of the Grand Valley Educational Foundation sincerely appreciate the extra effort put forth by Garfield County District No. 16 teachers and administrators in writing grant requests to the foundation to support student scholarships, teacher education enhancement, and funding for school programs. The foundation continues to look forward to providing learning opportunities that are not funded in the district’s regular district budget. The foundation appreciates the continued support of the citizens of the Grand Valley area. BJ Lindaur Grand Valley Educational Foundation
Thanks for contributing to LIFT-UP Dear Echo: Thanks to Kiwanis and all the residents of Parachute and Battlement Mesa who participated in the Oct. 30 LIFT-UP Food Drive. As in previous years, all sections of the community and people of all ages assisted the Grand Valley Kiwanis’ efforts, including the Key Club at Grand Valley High School, the Builders Club at the Grand Valley Middle School, and the faculty, students and staff at St John and Bea Underwood elementary schools. In spite of the population decline, collections were very close to 2007 levels when more than three tons of food were collected. Everyone’s efforts and contributions will help many of our neighbors during the holiday season and during much of the winter. Doug Saxton Parachute
**
Happy Holidays!
**Not valid for Holiday parties.
Thank you to this month’s contributors: All copy submitted to The Grand Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Grand Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication of any submitted material that does not meet the publisher’s standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.
MISSION STATEMENT To provide a voice for local schools, nonprofit groups and civic organizations; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Grand Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life. The Grand Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute. Subscriptions are available for a $25 annual fee.
Tanny McGinnis, Heidi Rice, Betsy Leonard, Travis Sproles, BJ Lindaur, Barbara Barker, Dick Ciprich, Sarah Tahvonen, Bruce Hoggan DDS, LIFT-UP, Bureau of Land Management, Bill Cornelius,
PUBLISHER/DESIGNER ALYSSA OHNMACHT EDITOR CARRIE CLICK ADVERTISING SALES BARBARA PAVLIN
285-7634 DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATION STEVE PAVLIN Dawn Distribution • 963-0874
274 REDSTONE BLVD., REDSTONE, COLORADO 81623 970-963-2373 • gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Mary Anderson, Rebecca Ruland, Emily Hisel, Parachute Branch Library, Jeanne Miles, Brian Berg, Charlie Hornick, Vina Klahn, Dylan Walters, Bubby Beecraft, Amber Greeson, Karsyn Valencia, Matt Donello, Amanda Jablonsky, Lizbet Gonzalez, Diana Connell, M.E. Denomy, Barbara Pavlin, Veronica Duran, Kathy Germano, Keith Lammey, Grand Valley High School, Ron Bailey, Ed Kosmicki, DC Bureau, EPA, Dave Devanney, Mitzi Burkhart, Battlement Mesa Company, Joline Gnatek, Town of Parachute, Dianne Haynes
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 3
G R A N D
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Welding experience gives students head start on work Partnership between CMC, schools imparts technical skills
Shoup’s 6 a.m. class this fall enrolled for a second time, a requirement in order to take a welding certification test all prospective welders must pass before they can work in the field. By CMC public information office Dillon Aaron is an 18-year-old high school graduate now in his second year in the class. He said the Hands-on experience that might help lead to a hardest part is getting proficient in doing a weld so profession is what attracted many Grand Valley High it happens in a pattern, a rhythm. School students to an early morning welding class. “It’s good practice,” Aaron said. “I think the best Eleven students signed up for this fall’s class, experience is by doing things hands-on.” offered through Colorado Mountain College Oscar Diaz is a senior who took the class last (CMC) and Garfield County School District No. 16 year and is interested in making a living as a welder as part of a career and technical education partneror an auto mechanic. ship. The partnership helps to identify career path“It’s good money, good work,” he said. “It’s good ways and better equip high school graduates for the to have the hands-on training because it teaches workforce or college. you better.” Career and technical education provides training in Instructor Jason Shoup, a professional welder specific skills. Most classes focus on job skills training, himself, said he enjoys sharing his skills. with limited general education courses. In addition to “Actually, an instructor at CMC taught me how welding, students can learn skills in the culinary arts, to weld and how to teach,” he said. or train for a career as a certified nurse’s aide or in “The goal of the class is to help students get proearly childhood education. These particular concurficient enough to pass their certification test,” Jason Grand Valley High School students are learning welding in a class rent enrollment classes, in which students can earn offered through CMC and Garfield County School District No. 16. said. “If they do that, they can walk into any shop. both high school and college credit, are part of a new The course is part of a career and technical education partnership, If they pass their test, it’s a huge step towards pilot program through CMC that began in 2010. being hired.” which allows students to earn both high school and college credit. Photo by Ed Kosmicki First-year students are also realizing the benefits Transfer-level courses popular for college and of learning and practicing welding. vocational education Pablo Espino, a senior, said he learned of the class But among recent changes in the state’s concurrent Many Colorado residents are familiar with transfer- enrollment law, school districts such as Garfield during a school assembly on college classes availlevel, or academic, concurrent enrollment classes such District No. 16, this pilot program can now partner able to high school students. “I like the classes,” he as English composition or psychology. Sometimes the with colleges to offer career tech classes for students said. “You get to see something you accomplished.” classes have been called dual-credit courses. He said he may seek a job as a welder or a mechanwho want more of a vocational focus to their educaFor years colleges in the state have offered these tion. Though these can also be dual-credit courses, ic after he graduates. types of classes, in partnership with local school dis- they’re not intended to transfer to universities. Miguel Antillon , a junior, said he decided to enroll tricts. Through the state’s guaranteed transfer agreeafter friends told him about it. “And I noticed what ment, many of these transfer-level courses will trans- Parachute welding students work towards certithey pay. I like to work with metals and wanted to fer to any public college or university in Colorado, if fication learn how to weld.” Some of the students in adjunct instructor Jason the student earns a C or better.
HIA meeting cancelled
At press time, the Echo received word from the Garfield County Public Health Department that the Dec. 14 Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment meeting had been cancelled. “This meeting will be rescheduled when the final HIA report is complete,” read the notice. “The comprehensive and complex nature of the comments received on the Draft HIA has resulted in the need for further discussion between the Garfield County Board of Commissioners and the Colorado School of Public Health (CSPH) Research Team.” The CSPH team has been spearheading the study, preparing a draft version, and working with the Garfield County Public Department to review public comment since the draft HIA was release earlier this fall. – Carrie Click, Echo
Garfield County high levels of contaminated water near rigs
According to the publication DC Bureau, in New York state, resident Joe Todd recently had to surrender his property to the Denver-based Anschutz Exploration Corporation because of a compulsory integration law in effect there. Compulsory integration works similarly to eminent domain, which requires that property owners surrender their property for public highways and schools for a “fair” value. Since Todd only owned his surface, but not his mineral, rights, Anshutz was allowed to construct
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drilling operations on Todd’s property, in exchange for monetary compensation. However, during construction of the drilling rig, Todd’s well water turned black and is not usable. In the same story, DC Bureau noted that “researchers for Garfield County in Colorado found higher numbers of contaminated water wells near deep gas wells drilled in areas with extensive natural faults. In some cases, the molecular structure of the gas from tainted water wells matched that of the deeply buried gas, suggesting migration to surface water supplies, according to a 2009 report in ProPublica.” – DC Bureau
Natural gas/water concerns in Ft. Worth In early December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order to protect drinking water from nearby drilling operations conducted by Range Natural Gas Company near Ft. Worth, Texas. Residents there have complained of flammable and bubbling drinking water coming out of their taps. EPA testing has confirmed that extremely high levels of methane in their water pose an imminent and substantial risk of explosion or fire. EPA has also found other contaminants including benzene, which can cause cancer, in their drinking water. EPA has asked the company to conduct a full-scale investigation and to immediately sample soil gas around the residences, develop a plan to remediate areas of the aquifer that have been contaminated; and to investigate
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the structural integrity of its nearby natural gas well to determine if it is the source of contamination. The uncontrolled release of natural gas can be dangerous since it is odorless and flammable and it escapes facilities. Uncontrolled release of natural gas inside a building or home can cause a fire or explosion. Drinking water contaminated with natural gas impurities such as benzene is unhealthy. EPA believes that natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and the process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. However, the EPA wants to make sure natural gas development is safe. As we announced earlier this year, we are in the process of conducting a comprehensive study on the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. – Environmental Protection Agency
Recent agenda items at BCC meeting
The Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. At the last meeting, agenda items included: updates on recent Garfield County Commissioners’ meetings, an HIA update, Antero Pipeline safety issues, the Silt area well density issue, and updates on fire, air, water, soil, pipelines and animal risk assessment teams. There is no meeting on Dec. 22; the next meeting is on Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m. – Dave Devanney
Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
GO GRAND VALLEY
Your calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send public event items to gve@crystalvalleyecho.com. Be sure to include the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else readers need to know. • Dec. 17: 11 a.m. Story Time kids from the Parachute Branch Library deliver their gifts to Mesa Vista Assisted Living residents. Call 2859870 for more info.
• Dec. 20: 11 a.m. Fourth through sixth graders are invited to the Parachute library to create gross and disgusting items. Space is limited to 20 and reservations are required. Call 2859870. • Dec. 21: 3-4 p.m. Kids under 10, drop in to the Parachute library for craft making. No reservations required and parents are encouraged to attend. 285-9870. • Dec. 22: No Battlement Concerned Citizens meeting today. Meetings resume on Jan. 12.
• Dec. 22: 2-4 p.m. The Amine Club (middle and high school students) meets at the Parachute Library. No reservations needed. 2859870.
• Dec. 24: Christmas Eve. For information on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services, please see page XX. Most government offices are closed, including the Parachute library. • Dec. 25: Christmas.
Christmas
Day.
Merry
• Dec. 30: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sixth and seventh graders, get your game on at the Parachute Library. This is a reservation-only event as the Wii along with other games will be set up on the library’s big screen. Lunch is provided. Call 285-9870.
• Jan. 1: Happy New Year. Government offices closed.
• Jan. 4: Today through March on Tuesdays, Megan at the Parachute library will help computer rookies get familiar with the computer. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call the library at 285-9870 for more info and to sign up.
• Jan. 4: 6-8 p.m. Geno “The Computer Whiz Kid” Duran gives personalized computer help about your home PC at the Parachute Branch Library. Free to the public. Drop in. Call 2859870.
• Jan. 6: 4 p.m. The Mt. Callahan Community Fund presentation of the fund’s 2010 grant recipients is at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.
• Jan. 8: 9 a.m. Pat Jones from the Glenwood Sewing Center presents a workshop at the Parachute Branch Library about making little purses. Bring your sewing machine and scrap fabric. Cost is $10 and includes lunch and a purse pattern. Snow date is Jan. 15. Reserve your spot; call 285-9870.
• 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.
• Jan. 12: 1:30 p.m. Battlement Concerned Citizens meet at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.
• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement Mesa Service Association meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.
• Jan. 13: Chamber meeting at Parachute Town Hall with Parachute Town Manager Bob Knight. Call 285-0388 for time and more info.
• Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and every Friday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library. Both open to young children. Call Michelle at 285-9870.
