Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley FREE
Volume #2 Number 4
Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
INSIDE Grand River Hospital District goes electronic page 11
Soderbergs celebrate 40 years page 13 Library moves page 14 Easing the bankruptcy sting page 15 Winter is here: A view from the Battlement Mesa Golf Course looking north.
Photo by Ron Bailey
The Beasley legacy continues Like her late husband before her, Judy Beasley becomes Parachute’s mayor By Carrie Click, Echo Editor
Mayor Judy Beasley at Parachute Town Hall.
Photo by Joe Sluga
When asked if she ever imagined being the mayor of Parachute, Judy Beasley has a quick response. “Oh, heavens no,” she says. Although Judy seems somewhat surprised by her new role, it’s not such a stretch. Parachute’s new mayor was serving as mayor pro tem when former Mayor Rob McClung – who happens to be the brother of Judy’s daughter-in-law Amy Beasley – announced he was resigning to return to college in Fort Collins. Rob’s last day on the job was Dec. 30. Judy credits Parachute’s staff with making a smooth changeover. “The staff is so very good at town hall,” Judy says. “They’ve made the transition easier for me. One agenda item Judy is excited about is a new historical designation: the town acquiring the historical McKay House. “It has a lovely park area,” she says. “It’s going to be a real asset.”
All in the family The Parachute businesswoman and former English teacher – she taught grades seven through 12 – has years of experience as part of a civic-minded family. Judy’s late husband Dave Beasley served in multiple capacities during his 41 years in Parachute. At different times, he was town marshal, fire chief, town trustee, planning and zoning commissioner, mayor pro tem and mayor. When Dave died suddenly in 2005, the council decided to honor him by naming Beasley Park on First Street after him. “He would’ve been humbled,” she says. “He was always extremely active. He always had to be serving in some capacity. The only reason he would stop was he’d be term-limited, so then he’d go do something else.” A fixture in Parachute The Beasleys’ gift shop, with its distinctive tipi perched on its roof, has been a fixture in Parachute for 30-plus years. The Beasleys operated four of these shops throughout the southwest. Now, just the Parachute store remains. Once named Thunder River Trading Company, it’s now called Old Mountain continued on page 3
Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This month, the start of the year 2010, The Grand Valley Echo is looking a bit different. In order to use our precious pages in the most efficient way possible, we’ve decided to reduce the Echo’s cover photo and run some copy on the front page. This way, we can try to give you as much news as we can in the least number of pages. We’ve always felt it was important to have a big, full page cover shot on the Echo, but as we all know, challenging times require creative adjustments. We’re using the same method on the Echo calendar page, combining copy and advertising to make a more compact and cost-effective newspaper. Along those lines, be sure to let us know what’s important for you to read in these pages. Let us know if what we’re giving you is what you want. During this time, we all need to be focusing on the most essential elements of our work and our lives. Help us create the type of paper that brings meaning to your lives and your community. We hope you like our little changes, and will continue to actively support your Echo and those businesses that support us through advertising. Let’s all have a great new year…
Have a story idea? Contact The Echo gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
71 Siprelle Drive Battlement Mesa, CO. 81635 970-285-5661
Alyssa Ohnmacht Publisher Carrie Click Editor
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.
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
Adam Lambrecht, Jeanne Miles, Sarah Tahvonen, Shawnn Wilkins, Catalina Island Conservancy, Veronica Duran, Alissa Cose, Laurie Devere, Karmen Steimel, Samantha Orite, Colorado Mountain College, Robert Knight, Mary Anderson, Rebecca Ruland, Amelia Shelley, Barbara Barker, Tom Hall, Jim Klink, Tamra Allen, Mountain Family Health Center, Cary Parmenter, Heather McGregor, Denise Van Hoorelbeke, Scott Pankow, Scott Saunders, Betsy Leonard, Mary Ellen Denomy, Sue McEvoy
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 3
G O V E R N M E N T
Battlement Concerned Citizens:
Can Battlement’s mineral rights be swapped? Other issues discussed include BCC asking county to follow up on Silt well pad fire By Carrie Click, Echo editor Although the Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) are having their kick-off meeting on Jan. 21, (see calendar listing, page 5), the group has been busy meeting together, attending county commissioner meetings and researching oil and gas activities. At the BCC’s Jan. 6 meeting, a dozen people met to discuss the Antero well pad fire near Silt on New Year’s Day. BCC members worry that a similar fire could erupt on one or more of the well pads planned for Battlement’s planned unit development. Burning Mountains fire officials said the fire was contained in 90 minutes.
BCC member Frank Smith recommended that BCC should ask the county to follow up on the cause of the fire, and ask what the county is planning to do to make certain Battlement residents are safe. BCC member Dave Devanney added that someone should ask Garfield County Gas and Oil Liaison Judy Jordon if anyone is keeping track of these types of incidents. The group also discussed making sure that Antero secure linings in pits located in Battlement, so that no seepage occurs. Frank Smith said he’d contact Garfield County Assessor John Gorman to do an analysis of what is happening or what might happen to property values
in Battlement Mesa when drilling begins. He said he’ll also ask if anyone has ever been successful in proving devaluation of property due to gas development and how it was done. Bill Nelson, of the Battlement Mesa Oil and Gas Committee, continues to pursue swapping Battlement Mesa’s mineral rights through letter writing to political officials. Finally, the BCC agreed to support Garfield County and a countywide health study. Dave Devanney and Paul Light said they would make a list of air quality issues. The next Battlement Concerned Citizens meeting is at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.
Beasley legacy continued from page 1
Gift and Jewelry, named after a mountain located up Parachute Creek. Judy’s son Chris Beasley and his wife Amy now own and operate the shop, though Judy fills in when needed.
Getting involved After Dave’s death, Judy says she missed the connection the couple had with the community. “When the kids took over the shop, I realized how much I missed being in the know, and that I had time to get involved,” she says. That’s when Judy joined town council. Judy has seen Parachute’s ups and downs, and
she knows and loves the town well. The couple moved to Parachute from Denver in 1967. “Parachute was Dave’s cup of tea,” Judy says. “We wanted out of the city. And I’m from Alabama, so I’ve always been a country girl.” Judy isn’t the first female mayor of Parachute, however. Judy remembers Ruth Keistler served as mayor in the late ‘60s. And when Judy’s term is over come this spring, she says she’d like to stay on, supporting and serving Parachute like her husband before her. “Yes, I plan to run,” she says.
Town of Parachute News From Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight We hope all of you had a great Christmas and a good New Year. We approach 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism and with the expectation that Garfield County will rebound from these times of difficulty and transition towards prosperity. We continue to court new business to our area and have recently adopted a tax incentive program for prospective business ventures in our recently developed commercial zones. Feel free to contact me if you need further information on this program. We said our goodbyes to former Mayor Roy McClung in December and wished him and his wife Carol all the luck in the world as they begin their pursuit to increase their education at Colorado State University. There is no doubt in our minds that Roy will return to Parachute and, once again, become involved in supporting and promoting community interests. We swore Mayor Judy Beasley, who has long ties to the community, on Jan. 14 at Parachute Town Hall. We congratulate her on her promotion from mayor pro-tem. Five trustee positions will be up for election this April, so if you have not registered to vote at Parachute Town Hall, please take the opportunity to do so and then cast your ballot when the time comes. The state senate carved out $17 million dollars in mineral severance funds to support one or more large projects in municipalities directly and substantially impacted by the extraction of minerals from federal lands. Parachute's West Interchange project was selected as one of the seven finalists for funding under this program. Final selections will be made on Feb. 8 and we are hopeful we will receive funding to build the new interchange. We would not have had the matching funds required under this grant program without significant financial support from Garfield County, Williams Production, EnCana Oil and Gas and the Colorado Department of Highways. As always, we encourage you to utilize our website to keep in touch with the latest happenings in Parachute and Battlement Mesa. You can subscribe to an RSS feed that will automatically send you an e-mail when new information is posted.
Town of Parachute Briefs Reduced utility rates available The Town of Parachute offers reduced water and sewer rates to qualified users. Family size 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons
Income not exceeding $13,520 per year $16,736 per year $19,952 per year $25,476 per year $28,962 per year $31,908 per year
People requesting reduced water and sewer rates must obtain an application from Parachute Town Hall and submit the form with proper documentation of wages, Social Security income, etc. Please contact Parachute Town Hall with any questions.
Time to renew dog licenses January is the time to renew dog licenses. Fees are still $2 for spayed and neutered pets and $5 for those not. Stop into Parachute Town Hall to get your dog’s 2010 tag today.
From public works Drop off your Christmas trees by the lift station at the rodeo grounds, to the right of Cottonwood Park. During inclement weather, please remove all vehicles from the streets so public works can clear the snow properly. Thank you.
Historical highlight From 1883 to 1907, Tom and Alice Glover had a beautiful ranch up Parachute Creek. The ranch included 300 acres, a fine orchard of 35 acres, and about 300 head of cattle. The Glovers’ cabin has since been relocated next to the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse.
Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
L E T T E R S
T O
T H E
E C H O
Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’re expanding our word-count limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, gve@crystalvalleyecho.com, or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include your name, title if necessary, and where you live.Thanks. Linda Pontius Waite was a wonderful friend
Dear Echo: Linda Pontius Waite was one of the kindest, most generous ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was so real and genuine. She was the perfect nurse. She always thought of others, and gave so much of herself to everyone. She was a natural exhorter, and encouraged others to open up, volunteer, or just advance themselves. She always seemed to think the best of everyone. She downplayed the things she did, and pointed out others to see to it they received credit due. She was wonderful. She was a wonderful friend – more like a sister as she was so easy to love and be around. I could not have said these things at her memorial service. I would never have made it through the comments. Those who knew her did not need to be told this. Those who did not have the privilege of knowing her, well you need to know you really missed out. Look around and see if you can find folks who are kind, generous and thoughtful and be a friend to them. Be sure you appreciate them.
