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Thursday, August 7, 2014 © Berthoud, Colorado

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One lifetime; two floods

Remembering victims of both 1976 and 2013 Big Thompson Canyon Floods

Volume 11, Number 32

75¢

Controversial pick for planning commission

By Rudy Hemmann The Surveyor

Jerry Shafer, a survivor of the 1976 flood, tells his story of riding the wave of floodwaters and losing his friend and neighbor in the Big Thompson Canyon Flood of 1976 at the 38th Annual Remembrance of the flood on Thursday, July 31 near Drake in the Big Thompson Canyon. This year’s ceremony was even more significant with the floods of 2013 fresh on everyone’s minds.

Photo by Bob McDonnell

Below left: At 15, Sue Brungardt documented the destruction after the Big Thompson Canyon flood in 1976. The photo on the left shows a car precariously on the edge of a small droppoff where the floodwater washed away the riverbank.

Photo courtesy of Sue Brungardt

Below right: This photo of a cabin in the canyon that was destroyed in the September 2013 floods was taken on July 27, 2014.

Photo by John Gardner

Controversy swirled in the council chambers Tuesday evening as the Berthoud town board debated the pros and cons of two potential candidates for an open seat on the planning commission.

Former Trustee Dick Shepard was eventually appointed to the commission over Tim Hardy on a split 5-2 vote, with Trustees Mike Henning and Paul Alaback casting “No” votes.

Commission Chairman Scott Banzhaf reported to the trustees that both candidates had been interviewed by an ad hoc committee comprised of himself, Town Administrator Mike Hart and Trustee Suzie White.

Banzhaf stated the interviews “focused on understanding some of the current issues, understanding the responsibility of the term (on the commission) and the dedication it would take to fulfill, compatibility with the commission as it exists today and looked for the person that exhibited passion and a vision for the community.”

Following the interviews, Banshaf said, the committee reached a unanimous decision and that their choice for the open seat on the commission was Shepard.

White stated each candidate met with the selection committee and each was interviewed for well over an hour. She went on to inform the board the candidates were quizzed regarding “their views on growth … land use regulations, the planning process and what that entails … and long term planning.”

She indicated the candidates were very close to each other but that a few things which came out in the interview process that “tipped the scales in favor of Shepard. As an example she stated Shepard was very supportive of the public having a voice in land use decisions and spoke in favor of sustainable growth. She quoted Shepard as saying, “Berthoud should be a vibrant thriving community in charge of its own destiny.”

“He cares a great deal about the community,” said White.

Alaback stated he would like to hear from the members of the committee what three key elements for choosing Shepard over Hardy were.

Banzhaf stated Shepard had six years of experience on the town board and as liaison between the town board and the planning commission to draw upon.

White noted during the interview process that Hardy had expressed an interest in serving on the historic preservation committee by stating that might be a better fit for him.

Alaback voiced concern with Shepard having been defeated in the recent town board municipal election in April.

“We’re in kind of an awkward situation here because of the situation that Dick Shepard is in,” said Alaback, “He is a long serving member of the town board and the planning commission.

TOWN BOARD cont. on page 3

By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor As the old saying goes, time really does fly as you get older.

It seems that the flood of July 31, 1976 happened a few years ago–not 38. With the anniversary of this deadly flood and the flood of last Sept. 13, my mind flashed back in time.

In July of 1976, I had only lived in Loveland for seven years and I had worked at Hewlett-Packard for about the same amount of time. I still remember my wife, Rhonda, 4-year-old son and I seeing helicopters landing in the area where K-Mart is now located on Wilson Avenue and Eisenhower Blvd. Some of the flights brought out survivors who went to the command center at Loveland High School.

Other flights presumably removed some the bodies of the 144 unfortunate souls that did not make it out.

Communications at that time did not include computers or social media, of course. Any information gleaned came from the Denver television and radio stations; some stories with blackand-white pictures came in the local newspaper.

That particular weekend, 38 years ago, many of my friends and coworkers from

HP attended one of the annual picnics at Hermit Park, located south of Estes Park.

The company’s rapid growth required more than one picnic to accommodate the growing employee base so I was not at the mountain park that day. For days, I wondered if they all made it out alive.

Later, we heard survival stories; heroic deeds and of loss of acquaintances. I remember our insurance agent, who lived west of Loveland, telling how his Jeep disappeared in the rapidly moving water.

He grabbed his dog by its neck and made it to safety.

Many were not so lucky.

One of my coworkers, a National Guard member at the time, left his Loveland home to search for bodies after the flood waters receded. All he said was that the fast moving water and rocks made it impossible to identify the age or gender of some of those lost. He never spoke of the event again.

Another friend, somewhat new to the mortuary business, told of working almost nonstop for days. The same held true for a young Colorado State Patrol Trooper.

Interestingly, the flood of 1976 took a toll on both men. Neither stayed with their career choice for long after working the flood.

The ’76 Big Thompson Flood has been referred to as a “hundred-year flood”, or “500-year flood,” or in some cases was called “the flood a lifetime.” We all hoped that was the case.

I, like most who witnessed the devastation in 1976 felt that we would never see a similar flood in our lifetime.

But, Sept. 13, 2013 showed us that we were wrong. This latest flood, although larger geographically, spared many canyon residents but took the lives of Patty Goodwine and Evelyn Starner. Five people: Evelyn Kindred, Teresa Graham, George McCarty, Vernon Oler and Rochelle Rogers, remain missing and are presumed dead.

My wife and I each knew one of these people.

I first met Patty Goodwine in the early 1990s when I worked at United Way and she participated as a volunteer. The other flood casualty, Evelyn Starner worked at Good Samaritan Society’s Loveland Village. Rhonda visited her mother almost daily at Good Samaritan and spoke to Starner many times during those visits.

Although my wife and I merely observed the two floods, Sue Brungardt, a Berthoud resident since 1999, saw the CEREMONY cont. on page 3

Look who’s in the news!

Sports

Ken Kubik Public Star Night

Residents support rezoning of former Berthoud Common property

By John Gardner The Surveyor

The Town of Berthoud will likely seek to rezone the former Berthoud Common property near the high school as a moderate density residential development after hearing from residents at a Monday meeting.

The meeting was held at the Berthoud Community Center to gather feedback from residents regarding the zoning and land use designations associated with the property. Twenty-two people attended the meeting: 12 residents that live near or own property near the property being discussed, five trustees and a few other town employees.

Despite the low turnout, valuable public input was heard according to Berthoud Mayor David Gregg.

“A few more would have been nice but I’m glad we got the ones we did,” Gregg said, adding that the meeting was positive.

According to Tim Raak, a resident who lives near the property being discussed said that he found the meeting to be very positive, too.

“It was absolutely positive,” Raak said. “It’s the old compromise deal, you may not get everything you want but as long as you can express your opinion there is a chance that they may do things a little differently.”

Raak echoed the majority of residents’ opinions in that they would like to see the zoning re-designated from R-3 multi-family which would cap the number of units to 12 per acre, down to R-2

PROPERTY cont. on page 2

Then and Now

Senior Wise

Ashtin Williamson Joe Palooka

Weather ..................................... 2 Opinion ...................................... 4 Then & Now ............................... 5 Sports ....................................... 6 Crossword .................................. 7 Berthoud Tails ............................ 8 Classified ................................... 9 Legal notices .............................. 9

Intorducing Berthoud High’s new softball coach

Harvey Power Flex tractor built in Berthoud

Page 2

Page 5

Bob McDonnell discusses the evolution of the time piece Page 8

Page 2 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014

New BHS Softball Coach Ashtin Williamson eager to start season

By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor

Bright. Engaging. Confident.

Charismatic. Uber-competitive.

And boasting a register of accolades a mile long, newlyminted Berthoud High School head softball coach Ashtin Williamson welcomes – enthusiastically – the challenge that taking the reins of a Lady Spartans squad with state championship aspirations presents.

“I like the challenge,” coach Williamson said, “I want to build a dynasty [at Berthoud].”

Far from a newbie to top-end softball competition, Williamson, as a standout centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the 2004 state champion Loveland High Indians, collected Player-of-the-Year honors from the Reporter Herald, Rocky-Mountain News and Denver Post. She was the Sportswomen of Colorado Athlete of the Year and the Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2004-05 softball season. Awarded an academic and athletic scholarship to Colorado State, a torn hamstring that Williamson called “kind

of a career-ending injury,” put the kibosh on her playing days in Fort Collins.

No longer able to play at the Division-I level, Williamson (who continued to compete for Triple Crown Sports and in competitive slow-pitch adult leagues) opted to focus her energy on coaching.

The 28-year- old soon-to-be college graduate worked as an assistant for Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins for four years as well as coaching various levels of league ball from “14-B to 18-gold.”

Yet, last spring, her former-coach Anthony Heronema and former-teammate Angela Snyder (nee Heronema), presented Williamson with an offer she couldn’t refuse, she said; to apply and interview for the head coach position at Berthoud High School.

