Delta County Independent, Sept. 16, 2015 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

DIGGING OUT OF A HOLE

SPORTS

HOMECOMING

Audit shines light on Paonia’s financial woes, B1

It’s Homecoming time for Cedaredge, Paonia, Olathe, C1-2

DELTA COUNTY

ON THE DIAMOND

Delta, Cedaredge softball teams are off to a strong start, C7 SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 37

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Local growers cash in on hemp BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Richard and Shirley Muñoz have been cooking with hemp oil and eating the nutrientrich hemp seeds for their own health benefits — Shirley to avoid blood pressure medication, and Richard to relieve pain and inflammation in his knees. The products are readily available at health food stores, imported from Canada or China. So when the longtime farmers learned the cultivation of hemp would be allowed under state statutes, they began the registration process required through the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Richard tilled the ground and had it ready for planting in early spring. Then came the tough part — finding hemp seeds to plant on their Peach Valley acreage. Because it’s from the genus cannabis, importation of viable industrial hemp seed

across state lines and country boundaries is illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. After extensive research, they located half a pound of seed grown in Colorado. Industrial hemp looks exactly like marijuana, but it has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis. The Industrial Hemp Program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture registers growers of industrial hemp and samples the crop to verify that the THC concentration does not exceed 0.3 percent. Before harvesting, the Muñozes sent off a dried sample that tested 0.1 percent. With notification to the ag department, they began harvesting their crop last week. According to hemp.com,

hemp fiber and seeds are incredibly valuable; hemp is often called a “cash crop.” Hefting a bag of seed labeled Peach Valley Hemp, Shirley Muñoz pointed to her “bag of gold.” Hemp is a hearty plant and grows very quickly in very diverse soil conditions. With little information to guide him, Richard decided to plant and water his hemp seeds

just like corn. Once the plants sprouted, they grew quickly. Because of the federal nature of pesticide regulations, few pesticides can be used on hemp. The Muñozes elected to forego spraying, but encountered few problems with pests — until the birds started raiding the seeds just before harvest. The Muñozes harvested their small crop by hand, lop-

ping off the stalks and stacking them to dry. Once dry, they’ll be cut, baled and sold. The leaves and seeds were separated out and will be sold separately, although Richard plans to use some of the seed to expand from his 1/3-acre experiment to five acres. The remaining seeds can be sold only to registered hemp growers in the state of Colorado. HEMP TO A3

N. Delta grazing allotments eyed BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

According to a recently released preliminary environmental assessment, BLM’s Uncompahgre Field Office is considering the reissuance of 10 grazing permits authorizing livestock grazing on nine allotments in the North Delta Land Health Unit. County commissioners Mark Roeber and Doug Atchley were alerted to an approaching Sept. 24 deadline for submitting comments by county administrator Robbie LeValley during the BoCC’s Sept. 8 meeting. Commissioner Bruce Hovde was not present for the session. LeValley noted the 177page study of nine allotments and 10 permits in the North Delta resource area are used for both domestic sheep and cattle. She said the issue of domestic sheep interactions with desert bighorn sheep is involved. Roeber asked LeValley, “This is an area where there

are no desert bighorn sheep? LeValley replied, “Yes.” Roeber said, “I think we need to comment.” The BLM document states, “Portions of the project area are located in proximity to occupied desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep habitat, which may have conflicts with domestic sheep grazing.” It goes on to state that wildlife officials predict bighorn may migrate into the area in the future. The BLM reissues livestock grazing permits with allotment-specific terms and conditions. Currently, some areas are overallocated for animal units, states the EA, even after at least two years of good moisture. According to figures from the study, the BLM’s preferred action would result in suspension of 546 animal units (AMUs) of grazing and would retire an additional 1,874 animal units. There are currently 5,846 active animal units (AMUs) in the area.

Highway 50 closure begins this Friday Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announces the full closure of U.S. 50 in Delta Sept. 18-22. CDOT crews will be working with a specialty unit of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to perform muchneeded repair work to rails that run on U.S. 50 in Delta. The closure is expected to last five days. The UPRR will be removing track, grading the ballast, installing the new con-

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Agriculture .................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Business .......................A10 Church ........................... A6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness .........B7-9 Legals ......................... D3-6 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A8 School Zone .................. A5 Sports ..........................C5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ..................B5-6

crete crossing panels then relaying and testing the track. CDOT crews will then repave the highway on either side of the railroad crossing. A detour will be maintained through the work closing U.S. 50 north of the First and Main intersection and south of the City Market and Ute Street intersection. Local business access will be maintained. The alternate truck route will serve as the detour.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Richard Muñoz views hemp as a “green” alternative to synthetic textiles and building materials. In addition to providing useful ﬁbers, hemp seed also has high nutritional value and is touted for its therapeutic beneﬁts.

School district celebrates Constitution Week Sept. 17-23 BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In every elementary, middle and high school in Delta County, Constitution Week (Sept. 17-23) is being observed with a variety of activities. The school board is acknowledging the historic significance of the event with a proclamation encouraging “all citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787.” At the urging of school board member Kathy Svenson, the school district will also make available a student “bill of rights” that focuses on the First Amendment to the Constitution, particularly as it addresses religion and the freedom of speech in schools. The handout was reviewed by school district attorney Aaron Clay, who made some revisions that rendered it “content neutral.” With a final draft in hand, Svenson proposed placing the bill of rights in the hands of every middle and high school student in Delta County. But because the handout is not an approved component of curriculum, a board mandate to distribute the handouts would violate district policy.

The school board discussed the matter in depth at a work session last week. Non-curricular materials such as Boy/Girl Scout flyers and soccer registration forms are made available in the school office or library, where they may be picked up at the student’s discretion. It was explained the school district doesn’t allow non-curricular material to be distributed during class time because instructional time was being impacted by an “overwhelming” number of handouts. Svenson objected to calling the handout “non-curricular” but agreed to work with the district office to place the bill of rights where it can voluntarily be picked up by students or teachers. “If a teacher chooses to use this material, that’s fine,” said superintendent Caryn Gibson. “If we mandate distribution, it takes away the teacher’s discretion.” Gibson promised help with printing, cutting and distribution of the handouts, which address frequently asked questions such as prayer and religious conversations; religion in classwork; extracurricular and sports; religious

clubs; graduation; and Christmas. The bottom line: Public schools must abide by the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and the free exercise of religion. Public schools cannot censor or prohibit religious speech, expression of practice. Students may respectfully speak about their religion in school any time they talk about other topics. They may privately pray, either individually or as a group, at athletic competitions or student assemblies. If a school allows any other non-curricular club, it must also allow religious clubs. At graduation, students can talk about their faith in speeches as long as the student speakers are chosen on neutral criteria, such as their grades. A school can celebrate Christmas as long as the intent is not to advance Christianity. If students are allowed to distribute gifts, then a student may not be prohibited from giving a gift that includes a religious message. The information contained in the bill of rights was obtained from Liberty Institute.org.

Free meals

Drug Take-Back Day

A rural celebration

Hungry? Abraham Connection serves free meals every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Westminster Hall, 135 E. 4th Street, Delta, across from the post office. There are no income restrictions. If you’re hungry, you’re invited to the meals. For questions, to donate or to volunteer, please call the Abraham Connection at 773-8290.

The Delta Police Department and the Delta County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the DEA’s fall Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clean out your medicine cabinet and take your unwanted prescriptions to one of two locations: Delta Police Department, 215 W. 5th Street, Delta, or the Delta County Sheriff’s Office in the North Fork Annex at 196 W. Hotchkiss Avenue, Hotchkiss. Illicit drugs and chemotherapy/radioactive substances cannot be accepted. For more information about the initiative please visit www.dea.gov or www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov and click on “Got Drugs?” tab.

The Delta County Democratic Party will host “A Celebration of Rural Delta County” Saturday, Sept. 19, at Black Bridge Winery in Paonia. A roundtable discussion on issues relating to rural Delta County will begin at 11 a.m. The roundtable will be followed by a barbecue at noon, catered by Terry Commander of Somerset. Representative Millie Hamner will be on hand to report on legislative matters after lunch. The public is welcome; the cost is $25 per person. To RSVP, contact Anne Every at 970-527-4159 or eaevery@gmail.com.

A2 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS Paonia’s financial situation is looking dire Dear Editor: The situation in Paonia has become critical. A new audit of the town’s finances has the trustees panicked. There are big changes ahead for people who use the town’s water, sewer or trash, get building permits or are charged with infractions of the town’s ordinances. The cost of all these things is about to skyrocket. For example, to raise revenue, a fee of $500 will be levied on any anyone wishing to approach the town for a variance. Beer permits for the park will cost almost twice what they cost in Telluride. There is a suggestion to “examine” the water rates at $1.35/1,000 gallons as this is less than half what a hand-picked list of other towns that average $3.35. A majority of the trustees seem eager to do this. Some spoke of the impending bankruptcy of the town if these changes are not made, even though that word is not used in the audit report.

It seems like an oversight that there is no effort to inform the citizenry about this situation, the rate increases or gather public input. These changes are being presented in bits and pieces, rather than as a comprehensive whole. It is legitimate to wonder if the sum total of these rate increases may drive some citizens on fixed incomes from the area. It will certainly cost us all. It may be that the town’s finances are in such a mess that it will bankrupt us. What seems odd is that the day before the auditor’s report, the trustees were fine committing the town to hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars of debt for water tanks and carrying on with business as usual. Now a new auditor has switched the columns around in the town’s books, and suddenly town hall is talking bankruptcy, staggering rate hikes and privatization of public assets. When big changes are instituted

piecemeal as emergency measures, things seldom turn out well. The people of Paonia and the surrounding community deserve to be included in this discussion. The proposed changes should be presented honestly and in a comprehensive manner to all that may be affected. It seems the town is turning a rather large corner here and should slow this process down. We need a plan to get back on track, one that should be presented as a whole, and people should have time to discuss this and get back to the council with comments. If things are as bad as they are presented, there should be several special meetings before these changes are voted in. As proposed, this will increase the cost of living here for years into the future. Time to get on down to the meeting. (Next council meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.) Bill Brunner Paonia

Global adventurer finds human connections in Delta BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Leon Logothetis is spreading a message of hope and kindness, inspiring young and old to follow their dreams. Last week the global adventurer/author shared inspirational words with high school students in Cedaredge and Delta, encouraging them to live their dreams. At the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, he signed copies of his book, “The Kindness Diaries” and showed episode one of a television series that was spun off from his book. That episode was especially meaningful because it was filmed in Delta at the beginning of Logothetis’ amazing journey across the U.S., to Europe, Cambodia and Thailand. Logothetis’ visit to Delta two years ago was a “serendipitous” stop that was prompted by a British taxi parked among Orval Proctor’s classical autos on Main Street. Logothetis is a broker from London who gave up a lucrative, yet stifling, career to explore the world after watching “The Motorcycle Diaries.” “I had an epiphany — I realized I didn’t want to live my life sitting behind a desk. I quit my job and started traveling the world.” His first trip took him from Times Square to Los Angeles on just $5 a day. After another desk job — “because change can take a little bit of time” — he saw on the streets of Hollywood a homeless chap holding a sign that said, “Kindness is the best medicine.” Something about that sign spurred Logothetis into a quest to share kindness with the world. Hoping to touch as many

lives as possible, he took along a film crew from his production company. While his film crew traveled in luxury, he rode a vintage Chang Jiang sidecar motorcycle. He set out from L.A. in the bright yellow contraption with no food, no money and no place to stay. He relied solely on the kindness of others, but would not accept money. “Because it wasn’t about money, it was about the exchange between me and others,” he explained. His book details the early days of his journey, including his trip through Delta: “And that’s when I saw the old English taxicab, serendipity once again gently touching me on the shoulder. What are the odds of seeing an English cab in the middle of rural Colorado? I will tell you, about infinity to one.” He walked back up the street to the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce where he asked Kami Collins, the director at that time, if she knew of a place he could stay. One of her contacts was Pastor James Conley of the First Baptist Church, who immediately thought of Willy Gordon, a Scotsman with a big heart. Without any hesitation, Willy and his wife Chery agreed Logothetis could spend the night at their house. Logothetis wrote: “I discovered that not only was I probably in the only town in Colorado with an English cab, but I was also probably in the only town in Colorado with a Scotsman. The lady at the chamber of commerce put me on the phone with Willy, who the woman clearly hoped would help me because we both had strange accents. She was

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Leon Logothetis signs copies of his book, “The Kindness Diaries,” at the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. Returning to Delta made his six-month journey seem more real, Logothetis said.

right.” The Gordons, Kami Collins, Orval Proctor and the Gordons’ 95-yearold friend are all featured in episode one, which also shows glimpses of Main Street and the surrounding ‘dobies. While looking at family photos, Willy shared that his son was being married in England but they would not be able to attend because of the cost of airplane tickets. Proving that kindness goes both ways, Logothetis gave the Gordons money for the plane tickets before he headed down the road the next morning. Upon greeting Willy at the chamber office last week, he was anxious to hear about the wedding. Similar acts of generosity are sprinkled throughout the book and the TV series, which includes one episode in Cambodia with a widowed mother and her young son. The mother has HIV and relies on relatives to provide food. They lived in a one-room hut with a roof that failed to protect them from the elements. Upon his departure from that village, Logothetis promised a sturdy new home made of concrete with a roof that would keep out the rain. In Pittsburgh, he repeated a request he made often on his journey, “Can I stay in your house?” he asked a man named Tony. Tony responded he had no house. “I’m homeless,” he explained. Logothetis curled up on the ground next to the man, and when he left the city the next day, Tony had been given a place to stay and an opportunity for job training. The TV series evokes chuckles, empathy and even a tear or two as Logothetis spreads his message of hope and kindness. The series has been distributed internationally, but has not yet been picked up in the U.S. In the meantime, Logothetis is on a speaking/book signing tour while he works on two new books. “It was a powerful journey, a journey that hopefully changed some lives and certainly changed my life,” said Logothetis. “The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World” can be purchased from Amazon, and hopefully all 13 episodes of the TV series, including episode one featuring Delta, will soon be shown in the U.S.

Delta County Independent

On coal trains, senior meals and health care Dear Editor: It is so nice to hear the coal trains going through town again — much more frequently than lately. It gives some credence to the edifice being built at the west end of Rogers Mesa. I don’t do this often so will touch on other subjects — the ambulance service for the North Fork. It is hard to believe that people do not sign up for the convenience of having an up-to-date ambulance service in our area. It doesn’t cost that much to join and if needed certainly does save a lot of money for families. I haven’t personally ridden in an ambulance in over 35 years but ambulance

personnel have helped my family immensely over the years we have lived here. As some of us get older, and yes there are those who don’t believe they are doing so (more on this in a moment), accidents happen around the home requiring emergency room visits, so best be prepared. About not growing old — senior meals are available for a $3 donation for anyone 60 and above on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. Pretty good food and it surely does beat cooking. So do encourage those over 60 in Paonia and Hotchkiss to visit the senior meal site. Volunteers are also needed to work there.

