Grand-Valley-Echo-September-2010

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

Volume #2 Number 12

INSIDE

Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

A grand (re)opening

Mosquitoes page 3

OKTOB ERFEST

Oktoberfest pages 3 & 18

Quilt Show page 5

Welcome to the new and improved Parachute Branch Library.

The Parachute Branch Library is new, improved and open

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Sports & Recreation pages 14-15

Our Schools pages 20-22

Imagine having to move thousands of books and lending materials out of Parachute Branch Library’s building on Grand Valley Way, and into a short-term location. Now, imagine less than a year later, moving the entire inventory back in – plus 4,000 more items.

No one understands the work involved in such an undertaking as much as Karol Sacca, the Parachute Branch Library’s manager, and her staff.

“While driving on I-70, I often see moving trucks that show fun pictures and tout moving as ‘an adventure,’” Karol says. “The staff of the Parachute Branch Library can certainly give testimony to our moving experiences in the last nine months.”

It was a monumental task, but now that Parachute’s remodeled and expanded library is open and operating, the library’s temporary move was clearly worth the effort.

Old to new An extensive remodeling project on Parachute’s library began last December, and on Sept. 8, the building’s new and improved doors opened once again.

Continued on page 17

Photo by Emily Hisel

Parachute Branch Library’s improvements: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Additional 4,500 square feet of space New adult reading area New computer center Improved teen and children’s spaces A new fireplace setting, new furnishings, more seating, study tables and study room Upgraded plumbing system, new heating and air conditioning systems and a photovoltaic solar power system New restrooms New entry Top-notch sound and video technology, including a download station to keep current with the latest in music 100-person meeting room for library and community events Updated exterior including two patio areas, trees, and a drive-up book drop Additional 4,000 items available for public use, with a doubling of the library’s books-on-CD collection

“We are not your grandmothers library!” says Karol Sacca, the Parachute Branch Library manager. “If you have not visited us, we welcome you to experience what was designed with you in mind.”

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

FROM THE EDITOR

Have a story idea?

Contact the Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

Get together with The Grand Valley Echo On Sept. 28, we’re hosting a Grand Valley Echo Writers’ Workshop and Open House at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Fire Station at 0124 Stone Quarry Rd., in Battlement.

The Echo is celebrating its second year as Parachute and Battlement Mesa’s monthly newspaper. We’d love to see you, have a cup of coffee, and talk with you about your community newspaper – what you like about it, what you’d like to see more of, what you’d like to see less of, and how we can keep working together to make the Echo as good as it can be.

We’ll start off the day at 8:30 a.m. with one-on-one writing sessions with our contributors. If you currently write for the Echo (or would like to) please contact the Echo’s editor Carrie Click directly at 930-0056 or clickintoplace@yahoo.com to schedule a brief appointment. Carrie will be happy to go over newspaper writing tips and story ideas with you.

Our writers’ workshop led by Carrie, starts at 10 a.m.

This is a time for all community contributors who currently write columns and stories for the Echo to get together and learn about some powerful writing techniques that can make your writing clear and sharp. And if you’re interested in joining our great group of writing contributors, we invite you, too. The workshop will last about an hour and we’ll have copies of the Echo stylebook on hand to update you on preparing your copy for the paper.

And from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Echo’s publisher Alyssa Ohnmacht and editor Carrie Click welcome community members to stop by for a casual meet and greet. (Food and beverages provided!) Please come by and let’s talk Echo.

See you on Sept. 28.

Carrie Click Editor

Alyssa Ohnmacht Publisher

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.

Emily Hisel, Luke DeMuth, Jim Klink, Monty Rhodes, Robert Knight, Keith Lammey, Dave Devanney, M.E. Denomy, Sarah Tahvonen,

PUBLISHER/DESIGNER ALYSSA OHNMACHT EDITOR CARRIE CLICK COPY EDITOR DANA CAYTON 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

Sharon Temple, Carrie Godes, Ameriprise Financial, Joline Gnatek, Jim Olp, Heather McGregor, Mary Anderson, Laurel Koning, Bob Campbell, Vina Klahn, Anne Huber, Barbara Barker, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Julie Lana, Bill Cornelius, Ken Haptonstall, Brian Berg, Alison Teter, Dale and Betsy Leonard, Charlie Hornick,

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 3

G R A N D Head to Cottonwood Park for Oktoberfest on Oct. 2 Parachute may be a long way from Germany, but that’s no reason that Grand Valleyites can’t celebrate Oktoberfest.

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce produces its own version of this annual autumn event. This year, Oktoberfest is being held from 5-10 p.m. on Oct. 2 in Parachute’s Cottonwood Park.

And have your umbrellas ready – this fun-for-thewhole-family event won’t be rained out. Oktoberfest will take place regardless of the weather.

Expect lots of food, and fun and games for the kids.

Grand Valley Fire District will operate a climbing wall, and Exit 42, a western Colorado-based country rock band (no oompah band here), will provide the tunes.

And at dark, be ready for fireworks The original Oktoberfest, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, takes place for two weeks in September and the beginning of October in Munich, Germany. At least of few of the activities at Parachute’s event are similar to Munich’s Oktoberfest: both feature family, food and fireworks.

Volunteers are needed to help with the event. Call 285-0388 if you’d like to lend a hand.

See more about Oktoberfest in Chamber News on page 18.

– Carrie Click

VA L L E Y

Local throws out first pitch with Babe Ruth’s granddaughter

By Carrie Click, Echo editor Chuck Pederson, a Grand Valley-based autograph expert and author, had the thrill of a baseball lover’s lifetime this past summer when he was invited to throw out the first pitch with Babe Ruth’s granddaughter at an historic stadium in Arizona.

Chuck was in Bisbee, Ariz. promoting his new book, “SOB: Southwestern Outlaw Baseball,” about the leagues that formed with “outlaw” players who had otherwise been eliminated from East Coast ball playing. Babe Ruth’s granddaughter, Donna Analovitch, was on hand to help Chuck bring attention to his book.

They both threw out pitches before a game at Warren Ballpark, which Chuck says is the oldest park in the United States.

“We performed the ceremony together,” said Chuck.

The game was between two minor league ball clubs: the Flying Mustangs and the Copper Kings at the Kings’ annual Fourth of July baseball tournament.

Chuck and Donna met through a mutual friend who knew the two both share a passion for baseball. When Chuck’s book was published, Donna offered to help him promote it.

For more on Chuck and his book, contact him at SOB_BOOK@q.com.

Chuck Pederson holds a ball autographed by Photo by Carrie Click Lou Gehrig.

Mosquito counts drop with cooler weather

er for Colorado Mosquito Control, said the number of mosquitoes found at Cottonwood Park were usually high due to the fact that it was Parachute and Battlement Mesa had located next to some swamp water and was on high counts of mosquitoes in July and the edge of the company's control area.

August. But those numbers are dropping, CMC does adult surveillance of mosquitoes, along with the threat of contracting West but focuses on the larvae to eliminate them.

Nile virus, with the onset of cooler "We walk through the swamp to look for larweather. vae and we spray a natural bacteria which kills According to a report by Colorado mosquitoes and black flies," DeMuth said.

Mosquito Control Inc., issued for Aug. But the cooler weather itself is helping reduce 17, there were 1,200 mosquitoes trapped the number of mosquitoes. at the Cottonwood Park station in "It's been going down last week due to the Parachute, near the old rodeo grounds. weather," Anthony said. "This will be the last "The numbers in Parachute and week of trapping through Sept. 13."

Battlement Mesa historically come out The size of the areas being treated throughout high," said Steve Anthony, Garfield Garfield County has grown over the years with County vegetation management director.

193 acres in Parachute in 2010, up from just 65 "Then we take and break down the numacres in 2004. bers into species."

"I don't know that we're seeing more mosquiOf the 1,200 mosquitoes trapped in toes, but we're treating larger areas," Anthony Parachute, 56 of them were the culex said. tarsalis species – the type that can carry Garfield County has not seen a case of the the West Nile virus.

West Nile virus this year, although there have The rule of thumb is anything above a been 18 cases reported in the state, with four of 100 count of culex tarsalis is a cause for them in Mesa County. There have been no concern, Anthony said. reported fatalities.

"At about 100 mosquitoes trapped, In the past, Garfield County saw two cases of we start to get phone calls and hear the West Nile virus in 2006 and five cases in about people getting bit while out on 2007, according to the Colorado Mosquito their patios," he said. "And at 100 culex, Mosquitoes are dwindling in the Grand Valley. Photo courtesy of Luke DeMuth Control website. we start to get concerned about West But the declining numbers of mosquitoes Nile." doesn't mean that people should stop protecting As of Sept. 7, the number of mosquithemselves with mosquito repellant.

(CMC) report. The number of culex tarsalis mosquitoes caught at Cottonwood Park went from 1,200 to toes also dropped from 56 to 17.

"I wouldn't pack it away just yet," Anthony said.

231, according to the Colorado Mosquito Control Luke DeMuth, Garfield County operations manag- "But we're just about out of the woods."

By Heidi Rice Special to The Grand Valley Echo

Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

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.

• Sept. 15: Applications due to participate in the 28th Annual Craft Fair at Grand Valley High School on Nov. 20. Call Mary at Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District at 285-0388.

• Sept. 16: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce board meeting at Alpine Bank-Battlement Mesa. 285-0388.

• Sept. 16: 6:30 p.m. Colorado author Sandra Dallas visits Parachute in a presentation at the Parachute Branch Library as part of its grand opening. $25. Call 625-4270.

• Sept. 17: 4-7 p.m. Friends of the Library members and teachers with proper ID are invited to peruse the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. 210-7119.

• Sept. 18: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale, at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse.

210-7119.

• Sept. 21: 1 p.m. Village Artists hosts Bob Harper, who will demonstrate composition and sketching, at the Parachute Library. Joline, 285-7642.

• Sept. 22-26: Fall Art Festival at the Ramada Inn in Glenwood Springs is reportedly the largest nonjuried art show in the state. Some Grand Valley artists works are included. Joline, 285-7642.

• Sept. 25-26: Grand Valley Quilt Show is at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, and also features tours of the Glover Cabin. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 12-3 p.m. $3/suggested donation to benefit the Grand Valley Historical Society. Monty, 285-6100.

• Sept. 27: Last day to make reservations for “Wine, Dine, & Dance in Retirement!,” a free dinner and seminar at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 1. Live music by Swing Set. Call 888-927-6403.

• Sept. 27-Oct. 2: Grand Valley High School Homecoming. See Grand Valley High School News in this Echo for more info. Alison, 285-5705.