ONGOING
• 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 Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots of classes and activities: swimming, dancing, personal training, water aerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, and more. Call 285-9480. • Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley United Methodist Church serves a free soup lunch at the church at 132 Parachute Ave. • Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. • The first Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. the West Garfield Democrats meet at Mesa Vista Assisted Living, 285-7206. • 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 6:30 p.m., the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence. Call Paul, 285-7791. • Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630. • HEARTBEAT, for those who have lost a friend or loved one through suicide, 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 located at 824 Cooper Street.
• The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., the Battlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432.
• Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center to discuss issues of concern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open to the public. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.
• Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except the first Thursday of the month), the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in.
• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM.
UPCOMING • Jan. 20: 9 a.m. Community Coffee Talk with Eric Schmela of the Battlement Mesa Company at the 35th Avenue Café. Come share, connect and discuss.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 5
C O M M U N I T Y
G I V I N G
Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels essay wins grant money to help local seniors in need By Sarah Tahvonen, Echo contributor
Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County recently received $100 from the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) and Subaru’s “Share the Love,” grant program – and the local nonprofit may be able to win more, with your help. The western Garfield County Meals on Wheels recently submitted a winning essay, which describes how volunteers of the program brave winter conditions to deliver meals to local homes. (see breakout box). The local program serves individuals in New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Parachute, and Battlement Mesa and drivers often travel in excess of 40 miles each day. Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County is now entering the next phase of the holiday competition – which relies on getting the most Facebook users to “Like” the story. The Meals On Wheels program with the most “Likes” will win an additional $500. Those placing second through 10th will receive an additional $250. To “Like” the local essay submitted for this Facebook contest, go to mowaablog.org, and search “Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County”. The money comes at a critical time for western Garfield County’s Meals On Wheels program, and the more than 140 other grant winners nationwide. The country’s economic downturn has made it more difficult to raise money to continue feeding homebound and hungry seniors. Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County will use the money to continue offering low-cost or free meals to seniors who cannot afford it. Grand River Hospital District has operated and financially supported Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County since 1976. Program volunteers currently deliver 900 fresh, nutritious meals a month to senior, disabled, and recovering individuals in New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Parachute, and Battlement Mesa. If you would like to volunteer, get more information, or enroll in the program, please call 625-6423. About Meals On Wheels Association of America The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at mowaa.org.
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Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County The following essay, submitted to the national Meals on Wheels Association of America, earned western Garfield County’s Meals on Wheels a $100 grant. To help the local Meals on Wheels receive more funds, go to mowaablog.org, and search “Meals on Wheels of Western Garfield County” and highlight the “Like” button with the story. The holiday season is a time when most of us share the love with our family and friends. Meals On Wheels shares the love with our local seniors who would otherwise be all alone and hungry during the holidays. It’s only fitting that we are partnering with our friends at Subaru for the third year in a row for their “Share the Love” event to raise funds to support Meals On Wheels. This is just one story of how we share the love here in our community. Meals On Wheels of Western Garfield County serves 40 clients in a rural mountain area of western Colorado. Our drivers travel over 100 miles a day, along three separate routes, to make sure the homebound get the nutrition and company they need. Mac Burnett has been one of these Meals on Wheels drivers for the past five years. His dedication to Meals on Wheels shows in that he has been known to take breaks from his other volunteering position at Habitat for Humanity, by delivering meals during his lunch hour. One Christmas Eve, a typical Colorado winter storm came through, rendering many volunteers incapable of driving their normal routes. In our area, extreme weather may come in at a moment’s notice leaving families stuck in their homes for days. Mac was called upon as a back up driver to cover routes others couldn’t. He ended up spreading holiday cheer on two separate routes that day covering 90 miles over snowy, wintery roads. Through rain, sleet, snow or whatever, Mac made sure that our clients receive their Christmas meal with a big smile for each. That is Mac, our volunteer extraordinaire.
Battlement Mesa’s Adam Ford: Caring for those in need By Tanny McGinnis, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
Adam Ford, a victim specialist from Battlement Mesa, received a top award at the 22nd annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance Conference in Keystone, Colo. in November. Adam works with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office along with Vicki Jones of Glenwood Springs. Both were recognized in front of 1,100 of their counterparts at one of the largest state conferences for victim services in the nation. Out of six award categories, Adam and Vicki both received the top designation of Outstanding Victim Advocate Award in the Public Sector. Colleagues from the sheriff’s office, Glenwood Springs police, the Garfield district attorney’s office and associated nonprofits nominated the two for their selfless contributions. Adam, who used to work at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, now serves as the victim services coordinator for not only the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, but also for the county’s six police departments. He oversees a team of 13 volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week to meet the needs of both children and adults who find themselves the victims of heinous crimes, survivors of traffic accidents, families displaced due to structure fires, loved ones awaiting word on search and rescue efforts, and many other scenarios. Vicki serves as the victim services community liaison. Her sensitivity and cultural competence in regional Latino communities has helped to address issues that otherwise would go unanswered. Adam and Vicki support law enforcement officials and victims in dealing with the very worst of situations, assist families in the healing process and help explain the often confusing and lengthy court process to those unfamiliar with the system. They ensure each victim receives the level of care and attention that we all would want if it were our family member at the center of the issue. “Our volunteer services are only as good as the volunteers behind the program and there are no more committed volunteers then what we see in our agency,” says Adam.
Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
LETTER TO THE ECHO Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded our word-count limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, gve@crystalvalleyecho.com, or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include your name, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.
Safeguarding Battlement’s citizens
Dear Echo: This letter was originally sent to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and to the Garfield County Board of Commissioners. Bonnie Smeltzer is an 83year-old lifetime resident of Garfield County. I live approximately a half mile – as the crow flies – from the Antero gas well (the Watson site) on 303 Road. On May 28, 2010, I began marking on my calendar whenever I noticed a definite petroleum odor. These observations led to a log book with specific information about dates, times, wind direction, odors and how the odors affected me, i.e. headaches, and eye and throat irritations. By Aug. 28, I had 18 entries in my log book, and during this time, I made numerous phone calls to the oil and gas complaints numbers. In July, after newspaper articles about Battlement Mesa residents’ complaints about fumes and odors, Antero made changes in their drilling operation that greatly reduced the complaint calls. However, I have talked to Battlement Mesa residents who still have lingering health complaints and I continue to have some throat congestion. The recent Health Impact Assessment study has concluded that air quality could seriously deteriorate for this community of 4,500-plus people during each well pad “history,” from construction to completion. I believe that that the revised COGCC rules still fall short of protecting people from these impacts. Dave Neslin of the COGCC has said that the state can impose specific drilling conditions to try to address neighborhood concerns, and minimize some of the effects on these neighborhoods. Let’s hope this can be done! I hope that Antero lives up to its claim to be a good corporate citizen and support responsible development in Garfield County. It is encouraging that Antero and the Garfield County Commissioners may be listening to the Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) and now, to the newly formed Rifle, Silt, Peach Valley, and New Castle groups.
Wishing You Safe and Warm Holidays... www.communitycountscolorado.com The Community Counts Hotline 1.866.442.9034
Is the Antero Comprehensive Drilling Plan to be submitted in the near future going to include: 1. a 1,000 setback from any dwelling 2. a $10 million community safety bond 3. voluntary adherence to the Federal Clean Drinking Water Act 4. voluntary adherence to the Federal Clean Air Act 5. voluntary adherence to Federal Pipeline Regulations 6. voluntary disclosure of hydraulic fluid components This is what the BCC wants – to insure safeguards for its citizens!
Very sincerely, Bonnie Smeltzer Parachute
Want more news? We have more news and contributions that we’d like to share each month, but not enough room in the paper... Please help by advertising your business! (The number of pages we can run is based on the amount of paid advertising we have.) Ad deadline is the first of each month. Contact Barbara Pavlin for advertising information luckybarb711@msn.com
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 7
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Daylight Donuts is 'like coming home every day' Parachute restaurant is a family effort By Heidi Rice, Special to The Grand Valley Echo Roy Brubacher of Parachute, also known as "Handsome Ol' Roy" comes into Daylight Donuts in Parachute at least four or five times a week for a plate of biscuits and sausage gravy. But it's not only the food that attracts him to the small diner-type restaurant on East First Street. It's also the company. "You're treated like you're at home," Roy said while having breakfast in one of the booths. "It's accommodating and comfortable. The prices are reasonable and you're always treated like you're a long lost friend." Daylight Donuts was opened in Parachute by Edward Andersen. Andersen, a Parachute residential and commercial construction engineer by trade, saw a downturn in the construction industry during the recession. Edward had originally sold the business, but the buyers were not able to make a go of it and Andersen was faced with the choice of either shutting it down or making it work himself, according to his mother, Charlotte Adams, who works at the restaurant. The small but successful restaurant makes homemade donuts and breakfast, and has a slew of regular customers. While Edward makes the freshly baked donuts from midnight to 5 a.m. his mother works in the restaurant during the day. She does it to help out her son, and she does it with a loving heart. "It's a family business and labor intensive," Charlotte said. "But families make sacrifices for each other. Families don't take paychecks." What makes the business so successful?
Charlotte pointed out that during the Great Depression, certain things always sold – booze, candy and donuts. "People are always drawn to things that comfort them in bad times," she said with a shrug and a smile. A lot of the regular customers at Daylight Donuts are workers in the oil and gas industry who stop in between 4 and 6 a.m. to get something to go. And then there are the dozens of donuts ordered for company meetings. "Donuts are really popular at safety meetings," Charlotte said with a laugh. Along with its loyal regular customers, Daylight Donuts also has dedicated employees who fill in for all the positions that are needed. Joe Cason of Battlement Mesa, washes dishes and cooks. "I do everything," he said proudly. "I wash the dishes, I cook the bacon and I make the meatloaf. I like to cook. I make the soup. I used to cook when I was in the Army." Deb Trujillo of Battlement Mesa and Dawn Ruelas of Parachute also cook, make coffee, work the cash register and wait tables.
Left, Charlotte Adams, is the mother of Daylight Donuts' owner Edward Andersen. Edward makes the donuts every night, and Charlotte helps out at the family business every day. Upper right, Employees Charlotte Adams, Deb Trujillo, Joe Cason and Dawn Ruelas relax for a moment at Daylight Donuts in Parachute. Right, Employee Dawn Ruelas of Parachute makes some breakfast burritos – a popular item in the morning at Daylight Donuts. Photos by Heidi Rice
Beside the donuts, the most popular items on the menu are the biscuits and gravy, the omelets and the breakfast burritos. "We're very community-oriented and very family-oriented," Charlotte said. "Everybody knows everybody here. And we take care of our seniors." It's a family-run business where everybody knows your name. As one customer put it, "It's like coming home every day."