Tasks are not difficult and there is job security. You won’t get fired. It’s a good way to help our community and join a very congenial group. To continue, in regard to North Fork Clinic, Dr. Meilner and Dr. Hundley were so kind and patient with my husband over the years and during his last months of life. I can’t thank them enough. We have had such quality medical care in this valley for so many years; we must do all we can to maintain it. I’ve touched on all my topics, so hopefully someone is heeding this information. Joyce Chapdelaine Paonia

Immediate action is needed to save our planet Dear Editor: The reality about corporations is that corporations and their directors are mandated to shareholders to make a profit. They are NOT mandated to protect the longterm health of those who consume their products. They are NOT mandated to protect children from obesity. Neither are they concerned with the environmental consequences of their food processing. It is the role of the government to regulate the way in which corporations act, and their direct or indirect consequences on health. Recently, it has been reported that the fossil fuel industry has known for more than 35 years that fossil fuel emissions contribute to global warming and that this industry has hired “scientists” to confuse the issue through biased research. The sugar industry is doing the same thing to protect its profits. It took 50 years from the first major requests for the control of tobacco to a global convention to protect the public. This took too long and cost

too many lives. We cannot let the same tactics delay progress again. The product might be different, but the tactics are alarmingly similar. There is scientific agreement that man has contributed to global warming. Climate scientists agree that we contribute to climate change with our lifestyles. How can the world burn the equivalent of a full Lake Powell of oil every six years and not have some effect? There has been a documented steady increase of CO2 in the atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution. We don’t know the changes in our lifestyle that will be required to survive. But if the alternative is mass extinction, what is the choice but to begin? Our grandchildren demand that we wake up and get going on building a sustainable world. It is time to wake up and make sure the politicians we hire are not making the problem worse. It is the role of governments to regulate the way in which companies act, and their indirect consequences on health. But if we

hire industry representatives as the watchdog, we will only get behavior that supports industry. This includes elected politicians as well as corporate executives hired to work for the government. Do you feel comfortable with a former executive of Monsanto directing farm policy? The conflict of interest is too great for me. Our representative (Scott Tipton) doesn’t believe that man contributes to global warming. When he was in Delta, I asked him directly and got an evasive answer. Our senator, Cory Gardner, believes the climate is changing but refuses to acknowledge man’s part in it. Other Colorado representatives who don’t believe in man’s contribution to global warming are Rep. Ken Buck, Rep. Mike Coffman, and Rep. Doug Lamborn. Senator Michael Bennet believes human activity has contributed to global warming. Think for yourselves. Preserve this planet for our grandchildren! Bernie Heideman Hotchkiss

Law enforcement blotter

From the Delta tires stacked up near the end of Escalante Canyon Police Department: Road. Sheriff ’s deputies found no report of stolen Sept. 7: Cody W. Fedler, 19, of tires. It’s not known how Delta was issued a ticket or why the tires were left for alleged disorderly con- in that area. Colorado Parks and duct and destruction of Wildlife requested assisproperty. Eloy O. McLaughlin, tance with a traffic stop 44, of Delta was arrest- on Stevens Gulch Road, ed and jailed for alleged north of Paonia. Monte Morrell, 59, of Whitewathird degree assault. ter was charged with drivSept. 8: Tallon R. Schaublin, ing under the influence of 18, of Delta was issued alcohol by the Colorado a ticket (on 9/11/15) for State Patrol. Sept. 8: alleged theft. An Orchard City resiSaul M. Madrid, 24, of Delta was arrested and dent contacted the sherjailed on a warrant with iff ’s office about pressing charges against a neigha $300 bond. Erric L. West, 20, of bor who cut down their Delta was arrested and trees. jailed for alleged third Sept. 9: At about 8:30 a.m., degree assault, violation Khanbekyan, of a protection order and Maria violation of bail bond con- 26, of Longmont was involved in a one-vehicle ditions. accident on Grange Road Sept. 10: Melissa Gage, 40, of near Paonia. She was Olathe was issued a tick- transported to DCMH et for alleged shoplifting. and the Colorado State Patrol arrived to handle Sept. 12: Kathe M. Owens, 37, the investigation. A Cedaredge area resiof Crawford was issued a dent reported he laid a ticket for alleged theft. Citations: Seven tick- black and silver pistol, in ets for traffic violations a black case, on the hood were issued this week, of his truck, then forgot about it and drove off. five for speeding. Please remember: All The sheriff ’s office will criminal charges are notify the owner if the merely an accusation gun is turned in. Sheriff ’s deputies were and the defendant is presumed innocent until or asked to check the condition of a horse in the unless proven guilty. Paonia area. The reportFrom the Delta ing party said the horse County Sheriff’s Office appears to be starving. A Paonia area man (partial list): wrote a check for seasonal Sept. 7: A two-vehicle acci- labor for $115 which was dent blocked Highway later changed to $1,415 133 at about 7:30 a.m. by the recipient. The The accident occurred at check cleared the bank the Grand Avenue inter- before he learned of the section and involved forgery. Michael Hinton and Rich- Sept. 11: A trash truck parked ard Yahn, who was transported by ambulance to at the Roberts residence Delta County Memorial on Highway 133, Paonia, Hospital. The Colorado caught fire during the State Patrol handled the night. Shawn Roberts said he smelled smoke, investigation. A Delta man found looked out the window nine newly balanced semi and saw the cab of the

1995 Freightliner on fire. It’s likely the fire was caused by a faulty electrical system. An Indiana man reports his vehicle was vandalized while parked on Black Mesa. Shortly after 10 a.m., Ken Lindley was backing out of his driveway in Orchard City when he struck a vehicle driven by Clifford Frederick. There were no injuries; Frederick’s vehicle sustained minor damage to the right passenger door. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. A man called asking about options for his sister, who left an abusive husband in New Mexico and was staying in Cedaredge. The husband called to say he was on his way from New Mexico and they were concerned he would cause problems. At about 8:30 p.m., search and rescue personnel joined sheriff ’s deputies in searching for a missing 21-year-old Delta man. He was located by a Montrose County deputy near the county line at about 1 a.m. DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 401 Meeker St. Delta, CO 81416 (970) 874-4421

News: editor@deltacountyindependent.com Advertising: ads@deltacountyindependent.com YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delta County (includes Olathe Somerset & Maher) ....$29.00 Seniors in Delta County (65 and over) ....................................$26.00 In-State ............................................$33.00 Out-of-State .....................................$37.00

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Hemp FROM PAGE A1 The cultivation of hemp was once legal in Colorado, Shirley says, but an influential capitalist had it outlawed when his company began using synethetics as a replacement for hemp rope. In addition to rope, hemp fiber is used in clothing, food and even building materials. Richard would love to see plastic baling twine replaced with biodegradable hemp. “You can feed your cows twine and all, because it goes back into the ground.” “You can make cereal

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out of hemp, and you can make the cereal box out of hemp ... all parts of the plant can be used,” Shirley said. The Muñozes are sold on the amazing hemp plant, and hope more farmers will begin growing crops. “Talk about going green ... this could save our planet.” Another local grower, Jan VanDenBerg, says most of the state’s hemp growers are concentrated in the Loveland, Greeley and Fort Collins areas, but she provided a list that included eight Delta County permits. While commercial marijuana grow operations are not allowed in Delta County, there are no restrictions on hemp. VanDenBerg grows hemp plants both indoors and out, breeding the plants carefully to maximize CBD, or cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring constituent of agricultural/industrial hemp that’s being touted for its therapeutic benefits. VanDenBerg said she uses medicinal hemp to boost her immune system, but those suffering from serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s have also found medicinal hemp beneficial. The product is not intended to be smoked, like marijuana, but is injested via oils or capsules. Extracting the oil from hemp plants typically involves butane, VanDenBerg said, but that process has become highly regulated. The other alternative is CO2 extraction, which requires expensive equipment. Until she can afford to invest in that equipment, VanDenBerg said she will dry the flowers, then grind them and fill capsules. The leaves can also be ground up and eaten. She is in the process of setting up a website to distribute the final product under the business name Mountain Flower Botanicals.

In addition to closely monitoring the CBD levels of her plants, VanDenBerg says she keeps male plants in tents, to contain the pollen. That pollen, if set adrift on the wind, can destroy marijuana crops in the area. VanDenBerg said that scenario has created a great deal of conflict in Oregon, so she’s doing her best to avoid that situation. She also had difficulty locating seed, but said as more hemp is produced in Colorado, the seed supply will multiply. She has one final word of advice for potential hemp growers: Test the seeds before you plant. “Due to all the restrictions, there’s a lot of bogus seed floating around,” she said.

Staff Writer

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The Board of County Commissioners was generous in its thanks to two county elected officials who unraveled and tracked down a property tax snafu that netted county taxing entities $41,000 they had been owed. County assessor Debbie Griffith and county treasurer Lisa Tafoya, along with deputy assessor Cindy Altenbern worked through volumes of data from 2013 and 2014, toured locations where taxable real property was located, and

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State shoot will return to Delta

The annual state championship trap shoot will be returning to the Delta Trap club next June, club ofﬁcials report to the DCI. The state event was a consistent Father’s Day weekend draw for a dozen years before it was moved elsewhere two years ago. Perhaps trap shooters thought the extra special “treat ‘em right” style found at Delta was the same everywhere. The state shoot event involves hundreds of the ﬁnest competitive trap shooters from around the state, region and nation. Pictured above is a doubles competition at the Delta Trap Club’s annual Labor Day shoot, another big event hosted by the club.

Landscape group awarded $4,000 On Thursday, Sept. 3, Toyota Motor Sales, USA and the National Environmental Education Foundation, also known as NEEF, announced a $4,000 grant award to the Western Colorado Landscape Collaborative. Recognizing a need for collaboration, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Tri-State, Western Area Power Administration and a community-based nonprofit Uncompahgre/Com united to develop Western Colorado Landscape Collaborative (WCLC). The WCLC is a collaborative approach to improve ecosystem health using best available science and community input. The WCLC engages citizens, scientific experts and land managers in landscape scale restoration efforts. In 2011, Toyota Motor Sales, USA and NEEF formed a partnership to launch “About Public Lands Every Day” program to build capacity for local organizations that steward and support public lands throughout the nation. Through this pro-

County officials sleuth tax snafu BY HANK LOHMEYER

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

spent at least 40 hours over two and half years to finally solve the various mysteries involved. The results of their work brought what Griffith called “significant tax dollars for the county” when she and Tafoya reported results of the work to the BoCC on Sept. 8. For the 2013 tax year, results of the work brought a $111,000 benefit to county tax rolls. For the following year, the county had to approve $70,000 in tax abatements or refunds involved with researching and determining the actual tax status of some energy exploration and production equipment located and used here. Overall, the work netted $41,000 additional tax dollars for various taxing entities including the county government and school district, Griffith explained.

gram, NEEF and Toyota Motor Sales, USA are awarding $217,000 this year to 49 groups, including the Western Colorado Landscape Collaborative. “These funds will be used to strengthen our outreach to the community and attract more volunteers and supporters,” said Pam Motley, a spokesperson for the WCLC. NEEF was chartered by Congress in 1990 to partner with the EPA to advance environmental literacy nationwide. NEEF’s vision is bold: By 2022, 300 million Americans actively use environmental knowledge to

tion through its own communications platforms, as well as a network of trusted professionals and affinity communities.

ensure the well-being of the earth and its people. To achieve its vision, NEEF offers scientific, unbiased, factual informa-

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Delta Farmers Market

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You Will Learn:

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Join us for a no cost Informational Workshop

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• How to potentially lower your out-of-pocket costs and maximize your student’s financial aid eligibility. • How to prepare for your financial aid (FAFSA) submission and how to handle different assets. • How to choose a major before college and why it is so important. • How to send your child to an expensive private university for less than a state college. • How to select colleges that will provide you with the best financial aid package.

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A4 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Sunderlands celebrate 60 years of marriage Norman and Gladys Sunderland of Delta will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Sept. 18. They were married in Boise City, Okla., on Sept. 18, 1955. They plan to celebrate their 60th anniversary at a family dinner. The Sunderlands have three children, Randy (Pat) Sunderland, Roxanne McCormick and

Ron (Ann) Sunderland, all of Delta. They have four grandchildren, two great-grandsons and are anticipating the arrival of three more great-grandchildren in the next six months. The Sunderlands were involved in the newspaper business most of their married lives. They lived in Kansas, Alaska and Montana before purchasing The Limon Leader in 1972. In 1984 they bought the North Fork Times and moved to Paonia. The family corporation they founded has

owned the Delta County Independent since 1987. They are active in Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoy antiquing, traveling in their RV and family activities.

Photo submitted

Gladys and Norman Sunderland

The Rotary leadership team consists of (left to right) Jim Wetzel, treasurer; Jody Jorns, secretary; Lucinda Stanley, president elect; Lindsay Roberts, president; Morgan Yost, past president; Gregg Kuta, past treasurer.

Delta Rotary Club welcomes

Help needed to prepare new president, Lindsay Roberts meals for the hungry In late summer, the Rotary is a volunteer challenges — including

Norman and Gladys Sunderland

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There is nothing more satisfying and heartwarming than feeding a person who is hungry. As the Abraham Connection prepares to offer meals and shelter in its new building, the way meals are prepared and served will change from previous years. Those who are interested in having a hand in this mission by serving a meal to those in need are invited to a short informational meeting/discussion on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m., at the Delta United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Anyone or group can serve meals — churches and civic groups, businesses, youth

organizations, families and individuals have all served in the past, and had a wonderful time giving back in this way. For more information on the meal program, or if you are interested in helping but unable to make the meeting, please call the Darla Volgamore at at 208-6338.

AARP Smart Driver program offered Oct. 19

Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Contact John Loring at 424-1778 or Come dance the night 856-6924. away at the next community evening dance Saturday, Sept. 19, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Route 66 will provide the music for this fun event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a friend and a snack to share. CofAARP TaxAide is seekfee and lemonade will be provided. The cost is $5 at ing tax preparers for Febthe door. For more infor- ruary to April 15, 2016. If you like to work with mation, call 874-0923. numbers and want to provide a service for your community, please call Jo Maxwell at 856-3007 or 661-400-1335. Training will be provided. Volunteers work 6 to 10 hours per week during tax season. Help is needed for Delta and Cedaredge sites.

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HUNTERS BALL

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night away Sept. 19

Tax-Aide volunteers are needed

BIRTHS

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Sponsored by:

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Megan Collins and Dave Todd of Crawford are the parents of a son, Leo Boyd Todd, born Sept. 5, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Felicia and Donald Abeyta of Delta are the parents of a son, Javonie Christopher Abeyta, born Sept. 10, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 7.4 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length.

Delta Rotary Club welcomed Lindsay Roberts as its newly elected president. Officers for the 201516 term include Morgan Yost, past president; Jim Wetzel, treasurer; and Jody Jorns, secretary. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Daveto’s in Delta.

organization of over 1.2 million business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace. About 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas conduct projects to address today’s

illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water and environmental concerns — while encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations. Visit www.rotary.org for more information or contact Lindsay Roberts at 970-367-2000 for membership information.

NSDAR chapter promotes Constitution Week awareness Thursday, Sept. 17, will mark the beginning of the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of America’s least known official observances. The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution later was adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law 915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The celebration aims

to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution and preserving it for posterity; to inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s heritage and the foundation for the American way of life; and to encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787. The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their

own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America. For information about DAR and its programs, visit www.dar.org or the local chapter website at www.uncompahgrevalley dar.org.

LWV participates in Voter Registration Day The League of Women Voters of Montrose County, serving Montrose and Delta counties, will be participating in National Voter Registration Day, a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to register thousands of voters on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The league will be available to assist voters who want to register online or update their registration if they have moved at the Montrose Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m., and at the Delta library from 10 a.m. to noon. Additionally, assistance will be available at the Montrose Library on Monday, Sept. 21, 3:30 to 5:30 for CMU students as

well as library patrons. The league is excited to be a part of National Voter Registration Day, helping to get as many people participating as possible. This is our democracy, and our elected officials need to hear from all of us on Election Day. Voter registration is the key to helping Americans participate in the political process. As primaries and caucuses for the 2016 elections quickly approach, Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day, is the perfect day to be working with as many eligible voters as we can so they can participate in our great democracy. The LWV empowers voters

through education, registration and get-out-thevote activities in every election. The league hosts candidate and issue forums and registration opportunities while also providing trusted and timely election information on www.VOTE411. org. Members do this because they believe our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard. It is not too late to register to vote. Registration deadlines for the November 2015 election are: in person — Election Day. by mail — received by Monday, Oct. 26. online — Monday, Oct. 26.