• Sept. 28: 3:30 p.m. Battle for the Cure golf event to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight breast cancer. $20. Sign up at the Battlement Mesa Golf Club; presented by the Battlement Mesa Women’s Golf Club.

• Sept. 29: 6 p.m. Grand Valley High School Alumni Volleyball and Flag Football Tournament. See details in GVHS News in this issue. Sign up by Sept. 21. Alison, 285-5705.

• Sept. 30: Grant applications due to Mt. Callahan Community Foundation for nonprofits’ projects not to exceed $500. Contact Barbara at 285-7634.

• Oct. 1: 5-8 p.m. “Wine, Dine, & Dance in Retirement!” is a free dinner and presentation featuring Russell Andrews of Ameriprise Financial Services and Tim Isaacs of Riversource Life Insurance Company, at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Live music by Swing Set. Reservations needed by Sept. 27 by calling 888-927-6403.

• Oct. 2: 9 a.m. Glenwood Canyon Shuffle Race for Literacy is a half-marathon and 5K walk, relay race and run on the Glenwood Canyon bike path. $30/person for half-marathon; $75/team; $20 /person for 5K. Register at active.com or contact 9455282, mfredendall@rof.net.

• Oct. 2: Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association gets together for a social event and a round-robin tournament (possibly), plus viewing fireworks from Oktoberfest. Call Vina at 2856718 for more info.

• Oct. 2: 5-10 p.m. Oktoberfest in Cottonwood Park. Food, live music, fun for the kids and fireworks at dark. Volunteers needed now to sign up to help.

285-0388.

• Oct. 2: Village Artists display their work at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Miniatures, plus other sizes, too. Exhibit is up through Oct. 30. Elaine, 285-7197.

• Oct. 9: 2 p.m. Grand Valley Historical Society meeting features Kathy Jordan, historical columnist for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Free for society members, $3/suggested donations for non-members.

ONGOING • The Parachute Branch Library is now open and is expanded and improved at 244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-9570.

• Colorado Mountain College is offering energy technology and art classes in Parachute for the fall semester at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning and the Career Center. Call 625-1871 or look online at coloradomtn.edu or cfl.garcoschools.org.

• Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630.

• 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 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.

• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the 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.

• Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., "Through the Bible in One Year" Bible Study is at the Grand Valley Christian Church, 116 W. Second. Contact Pastor Lois Smith, 285-7957.

• 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.

• 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 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 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 Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM.

• Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome.

UPCOMING

• 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 Parachute Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute, 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.

• Nov. 20: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 28th Annual Craft Fair at Grand Valley High School. 285-0388.

• Nov. 23: 1 p.m. Village Artists art teacher Jane Seglem from New Castle, discusses art therapy, at the Parachute Library. Joline, 285-7642.

• Dec. 4: 1-4 p.m. Holiday Home Tour benefits the Chapter IP P.E.O. scholarship fund. $10/ticket, available from any Chapter IP P.E.O. member.

• Dec. 14: Village Artists Christmas party.

Joline, 285-7642.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 5

H I S T O RY

History Brief Historical columnist to speak at Grand Valley Historical Society meeting The Grand Valley Historical Society is holding its fall meeting on Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at the historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. The featured speaker is Kathy Jordan, historical columnist for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

Kathy has lived in Grand Junction for 55 years and worked full-time as a reporter for the Daily Sentinel for 32 of those years until her retirement in 2004. She still writes a weekly column for the newspaper on topics concerning the history of the Grand Valley and Mesa County areas.

In 1983, Kathy spearheaded the successful drive to have a four-block section of North Seventh Street in Grand Junction placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, she has been a board member of the Mesa County Historical Society and the Avalon Theater Advisory Committee.

Presently, she is on the Grand Junction Historic Preservation Board, the Avalon Foundation Board and the Friends of the Grand Junction Depot, and she is active in Colorado Preservation, Inc. Kathy’s presentation will be about the tiny settlement of Tunnel, which was located in DeBeque Canyon. Some of Tunnel’s ruins can still be seen from I-70 as you drive through the canyon today. There will also be some time for questions concerning other local history topics.

The Grand Valley Historical Society meeting is open to the public. Admission to the meeting is free to society members, while a donation of $3 is requested of nonmembers.

– Jim Klink, Grand Valley Historical Society

History and quilts combine at the Grand Valley Quilt Show

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

The quilts being featured at the upcoming Grand Valley Quilt Show aren’t just impressive and decorative. They also are raising funds for the Grand Valley Historical Society.

Now in its fourth year, the show, which runs Sept. 25-26 at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, generates funds for the historical society. Dozens and dozens of quilts are typically on exhibit at each show.

The historical society joins forces every fall with members of Battlement Echo archive photo Mesa Sew & Sew Quilters to present a Come see quilts on Sept. 25-26. wide range of locally handmade quilts.

According to Monty Rhodes, who is helping to put the show together, this year’s event includes quilt showings, tours of the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, and tours of the Glover Cabin, which sits adjacent to the schoolhouse.

Williams Production and the historical society moved the little cabin from its original site on Parachute Creek to its new home near the schoolhouse. In addition to quilts being exhibited at the schoolhouse, antique quilts will be displayed, with hourly changes, on the bed inside the Glover Cabin as well.

The quilt show runs on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, at 7235 County Rd. 300.

Monty says that quilt viewers will be able to vote for their favorite quilt. Viewers Choice Awards will be presented to winning quiltmakers.

There’s a $3 suggested donation for the show, which benefits the Grand Valley Historical Society. Money raised goes towards renovations and maintenance.

Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

G O V E R N M E N T Town of Parachute News

Historic designation, annexation, and a staff to be proud of From Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight You should see groundbreaking for the new Comfort Inn on Railroad Avenue by mid-September. This is a 90-unit hotel built in the large vacant lot northwest of the rest stop and will bring some much-needed relief for the view at the large vacant lot.

You may also have noticed some demolition work going on next to Wasson-McKay Park at 259 Cardinal Way. The town purchased two lots for expansion of the park and has now demolished the old mobile trailer and small house that were built on them.

This will allow us to install parking for the Park and Recreation Office and provide a path for a secluded meeting area next to Parachute Creek.

Speaking of the Wasson-McKay stone house, we are pleased to announce it has been accepted by the National Park Service for inclusion on the National Historic Registry.

We had our grand opening for the Parachute Solar Flower array and it was well attended. The switch was thrown to add them to the power grid and the attendees were pleased to actually see a power meter run backwards for a change.

We have solar arrays installed on our water treatment facility and we added them to Parachute Town Hall the first week of September. There will a kiosk in town hall showing the power outputs and inputs, so stop by in late September and take a look.

We have received a petition for annexation from Sid Lindauer on County Road 215 and have begun the legal proceedings for this process. We expect there will be a public hearing on this matter at the November board meeting on Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

This is a change from our normal Thursday night meetings because of the holidays. Sid’s property will become part of Parachute by mid December if all goes as expected.

I am confident we will see additional petitions for annexation into town throughout next year.

Construction activity for the extension of Parachute Boulevard to County Road 215 should be fully mobilized by the time of this publication. You will see activity on Parachute Park Boulevard, Highway 6 at the entrance to the Parachute PUD, and some activity along County Road 215. We expect traffic disruptions to be minimal because of the staging areas for this project.

We are starting into our annual budget session. It appears our revenues have finally stabilized as we are near 2009 activity with a noticeable uptick in local sales this last quarter. Our 2011 budget will continue to be very conservative as these are still trying times to predict future economic conditions. We are still continuing to provide full services with a reduced staff. Duties have been absorbed throughout the organization and I couldn't be more proud of how the staff has stepped up to the plate to make sure our citizens continue to enjoy service levels they have become accustomed to.

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 7

G O V E R N M E N T The Battlement Mesa Service Association

“Battlement Mesa: A Covenant Protected Community”

By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association

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Car Wash / Dominos / Shommy’s Restaurant Shommy’s Restaurant Now Open – Asian/American Cuisine

We’ve all seen the slogan, “Battlement Mesa: A Covenant Protected Community.” Some of you (probably about half) moan about how “little we enforce” the covenants and the rest of you (the other half) moan because we do enforce the covenants. What is the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) to do?

Most people tell me that they decided to buy in Battlement Mesa because we are a covenant protected community. Generally, I find that most people believe that we need the protections that are provided by our covenants. Unfortunately, I have also felt a strong undercurrent from those who believe that covenants should only be more vigorously enforced if the enforcement is applied to the other person. I sometimes refer to it as the NIMBY syndrome. You’re probably familiar with that abbreviation: Not In My Back Yard.

To our critics I say, we didn’t write the covenants. It is just our job to enforce them. I am also quick to point out that if you own property or even just live in Battlement Mesa, you have agreed to live within the boundaries of the covenants.

To the segment of the population who criticizes the BMSA for not enforcing every small detail of every covenant, I typically reply: So help me understand. Is it true that if you were guilty of the same small infraction, you would want the BMSA to enforce this regulation in the most strict interpretation of our covenants? As you would expect, the answers that I get to this question vary widely.

And then there is the other problem, which comes up on a fairly regular basis. It usually begins with an innocent question from a resident about why the BMSA isn’t taking enforcement action on a particular activity of critical importance to the person asking the question.

In the second phase of the conversation, I usually answer, “Well, because, to my knowledge, that isn’t against the covenants!” At this point, the voice tone of the questioner increases fairly noticeably, and I hear, “Well, why isn’t it against the covenants?” The only honest answer to that question is, “I really don’t know. I didn’t write the covenants.”

My BMSA experience has taught me that covenant enforcement is like life, or at least like the way I view life. I think that life is about balance and, likewise, covenant enforcement is about balance. Further, I have found that if you can remove the emotional ties to a covenant issue, you will have much better acceptance of the governing covenant regulations.

Right or wrong, I have concluded that balance is tied to reasonableness. If I had been stopped for every time that I drove 76 m.p.h. in a 75 m.p.h. speed zone, I’d likely still be in jail, somewhere.

On the other hand, I have never been arrested or charged with reckless or careless driving. I am often reminded that getting to my destination on time while getting there safely is the right balance. Balance is usually a good thing.

I have also figured out that it is much easier to educate than it is to enforce. You have to do both, of course: educate to the maximum extent possible yet enforce as necessary. One practice without the other isn’t very effective.

So, I am pleading here for your help. Like it or not, if you live here, you agreed to abide by our covenants. So instead of waiting until you are cited for violating our covenants, do everyone a favor.