Taking over the Lady Spartans gives Williamson a chance to not only lead a squad with a long-standing tradition of excellence but also affords an opportunity to coach alongside Heronema, to whom she attributes much of her success as a player.

“I give all the credit in the world to Anthony for making me the player I was,” Williamson said. “He’s the one made me that little stud.”

Williamson believes she brings the right balance as a coach; experienced enough to handle the trials and tribulations of the job, yet young enough to relate to her players as she “has been there.” She spoke fondly of being an All Conference player on a team that won only four games her freshman year only to improve

steadily each subsequent season and eventually hoist the state championship trophy as a senior. It’s a rags-to-riches story that she believes she can impart to her players, in both lean times as well as in rich.

“My job is to teach them not tell them,” Williamson said. “A lot of times you’ll see me in there getting down and dirty too.”

She explained that she will stress, often heavily, the fundamentals of the game.

“I try to stay as with the times as much as possible but keeping the fundamentals as the basic,” she said. “[Fundamentals] is where it all breaks down. If we don’t have those right we can’t expect to have the more intricate things right.”

Coach Williamson explained her philosophy as being analogous to teaching the A-B-Cs; explain it, demonstrate it, then have them do it and before long the “it” becomes second-nature.

“So I take it and really break it down, rather than telling you what to do - this is this and that is that - we do the hows and the whys...and a lot of times they teach themselves.”

Yet Williamson, as tenacious a competitor as she is, has not lost sight of what high school athletics are all about.

“The bottom line is I believe sports are of a greater purpose than just playing sports,” she said. “They really give you all these life tools that send them out to the real world.

“Come support us…take the journey with us, be with us through thick and thin, it’s going to be a ride and it’s going to be fun.”

Town, residents agree on moderate density for surplus property

PROPERTY

cont. from pg. 1

moderate residential, which would allow between two to six units per acre.

“I would like to see it stay consistent with the surrounding neighborhood,” Raak said.

And that is the message received by town officials.

“I think we got a flavor from the people who came that they prefer the moderate density,” said Town Administrator Mike Hart. “So, I would guess, the recommendation when we go to the planning committee to align the conflict will be to go with the moderate density.”

Currently, the zoning and land use designations for the property are not consistent, which is something that town planning department

POLICEFILES Tuesday, July 29 Warrant Arrest: Bunyan Avenue and Seventh Street, a 25-year-old male was arrested for a warrant out of Larimer County.

Theft of Mail: 700 block of Mount Massive Street, a package that was mailed to this address never arrived.

MVA/Failed to yield right of way during a left turn: Highway 56 and Weld County Road (WCR) 7, a 55-year-old made a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. A driver traveling in the opposite direction hit the turning vehicle.

Both sustained only minor injuries.

Wednesday, July 30 MVA/Careless Driving: 1000 block of North Fourth Street, a resident headed out early to the grocery store when she was distracted and

recently discovered and is a conflict that will have to be resolved before the property can be sold. The plot’s zoning is currently R-3 multi-family residential, but the land use designation is R-2 moderate residential.

“We will clean up that discrepancy, make sure that the zoning and the land use designation match, whichever way this ends up going,” Sherry Albertson-Clark said.

The town could stand to gain more value with a higher density, like the R-3, because the higher density stands to be more profitable to a builder, but this decision is also about appeasing the residents who live nearby.

Mayor Pro-Tem Jan Dowker noted the benefit to the families that would potentially live in the area being so close to three local schools, shopping, and local parks.

ran into the back of a parked truck.

MVA/DUI/Careless Driving: 800 block of County Road (CR) 17, a 36-year-old man drove his vehicle off the west side of CR 17 and struck two mailboxes and a few posts before over correcting and ending up in a field on the east side of CR 17.

Suspicious Circumstances: 400 block of CR 10E, a resident reported someone sent him an envelope containing legal information. No return address or signature on letter.

Follow-up: Civil protection order served to a suspect in a Berthoud case.

Thursday, July 31 Criminal Mischief/Obstruction of Telephone Services: 900 block of Fifth Street, a female resident was arrested for damaging items at her boyfriend’s house and for throwing his cell phone when he tried to call 911.

Found property: 300 block of Common

scene over to them and then cleared the scene.

FIREFILES Monday, July 28 BFPD responded to a call for a large-animal rescue on Weld County Road 1. The fire crew was able to assist a horse that was unable to stand up from a lying position.

BFPD responded to a report of a gas leak on Seventh Street. The gas detector was used and nothing was found. The crew then cleared the scene.

BFPD responded to a medical call on Cabellero Street for a patient who had fallen and had a possible head injury. The patient was transported.

BFPD responded to Berthoud Living Center for the third-shift fire drill coordinated with the on-site custodian. The crew reset the alarm and cleared the scene.

Wednesday, July 30 BFPD responded to a motorvehicle accident on Capital Avenue.

There was moderate damage to both vehicles. There were no injuries reported.

BFPD responded to a report of a motor-vehicle accident on Interstate 25 at mile marker 250. There was light damage to the vehicle and no injuries were reported.

BFPD responded to a commercial fire alarm at High Country Classics auto repair shop. This was a false alarm; the exhaust in the building had activated the alarm. The fire crew reset the system and then cleared the scene.

BFPD responded to a medical call on Second Street for a possible

Drive, a bike was reported as abandoned along the green-way.

Ordinance Violation: 200 block of Victoria Avenue, a resident’s cat was loose. The cat was captured and was later turned over to the owner and issued a ticket.

Saturday, Aug. 2 Suspicious Circumstances: 900 block of Third Street, a resident reported an MVA Hit and Run. This person reported that the truck possibly ran over a delineator post. The post was placed upright by the deputy.

Tampering: 100 block of E. Nebraska Avenue, unknown individuals threw eggs at two vehicles in this area.

Restraining Order Violation and Domestic Violence: 300 block of Columbine Circle, a female called to report that her ex-

stroke. The patient was transported.

Thursday, July 31 BFPD responded to a commercial fire alarm at Little Thompson Water District. This was a false alarm and the crew cleared the scene.

BFPD assisted a patient on Second Street with their medical equipment.

Friday, Aug. 1 BFPD assisted TVEMS with a medical call on Fifth Street.

BFPD responded with Johnstown Fire to a grass fire in the area of mile marker 252 north bound lane of Interstate 25. The crew found a 200’X 200’ grass fire.

BFPD responded with Johnstown Fire to a motor-vehicle accident on Interstate 25 at mile marker 253. There were no reported injuries.

American Proverb

WEATHER Thursday 84/58 30% chance of storms

Source: Weatherbug.com

BFPD responded with TVEMS to a bicycle accident on W. County Road (WCR) 21 and W. CR 4. One patient was injured and transported.

Sunday, Aug. 3 BFPD responded with TVEMS to a medical call on WCR 3 and Highway 60. A patient participating in the

Ironman Triathlon was experiencing chest pain and was transported.

BFPD responded with TVEMS to a medical call on Cabellero Street. The patient was transported.

BFPD responded with TVEMS to a medical call on Sundown Court. The patient was transported.

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Found property: 1300 block of Fourth Street, a bike was found lying on the side of the road with no one around it.

Theft of Water: 400 block of CR 10E, a subject was observed tapping into a hydrant and taking 500 gallons of water without the use of a meter.

Harassment: 1100 block of Madison Avenue, the owner of a realty company received a phone call from a subject who threatened her.

Identity Theft: 900 block of Bruce Drive, a resident’s credit/debit card was used in Orlando Fla., over the weekend.

If you are missing a bike please contact the Berthoud Police Department.

970-554-0825 or 970-217-2228

BFPD responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 56. One patient sustained a head laceration and was transported.

BFPD responded to a report of power lines down at Eighth Street and Franklin Avenue. The crew found a power pole that was smoking from the top of the pole and occasionally, due to the wind, flames were visible. Xcel responded and the crew turned the

Saturday 86/59 30% chance of storms

husband had called her several times and sent her text messages. Male subject was arrested.

Monday, Aug. 4

Friday, Aug. 1

Tuesday, July 29

Friday 84/59 30% chance of storms

One resident asked the other residents if they supported a higher density on the property with only one property owner expressing that the higher density didn’t bother them.

The town will now go through comments that they received and will have to rezone or amend the land use plan and take that forward to the planning commission for approval.

“I’ve heard a comfort level tonight with the medium density,” Gregg said.

The town is hoping to sell the property and use the proceeds, along with a $500,000 endowment from the Doyle and Luvesta Jones Bequeath, to kick start a community center project. The former Berthoud Common property was originally purchased by the town intended as a location for a future recreation center.

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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014 Page 3

CEREMONY

from page 1

1976 flood up close and personal. At the time, the then-15-year-old got unprecedented access to the canyon.

Brungardt’s grandfather, Alfred Brungardt, worked for the county road department as a supervisor.

“He was the last one out and the first one back in,” in 1976, she recalled.

