• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •
Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley FREE
Volume #3 Number 10
Mid-July/ Mid-August 2011
Grand Valley Days has a fruitful past By Carrie Click, Echo editor
There aren’t too many annual festivals we participate in today that existed back in 1908. However, in Parachute and Battlement Mesa, Grand Valley Days is one of them. Held July 29-30 this year, the local festival features two rodeos, a pancake breakfast and bake sale, a parade, a pie social, a community dance with live music, and lots of activities for the kids.
Localized pride in 1908 The first Grand Valley Day – actually held on just one day – came about in a world much different than 2011. Teddy Roosevelt was president, Henry Ford’s new Model T was selling for $850, and the Wright brothers added a seat in their plane to take the world’s first airplane passenger for a ride. Originally, Grand Valley Day, which some referred to as Fruit Day according to reports in The Grand Valley News newspaper, was held at harvest time in September of 1908. The day was set aside for Grand Valleyites to celebrate their own, very local successes. Livestock, agricultural products, and artistic and athletic skills were championed. And, it was clear there was a lot of pride in what was produced right here in Grand Valley. “This was not a Garfield County Fair; not a Mesa County Fair; and not a Tri-County Fair,” reported the paper. “This was about the Town of Grand Valley.” Some activities, like a community dance accompanied with live music, are still part of today’s event. Others, like baseball games between the nearby towns of Aspen and Clifton, have gone by the wayside. And contests, from a boys’ foot race and a greased pole race, to the selection of the best looking child, have become competitions of the past.
PEO scholarship recipients page 17
Continued on page 17
To Your Health page 15
Fire Protection District page 12
Seniors page 11
Grand Marshal Roy Brubacher page 3
Inside
Top, the first Grand Valley Day parade in 1908 celebrated a healthy harvest; center, rodeos were added to Grand Valley Day in the 1940s, turning the event into a two-day festival – here, Bud Satterfield and Paul Lindauer; bottom, parades have always been a part of Grand Valley Days. Photos courtesy of Grand Valley Historical Society
About fruit and veggies So too has the emphasis on local agriculture, which more than 100 years ago featured a dizzying array of edibles. The area was a center for corn, celery, potatoes, cherries, cantaloupe, pumpkins, tomatoes, cabbage, peaches, apples, sugar beets, oats, squash, pears, string beans, and nectarines, to name a few. “We want to say here,” reported the Sept. 23, 1908 edition of The Grand Valley News of the first Grand Valley Day/Fruit Day, “every pound of fruit and all products were raised within 14 miles of our town, and over 80 percent, within seven miles of our town.”
Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
LETTERS TO THE ECHO
I read it in the
Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded our wordcount limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, gve@crystalvalleyecho.com, or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include your name, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.
Thank you to the Senior Mobile Dental Organization
Dear Echo: The Senior Programs Advisory Board would like to express their sincere thank you to the Senior Mobile Dental Organization from Colorado Springs for providing dental hygiene services to seniors in our community. From June 22-24, more than 40 seniors received an oral screening and professional dental cleaning by Kelly Keefe, RDH, BA and Michelle Vacha, RDH, BS. The services were provided at Grace Health Care of Glenwood Springs, the Rifle Senior Center and E. Dene Moore Care Center. Special thanks to Jonie Wilks, Kenda Spaulding and Marie George for providing space and assisting with the appointments. We have received nothing but compliments for the wonderful services provided by the dental hygienists. Thank you to the seniors who scheduled appointments and we hope to offer these services again in our community in the future. Sincerely, Judy Martin Senior Programs Manager Garfield County Department of Human Services, Rifle
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Thank you to this month’s contributors: All copy submitted to The Grand Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Grand Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication of any submitted material that does not meet the publisher’s standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.
MISSION STATEMENT To provide a voice for local schools, nonprofit groups and civic organizations; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Grand Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life. The Grand Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute. Subscriptions are available for a $35 annual fee.
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Dick Ciprich, Mitzi Burkhart, Chandra Mortensen, Juanita Satterfield, Steve and Cynthia Brubacher, Bill Cornelius, Barbara Barker, Charlie Hornick, Emily Hisel, Colorado Mountain College, Kathy Germano, Keith Lammey, Karen Klink, Bureau of Land Management, Rob Ferguson, Laurel Koning, Sarah Tahvonen, Joline Gnatek, Sharon Temple, Grand Valley Historical Society
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 3
G R A N D
VA L L E Y
D AY S
Roy Brubacher named Grand Valley Days’ grand marshal By Steve and Cynthia Brubacher, Echo contributors With the theme for Grand Valley Days Parade this year being “American Pride,” Roy G. Brubacher is an ideal choice to fill his role as the 2011 Grand Valley Days’ grand marshal. Selected by the membership of the Grand Valley Park Association, the nonprofit that produces Grand Valley Days each year, Roy is a Colorado native and noted educator, and has lived in Parachute for the last 10 years. His is a life dedicated to the education of the children of Colorado. Roy will lead the Grand Valley Days Parade starting at 10 a.m. on July 30.
Colorado born Roy was born on April 27, 1927, at the Lone Tree Ranch outside of La Jara, Colo. His parents, Chester and Fanny Brubacher, were tenement farmers. The family soon moved near Hooper, Colo., north of Alamosa. In 1935, Roy’s brother Homer Eugene was born in the corner of the potato cellar (according to him). During summers in high school, Roy worked as a horse wrangler for the Higel Brothers Cattle Ranch on cattle drives into the Brazos Mountains of northern New Mexico. He graduated from Hooper High School in 1945 and promptly enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He had had enough of the tenement farmer’s life. Upon returning from serving in the South Pacific on the destroyer escort U.S.S. Herbert C. Jones, he Roy Brubacher Photo courtesy of Juanita Satterfield met and married Doris Beamer from Monte Vista, Colo. They were married in Taos, N.M. in 1948. Roy enrolled at Otero Junior College in La Junta, (DOLA), and the Energy Impact Committee from and helped originate and implement the Colorado River Scramble, one of the largest golf tournaments Colo. in 1949. While there, son Steven was born in 1950. 1979-1988. After retiring from the state department in 1988, on the West Slope. He established the Grand Valley Roy transferred to Western State College in Gunnison, where he played football and was on the Roy was a professor at the University of Phoenix, and Education Association and the Teacher of the Year infamous Monarch Pass Runaway Bus. He completed ran an educational consulting service. He also worked program. He’s also a past member of the Colorado Safe Schools Committee. his undergraduate program in history and education as a lobbyist for BOCES at the state legislature. Please join the Grand Valley Park Association for in 1952, and received one of the last lifetime teaching Local involvement the annual Grand Valley Days celebration. The festivcertificates ever issued at the college. In 2000, Roy’s wife Doris passed away in ities kick off with the Friday evening rodeo on July 29. A life in education Westminster after 53 years of marriage. Roy sold his Grand Marshal Roy G. Brubacher will lead the parade Roy began his education career in Penrose, Colo. in home and moved to Parachute in 2001. Saturday morning followed by other activities, and 1951, where he taught and coached nearly everything While here, Roy has served on the Garfield County another rodeo Saturday evening followed by a dance in the small school. Interestingly, he began teaching School District No. 16 Board of Education, the at Cottonwood Park. See Grand Valley Days full the year before he graduated. Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, and schedule on page, below. In 1953, Roy was hired as superintendant of the Grand Valley Park Association. He joined Kiwanis Juanita Satterfield contributed to this story. schools in Galeton, Colo. At 27, he was one of the youngest superintendants in Colorado history. In 1956, Roy received his master’s degree in education administration from the University of Northern Colorado, and in 1958, Roy went back to La Jara as Friday, July 29 the superintendant of North Conejos schools. In 1966, Roy authored, implemented, and became • 7 p.m.: Grand Valley Days Rodeo (affiliated with Rimrock Rodeo Series) – Cottonwood Park Rodeo the director of the original Board of Cooperative Services Grounds, includes mutton bustin’, junior bull riding, ribbon roping, junior barrels, pee wee barrels, (BOCES). The program became a nationwide educationcalf roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding al service that continues to this day, and served as a springboard to the state department of education. Saturday, July 30 In Denver, he began in 1968 as the director of field • 7-11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale – Grand Valley Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, services and worked up to assistant state commisParachute sioner of education, and, at one point, was the acting • 10 a.m.: “American Pride” Kiwanis Parade with Grand Marshal Roy Brubacher – downtown Parachute While at the state department he was commissioner. instrumental in the reorganization of school districts • Following parade: Street Sports and Bike Rodeo – Grand Valley Center for Family Learning, 100 E. in Colorado, from the 500 or so small districts into the Second St., Parachute approximately 178 we have now. • 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Morrisania Pie Social – Morrisania Community House, on Country Road 301 off N. He was a member of the Colorado Committee of Battlement Parkway, about five miles from the Colorado River Bridge in Parachute. Indian Affairs and helped the Southern Ute Tribe • 7 p.m.: Grand Valley Days Rodeo (affiliated with Rimrock Rodeo Series) – Cottonwood Park Rodeo restructure their educational system. He developed an Grounds, includes mutton bustin’, junior bull riding, ribbon roping, junior barrels, pee wee barrels, educational program for Colorado Correctional Industries. He was the national president of the Rural calf roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding Educators Association, and was an original commit• 9 p.m.-12 a.m.: Dance at Cottonwood Park, Parachute, with live music provided by Coy Keithley and tee member of the Department of Local Affairs Straight Shot
Grand Valley Days schedule •
July 29-30
Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
GO GRAND VALLEY
Your calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send public event items to gve@crystalvalleyecho.com. Be sure to include the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else readers need to know.
• July 15: 10 a.m. The Parachute Branch Library presents the animals from the Denver Zoo for kindergarten-6th graders only. The program is geared for this age group and not appropriate for a younger audience. Call the library for tickets and more info at 285-9870. (No Story Time this Friday.) • July 16: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wells Fargo Customer Appreciation Day. All invited. Refreshments served. • July 16: At dusk, between 8:45-9 p.m. The first (rescheduled) outdoor movie night is on the lawn of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, and is “Despicable Me.” Free. Shows rain or shine; the show will move inside if it rains. • July 18: 6-7 p.m. Information session regarding CMC’s bachelor’s degrees in business administration and sustainability studies is at the West Garfield Campus, 3695 Airport Rd., Rifle. 625-1871, coloradomtn.edu/4year. • July 21: 10 a.m. Ice Cream Social at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • July 22: At dusk, between 8:45-9 p.m. The second outdoor movie night is on the lawn of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, and is “ET.” Free. Shows rain or shine; the show will move inside if it rains. • July 26: 12 p.m. Village Artists meet at the Parachute Branch Library, and will be selecting art for their October art show poster. Joline, jolinebb@comcast.net. • July 28: 10 a.m. Ann Lincoln performs magic tricks at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870. • July 29-30: Grand Valley Days. See page 3 for full schedule. July 31: 11 a.m. Barrel race at the Grand Valley Park Association Arena at Callahan Park. Team roping follows at 3 p.m. • Aug. 1: Anything Goes Art Show at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Bring your artwork and showcase your talent. Entry is free and open to all. Limit two entries/person. Prizes awarded by community vote. Call Kaylyn or Crystal at 285-9480. • Aug. 2-6: Garfield County Fair is at the Garfield County Fairgrounds on Railroad Avenue in Rifle. Rodeo, 4-H, vendor booths, live music, kids activities, car show, food, and more. 309-6214, garfieldcountyfair.com. • Aug. 5: 7-8:30 p.m. Mark Twain, as portrayed by Dave Ehlert of Branson, Mo., visits the Parachute Branch Library. Ticketed event. 285-9870. • Aug. 5: At dusk, between 8:45-9 p.m. The third and final outdoor movie night of the summer is on the lawn of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, and is “Toy Story 3.” Free. Shows rain or shine; the show will move inside if it rains. • Aug. 11: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce meets at the Grand Valley Fire Protection’s meeting room. 285-0388. Aug. 11: 6:15 p.m. The monthly meeting of Friendship Force International, Western Colorado Chapter – a nonprofit worldwide cultural exchange program – is in Grand Junction at Community Hospital's lower conference room, 2021 N. 12th St. Visitors welcome. 970-241-9122, thefriendshipforce.org.
• Aug. 13: 5-9 p.m. Dance of the Decades at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center featuring music of the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Dress in your favorite decade: peddle pushers, capris, poodle skirts, miniskirts, leisure suits, whatever. Prizes for best of each decade. Music and dancing, dinner, cash bar. Must be 21 and up. $7/person. Call Kaylyn at 285-9480.
ONGOING • 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. • Twelve to 17-year-olds are invited to take part in the Parachute Branch Library’s Amazing Race. Prizes awarded. Teams forming for the summer. 285-9870. • Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley United Methodist Church serves a free soup lunch at the church at 132 Parachute Ave. • Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. • Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet on 9:30 a.m. the fourth Monday of every month at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Call Ann Arrington at 285- 9757 or Mary Galterio at 285-0243 for more info. • The first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the Rifle Branch Library community room. Leslie, 618-0890. • A new class at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center: Arthritis Water Aerobics on Tuesdays and Thursdays to increase mobility and improve joint function in a low-impact and fun environment. $5/class (first class is free). Call Kaylyn or Michelle at 285-9480. • Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute meets at the Community Room of the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, in Parachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m. • Every Tuesday, seniors age 60 and older, or anyone with a disability, can take The Traveler to Rifle. The Traveler also goes to Grand Junction the second Tuesday of each month. Call 625-1366 for more info. • The second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. the Battlement Mesa Service Association’s Oil and Gas Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center • Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630. • The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide – is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one through suicide – no matter how long ago. We all survive one heartbeat at a time. This peer group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail pamsz@sopris.net. • The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Board of Directors meets at the recreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.
• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement Mesa Service Association meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. • Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and every Friday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library. Both open to young children. Call Michelle at 285-9870. • Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts a luncheon prepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50 for those over 60. Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216. • The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., the Battlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432. • 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. • Weekly transportation on Thursdays from Parachute to Glenwood Springs and towns in between is available to seniors and disabled people on The Traveler minibus. Call 625-1366, 48 hours in advance for reservations. Service is for door-todoor pick up and return for a fee of $8 round trip. Trips can be for doctor appointments, shopping, visiting or personal needs. Please schedule doctor appointments between 10 am and 2 pm. • Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except the first Thursday of the month), the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in. • Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hosts interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM. • Every Saturday at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts Bingo Night with cash prizes. Free hot dogs every third Saturday. 540 N. Parachute Ave., 285-1353. • A photography exhibit featuring works from Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke-White, Edward Weston and more, is at CMC’s West Garfield Campus in Rifle, now through Sept. 16 at 3695 Airport Road, Rifle, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Alice, 947-8367.