Take a few minutes soon and read the regulations. You may be surprised at what you’ll find and besides, it avoids a lot of turmoil for a lot of people…for you, for your neighbors, and for all of the rest of us who are charged with the enforcement duties and dealing with the aftermath of enforcement.

Please don’t wait until you receive one of the 100-plus letters that the Covenant Protection Officer sends out every month before you educate yourself on what is and isn’t permitted by Battlement Mesa’s covenants.

You can find the BMSA covenants online at battlementmesacolorado.com. From the Battlement Mesa home page, click on “Information” then on “Covenants.”

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Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

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 e-mail gve@crystalvalleyecho.com.

Thank you for participating in “Community Speaks” Dear Echo: I would like to thank everyone who attended my “Community Speaks” meetings held throughout the summer.

We had good attendance overall and lots of excellent dialogue between the Battlement Mesa Company, local businesses and many Battlement Mesa residents.

Guest speakers at this year’s meetings were Mike Samson, Garfield County commissioner; Lou Vallario, Garfield County sheriff; Ed Green, Garfield County manager; Garfield County Road and Bridge staff; Keith Lammey, Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) president; BMSA committee members; Johnny Goodman and his staff at the golf club, and the 35th Avenue Grill.

Several great discussions were had that led to many suggestions/ideas/comments that I am reviewing to see how to improve or modify our operations as the developer going forward. It was a great opportunity to meet many new faces of Battlement Mesa and reconnect with those who are familiar.

Many residents have asked if I will continue this series, as they found it very informative and productive. I am considering an additional meeting before the end of the year, but will most likely start the meeting series once again next spring.

Thank you again for your time at these meetings and please feel free stop by my office to continue any discussion point that you would like more conversation on. My office is at the Battlement Town Plaza, 73 G Sipprelle Dr., in Battlement.

Eric Schmela, president, Battlement Mesa Company Battlement Mesa

Thank you for the help after our fire

Dear Echo: We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the many people who donated so much to help our family since our recent fire.

A special thank you to Battlement Mesa for their efforts in getting us into a new home. We are extremely thankful that no one was injured.

We are very lucky to have so many friends and family who care. God bless you all.

Clint Pontius and Christian Bellard Battlement Mesa

Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Help for any writing project 970-930-0056 clickintoplace@yahoo.com

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 9

O I L

Oil and Gas Update Grand Valley Citizen’s Alliance hosts air quality expert On Aug. 8, the Grand Valley Citizen’s Alliance held its annual meeting, and a presentation by Jeremy Nichols, a regional air quality expert. Excerpts from Jeremy’s presentation are reprinted, below.

In the Rocky Mountain West: • More than 300,000 oil and gas wells are in the Rocky Mountain West.

• More than 126,000 wells are projected to be drilled in the next 15-20 years.

• Millions of acres of leased land are likely to be developed.

In Colorado: • More than 8,000 drilling permits were issued in 2008.

• More than 3,800 drilling permits have been issued so far in 2010.

• Most permits have been issued in Garfield County (1,327), followed by Weld (1,206), Rio Blanco (262), Yuma (260), and Mesa (222).

• There were more than 22,000 active wells in Colorado in 2002; there are more than 42,000 active wells in Colorado as of Aug. 6, 2010.

In Garfield County: • In Garfield County, oil and gas releases 69 percent of all benzene; nationally, cars and trucks release 59 percent.

• In Garfield County, Russ Walker, Ph.D. from Mesa State College, says there are “unacceptable” cancer risks due to benzene in the air.

Progress has been made: • In 2007, Colorado adopts the first-ever set of rules to limit emissions from oil and gas development (engines, tanks, dehydrators).

• In 2009, state reforms the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s regulations, including controls for odors, and better practices.

• In 2009, the state strengthens statewide air quality rules (engines). More needs to be done: • Current air quality rules in Colorado continue to allow for increases in emissions.

• Although pollution controls required in some instances, controls do not achieve overall reduction in cumulative emissions.

There needs to be a strengthening of federal regulations: • In response to a lawsuit by WildEarth Guardians, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing and updating federal air regulations for oil and gas nationwide.

• The EPA is reviewing entire oil and gas sector (except refining), for all sources of air pollution.

• Proposed rules are scheduled by Jan. 31, 2011; final rules by Nov. 30, 2011.

• EPA intends to get a handle on oil and gas.

How about shifting away from fossil fuels?

• Public support for clean, renewable energy is mounting.

• The cost of fossil fuels is mounting – clean air and climate are both at risk.

• We have the technology and the engineering expertise to make renewables reliable and affordable.

– Dave Devanney

Battlement Concerned Citizens starts Bucket Brigade to learn how to test air quality According to a story by John Colson of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, about 14 members of Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) have been trained to collect air samples using buckets created by a nonprofit called Global Community Monitor.

The training was prompted by Antero Resources proposed plans to drill up to 200 wells within Battlement Mesa’s planned unit development (PUD). BCC members are concerned about possible natural gas industry health hazards.

Garfield County Public Health Department’s Jim Rada is setting up separate air quality monitoring equipment inside Battlement’s PUD.

&

G A S

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

Fall planting Ever notice the large facilities around the area that sometimes have a flame shooting from a smoke stack? There are several of these facilities in the Parachute area. They can be found up Parachute Creek and east and west of Parachute off of I-70.

These facilities are gas plants. The gas that is produced from our area needs to be treated, dried, cleaned and processed to be ready to be put into the pipelines to be sent to those folks over the hill to be used in their homes and businesses.

The main purpose of these plants is to make sure that there is not very much water in the gas stream. It is also necessary to remove any excess carbon dioxide (CO2). The pipeline companies allow only a certain amount of water and CO2 in the gas that they transport. Water can freeze the lines and CO2 causes corrosion of the pipelines, so the gas companies process and scrub the gas to meet the requirements of the pipelines.

As part of the processing, the plants also separate other products that are in the gas stream, such as propane and butane. These other products are sold separately.

There are two types of plants used in our area: cryogenic and non-cryogenic. The non-cryogenic is more reasonable to operate and uses the physical properties of the gas to process the gas. The cryogenic plants cool the gas stream to several hundred degrees below zero in order to get better separation of the gas products. It is much more expensive to operate, but is more efficient in getting those premium products out of the gas stream.

Each of these plants can handle a maximum amount of gas flowing through it each day. So, if you see an area being cleared and prepared with parts of a gas plant facility being brought in, you know that the companies have produced more gas than they can handle in their current facilities and they are just doing some “fall planting.”.

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.

Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

H E A LT H

Fight the sniffles

Fall is near and the kids are back to school. It’s the time of year when backpacks come out of the closet, lunches start being packed, and when noses start running and flu talk comes around.

The best way to prevent your little one from getting sick this season is to teach them good habits early on.

The best thing children, and adults, can do to prevent getting sick is washing their hands. How do you get kids to wash their hands often? The first thing is to be a good role model. Children learn by example and if they see you washing your hands, they are more likely to do so.

You can also make hand washing fun at home with fun soaps and colorful towels. Also, it’s good to educate your children from a young age about why washing their hands is important. Being truthful about the topic and stressing the importance of keeping hands clean can make good habits happen.

Children should be taught to wash their hands often and not only when they go to the bathroom. Encourage them to wash their hands before meals, after handling any animals, after playing outside, and often if anyone around them is sick.

It also helps stop the spread of germs if you teach kids to cover their coughs and sneezes. They should be told to cough into the crook of their arm, into their sleeve, or into their hand, and then immediately wash their hands.

By teaching good habits and enforcing them, you are less likely to be home with a sick child, or find yourself sneezing and coughing this winter!

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.

Annual Chapter IP P.E.O. Christmas home tour scheduled Mark Dec. 4, on your calendars for the annual Holiday Home Tour to benefit the Chapter IP P.E.O. scholarship fund. The tour begins at 1 p.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased from any IP P.E.O. member.

– Sharon Temple

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 11

Health Brief Garfield County Public Health launches three new programs Garfield County Public Health has recently begun three new programs: 1) Garfield County Public Health is providing dental fluoride varnishes for children ages 1-12 years old. Fluoride varnish is ‘painted’ onto teeth as a protective coating that helps prevent cavities (and helps stop cavities that have already started). The varnish takes minutes to apply and dries almost immediately. Fluoride varnishing clinics are being held the first Tuesday of the month in Rifle and the third Tuesday of the month in Glenwood Springs from 8:30-11 a.m. No appointment is necessary. The cost for a varnish is $5.

2) Free HIV testing is available for anyone 13 years and older, and results are available in 10 minutes. Beginning in September, testing is now offered the second Tuesday of each month in Rifle and the fourth Tuesday of the month in Glenwood Springs from 1-4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

3) Adult vaccinations are now available for $10 through a special program, which is offering a limited supply. (The regular cost is $45-$150.) Vaccines available include: • HPV (human papilloma virus) for anyone 19-26 years of age • Menactra (meningitis) for any at-risk adults under 56 years of age (recommended for all college students) • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine) for anyone under 65 (important for adults caring for infants) • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chicken pox) for adults who have not had the diseases or have not been vaccinated for them • Pneumovax (pneumonia) for people 19-64 who have chronic respiratory conditions, have compromised immune systems, or who smoke – Carrie Godes, Garfield County Public Health educator

Financial advisor to host “Wine, Dine, & Dance in Retirement!”

Russell Andrews, financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Basalt, will host “Wine, Dine & Dance in Retirement!” on Oct. 1, from 5-8 p.m.

This free seminar/event on planning for retirement and recreating your paycheck in retirement by focusing on retirement income strategies, will Russell Andrews include guest speaker Tim Isaacs, regional vice president with Riversource Life Insurance Company.

The informative and entertaining night out takes place at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, 398 Arroyo Dr., in Battlement, and includes dinner and the Big Band sounds of Swing Set from Grand Junction. Space is limited so call 888-927-6403 by Sept. 27 to reserve your seat. There is no cost or obligation.

As a financial advisor, Russell provides customized financial advice, provided through one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, contact Russell Andrews at 970-927-6400.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc., provides financial services and products. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.

– Ameriprise Financial

H E A LT H

Grand River Hospital District to open health center for Garfield School District No. 16 students and staff

By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District

Grand River Hospital District has received a grant from Colorado Health Foundation, which will allow the organization to open Grand River Student Health Center for students and staff of Garfield School District No. 16 in Parachute.

The center is scheduled to open this fall and will be located in the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in Parachute.

Grand River will partner with local organizations to offer this community service. The school district is providing the space and resources to help run the student health center and Garfield County Public Health will administer immunizations to students and staff.