The teenaged Brungardt accompanied her grandfather after the flood, talking her camera to record the scene.

Jeanne Perrine’s flood story covers both floods too. Perrine, her husband and two young daughters lost their

home in Drake in 1976. One of those daughters is Deanna Slout, a Berthoud banker.

“We drove out in front of the water,” Perrine said, quickly pointing out that at the time no signs cautioning people to move to higher ground were in place.

She remembers the night being what she terms as “very black” and said the family “prayed all the way down” the canyon, she said.

Perrine’s husband, John, works at the City of Loveland water plant located west of the city near Chasteen’s Grove. Since he was on duty when the September 2013 flood hit, John had no choice but to stay on duty for three days. Thanks to his

Photo by Bob McDonnell

The wording on the heart calls Patty Goodwine and Evelyn Starner, “family, friends and neighbors” and says they will “Never be forgotten.”

efforts and his work partner Butch Ramirez, Loveland did not lose its water supply. Ramirez is a Berthoud resident too.

There is one more twist of coincidence to the Perrine story.

John Perrine knew Patty Goodwine.

The two City of Loveland employees served on a committee together, at one time.

John and Jeanne Perrine adopted a pay-it-forward mentality after the flood. They do this by volunteering for Santa Cops, Relay for Life and the kid’s rodeo at the fair. John serves on the sheriff’s posse as well.

On July 31, the 38th Memorial Service of the Big Thompson Flood took place at the Big Thompson

Canyon Volunteer Fire Department station near Drake. Event organizer Barb Anderson arranged a time of prayer and remembering. Flood survivor, Jerry Shaffer, played a song and gave a speech.

A new heart-shaped memorial created by Loveland sculptor George Walbye now sits next to the one placed years ago to honor those lost in 1976.

The somber crowd listened as Anderson wrapped up the ceremony.

“We never thought it would ever happen again,” Anderson said.

Having been on the fringe of both floods myself, we now know that it can happen, again.

TOWN BOARD

cont. from pg. 1

He is a well-known quantity” … “and he was not re-elected last April. For us to put him back on the planning commission” … “a lot of people in the community perceive that as the board attempting to rewrite the results of the election.”

Alaback brought up many of the issues which the town agonized over prior to the vote in April.

“In a lot of ways, our decision here is because of the specific circumstances of Dick Shepard having not been re-elected” … “I think a lot of people view this as a litmus test for this board,” said Alaback.

Trustee Henning supported Alaback’s concerns. However, other board members at first appeared somewhat shocked that Alaback’s statements. Henning suggested, in light of the situation, the trustees should vote to reject both candidates, go through another round of advertising the vacancy on the commission, and a new set of interviews.

Town Clerk Mary Cowdin had stated earlier in the meeting that the vacancy had been advertised for at least three weeks in the local newspaper, a notice of the opening had been included in the May utility billing, as well as on the town website.

“Short of going door to door I don’t know what else we could have done,” Cowdin said.

“I’m going to add a little perspective to the notion that someone is disqualified from serving the town in other capacities if they don’t win an election,” Mayor David Gregg said. “Eight people ran for three seats (on the town board). I would hate to think that the five that didn’t win are disqualified.”

Gregg added that it would be unfathomable not including former Trustee Thomas Jones as a valuable member of the utility advisory committee even though he lost in the election for trustee.

After nearly 40 minutes of discussion a motion to authorize Shepard’s appointment to the planning commission with his term to end August 31, 2016 was made, seconded and approved.

In other town board news • Trustees heard a presentation regarding the 2013 audit of town finances.

The results of the audit indicated that staff had made great progress in closing loopholes in the town’s financial reporting and accounting practices. The gains the town has made in fixing these deficiencies were characterized as being “leaps and bounds” ahead of where the town stood two years ago.

The board voted unanimously to accept the results of the 2013 audit of the town’s finances.

• Additions to the community garden located in Pioneer Park were discussed at great length by the board. A steering committee comprised of neighborhood residents that oversees the garden placed a request with town staff for the following upgrades to community garden infrastructure: an upgraded irrigation system, a perimeter fence, a concrete pad with a garden shed atop for the housing of supplies and gardening tools.

Most of the board members were reticent about spending public funds on a project which would benefit a relatively small segment of the town’s population.

Henning noted the surplus vegetables harvested from the garden are given to the local food bank.

Discussion of the issue lasted for more than an hour with Henning and Alaback favoring completion of the irrigation upgrade and the garden shed projects as soon as possible. Parks and Recreation Director Jeremy Olinger and Hart estimated the cost of these two improvements to be well under $8,500.

The board majority let it be known through their comments that they favored having the request go through the proper channels and have it be subject to the same public scrutiny as any other budgeted item in next year’s budget.

Hart made the suggestion, to which the board agreed, that staff would place the improvements in the budget for next year thereby allowing the transparency that most board members wanted.

• The board also heard an informative presentation by Berthoud Historical Society board member Sherrie Merrow regarding the latest developments and goings-on at the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum and the McCarty-Fickel Home Museum, as well as some upcoming events which will be hosted by historical society volunteers.

The board members closed out the evening by voting to go into executive session to discuss negotiations.

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Page 4 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014

Mission statement: To serve the Berthoud community with news and information and to record history for future generations.

AND COMMENTARY

BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR

See you in the funny papers: Joe Palooka H

ammond Edward “Ham” Fisher (1900 - 1955), no relation to Bud Fisher or Dudley Fisher who were creators of the comic strips “Mutt and Jeff” and “Right Around Home” respectively, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where, according to several sources, he dropped out of school at the age of 16 and found work locally as a truck driver and door-to-door brush salesman. He eventually found employment as a reporter and advertising salesman with the “Wilkes-Barre Record” before being hired by the “New York Daily News.”

According to an online biography published by Pennsylvania State University (psu.edu), by the time Fisher was 20 he was a sports reporter when, while talking with a good-hearted but not-very-bright boxer, he was suddenly inspired to create a daily comic strip based on such a character.

As Fisher explained in an interview for “Collier’s” magazine, “Here, made to order, was the comic strip character I had been looking Surveyor for — a big, Columnist good-natured prize fighter who didn’t like to fight; a defender of little guys; a gentle knight.

I ran back to the office, drew a set of strips and rushed to Rudy the newspaper Hemmann syndicates.”

He tried to sell his comic strip idea, which he eventually named “Joe Palooka,” for nearly a decade.

As reported in the bio, during 1929, while working as a salesman for the McNaught Syndicate, he traveled from town to town to generate interest among newspaper editors in the recently released “Dixie Dugan” strip. While pitching “Dixie Dugan” he also tried to sell his own strip.

Fisher’s efforts began to pay off and he managed to get approximately two

“Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”

Volume 11, Number 32 ISSN #1556-1585 USPS 023-132 Periodical postage paid at Berthoud, Colo., post office 440 Mountain Avenue Berthoud, Colorado 80513 970-532-2252 970-532-5424 fax www.berthoudsurveyor.com editor@berthoudsurveyor.com

dozen newspapers to sign up. This was enough to convince management of the syndicate to take a chance on the Palooka strip.

“Joe Palooka” was inaugurated in April 1930, and it very soon became the most popular and successful sports-related strip of all time, states Fisher’s Wikipedia article.

Fisher was not a cartoonist — he did not draw well — nor was he especially good at writing dialogue for characters of the strip. As a result Fisher relied heavily on assistants to “ghost” the strip for him.

In 1932 a young up-and-coming cartoonist named Alfred G. Caplin (later known as Al Capp, creator of “L’il Abner”) was “ghosting” the “Joe Palooka” strip for Fisher. Caplin created a character — a large, rather stupid, musclebound hillbilly boxer who went by the name Big Leviticus — and had him go against Joe in the boxing ring. Big Leviticus was an obvious prototype for the Abner character in “Li’l Abner.”

Later, when Caplin, who had by then legally changed his name to Capp, left to create his own strip about the inhabitants of the small, hillbilly, mountain community of Dogpatch, Ky. “L’il Abner” began syndication in August 1934.

According to Wikipedia, Capp had been working on his strip in the evenings and the Paloooka strip during the day.

The setting of the “L’il Abner” strip closely matched what Capp had

presented in the “Joe Palooka” strip.

That, coupled with the meteoric rise in popularity of Capp’s strip, angered Fisher and touched off a feud between the two creators that lasted until Fisher’s death.

Fisher disparaged and belittled Capp to fellow cartoonists and editors, stating he had stolen Fisher’s ideas. Fisher, over the years, would bring hillbilly characters back into his strip, announcing them as “the original hillbilly characters,” and warning readers “don’t be fooled by imitations.”

Capp retaliated in his strips, of course. For example, at one time, after Fisher had undergone plastic surgery, Capp introduced a racehorse in the “Li’l Abner” strip named Ham’s Nose Bob. This passage from Fisher’s Wikipedia biography sums up the situation that existed between them by stating, “Traveling in the same social circles, the two men engaged in a 20-year mutual vendetta, as described in 1998 by Jay Maeder in the “Daily News,” ‘They crossed paths often, in the midtown watering holes and at National Cartoonists Society banquets, and the cities gossip columns were full of their snarling public donnybrooks.’”