There are not enough of them. So hang on and don’t let them drift away from you. I will miss Linda immensely as will everyone who knew Linda and loved her. Juanita R. Williams Parachute Hospice volunteer training offered Dear Echo: Last fall, the Echo ran a story about Hospice of the Valley and the work we are doing, providing care to terminally ill patients from Aspen to Parachute. We are now preparing to offer a volunteer training in Rifle beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19. This is a 15-hour training, meeting from 5-8 p.m. on Jan. 19, 20, 21, 25 and 26. Anyone interested in signing up for this training, please call me, Sean Jeung, at 888-927-6650. Class will meet in the Divide Creek Meeting Room at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center. Sean Jeung Chaplain and volunteer coordinator Hospice of the Valley
G R A N D VA L L E Y 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, Williams Dear Echo: On behalf of the Grand Valley Historical Society, I would like to thank Williams Production RMT for its donation of the historic Thomas Glover cabin. In addition to providing the GVHS with this cabin, Williams also financed the moving of the structure to the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse grounds and took responsibility for the site preparation as well as the reroofing and chinking of the cabin. I would like to offer a special thank you to Susan Alvillar of Williams for her leadership in seeing this project through. Her persistence and dedication to the Glover cabin project over almost a three-year period made it a reality. Sincerely, Jim Klink Grand Valley Historical Society
Thanks for basketball league help
Dear Echo: Thanks! We just wanted to thank everyone who was involved in the Shepherd of the Mesa Basketball League. We had more than 60 boys and girls from the third grade through the sixth grade participate. We especially want to thank the coaches who volunteered their time to encourage and teach all of the kids. • The third and fourth grade coaches: A.J. Buffington, Whitney Johnson, Gene Duran, Brandon Downing, Michelle Foster, Devyn Cyphers, Deb Cornelius, Myrna Vargas, Katie
Cornelius, and Amber Greeson • The fifth and sixth grade coaches: Lisa Waszak, Teresa Snyder, Jessica DuPuis, Jerry Mohrlang, Tracy Andrews, Reagan Cyphers, and Whitney Vance. Thanks again and we hope to see you next year! Adam Lambrecht and Bill Cornelius Shepherd of the Mesa
Thanks for a successful KSUN fundraiser On Dec. 5, KSUN 103.9, Battlement Mesa's community radio station, sponsored a fundraiser to benefit the station. The event was a great success with more than 100 attendees. Many of those that helped with this event should be acknowledged, including Easy Cuisine, Clark's Market, The White Buffalo, Jane Chapman, Mary Jane and Pete Wahlman, Connie Stiers, Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church parishinors, Carpet Plus, Dan Temple, Battlement Mesa Golf Course, and the Battlement Mesa Activity Center staff. Grand Valley Middle School students hosted the coat check, members of the Parachute Recreation Department U12 soccer team served as wait staff, and Lisa Waszak, their coach, was the kitchen coordinator and kept everything "hopping.” A huge thank-you to all who attended and helped make this a success and to all of those who gave their time, their talents, or their product to make this inaugural event worth repeating. Laurel Koning KSUN Community Radio Battlement Mesa
Government Briefs Parachute Police Department earns rare state accreditation The Parachute Police Department has received accreditation by earning the Professional Standards Compliance Award, which recognizes outstanding police and sheriff’s departments throughout Colorado based on 186 established professional standards. There are 232 law enforcement agencies in Colorado and only 35 of these agencies are accredited. “Gaining this accreditation was not an easy process and it involved a lot of work and commitment by the entire department,” says Chief Cary Parmenter. Basalt Police Chief Keith Ikeda, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) presented the award to Parachute Police Chief Parmenter during the Dec. 10 Parachute Town Council meeting. The Parachute Police Department met or exceeded CACP’s established standards. CACP and the County Sheriffs of Colorado, which represent all local and county law enforcement in Colorado, sanction the accreditation program. According to Chief Ikeda, the Parachute Police Department earned the recognition due to its commitment to provide quality law enforcement services in partnership with the community. The Parachute Police Department includes six sworn officers and one civilian employee. Chief Parmenter says the department also is committed to improving service delivery on an ongoing basis, resulting in a safer community.
Garfield County requests input on future growth options Garfield County is in the early stages of updating its long-range comprehensive plan. This plan will govern how growth and development occurs in the unincorporated areas of the county 20 years into the future and establish the basic direction that will guide future zoning and development decisions. It will not only affect private properties and future subdivisions of land, but also other county priorities – such as where new roads, utilities and other facilities should be located. Initial public meetings were held in November and have generated a variety of ideas about how and where growth should occur. In addition, to ensure that every county resident has an opportunity to get involved in this planning process, the county has created the Sounding Board, an online survey. To be participate in the online survey and for more information about upcoming public meetings scheduled for Feb. 2,3 and 4, visit the Comprehensive Plan website at garfieldcomprehensiveplan2030.com or contact Tamra Allen at 945-8212. – Tamra Allen, Garfield County long range planner
Fifth year for free tax preparation service Wells Fargo Bank in Battlement Mesa is hosting a free tax preparation site for the upcoming tax season. This year the site is open on Fridays and Saturdays, beginning Feb. 12, and ending April 10. The site will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, the site will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Two Battlement Mesa residents are volunteering their time at the site: Tom Hall, CPA, and Jean Proud. Both are experienced income tax preparers. The site is affiliated with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a free federal and state income tax preparation program. Free tax preparation is provided to elderly, middle-income and low-income taxpayers qualified to file Federal Tax Form 1040. VITA handles most basic tax issues. Those with complex or unusual tax situations will be referred to paid preparers. The site handles returns with credits, as well as pensions, Social Security income and railroad retirement income. At each appointment, a client must present a picture ID and Social Security cards for spouses and dependents, as well as all relevant tax documents. You should also bring a copy of your 2008 tax return. Both spouses must be present to sign the return before it is electronically filed. Clients for whom English is a second language should bring a translator. Wells Fargo is at 71 Sipprelle Dr. in Battlement Mesa. Starting in mid-January, call 285-7848 to schedule an appointment. Please leave a message if no one is available to take your call. – Tom Hall, CPA
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 5
GO GRAND VALLEY
Your calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send 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 we need to pass on. Jan. 15: 5:30 p.m. Battlement Concerned Citizens meets at the Battlemment Mesa Activity Center. Jan. 15-31: Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber of Commerce membership drive continues.
Jan. 19, 20, 21, 25 and 26: 5-8 p.m. Hospice of the Valley volunteer training at the Divide Creek Meeting Room at Grand Valley Hospital and Medical Center, Rifle. Fifteen-hour training. Call Sean at 888-927-6650 if you’d like to take the training.
Jan. 20: Scheduled re-opening of the temporary Parachute Library at the corner of Fisher and Hill next to the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in downtown Parachute. The library is being renovated. Call 285-9870 with questions or if you need directions. Jan. 21: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce board meeting is at Alpine Bank in Battlement.
Jan. 21: 6:30 p.m. Battlement Concerned Citizens kick-off meeting at the Grand Valley Fire Station on Stone Quarry Road in Battlement. Refreshments, meet-and-greet, business meeting, Q & A, a documentary screening, “What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Production.” Call Dave, 285-2263.
Jan. 23: 2 p.m. Doc Holliday comes to the historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse, by way of R.W. Boyle, who portrays the good doctor. No charge for Grand Valley Historical Society members, $3/suggested donation for adults, children free. Parental discretion advised.
Jan. 28: 7 p.m. “Men of Worth,” a Celtic duo, performs at the Glenwood Springs High School. Admission is by membership ticket through the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association. Call Judy at 945-5384 for more info. Feb. 1: “The Big Read” is “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Pick up your copy at the temporary Parachute Library at the corner of Fisher and Hill in downtown Parachute or call 2859870.
Feb. 2, 3 and 4: Garfield County Comprehensive Plan public meetings scheduled; visit garfieldcomprehensiveplan2030.com or call Tamra Allen at 945-8212 for specifics.
Feb. 5: 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m.“Vehicle Fleets in the Clean Energy Economy: Reducing Costs and Diversifying Fuel Sources” at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. $15. Reservations requested by Feb. 2. Hosted by the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative. Contact garfieldcleanenergy.org.
Feb. 5-7: Com to Redstone’s Winterfest, a winter festival with dog events, children’s activities, ice climbing demonstrations, snow sculpting, Nordic and cross-country ski racing and more. Go to redtonecolorado.com for a full schedule or call 963-6355 for more information. Feb. 10: 7 p.m. A theatrical presentation on the life of author Ray Bradbury is at the Grand Valley High School. 2859870.
The second Tuesday of every month, Neighborhood Watch meetings are held at Parachute Town Hall. 285-7630
The second Tuesday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. HEARTBEAT meets in Glenwood, which offers support for survivors after suicide at the First United Methodist Church, 824 Cooper St.; use the Bethel Chapel entrance. Call Pam at 9451398, pamsz@sopris.net.
Feb. 11: Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce social is at VJ’s Ribbs, followed by a dinner special from 5:306:30 p.m.
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.
Feb. 12: Free tax preparation through the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program at Wells Fargo in Battlement begins today and runs on Fridays and Saturdays through April 10. Appointments necessary. Call 285-7848.
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.
ONGOING:
The second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Board of Directors meets at the recreation district office, 101 Cardinal Way, #4, Parachute, 285-0388, pbmparkandrec.org.
The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots of classes and activities: swimming, dancing, personal training, water aerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, and more. Call 2859480. New year, new dog licenses. January is the time to renew dog licenses in Parachute: $2 for spayed and neutered pets and $5 for those not. Pick up new tags at Parachute Town Hall.
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.
Every Friday: 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” interviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM.
The Sunlight ski bus runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the ski season. Season bus pass is $15. All riders must reserve a spot; call 625-2151.
Every Friday: 10:30 a.m. Storytime at the Parachute Library. 285-9870.
The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber of Commerce’s membership drive runs the month of January. To join or for more information, go to parachutechamber.org.
Every Friday at 7 p.m. Al-Anon meets for those troubled by another’s drinking at Grand Valley Christian Church, 116 W. Second, main building. Strictly confidential. Contact Doris, 285-9836 or Bonnie, 984-2286.
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 Saturday BINGO! Is held at the Valley Senor Center. Coffee, soft drinks, popcorn, snacks.
Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome. The first Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. the West Garfield Democrats meet at Mesa Vista Assisted Living, 2857206. Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Grand Valley Kiwanis Club meets at its new location, the Parachute Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute, in Parachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.