Medicare counseling available Medicare counseling is now located at Region 10. Do you have questions about Part D prescription plans? Do you need help filing a Medicare claim? Or do you need to make an appeal? Counselors from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are available for one-on-one sessions with individuals who need help with Medicare. Classes are available in Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel and Delta counties, with the main location in Montrose at 300 N. Cascade Avenue, Suite 1. Call 249-2436, ext. 213, to schedule an appointment.

New members inducted

Photo submitted

Two new members, Sue Nichol of Montrose and Jackie Parks of Hotchkiss, were inducted Sept. 12 at the September meeting of the Uncompahgre Valley Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Their eligibility for membership has been certified by national society by verification of proven lineal descent from an ancestor who gave aid to American colonists during the American Revolution. The NSDAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children. Pictured left to right: Sharon Cox, parliamentarian, Sue Nichol, Jackie Parks, Suanne Hughes, registrar, and Irene Means, chapter regent.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Tree planting commemorates Patriot Day BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In commemoration of Patriot Day on Friday, Sept. 11, Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 and its Auxiliary conducted a brief memorial and planted a tree at Delta High School last week. The school’s JROTC class and color guard also participated. Speakers included Mayor Ed Sisson, VFW chaplain Linda Stahly and acting police chief Charles Kettle. The students in attendance were preschoolers when terrorists attacked the United States 14 years ago, but the adults in attendance have vivid recollections of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Post Commander Dave Rowland provided a timeline of those events and encouraged everyone in Photo by Pat Sunderland attendance to take a few VFW Commander Dave Rowland speaks during a Patriot Day ceremony at minutes to reflect on the Delta High School. The JROTC color guard posted the U.S. and state ﬂags. 2,977 Americans who lost their lives in the ruthless attacks. He spoke of how that event has forever changed America, but in the end brought the country together with renewed pride for our flag and our freedoms. Auxiliary president Jennifer Wright vowed this country will never forget the citizens and rescue personnel who lost their lives that day, nor the troops who have given their lives in the war on terror, as well as those who continue the fight against evil. The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps” by Richard Weldon. In previous years, the VFW has planted trees Photo by Pat Sunderland at the two elementary schools and the middle school in Delta. The effort is underway to replace the 110 windows in the Delta Center for Performing Arts on Grand Avenue. Maintenance supervisor John McHugh says school district crews are doing the prep and ﬁnish work, but the panes themselves are being installed by Pinnacle Glass. He hopes the Check out the project can be completed before winter weather arrives, but progress is DCI Print Shop. entirely dependent upon the arrival of materials. “The windows are being installed as they’re shipped,” he said. Angela Fedler, director of early Call Randy Crespin childhood programs, said the Delta Center has been setting aside money at 874-4421. for this project for years, primarily from the Colorado Preschool Program. She’s pleased the new windows maintain the historic integrity of the old brick school. Classroom comfort levels have noticeably improved, and Fedler expects utility costs to drop. The old windows can be seen in the lower right level of the building.

A clear improvement

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Acting police chief Charles Kettle (left) and Ofﬁcers Cody Hammon and Steve Furstenfeld (not pictured) grabbed shovels to help DHS students plant an evergreen tree to commemorate Patriot Day.

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DELTA HARDWARE’S

American Sign Language offered to the community Are you interested in learning American Sign Language and how to communicate with deaf people? American Sign Language I, an intensive college-equivalent course, will be a fast-paced introduction to entry-level ASL and the deaf culture. Students will have the opportunity to learn ASL and proper sentence structure, as well as deaf culture, history and issues. The course will be taught by two deaf individuals who have

master’s degrees in deaf fields. One is a native user of ASL. The eight-week session will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. starting Sept. 22 and ending Nov. 19. There will be no classes during October break (Oct. 12-16). Classes will be held at Delta High School, Room A-5. The opportunity to receive continuing education units (CEUs) for this course is available

through Delta County Joint School District. Due to the intensive nature of this course, the session will be limited to 20 participants and those in high school and older. Please email Matt Kevan at aslwestco@ gmail.com to register. Please bring payment of $120 to the first class on Sept. 22. No book will be required and all materials/handouts will be provided, along with a oneinch ring binder to store the handouts.

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Saturday, September 26 ��

Salsa ��

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Girls and Grills ��

Terriﬁc Kids

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students (front row) Grayson Hunter, Kiptin Anderson, Kelcee Rusling, Connor Tregarthen and Kortlan Bynum; (back row) Lucas Merritt, Josie Farmer, Brilyn Wilson, Isabelle Ripper and Joaquin Chavira. Below are second and third graders Ashton Robinson, Jonathan Santonastaso, Anika Hovel, Andrew Bascue, Andres Acosta and Edwin Perry.

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A6 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Youth campers support our troops The youth campers at Big Spruce camp on Ute Trail Road, north of Cedaredge, enjoy making a difference in their community. When looking for a service project for this past summer’s camp, they decided to help Cathy Meskel of Cedaredge in supporting our active duty military. Meskel created the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) organization and has spent over 15 years filling boxes with gifts and treats to send to soldiers who are on the front lines for America. The 14 campers of Big Spruce made 30 packages of gum, candy, granola bars, peanuts, crackers, sunflower seeds and raisins to send to a special

unit of 15 Marines. They also filled 15 boxes with socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss, puzzle books, games, deodorant, chapstick and hand wipes. These are all items Cathy said the troops love to receive. The youth also wrote letters to the Marines describing their lives, families and youth camp. Please consider joining with groups like the Big Spruce campers by donating items to the SOS. This time of year our soldiers will be in need of wool socks and long johns for the upcoming winter. If you would like to donate items for troop supply boxes, please contact Photo submitted Cathy Meskel, Support The campers at Big Spruce camp display the gifts and treats they sent to a Our Soldiers, at 856-7522. special unit of Marines.

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St. Luke’s reception to honor Father Tom St. Luke’s Episcopal Church congregation invites all friends and acquaintances of Father Tom Seibert to join a reception Sunday, Sept. 20, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Father Tom’s ordination. The cake and punch reception runs from 7 to 8 p.m. The church is located at the corner of 5th and Palmer. Everyone is invited to help honor Father Tom for his valuable contributions to our community.

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AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Leaf diseases could impact fall colors

Some stands of aspen and cottonwood trees across Colorado won’t be their most picturesque this fall, due to leaf spot diseases that benefitted from an unusually wet spring and early summer. For about the past month, foresters have been seeing an unusually high degree of leaf blight in the mountains and along the Front Range, as far south as Aspen, the Collegiate Peaks and Colorado Springs. At least two fungal diseases are to blame for the leaves now showing

significant spotting or dark splotches. Marssonina leaf spot is caused by the Marssonina fungus and is the most common leaf disease of aspen and cottonwoods in Colorado. The disease can be identified by the presence of dark brown spots or flecks on leaves, which can then fuse into large, black splotches on severely infected leaves. Also active now, mainly on Colorado’s cottonwoods, the Septoria fungus initially causes tan spots that become irregular brown-to-black spots

4-H golf tournament to be played at Bridges The fourth annual Wayne Cooley Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Bridges Golf and Country Club in Montrose. The tournament is a fundraiser for 4-H programs in Delta, Mesa, Montrose and Ouray counties. The tournament is named after longtime CSU Extension agent Wayne Cooley. Cooley worked for CSU Extension for 16 years, beginning in Yuma County on the eastern plains and eventually moving to the Tri-River Extension area. He served as an agriculture and livestock agent,

and eventually became the Tri-River Extension area director. Cooley lost his battle with cancer in 2008. Tournament entry fee is $75 per person, which includes golf cart, green fees, range balls, lunch, door prizes and awards. Prizes will be awarded for the longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin and hole-in-one. There will also be an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win cash prizes or a 2015 Ford F-150. Register online at co4hgolf.com. The Bridges Golf Club is located at 2500 Bridges Drive in Montrose.

coalescing to cover much of the leaf by late summer. “The good news is that these diseases rarely cause any permanent tree damage or death,” said Dan West, entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service. “But this is the highest level our foresters have seen in many years for some parts of the state.” These fungi typically develop during wet, cool weather and generally cause only aesthetic tree damage. However, severe disease outbreaks occasionally cause some defoliation or dieback on impacted trees. West says trees with these leaf spot diseases can display noticeably less vibrant colors and can drop leaves prematurely, but often are mixed in among stands of healthy trees, so there should still be plenty of beautiful Colorado foliage for fall viewing. Fungicide sprays can prevent new leaf spot infections in the spring, but will not cure trees that are already infected. Because these fungi overwinter on fallen leaves infected the previous year, West says the best management option for homeowners this fall is sanitation. Get rid of any diseased material by raking up and disposing of infected leaves and twigs, to reduce spread of the

disease next year. Also, always try to keep tree leaves as dry as possible to reduce future incidence of leaf spots by watering early in the morning rather than at night, and by keeping sprinkler patterns set to prevent overwet leaves. Regarding landowners with larger areas of aspen

or cottonwood — of a scale that makes most management options impractical — West says maintaining space between trees helps prevent moisture from lingering too long on the leaves. “This is a natural phenomenon, and despite how they look, these trees should leaf out again next

year,” he said. For more information about leaf spot concerns for aspen, cottonwood and other poplar species, go to www.ext.colostate. edu/pubs/garden/02920. html. General information about insects and diseases of Colorado forests is available at http:// csfs.colostate.edu.

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8/18/15 12:57 PM

MEET ME AT THE FORT

ON THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL 440 N. Palmer Street, Delta

Saturday, September 19

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10 a.m.–2 p.m Admission: Adults & Children - $2.00 Seniors & Children under 6 - FREE Dressed in Period Clothing - FREE

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/103382…7534762269_n.jpg?oh=fcff4fb5f64f74e495bf8f7ad60e489b&oe=56761C4A

MEET THE AUTHOR

TOMAHAWK THROWING CONTEST Public is welcome to bring their own tomahawks. FREE • INFO. 874-8349

Page 1 of 1

Ken Reyher, author of

Antoine Robidoux and Fort Uncompahgre

Step back in time with us as we explore the ﬁrst trading post in western Colorado and learn about life 160 years ago. Experience blacksmithing, learn adobe works, cooking, tomahawk throwing, ﬂint knapping, weaving and more.

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For more information call 874-8349

Enroll in September for farm safety net programs Farm Service Agency administrator Val Dolcini reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Sept. 30 to enroll in several key Farm Bill safety net programs — Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPPDairy). “These programs provide important risk protection for farm and dairy operations, so it is important not to miss the deadline for enrollment,” said Dolcini. “Producers already have elected ARC or PLC, so now is the time to sign the contract and enroll for the 2014 and 2015 crop years. I also remind dairy operations to enroll for coverage in 2016. Just $100 covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin, and with incremental premiums, up to an $8 margin can be covered.” ARC and PLC pro-

grams trigger financial protections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. More than 1.76 million farmers and ranchers are expected to sign contracts to enroll in ARC or PLC. Covered commodities under the programs include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. The elections for each farm stay in place through 2018, but ownership and shares can be adjusted through the annual enrollment. For additional program information, visit www. fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc. MPP-Dairy offers

Photo contest celebrates ag Picturesque agricultural landscapes can be found across Colorado, from cattle grazing in a mountain meadow and Western Slope orchards ripe with plump fruits to graceful wheat blowing in the breeze. It’s time to capture the “spirit” of Colorado agriculture through photographs. The 18th annual “Colorado … it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage. “It is wonderful to see the diversity of Colorado agriculture through photographs,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown. “The contest is a great way to showcase agriculture across the state.” Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture via email with an official entry form by December 31, 2015. All photographs must be taken in the 2015 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way. Prizes will be awarded in five subject areas: agritourism,

crops, livestock, people and open professional. Amateur and profesphotographers sional are encouraged to enter, however, professionals may only enter agriculture-related photographs in the “open professional” category. Judging will be based on theme, creativity and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the “spirit” of Colorado agriculture will receive $150, and category winners will receive a “Colorado … it’s AgriCultural” prize pack. All winning photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, and will be showcased on the www.colorado agriculture.com website. Visit www.coloradoag riculture.com/aginsights or call 303-869-9174 for complete contest rules and an entry form. The contest is sponsored by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the AgInsights Committee and Northeastern Junior College.

protection to producers when the difference between the milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Participating dairy farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a $100 administrative fee each year. Producers also have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year. MPP-Dairy payments are based on an operation’s historical production, which will increase by 2.61 percent in 2016, if the operation participated in 2015, providing a stronger safety net. More than half of the nation’s dairy producers are enrolled in the program. For more information, visit www.fsa.usda. gov/dairy. For more program information, contact your FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. The Delta Service Center is located at 690 Industrial Blvd., Delta, and can be contacted by phone at 874-5726.

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COMMUNITY IS

EVERYONE DOING THEIR PART

A8 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Alice Hunt

Alice Hunt died of pancreatic cancer Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at her home. She was 79. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 14, at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss with Art Wolverton presiding. Alice Allene Owensby was born in her grandmother’s home on Stewart Mesa Jan. 26, 1936, to Miriam (Berry) and Harold Owensby. During her early life the family lived in several areas during World War II including Camp Hale at Pando, near Leadville, while her parents worked in construction camps, helping with the war effort. Mrs. Hunt grew up in Paonia and moved to Delta in her junior year of high school. She graduated from Delta High School in 1954. She married Jack Hunt in Delta Oct. 30, 1954, in her mother’s home. The Hunts lived in many areas including Monogram Mesa above Naturita during the uranium boom, Phoenix, Ariz., Denver, San Francisco, Calif., and finally Hotchkiss, where they raised their children. Mrs. Hunt was a mother and homemaker as her three children grew up. After they were raised, she became a successful artist, favoring watercolor painting and clay sculpture. She won several awards and was an art teacher. She was the Hotchkiss librarian for several years. She also enjoyed reading and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Jack; three children, Linda “Pete” (Jerry) Cunningham, Scott (Debbie) Hunt and Suzy (Rex) Gardner; a sister, Helen (Roy) Vodopich; a brother, James Owensby; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and

OBITUARIES

one great-great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hotchkiss Library, P.O. Box 540, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Nellie Harding

Paonia resident Nellie Harding died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, at Paonia Care Center in Paonia. She was 82. A funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 11, at Bible Center Church in Paonia. Interment followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia. Mrs. Harding was born in Edmond, Okla., May 15, 1933, to Adam and Ida Ellen (Adcox) Sill. She spent her childhood in Brookfield, Mo., where she attended elementary school. The family moved to Colorado and she attended Lamborn Mesa School. On Sept. 17, 1948, she married Perry Harding in Delta. Mrs. Harding was a former member of Bible Center Church and Minnesota Creek Club. She enjoyed baking pies, gardening and sewing. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Perry Harding; two daughters, Kathleen (Lawrence) Ungaro of Rangely and Debbie (Carl) Miller of Lazear; seven grandchildren, Leanne (Brian) Tobiasson, Laurie Claybaugh, April (Derrin) Noel, Lacey Miller, Chase Miller, Brandon Harding and Cody Miller; and 18 greatgrandchildren. Mrs. Harding was preceded in death by a son, Milton Harding; and two brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to Delta County Memorial Hospital Oncology Center, 1501 E. 3rd St., Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Custom Designed...