Bethlehem scene comes alive in Parachute again
and Nancy Leonard, Lois Smith, Carol Abbott, and Pastor Charlie Hornick. The nativity scene, which is a vital part of Teri Richards coordinated much of the the Christmas celebration, came ‘alive’ again program, assisted with advertising the as Grand Valley area churches held their third event, and along with Alice Smith, assisted annual Living Nativity at Beasley Park in the cast with their costumes. Wanda Wissler downtown Parachute on the evening of Dec. 5 passed out flyers and posters all over the More than 40 people participated directly in area to get the news of the Living Nativity the program with more than 200 watching out. Larry Sacca made the Bethlehem Star. and singing Christmas carols. Ron Miller coordinated the sound. Pastor Three-month-old Asher Lindaur performed Charlie Hornick of Grace Bible Church as the star of the program, playing baby Jesus. assisted in the planning and preparation and His mother, Lyndsey, held him by the manger shared about the event on the Grand Valley as his father, Dylan, played Joseph and looked Faith Focus Radio Program. The donkeys, on with affection. Newman and Tyrone, were provided by The program, consisting of Scripture readings Valerie Cox and Kevin and Kim Whelan and carols was put together by Father E.J. Rivet Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus were played by Dylan and Lyndsey Lindauer and provided this year’s only goat. Photo by Travis Sproles of the All Saints Episcopal Church. Bob Toll, pas- their 3-month-old son, Asher. The town of Parachute assisted again in tor of Grand Valley United Methodist Church allowing Beasley Park to be the appropriate ness the sign of the baby in the manger. Benjamin assisted with the caroling and along with the people from Smith played King Herod. Anthony Smith and scene for this year’s event and the Parachute Police his church welcomed all into their fellowship hall for a Conner Sproles were the soldiers. Anna Bernabe, Department blocked off part of Parachute Avenue for time of hot chocolate and hot cider and cookies. Jonathan Smith, and Nathan Humphrey were the the people and animals to have an easier and safer The cast for the beautiful angels included Faith Magi who came from a far country to worship before access. Humphrey, Raeanna Humphrey, Daisy Bernabe, the One Born King of the Jews. Elizabeth, the pregThe live nativity was sponsored by area churches Andimaria Bernabe, Allie Beasley, Terry Mahaney, nant cousin of Mary and mother of John the Baptist, within the Parachute Ministerial Alliance and received and Wanda Wisler. Dominic Medoza, Gabriel was played by Krista Humphrey. Allie Beasley filled in the support of the community. Many will remember Mendoza, Cayden Sproles, Omar Bernabe, Desiree as the angel who appeared to Mary. Beasley Park is well this holiday season that in the little town of Smith, Molly Mendoza, Kim Whelan, and Youth named in honor of Allie’s grandfather, making it dou- Parachute, in remembrance of Christ’s birthday, prePastor Lance Easterling filled the role of the shepherds bly an inspiration for her to be there and participate. cious moments were shared together of “peace on who watched their flocks by night and came to witThe Scripture readers were Dale Leonard, Gary earth, goodwill toward men.” By Charlie Hornick, Echo contributor
Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
G O V E R N M E N T The Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA)
The BMSA Board of Directors considers new architectural standards By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association If you live anywhere in Battlement Mesa and have playground equipment, children’s playhouses, or sports equipment on your property, you may be affected by a proposal that will be considered at the BMSA’s Dec. 21 board of directors meeting. This proposed addition to the BMSA’s architectural standards would impose restrictions on playground equipment, playhouses, and sports equipment. Under the proposed new standards, Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval would be required if playground or sports equipment is more than seven feet in height, and/or has a footprint of more than 100 square feet. In addition, playhouse approval would be required if the playhouse is more than six feet in height and /or has a footprint of more than 24 square feet. Only one playhouse per lot would be permitted, regardless of the size of the playhouse. Playground equipment and playhouses If the current language in the proposal is adopted, the placement of playground equipment and playhouses would be restricted to the net buildable area of each respective lot and could not be further to the front of the lot than the front corner of the house or garage. When reviewing playground equipment and playhouse approval requests, the ARC would consider the impact that the equipment or playhouse would have upon adjacent properties and would deny installations that may create an undue disturbance or possibly cause damage to an adjacent property. Further consideration would be given to the placement of equipment to minimize distant and close-in view corridors of adjacent properties. As proposed, playground equipment or playhouses could not be attached to a deck, garage or the primary living structure. Basketball backboards, sports goals and portable basketball goals The proposed standards, if adopted, would permit permanently installed, commercially manufactured backboards of standard design and color to be mounted on garages without committee approval. All freestanding, non-portable basketball backboards and sports goals (soccer and lacrosse goals, volleyball and tetherball stanchions, etc.) would require ARC approval. Like playground equipment and playhouses, the placement of backboards and goals would be restricted to the net buildable area of each respective lot and could not be further to the front of the lot than the front corner of the house or garage. As with playground equipment and playhouses, in order to be approved, backboards and goals must not create an undue disturbance to neighbors and the possibility of damage to adjacent properties must be minimized. A maximum of one basketball backboard or sports goal per lot would be allowed. As proposed, portable basketball goals will not require ARC approval provided (a) they are installed on the side of the driveway at least half of the length of the driveway away from the street and (b) the location would not impede or obstruct the use of the garage or driveway and the unit is adequately weighted to ensure that the goal is balanced, standing upright and resistant to tipping by high winds. Under the proposed standards, portable basketball goals are defined as equipment that is commercially manufactured, with a large base for counter-balance, and/or wheels for mobility, and engineered for portability and storage. Further, under the proposed standards, playground equipment, sport goals and playhouses are considered personal property, and therefore, must be removed when a property changes ownership or residents. At this point, this is only a proposal but if it is approved by the board, it will become part of our community’s architectural standards and would impose new restrictions on these items. It is important to note that individual villages may impose more restrictive, but not less restrictive, rules on these devices. If you have strong feelings either in favor of or against this proposal, let your Village Delegate/board member know your opinions. The BMSA Board of Directors meet at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center at 9 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Birth? Graduation? Engagement? Wedding? Anniversary? Obituary? All of life’s passages are free to publish in the Echo. Contact us at 963-2373, gve@crystalvalleyecho.com or The Grand Valley Echo, 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623.
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YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS KSUN Radio would like to thank all of those that supported us during our recent membership drive. Your financial support is very much appreciated. Memberships ($25) are still available to anyone interested in joining. Please call 285-2246. KSUN greatly thanks all of those that made this year's Christ mas Gala a fabulous success.
To see everyone enjoy their evening while supporting the radio station is a WIN-WIN for the community. From all of us on the KSUN Radio Board, have a safe and joyous holiday season.
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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 9
O I L
&
G A S
GRAND VALLEY ENERGY A monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA
Common scents
At this time of the year our homes are filled with the aroma of home baked cookies, gingerbread and Christmas trees. The grouping of valves at our gas wells is also called a Christmas tree, but does not produce the same spruce smell that we find in our at-home Christmas trees. The natural gas produced from our gas wells does not have an aroma at all. There is a small amount of smell added to the gas that is used in our home. The chemical that is injected into the gas to help us detect gas leaks is called t-butyl mercaptan and smells like rotten cabbage or eggs. So, if natural gas does not have an odor, what are those smells that we sometimes detect near gas wells near our homes? Often, the odor that we smell comes from the water used in the drilling of the wells. This water is usually stored in a large pit and may stay in the pit for several months. In addition to water, there are several chemicals that are used to help drill the well. For instance, barite may be used to stabilize pressure or formaldehydes to help kill bacteria. Chemicals with iron, zinc, aluminum and acrylics can be used to keep things from corroding or suspending particles so they can be removed. Occasionally, the pit water may contain some oil products that were brought up during the drilling process. Oil products do have an aroma. Usually, it is the pit mixture that is brought up from the drilling process that emanates the odors. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and enjoy those Christmas trees (inside and outside of our homes)!
Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and an Accredited Petroleum Accountant She has been nationally recognized as an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the naro-us.org website or through The Grand Valley Echo.
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Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
O B I T U A RY
James Dennis Drinkhouse March 29, 1964 – Nov. 20, 2010
The beloved father of James, Sidney, Paige, Paytan, Savannah, Taylor, and Cole Drinkhouse passed away on Nov. 20 at his residence in Hotchkiss. He was 46. He was born to Jim and Alfreda (Garcia) Drinkhouse on March 29, 1964 in Montrose. He spent his childhood in Rifle, and graduated high school there with the class of 1982. He furthered his education at Mesa State. James moved to the Hotchkiss area one year ago coming from Battlement Mesa. On May 19, 1990, James married the love of his life, Tia Loucks in Rifle. The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this year. James was employed as a corrections officer for many years. He enjoyed coaching kids of all ages in wrestling, baseball and football. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. More importantly, he loved and cherished his children. He was very proud of his son winning a state championship in wrestling last year. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Tia Drinkhouse of Hotchkiss; his parents, Jim and Laura Drinkhouse of Sanger, Calif.; three sons: James Drinkhouse, Jr. of Hotchkiss, Taylor and Cole Drinkhouse both of Battlement Mesa; and four daughters, Sidney, Paige, Paytan and Savannah Drinkhouse, all of Battlement Mesa. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Drinkhouse. A celebration of James’s life was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Rifle on Dec. 4. You may sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 11
G R A N D
VA L L E Y I T E S
A year of Echoes A look back at some Grand Valley Echo stories of 2010 By Carrie Click, Echo editor Gas drilling concerns, solar flowers, and a greatly improved library – it all happened in 2010. Seniors graduated and first graders attended their first day of school. There were plenty of festivals and fun, and a good share of lively discussions too. Contributors and advertisers are what make the Echo possible. Our columnists continued providing their insights and information to us: Barbara Barker’s Take a Hint Kathy Germano and Scott Saunders’ Mesa Vista News Betsy Leonard’s Nature at Home and Afield Sarah Tahvonen’s To Your Health Bill Cornelius, Charlie Hornick, Rich Counts and Adam Lambrecht’s As I See It Cary Parmenter’s From the Chief Keith Lammey’s Battlement Mesa Service Association Rob Ferguson and Diana Connell’s Grand Valley Fire District Ken Haptonstall’s From District 16 Kathy Keeling’ s From the Principal – St John Elementary Brian Berg’s From the Principal – Bea
Underwood Elementary Jory Sorenson’s From the Principal – Grand Valley Middle M.E. Denomy’s Grand Valley Energy Mary Anderson’s Park and Rec updates Bob Knight’s Town of Parachute News Dick Ciprich’s Let’s Go Bowling Vina Klahn’s Tennis Association News plus the Grand Valley High School students’ contributions and all the locals who give us story ideas and news briefs Judy Beasley was sworn in as Parachute’s new mayor. Echo file photo
The year 2010 started off with the swearing in of a new mayor, Judy Beasley, who replaced Roy McClung who returned to school at Colorado State University. Parachute's West Interchange project received $8 million from the Department of Local Affairs, and another $6 million from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The project also received significant financial support from Garfield County, Williams Production, EnCana Oil and Gas and the Colorado Department of Highways, even though visible construction wouldn’t begin in 2010. Plans were approved and construction started on the Parachute Branch Library’s remodel and expansion project. The library made a massive move from its original site to a temporary library next
to the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in downtown Parachute while the renovation took place.
Battlement Concerned Citizens were well underway during the first part of 2010 on requesting a health study regarding the impacts of oil and gas production. Working with the Garfield County Commissioners and the Garfield County Public Health Department, plans began pushing ahead during the first part of the year for the University of Colorado School of Public Health to manage the study.
Clark’s Market held a public meeting in March to share ideas about products and services with local shoppers. Clark’s replaced City Market in Battlement Mesa during the summer of 2009.