UPCOMING
• Aug. 24: Save the date for a Community Coffee Talk with Eric Schmela of the Battlement Mesa Company. This is an informal gathering to connect with your friends and neighbors. Time and location to be announced. Let's bring the community together. • Sept. 1: 11 a.m. Alpine Legal Services holds a workshop on preparing wills and estate planning at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 5
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Business
Family Flick and Food Fest soldiers on, rain or shine
Businesses opening doors, changing hands in Parachute and Battlement By Carrie Click, Echo editor Several businesses have recently put out their shingles in Parachute and Battlement Mesa. Two new restaurants are now serving customers in Battlement Mesa, and Parachute’ hardware store has changed hands. A new family-owned pizzeria/ice cream store, Rocky Mountain Pizza and Cones, is located in the former Easy Cuisine space at Battlement’s Saddleback Center. The Stockton family has two other Rocky Mountain Pizza and Cones restaurants in North Carolina, and moved to Battlement in March, though wife Amanda was born and raised in Rifle. The Stocktons’ sauce and dough are made fresh daily, and delivery is available starting at 4 p.m. The restaurant is open for sit-down dining, take-out, delivery and take-and-bake, Tuesday through Saturday. Even though The 19th Hole Bar and Grill sounds like it’s at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, you won’t find it there. Still, it’s only about a mile away. The new sit-down restaurant has taken the space formerly occupied by The White Buffalo Bar and Grill, and most recently and briefly, the 35th Avenue Café and Bar, next to Clark’s Market in the Battlement Mesa Plaza. Owners Brenda Goolsby and Donnie Mattingly are offering up fresh homemade cooking for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also offers full bar service and breakfast on Saturdays. And an existing business now has new owners. In February, the Battlement Mesa Company purchased True Value Hardware at 150 Columbine Circle in Parachute from the Clark family, who own Rocky Mountain C Stores. Nancy Clark is continuing to manage the store, which she’s done for the last 11 years. The store is continuing to sell tools, hardware, plumbing supplies, lawn and garden supplies, and more. Nancy says the inventory, pricing and management have stayed the same; only the ownership has changed.
By Laurel Koning, Echo contributor Bad weather on July 8 was the cause for the cancellation of the first of three outdoor movie showings scheduled this summer. However the film, “Despicable Me,” is being rescheduled for July 16. This showing will proceed come rain or shine, though this time, the event will be held outdoors, weather permitting, or indoors, if rain persists! Food vendors will serve pork sandwiches, beef burritos, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, cookies, ice cream and soda from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased onsite and can then be redeemed for food items. “E.T.” and “Toy Story 3” are the second and third outdoor movies that are being screened this summer. “E.T.” will be shown on July 22. Who doesn’t remember “E.T. phone home”? And “Toy Story 3” will conclude the summer program with its showing on Aug. 5. This film follows the story of a little boy’s toys and the changes to them as he grows up and leaves for college. All movies begin at dusk and are free. Plan on bringing a blanket, chairs and jackets as the weather may become cool after the sun goes down. This outdoor summer movie series is sponsored by the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Common Ground, the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, Alpine Bank, Encana, Williams, and Antero. These companies, along with a great handful of volunteers, are hoping to make this a great success for the community. For more info, call 285-1258. And see you at the movies, rain or shine.
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Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 7
S P O R T S
Bowling comes closer to Parachute/Battlement By Dick Ciprich, Echo contributor Rifle’s venerable bowling alley is open once again. New owners John and Renee Langstaff have recently revamped Rifle’s Fireside Lanes, which is now the closest bowling alley for Parachute and Battlement Mesa bowlers. While keeping a ‘50’s motif, the Langstaffs have installed many state-of-the-art features such as new LCD score boards. A game room has also been added with new electronics, which include air hockey, foosball and video games. Located at the junction of Highways 13 and 325, the business has been completely remodeled since an arson fire in 2005 practically demolished the building. “Fun is the name of the game,” says Fireside Lanes manager Rob Stokvis. “We’re open 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, and longer on the weekends. And we have a full food menu daily till 9 p.m.” Rob says Fireside Lanes’ bar has been reopened too. Bowlers can now sign up for summer and fall leagues, as Fireside Lanes is looking for men, women, mixed, senior, and junior league bowlers. The future will bring lessons for both group and individuals, as well as fun family events. A full service pro shop is also going to open in the near future. Rifle Fireside Lanes is at 0023 Highway 325 just north of Rifle. Call 625-2231 for information or reservations.
Linda & Dave Devanney support The Grand Valley Echo
A N D
R E C R E AT I O N
Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association News
Round Robin Tournaments keep members playing By Vina Klahn, BMAC Tennis Association
With warmer temperatures, activity at the tennis courts has increased, at least with the ladies of the club. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, play begins at 8 a.m. and goes to about 10 a.m., mostly with doubles games. On some days, one side of the court is used for energetic singles players. Gentlemen are having trouble finding enough to play during their Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday time slot, so if you're a guy looking for a game, check with Joy Kemper or Vina Klahn (numbers below) for information about who to contact. On June 25 we held a Round Robin Tournament. Sixteen players braved the heat and played from 9-11 a.m. Donuts, coffee, and juice was furnished by the club. That same evening, members and spouses gathered at Cottonwood Park for burgers, brats, and assorted delicious dishes. We hoe to have another tournament and social event in August. As usual, Joy Kemper will contact members with information. We'd love to increase our active membership list. Membership fees are a real deal: $18 per couple and $10 for singles. Anyone interested in joining can do so at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. For more information, call Joy at 285-6545 or Vina at 285-6718.
Obituary John Stanley Larkin July 14, 1928 – June 10, 2011 John Larkin of Parachute passed away on June 10. He was 82. John was born July 14, 1928 in Kennan, Wis. to Claude and Cora Larkin. He proudly served his country in the Army. He worked most of his life as a miner and retired from Exxon. He loved to hunt and fish, was a longtime member of the Grace Bible Church and was known to all as a great prayer warrior. John leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Thelma; granddaughter Jennifer (Felix) Martinez; grandson Bernie Doyle; great grandchildren Dominic, Bonnie Lee, Nicholas, Nevaeh and Taden; brother Daryll; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Bonnie Lee (Larkin) Doyle; two brothers and one sister; his first wife Mary Jane, and four children. Memorial services were held July 2 at Grace Bible Church.
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Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
S P O R T S
&
R E C R E AT I O N
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - “Where The Fun Begins”
NBHA barrel race in Parachute on July 31 By Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director
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New playground equipment: New equipment is being installed at the beginning of August at the Callahan Ball Field Complex. NBHA barrel race: There will also be a National Barrel Horse Association, District 10 barrel race held on July 31 at the GVPA arena followed by a team roping. The barrel racing will begin at 11 a.m. and the team roping is slated to begin around 3 p.m.
Boys Youth Baseball: Tournaments are being held the week of July 18-22. Thank you to all the coaches.