Betty Harris

he served as a medical corpsman. He was honorably discharged. Mr. Riddle married Yvonne Lewis on May 3, 1945, in Chelsea, Mass. They returned to the Paradox Valley after his discharge from the Navy. He was a rancher and farmer in the Paradox Valley. He received a bachelor of science degree from Western State College and taught in the West End School District. When they retired, the Riddles sold the ranch and moved to Grand Junction in 1995. Mr. Riddle enjoyed art and writing. He is survived by his children, Leslie (Eldon Sage), Drue (Butch Priestley) and James (Nancy); a son-in-law, Ken Galyean; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kent (Ruth) of Grand Junction; and a sister, Eberta Skalla of St. George, Utah. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; a daughter, Gail; a brother; and two sisters. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 14, at Paradox Cemetery with Ted Swain officiating. Dedication of the grave was by Ron Steele. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Lifetime Delta County resident Betty J. Harris died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at her home in Hotchkiss. She was 74. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at First Assembly of God in Delta with Pastor Jason Neely officiating. Mrs. Harris was born in Lazear July 21, 1941, to Elmer and Mary (Halbrooks) Soules. She graduated from Delta High School. She lived in Hotchkiss for the past 48 years. She was a former member of the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, baking, reading, camping and her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Harris is survived by her husband, Jim Harris of Hotchkiss; three children, Roberta (Daniel) Clough of Delta, Rodney (Sonia) Hodson of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Rhonda Hodson of Grand Junction; a brother, Edward (Lois) Soules of Texas; three sisters, Martha (Sherman) Metcalf, Marilyn (Terris) McCombs and Beulah (Kenny) Hines, all of Delta; five grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren with one on the way. She was preceded in death by a sister, Reba Wylie. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obitElsie Bokelman uary and sign the online Elsie Bokelman died guest registry at taylor Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, funeralservice.com. at her home in Olathe. She was 91. She was born in Hayden, Ariz., Sept. 5, 1923, to Henry and Mary Ann (Pahl) McGovern. She grew up in Arizona. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Arizona State University

Delta County Independent

and a master’s degree in special education from Northern Arizona University. On May 16, 1945, she married Eddie Bokelman in Mesa, Ariz. They lived in Wingsboro, Ga., before moving to Olathe in 1985. Mrs. Bokelman worked as a school teacher and with a 3Rs literacy program for numerous years. She was the last member of the group. She attended Episcopal church. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, computers and raising her Lab retrievers. Mrs. Bokelman is survived by her daughters, Barbara Holiday of Olathe and Marcia (James) Murphy of Montrose; and a grandson, Bruce Zieger of Denver. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Bokelman; and a son, Brian Bokelman. No services are planned at this time. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Wendi Olguin

Crawford resident Wendi Lee Olguin died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, at her home. She was 43. At the family’s request, no services will be held. Ms. Olguin was born in Huntington Beach, Calif., Oct. 30, 1971, to Kelly and Linda (Adkins) Olguin. She spent her childhood in Huntington Beach and attended Marina High School. On Oct. 8, 2001, she married Janet Camrie in Las Vegas, Nev. As a mental health worker, she worked with the mentally ill as well as with AIDS and HIV patients in Glendale, Calif. When she moved to Colorado she worked at West Elk Mine. Ms. Olguin enjoyed soccer when she was younger and always helping her neighbors. She is survived by her wife, Janet Camrie of Crawford; her parents, Linda and Robert “Bob” Chavers of Grants Pass., Ore; a sister, Tracy Hernandez and two nephews, Adan and Oliver Hernandiz, all of Corona, Calif. She was preceded in death by her grandpar-

ents, Meda and Irvin Adkins. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Ruth Emmons

Ruth Emmons of Paonia died Sept. 8, 2015, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 93. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia. Ruth Marie Sharp was born in Somerset March 12, 1922, to Ethel “E.K.” and Nettie Bell (Kelsey) Sharp. She married Maurice “Mo” Emmons on Jan. 26, 1938, in Delta. Mrs. Emmons worked at J.C. Penney and the First National Bank, both in Paonia. She enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren playing sports, homemaking, cooking and quilting. She gave away over 100 quilts. Mrs. Emmons is survived by her sons, Gary (Patty) Emmons of Greeley and Donnie (Cindy) Emmons of Paonia; five grandchildren, Brenda (James) Sharp of Woodstock, Ga., Aaron (Jenny) Emmons of Glenwood Springs, Dana (James) Speakman of Parachute, Valerie (Leonard) Krise of Briggsdale and Margo (Ross) Choate of Cheyenne, Wyo.; 16 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice “Mo” Emmons; five brothers; and a sister. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Denver genealogist to share his expertise at Delta Library

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Bob Riddle

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Robert Ira Riddle died Sept. 9, 2015, at his home in Grand Junction. He was 91. He was born in Bedrock Feb. 15, 1924, to Andrew and Eva (Hall) Riddle. He was raised on the family ranch in the Paradox Valley and graduated from Nucla High School in 1942. He attended Mesa College in Grand Junction in the fall of 1942. At the onset of World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where

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BY LEAH MORRIS Delta County Libraries

Librarians are skilled at a wide variety of services, from navigating new technology to saving seeds to helping a child find just the right book. Sometimes, a librarian finds a very specific area in which he excels and manages to make a career out of it. Denver librarian James Jeffrey has done this, devoting his career to history and genealogy as the collection specialist in genealogy at the Denver Public Library. Jeffrey’s biography flows with genealogy awards and participation in numerous genealogy societies, including time as the president of both Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies and the Society of Rocky Mountain Archivists. Fortunately for Delta County Libraries patrons, Jeffrey will be sharing some of his genealogy expertise at the Delta Library Saturday, Sept. 19, with two sessions. The first, entitled “Re-tilling the Soil: Taking a Closer Look at Old and New Sources,” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The second, “Compiled Family Histories and Genealogies: How to Find Them, Use Them, and Interpret Them,” will run from 1-3 p.m. Lorraine Turk, who is coordinating the event with Delta County Libraries, is thrilled to have such an expert in the field presenting this

program. She says, “He is incredibly knowledgeable about genealogy research, is an entertaining and dynamic speaker and if I could learn just 1/100th of what he knows about this subject I would be delighted.” Turk is the facilitator for a genealogy group that meets on a monthly basis at the Cedaredge Library. She first joined the group out of curiosity over 10 years ago and has stayed with it since, enjoying the research and the camaraderie of working with others who have similar interests. Turk first heard Jeffrey at a similar event in Rifle and was inspired to bring him to Delta County. “Though the Cedaredge Genealogy Group has had a number of workshop presenters in the 10

years or so that we have been meeting, this is the first workshop put on by a member of the Denver Public Library genealogy and western history staff.” Regional manager Lea Hart has been dabbling in her own family history research and even recently took a trip to Los Angeles to visit an historic family home. Her excitement comes through as she says, “What I have found in this exploration is that the people who are doing this so enjoy sharing the stories they find. What a great thing to have an expert make a special effort to give us some tools to pursue our own family histories here in Delta County.” For more information, call the Delta Library at 874-9630.

New grief support group meets weekly HopeWest is hosting a new weekly grief support group in Delta for anyone coping with the death of a loved one. Mending Hearts will meet every Thursday for 10 weeks beginning Sept. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Westminster Hall at 135 East 4th Street in Delta. “Support groups can help put the loss of a loved one in perspective and reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies loss,” said Pam Anderson, senior

clinical director of support services. Each support group begins with a brief look at grief and bereavement and then is followed by a small group discussion. Mending Hearts is free of charge and is open to anyone coping with the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is not required and members may join at any time. For more information please call 970-248-8844 or email AdultSupport@ HopeWestCO.org.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

�� Take a musical journey through the ‘70s ��

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The Piano Men, starring Jim Witter, opens the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association season. This fabulous performance, which will grace the stage at Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m., is a musical celebration of the 1970s — year by year, hit by hit, from the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John. The Piano Men’s concert is one of the many great, entertaining concerts DMCCA continues to bring to the Delta-Montrose area. Jim Witter, winner of several prestigious

WCC’s conference to be held on Grand Mesa Western Colorado Congress’ 35th annual conference is Sept. 1920 at Camp Kiwanis on Grand Mesa. Non-members are welcome and scholarships are available. This year’s theme, “Building Better Communities,” will mark the emergence of a new, forward-looking and influential WCC. The weekend

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and many more classic hits create an evening that is just too much fun to let it end. With Jim Witter at the piano and his sizzling musicians on keyboards, guitar, bass, flute, sax and drums, the music is not an attempt to recreate or mimic the sounds of Billy and Elton, but instead Witter unleashes his golden tenor voice on hit after hit to recreate visits to specific landmarks in the pop culture of the day. If you can remember where you were when Elvis died, this show’s for you! If you can smell the interior of your 1973 VW Beetle, you will recognize every song! If you watched Gilligan’s Island or Green Acres, you’ll find yourself singing along! And if you still

have your bell-bottom jeans and Puma running shoes, then you will probably need more help than Witter can provide! Now splitting time between Toronto and Nashville, Jim is a devoted husband and father — and an artist who truly does justice to the two giants known as “The Piano Men.” Doors to the Performing Arts Center open at 6:30 p.m. with the auditorium opening at 6:45. Season tickets may be purchased at the concert for $40 for adults, $15 for students or $85 for the family. Single admission at the door is $20 for adults and $5 for students. For further information contact Connie Pittenger, 249-4308, or Ron Austin, 874-7970.

will feature informative current-issue presentations, workshops, trainings and WCC’s annual business meeting. Enjoy local foods provided by Café Sol, a community dance and many other fun activities throughout the weekend. Complete details and schedule are available at www.wccongress.org or call 970-256-7650.

Walk for Life planned in four communities On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Delta Pregnancy Resource Center will host walks in Delta, Hotchkiss, Cedaredge and Paonia to raise funds. The Walk for Life begins at 10 a.m. in each community. Route maps and pledge forms can be found on the PRC website at www.delta pregnancyresourcecenter. com. Pledge forms are also available from the Pregnancy Resource Center at 523 Dodge Street, Delta, during office hours Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Pregnancy Resource Center is located in Delta and provides

a wide range of services for moms-to-be including pregnancy testing, counseling, maternity and infant clothing, baby furnishings and nutrition counseling from a Christian perspective. Anita Chavez, director, and trained volunteers explain all the options to pregnant women, believing that such facts will help the woman reach a decision which respects the will of God and recognizes the sacredness of both her life and the life within her. For more information, call 874-5733.

Learn about telescopes, shelters and observatories “Amateur Telescopes and Observatories” with John Pool and Bryan Cashion is the discussion topic at the Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS) meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Partners’ meeting room, 511 E. 10th Street, Delta. The presentation is free and open to the public. Learn how to choose the right telescope for your interests. Also, a variety of moderately

priced telescope shelters, roll-off-roof and dome observatories are now available. But do you really need an observatory? If so, what type might be right for you? The BCAS stimulates public interest in and knowledge of astronomy in the local area. Monthly meetings are held in Delta or Montrose. The BCAS also holds public sky viewing events. Learn more at BlackCanyonAstronomy. com or phone 856-7716.

Spend a day at Fort Uncompahgre A special event titled “Meet Me at the Fort on the Old Spanish Trail” will provide the public with a glimpse of fur traders’ lives at Fort Uncompahgre, as they carry out their daily tasks in the year 1840. Step back in time as you

Join the fun at the rec center Bill Heddles Recreation Center offers weekly sessions of duplicate bridge, party bridge, cribbage, pinochle, Scrabble and chess. In addition, Tuesday Needlers meet every Tuesday morning. Four-month sessions are offered for adults January-April, May-August and September-December for a small fee. Sign up at the recreation center or call 874-0923 for more information.

explore the first trading post in western Colorado and learn about life 160 years ago. The event is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and children over the age of 6, free for seniors and children under the age of 6. Those dressed in period attire will be admitted for free. The fort is located at 440 N. Palmer Street in Delta, on the east edge of Confluence Park. Meet historical characters and experience blacksmithing, adobe works, cooking, games and learn about flintlock rifles. Learn to throw a tomahawk and enter the tomahawk throwing contest (free), and see flintknapping and spinning demonstrations. Visit a tepee village. The original fort was located along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail. Antoine Robi-

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awards, and a big name recording artist, with his band of five members leads this tour of the entire decade that begins with “Your Song” and winds along on a musical time machine, saluting two of the century’s most popular songwriters. This multi-media production, utilizing rearscreen projection, returns the audience members to the newspaper headlines, the automobiles, the people, the events, the toys and the TV shows that shaped the 1970s decade. Along the way, the sounds of “My Life,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Rocket Man,” “Just the Way You Are,”

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doux understood the value of location when he built the fur trading post in the 1820s. Its geographic location and rich

agricultural land have been attracting people for thousands of years. For more information, call 874-8349.

Photo submitted

Pascalina Earley demonstrates spinning at Fort Uncompahgre.

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A10 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Community Options breaks ground on new location Community Options, Inc. has broken ground on a new location at 932 North Park Avenue in Montrose. Local contractor Vostatek Construction has been hired for the initial phase which is scheduled to be complete in the fall. The project involves multiple phases and would move regional operations to one central location. “We are excited for this opportunity to take the first step toward having all services and care coordinated from one location. This is a chance to reinvent, rethink and reenergize the organiza-

tion in a way that will benefit those we serve,” said Tom Turner, Community Options executive director. He went on to say, “The idea started with a recognition that Colorado Mesa University in Montrose is expanding their footprint near the library. We owned the property just to the south. We approached them, and a deal was made. We feel this is a win for both organizations and the Montrose community. We then acquired the property on North Park that has been vacant since Vista Charter School moved

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to their new building. Currently, we are trying to find a buyer for the remaining building we have on South 10th and Cascade.” To help with the building costs, the Community Options board of directors has initiated a capital campaign to raise $770,000. This will be done through fundraising efforts and private foundation grants. “This project is important not only to our organization, but to our community as a whole. Community Options provides a critical community service in the work they do. The organization works within a very tight budget, so any help we can get is very much appreciated,” said Mike Schottelkotte, board president. The nonprofit Community Options, Inc. was founded in 1972, and provides and coordinates services and supports to people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. Community Options is one of 20 Community Centered Boards in Colorado and serves the Western Slope counties of Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray and San Miguel. To learn more about Community Options, or

to donate to the project, donations to the capital an additional Enterprise visit www.Community campaign are tax deduct- Zone State Tax Credit of OptionsInc.org. Monetary ible and also qualify for 25 percent.

Photo submitted

Clients from Community Options’ day program celebrate the groundbreaking with staff, board members and the contractor hired for the initial phase of construction.

Tractor Supply hosts event for Pet Appreciation Week The Tractor Supply Co. store in Delta will host activities for families and their pets, including pet adoptions, Saturday, Sept. 19 as part of Pet Appreciation Week. Held Sept. 16-20, Pet Appreciation Week or PAW, is Tractor Supply’s annual event to celebrate pet owners and their furry friends. “Pet Appreciation Week is one of our favorite and most successful events of the entire year,” said Calvin Stewart, manager of the Delta Tractor Supply store. “More often than not, animals become a member of the family, and there’s something really special about helping a family find and care for the perfect pet.” As part of the main

event on Saturday, Sept. 19, Tractor Supply will feature pet adoptions, demonstrations on pet nutrition, drawings for $200 worth of gift cards, and giveaways, including a tennis ball and pet food mats while supplies last. All Pet Appreciation Week events are open to the public — and pets — and will take place at Tractor Supply at 145 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. In addition to finding good homes for dogs and cats, Saturday’s adoption events will also raise awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets, and will provide information on proper pet care and nutrition. Several activities will

take place during the main event, including pet adoption and door prizes. Community partners for the Saturday, Sept. 19, event include: CAWS — On site 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary — On site 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pet Partners — On site 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Top Dog — On site 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deleff Kennels — On site 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the Tractor Supply store at 874-2656 for pet adoption details and other planned activities. For more information on Pet Appreciation Week, visit Facebook. com/TractorSupplyCo or TractorSupply.com.