Every Saturday, Mountain Family Health Center in Glenwood is now open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on a walk-in basis, providing a low-cost alternative to the ER for nonemergency care. No appointment necessary. 1905 Blake Ave. 945-2840.
UPCOMING:
• Feb. 26: 7:30 p.m. Tickets now on sale for Symphony Swing, featuring Symphony in the Valley’s tribute to the Big Band era, at Grand Valley High School in Parachute. Light refreshments, bistro-style table seating and dancing. $20/per person. Go to sitv.org to order tickets and for more info.
OUTSIDE STORAGE NEW TO THE PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA LOCATED IN PARACHUTE
Travel Trailers, RV's, Boats, Trucks, etc. CALL JOHN - 970-986-1820 OR SHERRY - 970-640-3115
Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
GRAND VALLEY ENERGY A monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA
Keeping your foot on the (natural) gas pedal
For so many years, we have become accustomed to pulling up to a station and filling our tanks with gasoline to run our vehicles. While some of this gasoline is produced in the United States, much of the fuel that we use to take us from place to place comes from the far reaches of the world. We have learned to calculate the miles per gallon, so we can try to be frugal when the pump prices start creeping up. Well lately, the battle cry across the U.S. has been to start using the energy that we produce here. This will mean that we need to start changing our calculations to how many miles we can go on a cubic foot of natural gas, rather than gallons of gasoline. There are many folks already doing a lot of changing by starting to use the products that we produce here. Freightliner has developed and is using semis to transport products in California with natural gas, rather than gasoline. T Boone Pickens has been developing a strong plan for natural gas vehicle use in Texas. The shining star here in Colorado is EnCana Oil and Gas. They have made the conversion on many of their vehicles to start using natural gas in their company vehicles. Gov. Ritter has required that the state’s vehicles start using natural gas as their fuel of choice. It is cleaner, more efficient, costs less and is produced here. So, it is a win-win-win. Not only will this create a better environment, it will produce a better economic base. More gas will be produced because it will be needed for more diverse reasons other than just heating our homes. The businesses that can provide the service of converting existing vehicles to natural gas use will start to enjoy a boom also. I have already seen a natural gas filling station in Richfield, Utah. So, it should not be too long before we will be pulling up to the natural gas pump to fill ‘er up. This should be truly an exciting decade. 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.
[tÑÑç itÄxÇà|ÇxËá Wtç4
WINTER GETAWAY SPECIAL Dinner, lodging and breakfast for 2 only $125 (Valid Wednesdays thru Sundays) 970-963-2691 • www.redstonecliffs.com
The Flower Shop VALENTINES DAY SPECIALS FREE delivery on Thursday and Friday Order before Feb. 4th and receive FREE candy! Balloon Bouquets $15 and up 73 Sipperelle Drive In the Battlement Market Plaza
970-285-2510
S Come on down P and E C check out our I A DAILY lunch L S specials!
Saturday/Sunday from 1:30 Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner Monday - Steak Nite - $3.00 off any freshly cut steak Tueday - Prime Rib Sandwich Wednesday - Dino Ribbs - or Beef Ribs when available Thursday - Chef’s Choice Friday - Catfish, collard greens and blackeyed peas & rice
We have daily specials under $10. Happy New Year 2010! We are open 6am until 9pm daily 315 E First Street • Parachute. Co. 81635 970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 7
NEW YEAR INVESTMENTS Property Management Company YOUR YEAR TO SHINE! Beautiful kitchen – SS appliances; large great room; fully fenced; Central A/C; tile floors; new carpet. Battlement Mesa - $259,900
The NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…
mohrlang • jones
WAKE UP TO WONDERFUL! Wall of windows – full of views; radiant floor heat; 3-car garage; circular drive; koi pond – stunning! Battlement Mesa - $396,000
HEARTHSIDE WARMTH! Corner stone fireplace; views; you will love the utility room; door-free custom shower. Battlement Mesa - $399,900
Karen Jones, Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-379-1353 970-216-5058 1-800-545-6372
ALL-OCCASION HOME! Entertain, enjoy, live life comfortably; SS appliances; tile floors; pantry; over-sized rooms – placed for views. Battlement Mesa - $369,900
A VERY GOOD YEAR! Now is the time to stop paying rent; 3bd; living room and family room; wood stove; $8,000 First Time Home Buyers Credit. Rifle - $189,900
Virtual Tours available at www.MohrlangJones.com
“What dreams may come…” A “LOT” FOR YOUR FAMILY! Tap and impact fees are paid; three lots; protective covenants; plans available or design a plan. Battlement Mesa Starting at $69,000
YEAR ROUND COMFORT! Open floor plan; upper and lower levels; huge master; carefree living; tasteful updates and finishes. Battlement Mesa - $299,900
Kiwanians were everywhere during the holiday season. There were three major projects in the works – the Cash for Christmas raffle, the Salvation Army bell ringing, and a Christmas party with Santa and bags of gifts for more than 200 little people at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in Parachute. By Dec. 18, we had sold 1,100 tickets. Amanda Jablonski of the Grand Valley High School Key Club drew the winning tickets. The lucky first place winner was Dani Christenson ($650). Second place went to Caren Swindell ($350), the third place winter was Sally Baker ($250), fourth place went to Cheri Witt-Brown ($150), and the fifth place winner David Fiftal ($100). The raffle made more than $1,800, which will be used for future scholarships and projects for kids in our community. Thanks to the community for supporting our programs so we can give back to the children. And we owe our chairman, Chuck Hall, a big thank you for the successful conclusion of this project, which included 26 volunteers for 83 hours of selling raffle tickets. Steve Randol spearheaded the bell-ringing project, which included most of our members. We began ringing bells the day after Thanksgiving and rang the final bell Christmas Eve. Thirtyseven volunteers rang bells for 76 hours in front of Clark’s Market. A total of $3,271 was collected from our community for the Salvation Army. Bob Campbell was busy on our third project, gathering little surprises to fill gift bags for 14 classes at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning. It took two hours on Dec. 21 for six volunteers to fill more than 200 bags with fun stuff. Santa Claus was there for the little ones to sit on his knee and tell him secrets. Bob had the help of nine volunteers for an estimated 35 hours. Finally, Ann and Bob Arrington and Michelle Foster managed to put together a Christmas party at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center (BMAC) for our club. Eighty-eight members and guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Alain Senac, chef par excellence. Due to a change in hours of operation at the BMAC, we have changed our meeting place. Kiwanis of Grand Valley now meets at the Parachute Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute in Parachute, at 7 a.m. for coffee, with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please come join us some Tuesday morning.
FLAT OUT FABULOUS! Covered patio; vinyl fencing; custom tile; huge master closet; corner fireplace; over-sized garage. Battlement Mesa - $339,000
Amanda Joblonski drew the winning tickets for the Kiwanis Cash for Christmas raffle. BATTLEMENT MESA MAGIC! Comfortable living at its best! Stunning kitchen with loads of storage; live on main and play in lower level! Battlement Mesa - $299,900
USE YOUR IMAGINATION! Invest in your future now. Design your dream home. Call for CC & R’s and building guidelines. Battlement Mesa $79,000
VACANT LAND
By Barbara Barker, Grand Valley Kiwanis Club
THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE! Mountain views from hot tub on deck; SS appliances; stucco exterior; entry courtyard; bay windows in master. Battlement Mesa - $354,900
EMBRACE THE SCENERY! Minimum sq. ft. of 1,600; varied sites, views and sizes; new subdivision; walking trails. Battlement Mesa Starting at $71,500
THE PERFECT PLACE… for your perfect home. Buildable lot with stunning views in every direction. Tap fees paid. Battlement Mesa $87,900
Kiwanis Korner
SOMETHING EXTRA! List of upgrades and improvements; large, fenced yard; covered patio; two sheds; matured landscaping. Battlement Mesa - $169,900
0401 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635
Dani Christensen receives her $650 first prize from Kiwanian Chuck Hall from the Cash for Christmas raffle.
Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 9
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
Sign up now for spring soccer By Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director
Ski Bus to Sunlight: The ski bus to Sunlight Ski Resort is currently running on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 625-2151 the day before to register to ride the bus. If you do not call, you do not ride. The bus is limited to 47 passengers. The fee to ride all season is only $15 per person, which is a great deal. Spring Soccer: Boys and girls ages 8-14 can sign up now until Feb. 10. Yes it is early but we have to get the team numbers into the Western Slope Soccer League and Colorado State Soccer League by their deadline. The fee has gone up to $65 to participant and a $35 uniform deposit if needed (if the uniform is not sponsored by a company other than the Park and Recreation District). The fee went up because the Colorado State Soccer League is charging $500 per team and $8 per player. Youth Wrestling: For boys and girls kindergarten through sixth grade. Wrestling starts approximately March 8 and ends May 8. There will be six peewee wrestling tournaments and practices will be held three times per week at Grand Valley High School auxiliary gym. Fee to participate is $100. This includes six tournament fees and a $75 refundable singlet (uniform) fee. Serna will be the head coach. Parachute will be hosting one of the tournaments. Fall Adult Volleyball: Winner of the Fall Adult Volleyball League was Mountain Temporary Services, Jace Braun, captain. Congratulations! Winter Adult Volleyball: Adult Coed Volleyball is full and began in early January. Seven teams are participating: Alpine Bank/Battlement Mesa; The Diggers sponsored by Frontier Electric and Valley Car Wash; The Supers; Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church; Crown Peak Baptist Church; The Rotaters; and M.T. Netters. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 101 Cardinal Way, #4, Parachute, 2850388, pbmparkandrec.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.
Top: The Mountain Temp Services team claimed this past fall’s 2009 Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Championship with Jace Braun, their captain. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District coordinates adult co-ed volleyball teams, and hosted the championship. Bottom: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District held a Tiny Tot Basketball event recently at Bea Underwood Elementary in Parachute for kindergarteners through second graders. Twenty-eight budding hoopsters participated, learning b-ball fundamentals and having fun.
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District
2010 Winter Adult Volleyball Schedule
Photos courtesy of Shawnn Wilkins
FUEL Up Your FLEET! 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
All games held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Call 285-0388 for more info.