Grand River will also partner with Garfield County Human Services, which will offer services to help eligible children get enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP) and Colorado West Mental Health Services to offer 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 and parents miss less work when an easy, inexpensive option for student healthcare is offered. Children will also be able to access healthcare they might otherwise not be able to.

The Grand River Student Health Center will be open five days a week and staffed by a licensed nurse practitioner. A medical doctor will oversee the operation. Possible services include: physical exams, immunizations, routine lab tests and throat cultures, prescriptions and medications, care for acute injury and illness, management of chronic conditions such as asthma, parent and student wellness education, and referrals to community providers and agencies.

Grand River Student Health Center will provide services to everyone regardless of ability to pay.

To help sustain this community service, private insurance, Medicaid, and CHP will be billed. Any applicable co-payments and deductibles will be collected from families.

A parent or guardian must sign a consent form before a student may use the center. Student visits to the center are confidential. Information is not shared unless permitted by the student and/or parent. The exceptions are life-threatening situations.

“The Grand River Student Health Center is a great community outreach that we are proud to be a part of,” said Lois Kame, administrative director of clinic services for Grand River Hospital District and director of Grand River Student Health Center. “This 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. It will make student healthcare more convenient for parents while giving them the peace of mind that their children’s health needs are being cared for.”

Grand River Hospital District serves western Garfield County in efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. Grand River operates Grand River Hospital and Medical Center and E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle and Battlement Mesa Medical Clinic and Grand River Health and Safety Center in Parachute. Grand River’s focus is on offering exceptional local healthcare and meaningful community outreach. For more information, visit grhd.org.

Arts and Entertainment Brief Village Artists greet a busy fall Battlement and Parachute’s Village Artists met in August to discuss their future meetings for the remainder of the year. Meetings will now take place at the newly designed, larger library in Parachute at the usual 1 p.m. time.

The September meeting is being held on Sept. 21. Bob Harper will be welcomed again for a demonstration on composition and sketching.

Some of the artists will be showing their art at the Fall Arts Festival, reportedly the state’s largest non-juried art show, at the Ramada Inn in Glenwood Springs. The dates to stop, look and maybe purchase, are Sept. 22-Sept.26. There is a great pottery display too. Remember, Christmas is coming and one could purchase great presents ahead!

Another big show will appear on Oct. 2, at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center by our own Village Artists and will remain up until Oct. 30. This year, miniatures along with other larger sizes will be presented. For miniatures, the frames may not exceed 8” x 10”. A bargain bin, with framed and unframed work, will have works available for $100 and under. (Of course, remember presents for Dec. 25.)

To announce the show, Jean Edmonds has put together a wonderful advertising package. Soon you will be noticing great art on cards painted by Helen Brezina and big sandwich boards reminding everyone to stop and enjoy the work of artists in our own community. Plan to see our show.

On Nov. 23, one of our own members, Jane Seglem, who is an art teacher from New Castle, will discuss art therapy. Interesting? We think so.

This year, our Christmas party is on Dec. 14 and art presents will be exchanged. We’ll also have an election for new officers. For more information, call Elaine Warehime at 285-7197.

– Joline Gnatek, Village Artists

Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

Business Briefs Free small business consulting available Free, confidential and unlimited small business consulting is now available throughout the Colorado Mountain College (CMC) District according to Jack Taylor, director of the CMC Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

SBDC consulting services are offered to businesses in any stage of development from pre-startup to long-established. Consultants can advise on the full range of business issues from marketing, advertising, finances and accounting through human resources and government contracting.

SBDC consultants typically assist future and current business owners in the development of business plans and finding necessary funding as well as producing marketing and sales plans. All SBDC consultants are current or former small business owners themselves. So clients receive what Jack calls “the school of hard knocks” practical consulting.

Current consultants include Jim Olp and Randi Lowenthal. Jim recently retired as the senior business consultant for the Denver Metro SBDC and now returns to the Western Slope, which he has called home for nearly 40 years. Jim has owned 16 businesses in Western Colorado; taught business classes at CMC periodically over 20 years, and is a former Interim director of the CMC SBDC. In 2007, he was voted Consultant of the Year for the State of Colorado.

Randi is president and CEO of the Roaring Fork Business Resource Center and the former director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

She is the former owner of Lowenthal Consulting Co. and a certified instructor for the NxLevel/Leading Edge small business management training program.

To schedule free, confidential consulting sessions, call the SBDC at CMC, 970-468-5989, ext. 2819.

– Jim Olp, Small Business Development Center

Help available for Garfield County businesses to become more energy efficient Businesses throughout Garfield County are being offered up to $5,000 in rebate booster funding to help pay for energy efficiency improvements. The booster can be applied toward audits and energy efficiency upgrades, on top of standard rebates offered by energy utilities.

The Pit Stop automotive shop in Glenwood Springs has already taken advantage of a pilot audit and energy upgrade program. The shop is saving money on utility bills and enjoying more comfortable work spaces.

“There is a night and day difference,” said The Pit Stop Vice President Steve Kyle, describing the shop’s cool, quiet office that is now served by one energy-efficient indirect evaporative cooler. Before the energy upgrade, The Pit Stop’s office needed four noisy fans and two swamp coolers that still couldn’t drive temperatures down to a comfortable level.

And in the first six months of service, the cooler and lighting upgrades have cut The Pit Stop’s utility bills by more than $1,300.

The Challenge for Business already has 20 businesses enrolled from Parachute to Carbondale, and funding is still available for more businesses to get involved.

The Garfield Clean Energy Challenge is a project of the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative, a countywide collaboration of nine local governments.

Rebate booster funding is provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment under an arrangement facilitated by the Governor's Energy Office and Garfield County, and by the U.S. Department of Energy using funds allocated for Garfield County from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. To apply, call 704-9200 or visit garfieldcleanenergy.org.

– Heather McGregor, Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 13

O B I T U A R I E S

Obituary Ethelyn Schaeffer Aug. 5, 1916 – Aug. 21, 2010 Ethelyn Schaeffer of Parachute passed away Aug. 21 at E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle. She was 94.

Ethelyn was born Aug. 5, 1916 in Lake Ariel, Pa. to William C. and Alta (Swingle) Schaeffer. She worked as an accountant and auditor for the IRS. In 1999, she moved to Colorado from Scranton, Pa. Ethelyn is survived by her niece Patricia Rowe; nephews F. Peter Schaeffer and Leigh Schaeffer.

Graveside services were held Aug. 25 at the Russey-Hurlburt Cemetery in Parachute.

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NOW OFFERING A 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT.

Saturday, October 30th 8pm to close

Call 285-9616 for information

Grand Valley Park Association would like to THANK the following for their Financial and Service Supportduring the Grand Valley Days: 103.9 FM

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VALLEY CAR WASH

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PED PETROLEUM DEVELOPEMENT COMPANY

KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals, Broadcasting Games LIVE!

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Live Programming each weekday morning 7-8 a.m. with weather, announcements, music and more.

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JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.

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

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We would additionally like to THANK the community for their support and attendance during Grand Valley Days 2010. For July, 2011 Grand Valley Days we are looking forward to welcoming you to our new facilities north of Parachute.

Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

S P O R T S

A N D

R E C R E AT I O N

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

Soccer, b-ball, and volleyball seasons are here

By Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director

Youth Fall Soccer: Games and practices for U6 and U8 Soccer teams are every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6 p.m. through Sept. 30. Thank you to the coaches Leah Frink; David Pennington; Bruce Hoggan and Amelia; Mindy Whiting; Penny Magana; and Lori Metcalf.

Games are held in Parachute at the ball fields for the older soccer teams. Team members have received a game schedule for their respective age division. Games are on Sept. 19; Sept. 25; Oct. 9; Oct. 16; Oct.16; Oct. 23 and Oct. 30. The older teams also travel out of town. Thank you to the coaches Burk Wynkoop and Mindy Preble; Eric and Nicole Chenoweth; Bill Cornelius and Adam Lambrecht...

Adult Coed Volleyball: Games will be held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center beginning in late October on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you are interested in playing or have a team sponsor, call the recreation office at 285-0388 today and get registered.

Girls Basketball: Fourth through sixth grade girls basketball starts the first of October. Please get your child pre-registered by mid-September. $55/fee, $35/refundable uniform deposit. There is a developmental league for third through sixth graders and a recreation league (more competitive) for fourth through sixth graders. Games are held in Rifle; practices are held in Parachute The recreation district’s board of directors holds meetings on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each month at the recreation district office at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Community members elect board members biannually.

103.9 FM KSUN Radio update at 7 a.m.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. We are in the process of redoing our website. Please be patient and we will have it up and running soon.

Sports Brief Battle for the Cure to help raise funds for breast cancer research On Sept. 28, the Battlement Mesa Women’s Golf Club invites everyone in the community to participate in our local fundraising event to benefit Rally for the Cure.

Rally for the Cure is a grassroots program that works to spread awareness about breast health and breast cancer in support of Susan G. Komen. Funds raised will be forwarded to be used by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support cancer research to help beat breast cancer.

The $20 entry fee per individual is tax deductible and will be directly donated to Rally for the Cure. As a thank you, a free one-year magazine subscription will be given to each participant. A barbecue dinner, at a cost of $8, will be held following our golf event.

This event begins at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 and is at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course. Signup for this event can be completed at the golf course. A golf and cart fee of $29 is offered to those participating in the fundraiser.

Our event, titled Battle for the Cure, is a nine-hole event where the men will compete against the women for a traveling trophy. At the conclusion of the nine- hole round, the top 10 net scores for the participating women and the top 10 net scores for the participating men will be totaled together. A new traveling award will be given to the team with the lowest score. So bring it on!

Join us as we rally together help fight breast cancer and improve breast cancer awareness.

– Laurel Koning, Battlement Mesa Women's Golf Club

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 15

S P O R T S

A N D

R E C R E AT I O N

Golf tournament generates funds and fun Garfield County Sheriff’s Auxiliary hosts its only fundraiser of the year

By Bob Campbell, Garfield County Sheriff’s Auxiliary The Garfield County Sheriff’s Auxiliary (GSCA) held its 10th annual golf tournament on Aug. 29 at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course.