NORTH FORK

September 16, 2015

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Cohousing development moving forward BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Partners for the Silver Leaf project closed last week on the 1.5-acre vacant parcel, located on the north side of Third Street between Clark and Minnesota avenues. The land is zoned R-2 and platted for 19 lots and was listed for $179,900 by Re/Max Mountain West. The partners for the project formed the nonprofit Circle Development Corporation specifically for the purpose of creating the project, according to Rob Dick, one of the partners. The project is modeled on the “cohousing” concept that originated in Denmark on the premise that communities are built “not brick by brick, but decision by decision.” Residents are active participants in the design and operation of their neighborhood and have access to common facilities. The cohousing concept was introduced to a broader audience by Kathryn McCamant and husband Charles Durrett, who published “Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves” in 1988.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Buyers of the 1.5-acre lot located on the east end of Third Street in Paonia slated for development closed on the property last week. Construction on the cohousing project, called Silver Leaf, is expected to begin in the spring. The project’s mission statement focuses on creating a community of “creative individuals committed to loving cooperatively and harmoniously” with attention to the environment and the community at large while creating a smaller footprint and “allowing time and resources for the pursuit of creative endeavors.” Dick estimates that about a dozen similar projects exist in

Colorado. “My guess is, there will be more in the future.” Initial plans call for 12 detached, single-story units between 850-1,200 square feet with a master bedroom and bath, kitchen, dining area

Staff Writer

The Town of Paonia is working toward a sound financial future as it deals with past years of fiscal neglect, mismanagement and thievery dating back to 2007. At the Sept. 8 board meeting, trustees considered the 2014 budget audit report by the accounting firm of RubinBrown as a measurement of just how deep the troubles go, and how much needs to be done to balance the budget and meet legal requirements while continuing to provide operational services. As town manager Jane Berry phrased it, the town is “on a path to sustainability and solvency … We’re in a hole and we’re digging ourselves out one step at a time.” The audit report, available on the town’s website, reflects cash shortages and other accounting problems due in part to past theft of more than

Remembering 9/11

Hotchkiss Fire District members gather Friday to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the hundreds of firefighters who contracted cancer that day and during cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center. After the flags were raised and lowered to half staff, participants were asked to share their memories of that day. Fire Chief Doug Fritz thanked the small gathering, which included two Hotchkiss High School students. “Every year it gets a little more poignant,” said Fritz. In Paonia, PHS band and football team member Donald Carter played Taps before kickoff of the Paonia Eagles football game against Ignacio Friday. The combined choir and band members from Paonia Junior/Senior High also performed America the Beautiful, and the Swing Choir sang The StarSpangled Banner. American Legion Wilson Head Post 97 members Joe Kaputa, Larry Ertenberg, Dave Hiney and Jerry Gallob, all ex-Marines, performed flag-raising ceremonies. Crawford pilot Charlie Huff topped off the ceremonies with a fly-over in his Kitfox aircraft.

as is the rest of the group,” wrote Welty by email. The partners, including Kathy Crawford, Rob Dick’s wife and Welty’s lifelong friend, also were drawn to Paonia’s mild climate compared to many other mountain communities of its size. It also isn’t inundated with tourism, and is “not pretentious. It’s a real place.” said Dick, who has lived in Denver for 22 years and also spent time in Steamboat Springs. The area’s restaurants and coffee shops, mining, agriculture and arts community, coupled with relative affordability and proximity to the amenities provided by Delta and Grand Junction were also an attraction. “The members of the group feel Paonia is an ideal community for the third phase of one’s life,” wrote Welty. Many of the existing cohousing projects are geared COHOUSING TO B2

Audit shines light on Paonia’s financial woes BY TAMIE MECK

Photo by Tamie Meck

and living room. A “Universal Design” concept, which accommodates all ages and takes into account life changes, is considered throughout the planning and design process. Development centers around a common house with kitchen, baths, guest quarters, areas for dining and art, and a shop. Added features will include an outdoor woodfired oven and garden space. The entire facility will be fully accessible to accommodate disabilities. That many of the amenities of daily living are located in the common area allows for construction of smaller homes without loss of convenience, said Dick. Partner Trudy Welty is the driving force behind building in Paonia. “My family has a long history there and I am attracted to the beauty, agriculture, art, spirit and spiritual aspects of the community,

$640,000 from its coffers. Request for a 5-minute summary of the audit report from former trustee Bill Brunner got about the only laugh of the evening from the board, which met in a special meeting on Aug. 27 for a presentation by RubinBrown representatives. “We are dealing with issues that have been problematic for a long time,” mayor pro tem Charles Stewart told the fewer than 10 citizens in attendance. “Some of those problems have been or are being addressed.” Stewart said that the biggest concern “is a lack of unrestricted cash, which the town takes very seriously.” In addition to daily operations, the town is in the midst of a $6 million state-mandated water and sewer upgrade. While the project is paid largely by grants and loans, the town must cover expenses in upfront cash, said Stewart.

Due to the severity of the town’s financial picture, the town directed auditors to examine items outside of normal services. Most of what they found was not news to the town. Fraud loss by former town finance officer Kristen Chesnik, which totaled more than $640,000, was discovered in 2012. Auditors delved into payment of overtime in 2014 in excess of $20,000 to employees who were not eligible for overtime and other questionable benefits provided by the town. In addition, the original proposed budget for fiscal year 2015, presented in October prior to the hiring of Berry as town manager, violated state statues requiring local governments to balance budgets. Upon Berry’s hiring in November, the town began putting corrective measures in place, including a reduction PAONIA AUDIT TO B2

It’s Homecoming at PHS BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

School spirit will have nowhere to hide this week as Paonia High School celebrates Homecoming Week. This year’s theme is “A Lifetime of Music.” Throughout the week, classes will compete in sports and other events, vying for both class points and bragging rights. A different dress-up theme is assigned to each day of the week. Today is hobo/hillbilly Day, Thursday is Beach Bum Day. Monday’s theme was “America,” with lots of red, white and blue. Tuesday’s theme was triplets. Homecoming Week varsity and junior varsity sports competitions begin Thursday, with the volleyball team hosting Plateau Valley at 5 p.m. The annual senior barbecue also happens Thursday from 5-7 p.m., in the school commons. Following the volleyball games, the boys take over the gym floor for Peach Fuzz volleyball. First-round games pit seniors versus

freshmen and juniors versus sophomores. Classes can earn up to 40 points for school spirit. The lighting of the “P” and annual bonfire take place after Peach Fuzz volleyball. Friday is Red and Black Day at PHS. The Homecoming Parade begins, rain, wind, snow or shine, at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and Grand Avenue. The route travels north to Third Street and on to Town Park. Spectators should plan ahead, as the 27th annual Colorado Grand car tour, featuring upwards of 85 vintage race cars of distinction, is also scheduled to arrive downtown between noon and 1 p.m.

Adhering to this year’s theme, the freshman float will be based on the Big Band sounds of the 1940s, sophomores will take on the music of the 50s and 60s and Elvis, juniors have the music of the 1980s, and the senior float will be based on the music of the 2000s. The highlight of any Homecoming Week is the football game. The undefeated Eagles football team will face Centauri Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. At halftime, all royalty will be introduced and the 2015 Homecoming king and queen will be crowned. Events wrap up Saturday evening with the Homecoming Dance.

Sewer line work begins BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Work on the Town of Hotchkiss’ long-anticipated sewer line rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin Sept. 28. Most of the work will be done within the town’s alleys, beginning at the alley between Pinon and Cedar streets, and Highway 92 and Hotchkiss Avenue. Contractor Williams Construction will begin moving equipment to the site the week of Sept. 21, according to town engineer Joanne Fagan. The project will continue at an estimated 50 feet per day, depending on weather and other factors, zigzagging

north, and west until it reaches completion in the area between Third and Fourth streets in the area of Big B’s. The contract calls for replacing 6,000 feet of existing sewer line, much of which is made of clay and laid 100 years ago, that is in a state of deterioration, as well as repair and replacement of manholes. A project map is available at the town’s website, townofhotchkiss.com, under “Sewer Main Rehabilitation Notice.” While cross streets will remain open, temporary street closures and one-way traffic can occur as the proj-

ect makes its way across the streets. Daily work will typically begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at around 6:30 p.m. The contractor is requesting the town reimburse overtime costs related to ongoing inspections while there is enough daylight and when necessary. Fagan said she doesn’t believe it will be of significant cost to the town, and allowing them to work a little later might be of benefit, since the more work they can accomplish now, the sooner the job will be complete and less likely it will run into winter when grounds begin to freeze, which could slow work down.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia High School senior Cameron Van Vleet celebrates America by dressing in red, white and blue as part of this week’s Homecoming Week festivities. This year’s overall theme is “A Lifetime of Music.”

B2 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paonia audit FROM PAGE B1 of three full-time staff positions. One option of raising cash is selling off assets it no longer deems necessary for daily operation. Bill Brunner, a local pilot, questioned whether the board planned to sell off its share of the North Fork Valley Airport. The town currently has a 75 percent ownership in the airport, with Delta County owning 25 percent. Under a 2009 agreement, the town is responsible for 75 percent of the cost of capital improvements. Because the airport is not reflected as a fixed asset on financial statements and the town has ongoing financial responsibilities toward it, auditors stated that the town must resolve its position “as part of its plan for restoring financial integ-

rity …” “Some people live here because of the airport and see a lot of value in it,” said Brunner. He said it allows the area “to kind of reinvent itself as a cultural hub, like Napa Valley … Over the long haul you may find that it’s a nice part of the picture” for marketing the area. Stewart acknowledged the airport as a unique asset. “The reality that this town is dealing with is making sure that we have enough cash to pay the bills,” he said. “We look at it as something that has to be addressed.” The authors of the audit said nothing about selling off the airport, noted trustee Ross King. Before any decisions are made, the town will review the current contract and bring the public in on the discussion. “It is something that

we as elected trustees of this town are required to address,” said King. The issue of the cost of audit services drew public criticism. In addition to the $28,000 RubinBrown originally contracted for the audit, the town is paying $18,000. As reported in the Aug. 19 issue of the DCI, the town was negotiating with auditors for an additional $10,000 in services after they were directed to examine the budget beyond the bounds of a normal audit. The original bid was for 175 hours and auditors billed for an additional 250 hours, but at 50 percent of the normal hourly rate. “They understand the difficulties the town is experiencing,” said Berry. While a typical audit for a town with a budget of $2 million or less would

cost $27,000-$35,000, “this is a very unique situation,” said Berry. Rather than compare the cost to a town of similar size, “you would have to compare it to a town that has experienced the issues this town has over the last several years.”

Berry added that future audits won’t require the depth of examination that the 2014 audit required. “There was quite a bit of righting the ship in the 2014 audit.” “I appreciate the manner and depth in which they examined the

issues,” said trustee Eric Goold, who called it “the most thorough audit the town has ever had.” While Goold described the situation as bleak, “This puts us in a position where we know exactly where we’re at, and where we need to go.”

ty” that requires commitment and participation, he explained. The project is in the design phase and 3Cycle Studio in Hotchkiss is both the architect and landscape architect. Price per unit is estimated in the $200,000 range, depending on a number of variables, said Dick. Units will be sold on a first-come, firstserved basis. Developers

are working closely with the Town of Paonia on the application process. The project represents upward of $2 million in new housing, said town manager Jane Berry at a recent meeting of the board of trustees. For information, contact Welty at 303-243-0870 or weltyappointments @gmail.com, or Dick at robdick@gmail.com or 970-846-8786.

Cohousing FROM PAGE B1 toward baby boomers, because as people age their perspectives on life and daily needs begin to change. While the project is geared toward those age 65 and older, it is not age-restricted. However, said Dick, buyers need to understand that they are entering into a relationship. “They’re buying into a concept and a communi-

Welcome to

Paonia High School

HOMECOMING FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 Hobo/Hillbilly Theme Day Movie Night - 7:00 p.m.

Red & Black Day Boys Tennis Tournament at Canyon View Homecoming Parade - 12:30 p.m. Football vs. Centauri - 7:00 p.m. Crowning of Homecoming Royalty during halftime.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17

Beach Bum Theme Day Boys Tennis vs Durango, 3:00 p.m. Volleyball vs. Plateau Valley - 3:00 4:00 & 5:00 p.m. Senior Barbecue - 5:00-7:00 p.m. Peach Fuzz Volleyball - 6:30 p.m. Bonﬁre and Lighting of the “P” - 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Cross Country at Gunnison - 9:00 a.m. Boys Tennis Tournament at Canyon View Homecoming Dance - 8:00-11:00 p.m.

Attend the PHS Homecoming festivities and show your support for the Paonia Eagles! ��

GO EAGLES!

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240 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO (970) 527-4187

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�� A place where you can bee yourself

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Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

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Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency ��

270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Littlest fruit steals show at Tomato Fest BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

If there was a Best in Show at this year’s Tomato Fest, it would likely have gone to the diminutive Mexican Midget. The marblesized heirloom variety won in two categories, with grower Randy Slater claiming the “tastiest”

category and Matt Kottenstette claiming this year’s “smallest” tomato honors. The four-hour festival, held Saturday at The Creamery pavilion in Hotchkiss, paid homage to the blush-est of fruits (and yes, tomatoes are fruit) and member of the nightshade fam-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Local celebrity judges Katherine Colwell, Matt Kottenstette and Don Foster cast their votes Saturday during the Delta County Libraries 2015 Tomato Fest at The Creamery in Hotchkiss. This was the second year for the event, which was also held Sept. 10 at Delta.

ily, with contests, seedsaving demos, a tomato scavenger hunt, and a tomato haiku contest. Other winning tomato entries included: Ugliest tomato - Barb Hunsley Prettiest - green zebra grown by Kelsey Altman Best Dressed - Charles Carlson Biggest - 26.3-ounce striped German grown by Joe Van Horn The haiku contest drew 86 entries, including nine library staff entries. Drew Harris won the “under 16” category with the following haiku: The Taste of Summer/The Ruby of the Garden/A Delightful Treat. Marv Kieca won the “16 and over” category: Daughter of Nightshade/ Ruby temptress of palates/ come and kiss my lips. The “most humorous” category went to Amelia Hickam with: Tomatoes are gross/Kind of like a cow’s weird toes/ Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, ewwww. Some of the tomatoes were grown from seeds obtained from the local library seed-saving program, which for two years has been maintained by Hotchkiss librarian Sarah Pope. The festival was held in conjunction with the Hotchkiss Farmer’s Market.

Photo submitted

Exceptional Eagles

On Sept. 11, the pictured Paonia Elementary School students were recognized for demonstrating S.O.A.R. behavior: (back row, left to right) Taylor Gibson, Simon Cox, Leona Myers, Jorge Carrillo, Royal Fulton and Ryder Hart for achievement and respect; (front row) Levi Morgan for order and respect, Jilli Mills for achievement and respect, Lane Arterburn for achievement and respect, and Gunner Lee and Emma Watts for achievement. Way to S.O.A.R. students!

Learn what it takes to become a firefighter Hotchkiss Fire District is recruiting volunteer firefighters. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning about what is required to be a volunteer firefighter is welcome to attend the district’s “Make Me a Firefighter” events. The first will be held on the evening of Friday, Sept. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. The second event is Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 2 p.m. Both

events will be held at the Hotchkiss Fire Station at 193 W. Hotchkiss Avenue. Information will be available about being a volunteer firefighter, training and the many services that fire departments provide. Anyone wanting to volunteer may start the process at these events. Volunteers must pass a criminal

background check and drug test. Anyone interested in volunteering who cannot make either event may call the station at 872-3311 and leave a message. They may also email Hotchkiss Fire at contact@hotchkissfire. org or through Facebook at www.facebook. com/HotchkissFire.

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Colorado Grand road racers return to Hotchkiss Friday The Colorado Grand celebrates its 27th annual tour with a lunch stop in Hotchkiss on Friday, Sept. 18. The Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce has hosted a lunch for the Colorado Grand road racers on their multi-day jaunt around Colorado for 19 of the past 27 years. The Colorado Grand is a noncompetitive road race that involves nearly 100 exotic and vintage cars and covers 1,000 miles of Colorado’s most scenic roadways. For obvious scenic reasons, the Colorado Grand has chosen a route through the North Fork Valley nearly every year since 1988 — stopping for lunch in either Hotchkiss or Paonia.