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Continued on page 19
Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
H E A LT H Grand River Student Health Center now open By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District
A safe home for the holidays
The holidays are a bustling time of year. With family coming in and out, decorations going up, and the kitchen going 100 miles an hour, it’s easy to forget about health and safety. However, the holidays are also one of the most vulnerable times of year, with fires causing more than $990 million in damages a year. Taking some time to remember how important safety is can save you and your family money and heartbreak this holiday season. Holiday lighting and decorations are often the culprit of fires and injuries. Practice extreme care when hanging up lights, especially in high places such as roofs and trees. Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace any damaged parts before plugging in. Use only non-combustible and flame resistant materials to trim trees whenever possible. Never light candles near decorations and never use candles to decorate trees. Before hanging any decorations or lights outside, be sure they are approved for outdoor use. When entertaining this holiday season, take precaution in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. so make sure to keep an eye on the stovetop when cooking for a crowd. If you have small children or pets at your house during the holidays, it’s important to be mindful of their safety. It’s a good idea to avoid tinsel. It easily falls onto the floor and a curious child or pet may eat, which can be harmful. Also try to keep any ribbons on gifts and ornaments shorter than seven inches. Anything longer can wrap around a child or pet’s neck and choke them. The holidays are a fun time to get together with family and friends. With a little planning, you can help make sure your holidays go smoothly, safely, and uninterrupted.
The Grand River Student Health Center of Parachute is now open at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning. The center, which opened on Nov 29, offers services to students and staff of Garfield County School District No. 16 in Parachute, and is open five days a week. The center is staffed by Jean Lein, a licensed nurse practitioner, and Kevin Coleman, DO, who oversees the operation. Services include physical exams, immunizations, routine lab tests and throat cultures, prescriptions and medications, care for acute injury and illness, management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, parent and student wellness education, and referrals to community providers and agencies. Parents and guardians with students in District No. 16 schools are receiving consent forms to sign before a student can use the health center. Visits are confidential and information is not shared unless permitted by the student and/or parent, except for life-threatening situations. The center is providing services to any student, regardless of ability to pay. To help sustain this community service, private insurance, Medicaid, and Child Health Plan Plus are being billed, and any applicable co-payments and deductibles are being collected from families. Grand River has partnered with Garfield County Human Services and is offering services to help eligible children get enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus. In addition to Garfield County Human Services, Grand River has also partnered with other local organizations to offer this service. District No. 16 is providing space and resources, Garfield County Public Health is administering immunizations, and Colorado West Mental Health Services is offering mental health services and counseling. Across the nation, school-based health clinics have proven beneficial to parents, students and staff. Statistics show that students miss less school, learn easier, and get the health care they need when school-based health care is offered. Parents also miss less work when an easy, inexpensive option for students’ health care is offered. The opening of Grand River Student Health Center has been made possible through a grant received by the Colorado Health Foundation, which works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation by increasing the number of Coloradans with health insurance, ensuring they have access to quality, coordinated care and encouraging healthy living. Grand River Hospital District serves western Garfield County in efforts to improve the health and well-being of local communities. For more information, visit grhd.org.
S E N I O R S Mesa Vista News Holiday greetings form Mesa Vista
Sarah Tahvonen writes about health issues for the Echo from Rifle. If you have any comments or suggestions for a health-related topic you’d like to see covered, e-mail toyourhealth35@yahoo.com.
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By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director
In November, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Our residents enjoyed making turkeys out of cookies and had an ice cream social with Grand Valley Middle School’s honor society students. We celebrated Veterans Day and honored our six resident veterans and maintenance supervisor. Each one received a red rose donated by Rhonda Dillon at The Flower Shop in the Battlement Mesa Plaza. Members of 4-H visited Mesa Vista on Dec. 5 to “Deck the Halls” for the holiday season. They did such a wonderful job setting up the trees and decorating throughout the facility. After all the decorating was complete, we attended the live nativity sponsored by our local churches. Our resident and family holiday party was on Dec. 10, where we had another wonderful meal planned and entertainment by Walt Smith. It was a great time for all. On Dec. 15, Colorado Heritage Real Estate visited us with caroling and gifts for each of the residents. The pre-school kiddos visit our residents for cookies and stories Dec. 17. We are so fortunate to belong to such a wonderful and generous community. Thank you all who have shared and provided much joy for the Mesa Vista residents. Happy holidays!
Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Senior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing for older adults in Colorado.
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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 13
BLM closes several roads this winter to motorized traffic
Echo Briefs Grand Valley Educational Foundation issues grants The Grand Valley Educational Foundation has issued several grants to teachers in the Grand Valley District No. 16 School District in Parachute. Teachers and administrators must apply for the grants, which are then reviewed by the school’s principal and foundation members. Projects have included an Interactive Solar System, DVDs for the History Library, a Severe Needs Life Skills Project, Anatomy and Physiology resources, Learning Tubs, and Current Events publications. Funds were also provided for the Homework Cafe at Grand Valley High School, which has become a valued part of the school as the students are given the opportunity to stay after school and receive one-on-one help from teachers. Each project is evaluated in terms of its impact on student learning. Cheri Witt Brown is the chairperson for the grant program. She stated that all of the projects have been beneficial for the students. District 16 teachers and administrators may apply for the grants on-line, which helps to make the process accessible. This information is then made available to contributors by visiting gvef.garcoschools.org. – BJ Lindaur
Parachute Valley Senior Center offers noon meals Where can seniors find a delicious full-course lunch with dessert and beverage for just $2.50? This outstanding bargain can be enjoyed by seniors age 60 and over every Wednesday at the Parachute Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave. Just call 285-7216 on Monday between 9 a.m. and noon to make a reservation. Everyone is welcome regardless of age. Those under 60 pay $6; caretakers of seniors and children under 12 pay $2.50 and must call Monday morning to make a reservation. Come at 11:30 a.m. to hear announcements before picking up the noon meal served hot at the serving counter. Those unable to stand in line will be served at the table. Off-street parking is next to the building. – Mitzi Burkhart
Full-time dental hygienist available at H-Dentistry
Several roads managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are closed to motorized vehicles, now through April 30. The BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office road closures protect critical big game winter range and prevent road damage. Two of the roads are in Eagle and Pitkin counties. The third is located closer to Parachute and Battlement Mesa, at East Elk Creek in Garfield County. All of the areas continue to be open to non-motorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and skiing. In addition, the lower gate at Transfer Trail above Glenwood Springs was closed last week to maintain snow conditions for snowmobiling. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping us protect wildlife and public lands,” said Karl Mendonca, acting field manager for the Colorado River Valley Field Office. For additional information or to report violations in these areas call the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office in Silt at 876-9000. – Bureau of Land Management
New community coffee talk for new year Eric Schmela of the Battlement Mesa Company invites community members to an informal gathering on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at the 35th Avenue Cafe. Join your friends and neighbors for a free cup of joe and a great opportunity to share, connect, and discuss. This is the first in a series of meetings dedicated to bringing our community together to voice thoughts and ideas of all kinds. Watch The Grand Valley Echo for future coffee talk dates. – Battlement Mesa Company
Village Artists learn about art therapy The November meeting of Village Artists at the Parachute library was very interesting. Jane Seglmen, a member of our art group, described to us her training and experiences as an art therapist. Jane is an art teacher and a wonderful painter. At our Christmas meeting, we chose our officers, exchanged art gifts and enjoyed Christmas goodies together. Merry Christmas, everyone. – Joline Gnatek
Dental hygienist Diane Wells, RDH, is available for appointments at HDentistry in Parachute. Bruce Hoggan, DDS says he selected Diane “for a number of reasons, but most of all, it was due to her standing in the dental community, her resume, and her references from other doctors.” Diane is certified to provide standard and deep cleanings along with the use of anesthetic for patients’ comfort. H-Dentistry is at 225 Callahan Ave., Parachute, 285-7748, hdentistry.com. – H-Dentistry
LIFT-UP serves 5,000 people during Thanksgiving. LIFT-UP distributed meal boxes for more than 1,150 local families, serving about 5,000 people on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers from each town distributed the food to 19 families in Aspen, 276 families in Carbondale, 280 families in Glenwood Springs, 115 families in New Castle, 42 families in Silt, 340 families in Rifle, and 81 families in Parachute. The annual holiday meal distribution is conducted over and above the regular assistance provided at LIFT-UP’s six area food pantries, which are currently serving 500 to 600 families per week. LIFT-UP is also distributing holiday meal boxes for Christmas, and donations of non-perishable food items and financial contributions are still much needed and greatly appreciated. “We wish to thank the many volunteers who sorted and distributed food, the business and organizations that held food drives, and all who donated food and funds to make this tremendous community effort possible,” says LIFT-UP Executive Director Mike Powell. More information is available at liftup.org. – LIFT-UP
Parachute Planning and Zoning Commission member needed The Town of Parachute is in need of an individual to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission meets once a month if there is business scheduled. The regular meetings are set for the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Those interested can go to the Town of Parachute website at parachutecolorado.com and click on “Contact Us,” stop by Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, or call 285-7630. – Town of Parachute
Sign up for Garco’s emergency notification system The Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority has implemented a state-of-the-art emergency notification system to alert citizens about emergencies and other important community news. The emergency notification system, provided by Everbridge, enables pubic safety agencies within Garfield County to provide essential information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, fires, floods, unexpected road closures, or evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. The Town of Parachute recommends that citizens add a layer of protection by registering for this free service. Go to parachutecolorado.com and click on “Garfield County 911” or call 285-7630. – Town of Parachute
Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
S P O R T S
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R E C R E AT I O N
Taekwon-Do students medal at Broomfield tournament Six students from Battlement Mesa Taekwon-Do brought home medals in sparring competition at the Sereff Fall Championship on Oct. 17 in Broomfield. The fall championship brings together students from all over the U.S. to compete in sparring, patterns and breaking. Yellow belts Teigan Hanson took third place in the junior heavyweight division; Cayden Sproles took first place, and his brother Connor took second place in the junior lightweight division. Sheila Sproles won the women’s division with a first place medal, and husband Travis brought home second in the men’s division. White belt Seth Morrick took second place in the junior boys’ division. Senior Master Bob Haynes, 8th Degree Black Belt, is their instructor. – Dianne Haynes
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - “Where The Fun Begins”
Winter volleyball starts in January By Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director
From left, Senior Master Bob Haynes, Travis Sproles, Cayden Sproles, Teigan Hanson, Connor Sproles, Sheila Sproles, and Seth Morrick.
Adult Coed Volleyball: A winter league begins on Jan. 4 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center with games at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Limited to eight teams. Sign up by Dec. 27. Babysitting is provided.