The scramble golf tournament had 88 players, and results were as follows: • Law Officers Trophy: Garfield Country Sheriff’s Office team of Bill Middleton, Horace Smith, Smokey Torres and Brian Sutton • Low Net Trophy: Chris Bornholdt, Patrick Burwell, Joe Elliott and Rick Peterson • Second and Third Low Net Trophies: Tied, but by using a scorecard method, Colt Cornelius and his son Cooper, Aaron Munch and Mike Tyler prevailed • Third Low Net Trophies: Howdy Robertson and his wife Diann, and Matt Hall and his wife Kelly • Longest Drive for Women: Kelly Hall • Longest Drive for Men: Brandon Bagwell • Longest Putt: Horace Smith • Closest to the Pin (on all four par 3s): Bill Graham, Justin Duzyak, Joe Elliott and Jay Hoefling

Left to right, Sheriff Lou Vallario, Horace Smith, Bill Middleton, Smokey Torres and Brian Sutton, who won the Law Officers Trophy with a gross score of 67 and a net score of 56.

Ask anyone who has played in this tournament and they will tell you Photo courtesy of Bob Campbell it is one of the most fun and best tournaments of the year.

The real winners in this tournament, however, were the members of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, as it enables the auxiliary to function another year and carry out our duties of being an extra pair of eyes and ears for the sheriff.

The GCSA is grateful to the sponsors and to all the men and women who played in the tournament. Excellent golf skills were displayed even though it was an extremely wind-gusting day. Players came from as far away as St. George, Utah and Canon City, Colo.

Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario came to support this sole fundraising event of the auxiliary. He is aware of the importance of citizen assistance to deputies and provides personnel to train GCSA members. Instruction areas include rules of the road; detection of suspicious activity including illegal drugs; directing traffic; and crossing guard safety to protect students.

Other public services by auxiliary members are issuance of dog and cat licenses, vacation house checks, vehicle identification number verifications and other duties as required.

Battlement Mesa Activity Center (BMAC) Tennis Association News

Anyone for tennis and fireworks during Oktoberfest?

By Vina Klahn, BMAC Tennis Association

It's sometimes difficult to get a foursome, but the tennis club in Battlement Mesa is hanging in there. Generally, ladies play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Gentlemen have the courts on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Gender combinations have frequently been necessary to fill at least one court with doubles teams.

On Oct. 2, the tennis association is planning a social event and possibly a round-robin tournament in conjunction with the community Oktoberfest. As usual, viewing the fireworks will be the grand finale for the party. Members will be notified when arrangements are finalized.

Anyone in the area who would like to join is encouraged and welcome. There's a spot for you regardless of your skill level. Please call Joy Kemper at 285-9545 or Vina Klahn at 285-6718 if you'd like more information. Annual dues are still $18/couple and $10/singles.

Senior swimmer

From left, Battlement tennis club members Joy Kemper, Vina Klahn and Leona Anthony after two sets. Joy and Leona took the first set; Sue and Vina took the second in a tiebreak. Great match-up!

Photo courtesy of Vina Klahn

Battlement Mesa resident Bob Tellschow participated in the ninth annual City of Grand Junction Senior Games on Sept. 2 at the Orchard Mesa Pool.

Bob competed in the 25- and 50-meter freestyle races and earned two silver medals from a field of more than a dozen swimmers. Bob's wife, Elaine, was recruited at the games to keep time. Bob and Elaine visit the Battlement Mesa Activity Center swimming pool about twice a week. Bob swims and Elaine gets a workout with self-directed water exercises including water walking. In addition to swimming, Bob enjoys hiking with the Battlement Mesa Hiking Club. Bob and Elaine moved to Battlement Mesa about nine years ago from Aurora.

Photo courtesy of Anne Huber

Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

KIWANIS KORNER Time to budget and have a history lesson

By Barbara Barker, Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute It is budget time for Kiwanis and the emphasis is on serving the children of our community and the world. Some of the special projects for our kids include • Winter Ecology (snowshoeing on the Grand Mesa) for fourth grade students • Science awards for middle school and high school students • The Terrific Kids program at the elementary schools • The Easter Egg Hunt • Santa Claus at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning • JungleMobile • Bike helmets in partnership with the Grand Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary • Alive at 25 (for approximately 80 students about to become student drivers) • Builders Club • Key Club • Scholarships for five graduating seniors and 10 continuing scholarships for our graduates now in college.

In addition, every month, the club passes jars for dollars for Special Olympics and KPTI (Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute) located at Children’s Hospital in Denver.

This month one of our meetings featured Rodney Hollingsworth, from Garfield County Community Corrections, which is a program intended to provide an alternative sentencing option to the courts for non-violent offenders. The residents are required to attend, and pay for, appropriate counseling and treatment. Community Corrections, together with Colorado Mountain College and the Department of Human Services, have developed a training and employment program called Gateway.

A week later, a Mr. Rosendale explained the probation process. And to top it all off, our own Rev. Bob Toll told his experience as a prison chaplain.

A brief history I’d like to give you a brief history of Kiwanis. In 1914, Jo Prance, a tailor, was the first to sign up and become “the first Kiwanian” in Detroit, Mich. This club was called the Benevolent Order Brothers. However, that name was rejected because one member commented, “Who wants to belong to an organization called BOB?” A local historian told them about the American Indian language, Nunc Kee-wanis, which meant “we get together” or “we trade.” So the club adopted the name Kiwanis and Jan. 21, 1915 became the official birthday of Kiwanis when the Detroit group received a charter from the State of Michigan.

Their membership quickly grew to 200 and a second club was formed in Cleveland. Both clubs adopted projects to benefit disadvantaged children, a service slant that became an enduring feature of Kiwanis In 1920, the Kiwanis motto “We Build” was adopted at the International Convention in Portland, Ore. In 1939, Key Clubs began in Florida. In 1942 the last full convention was held during the war in Cleveland, Ohio. Kiwanis clubs collected scrap metal and rubber, organized blood drives and victory gardens, entertained the troops, and watched over dependents of servicemen stationed overseas.

By 1945, clubs had sold more than $2 billion worth of war bonds and savings stamps, collected more than three million tons of scrap, contacted more than six million servicemen and women by letter and other means. Membership increased by 15,000 in the first year of peace and Key Club International, for high school students, became a fully recognized part of the Kiwanis family.

Circle K International, for college students, was granted official recognition by Kiwanis in 1955.

In 1975, the Builders Club program for junior high school students was created.

In 1985 at the Toronto convention, 27 percent of the delegates supported women’s membership and in 1987 at the Washington, D.C. convention, women were admitted to Kiwanis after clubs in 11 states had admitted women.

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute meets every Tuesday morning at the Parachute Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute, at 7 a.m. for coffee with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please come join us some Tuesday morning.

Have a story idea?

Contact the Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

Grand Valley Fire Protection District A column from Grand Valley Fire

By Grand Valley Fire Protection District staff

Grand Valley Fire raises $1,600-plus for MDA The Grand Valley Fire Protection District’s column lets the public see what the fire district does day to day, and gives some information about the fire district. Also, we post pertinent information we feel the public should know – for example, changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, burn bans, fire safety issues, CPR trainings, and fire inspection program details.

If you should have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at gvfpdops@sopris.net.

For the month of August 2010, the fire district responded to 68 calls for service: Fire: 7 EMS: 42 Hazardous Condition: 6 Service Call: 3 Good Intent: 9 False Call: 1 Grand Valley Fire Protection District firefighters collected $1,665.61 for Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill the Boot fundraising campaign.

Thank you to all the residents who donated to this worthy cause.

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

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

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 17

L I B R A RY

Improved library

N E W S

from page 1

Karol says the new library has made her and the library staff, well, speechless “Our first reaction when entering the completed building was one of awe,” Karol says. “We were all very quiet – something unheard of, if you know our staff. Actually, I think all of us were in shock. It is hard to remember the old when the new is so amazing.”

The library closed to the public last Jan. 11, and books were moved to a temporary location next to the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in downtown Parachute. Grand Valley’s reading fans had to endure the month of August without a library when the temporary location closed down and the renovated building was being completed. Materials, however, were available through Garfield County’s other libraries.

This isn’t the first time the library has been remodeled. According to Amelia Shelley, Garfield County Libraries’ executive director, the original Parachute Parachute Branch Library library was built in 1984. An addition was made in 2004.

244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute Hours So many improvements Sunday: Closed Amelia says the renovated library has many Monday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. improvements in store (see box, page 1). She’s espeTuesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. cially enthused about additions geared for younger Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. readers.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

“The latest remodel and addition has greatly Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. expanded children’s and teen areas,” she says. “One Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. of the best features is an early literacy installation in the children's library featuring an alphabet whirligig and other interactive elements.”

Garfield County Libraries staff hosted a grand opening of Parachute’s larger, improved library on Sept. 11, and now, the building’s staff is welcoming the public to come in and take a look, study and read, and check out materials.

Besides all of that, Parachute’s library will continue to be a place for events for community members to gather. A new 100-person meeting room is open to the public and free for groups and organizations to use.

Patrons can also use the library’s new public access computers, with Internet connection. An added bonus is the library’s wireless Internet connection, which extends beyond the building to the outdoor patios and the parking lot 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Check it out

There was a big turnout for the solar flowers on August 27.

Photo courtesy of Heather McGregor

Parachute’s solar flowers now producing energy

By Heather McGregor, Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative Parachute residents, town trustees, staff and solar contractors gathered on Aug. 27 to celebrate the grand opening of the town’s I-70 rest area solar flowers.

On that day, the solar electric flowers were pushing excess clean electricity onto the regional power grid through the electric meter on the rest area’s bathroom facility.

“That meter over there is running backwards,” said Parachute Mayor Judy Beasley. “We are excited beyond belief that this is happening.”

Parachute’s rest area draws thousands of I-70 travelers to it every year, so the flowers, each of which ways as much as a Volkswagen Beetle, are in a prime spot to generate interest.

Parachute Mayor Pro-Tem Judith Hayward said the flower design of the solar arrays ties in to the unique and endangered Parachute Penstemon flower, which grows only in the Roan Cliffs area north of Parachute.

“Now that they see this, people are saying that if they knew solar could be this pretty, they’d have put it in a long time ago,” said Bob Knight, Parachute’s town administrator. “With these flowers, we will continue to push the solar industry, and it’s an opportunity to help educate people on solar.”

Now that the flowers have been constructed, the possibilities for other solar arrays include columbines, aspen trees and a variety of other designs.

For more information on the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative’s solar arrays and energy efficiency programs for households, businesses and governments, visit garfieldcleanenergy.org.

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We offer fleet management.

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

– Owners, Bonnie & Bobby Hancock

“We will treat your vehicle like it’s our own – with your safety in mind.”

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Making Parachute proud For Karol, in addition to all the library’s new features, some things have not changed.

“We feel a tad overwhelmed with all of the NEW!” she says. “What did not change was the excellent readers advisory service we offer, [and] a top notch staff devoted to making Parachute proud of their library.”