Team Team Team Team Team Team Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
– – – – – – –
M.T. Netters The Supers Alpine Bank The Diggers Shepherd Of The Mesa Crown Peak Baptist The Rotaters
Jan. 5 The Rotaters vs. Alpine Bank Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. The Supers vs. Shepherd of the Mesa Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. The Diggers vs. The Rotaters Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. Crown Peak Baptist vs. M.T. Netters Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 The Diggers vs. Shepherd of the Mesa Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. The Supers vs. Alpine Bank Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. Crown Peak Baptist vs. The Rotaters Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. M.T. Netters vs. Alpine Bank Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 The Supers vs. The Diggers Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. Shepherd of the Mesa vs. M.T. Netters Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. Alpine Bank vs. Crown Peak Baptist Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. Shepherd of the Mesa vs. The Rotaters Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 Crown Peak Baptist vs. The Supers Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. M.T. Netters vs. The Diggers Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. The Rotaters vs. The Supers Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. Alpine Bank vs. Shepherd of the Mesa Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 The Rotaters vs. M.T. Netters Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. The Diggers vs. Crown Peak Baptist Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. Alpine Bank vs. The Diggers Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. Shepherd of the Mesa vs. Crown Peak Baptist Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 M.T. Netters vs. The Supers Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. Game 1 of Bracket Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. Game 2 of Bracket Court 1 • 7:30 p.m. Game 3 of Bracket Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 Game 4 of Bracket Court 1 • 6:30 p.m. Game 5 of Bracket Court 2 • 6:30 p.m. Game 6 of Bracket Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.
Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
H E A LT H
Mesa Vista News By Scott Saunders, Mesa Vista Assisted Living
A healthy New Year
The New Year is already upon us. Every year, most of us look ahead to making positive changes in the next 12 months. As you started thinking about your 2010 New Year’s resolutions, you probably started thinking about your health and if you are happy with the way you are living. Across the board, most resolutions are health-related. When making your resolution, remember to make it something that is attainable, realistic, and in your control. If you’ve never ran a mile in your life, aiming to run a marathon this year may not be the best idea. Also make sure the goal is in your control, not anyone else’s. Hoping that your work environment changes for the better may not be completely in your control. Although changing how you react could be. Here are some simple, attainable, and healthy resolutions to give you some ideas: 1. Eat less salt. The benefits of lessening your salt intake are immense. 2. Control your portion size. Learn how much you should be eating of various foods, including meats, pastas, and breads. If you begin eating correct portions, you will start to see results. 3. Quit smoking. You’ve heard it before, and you are going to keep hearing it until you put down the smokes. 4. Make time for your annual exams such as mammograms, prostate screenings, pap smears, dentist appointments, and blood work. These simple tests can truly save your life. 5. Floss your teeth. Taking care of your teeth plays a role in your overall health. And your breath will smell better. 6. Smile more. Be more positive. Rid yourself of negative people and influences in your life. Make it a goal to live life happily and do what you need to do to get there. 7. Find ways to manage stress that don’t involve food, driving too fast, or yelling at people. Whether it is reading a book, playing Monopoly with your kids, or stepping outside for some fresh air, do whatever makes you feel better. 8. If you need help, don’t be ashamed to ask for it. Whether you have a stomach pain that won’t go away or just need to talk to someone, don’t be afraid to seek someone else’s advice. No matter how you decide to go into the new year, remember that bad habits can be broken and issues of all shapes and sizes can usually be repaired. Whatever you decide for your new year’s resolution, or even if you don’t have any resolutions at all, I wish for you a happy and healthy 2010.
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.
Full Throttle Tire & Auto We do brakes, exhaust, struts, shocks, front end & rear end work. Custom exhaust up to 3" with flowmaster muffler & tire sale. – Owners, Bonnie & Bobby Hancock Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 am to 6 pm Sat. 8 am to noon
“We will treat your vehicle like it’s our own – with your safety in mind.”
970-285-2420
250 West 1st St. • Parachute • Across from Ferrellgas
Fighting off cabin fever On Dec. 18, we hosted our annual holiday party and Open House and had a wonderful time. Family and friends were in attendance to feast upon a great meal put together by our cook Sandra Strauss. Ula and her accordion were superlative, as always. Other holiday festivities filled our month. Colorado Heritage Real Estate brought gifts for all the residents, as they have done for years. Many thanks to those folks for their kindness. Elementary, middle school and high school students came down to sing Christmas songs. Those younger folks sure brighten our day every time they visit. The snowfall and cold snap have kept us inside more than we’re used to. Good thing we have Amy Jo Cruz to help us fight off cabin fever! Hopefully Old Man Winter will make an early exit this year. We’ve been strategizing what to grow in our garden this spring, and are anxious to get started. We have raised garden beds for resident gardening in our courtyard, and I’m always impressed by how beautiful it becomes in spring and summer.
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 11
H E A LT H
Grand River implements electronic health record program Patients should expect changes By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District public relations coordinator
RIFLE – On Dec. 1, Grand River Hospital and Medical Center went live with an electronic health record (EHR) program at their family health, internal medicine, and women’s health offices. This new system means that patient records have been converted to a digital format, allowing real-time documentation and quick access to health information when providers need it. Patients can expect some changes, especially at their first appointment since the conversion. There are many advantages for patients and providers to Grand River implementing this EHR system. It allows providers to document appointments, tests, and exams quickly and accurately, adding to the digital file directly, instead of waiting to document into a paper file. EHR also allows access to patient
records from more than one place, eliminating the wait for medical records to arrive. Turnaround times for ordered tests, such as laboratory results, will be much quicker, as they will be sent directly to a patient’s digital chart for the provider to review. The system also supplies a very accurate list of medications a patient is taking and will flag possible drug interactions. With EHR, prescriptions can be sent directly to participating pharmacies, saving patients time and hassle. At Grand River family health, internal medicine, and women’s health offices, providers now have tablet PCs, similar to a laptop, with them in the exam rooms, allowing them access to patient health records electronically. This enables them to order exams, prescriptions and referrals, all with a touch of a screen. At a patient’s first appointment, there are some things patients should expect as this transition is being made. This initial visit may take longer than usual, though after ensuring all information is accurate within the system, future appointments will go much faster. Patients will want to bring all current medica-
tions to the appointment in a plastic bag so their provider can make sure all medications are listed correctly in the patients’ records. Also, in an effort to protect against identity theft and fraud, each patient will be asked to take a photo to put into their record. “Grand River Hospital District embraced electronic health records for their outpatient clinics for greater efficiencies for patients and providers,” said Lois Kame, director of clinic services for Grand River Hospital District. “But efficiency isn't the only benefit,” she continued. “For individual patients, access to good care becomes easier and safer when records can easily be shared. EHR can be understood as a complete record of patient encounters that allows us to automate and streamline workflow in the health care setting through evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting,” The implementation of an electronic health record program at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center is made possible through grants from the Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Healthy Connections.
Grand River’s Meals On Wheels offers much more than lunch By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District public relations coordinator RIFLE – Grand River Hospital District, which operates Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels, is offering up more than a good lunch to homebound seniors in the area who participate in the program. For example, from Dec. 14-16, Meals on Wheels partnered with Vista Subaru of Glenwood Springs. Vista, in addition to giving grant money, loaned three cars to Meals on Wheels. The vehicles were used to deliver meals on those days. Vista also helped provide Blizzard Bags, a new program, which contain 24 hours worth of emergency food. The food is shelf stable for one year, and includes heat-and-eat meals, oatmeal packets, cookies, water, and more. Each Blizzard Bag also includes
Mountain Family Health Center offering Saturday hours To better accommodate those who work on weekdays, Mountain Family Health Center is extending its schedule to include Saturdays. Beginning Jan. 9, the Saturday Clinic is offering a reliable, low-cost alternative to visiting hospital emergency departments for minor injuries and infections, and non life-threatening illnesses like coughs, colds and flu. The Saturday Clinic is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on a walk-in basis, and no appointment is necessary. Mountain Family is also open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Family Health Center is located at 1905 Blake Avenue, Suite 101, in Glenwood Springs, across the street from Valley View Hospital. To schedule an appointment on weekdays, please call 945-2840. Mountain Family welcomes any person in need of care, regardless of ability to pay, accepting most private insurances, Medicaid and Medicare, sliding scale programs and other assistance programs for any person who is uninsured. – Mountain Family Health Center
signs that can be placed in windows signaling whether the person inside is OK or in need of help. Blizzard Bags can be used if food cannot be delivered or in case of an emergency, and are prepared by the Medical Reserve Corps of Garfield County, a collaborative effort among many organizations. “GRHD has been paramount in their support of this project and so many community groups have been involved,” says Mickey Neal, co-coordinator for the Medical Reserves Corp of Garfield County. Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels and Grand River are also working to ensure that seniors who participate in the program have an opportunity to get other needs met. With grant money given by Banfield Animal Hospitals, clients can have pet food delivered to their home with their Meals on Wheels delivery. And, in a partnership with Garfield County Public Library District, Meals on Wheels now offers Books to Go. Clients can have reading material of their choice delivered once a month by their Meals on Wheels driver. They have a choice of what type of reading material they prefer and in addition to books, they can also check out books on cassette, CD and MP3 player.
Meals on Wheels… and more • For more information about Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels or to sign up for the program, contact Kaaren Peck at 6256423. • For more information about Blizzard Bags or if you know someone who may need one, contact Mickey Neal at 625-3393.
“At GRHD, we feel that Meals on Wheels is far more than delivering nutritious food, but is a community endeavor to provide daily contact, companionship, and a better quality of life,” says Kaaren Peck, volunteer services and Meals on Wheels manager for Grand River Hospital District. “All of these program enhancements make our Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels an enriching adventure for both our clients and our volunteers,” Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels has been operated and supported by Grand River Hospital District since 1976. With the help of 77 dedicated volunteers, the program delivers more than 650 meals a month to homes in Parachute, Battlement Mesa, Rifle, Silt and New Castle.