As a whole, Fisher came out on the short end of these exchanges. Capp claimed Fisher “was a never-ending source of inspiration when it came time to create a new unregenerate villain for his comic strip.”

Fisher’s attempts at retaliation were often clumsy and at times amateurish. For example, according to Fisher’s Wikipedia bio, he falsely accused Capp of sneaking obscenities into his “Li’l Abner” strip. He went so far as to provide subtly doctored examples of Capp’s artwork to the syndicate which handled “Li’l Abner” and later to New York state judges. (Portions of the strips “had been drawn upon, with additions of lines and shadows intended to simulate body parts,” according to Capp’s brother, Elliot Caplin.) Fisher contended pornographic images were hidden in the background artwork. Capp simply showed the original printed strips to disprove the allegations.

The bio states that in 1954, while Capp was applying for approval of a television station license in Boston, Mass., the Federal Communications Commission received an anonymous packet of pornographic “Li’l Abner” drawings. At this point the National Cartoonists Society (NCS), which Fisher had assisted in founding, became involved by convening an ethics hearing, and Fisher was expelled from the organization. To this day Fisher is the only person ever sanctioned by the NCS for “conduct unbecoming a cartoonist.”

In an interesting side note — hillbillies were coming out of the woodwork during the 1930s — they were that popular with the public. The same year Capp started “Li’l Abner,”

Billy DeBeck decided to introduce the character Snuffy Smith into “Barney Google,” and Snuffy eventually took over the strip and relegated Barney to a minor role.

Shortly after beginning the strip Fisher made it his intention to change Palooka’s appearance to mirror the real-life champion’s appearance at the time. The system worked nicely until June 1937 when Joe Louis, an African-American, won the title. From then on Fisher stuck with the image he had given Palooka at the time — blond with a prominent cowlick.

The Palooka adventures which appeared in the newspapers were fairly easygoing and restrained. The stories which appeared in the comic book versions were more “hard hitting” (pun intended) by comparison.

The toonopedia website lists the main reoccurring characters supporting Joe as: Knobby Walsh — Joe’s boxing manager. The most prominent and outspoken of the group. He is a small, wiry, excitable, middle aged Irishman.

Ann Howe — Joe’s attractive girlfriend. Joe and Ann made quite a splash, comic strip-wise, when they married in June 1949. Ann was billed as a cheese heiress.

Little Max — an 8-year-old mute orphan sidekick.

Smokey — Joe’s black valet and later also sparring partner.

Humphrey Pennyworth — a huge eccentric, blacksmith who swung a 100-pound blacksmith’s hammer with ease.

The “Joe Palooka” strip intended to depict athletes as heroes at a time when strength of character, honesty and integrity had meaning.

The Fisher bio from PSU states, “At the peak of the comic strip, Palooka had a spot in more than 900 daily newspapers. In 1947, there were nearly 50 million readers of the comic. During this time however, storyline comics were losing popularity to joke-of-the-day comic strips.

Fisher remained dedicated, however, and even in his last years would ask newspaper editors, ‘How’s Joe doing in your paper?’ In the last 1984 comic, Joe Palooka retired to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Ham Fisher’s home town. Just south of Wilkes-Barre, on the way to the town of Mountain Top, lies Joe Palooka Mountain, named after the comic character by the mayor of Wilkes-Barre at the time.”

In 1949 “Joe Palooka” was voted one of the top five most popular strips of the day.

Tragically, Fisher committed suicide in the studio of his longtime assistant, Mo Leff, in September 1955. He left several notes citing health issues.

Leff and a second Fisher assistant, Lank Leonard, took over the strip following his passing. Leff stayed with the strip until 1959. Leonard suggested Tony DiPreta take over the strip after Leff announced he was leaving.

“Joe Palooka” graced the comic strip pages until it ended in November 1984 with DiPreta in charge. Circulation had dropped to fewer than 200 newspapers.

I’ll see you in the funny papers.

Author’s note: While researching this article I learned the New York Post newspaper had dropped its comics page altogether, without notice, in May of this year. *SIGH* More on this development next month.

Publisher Becky Justice-Hemmann becky@berthoudsurveyor.com Editor/Reporter John Gardner john@berthoudsurveyor.com Sports Editor John Hall sports@berthoudsurveyor.com Project Manager/Writer Rudy Hemmann rudy@berthoudsurveyor.com Account Managers Diane Wells diane@berthoudsurveyor.com Kelly Torrez kelly@berthoudsurveyor.com Office Manager Jo Buckridge jo@berthoudsurveyor.com Contributing Writers & Photographers Caroline Creager Kathleen Donnelly Jan Dowker Karen Fate Robin Ferruggia Mark French Mike Hotka Dan Karpiel Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer Kristi Leonard Bob McDonnell Angie Purdy James Skeen May Soricelli Published weekly in Berthoud, Colorado, by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause.

The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents. It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.

Subscription rates are $32 per year to residents of 80513 and $42 per year to zip codes other than 80513. Postmaster: Please send address changes (Form 3579) to the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, 440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513.

LETTERS POLICY The Berthoud Weekly Surveyor welcomes contributions to the editorial page in the form of letters to the editor and the BS Line. Diverse and varied opinions are welcome. We make an effort to only publish truthful and accurate information, with no spin, for our readers.

Letters to the editor: Due to space constraints, we may at times withhold letters of excessive length. Writers are asked not to submit a letter more than once every four weeks.

We will try to print as many letters as possible and letters from the residents of Berthoud will have first priority. We welcome opinion letters but when inaccurate information is presented as fact, letters will be sent back to the writer for revisions.

The editor reserves the right to edit or reject any letter. Reasons a letter might be rejected include confusing or unclear points, crude language or inflammatory remarks.

All letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s hometown and daytime phone number.

Letters may be mailed to the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, Attn: Letters to the Editor, 440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513. Letters also may be e-mailed to editor@berthoudsurveyor.com, faxed to 970-532-5424 or dropped by the office, located at 440 Mountain Ave., between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

BS Line: Anonymous comments are limited to 50 words or less. Comments that contain crude language, inflammatory remarks or personal attacks will not be included. See the phone number and extension in the top left corner of this page.

The deadline for letters is noon, Monday for that Thursday’s edition.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014 Page 5 The Berthoud Historical Society and Mark French are interested in obtaining and copying old photos from Berthoud’s past.

Please contact Mark at 532-2147 if you have any photos you would like to share.

A LOOK AT BERTHOUD

Harvey Power Flex tractor built in Berthoud I

n 1958, Wilber F. Gibson built Harvey garden tractors in Berthoud.

Gibson’s manufacturing plant, the building that currently houses the Grace Place church at 250 Mountain Ave., was erected by Ted Scheierman in 1947.

Scheierman was a farm implement dealer who also sold General Electric appliances and Goodrich tires. Gibson moved his business into the building in 1958.

Gibson began building tractors in Seattle, Wash., in 1945. Because there was a rush to get tractors to farmers following World War II, Gibson used several automotive components to build a

brawny garden tractor that he named the Gibson Model A. Only a few tractors were produced in Seattle before the company moved to Longmont, Colo., where new, non-union businesses were welcome.

Over the next few years the Gibson Model A was joined by D, E, H and I series. In 1948, a full-size tractor, the Model H, came into production. Gibson’s company also secured government contracts to build forklifts, cranes and airplane tugs, and did so until February 1952 when a lawsuit between Gibson and the government caused the plant to close.

Work resumed two years later when the

company was reorganized.

During that time, Gibson’s marriage ended. Subsequently he married Gladys Williams, whose nephew, Stan Williams, operated the Wayside Inn in Berthoud.

The Wayside Inn was nationally known for its famous fried chicken. Williams’ local connections likely resulted in Gibson’s expansion to Berthoud.

In 1958, The Berthoud Bulletin announced Gibson’s arrival. In July the newspaper noted, “A new industry has been busy getting its facilities ready for operation in Berthoud. W.F. Gibson, manufacturer of Gibson Tractors, has a

crew setting up production machinery in the George Gehrlein Building (formerly the Ted Scheierman building). Mr. Gibson said Tuesday that he expects to begin production operations about Aug. 1.

“The operation in Berthoud is only one phase of the company’s operation. Implements which will be used with the tractor will be manufactured in Longmont.

“Mr. Gibson said that it was not possible at this time to say exactly how many will be employed in the Berthoud plant but that he does expect there may be about 20 men working when the plant goes into full production.”

In Berthoud, Gibson commenced the production of the Harvey tractor. The origin of the tractor’s name is unknown. In collecting circles it is assumed that less than 60 Harvey tractors were produced before Gibson’s death in March 1959.