The Garfield County Library District is a nonprofit government entity and operates Garfield County’s six libraries in Parachute, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. In 2009, the district collected more than $3.2 million through property tax revenues.

For more on the Parachute Branch Library and Garfield County Libraries, go to garfieldlibraries.org, or call the library at 285-9870.

Book sale and volunteers benefit library

Friends of the Parachute Library (FOPL) are excited that the renovated library is now open. To continue the festivities, FOPL will sponsor a book sale on Sept. 18, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Everything, including like-new books, will be $1 or less.

FOPL members and teachers with proper ID are invited to peruse the selection on Sept. 17 from 4-7 p.m. Individuals and businesses who become members of Friends of the Parachute Library or who renew their membership at the book sale are entitled to a free book of their choice.

There will be a general meeting for all Friends of the Parachute Library members in October.

Please inquire at the library for more information as to the date and time With the remodeling and reopening behind it, the Parachute Branch Library currently needs people to donate their time. There are a variety of activities volunteers can do to help.

The librarians would appreciate anyone willing to: • spend half an hour calling patrons to inform them that their ordered books have arrived • read aloud to Mesa Vista residents once a week • shelve books • help with clerical work • create crafts for story time (training provided Volunteer hours and schedules are flexible. If you are interested in volunteering your time, no matter how long or short, stop by or call the library at 285-9870 for more details.

The Friends of the Parachute Library is a nonprofit organization committed to creating public support and awareness of the library and its programs. Yearly memberships are available for individuals and businesses for $10 and $25 respectively. Those interested in Friends of the Parachute Library can call 210-7119 for more information.

– Julie Lana, Friends of the Parachute Library

Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

C H A M B E R

N E W S

Oktoberfest, board meeting and after-hours social on the way

By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

The big news from the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce is the Oktoberfest celebration. This family fun annual event is scheduled for Oct. 2, from 5-10 p.m.

RAIN OR SHINE at Cottonwood Park.

Activities include food, Jump and Bumps and the fire department's climbing wall for the kids, face painting, Exit 42, and fireworks at dark!

Upcoming events Sept. 16 – Chamber board meeting, Alpine Bank, 12 p.m.

Oct. 14 – After hours social, sponsored by Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church at Wells Fargo Bank, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Businesses of the Month Bottle Cap Liquors, 201 Columbine Court, Parachute, 285-6388 Bottle Cap has been in business in the Grand Valley for 13 years.

R & S Sales and Welding Service, 310 W. First St. Parachute, 285-7743.

Bob and Shirley have been anchors of the community for many years. For all your welding supplies needs, give Bob a call.

As always, we’re looking for businesses that would like to support our communities by becoming members of the chamber. For more information contact a board member or call 285-0388.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa 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 Bill Cornelius – Director Jason Fletcher – Past President

Please note the Community Counts website is temporarily offline for upgrades so that we can better serve you and the communities where we operate. To reach operators in your area immediately, please call the hotline. Garfield County and Mesa County dispatch offices are also available by dialing this number.

(Contact: Sher Long, 970.618.8443)

NEWS FROM COMMUNITY COUNTS’ INDUSTRY MEMBERS… Antero Resources has finished their 2010 drilling and completion operations on the Watson Ranch pad (12 wells total to date) and does not anticipate any additional activity on this pad in the foreseeable future. Antero has 8 wells remaining to drill on this well pad and could possibly revisit the location sometime in the first half of 2011 to finish drilling. Production maintenance operations on the existing 12 wells will be ongoing and will include light vehicle traffic to the well pad; occasional workover rig activity may occur but is unlikely in the next 3-6 months. On August 19th and 20th Antero completed its volatile organic compound (“VOC”) monitoring for the well completion scenario at the Watson Ranch pad. A portable meteorological station operated during the monitoring event and the wind speed and wind direction data will be used to support the air monitoring effort. The VOC air monitoring data will be shared with Garfield County, CDPHE, the Colorado School of Public Health and the COGCC. Antero has been continuing to compile all necessary survey work and other materials needed for their MLUIR (Major Land Use Impact Review) permitting process and plans to submit their county application sometime in October 2010. Antero representatives met recently with the HIA (Health Impact Assessment) team to provide them with an overview of the traffic study and various pipeline related facilities. The HIA is expected to be completed sometime in September 2010.

Bill Barrett Corporation is operating 2 drilling rigs south of Silt. Plan to initiate construction in September on a 3.9-mile gas pipeline from BBC’s Bailey Compressor Station (east of Dry Hollow Road) to BBC’s Mamm Creek Compressor Station (west of Mamm Creek Road).

Encana is currently producing 505 million cubic feet per day gross for all our Piceance Basin operations. We have 3 rigs located on our North Parachute Ranch north of Parachute, one rig south of Battlement Mesa that will be moving to the Wallace Creek area the last week of September, and two rigs in Mamm Creek. We expect our new natural gas rig, the Ensign 119, to be arriving in the area by late September. Community investment projects in August included donations to CMC's Energy Professionals in Classrooms program and the 2010 Colorado Western Slope College Fair. Our Community Investment program is focused in five areas: Sciences, Trades, and Technology; Family and Community Wellness; Environment; Sports and Recreation; and Community Development. For eligibility information, go to www.encana.com, Corporate Responsibility, Community Investment.

Noble Energy has contributed $30,000 to the Colorado Mule Deer Association as part of its commitment to CDOW for its Wildlife Mitigation Plan. It will help support habitat restoration efforts on the western slope. Noble still has 1 rig running and is finishing a small pipeline and pad construction project.

Williams currently has 12 rigs operating in the Piceance Basin-ten in Garfield County and two in Rio Blanco County. The Garfield County rigs include one west of Parachute, two north of Parachute, three east of Parachute, two in the Porcupine Creek area, and one on our Kokopelli lease south of New Castle. At this time, Williams operates 3,250 wells producing 840 million cubic feet of gas per day.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 19

Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker The Colorado Heritage Group

NEW LISTING

NEAR PERFECT … one-level stucco home backs to open space-marble tile surround natural gas fireplace, hot tub, decorative fence.

Battlement Mesa - $334,900 VERY AFFORDABLE MF HOME! Large deck with retractable awning, split bedroom floor plan, walk-in closets, lots of kitchen cabinets and counters.

Battlement Mesa - $149,900

SIMPLY SPLENDID TOWNHOME Formal and informal living areas, fabulous kitchen, breakfast nook, pristine condition and amazing views.

Battlement Mesa - $279,900

A CUT ABOVE THE REST! Stunning one-level townhome allows for easy-living, enjoy golf & tennis nearby. Activity center walking distance.

Battlement Mesa - $199,900 JETTED TUB & DUAL VANITIES Finely finished walk-out basement, elegant townhome, tiled flooring, great kitchen, cherry cabinetry.

Battlement Mesa - $279,900 A PLACE TO PARK YOUR RV Private master, walk-in closet, well maintained in and out, open and flowing living areas, beautiful views.

Battlement Mesa - $189,900 MANICURED LANDSCAPING Aggregated patio and walkways, formal living area, eat-in-kitchen, large living with floor to ceiling fireplace.

Battlement Mesa - $289,000 ONE-OF-A-KIND PROPERTY Extended garage with a half bath, chef ’s kitchen, walk-in pantry, large craft/laundry/storage area.

Battlement Mesa - $396,000

AFFORDABLE and ADORABLE! Front patio with picket fence, MF home, vinyl siding, open plan, spacious walk-in bedroom closets, fenced yard.

Battlement Mesa - $164,900 A DECK WITH SPACE and VIEWS Hardwood floors and 12’ ceilings, dazzling kitchen with granite counters, custom master closet – A Real Wow! Battlement Mesa - $459,000 MF HOME WITH A FACE LIFT! Great price - great condition, split bedroom plan, eat-in kitchen, lattice covered extended patio.

Battlement Mesa - $129,000 FREE FLOWING TOWNHOME Large kitchen, lots of counters, two finished levels, nice condition, recent updates, walk to rec center!

Battlement Mesa - $230,000 “AS EASY AS IT GETS” Minimal maintenance stucco ranch style home with vinyl fence, underground sprinklers and butterfly garden!

Battlement Mesa - $329,900 LOOK AT THIS GREAT BUY! Tile entry and patio, vinyl and rock exterior, huge fenced yard, open kitchen and dining area, tile flooring.

Battlement Mesa - $229,900

VERY AFFORDABLE MF HOME Fruit trees, nice yard, storage shed, perfect starter home – very neat and clean. Eat-in kitchen, nice views.

Battlement Mesa - $105,000

ONE TERRIFIC HOME! Professional landscape, privacy fencing, Jenn-Aire BBQ station, stamped and stained concrete patio, 4-bedrooms.

Battlement Mesa - $329,900

PICTURE PERFECT LIVING Maintenance-free patio home, den/office plus two bedrooms, covered patio.

Battlement Mesa - $185,000

FINE QUALITY and UPGRADES Splendid master bath, maple wood and tile flooring, covered patio, quiet cul-de-sac location.

Battlement Mesa - $379,900

BLOOMING WONDERFUL! Spectacular and spacious four bedroom multi-level family home located on quiet cul-de-sac, hickory hardwood floors.

Battlement Mesa - $269,900

Many buildable lots available, some with owner financing…

Call today!

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

Karen Jones, 970-379-1353 Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058 73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com

Keep hold of that squirmy baby • Coat plastic containers with cooking spray before using to prevent foods like tomato sauce and chili from staining.

• Dilute leftover coffee with equal parts water to use as a fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants.

• Clean the computer keyboard and telephone by wrapping a disinfecting cloth around a paperclip and running it between the keys. It is thin enough to fit in the crevices, and dirt and crumbs stick to it.

• When finished painting, store a little of the leftover paint in an empty nail polish bottle. It’s perfect for doing touch-ups later. Be sure to label the bottle.

• For an extra heavy-duty rubber band, cut a wide strip from an old rubber glove.

• Babies can get pretty slippery and squirmy when you’re trying to give them a bath. To increase your gripping power and keep a wet infant from slipping out of your protective grasp, wear a pair of cotton gloves.

• Fill a transparent rubber glove with water and freeze for an inexpensive ice pack. For an injured child, add food coloring or add a small toy inside the glove before freezing it and this may help distract the child from his injury.

• If you have lost the plug to your piggy bank, try replacing it with a nipple from a baby bottle. It just might fit.

• Skinless chicken is lower in fat, but the skin seals in flavor, vitamins, and moisture. So cook it first, then remove the skin.

• To remove the smell of garlic or onion from your hands, just rub your hands along the inside of a stainless steel sink or use a teaspoon on your hands.