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Girls Youth Softball: Tournaments are being held the week of July 18-22. Thanks coaches. Adult Coed Softball: Adult Coed Softball is being held on Thursdays with game times at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. No alcohol is allowed at the ball park; again, NO ALCOHOL. Six teams are participating.
Youth Fall Soccer Sign Up: Sign up is closed except for Under 8 Soccer (under 8 years old). Fee is $40 and there will be instruction and some games plus each little on receives a T-shirt to keep. Sign up by Aug. 20 for Under 8. Soccer officials needed: Call the park and recreation district at 285-0388 if interested. Soccer officiating clinics are coming up soon.
BEST BUY IN DEERFIELD PARK Freshly remodeled, low maintenance; tons of parking and storage; close to park and shopping; priced to sell. Rifle - $149,900
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.
Sponsored by
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District 285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"
UPSCALE ELEGANT TOWNHOME Super family/rec room; oak cabinetry, flooring and doors; finished walk-out lower level. Battlement Mesa - $245,000 _____________________________ A HOME WITH PERSONALITY Family room for fun activities. Bedrooms on all three floors. Great deco colors/custom accents. Battlement Mesa - $329,000 SPACIOUS RANCH CORNER LOT Friendly floor plan, 3 car garage. Fabulous landscaping w/ fruit trees. Water features, deck and sprinklers. Battlement Mesa - $299,000 FLEXIBLE TOWNHOME FLOORPLAN Breakfast nook & formal dining. Custom tile flooring, tile and counters. Family and living rooms-guest suite. Battlement Mesa - $255,000 PERFECT IN EVERY WAY A wow kitchen-high end appliances. Deco niches/custom built ins. View filled rooms, flagstone patio. Battlement Mesa - $289,000 GREAT SQ. FT. FOR THE $$ MF home with 1700sq. ft; large bedrooms; endless kitchen counters and cabinets; nice condition Battlement Mesa - $139,900
S P E C I A L S
Chef’s Choice Daily Specials
Weekday specials under $10!
Monday - Steak Nite - $300 off freshly cut steaks Friday - Catfish Day Saturday/Sunday from 1:30 Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner
SIMMER DOWN live on the patio Saturday, July 16 • 7 p.m. GOODMAN BAND live on the patio Friday, July 29 • 7 p.m. We are open 5:30 am daily, 6 am Sat & Sun until 9 pm daily 315 E First Street • Parachute, Co. 81635 970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091
AN AFFORDABLE BEGINNING Lattice covered patio with views. Kitchen opens to fenced yard. MF home- three bedrooms- two baths. Battlement Mesa - $119,000
EASY DOES ITCAREFREE LIVING Large laundry/pantry/ tiled floor. Oversized garage- corner lot. Sun filled living/dining/kitchen. Battlement Mesa - $179,900 CONVENIENT MF HOME Upgrades throughout, textured drywall, fireplace, walk in closets in every bedroom, great master suite Battlement Mesa - $159,900
DISCRIMINATING BUYER APPEAL Custom chandeliers, "wow" kitchen, dog grooming center and kennel, fruit trees, 6.8 acres-borders BLM. Rifle Creek Estates - $655,000 GREAT DECKS FOR BBQS Oak cabinetry/hardwood doors. Murphy bed in guest room. Free standing gas fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $189,900 UPSCALE RANCHETTE LIVING 360° Views- adjoins BLM. Covenants, domestic well, 8.38 acres. Two horses allowed, 30X50 shop. Battlement Mesa - $249,900 SPACIOUS REMODEL DOWNTOWN Backyard oasis. Steps from center of Rifle. New flooring, lighting paint. Kitchen upgrades and more. Rifle - $167,900 COLORADO CLASSIC Aggregate patio, drive and walkway; Stone front gas fireplace, over- sized bedrooms, vaulted ceilings. Battlement Mesa - $248,000
VACANT LAND COLORADO MASTERPIECE Beautiful mountainous acreage, unbelievable views, remote and private. Silt - 40 acres $45,000 20 acres $25,000 WIDE OPEN VIEWS & SPACES Unimproved 160 acres near DeBeque. Zoned for agricultural - single family. Varied topography, flat to steep. DeBeque - $215,000 EAGLES POINT SUBDIVISION Some owner financing available. Buy now, build later. Walking and biking trails. Close to rec. center. Battlement Mesa Starting at - $59,900 PLANS AVALIBLE Three great lots with plans ready for you. Buy the lot and do it yourself or have the builder take care of it! Battlement Mesa Starting at $69,000 GOLF COURSE VILLAGE Two premium lots on the golf course. Do not miss this rare opportunity to own one of these premier lots. Battlement Mesa - $87,900 $89,900
mohrlang • swanson The NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…
Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058 Brandy Swanson, 970-319-3574 73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635
Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 9
G O V E R N M E N T
The Battlement Mesa Service Association Civics 101: Your city government and your city services By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association
103.9 FM
TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7! Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming
YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS KSUN's Board of Directors is asking for YOUR support. We need a few individuals that can give a few hours a week to help with various aspects of our administrative and programming needs. No prior experience is needed… just a healthy attitude to help keep our station alive! If you are interested please contact Floyd at 285-2246. Your time will be wonderfully appreciated. If you are unable to volunteer, but haven't joined, memberships are still available for $25. We would love to have you support our station!
KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO 398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246
www.ksunradio.org
www.bmac-co.org 970-285-9480 Try a class or enjoy BMAC amenities on your own. Tiger Kun Fu, Total Body Fitness, Taekwon Do, Step Aerobics, Belly Dance, Racquetball, Party and Duplicate Bridge, Literary Guild, Needlework Group, Zumba, Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Basketball, Tennis Club, Playground, Swimming Pool, Spa & Sauna COMING SOON:
FOOD & FAMILY FLICK FEST (outdoor movies on the lawn) SPONSORED BY BMAC, P/BM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & COMMON GROUND
Check out BATTLEMENT MESA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT'S new website for valuable information about water & wastewater operations, district management, documents, employment & association management.
www.bmmetrodistrict.com 970-285-9050 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Yes, it is true. Battlement Mesa doesn’t have a “city government.” It also doesn’t have any city departments that provide city services. Battlement Mesa, a planned unit development (PUD), is an unincorporated area within Garfield County. Nevertheless, residents of Battlement Mesa have a type of city government and that government provides an assortment of services.
The Battlement Mesa “city government” So who is this government? Officially, the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) is our community’s governing body. If you own property within the Battlement Mesa PUD, then you are a BMSA member. That means that you are the government. Well, perhaps not you specifically but all owners collectively. As the name suggests, we are a self-governing homeowners association. The BMSA is a Colorado nonprofit corporation, and like all corporations, the BMSA has articles of incorporation and bylaws. And we have an assortment of architectural and covenant documents. As a group, these documents are similar to a typical city municipal code. These BMSA documents not only specify how your government works but who that government is. Each village within in the Battlement Mesa PUD has the right to elect a delegate to the BMSA and these elected delegates are automatically elected to the BMSA board of directors. Village delegates/board members are elected by their villages to a three-year term. Since there are no term limits, delegates/board members frequently serve more than one term. Presently, the BMSA board consists of 12 village delegate/board members (including one open position) and two developer delegate/board members for a total of 14 delegate/board member positions. The BMSA board of directors functions like a typical city council. Tamarisk Village does not have a village delegate/board member at this time. If you live or own property in Tamarisk Village and would like to serve in our government, please contact the BMSA office at 285-9432.