Photo courtesy of Dianne Haynes
Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association News
Still playing tennis in the colder season
By Vina Klahn, BMAC Tennis Association Nippy temperatures have kept players off the courts the past few weeks, but there are some who are wiling to bundle up to serve and rally. For those who prefer to toast their toes by the fire, we would like to have a party between now and the end of January. Joy Kemper is working on details and waiting to get responses from members. Branson, Mo. was the site for a reunion of present and former Battlement Mesa residents earlier this fall. Ann Madeen, Nancy Slocum, and Marcella Ach traveled from Battlement where Chris Robinson joined them. Chris now resides in Pennsylvania, and is active on a tennis team and competing in tournaments around the country. The ladies enjoyed some tennis and Branson's featured entertainers. A highlight was a visit with Mike and Ann Youngs, who now live in Branson. Mike was From left, Mike Youngs, Marcella Ach, Ann Youngs, Ann Madeen, recuperating from hip replacement surgery and mak- Chris Robinson, and Nancy Slocum. The photo is the only one of ing good progress. five that received unanimous approval for publication. We can Even though play is very irregular during the win- only say that what happens in Branson stays in Branson! Photo courtesy of Vina Klahn ter, we usually manage to get some doubles matches in, so anyone interested in joining the club is welcome any time of the year. Annual dues, unlike many fees, have not changed for years. Couples may join for $18 and singles for $10, which also covers beverage and meat expenses for association parties. Questions may be addressed to Joy Kemper at 462-3608 or Vina Klahn at 285-6718.
Boys Basketball: This program, for fourth through sixth graders, starts in January. Please get your child pre-registered by Jan. 4. The fee is $55 with a $35 refundable uniform deposit. There is also a developmental league for third and fourth graders, and a more competitive recreation league for fifth and sixth graders. Games are held in Parachute and out of town with practices in Parachute at the St John Elementary School gym. Coaches are needed.
Spring Soccer: Yes, spring soccer. Please get your youngsters signed up for Spring Soccer 2011 by Jan. 28 for the U10, U12 and U14 groups.
Youth Wrestling: The youth wrestling program begins in late February. Please have your Ksixth graders signed up by mid-February. Practices are held up to three times a week with tournaments held on Saturdays in different towns. Practices are held at Grand Valley High School’s auxiliary gym. The fee is $100, which includes all league tournament fees, with a $75 refundable uniform fee.
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 15
S P O R T S
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R E C R E AT I O N
Let’s Go Bowling The Colorado Heritage Group
By Dick Ciprich
‘The swing is the thing’ A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Kitchen bar and breakfast nook. Custom cabinetry in large laundry, quality tile and oak cabinetry. Battlement Mesa $199,900 TOWNHOME WITH AMBIANCE Windows welcome sunshine and views. Finished walkout lower level, two decks, beautiful cherry cabinetry throughout. Battlement Mesa $255,000 CONVENIENCE and COMFORT Large open living/dining/kitchen, full compliment of appliances updated paint and carpet, RV parking. Battlement Mesa $189,900 EASY DOES IT! Maintenance free-living new condition, view filled windows, plush carpet, split bedroom plan – immaculate. Battlement Mesa $156,900 COMFORTABLE COLORADO CLASSIC High quality custom cedar ranch, eat-in kitchen and formal dining, master tiled shower and jetted tub. Battlement Mesa $269,000 VERY AFFORDABLE HOME! Fruit trees, nice yard, storage shed, perfect starter home, neat & clean, eat-in kitchen, nice views. NOW is the time to invest. Battlement Mesa $105,000 JUST ADD YOUR DREAM HOME! Unique location on 17th fairway, unobstructed views, tap fees paid, exclusive golf course subdivision. Battlement Mesa $89,900 PICTURE PERFECT LIVING Maintenance-free patio home, den/office plus two bedrooms, laundry room with craft area, backs to open space – move in condition. Battlement Mesa $185,000 SELLER CLOSING COST BONUS! Ranch style MF home-storage unit - two car garage sprinkler system – pellet stove – split bedroom floorplan. Battlement Mesa $149,900
UPGRADED APPLIANCES Three bedrooms, walk-in closets, MF home, immaculate condition, oak cabinetry, quiet cul-de-sac location with mountain views. Battlement Mesa $164,900 EXPERIENCE TOWNHOME LIVING Two fireplaces/decks/living areas, updated tile and hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen nook and dining area. Battlement Mesa $279,900 BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED Gigantic deck, front courtyard, expansive windows, sweeping views, stainless appliances, breakfast bar. Battlement Mesa $334,900 STOP RENTING – BECOME AN OWNER Walking distance to elementary school, new upgraded kitchen appliances, extended patio – nice MF home. Battlement Mesa $129,000 ROOMS FOR ALL YOUR HOBBIES Large family room/office combo, flex room/hobby area/deck-patio, updated townhome – great buy!! Battlement Mesa $230,000 TOP OF THE LINE FINISHES Exquisite master bath, garden tub, spacious open living, dining kitchen, fine finishes – quality throughout this home and yard! Battlement Mesa $329,900 DESIGNED with STYLE and CLASS New full stucco ranch, cul-de-sac location -lower level, three bedrooms, family room, oversized laundry/craft area, media area. Battlement Mesa $379,900
Vacant Land Numerous lots available for your custom dream home, some with owner financing. Call Today! Starting at $69,000
mohrlang • jones
This month, now that you have your equipment in order and have taken the time to work on your approach, we can begin to tie these fundamentals into the arm swing and delivery. The keyword for a good arm swing and delivery is RELAX the arm swing. Last month’s lesson on the approach covered when to move the ball (normally, when the right foot is moved forward, and the left foot for lefthanders). Hold the ball waist high. We call this movement the push-away. It should happen at the exact moment that your foot goes forward and the direction of the arm-swing is forward (not up or down) to your target. The distance should be enough so that your arm is extended fully. The weight of the ball will then take over and fully open the elbow. All you have to do is hold on to the ball. By relaxing, the ball will describe a smooth arc as you approach the foul line. The movement forward should NOT be quick. Smooth is the answer. The smoother the motion, the more you can keep control of the swing. Remember, roll the ball, do not try to throw it hard! We like to say, “The swing is the thing.” When the ball is coming through to the point of release, relax and let it happen. Muscles are not needed here! If you try to power the ball, most often you will pull the ball and miss your target to the left or inside. The ball coming off your fingers at the exact time your slide stops generates power. We think pendulum. The shoulder is the fulcrum. Visualize a grandfather clock’s pendulum…always smooth. The delivery should be 10 to 12 inches out over the foul line and toward your target. Many times, you see bowlers either lofting or dropping the ball. These problems result in inaccurate direction that causes the ball to roll improperly. Usually, the cause is that the bowler is not in a relaxed mode and tries to “help” the ball. A quick fix for this is to bend at the waist and knees, take a deep breath in, let half of it out, and begin your approach. This is placing your body in the most relaxed state. You’ll see the pros do this often in most sports, especially in bowling and golf. Once, during a Pro Bowlers Association (PBA) stop in Milwaukee, we were monitored for heartbeat rates. I was bowling with PBA champ and US Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Dick Ritger who was on his way to a 300 game. His heartbeat rate actually dropped by two on the last two shots! Talk about being relaxed! Stay under control and be smooth. Concentration on these fundamentals is necessary. You’ll know when you get it right, because you’ll be on balance after you let the ball go. When you are working on these fundamentals, try not to have distractions and do not let scoring influence your decision to develop a solid swing and delivery. Remember, practice makes perfect. If you are still having a problem, a quick lesson from a PBA pro can fix you up.
TIP OF THE MONTH: A smooth delivery requires practice. It will not happen overnight. You can practice it at home in front of a mirror. Do not use a ball, just keep going through the motions, and finish up keeping your sliding toe straight. Try to practice being smooth and relaxed several days in a row to develop the required muscle memory. Remember that all good bowlers have a good arm swing. Develop yours now. Roll the ball; do not heave it! Higher scores are the result. Drop over to you’re the nearest bowling center and LETS GO BOWLING!
Next issue: Practice tips from the pros!
Battlement Mesa resident Dick Ciprich is a longtime professional bowler and has won numerous titles on local, state, national and international levels. He has 29 – 300 games and 12 – 800 series and is a member of the Buffalo Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame, and The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. He is a freelance consultant to the bowling industry and a private instructor. He can be reached at rjc300@aol.com.
The NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…
Karen Jones, 970-379-1353 Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058
A Great Place to Bowl! BURNING MOUNTAIN BOWL
73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635
880 Castle Valley Blvd. New Castle CO.
Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com
970-984-2739
Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
Nature at Home and Afield by Betsy Leonard Hiking among living and non-living organisms By Betsy Leonard
Once again, I was out hiking with the Battlement Mesa hiking group. We hiked the spectacular Rattlesnake Arches in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. This outstanding trail winds around numerous arches with endless canyon views. We stopped for lunch in a particularly beautiful spot with red slick rock sandstone. As we scouted out good places to sit, we came across some knobby black soil-crusts. These are mature, living communities of helpful micro-organisms. The black crust is called cryptobiotic (Greek for “hidden life”) soil. These colonies enrich the soil with nitrogen and help prevent erosion. Common on the Colorado Plateau, these tiny communities form in response to adverse environmental conditions such as desiccation (drying), freezing, and oxygen deficiency. The most prominent organism in these communities is cyanobacteria, one of the oldest life forms on Earth. As the bacteria grow, it leaves behind a sticky glue-like substance, forming an intricate web of fibers that hold soil particles together. When wet, these fibers store water and can swell up to 10 times their dry size with water, providing a benefit to the colony and also other organisms. Unfortunately, the fibers that give strength to these crusts are easily crushed by cattle, vehicles, and foot traffic. What can take decades to build, can easily be destroyed. Watch where you walk! Don’t be put off by the term cryptobiotic, it is merely a subset of the term biotic, which means living things — all living parts of the environment. These biotic factors may be as large as a human being or as small as a microbe too small to see. For instance, if you were camping, the list of living things might be relatively large including (but not limited to) plants, birds, mushrooms, insects, and bacteria. All non-living parts of the environment are called abiotic factors. These include water, soil, air, temperature, wind, and sunlight. You may come across things in the environment that were once alive, like a tree, but is no longer because it has been used to make a wooden chair. Because the wood is no longer alive, it cannot be a biotic factor. The biotic potential – the rate at which a population would grow if it had unlimited resources – of any species can be great; however, limiting factors inhibit unlimited growth. For instance, without any controls on its population growth, the ancestors of a single female housefly could total about 5.6 trillion flies within 13 months; in a few years, there would be enough flies to cover the earth’s entire surface. The limiting factors are the primary determinants of growth in an ecosystem. For example, in lakes and reservoirs, phosphorus is a limiting factor. Low levels of phosphorus hold populations of algae and other organisms in check. However, if phosphorous levels rise, such as with the introduction of sewage rich in phosphates from laundry detergents, algal populations may explode. In most terrestrial ecosystems, rainfall is the limiting factor. It is the amount of rainfall that determines whether the land is covered by forest, grassland, or desert. In fact, it is the limiting factors of dryness, freezing, or oxygen depredation that create cryptobiotic soil. Be on the lookout for these communities of knobby black-encrusted soil. You will know that nature is asserting its limits.
Echo Brief Community Counts encourages organization’s hotline use Community Counts is a community-based program designed to offer residents a resource for open and respectful dialogue when they have issues, concerns or questions relating to the natural gas industry. The Community Counts Hotline is a toll-free number, 866-442-9034, that allows residents to reach local operators with drilling activities in the area. The goal of the hotline is for participants to hear about any negative impacts our neighbors experience such as dust, mud, noise, traffic and odors so that we can work to resolve complaints quickly. The hotline also appreciate compliments. For more information, go to communitycounts.com. – Community Counts
When wet, these fibers store water and can swell up to 10 times their dry size with water, providing a benefit to the colony and also other organisms.
Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.
Have a story idea? Contact the Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Grand Valley Fire Protection District If you should have an emergency, please call 911 as soon as possible!
Third graders visit the fire station By Diana Connell, Grand Valley Fire Protection District Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide area of residential, commercial and some very remote areas with fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education and training in cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The district covers roughly 321 square miles. This is I-70 from mile marker 66.4 to mile marker 82.5, then all the way north to Rio Blanco County and south to Mesa County, including three-quarters of a square mile of Mesa County. Third graders from Bea Underwood Elementary School came to the fire station to learn a little about maps and what they are used for in fire service and everyday life. Fire station staff discussed what a GPS is and gave a brief demonstration of how a GPS system works. We covered what is on a map, and how items can be found. For the month of November, the fire district responded to 67 calls for service: 1 fire incident 55 emergency medical service 2 hazardous conditions 3 service 5 good intent 1 false call
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 17
G R A N D
VA L L E Y
N E W S
Mt. Callahan Community Fund awards grants
The Mt. Callahan Community Fund has awarded grants to seven local organizations. Those grants went to The Grand Valley Historical Society, K-SUN Community Radio, LIFT-UP, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, RVR Early Learning Fund, Valley Senior Center, and Youth Zone. The funds were derived from earnings from the Mt. Callahan Community Fund Endowment Fund, which included a grant from the Town of Parachute, and a generous donation from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The Mt. Callahan Community Fund is holding a presentation ceremony Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Grand recipient representatives discuss their organizations and how the awarded funds will be used to benefit the Parachute and Battlement Mesa community. Checks will be presented to them at that time. KSUN radio will be recording the presentation for replay and refreshments will be served. Interested parties are invited to Johna and Kem and the staff at Headlines Salon wish you attend this annual event. The Mt. Callahan Community Fund is a geographic-area fund all a Happy Holiday Season!! Thanks to our great clients of the Western Colorado Community Foundation located in for making 2010 such a wonderful year!! Come in for Grand Junction with assets of over $13 million. a great new hairstyle for the holidays, or maybe you Since 2002, the Mt. Callahan Community Fund has been raiscould use new jewelry and a new handbag to liven up your ing money through donations from individuals, businesses, and holiday fashions!! Gift certificates available!!! from various fund raising events, for the purpose of awarding In salon Specials: Free eyebrow wax grants to deserving non-profit organizations in Parachute and 83 TAMARISK TRAIL with any service! Tabitha is offering Battlement Mesa.. BATTLEMENT MESA, CO 81635 $10.00 off of a new set of acrylic nails. This is a great value so call her today 970.285.9279 – Barbara Pavlin, Mt. Callahan Community Fund co-chair and set up your appointment!!! 970.285.0395
HEADLINES SALON
Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
C H A M B E R
N E W S
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker
By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Businesses of the Month Daylight Donuts 124 E. First St., Parachute, 285-9697 Donuts, catering and a full breakfast menu! Check them out at their new location. See page 11 for more on Daylight Donuts. Wells Fargo Bank 0071 Sipprelle Drive, Unit 2, Parachute, 285-7848 Full service banking including trust services, investment management, mortgage and insurance. Member FDIC Upcoming Events Jan. 13 – Chamber membership meeting at Parachute Town Hall. With speaker Parachute Town Manager Bob Knight. Bob will give updates on the Town of Parachute. Call 285-0388 for time and more info. The chamber is in the process of planning all our community events and meetings for the upcoming year. If you have any ideas, contact the chamber.
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Michelle Foster - President Mary Anderson - Vice President Mary Lee Mohrlang- Secretary Nancy Jay - Treasurer Cyndie Penland - Director Paul Schultz - Director Stephen Cyphers - Director Aundrea Ownen - Director Bill Cornelius - Director Jason Fletcher - Past President As always, the chamber is looking for businesses that would like to support our communities by becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact one of the chamber directors or call 285-0388.
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Give your Christmas tree a second life – in your garden By Barbara Barker • Store candles in the refrigerator; they will burn longer, drip less, and smoke less. • With scraps cut from an old satin pillowcase and the needles from your Christmas tree, you can make small, aromatic pillows. Put them in drawers, closets, or trunks to spread that sweet evergreen smell to clothes and musty places. • Those stiff branches and sharp needles from your Christmas tree can be helpful to your garden. A few well-placed branches can help defend your shrubs against winter freezes. And come springtime, those prickly needles make a great mulch that slugs will refuse to crawl over. • Shred colored tissue paper and use to wrap fragile gifts. • When lengthening a hemline and you don’t want the old hemline to show, just gently sponge distilled white vinegar over the old crease on the underside of the fabric. Fold the garment where you want the new hemline to be, place a damp cloth over the fold, and press with a hot iron. The old hemline will disappear and the new line will be nicely set. • Use paper clips or spring-type clothespins when pinning up a hem; no pricking of your fingers with clothespins. • Hem jeans with duct tape; it is easy to do and will last through many washings. • Shoelaces will stay tied if you dampen them before tying. • When tall boots are in the closet, slide an empty, clean and dry, one- or two-liter plastic bottle into each boot to keep them in shape. • If you must do a load of laundry but don’t have enough detergent, just add baking soda to make up the difference. You may be so pleased with the results, you’ll start doing every wash this way. • In an emergency, when you must do a wash and have no laundry detergent, use shampoo. About a third of a cup will do a full load. • Do not use dishwashing liquid to do the laundry. The amount of liquid needed to launder clothes would create enough suds to float the Titanic. Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 19
PA R A C H U T E Parts and pieces needed
B R A N C H
Cleaning out after the holiday? The Parachute Branch Library is in need of any spare Legos. Ideally, we would like the standard size Legos donated. Eventually we will host a Lego-building contest. Contact the library at 285-9870.
a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a reservation-only event as the Wii (played on our new giant screen) along with other games will be set up. Lunch is on us so call now to hold your spot. Holiday closures: The library will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Story Time goes on the road
Conquering mouse fear
On Dec. 17 at 11 a.m., the Parachute Branch Library storytellers and listeners are meeting at the Mesa Vista Assisted Living Center for a very special time. Call 285-9870 for more info.
Looking for something to do while out of school? Check out the activities at the library: On Dec. 20, grades 4-6 are invited to return for another lesson in creating gross and downright disgusting items. Arrive at 11 a.m. and create fake vomit. Told you it was gross. Space is limited to 20 and reservations are required. Call 285-9870. On Dec. 21, from 3-4 p.m., if you are under 10, join us for drop-in craft making. No reservations required and parents are encouraged to attend. On Dec. 22, the Amine Club (middle and high school students) meet from 2-4 p.m. No reservations needed. On Dec. 30, grades 6 and 7 only we invite sixth and seventh graders to get your game on from 11:30
Are you afraid of the mouse? Don’t really understand the computer? Need to get an e-mail? The Parachute library is offering a three- month course geared for those who are true rookies on the computer. Beginning Jan. 4 and each Tuesday after, students will have the full attention of our very patient resident computer expert Megan. Course graduates will be masters of the mouse. Space is limited and reservations are required. This beginning computer course runs from January thru March. Need more information or want to make the commitment to conquer your mouse fear? Call the library at 285-9870.
The perfect “itty bitty” purse Ladies: Ever wish you didn’t have to carry that oversized purse around with you? Want to create some very creative gifts? The Parachute Branch Library has the solution. On Jan. 8 at 9 a.m., bring your sewing machine, and some scrap fabric, and you will create the perfect tiny purse that allows you to
A year of Echoes Grand Valley High School Echo reporters wrote that the school’s Key Club members attended the Rocky Mountain District Key Club Convention in Denver March 26-28. “It was one of the best times of my senior year!” said senior Taylor Dillon, Key Club member and the 2009-10 Grand Valley Key Club president.
L I B R A RY
N E W S
carry a credit card, ID and cash. A sample is available at the library along with a supply list. Space is limited and reservations are required. The cost of this class is $10, which includes a purse pattern and a “souper” lunch. Our guest instructor is Pat Jones from the Glenwood Sewing Center. For more information or to reserve your spot call the library at 285-9870. (The alternative snow date is Jan. 15.
Computer Whiz Kid ready to help
Geno Duran, also known as The Computer Whiz Kid, is giving personalized computer help at the Parachute Branch Library on Jan. 4 from 6-8 p.m. During the session, Geno is available to answer general questions about your home PC. Free to the public. Drop in. For more information call 285-9870.
Beret’s Gadget Clinics
Are you purchasing an eBook reader or other handheld gadget for yourself or your family this Christmas? Did you get a new Kobo, Kindle, Sony Reader or Nook recently? Do you need some help getting started? Schedule a free appointment with Beret at the Parachute library in January and she will assist you in feeling more comfortable using your new device and downloading free books from the Garfield County Public Library District website (at gcpld.org). Call the library at 285-9870 beginning Jan. 4 and continuing through February as no drop-ins are allowed.
from page 11
social, and street dance. The parade’s grand marshals were Terry and Penny Satterfield.
A Comfort Inn began construction on the north side of Parachute on Aug. 23, as well as the construction of a dentist office and the Berry Petroleum offices nearby.
The Battlement Mesa Golf Club saw plenty of play with both men’s and women’s local leagues, and lots of tournaments, including the Battlement Mesa Open, the Alpine Bank Pro-Am, and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Golf Tournament. Battlement Mesa changed the name of its governmental entity responsible for its water and sewer systems, and the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, from Consolidated Metro District to the Battlement Mesa Metro District. District Manager Steve Rippy said the previous name was too vague.
As they do every year, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute took fourth grade students from St John Elementary on a winter ecology trip on the Grand Mesa.
During the spring, the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation Department moved into the historic Wasson-McKay House.
The White Buffalo restaurant and bar in Battlement Mesa closed its doors at the end of March. Owners Margaret Cooke and Dick Ciprich closed the restaurant after seven years in business. Top, the Parachute Visitors Cabin turned 25; right, Battlement Golf Club had a busy season; far right, the Parachute Branch Library reopened with a new look. Echo file photos
On June 19, the Parachute Visitors Center Cabin turned 25 with a big community party. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce owns the cabin, and it sits on land owned by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Town of Parachute maintains the park and rest area facility. Grand Valley Days, held July 30-31, featured a pancake breakfast, bake sale, poker run, parade, pie
Flower power came to Parachute in a big way when three 17-foot tall solar flowers were officially unveiled on Aug. 27 at the town’s rest area. The flower arrays generate electricity for lighting and heating at the rest area. Parachute also installed solar panels at the new library, town hall, and at the town’s water treatment facility, through a partnership with Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative.
It was musical chairs with Parachute’s principals. When Scott Pankow left the Grand Valley Middle School to take another position out of town, Jory Sorenson moved from St John Elementary to the middle school taking Scott’s place. After Brian Berg
Continued on page 21
Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
• 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 to help offset the cost of producing this page.