Upon Gibson’s death the Berthoud newspaper reported, “A massive cerebral hemorrhage claimed the life of W.F. Gibson at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Longmont Hospital. He was stricken at 4:30 p.m. at the Power Flex Company, 250 Mountain Ave., in Berthoud. He had just returned to the factory when he suffered the attack.

“Mr. Gibson, who was in his late 40s,

Then & Now Surveyor Columnist

had been suffering of a heavy cold during the week but otherwise was apparently in good health. Last July M. Gibson came to Berthoud and organized the Power Flex Company which was Mark in the process of French manufacturing a small tractor and implements.

He and Mrs. Gibson made their home in Longmont. Surviving him are his wife, Gladys, his mother who lives in Seattle, Wash., and three children by a former marriage. Mrs. Gibson is a sister of Lee Williams of Longmont and an aunt of Stan Williams of Berthoud.”

The Harvey Power Flex tractor, nearly identical in appearance to the Gibson tractor, was produced in Berthoud for less than a year. Today, the tractor is a Holy Grail of sorts for collectors of Gibson tractors who appreciate its rarity.

Photo courtesy of Mark French

The brochure for the Harvey Power Flex 10 tractor pictured the sturdy garden tractor outfitted with an “angle dozer” or blade. Other implements advertised in the brochure included a 10” plow, ball-bearing disc harrow, row cultivator, spring tooth harrow, all-purpose mower, rotary sweeper and 18-tooth harrow.

The tractor was produced in the building at 250 Mountain Ave. in 1958-59.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Page 6 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014

AND RECREATION

Fantasy Football 101: an introduction H

ave you ever been asked by friends or co-workers to play fantasy football but you declined because the prospect of it seemed too daunting?

Truth be told, fantasy football is actually a relatively straight-forward game that will not occupy a great deal of your time. It’s also a whole heck of a lot of fun.

With the calendar turning to August Surveyor Columnist we are at the beginning of the fantasy football preseason. It is now that people start assembling their leagues, browse through player rankings lists, and plan for the 2014 fantasy season.

So if you have been asked to play but are hesitant, read through this basic fantasy football primer before making a decision. Yours truly has been playing fantasy since 2004 and, in this two-part piece, I will cover the basic setup of fantasy football, how to draft your roster Dan and then how to manage that roster Karpiel over the course of the season.

Fantasy football set-up In fantasy football you will have a team of real-life NFL players to pick from any of the league’s 32 teams. Your team of players individually score “fantasy points” by accumulating yards and scoring touchdowns in their real-life game each week. Your fantasy league will be comprised of an even number (usually 10 or 12) of teams.

Typically, your team will face off “head-to-head” against another person’s team each week; your team will play your friend Mark’s team in week one, then your co-worker Steve in week two, then Steve’s wife Jane in week three, and so on.

So say, in week one your team scores 132 points and Mark’s team scores 120, you win and your record is 1-0 for the season.

Thus your goal in playing is to get a combination of players on your team (to be precise, in your starting lineup, but more on that later) who, on average, throw, run or catch for a lot of yards and score a lot of touchdowns.

Just like in real football, a player can only be on one fantasy team at a time. As much as the Houston Texans would like to have Peyton Manning as their QB, they can’t because the Broncos already have him. Just as much as I would like to have Manning on my fantasy team, he’s already on Vinny’s team, so I have to find another quarterback.

Most fantasy football leagues attempt to replicate real football as closely as possible. A typical fantasy starting lineup consists of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one defense. One caveat to mention quickly, defenses are drafted as a whole team, not as individual players. Your team will have one team defense, i.e. the Seahawks or the Jets, in the starting lineup, and not individual defensive players. Defenses get fantasy points for defensive stats like sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries and points allowed. Kickers get fantasy points for making field goals (the longer the FG, the more points) and extra points (one point each).

In standard leagues, every 10 yards a running back, wide receiver or tight end accumulates running or catching the

football gives your team one point; for each touchdown he scores you get six points. For example, say you have Broncos wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas on your fantasy team, and in the week one game Thomas tallies 128 receiving yards and scores two touchdowns, your team would get 24 points.

Quarterbacks get one point for every 25 passing yards and four points for every passing touchdown. If you have Tom Brady on your team and he throws for 350 yards and three touchdowns, you get 26 fantasy points.

With the standard 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 DEF (that’s fantasy football short-hand) starting lineup, you have eight players (I’m counting the team defense as a “player” for sake of simplicity) accumulating points for your fantasy team each week. You will also have several other players, usually

at least six or seven, on the “bench.” These players are on your team, but whatever points they score for the week does not count to your team’s total.

The reason for having more players than you can fit into your starting lineup is simple — injuries and bye weeks. If your player is not playing in the real NFL game that week because his team is on a bye or he is injured, he is not getting any yards or touchdowns and thus you are not getting any fantasy points. So you would move that injured player to the bench and replace him with another player at the same position. Thus you want to make sure you have at least one backup at each position on your team.

You get these players on your team initially in your fantasy league’s draft and then later throughout the season via the waiver wire. I will explain both as well as a few more things about fantasy football in part two of this piece in next week’s issue of the Surveyor.

Look at Longmont

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014 Page 7

& MAKE IT A GREAT DAY

Public Star Night Special to the Surveyor

Public Star Night at the Little Thompson Observatory will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, from 7 - 11 p.m. at 850 Spartan Ave. at Berthoud High School (park east of the high school; directions posted, www. starkids.org).

The guest speakers are Dr. Irene and Steve Little. The title of their talk is, “A visit to the largest telescope in the world.”

Steve and Irene were fortunate to be led on a tour of the large binocular Ttelescope (LBT) by the former director, Dr. Richard Green. The LBT has two mirrors of 8.2 meter diameter that move together in an alt-azimuth mount of huge size. The observatory

is located on Mt. Graham in Arizona at 10,400 feet elevation.

Also discussed will be a tour of the Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona, where all the large spin-cast mirrors are made. Pictures of both tours will be discussed, as well as a piece of the borosilicate glass used in these mirrors.

Dr. Stephen Little and Dr. Irene Little are retired professional astronomers who frequently give public talks and classes on subjects in astronomy. They have taught for over 30 years in various colleges and universities and currently live in Estes Park, Colo.

The observatory doors will open at 7 p.m. and the presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. Weather permitting after the presentation, visitors will be invited to look through our large telescopes at various celestial objects.

Public star nights at LTO are held the third Friday of each month (except July, when we are closed for

annual maintenance). No reservations are necessary for these nights.

Just come and join us for the talk and some observing afterwards.

If you have any questions, please call the observatory information line at 970-613-7793 or check the LTO website at www.starkids.org.

beatcalendar Boulder Dinner Theatre Shrek, the Musical Through Sept. 6 303-449-6000 bouldersdinnertheatre.com 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Peter Pan Through Aug. 24 970-744-3747 coloradocandlelight.com 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown Jesters Dinner Theatre & School for the Performing Arts The Producers Through Oct. 5 303-682-9980 jesterstheatre.com 224 Main St., Longmont Rialto Theater Summer Music Festival Cinema Series Friday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.

Through July 29 970-962-2000 228 E. Fourth St., Loveland

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Page 8 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014

SENIOR WISE

What goes around: The Bible on the big screen W

hether you are a believer or not, there’s little doubt that the Bible is full of fantastic tales, and Hollywood has taken notice, again. The Bible has been source materials since the movie industry’s infancy.

According to Wikipedia, one of the earliest Biblical films ever made was “Samson and Delilah” in 1903. “Joseph and his Brothers,” a story about Genesis, was made in 1904.

Cecil B. DeMille made Hollywood history in 1923 when his special effects in “The Ten Commandments” blew movie goer’s minds around the world.

After World War II, Bible-based movies once again took center stage. The 1949 version of “Samson and Delilah” was the biggest moneymaking movie of that year and is considered the spark that ignited the Biblical film craze of the ’50s, according to Deseret News’ Chris Hicks. These films were enormously popular and often starred the most sought-after actors of the day.

It appears that we are in the middle of another Biblical film fad thanks in part to producer Mark Burnett and his

I remember wristwatches W

ristwatches seem to be headed the way of the typewriter and the buggy whip. Just look around. Notice that fewer watches hang from the arms of both men and women.

The history of the wristwatch is interesting. One of the earliest references to what we now call a wristwatch — then referred to as an “arm watch”— was the New Year’s gift in 1571 received by Queen Elizabeth from Robert Dudley, the earl of Leicester, according to David

Surveyor Columnist

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

wife, actress Roma Downey. The two are Hollywood Christians who openly profess their faith. According to Religious News Service online, their “The Bible” series on History Channel set TV records in 2012. After that success they partnered with 20th Century Fox to create “Son of God,” a film about the life of Jesus, that came to the big screen early this year.

Some have already dubbed 2014 the “year of the Bible,” a year that will end with the much anticipated sequel to “Passion of the Christ,” “Mary, Mother of Christ.”

Just like in days gone by, today’s Bible movies feature big stars. “Mary, Mother of Christ” stars Peter O’Toole, Sir Ben Kingsley and Julie Ormond. “Noah,” out earlier this year, starred Russell Crow in the title role.