The Battlement Mesa “city services” Although the BMSA is the official city government, it does not provide all of your city’s services. Some typical city services are provided by other entities including the Grand Valley Fire Protection District, the Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District, the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District, the Grand River Hospital District, the Battlement Mesa Company, and by Garfield County plus a few others. Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to figure out “who does what.” Since Battlement Mesa isn’t incorporated: • fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. The fire district is a Colorado Special District and they have their own board of directors. Their board meetings, like all special district board meetings, are open to the public. • water and sewer services are provided by the Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District. The metro district is a Colorado Special District and is governed by a five-member board of directors who typically serve four-year terms. Board meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. • parks, recreation and related activities are provided by two or three entities. The metro district owns and operates the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, which provides many services to our community. Some residents seem to believe that the activity center is owned by the Battlement Mesa Company, but that isn’t the case. Battlement Mesa Company does, however, own and operate the Battlement Mesa Golf Course. As most residents know, Battlement Mesa Company is the developer of Battlement Mesa. As a general rule, organized outdoor activities are provided by the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District; another Colorado Special District with its own board of directors. • police and animal control services are provided by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department. As you would expect, the Garfield County Sheriff has facilities throughout the county including a sub-station at 1777 Battlement Parkway in Battlement. • street maintenance and snowplowing services are provided either by the Garfield County Road and Bridge Department or by a BMSA sub-association. Battlement Parkway, Spencer, Stone Quarry Road and about half of our village streets are actually county roads thus the county is responsible for maintaining them. Several of our villages, including Canyon View, Fairway Villas, First Eagles Point, Mesa Ridge and Valley View, own their streets and provide street maintenance and snowplowing services. • local non-emergency medical services are provided to Battlement Mesa residents locally and in Rifle by the Grand River Hospital District. • and the BMSA’s board of directors, committee volunteers and BMSA contractors provide a variety of additional services. Yes, it is somewhat confusing, but when you are in doubt about who provides what services, call the BMSA, “your city government,” and we’ll direct you to the correct service provider. The BMSA’s number is 285-9432.
Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 11
S E N I O R S
Mesa Vista News Baking cookies and enjoying snap peas By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director Summer activities are in full swing at Mesa Vista. Thanks to a generous grant from Encana, we were able to take our first big field trip to Rifle Falls State Park. On July 14, we were entertained by So Many Tunes and So Little Time, and the same day, we enjoyed a golf course tour arranged by Jim Landrum. We were escorted on golf carts by a wonderful group of high school girls and after the tour we enjoyed refreshments at the clubhouse. On July 19, we are visiting the Botanical Gardens in Grand Junction and eating lunch at the Olive Garden. We are enjoying radishes and snap peas from the resident garden and the flowers are in full bloom. The residents made beautiful wreaths out of colorful squares of material, which are now adorning their Mesa Vista residents enjoyed a recent trip to Rifle Photo courtesy of Kathy Germano doors. The wreaths were so beautiful that the resi- Falls. dents decided to make one to enter in the county fair. They are also entering a cookie jar that they are decorating, and are baking cookies for the commissioners’ cookie jar contest. We plan to join the Grand Valley Days Parade on July 30. Look for the Mesa Vista van filled with some of our fantastic residents and share a greeting. Celebrating July birthdays are Jim Soefker on July 3, Rose Wibben and Lee Meydrech on July 6, and Jan Garland on July 24. We would like to welcome our newest resident, Carolyn Thornton. Carolyn comes to us from the Silt area and is originally from Illinois. Here’s to a fulfilled summer from Mesa Vista! Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Senior
Senior Center News
Center has new patio By Mitzi Burkhart, Parachute Valley Senior Center The Parachute Valley Senior Center recently received some improvements to its grounds. An attractive and useful concrete patio now replaces the former gravel-and-weeds area at the rear of the center. Two grills from an adjacent storage building can now be rolled out onto the dry, level area connected to the parking lot by a new concrete walkway. And access to furniture, supplies and equipment stored in an outdoor shed is also much easier now. The patio was completed just in time for the center’s Memorial Day barbecue and was put to use again for the Fourth of July barbecue. Save the date for the center’s next barbecue on Labor Day, Sept. 5, for wonderful food and a chance to check out the new patio. The Parachute Valley Senior Center is located at 540 N. Parachute Avenue, 285-7934.
Sponsored by: Mac & Sara McCurdy
Sponsored by: Carrie
Sponsored by: Alyssa
Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
Grand Valley Fire Protection District Good luck and good-bye, Diana Connell By Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide area of residential, commercial and some very remote areas with fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education and training in cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The district covers roughly 321 square miles, on I-70 from mile marker 66.4 to mile marker 82.5, then all the way north to Rio Blanco County and south to Mesa County, including three-quarters of a square mile of Mesa County. For the month of June 2011, the fire district responded to 65 calls for service: 12 fire incidents 0 structure fires fire alarms 4 If you should have 6 brush fires an emergency, 2 trash\rubbish\other type fires please call 911 as 30 emergency medical calls soon as possible! 10 vehicle crashes 5 public assists 1 swift water rescue 7 good intent calls Three commercial quick reference/company safety inspections were conducted. Training hours per crew: 15.5 Green crew 26 Black crew 5.5 Red crew We hope everyone had a safe Fourth of July and enjoyed the holiday. Remember that even though the river levels have gone down slightly, it is still very dangerous. Be very careful around the water. The fire district also wants to wish Diana Connell and her family good luck with their move and her new job that she will be starting in the Denver area in August. She will be missed and we hope she will enjoy her new job. Also remember that the fire district will not be issuing any burn permits from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 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.
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Take a Hint Household How-to Hints by Barbara Barker
Facial cream or veggie dip? • To prevent tea bags from falling into the pitcher during brewing, tie the bags to the handle of a wooden spoon and lay the spoon over the top of the pitcher allowing the tea bags to drop into the hot water. When the tea is the strength I want, I lift out the bags with the spoon. • When making a chocolate cake from a box mix, use cooled prepared coffee in place of plain water. This enhances the chocolate flavor and the cake tastes like it was made from scratch. • To flatten and imprint cookie dough use the textured side of a meat mallet. This leaves an interesting pattern on the cookie. • As soon as cut flowers start to wilt, reach for a can of aerosol hair spray. Hold the can about a foot from the underside of the leaves and petals and spray in an upward direction. The glycerin and acrylates found in commercial hair spray should help the flowers survive a few more days. And before those flowers start to wilt, cut the stem ends off; this will help the flowers soak up more water. • When preparing soil for a house plant, if you happen to have a clean disposal diaper, cut it open and remove the polymer flakes and mix them into the potting soil. Since these flakes absorb 300 times their weight in liquid, they will keep the soil moist. The polymer also stores nutrients, which will gradually feed the plant. • To cut corn off the cob, set the ear of corn into the center hole of an angel food cake pan. As you cut, the kernels will fall into the pan, not all over the counter. • Commercial window cleaners evaporate quickly, making it better for mirrors than homemade solutions. Never spray the mirror with the cleaner; instead, spray a clean, lintless cloth and wipe down the mirror. To avoid streaks, dry immediately with another clean cloth. Coffee filters are good for this purpose because they leave no lint. • A good home treatment for dry skin is salt water. Dissolve one cup of salt in the tub and take a bath. Sea salt gives even better results. • For beautiful chocolate curls, scrape the edge of a candy bar with a potato peeler. • Instant coffee will taste better if you boil it twice. Place instant coffee in hot water, then bring to a boil again. • If you have a bowl of fruit on the counter, place a few sprigs of mint around it and no fruit flies will show up. • A two-month supply of my favorite facial cream recipe: In a blender, puree one dice cucumber, then strain off the liquid. Melt 1/2 ounce beeswax or paraffin in a double boiler. Add the cucumber and 1/4 cup almond oil and mix until smooth. Cool before using. Dab a light layer of this mixture on your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to label it “facial cream” so the kids won’t think it is a dip for carrot and celery sticks.
THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 We appreciate your support!
Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 13
Chamber News Comfort Inn joins chamber By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce is so excited we wanted to let readers know again about outdoor movie nights this summer. The chamber, the Battlement Mesa Activity Center (BMAC) and Common Ground are working together to provide these great family events. “Despicable Me” shows outdoors on the BMAC lawn, or inside if it rains, on July 16, “ET” shows on July 22, and “Toy Story 3” screens on Aug. 5. For more information, see the full story on page 5, and call Laurel at 285-1258 with any questions. Also, check out the chamber’s new and improved website, with the chamber’s business directory and a tutorial by our computer whiz Matt Rayne on parachutechamber.org/forum.
Upcoming Events Wells Fargo Bank is holding a customer appreciation day on July 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All are invited to attend where refreshments will be served. The chamber of commerce’s next general meeting is on the second Thursday in August, on Aug. 11, at 12 p.m. at the Grand Valley Fire Protection meeting room.
Businesses of the Month Comfort Inn & Suites, Justin Driver, general manager. The newest place to stay in town. 228 Railroad Ave., Parachute 81635, 285-1122, fax: 285-1125, comfortinn.parachute@gmail.com NAPA Parachute Auto Parts & Supply, Keith Petree, owner. For all your auto parts needs, ASE-certified parts specialist. 314 E. First St., P.O. Box 231, Parachute 81635, 285-9170, fax: 970-285-9126. As always, the chamber is looking for businesses that would like to support our communities by becoming a member of the Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 285-0388.
Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
Echo Briefs Village Artists to choose art for October poster Village Artists had a very interesting and fantastic meeting in June. Our guest artist was Karen Aldridge from Carbondale who described the intricacies of weaving all shapes of baskets from weeds. In the beginning of life long ago, baskets were first made by early people. Many people today still enjoy using different weeds making baskets and using painted strands for color. Karen said she would be happy to repeat her presentation to small groups that might be interested. Our July 26 meeting will be short – for an hour – at the Parachute library starting at 12 p.m. At this time, a piece of art, chosen from our group, will be used to advertize our October show at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. So let’s prepare! – Joline Gnatek
Weed of the Month
BLM officials ask for public’s help in reporting illegal dumping Three tons of marijuana-growing equipment and supplies were recently discovered on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands near Rifle. The BLM and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about who might have dumped the material about six miles north of Rifle off of Highway 13. “In addition to the substantial cost to taxpayers to clean up such a site, there can be environmental and human health risks associated with these illegal dumps from hazardous pesticides, fertilizers and unknown liquids and powders,” said Colorado River Valley Field Manager Steve Bennett. The site has been cleaned up, but the investigation continues. Garfield County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for any information that will lead to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect or suspects involved in this crime. You can remain anonymous. To report information about this dumping, call 945-0101 or visit garcocrimestoppers.com and click the “Report a Tip” tab. Similar sites may exist on public lands. If you find an illegal dumpsite, contact the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office at 876-9008. Do not enter the site yourself because of the potential hazards these sites may hold. – Bureau of Land Management
BLM seeks input on proposed pipeline in western Colorado The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed 95-mile, 16-inch natural gas liquids pipeline proposed by Enterprise Mid-America Pipeline. The pipeline would follow an existing pipeline corridor across Rio Blanco, Garfield, and Mesa counties in Colorado, and Uintah and Grand counties in Utah. It would cross BLM lands administered by the White River and Grand Junction field offices in Colorado and the Vernal and Moab field offices in Utah. The pipeline would increase the company’s capacity for transporting natural gas liquids from Wyoming and Colorado to Hobbs, N.M. The company seeks to construct the pipeline, which it calls the Western Expansion Project II, in 2012. The BLM is seeking initial public comments as it begins an environmental assessment of the proposal. Comments will be most helpful if provided by Aug. 5, 2011. BLM will offer a second opportunity for public comment on the environmental assessment once it is drafted. Written comments and questions should be directed to the BLM Northwest Colorado District Office at 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Comments may also be submitted via email at gjfo_webmail@blm.gov. Copies of the proposal are available for review at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, in Grand Junction. A map of the proposed pipeline is available at blm.gov/co/st/en.html. For more information, contact Erin Dreyfuss at 970-244-3008. – Bureau of Land Management
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROD COOK
Cheatgrass / Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Cheatgrass is a winter annual that usually germinates in the fall and overwinters in a dormant state. It was introduced from the Mediterranean region and in a little over a hundred years it has invaded over 100 million acres in the Intermountain West. It ranges from 4 to 30 inches tall. The plants start to grow as soon as they are uncovered from the snow and flower within the first week, setting and dispersing seed before most plants even make an appearance. This gives them a head start on all of the desirable plants in the area, hence the name Cheatgrass. The plant changes color from green to purple to brown as the plant eventually dries out. Plants reproduce by seed that can remain viable for several years. CHEATGRASS AND FIRE The early-season growth habits of cheatgrass provide a competitive advantage by allowing it to grow tall and abundant before native species emerge. During years of high precipitation, this grass can produce more than 10,000 plants per square yard. Cheatgrass turns brown and dies by early summer leaving behind thick, continuous dry fuels and creating extreme wildfire hazards. Though several components can affect flame length and fire spread, a typical cheatgrass fire on flat terrain with wind speeds of 20 miles per hour may generate flame lengths up to eight feet in height; the fire can travel more than four miles per hour. Grass fires are dangerous because they move quickly and grasses act as ladder fuels igniting larger and more volatile vegetation. Cheatgrass increases the danger of fire, and fire promotes more cheatgrass. This self-promoting cycle of fire and cheatgrass has become magnified in Garfield County during our recent period of drought. Areas that should normally burn every 50 years or so, now burn every 5 years or less because of the presence of cheatgrass.