Vista Subaru donated the use of these cars that were used to deliver Meals on Wheels and Blizzard Bags in December. Pictured are volunteers Mike and Jennifer Reyelts and their daughter. Photo courtesy of Sarah Tahvonen
Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
L I V I N G
Nature at Home and Afield
Take a Hint Household How-to Hints Olive oil isn’t just for spaghetti anymore By Barbara Barker • A paper shredder can be used for more than just protecting you from identify theft. Shred tissue paper and then use it as festive strips inside gift bags and boxes. • So you won’t forget those pearl studs on the hotel nightstand, fasten them into the holes on your watchband. • Reuse that old Kleenex box by stuffing those plastic grocery bags in the empty tissue box and store under the kitchen sink. • Take off your shoes before entering the house; tracking creates more than 80 percent of the dirt and dust in your home. • Besides adding flavor to your spaghetti, you can use olive oil to shave, remove eye makeup, shine stainless steel, unstick a zipper, dust wooden furniture, and silence squeaky doors. • Make your guacamole ahead and keep it looking fresh by squeezing a little lemon into your avocado dip and stir. The lemon will eliminate the browning that occurs when guacamole sits. • Don’t throw out that old toothbrush holder. Fill it with water and use it as a flower vase. Makes a fast, symmetrical arrangement even if you’re all thumbs. • No extra-long matches on hand? Try lighting up a stick of spaghetti (only uncooked works) to light those hard to reach candlewicks and pilot lights. • Skip the formal tablecloth and use parchment paper, brown mailing paper, or festive gift-wrap to create a casual place mat for two when draped across the table, side to side. • Before applying mascara, leave the wand outside the tube for a minute so it can dry a bit. Wet mascara can make lashes clump. • Slow cookers are notorious for failing to soften baked beans. Place a layer of foil directly on the beans to keep the heat at the bottom of the pot and in the beans – rather than the heat rising to the lid. This shaves hours off cooking time. • Remove stickers and decals from painted furniture by dabbing the labels with vinegar and peel them off without harming the paint. • To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply it to your eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the residue and apply an eye cream. The circles will lighten and the skin will tighten. • Sprinkle a little cinnamon on aluminum foil and place this in a hot oven and leave the oven door open. Do this after you have used the oven and turned it off. • To sweeten the garbage disposal run some citrus rinds through it. • Washable toys should be cleaned at least once a month, or at least when visibly dirty. Throw the toys into the top rack of the dishwasher or into the washing machine, or hand wash them in dish soap and water. • Put stuffed toys in a plastic bag and place them in a freezer for five to six hours once a week. This kills most living dust mites. • And remember, The phrase “working mother” is redundant. Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.
by Betsy Leonard Succession: Change Over Time
Living in Florida at the ages of 9 and 10, I attended a Girl Scout summer camp near Ocala. I spent many long hours outdoors, learning to swim, canoeing, and sailing on the waters of Deer Lake. Time goes by and 35 years later, I wanted to show my husband where I had spent so many happy times. We drove up to the now- defunct camp and looked out to where the lake had been. Much to my surprise, all that remained was a soggy meadow with isolated pockets of shallow standing water. Succession had taken hold. One thing that all communities and ecosystems share is that their structures constantly change in response to changing environmental conditions. The environment may change so much that a species’ niche disappears. Old niches are replaced by new niches to which different species are adapted. This gradual change in species composition is called ecological succession. Ecologists recognize two types of ecological succession: primary and secondary, depending on the conditions present at the beginning of the process. Primary succession begins where there is no soil in a terrestrial ecosystem. Examples include an abandoned highway or parking lot, and a newly created shallow pond or reservoir. The first steps of primary succession are colonized by organisms and formation of soil from exposed rock. On land, organisms called lichens, a fungus and alga living in a mutualistic relationship, first colonize exposed rocks. Lichens secrete acids that break down the rock and form organic material by photosynthesis. Weathering caused by wind, rain, and frost also breaks down rocks. Once soil has formed, grasses and other small plants begin to grow from seeds carried to the habitat by wind or animals. The grass community survives for many generations and makes the soil deeper and more fertile. Eventually, enough soil is formed to support non-woody plants, pines and other trees, eventually replaced by broadleaf trees and hardwood trees. This is the final stage of succession in many areas. A mature ecosystem will change very little over time. A community that does not undergo further succession is called a climax community. Secondary succession begins in areas where the natural community of organisms has been disturbed, removed, or destroyed but the soil or bottom sediment remains. Examples abound such as abandoned farmlands and burned or cut forests. Secondary succession resembles the later stages of primary succession. Eventually, a climax community forms again, and the process of succession is complete. Descriptions of ecological succession usually focus on changes in vegetation. However, these changes in turn affect food and shelter for various animals. Ecological succession is not a matter of new species developing, or even old species adapting to new conditions. Rather, it is a matter of populations of existing species taking advantage of a new area as conditions become favorable. In any given landscape, there are likely to be all stages of succession represented in the ecosystems present. It can be said that ecological succession helps to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.
Dancing at KSUN’s December fundraiser are George and Mary Hill, and Ron and Carol Schelling.
Photos courtesy of Anne Huber
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 13
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
Anniversary
Obituary Dorothy D. Tucker July 3, 1923 – Dec. 29, 2009 Former Battlement Mesa resident Dorothy D. Tucker passed away in a nursing home in Las Vegas on Dec. 29, 2009. She was 86. Dorothy was born in Worland ,Wyo. on July 3. 1923 to Grace and Earl Davis. She graduated from the Worland school system. In February 1942, she married Edwin N. Blackman. They had two children, Edwin Charles and Vicki. Edwin, Dorothy’s husband, preceded her in death. In 1979, Dorothy married Orville C. (O.C.) Tucker of Denver. They had no children. Dorothy loved golf and was very active in the Ladies Golf Club at Overland Park in Denver and Heather Ridge Golf Club in Aurora. She moved with her husband O.C. to Battlement Mesa in 1989, where she again was very active in the Ladies Golf Club at the Battlement Mesa Golf Club. Dorothy and O.C. moved in October 2008 to Mesquite, Nev. She was a member of the Desert Dames, a ladies social club in Mesquite. Dorothy is survived by her husband O.C., her two children, Edwin Charles Blackman of Rawlins, Wyo. Vicki Lynn Klein of Scottsbluff, Neb., and their spouses, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends. There were no services. There was cremation. Dorothy was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.
Happy 40th anniversary, Larry and Kay Soderberg!
Larry and Kay Soderberg celebrated their 40th anniversary in December with a trip to Fort Walton Beach, Fla. On Nov. 30, 1969, Laurence (Larry) Soderberg, a widower with three daughters, married Kay Barraclough at the United Methodist Church in Broomfield, Colo. The couple moved to Battlement Mesa 16 years ago after Larry retired from Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in Denver. They have seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Above, Larry and Kay Soderberg in 2009; right, on their wedding day in 1969. Photos courtesy of the Soderbergs
From the members of Community Counts...… from all of us, to all of you...
Happy New Year We look forward to working wth you in 2010. www.communitycountscolorado.com
Toll free: 866-442-9034
Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
L I B R A RY
N E W S
Parachute Branch Library • 244 Grand Valley Way • Parachute • 285-9870
Library district hiring local for regional construction projects By Amelia Shelley, Garfield County Public Library District executive director
I get asked frequently if we are using local contractors on the Rifle and Parachute Branch Library projects. The answer is an unequivocal yes! In hiring Adolfson and Peterson (A&P) as our general contractors, we asked them to pay special attention to recruiting local subcontractors for both jobs. They have made significant efforts to reach out to the local subcontractor community including an open house in Rifle, extensive advertising, and recruitment for bids. A&P has a rigorous vetting process for all subcontractors, including a review of their business experience with similar projects, manpower availability and financial stability and not every local contractor has been able to qualify. In this economy this has proven to be a double-edged sword; it is both difficult for some subcontractors to qualify for the projects, and the project could potentially serve as the life-
line they need at this time to keep their business afloat. While we understand this dilemma, we also understand that while the project is under construction, A&P is in charge of the project and carries the liability should any subcontractor fail to fulfill his obligations, which ultimately affects the quality and timely completion of the project. I should note however, that currently we have seen a large number of bids, and the library district is seeing a decline in the projected costs for the buildings. A&P has already hired a number of subcontractors that are new partners for them. Through the first two bid packets including site work, concrete and structure, 80 percent of the bids have gone to local subcontractors for the Rifle Branch Library, and 73 percent to locals on Parachute. I anticipate that we will not be able to keep these percentages as high on the remainder of the work, because there aren't as many subcontractors in Garfield County in the remaining trades being bid, but we expect to continue to hire local for much of the work.
Library Briefs
Amelia Shelley at groundbreaking for Parachute Branch Library.