The cars that participate in the Grand are of a unique pedigree. Participants drive pre1960 vintage sports cars — some of the painstakingly restored cars are nearly a century old, and are a thrill to behold. The cars will begin arriving at the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss around 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and will all be back on the road by 1:30 p.m. The lunch stop is a fun event that the public is encouraged to attend. There is no admission to see these amazing automobiles and the drivers are excited to let you examine their vehicles close up. Not only is this event a thrill to attend, but the

Colorado Grand Association is a charitable organization that leaves money in the valley when it leaves. In return for lunch, the Colorado Grand board donates $7,500 to the Hotchkiss Chamber, provides a $7,500 scholarship to a Hotchkiss High School senior, and in years past has provided significant additional donations to local nonprofit organizations such as the North Fork Ambulance Association, Memorial Hall, Needle Rock Family Health Clinic and the Paradise Theatre. The chamber will be organizing a lunch catered by local chamber member restaurants. Barbecue beef, beans and rolls will be provided by

Zack’s Bar-B-Q; veggie wraps, salad and slaw will be prepared by Pat’s Bar and Grill. In addition, Big B’s juice and fresh, local fruit will be on the menu. The cost of lunch for community members is $8. Visitors may feel free to mingle with the drivers and support crew. In years past, well-known personalities, including Jerry Seinfeld, have participated in the event. A driver list is not released prior to the event, but a good time is guaranteed for all who attend. For more information on the event, call Nathan Sponseller at Delta County Federal Credit Union, 872-4277, or call the chamber at 872-3226.

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B4 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Become an ambulance association member now The North Fork Ambulance annual membership brochure was mailed to over 5,000 homes and businesses on Sept 15. The best reason to become a member is it will help keep emergency ambulance service responding from within each of our communities! The North Fork Ambulance has been serving the valley since 1969 and currently has stations in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford. Since it receives no tax revenues, the all-volunteer nonprofit relies heavily on memberships and donations in order to continue to provide compassionate and timely pre-hospital care and transport. This year they have set a goal

of increasing membership by 50 percent, from 1,800 members to 2,700 members. Why do I need to purchase an Ambulance Membership? Because accidents happen, even healthy people sometimes get sick and the North Fork Ambulance wants to be there to help you or your loved one in an emergency. Will an Ambulance membership save me money? Yes, your membership covers your insurance co-pay if you are transported and your deductible has been met. What if I have not met my deductible, or don’t have any insurance? As a member, if you are transported and

you do not have insurance, or have not yet met your insurance deductible, you will receive a 60 percent discount on your bill. What will non-members pay for a transport to DCMH? Non-members are responsible for 100 percent of their bill, which is typically between $900 and $1,200 per transport. How do I sign up? Complete the membership application and mail your payment, or sign up and pay online a www.northforkambu lance.com Look for the Ambulance Membership brochure in your mail this week, sign up online, or call 872-4303 for more information!

Hotchkiss approves $1,500 for NFMAD BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

North Fork Mosquito Abatement District board president Rain Klepper came before the Hotchkiss council on Sept. 10 to request money to continue mitigation work after the organization ran out of payroll money the first week of August. While the organization made it through the entire 2014 season without having to

ask for money, the wet, warm spring made for a long and especially challenging season. The Hotchkiss area where the district’s western, southern and northern borders end are “literally like our front lines of defense from preventing adult mosquitoes from coming into the town,” said Klepper. The NFMAD, funded by a mill levy of 1.802

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mills, has “squeezed every dollar in a ruthless manner,” said Klepper. Cost to maintain the Delta County Fairgrounds and other public spaces in Paonia and Hotchkiss represents about 8 to 10 percent of the total budget. Klepper said that the NFMAD is seeking ways to raise revenues, including giving private property owners who are doing work on their land and charging about half the actual cost, donation letters to file with their taxes. “So the mill levy is not enough is what you’re saying?” asked trustee Larry Jakubiak. “No,” said Klepper. “It really isn’t.” To continue to make payroll through early November and complete work in key areas such as the Delta County Fairgrounds and Willow Heights Park will require $3,700 to $4,000 in physical mitigation work. That work will help reduce habitat where the West Nilecarrying Culex mosquitoes over-winter. If next spring brings wet weather, projects would have to be tabled until fall. Last year, mosquito season went into November, so it’s conceivable it could continue well into October this year. “We can’t finish the projects without help,” said Klepper. The organization’s only resources are the town and Delta County. Klepper said the Board of County Commissioners would give double the amount the town would pledge. Trustees approved $1,500, to come from a line item budgeted since 2012 for mosquito control efforts following mosquito problems experienced in 2012. Trustee Larry Jakubiak cast the sole dissenting vote, and Carrie Wingfield was absent from the meeting. NFMAD “has gone through extraordinary measures here to combat mosquitoes and West Nile Virus,” said mayor Wendell Koontz, “and we thank you.” Council also discussed the issue of the two-hour parking signs, which are not enforced. “I personally don’t believe we have a parking problem in Hotchkiss,” said Jakubiak, adding that the signs create the problem. Ideas included removing the two-hour signs and installing signs pointing people to the public lot next to the Creamery and upgrading the Elks parking lot. ShadeScapes USA recently announced it will bring 16 jobs to town and is currently remodeling the Buffalo Collection building for office space. Council said it would like to seek a solution prior to those jobs arriving. There is a vacancy on the planning commission with Mary Hockenbery stepping down.

Delta County Independent

Shish KaBikes is more than just a bike shop BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

“Shish KaBikes” may seem like an unusual name for a bike shop, but once you meet Scott Shishim, it makes perfect sense. Shishim opened Shish KaBikes in Paonia this summer. Located at 202 Poplar Avenue, the shop offers bicycle parts and accessories and a full line of bicycle repair services and custom work. From fixing flats to complete overhauls, “I can pretty much fix it all, and if I don’t know it, I can figure it out,” he said. Shishim, 36, moved to Paonia with wife Teresa and daughter Sonoro to be closer to family. Teresa, a graphic designer, owns Yoka Design. His parents, Dave and Maggie Shishim, who have lived in Paonia for more than a decade, are avid cyclists and have competed in triathlons. When Scott was in fifth grade, “they got me this teeny little road bike,” and he quickly learned to ride and to repair bikes. He raced both road and mountain bikes from middle school through college, and has also been a cycling coach. While earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Fort Lewis College, he worked for Durango Cyclery, which opened more than three decades ago and specializes in recycled bikes. During his three years at Durango Cyclery, Shishim said he repaired and recycled a lot of bikes, sharing space with professional racers and professional cyclists, some of whom were involved in the Tour de France and other high-profile races. The store has a limited number of bikes in stock, including a unicycle, and a broad range

Photo by Tamie Meck

Scott Shishim opened Shish KaBikes in Paonia this summer. Shishim offers parts and accessories, a full line of repair and customization services, and, of course, bikes. of cycles can be special ordered. Shishim carries a pint-sized model with no pedals or gears, known as a balance or “Strider” bike. It’s a great way for young children to learn to ride by learning balance and steering first while avoiding the bad habits of using training wheels, said Shishim. Once they master those skills, “it’s easy to transition to a pedal bike.” Sonora, now 4, learned on one, said Shishim, and was riding a bike before she was 3 years old. Shishim also makes good use of his degree in K-12 physical education. After graduation he taught P.E. at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy in Ignacio. When he isn’t running the shop he is a substitute teacher for the Delta County School District. Shishim said he sees a good future for cycling in

the North Fork area. At a recent Monday morning Coffee Collider at The Hive, discussion focused on ideas for improving the enjoyment and accessibility of cycling and ways to use the sport to promote the area’s beauty, its organic farms and wineries, hotels and dining establishments. He wants to promote bicycling for all ages and is a proponent of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program. Shishim said he will keep the store open until weather says otherwise. During winter he hopes to shift into high gear as a substitute teacher and do repairs and take orders by appointment until it’s time to reopen next spring. Shish KaBikes is open Tuesday through Saturday and can be reached at 527-4614.

Finale of film school is Saturday in Paonia The Paonia Film Festival took a sabbatical during the Paradise Theatre renovation and upgrade to restructure and set a new course as a biennial event. The Festival year now alternates with a workshop series titled Paonia Film FestivalFilm School. With the generous support of the Colorado Grand and Mountain Harvest Creative grant(s), the organization was able to offer scholarship funds to attend the series, hoping to inspire budding filmmakers to get out there and start making movies.

The education program also hopes to feed the submission pool for the comeback of the festival, set for April 28-30, 2016. The series launched with a student trip to Aspen ShortsFest in April to which five North Fork youth were awarded scholarships to attend. Guest editor Davis Coombe (The Cove, Chasing Ice, Being Evil) christened the workshop series at the Paradise in May and throughout the summer local instructors Jordan Schevene, Dakin Henderson and Todd Sheets continued with the

series. Workshop themes have spanned from editing and storyboards to documentary interviews. The Film School finale, Doc Shorts with Jay Canode, is Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Paradise Theatre. As Film School wraps up, the focus of the organization shifts to seeking submissions for the 2016 Festival. Early submission deadline is Jan. 8, 2016. Full details for submissions can be found at para diseofpaonia.com/paoniafilm-festival/ or contact Ali off-submissions @paradiseofpaonia.com.

Montessori students observe 9/11 with visit to fire station North Fork Montessori at Crawford, a Delta County public school, observed Sept. 11 by presenting the Crawford Fire Department with a freedom quilt. The first, second and third grade students learned about the tremendous courage shown by the firefighters of New York City, on

that tragic day in 2001. They learned how our local firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, keep us safe. Then, each of the 41 students made a “patch” for a “freedom quilt” to celebrate firefighters. Friday, Sept. On 11, they walked to the Crawford Fire Depart-

Freedom quilt

ment, where Ralph Clark and his crew showed them the fire trucks, uniforms and helmets that firefighters use. The students experienced what it is like to be hoisted up on a mechanical stretcher. At the end of the day, when their teachers asked the students what they had learned, they all agreed they had not realized how incredibly brave firefighters are. The students had a wonderful time during their visit to the fire department, but also learned that fighting fires is a very serious endeavor.

Sam Johnston tries on a ﬁre helmet.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Think yogurt for lunches and snacks BY MELISSA WDOWIK, PhD, RDN Colorado State University

As children head back to school, many parents are searching for ideas for lunches and afterschool snacks. Yogurt is a popular option, with sales of more than $7 billion a year in the U.S. There is a growing body of evidence that it is a nutrition powerhouse, but there are also important precautions to keep it from being a decadent dessert. First, its health benefits: • Fermentation is the process used to turn milk into yogurt. The live bacteria created in this pro-

Photo submitted

A decade of service

Lois Jump has earned her 10-year service award from Delta County Memorial Hospital.

cess are believed to influence the whole body’s immune response. How? The bacteria in the digestive tract send signals to immune cells in the intestinal lining, which then communicate with cells in the bloodstream; these activities may then influence one’s risk of infections and brain function, important for keeping kids (and adults) healthy. • Live cultures in yogurt are also helpful for digestion. These probiotic bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, maintain the balance of organisms in the digestive tract by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria. This can reduce gas and bloating while promoting a healthy gut and digestion. • Calcium is abundant in yogurt, and the acidity of yogurt makes it easier for the body to absorb it. Yogurt is also a generous source of vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium, all important for the health of the heart, bones and brain, yet typically low in the American diet. • Protein is another essential nutrient in yogurt, contributing to the health of the brain, muscles, bones, skin, hair and nails. Greek yogurt can be particularly valuable in this arena, with anywhere between 11 and 25 grams per serving.

Second, its drawbacks: • Yogurt products marketed specifically to children often contain more sugar than fruit. Do not be distracted by the bold lettering that promises no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors or sweeteners. The ingredients list shows products such as Trix yogurt contain milk, sugar and cornstarch, with traces of fruit or vegetable juice for color. With almost 3 teaspoons of sugar in a 4-ounce cup, these are almost as sweet as soda. • Yogurt in squeezable form may sound convenient, but 2 teaspoons of sugar and lots of additives (even natural ones) make these more like cookies than milk. • Flavored yogurts also contain high doses of sugar, unless they are artificially sweetened. How much sugar is OK? Plain unflavored yogurt has between 8 and 16 grams of sugar or carbohydrate per cup (6 to 12 grams per six-ounce container); this is the natural sugar from milk, while anything above that is from added sugars. I love coconut yogurt as much as anyone, but in what world does a blend of sugar, water, cornstarch and coconut constitute a fruit? No fruit serving here, just an occasional treat. • Nondairy yogurts

made from soy, almond and coconut milks offer an alternative to anyone avoiding dairy, but many are more processed and have added sweeteners to make them taste and feel more like dairy. They are also sometimes less likely to be fortified with

calcium and vitamin D. Be sure to read labels to get the most nutritious. Yogurt can be a nutritious lunch and snack addition for children of all ages. The bottom line: reach for varieties high in protein and low in sugar, and beware car-

toon characters. Melissa Wdowik, PhD, RDN, is an assistant professor at Colorado State University in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and director of the Kendall Anderson Nutrition Center.

Larry Vincent promoted to DCMH chief financial officer Larry Vincent was recently promoted from controller and human resources director to chief financial officer for Delta County Memorial Hospital. He has been with the Delta hospital for seven and a half years and will now be supervising hospital departments including nutritional services, information systems, housekeeping/laundry, physician billing, medical records, purchasing/ maintenance, accounting, patient accounting and human resources. Longtime CFO Beverly Carlson is retiring in late September after working for the hospital for the past 11 years. “DCMH owes a huge vote of gratitude to Bev Carlson for helping this hospital as CFO for the past decade. She has been instrumental in finding ways to help the hospi-

tal to stay in the black,” commented Jason Cleckler, CEO. “It has been a real honor to work with Bev over the past several years. She has been very instrumental in ensuring the ongoing success of this hospital. Her knowledge and expertise will be missed.” Vincent said Carlson was the most encouraging and best supervisor he has ever had, and the hospital will miss her knowledge and understanding of health care. Vincent was born and raised in Delta. He graduated from Delta High School in 1977 and went on to Western State College in Gunnison, majoring in accounting with a business minor. “My biggest challenge to being chief financial officer is learning all of the changes in Medicare and Medicaid occurring

constantly, as well as the nuances of the Affordable Care Act,” Vincent said. A new controller started Sept 1. Larin Jones will fill the position vacated by Vincent. He was born and raised in Delta and graduated from DHS in 1987. He obtained a degree in accounting from Colorado State University in 1992.

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�� Larry Vincent and Larin Jones

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B8 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS

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Delta County Independent

September is Healthy Aging Month

Three health tips for older adults

September is National Healthy Aging Month. Volunteers of America’s Western Slope health services programs are sharing three tips for older adults this month to promote health and longevity. Get moving. Exercise and other physical activities are good for you. Studies show that people who exercise not only live longer, they live better. Regular exercise and physical activity can reduce your risk of developing some diseases and disabilities that often occur with age. For example, balancing exercises help prevent falls (which are a major cause of disability in older adults), strength exercises help build muscles and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and stretching exercises help you stay limber. Get involved. Studies show that people who are involved in hobbies, social and leisure activities, and who volunteer in their communities, generally report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression. Studies have even shown that staying socially active may reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Get checked. Regular checkups, screen-

ings and immunizations are important for good health. Bring concerns to your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. Remember that mental health is also important. If you find that you are not feeling your usual self, see a mental health provider. The number of people over 45 is growing every year. There are over 76 mil-

lion baby boomers today over 50 and the first of the 82.1 million generation xers are about to reach that milestone in 2015. Both groups have many of the same interests including staying active and vibrant as long as possible. Volunteers of America’s senior living communities offer many ways for older adults to stay active physically and socially. Activi-

ties include daily group exercise classes, crafts, guest speakers, support groups, live music, outdoor trips, healthy meals and more. For more information about these and other services in Montrose and Delta counties, call toll free 1-844-VOA-4YOU (844-862-4968) or visit www.voahealthservices. org.

‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’ to be offered in Montrose

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” an educational series designed to provide caregivers with the resources they need to take care of themselves, is coming to Montrose. Scheduled to start on Sept. 28, Powerful Tools will be presented at Montrose County Health & Human Services, 1845 South Townsend Avenue. Presented by Region 10 and Montrose County, this program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence,

communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Classes consist of six sessions held once a week from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The courses will be taught by experienced caregivers who have successfully applied the techniques they teach. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help caregivers develop the “tools” they need to maintain their peace of mind.

Class participants will receive the book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class. A $25 donation is requested for participants over the age of 60, but not required. Participants under the age of 60 are required to pay the $25 fee. For more information or to register, contact Sandy Walker at 970-7653131 or sandy@region10. net. Participants can also register at www.region10. net/powerfultools.

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Participants await the start of the run/walk around the red rock trails at Conﬂuence Park.

Pea Green Pedal a success Approximately 130 bike riders and 5k walkers and runners participated in Delta County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s fourth annual Pea Green Pedal event Sept. 12. All of the money raised from sponsorships, registrations and the bike raffle are dedicated by the DCMH Foundation to educational scholarships Photo submitted for hospital employees Complimentary lunch was served to about 130 and to hospital programs, adults and children as part of the DCMH Foundaservices and equipment. tion’s Pea Green Pedal.

Photo submitted

DCMH Foundation board member Sue Hicks congratulates Holly Wick of Eckert, who won the Giant 10-speed road bike, valued at $1,500, that was rafﬂed off in conjunction with the Pea Green Pedal.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Making your wishes known: Take time to plan BY JAMES MITTELBERGER Special to the DCI

According to a national survey by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, more than 90 percent of people think it’s important to talk about their loved ones’ and their own wishes for end-of-life care, but fewer than 30 percent of people have actually had the conversation. Many people simply haven’t gotten around to taking the necessary steps to crystallize what they want and to formalize it. Sometimes it’s because people don’t know how to start the conversation with their loved ones. As a physician, I have seen how advance care planning conversations and completing advance directives change the experience for a patient and their loved ones. It may feel a bit uncomfortable to get started, but rewarding conversations with family members today can assure medical care preferences are honored while reducing stress and uncertainty in the future. A great way to start is by thinking about what is most important to you if you were facing a life-threatening or serious illness and could

not convey your wishes. Start reflecting on what you and your loved ones would want, express those desires, and have a thoughtful conversation. After all, no one wants to be guessing about what a loved one would want should a difficult decision need to be made. Here are some simple steps to begin the conversation and planning for important end-of-life health care decisions: • Start with your loved ones. Honest communication can help families avoid the stress of guessing what a family member would want. You may find that you and your loved ones may see some things differently. That’s OK. It is most important that your loved ones know how you want to be treated and are willing to respect your wishes. Decide who you prefer to make decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to express your choice. • Think about what is most important to you. What are your greatest fears, hopes and goals? What do you most care about? Most people can be effectively treated for pain, but how much do you want to be at home; or avoid being on

a breathing machine; or being dependent in a nursing home? How sure are you of your choices? Do you want your chosen proxy to have leeway to change your decisions? Discuss these topics with your loved ones to reach a shared understanding of your desires. • Use the resources available to get better informed and be sure to discuss your choice with your health care providers. You can find valuable resources to help you and your loved ones make decisions more manageable at www.prepareforyourcare. org, theconversation project.org, and aging withdignity.org. • Make it official. Once you’ve had the conversation, it is essential to formalize your decisions by putting them in writing. Complete an advance directive. Special medical orders can be developed with your doctors to represent your care decisions for providers. Finally, assigning a health care proxy or agent identifies the person you trust to act on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes. Be sure to share your documents with your providers and your

Infant mortality awareness BY KRYSTAL MEJIA, LPN Delta County Memorial Hospital

The birth of a new child brings such joy and promise for the future. We cuddle their tiny bodies, count teeny tiny toes and fingers, blanket them with love and dream of the wonderful life we are embarking on together. No one thinks about the possibility of these wonderful new lives dying within the first year. Of not being able to hold them close, to nurture them, watch them grow and develop a unique personality. Yet it happens. By Dec. 31, over 23,000 infants will have died this year. The loss of a baby remains a sad reality for many parents and takes a serious toll on the health and well-being of families. When an infant dies, there’s a ripple effect that occurs. Immediate family is affected of course, but so are extended family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and the emergency personnel that interact with each family at this tragic time. These ripples spread across one’s lifetime, never quite coming to an end and always causing life-altering effects. This is a subject very few of us want to visit, let alone have to put forth effort in raising awareness about it. Yet it must be discussed because our current mortality rate is 12 deaths for every 1,000 live births. According to the CDC, birth defects, preterm births, SIDS, maternal complications of pregnancy and injuries are the top five leading causes of death. With proper education and guidance throughout

pregnancy and the first year of life, these numbers can be drastically reduced. What can we do? How can we make an impact to decrease these deaths? We need to address the ones who are involved the most in the growth and development of these precious lives — the mother. Let’s start engaging women early in their pregnancies and find ways to encourage them to make changes in their lifestyles and lives. We can promote programs such as Healthy Start, which focuses on getting women into prenatal care as early in the pregnancy as possible. Significant savings can accrue from enabling mothers to add a few ounces to a baby’s weight before birth. An increase of about a half pound in birth weight saves an average of $12,000-$16,000 in firstyear medical expenses. Prenatal interventions that result in a normal birth of 5.5 pounds can save $59,700 in medical expenses in the infant’s first year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. A healthy pregnancy begins before conception and continues with appropriate prenatal care and addressing health problems if they arise. Another avenue is The National Healthy Start Association (NHSA), which has developed a campaign, “Celebrate Day 366...Every Baby Deserves a Chance,” to celebrate babies living beyond the first year of life. This program offers education on preventable habits that can lead

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to the death of an infant, such as co-sleeping, pillow bottle propping, overly soft cribs or bassinets and improper car seat restraints. Fewer and fewer infant deaths are unexplainable and are attributed to preventable deaths. Now is the time to have an honest and open discussion with the women who are pregnant or with parents who have infants. Let’s start that dialogue that can save the life of an infant and prevent the ripple effect from devastating the lives of so many. Let’s ensure we watch our future generations grow past their first year of life — to take their first step, to say their first word, to graduate from college, to become president, to celebrate Day 366. Krystal Mejia is a sudden unexplained infant death investigator.

proxy, and to have copies available in case they are needed. This is something that takes time, but can be a rewarding experience. I have seen firsthand the sense of peace, calm and satisfaction families experience when they

are talking about what is important and knowing their loved one’s wishes are or will be followed. Dr. James Mittelberger is the executive director and chief medical officer of Optum’s Center for Palliative and Supportive Care. Optum’s

Center for Palliative and Supportive Care brings together industry experts and Optum capabilities to lead the advancement of palliative and supportive care to ensure every patient facing serious illness lives their best possible life.

B10 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Black Canyon receives dark sky designation The International Dark Sky Association and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are proud to announce the official selection of Black Canyon as an International Dark Sky Park. This highly sought designation means that Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to observe dark skies and has implemented a program of dark sky preservation, education, and opportunities for the public to enjoy the night sky. Black Canyon sits on the edge of the great open spaces shared by western Colorado and southeast Utah, making it a refuge for phenomenal dark, protected skies. It is also close to large population areas, giving visitors the distinct opportunity of being able to observe dark

skies without having to travel great distances from urban centers. This blend of opportunities has made Black Canyon a dark sky destination for many years. Beginning in 1998, Black Canyon partnered with the Black Canyon Astronomical Society in Montrose and Delta to present a variety of programs. Thousands of visitors have stepped up to a telescope at Black Canyon and said “Wow!” The support and dedication of the membership of the astronomical society was integral in making this designation possible. With that support, park staff and local astronomers have been working for several years to make improvements in park lighting, ensuring that it is night-sky and

wildlife friendly. Staff and local astronomers perform light fixture and bulb replacement, dark sky monitoring, outreach programs, news media articles, and in-park interpretive programs engaging the public in the dark sky discussion and conservation efforts. Superintendent Bruce Noble says, “The staff of Black Canyon is thrilled to be the ninth National Park Service site designated by the International Dark Sky Association as a Dark Sky Park. There are many opportunities throughout the year for local, national and international visitors to enjoy the night sky at Black Canyon and learn more about our conservation efforts encouraging the appreciation of such an amazing resource.”

The park was greatly assisted in this effort by the National Park Service (NPS) Natural Sounds & Night Skies Division, NPS Intermountain Regional Office, Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative and Western National Parks Association. Special thanks to the membership of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society. This endeavor would not have been possible without their expertise, commitment and support of dark skies at Black Canyon. In celebration of Dark Sky Park status, visitors are invited to attend astronomy programs offered on the South Rim Sept. 16, along with a special observation of the total lunar eclipse on Sept. 27. Other astronomy events take place

throughout the year, culminating with the seventh annual Astronomy Festival in June 2016. This includes four days of astronomy and solar programs.

For more information about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visit www.nps.gov/ blca and www.facebook. com/blackcanyonnps.

Photo by Greg Owens

Black Canyon National Park is a dark sky destination.

Welcome to

Olathe High School

HOMECOMING

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 Color War: Freshmen - Orange, Sophomores - Purple, Juniors - Green, Seniors - Black Powder Puff Football, 7-8 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 Freshmen - Hobos, Sophomores - Rednecks, Juniors - Pirates, Seniors - Togas

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

GO S! E T A R I P

Blue and Gold Day Assembly, 9 a.m. Parade, 2:15 p.m. Cross Country at Ridgway, 3:00 p.m. Football Game vs. Roaring Fork, 7 p.m. Crowning of Royalty during halftime.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 Volleyball at home vs. Basalt, 11 a.m., Noon & 1:00 p.m. Homecoming Dance 8-11 p.m.

Come on out and show your support of the Olathe Pirates!

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ates! Go Pir

Go Pir ates!

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�� A place where you can bee yourself

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�� Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency 270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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GO PIRATES!

SURFACE CREEK September 16, 2015

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

It’s Homecoming week at CHS BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Students, staff, alumni, fans and friends of Cedaredge High School are well into 2015 Homecoming activities. The excitement has been building all week. The community really gets involved on Friday when the annual homecoming parade marches through town around 1 p.m. and a pep rally gets going in Town Park afterward at around 1:30. Everything culminates at the big game Friday night, Sept. 18, against Aspen at 7 p.m. with crowning of the king and queen at halftime. On Saturday, students will enjoy their annual homecoming dance with a futuristic theme at the school. According to the school, on Monday the high-spirited

activities began with a caveman theme day and a school assembly focused on awkward games. A double-feature movie night followed at 6:30 featuring “The Croods” and “Back to the Future.” On Tuesday, togas were in style and a cookoff event accompanied by lawn games provided the day’s energetic outlet. Wednesday brings a “Mr. Cedaredge” contest that rides onto the school grounds astride a Western theme day. A food eating competition is also on tap. Throwback Thursday events include a sing-off competition and a battle of flapping lips and swaying hips with a lip syncing activity. The annual bonfire and chili cookoff are scheduled for the evening on Thursday.

Chili needed for fire fundraiser BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Organizers of the annual Five Alarm Chili Cookoff fundraiser for the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department are asking the community to be extra thoughtful this year and prepare a pot of chili to donate for the Thursday, Oct. 1 event. This hugely popular community chilifest requires lots of chili to satisfy area residents who want to participate in tasting the various offerings and make a generous donation to the department’s firefighters. Last year’s event was so popular that supplies of donated chili dishes to serve community supporters ran critically low. Some said that the chili “ran out,” and that is an occurrence no one wants to see happen ever again. The Five Alarm Chili Cookoff has long been the biggest fundraiser for the department firefighters, and for over a

decade it was the only real, community-wide fundraising event for the department volunteers. The volunteer fire department that trains professionally and that uses the fire trucks and other equipment to keep local families and property safe comprises a separate organization from the county’s Fire District #3. Firefighters need every dime they can raise in order to buy expensive safety gear and other necessary equipment. The Five Alarm Chili Cookoff will be held this year on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the firehouse. Donations of a pot of favorite chili — red, green, homemade, or whatever — can be brought to the fire house from 1 p.m. that day. If you have to drop yours off earlier in the day, that will be OK, too, organizers say. Donations of chili do not have to be entered in the cookoff judging which begins at 4 p.m. followed by service to the public starting at 5 p.m.

Scenic variety

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

From the highly eroded clays and shales of Delta County’s ‘dobielands to the exuberant heights of the West Elks, local landscapes provide an immense, fascinating and pleasing variety of forms and vistas to occupy a meandering day trip taken in any direction one chooses. View above was encountered from a point along Hulteen Road.

Town board ponders court sports funding BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Cedaredge trustees find themselves in the position of playing referee for a contest between local tennis players and a community of pickleball players. The pickleball players are working to establish their popular new sport using town facilities — once the preserve of tennis — and they have asked the town to budget funding of their activity. But the group’s effort is running into political headwinds. “We are asking the Town of Cedaredge to budget approximately $2,100 to fund your estimated cost of $600 each

for the [striping] of three courts for pickleball, and for two additional nets at $160 each for the 2016 spring use,” said pickleball players Karen Locke and Jeannie Pippin in an August letter to the town recreation committee. “We believe [striping] of courts can be properly done for less money … Once we are up and running with proper courts, we will be in a better position to raise funds (grant dollars perhaps) for the fourth court to be [striped] and an additional net. “We have approximately 40-plus individuals on our pickleball contact list and are still growing.”

But there is a bit of competition, on both athletic and political grounds, being generated to the pickleball players’ request The pickleball players’ letter was followed a few days later by an email sent to Town Administrator Katie Sickles from tennis player and town recreation committee member Bill Welch. Welch had previously addressed the town board citing concerns that the large number of pickleball players might overrun use of courts intended for, and funded in part by local tennis players. However, those early conCOURT SPORTS TO C3

Pops in the Park marks ninth year BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

It began with a musical flourish and ended with a military salute. The ninth annual Pops in the Park concert presented by the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus was enjoyed by an audience of around 200 people Saturday, Sept. 12 at Cedaredge Town Park. Conductor Michael Kern and the 40 accomplished orchestral musicians in the symphony set the musical tone for the evening with a medley tribute to the music of James Horner. It included theme music from the movies “Braveheart” and “Apollo 13,” Kern explained. Horner, who died in a plane crash in June, is also known for the musical scores he composed for the films “Titanic,” “A Beautiful Mind” and “Field of Dreams.” The concert also featured a “Tribute to the Big Apple” — including the melodies of “New York, New York” from the 1944 musical “On the Town,” and the theme from the Broadway musical “New York, New York” which was popularized by Frank Sinatra. Kern explained to his audience that he hadn’t realized when he prepared the evening’s music score that the concert would be taking place the day after the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As local music lovers enjoyed the almost two hours of performance by the symphony and chorus, they lounged in folding chairs, snacked on light picnic treats, and socialized with friends, family and neighbors. Serving as emcee for the event, Bruce Hovde of Cedaredge recounted the chance meeting between him-

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

A tuba-playing member of the Valley Symphony Orchestra performs during a number at the Pops in the Park concert given for free last weekend. self and concert master Deb TenNapel on a town sidewalk nine years earlier. Their conversation led to the first Pops in the Park and the eight which have followed. The musicians and chorus members bore all of their own expense to come from all around Delta and Montrose counties, and from Ouray and Grand Junction to perform

the free community concert on a perfect summer afternoon and evening. Boy Scout Troop 482 of Cedaredge performed color guard duties. Following the opening medley of James Horner melodies, conductor Kerns turned his musicians to another medley called “Summer Dances,” appropriately named for the occasion. That was followed

by a tribute to Louis Armstrong with music of “Hello Dolly;” the melancholy and bittersweet favorite “What a Wonderful World,” and more music with a definite Dixieland flavor. Another medley, “Superman Returns,” featured iconic music by John Williams and others. The Valley Symphony Chorus performed a selection of energetic and upbeat songs, some of them with an ethnic theme, before intermission. Supporters of the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus sold homemade pie with ice cream as a fundraiser during the event. Following intermission, the concert concluded with John Philip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell,” a tribute to American freedom, before the final selection of the music of Americana. The signal from Mark Eckhart’s scale-sized working cannon signaled the end of this year’s performance. But there was one more entertaining treat in store for concert goers. As the cannon shot rang out, a little black terrier named Yogi sitting quietly with his master was startled by the cannon blast. He took off like a cannon ball himself, and streaking across the grassy knoll in front of Centennial Bandstand he provided an entertaining finale to the evening, according to accounts of the happening. This year marks the 45th anniversary season for the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. The Cedaredge free Pops concert performance was repeated in Montrose the following day in an outdoor venue at the Cobble Creek development. There will be a 45th Anniversary Gala performed in Montrose on Oct.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Along with the music and song, there was dancing.