“Noah” put this famous Biblical character in the center of the pop culture. The movie was not without its critics and inspired articles such as “Seven of the Worst Mistakes in ‘Noah’” in Charisma News online, a Christian news source.

In fact, many disliked this dark portrayal of Noah that

One of the main reasons for the disapBoettcher of vintagewriststraps.com. pearance of the timepiece Boettcher also points out has to be the surge in usage a gradual process for men to Surveyor of electronic devices. Every transition from the pocket Columnist iPhone and laptop computer watch to the wristwatch. He tells us the time of day — and says the change accelerated it is consistent, since they all in the second half of the 19th get information from the same century. The military required satellite source.

— and still requires — precise Although I own two watchtiming for maneuvers. Men in es, it would strain my brain battle found it unhandy to pull to remember the last time I a watch from a pocket, espewore either one. When I used cially while holding the reins to run a lot, I timed my runs of a horse and/or shooting a with my inexpensive plastic weapon. watch. Now my smartphone In years past, watches not only times me and maps made great gifts for birthdays my route, but it also provides and graduations. It became al- Bob music for my outing. most mandatory when a man McDonnell This fewer-watch trend has retired from business for the not been lost on the American company to present him with Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. a gold watch.

veered far away from the well-known children’s story of a zoo ark.

Despite the scorn of various Biblical scholars online, the makers of “Noah” are laughing all the way to the bank. Its success at the box office led USA Today’s film reporter and critic to proclaim it “an unmitigated hit ... by almost every measure.”

Like it or loathe it, Bible movies are back. There are at least three slated for this holiday season, with several more in works for 2015, including a big-budget version of “David and Goliath.” With the current popularity of super-hero movies, this resurrection of Bible tales shouldn’t be surprising. After all, the Bible is full of heroic characters with powers that defy all reason.

The only real difference is that these heroes gain their powers from a God, not alien rocks or misguided military experiments.

“Among younger people, yes, you’re seeing fewer watches on a regular basis,” says Jim Lubic, a member of the institute in an August 4, 2014 interview in the Wichita (Kansas) Eagle newspaper.

Watches, particularly for men, serve more as just a fashion statement now, as pointed out in a September 2013 piece on elucidgent.com, written by Tom Firehill.

In 2012, more than 1/4 of young adults told YPulse, a market researcher, they will wear wristwatches from time to time as fashion accessories.

However, wristwatches as fashion statements may not be enough to sustain the business. Only 42 million Americans purchased watches for themselves in 2011, compared to 55 million purchases in 2004.

Hope may exist for the personal timepiece; a new kind of wristwatch looms in your future and mine, utilizing modern

ingenuity. Some electronics manufacturers have begun to blend technology with wristwatch fashion.

One example of this is the Sony SmartWatch. This watch — costing from $70 to $200 — features a two-inch-square screen. The small-screen watch works in conjunction with the Android phone in your pocket. It allows the user to check the time and read emails and texts without reaching into his or her pocket.

I know this device exists because I have seen one. I have lunch with some of my former Hewlett-Packard friends on many Tuesdays. One of the self-described “nerds” in the group proudly displayed this device during one of our recent meetings.

For now, I will check my computer screen or iPhone, or any clock on the wall when I need to know the time of day.

What happens when we get too much health care?

S

everal years ago the prestigious Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed something startling about U.S. health care. Many Americans get too much at the same time others get too little. And those in both groups have a good chance of receiving care that could injure or even kill them. That framework for overuse, underuse and misuse caught on and has Guest become the gold Columnist standard for how we should think about medical care.

Too little care is easy to understand, and so is care that might kill us, but too much care?

How can that be?

More is always Trudy Lieberman better, right?

That’s certainly Rural Health what society tells News Service us.

For starters, think direct-toconsumer drug ads, which tell us to ask our doctors about drugs for incontinence, low sex drive, nasal congestion, toenail fungus and any other disease or condition for which they have a cure to sell. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation a few years back found that people do as the ads direct them to do — ask their doctors for the promoted drug. And yep, the docs give patients what they want.

Last week I was visiting with a New York City primary care doctor who told a tale that suggests that this business of crowning consumers kings and queens of the medical marketplace, rules who demand and get what they want has a very big downside.

A trim young man, age 29, who worked in the financial industry and exercised regularly, came to see the doctor. He said he was having dizzy spells and was worried about some neurological disease. The doctor spent nearly and hour with him, taking tests, doing a thorough examination, and concluded nothing was wrong that warranted the neurological the patient was demanding.

The very next day the man was scheduled for one of those super-duper executive physicals that come with the high-paying job he had. That physical also showed no abnormalities that required further examination. Yet the patient persuaded the second physician to give him a referral for an MRI. The MRI also showed nothing that would explain his dizziness.

Not satisfied, he called the first doctor again just to be sure there was nothing wrong with him and again discuss his symptoms. The doctor told me this patient must have racked up over $5,000 in costs to the health care system all paid for directly by his employer or by his generous employer-provided insurance. Much of it was wasted dollars.

Why does this matter to the doctor?

After all, he’ll get paid for dispensing his clinical judgment. But in the brave new world of health care consumerism, patients have also found a voice. They fill out those patient satisfaction surveys, and they write reviews on Internet sites like Yelp.

“If I get bad reviews on Yelp or low satisfaction scores, I get fewer patients, or the insurance company reduces what they pay me,” the doctor said and added doctors often simply give in to patients’ demands even if their clinical judgment tells them otherwise.

That’s hardly good medical practice, but seems to be what the marketplace

requires. The result puts doctors on a collision course with the Institute of Medicine’s push to make physicians practice good medicine and heed the consequences of overtreatment.

The New York doctor brought up another point — fairness — and that relates to underuse of care. The U.S. health care system is hardly fair, and inequality is growing despite Obamacare’s subsidies that help people buy insurance coverage.

It may be growing because of Obamacare, which bakes in a trend that was already starting: higher deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, which shift more of the cost of medical services to patients themselves.

The doctor worried about that, too.

Sky-high deductibles — as much as $13,000 for a family — might deter someone without a lot of money from getting a needed MRI. What can patients do? Sometimes it’s

not easy to know whether you need a particular test or treatment. A good place to get help with your decision is the Choosing Wisely website (www.choosingwisely. org) sponsored by the ABIM Foundation which furthers medical professionalism. The foundation works with medical specialty societies, the AARP and other groups, and has created lists and other tools based on scientific evidence that will help you judge whether you need some

commonly promoted tests and procedures.

It’s one tool to help you get enough health care but not too much.

Editor's note: The Rural Health News Service is funded by a grant from The Commonwealth Fund and distributed through the Nebraska Press Association Foundation, the Colorado Press Association, the South Dakota Newspaper Association and the Hoosier (IN) State Press Association.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014 Page 9

COMMUNITYCALENDAR Send your calendar items regarding non-profit organizations only to editor@berthoudsurveyor.com by Monday at noon.

Saturday, Aug. 9 Berthoud Day at Elitch Gardens.

Contact the Chamber office at 5324200 for tickets and information.

Larimer County’s top three animal welfare organizations — Larimer Humane Society, Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic and Animal House Rescue and Grooming — will unite on Aug. 9 for their annual joint super adoption event, “We Are Family.” The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Poudre Pet and Feed Supply’s north location (622 N. College Ave.) in Fort Collins. Healthy cats, dogs, kittens and puppies of virtually every size, breed and personality from the three organizations will be available for adoption at a special discounted rate. All dog and cat adoptions include initial vaccines, treatment for internal parasites, spay or neuter surgery, microchip and registration, and a post-adoption medical exam generously donated by a local veterinarian. For more information contact Sue Castaneda at 970-530-2960.

Fort Collins Aglow will meet on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 9 a.m., Risen Hope Church, 1621 W. Harmony Rd. We will have a pot-luck brunch followed by the program. For more information. see our website, NorthernColoradoAglow.org or visit aglow.org Tuesday, Aug. 12 Join MOPS for the season kickoffTuesday Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the First United Methodist Church, 820 Ninth St., Berthoud, to find out what is in store for this year. MOPS will meet the first and third Tuesday of the month from Aug. 12 to May from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. at the United Methodist Church. Registration cost is $50 for the year. This pays for enrollment in MOPS, beverages, printed materials and crafts.

Free child care provided through the MOPPETS program. For more information call Hawley Vining, 503-913-8338; hawleyvining@hotmail.com; Facebook: Berthoud MOPS; www.MOPS.org Join us from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the Best Western Plaza Conference Center in Longmont, as we kick off the football season with a tailgate party. Speaker, PJ Click, will share the heart of her touchdowns, being tackled by life and getting right back up for the game! “Bronco Mania ... Who’s your Coach?” is for everyone, whether you like sports or not — it’s all about life. Plan to wear your favorite team jersey or colors and invite a friend and join us for a hearty breakfast during this exciting and inspiring morning. Tickets are $16 per person, inclusive. Please email your reservation request to Longmontcwc@yahoo.com or call Jane at 303-682-2752 for information and reservations by Friday, Aug. 8.