Photo courtesy of Garfield County Public Library District
New books available at the library Here are some of the hot new titles for January available at the Parachute Branch Library:
Expansion and renovation of Parachute Branch Library begins The Parachute Branch Library held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 17 for the library’s expansion and renovation project. Library Board President Nella Barker and Library District Executive Director Amelia Shelley spoke about the recent successes of the Parachute Branch, and how the building project will keep the library headed in the right direction. Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson also talked of the importance of libraries. The library has vacated the building to allow the construction process to move forward. The library closed Jan. 11, and moved across I-70 into downtown Parachute, to the northwest intersection of Fisher and Hill next to the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning. To get to the temporary location you will need to cross the bridge over I-70, take a left on First Street (the main street through town), and a right on Fisher Avenue (by LIFT UP). The library is scheduled to reopen at its temporary location on Jan. 20. If you have questions, please call 285-9870. – Parachute Branch Library
Food for Fines at your library During the month of February, if you bring in non-perishable food items to any of the six Garfield County libraries you will receive credit on your library card account. For every item you donate, you will receive a $1 credit applied toward overdue fines (not lost materials or fees). All the items donated will be given to the local LIFT-UP. Last February Garfield County’s libraries collected more than 2,300 food items. So, look in your pantry or head to the grocery store and take full advantage of this year’s Food for Fines program. If you have questions please call 625-4270 or stop by your local branch library. – Garfield County Library District
“Wild Child: And Other Stories” by T. Coraghessan Boyle “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier “Burn” by Ted Dekker “Merry Wives of Maggody” by Joan Hess “The Wolf at the Door” by Jack Higgins “Dragon Keeper” by Robin Hobb “A Fair Maiden” by Joyce Carol Oates “Iron River” by T. Jefferson Parker “Fun with Problems” by Robert Stone “Noah s Compass” by Anne Tyler “The Prodigal Wife” by Marcia Willett Many more new books and DVDs are available. Check our website at garfieldlibraries.org and feel free to use our Internet page to put any of the above titles on hold with your library card or come to the library and we will put your name on the books for you. Parachute Branch Library 285-9870 The library will call or e-mail you when your items are ready for pick up. Enjoy. – Beret Brenckman, Parachute Branch Library
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 15
B U S I N E S S
Taking the sting out of bankruptcy Bankruptcy petition preparer Barbara Arrowood can help those facing Chapter 7 By Carrie Click, Echo editor Often, when facing a difficult situation, it’s better to deal with someone who’s faced a similar set of circumstances. For those facing the possibility of bankruptcy in Parachute and Battlement Mesa, Barbara Arrowood is that person. In the last decade, Barbara tragically lost both her husband Robbie, and her young son Ryan. In the midst of those devastating deaths, she had to declare bankruptcy, so she’s intimately familiar with confronting crisis. “I know what it’s like,” she says. With 25 years of experience, she helps those trapped in a corner, facing job loss, medical emergencies, layoffs, mounting debts, foreclosures and more. Right here Barbara is not a lawyer, so she cannot give legal advice. As a U.S. bankruptcy petition preparer, however, she can help guide people through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It all starts with a local phone call. Instead of a nameless big-city firm, Barbara and her team are right here in the Grand Valley area. “So many people need help,” she says. “I know people are too scared to talk to anyone. People are so afraid to file.” Barbara says the Chapter 7 filing materials are around 50 pages long. So she and her assistant Dee Doudy, help people move through the process. “Dee does the initial interview,” says Barbara. “It’s a cup of coffee and you’re in and out with Dee.” Chapter 7 is not for everyone, but it is for those who are sinking in insurmountable debt. Typical candidates have often lost their jobs and have been unable to find work. They’re often trying to keep their mortgage and car payments current,
but are slipping. They might be facing major surgery. They’re behind on their credit cards, but they keep using them because they have to find some way to feed their families. “In my opinion, by the time your wages and assets are getting garnished, we’re at the critical stage,” says Barbara.
First steps In Barbara’s opinion, the first step is to do a “reality check,” that is, to get real about what you owe and what can be done about it. “You have to list all your debts,” she says, “that’s every bill you owe.” Fortunately, she says she’s never seen creditors and lenders so willing to work with people to restructure their debts. “In my opinion, you need to talk to your lenders,” she says. “You don’t want to procrastinate.” And if Chapter 7 seems like the route to go, Barbara can immediately deflect phone calls and mail from bill collectors. “I know what it feels like to have your phone ring and your heart jump into your throat,” she says, adding that she can immediately take over those inquiries.
Next steps Barbara says, in her opinion, that attitudes about bankruptcy have changed a lot, especially since the economic downturn. In essence, it’s become a more forgiving alternative. She says that a lot of myths surround bankruptcy. For example, bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your house or car. Filing Chapter 7 doesn’t forgive alimony, child support, student loans, some taxes and criminal restitution. But it can help people get back on their feet and moving forward. “I have clients from all ages,” Barbara says. “From kids in their 20s to retired people. If you’re in trouble, we can get something done.” Arrowood and Associates can be reached at 285-2201.
103.9 FM
TUNE IN! BROADCASTING 24/7! Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming
YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals, Broadcasting Games LIVE! Accepting public service announcements for local organizations Live Programming each weekday morning 7-8 a.m. with weather, announcements, music and more.
JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO 398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246
www.ksunradio.org
Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
O U R
S C H O O L S
Involving Parents and Children
Terrific Kids
What’s new in 2010?
Terrific Kids for December 2009 The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Terrific Kids for Parachute and Battlement’s two elementary schools. The program promotes character development and selfesteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.
By Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (GVCFL) has high hopes for the coming year. Your input as a parent, community member or district employee is warmly welcome. See below for opportunities, and be sure to contact me, Rebecca Ruland, at 285-5702 if you’d like to get involved with any of these projects.
School-based health clinic planning grant We’re looking into starting a school-based health clinic (SBHC) at our school. After meetings with Grand River Hospital District (GRHD), we now have a partnership with them. Together, we applied for a planning grant through the Colorado Health Foundation and were granted money to hire a consultant, Dr. Maureen Daly of Wheatridge, Colo. Should her work with us show a need for a SBHC in our school district, we plan to apply to the Colorado Health Foundation by April 15.
Outdoor exploration area in the old playground We have studied the potential impact of nature on child development, including cooperative play, critical thinking and sensory development. With this information, we met last year to talk about designing some of our school’s outdoor spaces. Parents Melissa Moore, Julie Rider, Heidi Bertrard Miller, Victoria Call and Kimberly Tucker, among others, planted garden beds, trees and flowers, dug a sand pit, and began creating an “off road” track for bikes and trikes. We got a good start, but there is still much to be done. We plan to resume our efforts, and have been able to secure funds to hire a professional landscape design company, True Image Designs, to work with us this spring.
Science exploration room Bea Underwood Elementary School
December’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Kirstin Medina, Hector De la Cruz, Daicen Sadlier, Brian Friend and Kya Tague; second row, Kailey Davis, Luke Duran, Nelson Escolero, Taylor Miller and Leslie Monterosso third row, Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative), William Herndon, Justin Andrew, Eric France, Bea Underwood Principal Mr. Berg and Macy Cross.
During the past year, Brandon Thurston, a Grand Valley High School science teacher, and some of his students have been creating a hands-on science room in one of our empty classrooms. We’re hoping we will be able to open the room at the end of this school year, providing an outstanding resource for our teachers and students as well as an opportunity for high school students to inspire a love of science with their younger peers.
Options for parents Some parents have suggested including a conversational Spanish class alongside the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes we offered this fall. Beginning Feb. 22, we will begin 10 weeks of Family Literacy nights from 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays. These will include ESL, conversational Spanish, and topics in technology using our computer lab. Additionally, the class will cover parents supporting their child’s success in school. Some childcare and homework help is available through the high school’s Key Club for children 3 through eighth grade. A course in Love and Logic in English with Adriana Chavez begins in February from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays. Child care will be provided for the first eight children whose parents sign up. Contact Adriana Chavez at 285-5702 for more details. On Jan. 27 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the center, Christine Singleton will provide nutrition information for brain development, oral health, and prevention of obesity in young children.
GVCFL and Parachute Library parking Our local library is being temporarily housed in the yellow building adjacent to our school on the east side while their permanent building is being refurbished. Library patrons are being asked to park across the street in the present staff parking lot so that parents trying to drop their children at school can park nearest the building.
Spotlight on teacher
St John Elementary School December’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Jason Schubert, Katie Kellerby and JJ Treadwell; second row, Jacob Dunn, Sindi Cruz, Blaine Vance; third row, Jessica Orosz, Emily France, St John Principal Jory Sorensen and Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representative).
Imelda Jones has been a preschool teacher at GVCFL for the past six years. She was born in the Philippines and moved to South Carolina with her military family as a baby. She and her husband moved to Parachute after getting married. They have one son, Hunter, who is in fifth grade. Imelda has an associate’s degree in accounting and worked in that field for 10 years. She is one class short of her Early Childhood Director License certification.
Congratulations to all of December’s Terrific Kids! THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 17
O U R
S C H O O L S
Grand Valley High School News “Poisonous” poinsettias By Alissa Cose, Grand Valley High School One of the most traditional Christmas flowers is the poinsettia, but it has become less popular over the years because people think they are very poisonous and will harm humans and animals if ingested. The truth is that they are not deadly if ingested in small quantities. This rumor all started in 1919 when a 2-year-old child died and they assumed it was the fault of a “poisonous” poinsettia leaf. But according to the POISINDEX Information Service, a 50-pound child would have to ingest 1.25 pounds or 500 to 600 leaves to exceed the experimental doses. The only listed side effect in the “Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants” is nothing more than occasional vomiting if ingested. As with humans, poinsettias are non-toxic to animals as well. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website, ingesting poinsettia leaves will be “irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally overrated in toxicity.” So next Christmas, when you are out holiday shopping don’t second-guess yourself when buying poinsettias. They make a beautiful holiday decoration. Ryan Williams and Tanner Zimmerman, winners for the best of show at the science fair, show off their prize with teacher, Brian Roddiger, far left.
New Colorado law: Don’t text and drive
Grand Valley’s Science Fair
By Laurie Devere, Grand Valley High School
Everyone knows someone, or has heard about someone who has crashed their vehicle because they were texting. Many young drivers consider it a second nature to text, and do not think twice about taking their eyes, and brain, off the road to send a text message on their phone. As of Dec. 1, a new law went into effect in the state of Colorado. It is now officially illegal to text while driving. For drivers under the age of 18, being caught texting while driving is a first offense, and for each ticket received, there will be an accompanying $50 fine. Adults cannot be pulled over just for texting, but if caught once and pulled over, they’ll receive a $50 fine as well. It can be agreed by just about everybody that distraction in cars is very dangerous and now this ban on texting will hopefully help reduce some risk out there on the roads.
Get involved with your local high school By Karmen Steimel, Grand Valley High School
Do you remember your good old friend from high school, Virgil Hisel from 1977, or Tom Rich, the class president in 1974? Well, if you graduated from Grand Valley High School during that time, you most certainly do. The librarian at Grand Valley High School is working on a new, or should I say old, project concerning the Hall of Senior Portraits. She noticed the portraits for a couple of the years were either terribly damaged or missing all together! With that, Judy Crook turned to the old yearbooks to find the right pictures to scan and replace the old damaged ones in the hall, only to find that the yearbooks were in worse shape than the senior portraits. Judy tried to restore them herself, and even tried to turn it into a class project here at the school by proposing the idea to our digital processing class. Even with all her efforts, she could still use your help to restore Grand Valley’s senior class portraits. If you have an older yearbook (preferably the years 1947-1948 or 1969-1980) in good condition and wouldn’t mind loaning it to the school for a couple weeks, please contact Judy Crook at GVHS.