All Saints' Episcopal Church 150 Sipprelle Dr. Battlement Mesa 285-7908 Pastor's mobile: 985-5797 The Reverend Edmond-Joseph Rivet, Priest-in-charge Website: allsaintsepiscopal.info Church e-mail: office@allsaintsepiscopal.info Pastor e-mail: frej@allsaintsepiscopal.info Sunday Sunday Eucharist: 10:30 a.m. Choir: 9:30 a.m. Children's Godly Play: 10 a.m. WOW: Worship On Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist: 6 p.m. Soup Social: 6:30 p.m. Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.
Crown Peak Baptist Church
Grace Bible Church
Shepherd of the Mesa
755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa 285-9862
Lutheran Church (WELS) Bill Cornelius, Pastor 987-3093 Adam Lambrecht, Staff Minister 987-1992 Sarah Lambrecht, Music Coordinator, 285-7255
Charlie Hornick, Pastor Lance Easterling, Youth Pastor Josh Elliott, Pastoral Intern Penni Nichols, GBC Child Care Director
Worship: Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Blessing Up for Church Broadcast 103.9 FM Sunday School: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Evening Service: 5:30 p.m. Youth / Children’s Activities Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri. Awana: Tuesdays 7:00pm (Sept. – April) High School Youth: Sundays 5:00-7:00 p.m. Middle School Youth: Wed. 7:00-8:30 p.m. *Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places) Website: grace-bible-church.com 24-Hour Prayer Line: 384-7999
101 W. Battlement Parkway Parachute 285-7946 crownpeakbaptist.com
Family Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Location: Historical Society School House on County Rd 300 Women’s Bible Study Group: Monday at 9:30 a.m. Location: 12 Rosewood Way Babysitting available In Home Bible Study throughout the week. Call for times and locations in your area. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Wellspring of Life Church at Grand Valley High School Cafeteria
Rick Van Vleet, Senior Pastor Dan LaRue, Associate Pastor Matt Loftin, Youth Pastor Brian Jarrett, Minister of Music
Grand Valley Christian Church
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)
Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080 e-mail: keeperoffaith@aol.com Church Office 285-7597
Second Street & Parachute Avenue Parachute
800 Cardinal Way Parachute Pastor David Bartlett
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
Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m. Youth and Children’s Sunday School 210-5795 210-5849
Daily Prayer Tuesday thru Friday 9:30 a.m.
Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor
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.
Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Contact Us P.O. Box 125, Parachute, CO 81635 285-9892 grandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net
GRAND VALLEY SPELLBINDERS is looking for volunteers. Call 285-7175 for more information.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 21
Faith Brief
FA I T H
Christmas services Dec. 24: 7 p.m. Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Worship Service “The Simple Message of the Birth of our Savior” Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse County Road 300
As I See It Dec. 24: 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at Grand Valley Christian Church 116 W. Second St. Parachute, 285-7597
A year of Echoes
from page 19
stepped in as interim principal at St John while simultaneously continuing his duties as principal at Bea Underwood Elementary, Kathy Keeling moved into the principal position at St John, and Brian Berg stayed on as principal of Bea Underwood Elementary.
The new and improved Parachute Branch Library opened on Sept. 11. The building features an additional 4,500 square feet of space, top-notch sound and video technology, a 100-person meeting room, and an additional 4,000 items available for public use. The draft report, “Health Impact Assessment for Battlement Mesa,” a 157-page document prepared by more than half a dozen physicians, faculty and staff at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Denver in Aurora, was completed this fall. The report outlines potential impacts of Antero’s plans to drill for natural gas in Battlement’s planned unit development. An earlier deadline of Oct. 20 was extended until November for public comment on the document. A final version is being prepared as of press time. Grand Valley High School celebrated homecoming Sept. 27-Oct. 2, which featured an alumni volleyball and flag football tournament, as well as the homecoming dance, bonfire, football game, and the ever-popular Mrs. GV contest. Fall events included the historical society’s quilt show at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse and the chamber’s Oktoberfest in Cottonwood Park.
In October, Police Chief Cary Parmentar organized a team of officers and cadets to remove the gang-type graffiti Parachute’s pedestrian bridge that crosses Interstate 70.
KSUN Community Radio celebrated the holidays with its Christmas Gala on Dec. 4 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The event, which includes dinner and dancing, is a fundraiser for the station.
And area churches got together on Dec. 5 to hold a live nativity at Beasley Park in downtown Parachute. The program included readings, carols, a full cast, donkeys, and a goat.
What’s in store for us in 2011? What will these pages be filled with in the coming year? There’s no telling, but we’ll do our best to keep you connected.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Left, grafitti removal; above, Grand Valley Days fun. Echo file photos
Forgive us our Christmases By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church A 4-year-old girl noticed the rest of her family’s frustration throughout one December day as they made preparations for Christmas. She observed her mother’s sigh when they received an unexpected present in the mail and heard her mother’s response. “Now, we will have to go out and buy them something in return,”’ her mother said. “Where will be find the time?” Her father was frustrated over all the mail, including the e-mail cards from semi-close friends. A tradition of the family was to pray the Lord’s Prayer each night before bed. As little 4-year-olds often get their words mixed up, her words changed a little for that evening’s prayer – unintentionally, of course, but yet so convicting. Instead of “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver from evil,” she prayed, “Forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from e-mail.” The truth be known, asking God to forgive some things about our Christmases and to deliver us from email, may be very appropriate for the season. The question is: How do we celebrate our Christmases in such as way we would not need to ask for forgiveness? Rather, we would embrace the true spirit of Christmas – a spirit in which we receive blessings through focusing on giving to others. Isn’t that what the true spirit of Christmas is really all about? On the back of one of our bulletins at church recently we had the following suggestions for gifts that show you care, but do not cost much, if anything, financially. I want to pass these on to you. 1. The gift of listening – Take time to really listen to others without interruption or offering your own quick fixes. In so doing you can warm the heart of a friend on a snowy day. 2. The gift of affection – Let your eyes light up and give an appropriate hug to a family member or close friend, letting them know you care. 3. The gift of laughter – Tell a funny story or clean joke. Laughter is a good medicine. 4. The gift of a written note – Write words of encouragement or appreciation to others. Such words in a card or letter can bring a warm smile and lift the spirits of another. 5. The gift of a cheerful disposition – Cheerfulness that stems from a caring and appreciative heart can outshine any other Christmas decorations for it shines into the hearts of others. 6. The gift of a compliment – Give sincere compliments to those who have blessed you. Watch their noses and eyes light up like Rudolph the red nose reindeer. 7. The gift of doing a favor – Go out of your way to make an afternoon or evening enjoyable for another. Babysit for a single mom or couple, take a meal to a shut in, or visit someone in assisted living. 8. The gift of solitude – Be creative in meeting a need for someone you know to get away from it all. We have many people in our community who give of themselves at Christmas time as well as throughout the year. They know first-hand that it is more blessed to give than receive. All of us have much more to give than we think we have. Be sure to make this Christmas one you won’t have to be forgiven for.
Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
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Jake Hemphill won a coloring contest at H-Dentistry’s open house in October. Jake won a toy car, crayons and two coloring books for his artistic efforts. Photo courtesy of H-Dentistry
More than 2,100 people visited the Grand Valley High School (GVHS) on Nov. 20 to attend the 28th Annual Craft Fair. Organized by Mary Anderson, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley helped with parking; the GVHS wrestlers and Coach Rick Gallegos helped crafters haul their wares in and out of the school; and Garfield School District No. 16 and Grand Valley High School permitted the fair to be held at the high school. Photos courtesy of Mary Anderson
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 23
Involving Parents and Children Grand Valley Center for Family Learning
New health center, Encana-sponsored kindergarten, and an eventful Thanksgiving
O U R Terrific Kids for November 2010
S C H O O L S
The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elementary schools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.
By Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning
In collaboration with Grand River Hospital and The Colorado Health Foundation, a school-based health center opened in November at our school. Nurse practitioner Jean Lein is providing primary care services such as physical exams, immunizations, routine lab tests, throat cultures, chronic illness management, wellness education and more under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Coleman. Services are intended for students and staff of Garfield No. 16 School District. Students wishing to access services must have their parents complete an enrollment form. Private insurance, Medicaid and CHP will be billed; however, services are being provided to any student regardless of their ability to pay if they are enrolled. The Colorado Health Foundation works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation by increasing the number of Coloradans with health insurance, ensuring they have access to quality, coordinated care and encouraging healthy living. “The center will help take care of our community’s children and get them the access to healthcare, health education and services they need at a low cost,” says Lois Kame, administrative director of clinic services for Grand River Hospital and the director of Grand River Student Health Center. Mental health services are included at the center with counselor Tony Passariello. Families can also access Tony directly. Due to the generosity of Encana, parents presently paying tuition for their child’s participation in full-day kindergarten will not receive bills after December. School-wide data shows that students who participate in full-day kindergarten can make greater gains in literacy and math. The obvious reason for this is the time allowed for instruction and reflection on learning. The state presently pays for half-day kindergarten classes. Districts who desire to offer this alternative to their young students have had to look for other avenues to supplement funding. Funding full-day kindergarten is an excellent investment in our children’s long-term success in school. We held our annual Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 18. Fifteen turkeys were cooked by staff and parents, and we served more than 400 people. Many thanks to Rifle City Market and Alpine Bank in Parachute for donating money to buy turkeys. Thanks also to all the parents who brought food to share. It was a wonderful event.
The Loya family
The family of Andrea Clegg
Bea Underwood Elementary School November’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative), Kaylie Stark, Colby Scott, Alexa Dunahoo, Nicole Estrada, Principal Brian Berg; second row, Payton Buffington, Mallory Brinklow, Cameron Underhill, Rocio Roman; third row, Maggie Rozell, Malachi Craine, Kirstin Medina, and Jordyn Pittman.
St John Elementary School November’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Bill Coelho, Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representatives), Addyson Harper, Cassie Tigert, Dakota Parkhurst, Kathy Keeling (principal); second row, Danielle Call, Alejandra Renteria, Anthony Baeza, and Myckenzi Rice. Congratulations to all of November’s Terrific Kids!
THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO •Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
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Grand Valley High School
Christmas around the world By Amber Greeson, GVHS
Santa’s Kenturkey Derby…the race is on! Caleb Lenard
By Lizbet Gonzalez, GVHS
This year the Student Leadership of Grand Valley High School (GVHS) had a holiday food drive from Nov. 1–Dec. 8. All this food will go to families in need for their holiday dinners. There are a lot of families that this will benefit. In order to have a completed holiday basket there were specific items that were asked to be brought in. Each food item had a specific point value. Stuffing mix, brownie mix, and cake mix were five points. Fruit cocktail and instant potatoes were four points. Canned yams and gravy mix was three points, while Jell-O mix and canned vegetables made up a total of two points. All other items were worth one point. The students were supposed to bring their food items into their advisory teacher and the advisory class that earns the most points will win a pizza party. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors were all competing against each other, but the winners are still being determined. Although students have the pizza party as an incentive to bring in food, the real prize of all of this is being able to help those in need.