• A wire cheese slicer will cut right through cold refrigerated cookie dough without distorting the round shape of the log.

• After taking a long-handled pan out of the hot oven, put the oven mitt over the handle in case you forget later and touch that hot handle.

• If you always seem to mess up your nail polish about 10 seconds after you finish polishing, you may be tempted to buy one of those quick-dry sprays. Try this instead. Immediately after polishing, dip your fingers into a container of ice-cold water, being careful not to touch the sides of the container. Your nails will dry in no time.

• Detergents meant for washing dishes or clothing have a pH content designed to cut the grease. This could also cut through your car’s wax coating and harm its clear-coat finish. Use specially formulated car wash products instead. It is also important to rinse your car before washing it because dirt and grit caught under your sponge can scratch the paint.

• The next time the temperature dips below freezing, place a refrigerator magnet over your car door’s keyhole so your car is ready to go when you are.

• Paint your tool handles a bright color and you can find them more easily in the garden and identify yours when used in a community gardening project.

• If you have trouble telling whether or not your plants need watering, try the pencil test. Push a pencil down in the dirt, and then remove it. Don’t water the plant when there is still dirt on the pencil. But do water if the pencil comes out dirt free.

• The fastest way to clean most houseplants is to wipe them with a damp cloth. But with plants like African violets, clean them gently with a baby’s soft, dry hairbrush.

• Spray starch on the inside of your clothes, not the outside. This eliminates a slick look on your ironed clothes.

• If you like sharp creases in your pants, here’s how to get them to last longer. Fold a piece of wax paper over the crease, then iron. A bit of wax heats into the material and holds the crease.

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

Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

O U R

S C H O O L S

From Garfield School District No. 16 From Superintendent Ken Haptonstall Historically, Garfield 16 has been a district that is below the state average in student achievement as measured by the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP), despite a tremendous amount of growth in the area. Due to the oil and gas industry, the district was often seen as not up-to-date and often behind some of its neighbors, such as Re-2 and Re-1.

Test scores during the past five years have been mixed. Some content areas and grades are up a few points and some are down a few points, with no real clear evidence of anything great or bad for that matter, really happening for the students of the district.

With three solid years of professional development to enhance teaching strategies, considerable work on focused instruction in the classroom, as well as a continued vigilance by staff to monitor each student’s learning and make timely and effective adjustments, our district has made incredible gains on the CSAP. Gains in the elementary level ranged from five to 13 percentage points in reading, three to 13 percentage points in writing and six to 18 percentage points in math.

At the middle and high school levels, student gains in reading ranged from eight to 24 points, six to 18 points in writing, and three to six percentage points in math.

There were a couple of grade levels where the students dropped a few percentage points, but overall the gains were outstanding and demonstrated remarkable academic growth for the students of Garfield County School District No. 16.

The focus this year is to get more reallife application into the classroom, where students will have the opportunity to apply the learning that is taking place on a daily basis. We are encouraged by the great work of our staff and are looking forward to seeing how much further our students can go during the 2010-11 school year.

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 21

O U R

S C H O O L S

GVHS News

A message from Mr. Berg

Attention: Grand Valley High School alumni

Principal, Bea Underwood Elementary

Homecoming 2010 takes place the final week of September (Sept.

27-Oct. 2). This year, the high school is hosting an Alumni Volleyball and Flag Football Tournament. This tournament is on Sept. 29 starting at 6 p.m. and costs $20 per individual per event and $2 admission for spectators.

Teams for volleyball can have a minimum of six players and a maximum of eight. Teams for football can have a minimum of eight players and a maximum of 12. Depending on the number of teams that sign up, individuals may be able to participate in both football and volleyball, so you can sign up for both.

You will be contacted if you will not be able to play on both teams and money will be refunded at the door. Depending on the number of teams, the tournament may be single or double elimination. T-shirts will be awarded to the winning teams.

Pick up and return registration forms at Grand Valley High School.

All teams will need to register and pay by Sept. 21 in order to participate.

For more information or to register your team, contact Alison Teter at the high school at 285-5705.

Welcome back to another wonderful and exciting year of learning at Bea Underwood Elementary (BUE)! Together we achieved so much. All Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) test scores at all levels improved over the previous school years, especially in third grade, which improved in reading, math, and writing.

Our school climate and culture improved with the S.O.A.R. (Safe, Organized, Accountable, and Respectful) program, which teaches students ways to help keep the school safe, clean, and a great place for learning. Our goal of a million minutes of reading at home was almost achieved, but we are still waiting on the reading minutes from over the summer.

The grounds at BUE have been improved again with new basketball hoops and poles being installed very soon. Last year, we bought thousands of dollars of books for the school library with the help of super fundraising by the PTO and the Metcalf family (Metcalf Excavating). Our goal is the same this year of getting the best books for students to learn the love of reading.

Please help us with our million minute reading goal by reading with your child 20 minutes or more each day at home. Reading together for six days a week for a whole year adds 140 hours of additional reading time and learning. This gift of reading will increase your child's confidence, create better behavior, help your child enjoy school more and will help our students become readers for life. Small investments create big returns over time.

Grand Valley High School sports schedules GRAND VALLEY BOYS GOLF Date Sept. 16 Sept. 20 Sept. 21 Oct. 3-5

Junior Varsity

Host School Course Coal Ridge Lakota Canyon Reg. Practice Round Montrose-Cobble Creek Regional Tournament Montrose-Cobble Creek State Golf-Eaton Country Club - Eaton

Time 8 a.m. SG TBA TBA TBA

GRAND VALLEY BOYS’ SOCCER Varsity Date Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 21

Opponent Coal Ridge Rifle* Vail Mountain Roaring Fork Coal Ridge* Vail Mountain* Hotchkiss* Roaring Fork*

Place Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Away

Time 4 p.m.

4 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

4 p.m.

11 a.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

GRAND VALLEY TRACK Date Sept. 17 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 31

Place Opponent Grand Jct. HS Canyon View Away Hotchkiss Invite.

Fruita XC Away Chris Severy Invitational Away Away Rifle Montrose Away Regional Meet Cortez State Meet Ft. Collins

Time 4 p.m.

9 a.m.

10 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

TBA TBA

GRAND VALLEY FOOTBALL Date Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

Opponent Hayden Cedaredge* Aspen* Gunnison* Basalt* Olathe* Roaring Fork* Coal Ridge*

Place Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Date Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Opponent Meeker Coal Ridge* Aspen* Fruita Basalt* Meeker Roaring Fork

Place Away Home Away Away Home Home Away

Time 4 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

GRAND VALLEY SOFTBALL Varsity Date Sept. 16 Sept. 18 Sept. 23 Sept. 25 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 5 Oct. 9

Opponent Rifle* Gunnison-DH* Palisade HS-V/JV Basalt-DH* Rifle* GJHS JV-DH Cedaredge-DH* Misty Young JV Tourn

Place Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Rifle

Time 5 p.m.

11 a.m./1 p.m.

4-V/5:30-JV 11 a.m./1 p.m.

5 p.m.

11 a.m./1 p.m.

4 p.m./5:30 p.m.

TBA

Place Away Away Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away TBA TBA Denver

Time 5, 6, 7 p.m.

1, 2, 3 p.m.

4:30, 5:30, 6:30 p.m.

4, 5, 6 p.m.

4, 5, 6 p.m.

3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.

4, 5, 6 p.m.

3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.

10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.

3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.

1, 2, 3 p.m.

4, 5, 6 p.m.

3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.

1, 2, 3 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA

GRAND VALLEY VOLLEYBALL Date Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Oct. 29/30 Nov. 5/6 Nov. 12/13

Opponent Roaring Fork* Gunnison* Aspen* Cedaredge* Rifle* Aspen* Roaring Fork* Gunnison* Olathe* Basalt* Cedaredge* Coal Ridge* Olathe* Hotchkiss* District Tournament Region Tournament State Tournament

League* Current updates of these schedules can be found at garcoschools.org on the high school’s website.

Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

O U R

S C H O O L S GVHS News

Grand Valley High School: Off to a good start Staff team building • Freshman/new student orientation • Booster Club Back-to-School Dance

Photos courtesy of Alison Teter/ GVHS

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 23

T R AV E L

Different kinds of mountains Hiking New Hampshire’s Appalachian Trail

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

This year, my 50th, I accepted an invitation from two of my New England girlfriends who’d also turned the Big 5-0 in the past year. During our 40th birthday year, we’d taken a week and gone to Sanibel Island in Florida for some leisurely kayaking, seashell What a way to celebrate turning 50: hunting, bird watching, and beach time.

The author, center, with fellow halfNow, 10 years later, the plan was to join an Appalachian century-old hikers Laura McDaniel Mountain Club backpacking trip through the Presidential Range in from New Hampshire and Margaret New Hampshire. Our itinerary: more than 50 miles, thousands of Sullivan from Connecticut on top of feet in elevation gain and loss, more than eight peaks, and eight Mt. Lafayette. nights in eight huts (notice a trend here?).

Photo courtesy of Carrie Click Along the way, we’d take in large portions of some of the most beautiful and difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail, the famed At the helm was Tim Kennedy, a 2,000-mile-plus footpath that goes from Georgia to Maine. It retired accountant and sage outseemed like an apt way to spend our 50th year and to give us a doorsman who’s been leading these good reason to say, “Old girls rock.” trips for 37 years. Our trip signified I thought my girlfriends Laura, Margaret and I would be some The mountains aren't as high in New Hampshire – Mt. Washington, the highest peak in his last group so it was a bit bitterof the oldest trip members, so I was surprised to learn that 50 was the northeastern U.S. peaks out at 6,138 feet – but hikers still experience a lot of elevation sweet for him. Denise had to leave the average age for the group of hikers that signed on for the hike. gain and loss through the White Mountains.

Photo by Carrie Click early to get married so Jackie took The oldest hiker was 67; most were in their 40s and 50s. her place. Terri had to be the most Meeting up on the first day at the Pinkham Notch Visitor their fellow hiking friend, were all from Alabama. An English pro- grounded person I’ve met, and Paulette was incapable of proCenter in mid-July reminded me a little bit of the Camp Fire Girl fessor named Jim, and a pharmaceutical salesman named James nouncing “Rs”; she has the most wicked Boston accent I think I’ve Camp I went to when I was a little girl. Besides Laura and were both coincidentally on the hike for a second time. Neil and ever heard.