Thursday, Aug. 14 Rocky Mountain Wranglers informational meeting to learn more about the equestrian team, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Guynn Training Center, 2101 S. County Road 23E, Berthoud. Contact Mark Guynn 303-907-1007 or Kennedy Snyder 806-422-0622 for more information.

Friday, Aug. 15 Public Star Night at the Little Thompson Observatory, 850 Spartan Ave. from 7 to 11 p.m. No reservations are necessary. If you have questions call 970-613-7793 or check the website at www.starkids.org.

Saturday, Aug. 30 The 13th Annual Bums of Berthoud community BBQ will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30 in Fickel Park from 2 - 7 p.m. If you would like to donate you can check out the facebook page a Bums of

Berthoud. For more information contact Suzanne Doles at 970-203-5884.

Announcements Craft people needed for juried 18 table craft fair. Berthoud United Methodist Church hosts a craft fair on Oct. 11. Applications and rules available at berthoudumc.org. Applications must be turned in by Aug. 30.

Larimer County Natural Resources announces the 2014 “Small Grants for Community Partnering” grant cycle.

Applications are due Friday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m., with awards announced by February, 2015. These grants are offered to individuals, organizations and groups, and homeowner/property owner associations for community, neighborhood, and group projects for: • Protection or enhancement of open space, trails, natural areas, wildlife habitat, river areas, and wetlands on private or public land • Agriculture • Increased access to open lands and natural areas • Research on open spaces Grant selection criteria, application, and other information are available at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/openlands/smallgrants.htm. Applicants are encouraged to read through the selection criteria and to contact Sue Burke, coordinator for Small Grants for Community Partnering, with questions.

Application forms, selection criteria, and other information may be obtained: • Online at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/openlands/smallgrants.htm • In person at Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, 1800 S. County Road 31, Loveland, or • By mail by contacting Zac Wiebe at (970) 619-4566 or zwiebe@larimer.org.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced today that farmers should start receiving notices updating them on their current base acres, yields and 2009-2012 planting history. The written updates are an important part of preparing agricultural producers for the new safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov or the local FSA office for information about FSA and the 2014 Farm Bill programs.

Business Workshops at Larimer County Workforce Center Freelancer’s Guide to Finding & Closing Independent Contracts — Understand freelancing trends and learn steps to close the deal. Aug. 13, 9 – 11 a.m., 200 W. Oak St., Suite 5000, Fort Collins.

What Does It Take to Be Your Own Boss — Whether you are just exploring business ownership as a possibility or ready to take the plunge, you will want to attend this information session. Aug. 25, 9 – 11 a.m., 418 E. Fourth St., Loveland. Sept. 11, 2 – 4 p.m., 200 W. Oak St., Suite 5000, Fort Collins.

Win the Government Contract! 4 Steps to Grow Your Business with Colorado PTAC — Learn how to complete for small and large contracts.Aug. 27, 9 – 11 a.m., 200 W. Oak St., Suite 5000, Fort Collins.

Colorado State University Larimer County Extension announces the Colorado Building Farmers/Ranchers program will take place Oct. 6, to Nov. 24, 2014. This program is a series of eight evening classes designed to help new farmers and ranchers explore agriculture as a business, and provide intermediate and experienced farmers and ranchers with tools and ideas to refine and enhance their business management, production and marketing skills. Each class begins with dinner, which provides time for socializing and networking, followed by presenta-

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Receive your news in the mail for only $32 in the 80513 zip code and $42 per year elsewhere OR get the new e-edition delivered to your e-mail to view any time or place for $32; both print and e-mail for $42 Call 970.532.2252 today to order your subscription.

440 Mountain Ave. Berthoud

tions on topics on strategic business planning, managing risks in food and resources, recordkeeping and financial analysis, and marketing principles. The goal of the program is for each participant to create a business plan. Program information and applications are on the Larimer County Extension web page at www.larimer.org/ext. Application deadline is Sept. 1, 2014.

For more information contact Karen Crumbaker, CSU Larimer County Extension, 970-498-6003 or kcrumbaker@ larimer.org.

The Larimer County Dive Rescue Team is looking for qualified, professional candidates who are highly motivated and are eager to serve the community in the challenges of the aquatic environment. Applicant must have an interest in public service and ability to function as part of a highly skilled team of rescue professionals. We are looking for individuals with any of the following experience: water rescue, dive rescue, commercial divers, military divers, recreational SCUBA, EMT, Paramedic, law enforcement, or simply people with a big heart for helping people in their time of need.

The 20th Annual Larimer County Environmental Stewardship Awards program is underway. This year’s nomination deadline is Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. You can nominate online at www. larimer.org/boards/eab/Awards/awards. htm or print a form at www.larimer.org/ boards/eab/Awards/ESAform.pdf, and mail it in to the address listed on the form.

The Larimer County Extension Office announces the following food preservation workshops to be offered in August: Canning Basics for Safe Preserving: Learn all about the “how and why” of preserving food at home. This workshop focuses on canning safety, types of equipment and proper canning methods. For beginners or those needing a refresher. Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Workshop Fee: $25 The Art and Science of Dehydrating Foods: Drying is a creative way to preserve foods. Learn basic methods of drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, leathers and jerkies. Ideas for using dehydrated foods will be included. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. Workshop Fee: $25 Viva Salsa!: Salsa is one of the most popular condiments in America. Learn how to prepare and water bath can salsa using a recipe that has been tested and is safe for home canning.Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6 – 8:30 p.m.Workshop Fee: $30 Pre-registration is required for workshops and space is limited. Register online at www.larimer.org/ext or call 498-6000. All workshops held at Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins.

House of Neighborly Service still needs food of all kinds, especially breakfast cereal and peanut butter.

Urgent need for paper products.

BHS woodworking classes are looking for any unwanted hardwood or softwood boards for student projects.

We can also use Corian countertop pieces of various sizes. Please contact Robb Sommerfeld at 970-613-7719 or Robert. sommerfeld@thompsonschools.org.

Do you have a problem with math?

Free math-tutoring services are provided every Wednesday from 1:10 - 3 p.m. in room 135 at BHS. This informal service for students of any math subject including AP math subjects is provided by a former math teacher.

You got a problem with chemistry?

There is help. Free tutoring services are provided every Thursday from 6:30 – 8 p.m in room 135. This is an open, informal environment for all AP Chemistry and Chemistry II students. This is a volunteer service provided by a chemist with 20+ years professional experience.

Scheduled Meetings AARP meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Lions Depot on Third Steet at 5 p.m. for a covered-dish supper. Please bring something to share with everyone.

Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowip that offers support to people whose lives have been affected by relatives and friends who suffer from the disease

PUBLIC NOTICE Smartlink, LLC. on behalf of AT&T proposes the construction of a 70-ft.

AGL monopole communications tower, to be located north of a portion of Larimer County Road 10E, west of a portion of U.S. Highway 287, northwest of the Town of Berthoud, Colorado (Larimer County Parcel #9403318006), at latitude: N 40º 20’ 9.171”, longitude: 105º 6’ 11.770” (NAD 83). Please submit any written comments by Sept. 6, 2014 regarding the potential effects that the proposed tower may have on Historic Properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places to: Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. (Attn:George Swearingen) 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 Telephone: (919) 661-6351 Fax: (919) 661-6350

of alcoholism. Anonymity is protected at all times. A weekly Al-Anon meeting is held in the nursery of the First Presbyterian Church of Berthoud (531 Eighth St.) on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please enter through the main door on Eighth Street, then go straight ahead into the nursery. An elevator is available for those who might need it.

For more information, contact Liz at 970-290-4359.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Berthoud Lions Club every Monday and Friday nights from 8 to 9 p.m.

Anyone desiring to quit drinking is welcome. There are no dues or fees. For more information, please call 532-4653.

A Balance and Fall Prevention Class is being held weekly. It’s free. Drop-ins are welcome to attend. Classes are held at the Berthoud Area Community Center every Tuesday from 9 -9:45 a.m. Please call 970-532-2730 for more information.

Berthoud Area Transportation Service (BATS) is available for Berthoud residents on a demand-response basis.

Call 532-3049 to make a reservation or for more information. Service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Berthoud Fire Protection District board meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Berthoud Area Community Center, 248 Welch Ave. Agendas are available two days prior to the meetings by calling 532-2264. All meetings are open to the public.

Berthoud Library board meets on the first Wednesday of every month in the library community room at 7 p.m.

Berthoud Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Depot at Third and Massachusetts. The depot is available for rent. Contact Sam Waldo at 5322001. For more information about the Lions Club call Bob Talley at 532-2228.

The Lions are available to loan out supplies for handicapped or disabled people. Contact John Bona, 970-5322605, Bob Talley, 970-532-2228.