Grand Valley Band and Choir made their big debut
The best of the west By Matt Donello, GVHS Grand Valley students are always striving to be great students, but every month there is one student that shines brighter. Caleb Lenard is November’s Student of the Month and for all the right reasons. Student of the Month is a huge honor that is determined by the teachers. There is no doubt that Caleb deserves this award. He continuously proves himself as a classroom gladiator and is always making the right choices. “I didn’t really expect to be named Student of the Month,” Caleb said with a grin on his face. “Am I a role model? No. But I think kids should look up to me.” When asked how he got this award, he said, “Just don’t be dumb, and do your homework.” Caleb is extraordinary at balancing his on-the-field and off-the-field activities, as he is now participating in Grand Valley boys basketball for the 2010-11 season. There is no doubt that Caleb is a well accomplished student, and he will continue to show his colors as the year goes on.
Grand Valley Givers
By Amanda Jablonsky, GVHS
By Karsyn Valencia, GVHS
Since the beginning of the school year, the Grand Valley High School Band and Choir have been preparing for their winter concert. They performed on Dec. 7, which is the first time they performed during the 2010-11 school year. Under new direction of conductor Barbara Carroll, the band and choir have grown in skill level since August. Before the performance, Ms. Carroll was asked how she felt about the upcoming concert. “The concert is going to be amazing!,” she said. “I am so excited for the community to see what these students have been doing for the past four months. Both groups have grown immensely since the beginning of the year.”
The Grand Valley Givers tree is back in business again at Grand Valley High School. The Givers Tree is a Christmas tree that has tags with names of girls and boys whose parents cannot afford to buy them Christmas presents. These little tags can have up to seven children that need presents. On each tag it tells you the gender of the child and what size he or she wears. A variety of gifts are purchased during this event and given to these children who are forever grateful. All gifts needed to be unwrapped, and turned in by Dec. 15. These trees were located at every school and had plenty of families that needed help.
It’s the sound of a fireplace crackling, and carolers warming the hearts with Christmas tunes. It’s the sight of Christmas lights on beautiful houses and the taste of warm hot chocolate. What is it? It’s Christmas and it’s right around the corner. Everyone is buying gifts and rushing around trying to get the best turkey for dinner. Children are making cookies for Santa and helping decorate the Christmas tree. Christmas is both a religious holiday and also a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Popular customs include gift exchange, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and of course waiting for Santa Claus. “Joyeux Noel” means Merry Christmas in French. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel. In the morning, they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys have been hung on the tree. Nearly every French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene or crèche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The crèche is often people with little clay figures called santons or "little saints." In addition to the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magi, the craftsmen also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries and characters. “Kala Christouyenna” is Greek for Merry Christmas. St. Nicholas is important in Greece as the patron saint of sailors. According to Greek tradition, his clothes are drenched with brine, his beard drips with seawater, and his face is covered with perspiration because he has been working hard against the waves to reach sinking ships and rescue them from the angry sea. Greek ships never leave port without some sort of St. Nicholas icon on board. On Christmas Eve small boys, to the beating of drums and the tinkling of triangles usually sing carols. They go from house to house and are given dried figs, almonds, walnuts, and lots of sweets or sometimes small gifts. Merry Christmas! The United States has made Christmas a federal holiday since 1870. Santa Claus was born in the US in the 1860s he was named this as he had a white beard and a belly, so he was named Santa Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas, Sintaklaas. Although the Dutch had brought him with them in the 17th century, he did not become an important person at Christmas until the novelist Washington Irving put him in a novel that he wrote in 1809. This first Santa Claus was still known as St. Nicholas, he did smoke a pipe, and fly around in a wagon without any reindeer, but he did not have his red suit or live at the North Pole. He did, however, bring presents to children every year. Now Christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions of the United States, because of the variety of nationalities that have settled in it. Whatever the religion, whatever the practice, always remember the reason for the season and enjoy your holiday season!
THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 25
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Lady Cardinals look to start season strong By Dylan Walters, GVHS
Senior Matt Donello gave the crowd a preview of what he hopes will happen during the 2010-2011 basketball season.
New year new season for boys basketball By Bubby Beecraft, GVHS As the 2010-11 season comes to a start, the boys are doing everything it takes to prepare physically and mentally. The Cardinals started the season with a scrimmage in Grand Junction and Fruita and to the boys, this was a real eye opener. It wasn’t the best game starting out against Fruita. Despite the knockdown the boys took, they persevered through it and took a stand to fight against Grand Junction. Then the boys now prepared for the next game of the season against Rifle on Dec. 7. With three boys on the Grand Valley team as former members from Rifle, it made this game one of the biggest rivalries of the season. Next the boys needed to rest up for the Meeker Shootout on Dec. 9-11. This game was not only important to see how the boys could handle competition, but to find out the heart and stamina of the boys having to play four games in one week. With the team ending the last season on a 12-11 record, they hope to rise above that despite the loss of key players. Grand Valley doesn’t have the tallest of teams, but are quicker than most. “This league is a tough league for us,” said Coach Higuera. “We kind of have a chip on our shoulder of being the smaller guys playing up. We know it’s going to be a battle. We think, if we do the right things and give a tremendous amount of effort, we should be in lots of games.” As said by Coach Higuera, it’s not about the height or the skill, it’s about the heart and anyone can win on any given night.
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High school winter sports are soaring into action throughout the area this month. The Grand Valley Girls Basketball team is looking forward to the upcoming 2010-11 season. The girls started off their season with a tournament at the Meeker Shootout on Dec. 2. If they play their hardest and win the season opener against Rangeley and the next game on Dec. 3, they could end up in the championship on Dec. 4. “We’ve got a few really good sophomores and four really good freshmen,” said Head Coach Jonson said. Other key players for the season include seniors Shawnee Young, Amelia Sudick, Jessica Bell, and Brandi Krieg. Unfortunately, the Cardinals started off the season short handed since senior Jessica Bell was gone and junior Jazmin McFarland might be out for a while due to a current unknown injury. Coach Johnson has high hopes that senior Eryn Paskett and freshmen Hailey Johnson can fill the spots with the same attitude and intensity that the two starters brought to the court. So come out and help support your Cardinals fight throughout the season.
Seniors Shawnee Young, Eryn Paskett, Audri Watson, Brandi Krieg, and Amelia Sudick spend some time together before their first competition of their senior year. Photo courtesy of GVHS
Bea Underwood Elementary
From the Principal Looking at our successes By Brian Berg We are closing in on half a school year. Since August, many things have been happening here at Bea Underwood Elementary (BUE). Below is a list to keep you updated and informed. • Open House Night on September 16, had 55 percent of BUE parents attend. Good! • At home reading minutes for September was 100,627. Amazing! • Family Math Night had 23 families attend. Fantastic! • Parent/Teacher Conferences had 95 percent of parents attend. Incredible! • Second grade music program had more than 200 family members proudly watching their child. Awesome! • Halloween parade had almost all students in costumes with a 100-plus parents attending. Fun! • At home reading minutes for October was 90,427. Amazing again! • Family Game Night had 80 or more people attend. Terrific! • Thanksgiving Lunch brought in more than 70 adults to eat with their children and grandchildren. WOW! • Regular volunteers to date: 10. How sad! We can do better! As you can see, we need help with recruiting volunteers to come in and read with students, help with students in completing their work, or help the teacher. By the end of the year, we want to have at least 50 regular adults who can come in and help. So please help us with our goal! If you are interested, call the front office at BUE at 285-5703. The students would love to have you help.
Page 26, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011
Where’s Redstone?
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s sixyear 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.
By Carrie Click, Echo editor
To celebrate the holidays this year, the village of Redstone is offering “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The festivities begin on Dec. 19 and extend through Dec. 31. Each day features a special holiday activity. Why not pick a day and get away to the Crystal Valley for a snow-filled winter treat? Call the Redstone Inn at 963-2526 or visit redstonecolorado.com for more information. Dec. 19: Caroling on Redstone Boulevard Dec. 20: First annual Coal Days celebration, with dinner specials, trivia game and historic photos and clothing displays from 5:30 p.m. on. Dec. 21: Wine tasting with Rick Dufon from Classic Wines at the Redstone Inn at 6 p.m. Dec. 22: Afternoon tea at the Redstone Inn with harp music and cowboy poetry, from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 23: Afternoon tea at the Redstone Inn with flute and harp music, and a special historic guest from Redstone’s past, from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 24: Fireside storytelling at the Redstone Inn with hot chocolate, from 3-5 p.m. followed by Christmas Eve services at the Church at Redstone at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 25: Traditional Christmas buffet at the Redstone Inn from 2-8 p.m. Dec. 26: Cross-country ski at the Redstone Stables’ new 5K groomed track and get a 50 percent off lunch at the Redstone Inn Grill from 11 a.m-5 p.m. Dec. 27: Spa Day at the Redstone Inn with Pilates, manicures, pedicures, massages, and a low calorie/carb lunch. Dec. 28: Champagne and cordial tasting at the Redstone Inn at 6 p.m. Dec. 29: Afternoon tea at the Redstone Inn with harp music and cowboy poetry, from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 30: Afternoon tea at the Redstone Inn with flute and harp music, and a special historic guest from Redstone’s past, from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 31: Dinner and dancing with the Strolling Scones at the Redstone Inn, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience (though drive slowly and carefully as you maneuver through the snow). Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone!
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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011, Page 27
THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT: FOR RENT: 2 BD/2 BA, single-family house, 2 car garage, RV/trailer parking, W/D, pet ok, $1,000/mo. 46 Columbine Lane, Battlement Mesa. Available Jan. 26. 970-366-9391. HELP WANTED: Marketing rep wanted for fast growing health & wellness co. Commissions + bonuses + profit sharing. Full or part time. Contact Barbara 309-1354 or 285-7634.
ONLY $10: The Echo Classified Ads - an inexpensive way to advertise... Do you have something for sale, a home for rent or services you offer... let your neighbors know with a classified ad in the Echo. Only $10 for up to 40 words - a bargain that can’t be beat! gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Even your classified ad helps the Echo have more pages to share the news! Place your ad today!
THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS PHOTO CLASSIFIED AD–Run an photo and 25 words for $15/month* LISTING CLASSIFIED AD–Run up to 40 words for $10/month* *25¢ per word extra. These ads must be prepaid.
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THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE PICK UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS RACKS OUTSIDE: Outlaw Ribbs • Wendy’s • Clark’s Market • Southgate Plaza/Grand Valley Pub INSIDE AT: Kum & Go Stations • The Battlement Mesa Activity Center and at MANY local businesses! • Septic Tank Pumping • Experienced Operators • Senior Discounts! Locally Owned & Operated. • Specials! DeBeque to Aspen to Vail & Beyond • Best Prices! 970-216-7576 • Guaranteed! www.peakseptic.com
Submit this form and payment by the 1st of the month to: The Grand Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 IF YOU ARE RUNNING A PHOTO CLASSIFIED, SEND PHOTO TO gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
SERVICE DIRECTORY Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Help for any writing project
970-930-0056
#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS
clickintoplace@yahoo.com
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • Electronic locate • Rooter work • Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments • Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections • Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36” CALL RICK or SCOTT
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TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 963-2373 TODAY!
Page 28, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-December 2010 / Mid-January 2011