By Samantha Orite, Grand Valley High School
Grand Valley High School had its Science Fair on Dec. 10 from 7:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. They invited the community to come see all the great projects. “There were some interesting projects and more creativity this year,” says Angela Brady. The winners of the 2009 GVHS Science Fair are: In first place for Earth/Space was Jordanne Williams. Engineering was Ryan Williams and Tanner Zimmerman, Chemistry was Tarianna Lawrence and Kaitlin Birdsey. Zoology was Tyler Lewis and Jesse Beasley. Health/Behavioral was Elisabeth LeFevre, and Botany was Yoanny Esparza. The Best of Show winners were Ryan Williams and Tanner Zimmerman. Congratulations to all who participated and keep up the hard work. Have a great school year.
Grand Valley Middle School
A Message from the Principal Happy New Year!
By Scott C. Pankow
As we begin 2010, we all have many hopes, dreams and visions of a new, bright and prosperous new year. We all say “Happy New Year,” but what are we really saying? What we are doing is wishing our fellow man, the best for their future, our future, and the future of our youth. The work that you and our teachers do for our children daily will create a successful town, state and country. So when we say Happy New Year, are we not really saying Happy Education for our children and our youth of tomorrow? That being the case, it is never too early to begin thinking about college education for your middle school child. Before we left for break, all our eighth grade students received their Explore test results to review and see where their academic strengths and interests might be for the future. Once the students had these results back, they had an opportunity to sign up on College in Colorado for early preparations for college. Take some time and visit the website at collegeincolorado.org and look at your child’s interest and goal areas and what it will take to get them there. We have a Breakfast of Champions again on Jan.15. Join us at 7 a.m. in the cafeteria to celebrate your child’s academic success. We have A/B Honor Roll, Principal Honor Roll (all As) most improved (GPA growth) and Citizenship (tied into the R.OA.R. program). Again, welcome back and Happy Education for the New Year!
THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:
GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16 www.garcoschools.org
Page 18, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 19
• 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.
Grace Bible Church
Shepherd of the Mesa
755 Spencer Parkway, P.O. Box 6248 Battlement Mesa 285-9862 Charlie Hornick, Pastor Lance Easterling, Youth Pastor
Lutheran Church (WELS) Worship Location: Historical Society Schoolhouse on County Road 300 Battlement Mesa Pastor, Bill Cornelius: 987-3093
Sunday Blessing Up for Church Broadcast 103.9 FM Sunday School: 9:30-10:15am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Service: 5:30pm Youth / Children’s Activities Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri. Awana: Tues. 7:00pm (Sept. – April) High School Youth: Sun. 5:00-7:00pm Middle School Youth: Thurs 5:00-7:00pm
Staff Minister of Youth, Outreach and Worship Adam Lambrecht: 987-1992 Worship Coordinator Sarah Lambrecht: 285-7255
101 W. Battlement Parkway Parachute, CO 81635 970-285-7946 crownpeakbaptist.com
24-Hour Prayer Line: 384-7999
Worship Time: Sunday morning 10 a.m. Family Bible Classes: Call for locations Monday: 3:30 p.m. (west side of town) Tuesday: 6 p.m. (Glenwood Springs) Wednesday: 7 p.m. (east side of town) Thursday: 7:30 p.m. Starting Soon! Call for location
Grand Valley Christian Church
Confirmation/Catechism (Kids in sixth grade-high school): Wednesday 7 p.m.
Rick Van Vleet, Senior Pastor Dan LaRue, Associate Pastor Matt Loftin, Youth Pastor Brian Jarrett, Minister of Music
2nd Street & Parachute Avenue Parachute, CO 81635
WOW: Worship On Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist: 6 p.m. Soup Social: 6:30 p.m. Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.
Crown Peak Baptist 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) Wed. Night Dinner 5:30 p.m. Wed. Night Programs 6:30 p.m. (Adult, Children & Youth Groups) Small groups meet throughout the week ... Visit our website for more information. Come -- Experience God's Power for life & living Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship Go -- With Christ in a ministry of service with a focus for evangelism
Faith Baptist Church 235 N. Railroad Ave. Parachute John Yadloski, Pastor 285-7424 Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship: 11 a.m. Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.
*Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places)
Lois Smith, Pastor 285-9223 e-mail: keeperoffaith@aol.com Church Office 285-7597
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Sunday worship 10:00 am
Wellspring of Life Church Daily Prayer Tuesday thru Friday 9:30 a.m.
at Grand Valley High School Cafeteria 800 Cardinal Way Parachute, CO. 81635
Grand Valley United Methodist Church 132 N. Parachute Ave., P.O. Box 125, Parachute 285-9892, 285-6582 E-mail: grndvalumc@sopris.net David Amrie, Pastor
Pastor David Bartlett Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am Youth and Childrens Sunday School (970) 210-5795 (970) 210-5849
Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Faith Journey Sunday School same as Worship Service hour Seekers Sunday School 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
FA I T H
As I See It Stacking up the messages By Adam Lambrecht, staff minister of youth, music and outreach, Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church Perhaps it’s time for a personal confession: I love the game of poker. I really do. I enjoy playing it, and I even enjoy watching it on TV. There’s something about the tension of the game and the drama of the cards that sucks me in. One of the things that always impresses me about poker, though, has very little to do with the game itself. It’s how the players stack and play with their chips. Have you ever noticed that? What amazes me is how they are able to place their bets and count their chips simply by touch. They don’t have to look and count out their chips, one by one. They stack their chips, so they’re able to know with a simple touch how many they have. Obviously, that’s not rocket science. It’s really quite a simple thing – something that can easily apply to many areas of our lives. If you need to figure something out, you stack it up against something you already know. Science has long used this simple principle to test hypotheses. We use it, sometimes unwittingly, in our own lives all the time – call it the “lessons of experience.” We stack up the new information we receive to something we have already learned or experienced. It helps us evaluate. This simple principle applies to our religious lives, as well. You don’t have to look far to realize that there are lots of different churches with lots of different messages. And often, they are conflicting messages. So, what are we to do? Stack it up with the Word of God. We take whatever anyone says – whether it’s a pastor or a teacher or a friend or a relative – and we stack it up with the Bible. There certainly are a lot of different messages coming out of a lot of different churches. Some say, “If you’re a good Christian, you’ll have happiness and success.” Others say, “Christians will face difficulty and trouble and persecution.” Some churches might say, “The details don’t really matter so long as we all believe in God.” Others may say, “Every single word of the Bible is God’s Word.” Conflicting messages. What do we do? With all of them, our practice is the same. We stack these messages up against the Bible itself. And just like the poker player who’s able to stack his chips and know how much he has, we know that if the message stacks up to what God’s Word says, we have the truth. As I see it, that’s our job as a church. We aren’t here to proclaim our wisdom or to argue people into faith. Not only is that unloving, but it’s also unproductive. Our job is to say, “Don’t take our word for it, go to the source – the Bible – for yourself.” We’re here to simply point people to the Bible. That’s where we find our comfort, joy and peace.
Contact church for more info: 285-9892
GRAND VALLEY SPELLBINDERS is looking for volunteers. Call 285-7175 for more information.
If you have something to contribute to The Grand Valley Echo, let us know gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
Page 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
Echo Briefs New CEO selected for CMC in Rifle After conducting a nationwide search, Colorado Mountain College has selected Western Slope’s Nancy Genova to become the chief executive officer for its West Garfield Campus in Rifle. “Nancy was not a candidate for the position,” said Stan Jensen, president of the college, which has 11 locations across the Western Slope. But at the public reception where community members, employees and students could meet the five finalists interviewing for the position in early December, the support voiced for Genova was overwhelming. “At the reception and through an Internet survey we conducted, people said though they thought one candidate or the other could do the job, Nancy was their first choice. She was our top vote getter,” Jensen said. Before being named an executive vice president of the college in mid-2008, for more than a decade Genova had headed up the college’s Roaring Fork Campus, with sites in Spring Valley, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Altogether, she’s been an employee of the college for 21 years. – Colorado Mountain College
Grand Valley Echo Phone Directory Animal Control
625-8095
Battlement Mesa Activity Center
285-9480
Battlement Mesa Company (Property Management) 285-9740 Battlement Mesa Maintenance
285-9174
Battlement Mesa Medical Center
285-7046
Battlement Mesa Service Association (Government) 285-9432 Consolidated Metro District (Battlement Mesa water/sewer)
285-9050
Dispatch
625-8095
Emergencies (Fire, Law Enforcement, Medical)
911
Fire Department (Grand Valley Fire Protection District)
Radio series on KSUN wins environmental award The Isla Earth Radio Series, a 90-second spot heard on KSUN at 103.9 at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, recently won the 2009 W3 Silver Award for its website, islaearth.org in the category of environmental awareness. The Isla Earth Radio Series is an environmental call-to-action show produced by the Catalina Island Conservancy in Long Beach, Calif. The award honors creative excellence on the web, and recognizes the creative and marketing professionals behind award winning websites, web video and online marketing programs. The Isla Earth website was selected from 3,000 entrants and the W3 Awards are sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. For additional information, visit islaearth.org. – Catalina Island Conservancy
Doc Holliday Comes to Battlement Mesa Once again, the Grand Valley Historical Society (GVHS) wants to remind Grand Valleyites that the one and only Doc Holliday is coming to Battlement Mesa on Jan. 23. The historical society will hold its winter meeting on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. at the historic Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. The afternoon’s program will feature R.W. Boyle, noted portrayer of John Henry “Doc” Holliday. R.W. has portrayed Doc Holliday to numerous groups throughout western Colorado and brings a real sense of authenticity to the role with appropriate period dress and genuine and replica firearms that Doc would have used. Boyle will relate stories of the life and times of this famous Western icon, and take questions about the notorious gambler. Refreshments will be served. There is no admission fee to this program for GVHS members. The public is also invited with a requested donation of $3 for adults. Children will be admitted without charge, but parental discretion should be used as the program deals with adult subject matter about Doc Holliday’s life. – Jim Klink, Grand Valley Historical Society
Symphony Swing tickets now on sale Tickets are now on sale for Symphony Swing, the Symphony in the Valley’s gala event to benefit the community orchestra. The show features the Symphony in the Valley Jazz Orchestra playing the top tunes from the Big Band era, with sizzling hot soloists, including Debbie Dawson, Krista Espelien and Lorraine Curry. “This music is a treat for the ears, and if you like to dance, you won’t be able to sit still,” said Kelly Thompson of Rifle, a trumpet player, vocalist and co-conductor of Symphony Swing. He will share the podium with Conductor Carlos Elias and Co-conductor John Bokram. Symphony Swing will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26, at Grand Valley High School in Parachute. The event will include light refreshments, bistro-style table seating and dancing on a spacious dance floor. Tickets are $20 for all seats. Tickets for the Parachute show are available in advance at the orchestra’s website, sitv.org. Symphony Swing will also be presented at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. That event includes a full course meal and a cash bar in the Devereux Room at the Hotel Colorado. Tickets are $70 per person or $900 for a premium table for 10. Advance reservations are required. – Heather McGregor, Symphony in the Valley
285-9119 Garfield County Commissioners
945-5004
Garfield County Courthouse
945-0453
Garfield County Sheriff (Non-emergency)
945-0453
Garfield County Sheriff Auxiliary
285-9261
Golf Club (Battlement Mesa)
285-7274
Grand River Medical Center
625-1510
Grand Valley Echo
963-2373
Holy Cross Electric
945-5491
KSUN Radio Station
285-2246
Mesa Vista Assisted Living Center
285-1844
Parachute Branch Library
285-9870
Parachute Town Hall
285-7630
Park and Recreation Department
285-0388
Police Department (Parachute)
285-7630
Post Office (Parachute)
285-7677
Road Conditions
877-315-7623
Schools Bea Underwood Elementary
285-5703
District 16
285-5700
Grand Valley Center for Family Learning 285-5702 Grand Valley High School
285-5705
Grand Valley Middle School
285-5707
St John Elementary School
285-5704
Senior Center (Parachute)
285-7934
Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Help for any writing project 970-963-1009 clickintoplace@yahoo.com
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 21
Where’s Redstone?