Berthoud Parents As Teachers is a free service for all families living in Berthoud who are expecting a child or with children ages birth to five. It includes personalized visits/parent education, group meetings and developmental screenings. Bilingual services available.

Contact Rhonda Richer at 970-2150305 or Rhonda@thefamilycenterfc.org. http://berthoudpat.weebly.com.

Berthoud TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Lions Club depot. Call Julie for information at 970-587-6424. TOPS is a non-profit, non-commercial weightloss support group.

First Presbyterian Church adult bible study, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Facilitated by Rev. Jerry Groves. Eighth Steet and Massachusetts Avenue. Everyone welcome.

Friends of the Library board meets in the library community room at 3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every other month. Please call 970-532-2121 for exact dates.

Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meets monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. in the Town of Berthoud offices boardroom. For information call 970-581-4603.

Job’s Daughters Bethel #37 meets on the first and third Friday of each month at 7:15 p.m. at the Longmont Masonic Building, 312 Main St. The organization is open to girls between the ages of 10 and 20 who are interested in self-improvement and service to community. For details contact Megan Fritts 970-213-9050. All girls are welcome.

Justin Bauer Memorial Post #67 of the American Legion meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Berthoud Area Community Center, 7 p.m. Contact Paul Talafuse for more information, 532-4498.

Larimer County Commissioner Tom Donnelly is in Berthoud the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Lighthouse Cafe at 8:30 a.m.

The Larimer County Republican office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sign up to volunteer and help with voter registration, set up and staff booths at events, walk in the parades, make phone calls, assist in your precinct and many other activities.

4020 S. College Ave., Unit 11 in Fort Collins. 970-224-2577 or www.larimerGOP.org.

Larimer County Open Lands — All INVITE TO BID Scope: The Town of Berthoud is soliciting bids from licensed contractors for the purchase of materials, construction of repairs, and warranty of resurfacing the Fickel Park tennis courts. Bids are due Aug. 11, 2014 by 12 p.m.

Bids can be dropped off or sent to Town Hall, 328 Massachusetts Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513.

Bid submittals should include a total bid price to do the work described above, minimum three previous project referrals similar to bid project and proof of liability insurance.

Contact: Jeremy Olinger, Parks and Recreation director. Email: jolinger@berthoud.org or 970532-1600.

Site visit: A site visit for prospective bidders is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 8, 2014 at 10 a.m. The walk through is a non-mandatory prebid meeting for any contractors who want to submit bids. Please meet at Fickel Park tennis courts located at cross streets Massachusetts Avenue and Seventh Street in Berthoud at 10 a.m.

FREE GARAGE SALE ADS Through September Estate Sale — Saturday Aug. 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 4316 W. County Road 6, Berthoud, take Highway 56 west from Berthoud, follow signs at County Road 23. Great assortment of man stuff-hunting, fishing, gold panning, camping, tools/hardware, weed eaters. Also housewares, set of cast iron Dutch ovens, golf clubs, vintage bike, telescope, antiques and much more.

Berthoud Community Library August events 248 Welch Ave, 970-532-2730 Aug. 8: Family story time 10:30 a.m. – Lorna will read stories and do finger plays for the whole family.

Aug. 12: Busy B’s story time 10:30 a.m. – Lap sit story time for babies and toddlers.

Aug. 13: Sweet P’s story time 10:30 a.m. – Story time for preschool ages and their grown up.

Aug 15: Family story time 10:30 a.m. – Lorna will read stories and do finger plays for the whole family. meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month with the exception of November and December at 500 E. Third St. in Loveland. Meeting time is from 5 – 8 p.m. Please call 6794534 if you need more information.

Larimer County Planning Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room, 200 W. Oak St., first floor, Fort Collins. www.larimer.org/bcc/meetings.

Little Thompson Water District Board of Directors meeting dates and agendas are posted on their website at www.ltwd.org. The district office is at 835 E. Highway 56, Berthoud.

Longs Peak Networking meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. with the goal of assisting with your job search or overall career development. lpnet.org.

Life Bridge Church, west on Highway 66 from the intersection of Highway 287 (Main St.), Longmont. Main entrance on west side.

Moms in Touch is currently meeting to pray for our school-aged students, teachers, staff and schools each Wednesday from 9-10 a.m. We would love to have you join us at Grace Place (upstairs). Any questions, contact Kim Land at 532-9886.

Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at town hall.

Reminisce meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 11 a.m. in the Berthoud Area Community Center.

Rural Alternative For Transportation (RAFT) is available for seniors and disabled adults who reside outside of the town of Berthoud but within the Berthoud Fire Protection District.

Phone the Berthoud Community Center 970-532-2730 to register as a rider to receive rides to and from Berthoud, Loveland or Longmont, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thompson School District meeting schedule, June 2014.

TSD BOE Regular Business Meeting — June 18 at 6 p.m. in the board room.

Tree Advisory Committee meets on the third Monday of each month at town hall at 6 p.m.

Wisdom Seekers will be meeting every Thursday, 9-11 a.m. at Grace Place in Berthoud, beginning Aug. 29 through March 2014. To register, or for more information, please contact Jill at 970-532-4936 or jtbieri@hotmail.com or Donna at 303-775-4006 or rose55@ aol.com.

CLASSIFIEDS $3 per line - per week Custom + $2 LEGAL NOTICES $8 per column inch - 1st week $7.50 per column inch for each additional week Deadline to place a classified ad or legal notice is Monday at 3 p.m.for each Thursday edition.

Send to: editor@berthoudsurveyor.com or call 970.532.2252.

FOR SALE Stack of clean lumber $135, 40 moving boxes $35, 12” lighted sign $250 532-2448 HELP WANTED Farm Asst. Operations Manager needed for large Centennial farm operation in NE Colo. Two years working farm experience incl. large equip. repair/mtnc, GPS experience, pivot irrig. system experience, computer competency, driver’s license w/acceptable record, legal residency and clean criminal record.

Salary and benefits DOE. References required. Send resume to: 1909farm@gmail.com.

Drivers: Company: All Miles Paid, Holidays; PTO; Great benefits/hometime! Owner Operators: 80% of load, Top drivers avg. $4-6k/wk! 23yoa, 2yrs exp, CDL-A. www.adamsii.com 800-525-6958 x3 SERVICES Swapping a $20 item each week, with 10% added for profit, compounds to $2,340 at year’s end.

Interested? 532-2448 PT custodial work wanted. 12 yrs exp. at elem. school. 412-0642 or 214-4316 Exp. piano teacher, have openings for students. 214-4316

Page 10 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor August 7, 2014

Bound to learn new skills

By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor

the only comfort.

Kubik found many contrasts between the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the Rocky Mountains, visible from the family home southwest of Berthoud. He observed that the Blue Ridge Mountains are not quite as big and they contained a whole lot of trees, he said.

Another difference noted by Kubik is that the mountains in the east required the team to make their own trails. If a trail ever existed, it was washed out for the most part. He described the vines and trees as

Outward Bound is an international, nonprofit, outdoor education organization with approximately 40 schools around the world and 200,000 participants every year.

Berthoud High School soon-to-be junior Ken Kubik chose to be one of those participants this past June.

While Kubik’s parents, Tim and Nancy, took an anniversary trip, Ken and his sister Sophie headed to North Carolina. The siblings stayed with relatives and Ken took part in the youth Outward Bound program while his sister trained with a local swim team.

Kubik said he camped with his family when he was younger but had only climbed rock walls in gyms and never went backpacking. Those aspects attracted him to the Outward Bound program.

“I wanted to do something new and different,” he said.

Three guides/instructors introduced the co-ed group to life in the great outdoors.

Kubik estimates that 50 to 60 percent of the participants came from North Carolina, with the rest being from various states.

In the true spirit of roughing it, all of them slept in sleeping bags under tarps strung Courtesy photo between trees. A foam sleeping pad provided With only some gym climbing-wall experience, Ken Kubik learns to rappel in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

being super dense.

Since each trip takes a different route, no set paths emerged over time. He said the term for hiking there is “bush pushing.”

The trek covered about 36 miles, overall.

During the day, the teens learned how to navigate with compasses and maps. They also spent two days practicing rock climbing.

As the trip progressed, each member rotated through roles as far as carrying gear, setting up the tarps at night, and water purification. The instructors remained “detached” as the students learned to cope with the new challenges and learn selfreliance.

One take-away for Kubik deals with leadership. Daily decisions and opportunities called for the group to circle up and discuss the issue at hand. They strived to come to consensus on issues both large and small. Most of what Kubik learned will help in all parts of life, he said.

Kubik does not see repeating the Outward Bound experience, although it taught him a lot. Part of the reason for this is a back issue and that the course costs a fair amount of money, he added.

The ultimate team-building exercise helped Kubik acquire new friends his age.

He says the group went from not knowing each other to getting along and working together. He and others in his group exchanged cell phone numbers to keep in touch.

For now, Kubik looks forward to returning to the Berthoud High School crosscountry team when school starts.