Margaret, I didn’t know anyone else, nor them me. But it didn’t Stacey were from New Jersey, and amazed everybody when Neil On about Day 5, as I was rock hopping (more like boulder triptake long to get friendships going. proclaimed that he’d never had a cup of ping) up a scree field to the top of Mt. Washington – the highest We met to weigh our packs (people coffee or chewing gum in his life (real- peak in New England – it occurred to me. What would compel Take a hike were asked to remove items if they were ly; that was his claim!). There were two anyone to want to do this? I’d train for this trip, but I was sore, and carrying too much weight), get our The Appalachian Mountain Club friends from New York City named I was straining. It was windy and I was beat. raingear checked out by our trip leaders, has a limitless array of hiking and Elvis and Dave who worked in inforThe answer was simple, of course. Here I was, here we all and collect the lunches we’d be carrying. mation technology but had left it all were, pulling ourselves out of our day-to-day lives to take on a adventure opportunities, from a Breakfasts and dinners, complete with behind for a week of techno-free life. direct challenge with only Mother Nature at the other end. The few days to a few weeks, from a homemade bread and multi-course meals, The medical community was well strength I gained, both physically and mentally, was immeasuraweekend trip in New England to were supplied by the huts we’d visit. represented, with a pathologist named ble. The sights – the waterfalls, lush forests, stark mountain ranges, multi-day excursions in points all Almost everyone who signed up for around a large medEthan who carried and miles of rocky trail – are lodged forever in my mind. over the world. For more informathe trip was from the east (OK, everybody ical book throughout the hike. Carol, Now, in retrospect, hiking along the Appalachian Trail through tion, go to outdoors.org. but me, and another guy from Phoenix was a nurse from Pennsylvania, along the White Mountains of New Hampshire still seems like a good who dropped out after the first day). By a with Kim, a physical therapist from idea. Yes, in Colorado, we’re surrounded by majestic beauty each twist of fate, our group of four leaders and 17 hikers collectively New Hampshire, and Russ, a volunteer ambulance driver from and every day. But there’s beauty and challenge and sights to see shared the same goofy sense of humor and outlook on life. There Connecticut. Jake, a cop from New Hampshire, rounded out the and experience in other places, too. was zero whining or petty bickering, and plenty of laugh-so-hard- group In fact, hiking through northern New England is such a good your-stomach-hurts moments.

Besides where we come from and what we do for a living, idea that I highly recommend it. Whether it’s for a day hike or a As much as the group was similar, we were different, too. what tied us all together was a collective love of being outside and two-week backpacking trip, my advice is: go. And with fall foliage There was a grandmother, albeit a young and happening grand- enjoying wild, beautiful places. season here, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy autumn. mother, named Jenny. Craig, her teenage grandson, and Dwight, Our trip leaders were our adult camp counselors.

Please join us for a a Grand Valley Echo Writers’ Workshop and Open House September 28th, 2010 at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Fire Station 0124 Stone Quarry Rd., in Battlement

8:30 - 10 a.m. One on one writing sessions please contact the Echo’s editor Carrie Click directly at 930-0056 or clickintoplace@yahoo.com to schedule a brief appointment

10 - 11 a.m. Writers’ Workshop Any one who contributes or wants to contribute to the Echo will benefit from Carrie’s tips and pointers on writing for a newspaper

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Open House Stop by, enjoy some lunch and let us know how we’re doing.

Questions? Email gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

In some spots, the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire gets so steep, ladders are necessary. David Casselano from New York negotiates a particularly steep section.

Photo by Carrie Click

Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

• 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: 9:30 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-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 25

Faith Briefs

FA I T H

All Saints’ Episcopal Church dedicates new flagpole This summer, All Saints’ Episcopal Church welcomed a new flagpole to the church grounds.

Following the worship service on the Fourth of July, Deacon Nancy Angle led the congregation in a ceremony dedicating the church’s new flagpole.

Installation of the flagpole included lighting so that the American flag can be flown at night. Much stronger than the previous flagpole, the new flagpole flies both the American and Episcopal Church flags.

Church member Jean Proud raised most of the funds for the installation, by selling her homemade foods and sewn articles. Dale Leonard, the church’s manager of building and grounds, painted and refurbished the one-piece, 32-foot flagpole. He and Jason Harrison dug the 90-foot trench from the church to the flagpole for the electrical cable. Local contractor and electrician, Rex Smith, performed all the electrical work.

Landscaping around the flagpole has been completed and includes a bench donated by church member Jack Blankenship.

It is hoped that residents and staff of the nearby Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence, as well as any others, will use the bench to enjoy the flags and downvalley view.

– Dale F. Leonard, All Saints’ Episcopal Church

Pastor ordained at Grace Bible Church of Collbran

Loyal May, the pastor of Grace Bible Church (GBC) of Collbran, was ordained on Aug. 29 at a special ordination service. GBC of Collbran is the daughter church of Grace Bible Church here in Battlement Mesa. Loyal, a former elder of GBC in Battlement Mesa, became the pastor of the Collbran church in January of 2005.

The council for the ordination was held on Aug. 28, with several clergy and elders from Bible Churches and organizations attending. Loyal shared his testimony and was examined by the council on Bible doctrine. The council then unanimously recommended Loyal’s ordination. Charlie Hornick, pastor of GBC of Battlement Mesa, gave the charge to the church and Dr. Paul Williamson, director of Rocky Mountain Bible Church Mission, gave the charge to Loyal the next day at the ordination service.

Grace Bible Church of Collbran has been growing and has been supporting Loyal May as their full-time pastor for more than a year. Their church building is completely paid for. GBC of Collbran is located on the corner of the two main streets in Collbran. The church plans to graduate from the Rocky Mountain Bible Church Mission in the near future.

– Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church, Battlement Mesa

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As I See It The heart of the immigration issue

By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church The immigration issue is a red-hot item right now.

Unfortunately, I feel many on both sides seem to be missing some crucial points.

First, let me say there are two types of countries: those who have immigration problems because people want to get into them, and those countries that people want to get out of. It is important to know what makes the difference.

I consider myself blessed because I was born here. I have been in several other countries and have met many people who make it clear they wished they lived in the USA. In some countries, the very “best-off” there would gladly trade places with the “worst-off” here.

America’s foundation involved an emphasis on liberty and justice. Freedom of religion, of speech, etc. became a part of the foundation of our country. In that freedom, our country has thrived.

America has a reputation as a haven for the oppressed.

Here you can choose to believe what you want and practice what you choose within the limits of just laws and still keep your head, your home, and your freedom.

When America strayed and failed to live up to her ideals of liberty and justice for all, as in the case of slavery, she was forced to learn the hard way. The Civil War was a bloody and costly war. Plus, we still grieve over our treatment of the first Native Americans, and our sluggishness and cowardice in taking so long to enact civil rights legislation.

We must also keep in mind that our comrades who fought to give us our liberties and to maintain them were sons and daughters of immigrants. Like many Americans I am a mixture as a result of America’s melting pot. I am part German, part Irish, part Jewish, part Indian (Cherokee and Seneca tribes), and part only God knows what.

I hope and pray that we enlist all who are here legally to join us in maintaining our values regardless of the cost and to assist us in making this an even a better place.

I do not pretend to have a political answer to the immigration problem. My purpose in writing this column is to encourage us to think through the matter with our heritage in mind and with an appeal to protecting our own hearts from prejudice.

Certainly, we need to protect our own citizens from the dangers of too open a policy or too open a border.

However, it is imperative that we guard the principles that made our nation great – and a nation that people still want to get into.

Our Statue of Liberty has these words engraved as an invitation: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

I know that the political solutions to the immigration problems are not easy ones. But in finding the solutions to protecting our borders, may we not forget to protect our hearts, our heritage, and our honor.

Page 26, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010

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.

Redstone is leaf-peeping heaven

By Carrie Click, Echo editor The arrival of fall means just one thing in Redstone and up the Crystal River Valley. It’s time for viewing some of the most brilliant fall colors that can be found anywhere in Colorado.

A 2007 story in The Denver Post named the Crystal Valley one of the top half-dozen spots in Colorado for prime leaf peeping.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, fall leaves in Colorado typically reach their peak color the second and third weeks in October. But don’t be fooled. The colors are starting now, and it’s hard to be disappointed by the Crystal Valley’s scenery in any season. So now’s the time to plan a trip up to Redstone.

Take a day and take your time meandering up the Crystal Valley. Either way you go from Parachute and Battlement – from the Grand Mesa or through Glenwood Springs, you’re in for a spectacular show.

And even though the summer season is over in the Crystal Valley, you can still find plenty of spots open for shopping, dining and lodging.

Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience as you leave busy highways and cruise along the West Elk Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. This two-lane road winds along the Crystal River and is soon surrounded by towering cliffs of red sandstone that give the town its name.

Redstone is located on Highway 133, just 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Or, take the scenic byway across the Grand Mesa on Highway 65 to the junction of Highway 92 near Hotchkiss and continue past Paonia on Highway 133 over McClure Pass into the beautiful Crystal River Valley. Hope to see you in Redstone!

The Redstone General Store WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Open Daily

963-3126 292 Redstone Blvd.

Redstone Across from the park

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Antiques • 12863 Hwy 133 • Redstone, CO 81623 info@avalancheranch.com • www.avalancheranch.com • 1-877-963-9339

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THE HEART OF REDSTONE WITH A UNIQUE SELECTION OF CENTERPIECES FOR YOUR HOME! REDSTONE CASTLE TOURS

REDSTONE CASTLE TOUR TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE! OPEN YEAR ROUND • OPEN DAILY

Fri., Sat., Sun., & Mon. 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18 Children under 5: FREE (FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

970-963-1769

Tickets savailable at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store and Crystal Club Cafe.

225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone

redstonecolorado.com

CASH OR CHECK ONLY SUMMER MUSIC ON THE PATIO EVERY SUNDAY 3-5PM STARTING IN JUNE

www.redstonecastle.us

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010, Page 27

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS 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.

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 space to share the news!

Place your ad today! gve@crystalvalleyecho.com

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.

Name:__ _______________ Phone Number:___________ Ad: FOR SALE BY OWNER: 188 Cliff View Circle $265,000 3 bedroom/2 bath, 2 car garage Many upgrades. Call 970-985-1380

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!

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 NOW SERVICING PARACHUTE AND BATTLEMENT MESA • Commercial dumpsters, full time service • Commercial roll-offs 10, 20, 30, & 40 cubic yards available

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISPOSAL

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN

947-0990

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

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

NEW TO THE PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA LOCATED IN PARACHUTE

Travel Trailers, RV's, Boats, Trucks, etc.

970-930-0124

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P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

CALL JOHN - 970-986-1820 OR SHERRY - 970-640-3115

TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 963-2373 TODAY!

Page 28, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-September / Mid-October 2010