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s sixyear old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and is the monthly newspaper for the Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get to know your sister: Come visit.
By Sue McEvoy, Crystal Valley Echo staff writer
While January and February may seem like the dead of winter, the first annual Redstone Winterfest promises to bring life to the Crystal Valley for the entire weekend of Feb. 5-7. Kicking off Friday afternoon at the Expo tent in front of the Redstone Inn, the weekend promises activities for the daring, creative and inquisitive. Throughout the weekend, Rock and Ice magazine will host world-class ice climbers, gear demos and climbing demonstrations. Saturday’s events include a 5k snowshoe race and fun walk around the Redstone Castle, kids games and a dog skijoring clinic at the Redstone Stables, an animal first aid class and the fifth annual dog parade down Redstone Boulevard. Saturday evening offers a catered moonlight ski at the Redstone Stables, the premier of a new film, “North Face,” about the Eiger, and live music at the Redstone Inn. On Sunday morning, a nordic and skate ski race is scheduled at Redstone Stables followed by more kids games and dog skjioring clinics. A rescue dog will do an avalanche rescue demonstration at Elk Park. And all the kids are encouraged to try the Pebbles Ski Run. Throughout the weekend, Redstone’s main drag will be a gallery of snow sculptures with opportunities for kids to make their own in Redstone Park. All of the shops and restaurants will be open and beer tasting and a chili cook-off just add to the flavor of this year’s Winterfest. Redstone is located off 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!
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
i|á|à exwáàÉÇxVtáàÄx‹
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 AVAILABLE AT Tiffany of Redstone and The Redstone General Store. CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
www.redstonecastle.us
Page 22, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010
THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADS FOR RENT BATTLEMENT MESA: 3 bedroom (1 large master bedroom and bath with large walk-in closet), 2 bath condo. Separate laundry room with washer and dryer, AC, 1 car garage with large storage room. The Rec Center is within walking distance and dues are included. $1,100 mo. plus security deposit. Beautiful views of the Roan Peaks - NS, pets considered. 704-0373 (H), 404-2346 (cell). Battlement Mesa – New and late model manufactured homes for rent, both Singlewides and Doublewides. They range in size from 1,065 to 2,400 sq. ft. 3 Bedrooms and 2 baths, the largest one is 4 BR/3 BA. Furnished and unfurnished. All are immaculately clean, freshly painted and excellently maintained. They all have air conditioning or swamp coolers, washer and dryer, sheds and most have decks. Rents range from $1,100 to $1,675 and include Activity center membership, lot rent and trash pick-up. One year lease. 1st; last and security. Call for availability. 948-5883. pd4/10 NICE, NEW LOG HOME IN DEBEQUE: 3bd/2ba, all appliances including w/d & gas fireplace. No Smokers, Pet Negotiable. Asking $1,150/mo, first and SD. Call CHRIS 970-2859700 or 319-7754. Colorado Heritage Prop Mgmt Co.
FOR RENT IN BATTLEMENT MESA, GREAT FAMILY HOME ON 1 ACRE: 2,077 SF; 3bd/2ba; all appliances included. N/S , Pet Negotiable. Activity center Included; $1,400/mo. first and SD. Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970319-7754. Colorado Heritage Prop. Mgmt Co. NICE HOME IN DEBEQUE: 1,600 SF, 3bd/2ba AND FAMILY ROOM. All appliances incl.; N/S N/P; $1,100/mo. first and SD. Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970-319-7754. Colorado Heritage Prop. Mgmt Co. BATTLEMENT MESA, EXCEPTIONAL, MAINTENANCE-FREE TOWNHOME: 1,750 SF, 2bd/2ba plus office. All appliances included and activity center. N/S. Small Pet Negotiable. $1,200/mo. first and SD. Call CHRIS 970-2859700 or 970-319-7754 Colorado Heritage Prop. Mgmt Co. BATTLEMENT MESA, MAINTENANCE-FREE PATIO HOME 1,341 SF: 2bd/2ba, all appliances included plus activity center. N/S, N/P. $980/mo. First and SD. Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970-319-7754 Colorado Heritage Prop. Mgmt Co.
FOR RENT RIFLE, NOW AVAILABLE - COMFORT AND WARMTH! 1,300 SF, 3bd/2b. All appliances included.. N/S, No Pets. Wood Stove $1,100/mo. first plus SD Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970319-7754 Colorado Heritage Prop. Mgmt Co. HORSE RANCH FOR SALE or RENT RIFLE – Seven acre horse facility and/or investment property. On Highway 13 just north of town, two houses, barn/shop, 4-stall barn, hay shed, paddocks, outdoor arena, fruit trees, Government Creek, water rights, mineral rights, two ponds, hundreds of trees. $500,000 or rent for $2,500/mo.Contact Carrie at 963-1009. cc TRUCK FOR SALE 2002 Dodge Ram 2500, Tow and camper package, New transmission, Extra set of Rims, Studded Snows, Shell, Pipe-Rack, Roll-Out Extend-a-Bed. 150,000 miles. Must sell - $5,000. 963-9027 tfn FOR SALE PERFECT WATER: A system to turn dead water into LIVING, VIBRANT, VORTEXED STRUCTURED PERFECT WATER for pennies per gallon. Call Patrick 970-285-7059. bl CHEST FREEZER; works well. 53wx28lx38d. $75.00 OBO. 2857922. pd1x
SERVICES CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARATION $450.00. Stop harassing phone calls, judgments, garnishments. Confidential. 25 years exp. Call Barbara at 285-2201. bl 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. OPPORTUNITY Place your classified ad here and let over 4,000 readers in the Battlement Mesa, Parachute and Rifle areas know what you have for sale or rent! Send your ad and $10 for 40 words to GVE, 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 - Thank You!
h h h
FOR SALE 2002 DODGE RAM 2500 • • • • • •
Tow and camper package New transmission Extra set of Rims Studded Snows Shell • Pipe-Rack Roll-Out Extend-a-Bed 150,000 miles. MUST SELL - $5,000 ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED. Call Michael 970-963-9027
Do you have a great story idea? If you have something to contribute to The Grand Valley Echo, let us know 963-2373 • gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
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: The Kum & Go Stations • The Battlement Mesa Activity Center and at MANY local businesses!
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.
IF YOU ENJOY READING THIS PAPER, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! The Echo is available at many valley locations for free pick up (see box Above)… AND WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE HOMES IN THE BATTLEMENT MESA AND PARACHUTE AREA FREE OF CHARGE You can help support the paper by becoming a paid subscriber. Mailed subscriptions are available for readers outside our area.
Name:__ _______________ Phone Number:___________ Ad:
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ___________ Please complete this form & submit $25 per year to:
Submit this form and payment by the 1st of the month to: The Grand Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623
THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 We appreciate your support!
IF YOU ARE RUNNING A PHOTO CLASSIFIED, SEND PHOTO TO gve@crystalvalleyecho.com
GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010, Page 23
SERVICE DIRECTORY LET YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU ARE HERE… Place an ad in the Grand Valley Echo Service Directory.
Carrie Click Writer + Proofer + Editor Help for any writing project
Contact Alyssa for more information or to reserve your Service Directory Space!
970-963-1009 clickintoplace@yahoo.com
gve@crystalvalleyecho.com 963-2373
Evenings & weekend hours available
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
CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
• 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”
PRICE REDUCTION
CALL RICK or SCOTT
so I’ve lowered my price to help YOU!
970-930-0124 P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650
I know these are tough times...
Pleae support the advertisers that support The Grand Valley Echo!
Complete bankruptcy petition preparation
$500.00 $450.00 Call Barbara Arrowood and find out more information.
CALL ARROWOOD AND ASSOCIATES U.S. Bankruptcy Petition Preparer • Basic and Full Service Oil Changes • Automatic Transmission Flushes • Tire Sales • ASE Certified Mechanic on duty full-time
Call for free consultation and information.
285-9217
STOP HARASSING PHONE CALLS STOP THREATENING LETTERS STOP GARNISHMENT
120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute
970-285-2201 Local business with 25 years experience
Canyon Cleaners Kyle Stewart Astrological Consultant
For all your laundry & dry cleaning needs. • Open 9-5 – Mon - Fri •
In the Battlement Mesa Plaza
963-5590
down the hall from Farmer’s Insurance.
285-9947 • 876-5020office TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 963-2373 TODAY!
Page 24, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010