MANAGEMENT Like most annual weeds, Cheatgrass produces a large amount of seed. Cattle will use young Cheatgrass as forage. Ranchers used to call the plant, “Six-week” grass because it was great for feed for six weeks in the spring before it hardened off and turned brown. Disturbed areas serve as a magnet for noxious weed invasion. Reseeding with appropriate plant materials at the correct time of year will help provide desirable competition. The Bookcliff, Mount Sopris, and Southside Conservation Districts are available to provide seeding recommendations at (970) 945-5494. Garfield County has cost-share programs available that will assist landowners in the management of Cheatgrass. Late summer and early fall are the times to work on Cheatgrass. For further information on Cheatgrass management and on how to apply for these programs, contact Garfield County Vegetation Management at (970) 625-8601 or by email at: santhony@garfield-county.com
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 15
H E A LT H Avoid mosquito bites and prevent West Nile virus
This time of year it feels like the mosquitoes are out in full force. Spend time outdoors and invariably you come home with itchy red bumps. Mosquitoes are an annoying nuisance, but they can also transmit serious diseases, such as West Nile virus. Although you can’t avoid mosquitoes and their bites altogether, there are things you can do to minimize their impact. Eliminate standing water near your home. Mosquitoes need the water to breed so by unclogging roof gutters and emptying containers that hold water, you are likely to lessen the numbers of mosquitoes flitting about your property. You should also check your screens and doors to make sure they are secure and not letting bugs in. When used correctly, insect repellents are safe for adults and children. Make sure to apply only when needed and follow directions carefully. Use repellents that contain an EPA-registered insect repellent. Mosquitoes tend to be thicker at dawn and dusk. Avoid being in areas with a large mosquito population during these times of day. It’s important to remember that avoiding mosquito bites can not only help relieve the itching that comes with the bite, but also in the prevention of contracting West Nile virus. There are cases of West Nile virus in Colorado every year and it’s important to educate yourself about this disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile is a potentially serious disease that experts believe is established as a seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer and continues into fall. Most people have no symptoms if they become infected with West Nile virus. Up to 20 percent of people infected show milder symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea. Symptoms can last for a few days to several weeks. About one in 150 people infected will develop a severe illness. Symptoms can include high fever, stupor, disorientation, coma and paralysis. These symptoms can last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent. Those who display symptoms typically are affected three to 14 days after they are bitten. If you suspect you have West Nile virus, seek advice from a physician. If your symptoms are severe, such as unusually painful headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe illness usually requires hospitalization. When you are out and about this summer, be mindful of those annoying insects flying around you and take precaution to avoid their bites whenever possible.
FUEL Up Your FLEET! Sarah Tahvonen writes about health issues for the Echo from Rifle.
AUTOMATED PROPRIETARY CHARGE CARD SYSTEM Available 24 hours daily Car Wash Fleet Card Program Available at the following Phillips 66 Stations
PARACHUTE GRUB N SCRUB 28 Cardinal Way • Parachute
Car Wash / Dominos / Shommy’s Restaurant Shommy’s Restaurant Now Open – Asian/American Cuisine
RED RIVER QUICK MART 1-70 at South Rifle • 702 Taghenbaugh Blvd.
Dominos Pizza - 625-0505
THE CORNER STORE & LASER CAR WASH 9th & Railroad • Rifle
Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store
BOOKCLIFF CAR WASH 1st & West Ave • Rifle
Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store
SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823 WHOLESALE GAS & OIL
Rifle - 970-625-1467 • Eagle - 970-328-7788
Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
FA I T H
As I See It A dangerous prayer By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church “Lord, break our hearts with what breaks your heart!” is a dangerous prayer to pray. A group of 13 of us from Grace Bible Church in Parachute, including high school and college students, asked God to do just that on a missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico. He answered our prayer. First, the prayer was hazardous to our comfort zone. We passed out food and water to the homeless in the downtown area. We worked at a ranch for men who are recovering from alcohol and drug addictions and made a special meal for them and their families. At an orphanage and women’s shelter named House of Grace, we made a special meal, presented a puppet program, and passed out gifts. In one of the city’s poor areas, we assisted with showers for the children and youth, which included combing lice and lice eggs out of the children’s hair. We passed out clothes and played games with them. We also visited families who live at the city dump in shanty shacks, gave them vegetables and water, provided toys for the children, and did a special puppet presentation. We went to the dump site where more than 200 men and women were going through trash to salvage cardboard, copper, glass, and anything else of value. When we took water and fruit to them, they swarmed around us. Our hearts broke as we saw the many needs of those who live in poverty without proper food, water, shelter, and clothing. I also had the privilege of speaking to the youth in the mission. While many in Tijuana are not poor, many are. We assisted a group called La Roca Ministries, which means “the rock.” It was interesting to see how God was working in the lives of the men and women who diligently give of themselves sacrificially to minister to the poor and needy in that part of the world. While there was much difficulty, there was also lots of grace at work – not only in those who serve with such ministries as La Roca, but also in those living in what we would call extreme conditions. We saw people immediately share what little they had with someone else. We saw men carry a crippled man so he could get a meal. Helen Keller was right in her quote, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” All of the above was a setting for having our eyes opened to see others as God sees them. Each person is made in the image of God and is loved by him. We saw masses of children without clean water and wholesome food, without proper hygiene and medical treatment, etc. Yet we saw their smiles, felt their little arms embrace us, and heard their laughter as their eyes lighted up at the smallest of gifts and the equivalent of one healthy meal. Does it break God’s heart that he does not hear them laugh more? Is he grieved over their cries of hunger, disease, and distress? We knew full well that there was a solution to meeting the challenges of those in such dire straits. Temporarily, in a small way, for those days, God gave us the opportunity to be a part of that solution to some. Each of us can make a difference. Yet, our hearts sank as we realized how little most of us do to help. As I returned from Tijuana, I was reminded of the book, “The Hole in Our Gospel,” by Richard Stearns. Three billion people in our world are desperately poor, one billion are hungry, millions are in human slave trafficking, and more than 10 million children die needlessly each year related to their poverty. Preventable diseases are spreading and terrorism is growing. I also know that right here in our own community many are suffering Those of us who prayed that dangerous prayer, “Lord, break our hearts with what breaks your heart!” will never be the same. Would you pray that same prayer with us?
• 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.
All Saints' Episcopal Church 150 Sipprelle Dr. Battlement Mesa 285-7908 Pastor's mobile: 985-5797 The Reverend Edmond-Joseph Rivet, Priest-in-charge Website: allsaintsepiscopal.info Church e-mail: office@allsaintsepiscopal.info Pastor e-mail: frej@allsaintsepiscopal.info SUNDAY Sunday Eucharist: 10:30 a.m. Choir: 9:30 a.m. Children's Godly Play: 10 a.m. WOW: Worship On Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist: 6 p.m. Soup Social: 6:30 p.m. Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.
••• Crown Peak Baptist Church 101 W. Battlement Parkway Parachute 285-7946 crownpeakbaptist.com Rick Van Vleet, Senior Pastor Dan LaRue, Associate Pastor Matt Loftin, Youth Pastor Brian Jarrett, Minister of Music Sunday Morning Worship – 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study for all ages – 9:45 a.m. (Children's Church offered during 11 a.m. service) Wed. Night Dinner 5:30 p.m. Wed. Night Programs 6:30 p.m. (Adult, Children & Youth Groups)
Grace Bible Church 755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa 285-9862 Charlie Hornick, Pastor Lance Easterling, Youth Pastor Josh Elliott, Pastoral Intern Penni Nichols, GBC Child Care Director 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: 256-4693
••• Grand Valley Christian Church
••• 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.
•••
SERVICES Sunday school: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Worship service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (Children's Church & Nursery) Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon: Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.
••• Shepherd of the Mesa (WELS) Website: shepherdofthemesa.org Bill Cornelius, Pastor 987-3093 Youth Directors: Kristy and Rory Roder, Brandon Downing WORSHIP: Sunday at 10 a.m. Bible Information Class: Monday at 7 p.m. Family Bible Study: Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: Historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse on County Road 300
Second Street & Parachute Avenue Parachute
Lutheran Catechism: Wednesday at 3 p.m. Women’s Bible Study Group: Monday at 9:30 a.m. Location: 12 Rosewood Way
Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080 e-mail: office@mygvcc.info Church Office 285-7597
In Home Bible Study throughout the week. Call for times and locations in your area.
Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.
•••
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
285-7236 or 379-5947 (Pastor's cell) Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew
••• Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute
Wellspring of Life Church at Grand Valley High School Cafeteria 800 Cardinal Way Parachute
Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor
Pastor David Bartlett
Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m.
Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m. Youth and Children’s Sunday School
Contact Us P.O. Box 125, Parachute, CO 81635 285-9892 grandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net
••• The Lighthouse (Assembly of God) 1833 S. Battlement Parkway Battlement Mesa
210-5795 210-5849
•••
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 17
Kendra Hill and Stephanie Horton receive PEO IP scholarships Chapter IP, of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) presented scholarships to two Grand Valley High School senior girls, Kendra Hill and Stefanie Horton. From left are Kendra, Stefanie and Sherry Johnson, IP vice president. Both girls intend to further their education at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. Congratulations to these two outstanding women. Photo courtesy of Sharon Temple
2011 PEO IW scholarships go to Eryn Paskett and Shannon Schubert Chapter IW of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter IW recently awarded Eryn Paskett and Shannon Schubert scholarships. Eryn, a graduate of Grand Valley High School, graduated with a 4.051 GPA and was involved with many community service projects throughout her high school years. She is continuing her education studying dental hygiene. We wish her all the best in her endeavors. Shannon Schubert received our second scholarship. Shannon received a scholarship from us last year as she started her college adventure. She is attending the University of Northern Colorado pursuing a career in elementary education with a concentration in English as a second language (ESL). Although she is busy with her studies, she has found time to be a part of a program called Mentors & Friends where she is paired up with a 9-year-old girl to provide her with a positive role model. We are thrilled to continue helping Shannon with her financial obligations again this year. PEO IW is able to award scholarships each year to deserving young ladies thanks to everyone who supports our group by purchasing tickets to our annual fall fashion show. – Karen Klink, PEO IW
New ASE Mechanic Gunther Boldt
“We will treat your vehicle like it’s our own… with your safety in mind.” – Owners, Bonnie & Bobby Hancock
Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 am to 6 pm Sat. by appt.
We have 3 bays open for auto repair & a 4th bay coming soon! We do brakes, exhaust, struts, shocks, front end & rear end work. We offer fleet management.
Grand Valley Days from page 1
Horses, cattle and sheep were well showcased too during the first event, which apparently, was well received. “The carnival at Grand Valley on the 16th was a booming success,” the paper reported. “The exhibition of fruit, vegetables and grain was acknowledged by the 500 and more visitors to be the best they had seen, not only in this county, but in this section of the country. The art exhibition was very good and surprised even our home people.” It appears that Grand Valleyites were sensitive about stepping on the toes of their neighbors in Rifle. It’s probably why there wasn’t a pie social at the first event in 1908, like there is now. “Rifle sent us a good delegation [for} Fruit Day, and Grand Valley should remember and visit them on Apple Pie Day, September 29th,” the paper reported.
Grand Valley Park Association produces Grand Valley Days Today, pies are a big part of Grand Valley Days, with sales taking place all day long at the Morrisiana Community House. The Morrisiana Community Association uses the proceeds from selling pies to maintain the community house. Since 1951, the Grand Valley Park Association has produced. It’s a nonprofit group, and membership is open. Dues are $1 a year, according to Juanita Satterfield, who’s part of the organization. Besides the overall Grand Valley Days, the association has a separate rodeo committee to organize the event’s two rodeos. “It takes the entire membership to put the two-day event together,” Juanita says. Fruit Day, Grand Valley Day and Grand Valley Days – take your pick – was cancelled only during wartime, but has been held consecutively otherwise.
Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011
Where’s Redstone?
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s seven-year old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and is the monthly newspaper for the Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get to know your sister: Come visit.
So many choices, so little time By Carrie Click, Echo editor So many activities are taking place in Redstone and throughout the Crystal River Valley at this time of summer that the calendar page in The Crystal Valley Echo newspaper jumped to an additional page this past month. Slide guitarist Kraig Kenning plays live in Redstone Park the evening of July 16. Another free summer concert follows starting at 6 p.m. in Sopris Park in Carbondale on July 17 featuring The New Familiars. Stone sculptors will be highlighted at an exhibit at the Redstone Art Center on Redstone Boulevard from 6-8 p.m. on July 19. Carbondale’s weekly summer rodeo series runs every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Gus Darien Arena on Catherine Store Road. Carbondale celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Mountain Fair. It’s on the same Friday and Saturday as Grand Valley Days, but Grand Valleyites can still catch the final day of Mountain Fair on Sunday, July 31 if you have any festival energy leftover. And if getting outside and on the trail is more to your liking, guided naturalist walks are available in the mid-Crystal Valley. Contact roaringfork.org, 927-1290 if you’d like to reserve space on an upcoming walk. Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone!
Left, a guided walk through Filoha Meadows in the Crystal Valley.
Echo file photo
The Redstone General Store WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Open Daily
963-3126 292 Redstone Blvd. Redstone Across from the park
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THE HEART OF REDSTONE WITH A UNIQUE SELECTION OF CENTERPIECES FOR YOUR HOME! REDSTONE CASTLE TOUR TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE! OPEN YEAR ROUND • OPEN DAILY
970-963-1769 225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone
redstonecolorado.com
REDSTONE CASTLE TOURS Saturday & Sunday • 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18 Children under 5: FREE (FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656) Tickets savailable at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store and Crystal Club Cafe. CASH OR CHECK ONLY
www.redstonecastle.us
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011, Page 19
THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT: FOR RENT - PARACHUTE - Attractive and very clean newer Townhome in pleasant neighborhood, opposite park. 3BD/2.5BA. One-car garage, fenced patio. Washer/Dryer plus all appliances. N/S. $800/mo. 948-5508 pd1x
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:
Logos • Brochures Advertising Book layout & design Alyssa Ohnmacht
• 963-2373
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
Steve’s Painting & Decorating Inc. New Construction, Commercial & Mold Prevention
SERVICE DIRECTORY GRAND VALLEY INSURANCE SERVICES Home-Health-Auto-Life & Commercial Lines Sherry Loschke 970-285-7343 • 970-640-3115 email: s_loschke@msn.com
• Basic and Full Service Oil Changes • Automatic Transmission Flushes • Tire Sales • ASE Certified Mechanic on duty full-time
#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS
285-9217
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE! DEBEQUE TO ASPEN
120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • Rooter work • Electronic locate • Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments • Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections • Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36”
OUTSI DE STOR AGE
Writer + Proofer + Editor
NEW TO THE PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA
Help for any writing project
Carrie Click
LOCATED IN PARACHUTE
CALL RICK or SCOTT
970-930-0124 P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650
Travel Trailers, RV's, Boats, Trucks, etc.
970-930-0056 clickintoplace@yahoo.com
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 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-July / Mid-August 2011