17. Following that, the regular concert season will begin with a performance on Oct 25, then proceed with performances on Dec. 5, Feb. 28, April 3, and April 23. Full information and tickets are available at valley symphony.net.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

The annual Pops in the Park ended with its traditional military salute provided courtesy of Mark Eckhart of Cedaredge.

C2 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

A short history of the schools at Eckert Editor’s note: With students, teachers and friends gathering on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for an allschool reunion of Eckert School, Norm Kehmeier wanted to share a history of the schools with our readers. The reunion is at the Eckert Presbyterian Church, 13025 Highway 65, Eckert, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Anyone who attended Eckert School at any time is invited.

BY NORMAN KEHMEIER Special to the DCI

The Surface Creek school district once covered an area from the Gunnison River on the south to the upper crossing of Kaiser Creek

on the north, and from Rogers Mesa on the east to Doughspoon Creek on the west. A Captain William Spalding taught the first school in the Eckert area at his home in 1884. In 1885 he moved the school to a one-room building a half-mile south of Eckert. It was called the Central School. The original Central School still exists and has been remodeled into a private residence. If as many as 17 pupils were in a school district, the school board could authorize a split and form a new district. A new school would be built and thus reduce the distance the students had to travel. By 1907 these splits had resulted in at least nine

schools being established in the original Eckert school district. Still there was a need to expand Central, so another room was added to the original. Eight grades were being taught at Central at this time. If a student wanted more education, it was necessary to travel outside the district, which in this case meant going to Delta. In 1910 the citizens at Eckert started talking about building a local high school. A bond issue was passed, and the brick building was completed in 1912. The first senior class of eight students was graduated in 1913. The Rev. James Hunsicker was the first principal at the new high school. Gertrude (Miller)

Kehmeier was hired in 1915 to teach German, speech and dramatics. James G. Patton, former president of the National Farmers Union and agricultural advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was “Athletic Director,” coach, and classroom teacher at Eckert during the mid 1920s. Mr. Patton grew up in Paonia. The story is told that at about this time an English teacher at Eckert had her class write a letter to Sun Yat Sen, the famous Chinese politician and philosopher, and that he wrote an answer to the class in return. The Central School continued to house the first eight grades until 1937 when the mid-

dle-school grades were moved up the highway to the Eckert high school building. In the spring of 1942 Eckert High School graduated its last senior class and that fall some thirty high school students were sent to Cedaredge. In 1947 Central School was closed and grades one through

eight were taught in the old Eckert high school building. In 1981 the building ceased being used as a school and all twelve grades were bused to Cedaredge. (The above has been excerpted from the book Across the Wilderness by Norman Kehmeier, selfpublished in 2006.)

Enjoy ‘Overtime’ at Methodist Church The Cedaredge Community Methodist Church is hosting “Overtime” on Friday nights following any game, beginning at 8 p.m. Overtime is fun, games, refreshments and a safe, warm place for all

middle school and high school youths. The next one is Sept. 18. The church is located at 210 NW 3rd Street in Cedaredge, and the activities are held in the basement.

Cedaredge Homecoming 2015 Wednesday, September 16

! S N I U R

Western Theme Day Food Eating Contest Mr. Cedaredge Contest

B O G

Thursday, September 17

Throwback Thursday Theme Day Sing-Off and Lip Syncing Contest Chili Cookoff - Bring a pot of your favorite chili at 2:30 p.m. Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. Volleyball at home vs. Gunnison, 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00 p.m. Bonﬁre at Dusk

Friday, September 18 Blue and White Day Softball Tournament in Delta Homecoming Parade 1:00 p.m. followed by Pep Assembly at the park Football vs. Aspen - 7:00 p.m. with Crowning of Royalty during halftime

Saturday, September 19 Boys Soccer at Battle Mountain Volleyball vs. Rangely - 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 p.m. Homecoming Dance - 7:00 p.m.

We proudly support the Cedaredge ��

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Bruins!

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Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Court sports FROM PAGE C1 cerns have apparently abated as Welch’s email began, “When playing tennis, we have amicably shared the courts with pickleball players. From this limited experience it does not seem that two dozen pickleball players are going to show up and dominate the courts.” However, there are other issues needing to be dealt with, the email goes on to say. “The pickleball players are apparently requesting three courts be [striped] for their use. If it is decided to stripe courts for next year, I would strongly suggest only one tennis court be [striped] and that those two pickleball courts run north/south which will have less impact on tennis players using the other court concurrently.” Local politicking over pickleball doesn’t end there. At the Sept. 3 workshop, trustees aired a view that pickleball players should be campaigning for a 25 percent sales tax increase that town hall wants for funding “healthy living lifestyles.” Welch’s email sounded the same theme. “On the other hand,” wrote Welch, “if the [tax increase] ballot measure should fail, then I think it’s up to the 40-plus pickleball players to step up and contribute generously to the town for the modification of the existing courts.” The ballot measure is asking voters to approve

an increase of the town’s sales and use tax from 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent. It also specifies how the revenue is allocated to the town’s various budgeted funds, and removes TABOR restrictions from all sales and use tax revenues. The trustees’ Sept. 3 discussion also explored other issues: about who pays and who doesn’t; about expectations for funding and the attitudes that are being expressed. The town board earlier this summer had agreed to spend money and buy a net and a set of pickleball paddles for loan to pickleball players. And trustees are now discussing another tentative solution: that if it costs $1,200 to stripe two pickleball courts, the town might pay for striping one and the pickleball community could pay for striping the other one. While the town’s proposal for a “healthy lifestyles” sales and use tax is already creating disagreement and competition for money, trustees themselves are contemplating how tax money should be spent on all similar activities. A proposed resolution already under consideration by the town board states, “The board of trustees have determined that residents should not be taxed only to have the town tax dollars contributed to programs or projects that individual residents could support on their own.”

Staff Writer

The Surface Creek Community Services food bank will be conducting its annual fall food drive this coming Saturday, Sept. 19. There will be a truck and food bank personnel on site at Cedaredge FoodTown from 9 a.m.

to 3 p.m. to accept donations of non-perishable food items or donations by check. The SCCS food bank plays an important part in the community’s life by providing supplemental nutrition at no cost to as many as 260 local families every month throughout the year,

Eckert artist awarded top spot in California quilt exhibit When you hear the word “doors” do you think of entering your home or job or storefront, a hidden passage, or something more abstract and emotional? Twenty-four members of the Grand Junction Art Quilt Association (AQuA) submitted their fiber interpretation of “Doors” for a special exhibit to hang in October at both the Quiltfest Oasis in Palm Springs and the 24th annual Pacific International Quilt Festival (PIQF) in Santa Clara, Calif. Fiber artist Betty Busby of Albuquerque, N.M., juried the submissions and provided this assessment: “It was wonderful

to see the many creative approaches and interpretations of your theme; the artists are quite individual in their approaches to their work.” Busby singled out five pieces for special recognition. The top pick (and also the AQuA members’ choice award) was a quilt by Delta County artist Nancy Vanaken of Eckert, “These are the Doors of our Lives” with a realistic rendition of open post office boxes. Using her own photographs as a reference, Nancy said, “We all hope for something exciting; we watch for the mailman and eagerly open the ‘door’ to our daily lives...

bills, letters, notices, ads, newspapers, information.” The other four quilts earning special recognition were works by Jan Warren, Wendy Bain, Mary Grande, all of Grand Junction, and Terry Lee of Carbondale. Juror Busby summarized the fiber art entries for the show saying “There were quite a range of emotions expressed as well, from grief, to love and forgiveness, and family played a very strong role in many of the pieces. Both abstract and representational works were strong.” She therefore

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Nancy Vanaken’s “These are the Doors of Our Lives” quilt earned top honors and will be displayed at two California exhibits, along with quilts from other members of the Grand Mesa Art Quilt Association.

according to an SCCS board member. This week FoodTown is holding its annual case lot sales event. It will make the contributions from a generous public go even farther in helping the SCCS food bank restock its shelves for the coming winter season.

determined that all of the original Doors entries will be displayed in California, which is clear recognition of the talent in this fiber art group and explains why members invited to participate in such prestigious shows as PIQF. AQuA welcomes new members and meets monthly in Grand Junction per the calendar on its website, theartquiltassociation. com where all the Doors quilt photos are posted. Follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TheArtQuiltAssocia tion.

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Fall food drive set for Saturday in Cedaredge BY HANK LOHMEYER

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

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Town hopeful about golf course finances BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Though the town’s water fund was tapped for cash to support the golf course in 2014 and 2015, Cedaredge officials are hoping the golf course won’t be using more cash assistance from the water fund in 2016. Town Administrator Katie Sickles told trustees during a Sept. 3 work session on the 2016 budget, “We are hoping for positive financial contributions this year.” The town board in 2014 authorized a resolution transferring $39,040 from the water fund to the golf course via a “purchase” of water shares. In the Cedaredge budget process, water shares act as vehicles for money that is transferred through purchase and sale among various funds to provide cash where needed. An additional $21,372 cash from other sources was transferred to the golf course that

ing restaurant lease income of $19,700 and cash of $63,374 from other sources including the water fund. �� Audited financial results for 2015 won’t �� be available until next year. The town is asking voters in November to approve a 25 percent increase in sales and use taxes for “healthy living lifestyles.” The ballot measure �� is asking voters to �� approve an increase of the town’s sales and use �� tax from 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent. The mea�� sure would amend the �� municipal code to specify that 20 percent of the �� tax revenue go to the �� street capital improvement fund, 20 percent to �� the recreational capital improvements fund, 15 �� percent to the capital �� improvements fund and 45 percent to the gen�� eral fund. It would also �� remove TABOR restric�� tions from the sales and use tax. �� General fund tax dollars have in the past been used to subsidize the golf course, a practice strongly disfavored by town residents. In a recent town hall surreceives $20 and third vey, almost 60 percent opposed using tax money place receives $10. �� Judging will take for the golf course. place on the porch of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce office at 245 W. Main Street at 11 a.ma. on Friday, Oct. 2. Your pie must be delivered to the chamber office between 8 and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the contest. New series, H2O - September 20th through November 8th “We look forward to having all of our wonderCEDAREDGE ASSEMBLY OF GOD ful bakers bringing their pies,” said an event sponFind out more @ www.cedaredgeag.com sor. “Let’s kick AppleFest off in a big way this year.” Sundays 10:00 a.m. dress code is casual, come as you are! year, according to the town’s 2014 audit. The board’s action was required, according to the resolution, because the golf course fund had projected a 2014 revenue shortfall of approximately $25,000 and additional shortfall in 2015. In an email to the DCI, Sickles stated, “There is no need to sell the domestic (municipal) water owned by the golf course to the water fund, because of the great job done by the golf course staff.” She also noted, “The $66,000 [from the water fund] is slated to be repaid one half in 2015 and one half in 2016. According to numbers from the town’s 2014 audit, operating expenses for the golf course were $455,634 that year against operating revenues of $356,295, generating a loss of $99,339. That hole in the golf budget was plugged partially with money from non-golf sources includ-

Enter your apple pie in baking contest The Cedaredge FoodTown and Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce are proud to sponsor the annual AppleFest apple pie contest. The contest is open to anyone and consist of two categories — truly homemade pies and pies bake by commercial bakers. There will be first, second, and third place prizes in both categories. There will not be a grand prize. The first place prize is a $50 gift certificate from FoodTown. Second place

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C4 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Plants of the Western Slope A look at local flora with Evelyn Horn Gum Weed What a summer this has been! Fairly cool with lots of rain showers and fast growing weeds. There is still lots to see scattered along North Road and here is one of my favorites! It’s Gum Weed that I knew in Nevada, Utah and California. Allen finds a place to pull off the road. And I’m out of the car to study this subshrub. It’s about a foot tall and covered with bright yellow flowers. I pinch a leaf and a thick, white substance oozes out — gum weed. Since it occurs in a variety of soil types, this plant

Luncheon for seniors is Sept. 20 Eckert Lodge #136 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons will host a luncheon on Sept. 20 for the seniors in the community and any widows in the community. This is an opportunity for some of our senior citizens to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. Donations are appreciated but not required. For information or to RSVP please contact Slim Farnsworth by email, slim@ slimfarnsworthcowboy poetry.com. Doors will open at noon, lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The lodge is located at 295 W. Main Street in Cedaredge.

is expanding its range north to Minnesota and British Columbia, south

Photo by Evelyn Horn

Gum weed plant seen on North Road

to Texas and west to California. Gum weed usually occurs in dry areas up to 8,000 feet elevation. The alternate leaves are oblong, sessile (no leafstalk), sticky and up to three inches long. The edges are toothed, often almost spiny to the

touch. In the sunflower family there are often two types of flowers in each blossom. The outer “petals” are called ray flowers while the center of tiny tubular flowers are called disk flowers. In gum weed, each inchwide flower head has 20-40 ray flowers and a dense center of disk flowers. The individual flowers are held together by small, leaf-like structures call bracts or phyllaries. In gum weed, the bracts or phyllaries are very noticeable with more than four layers or rows and all the tips protruding outward and downward. The Latin term describing this particular arrangement is “squarrosus,” hence our plant’s botanical name is

Grindelia squarrosa in honor of D. H. Grindel, the 18th century Russian botanist. Other common names are curly-cup, gum plant, rosinweed and tarweed. There are over 50 species in the genus or group Grindelia, found in North and South America, with 10 species in the Rockies. I’ve found no mention of the plant as an edible, but it is of significant medicinal value in the treatment of throat, lung, stomach and bladder ailments, and skin irritation, including poison ivy. Enjoy our clear blue skies and lovely autumn wildflowers.

The First Baptist Church of Cedaredge, 370 W. Main Street, invites children to a very exciting program for kids between the ages of 3 and 18. The group will meet every Wednesday evening (6:308 p.m.) during the school year, except for school breaks and holidays. Our staff of nearly 30 adult volunteers comes excited about working with these kids every week. From preschool to high school, kids have fun playing games, memorizing Bible verses and par-

ticipating in large group singing and teaching. A nominal fee is charged to cover the costs of awards, books, uniforms and materials. But no one is turned away for lack of funds. We do have some scholarship funds available. Most of the AWANA activities are held in Wick Hall on the alley behind our sanctuary. For information please call the church office, 856-3830, Pastor Abbott, 856-3005, or the AWANA commander, Kevin, 835-8490.

Bountiful harvest

Cedaredge Community Gardens shared some of its bounty recently when Dea Jacobson presented a basket full of fresh vegetables from the garden to Anne Wenzel of the Western Colorado Community Foundation. The foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to the organization this past spring. The Cedaredge Community Garden will have its annual yard sale fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cedaredge Plaza on Highway 65, south of Connie’s Restaurant. All sales are by donation.

What’s bugging you? BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

Cedaredge AWANA begins Sept. 16

Photo submitted

I was going to discuss watering issues this week, but a house call about saving aspen trees has gotten me sidetracked. The new owners of a recently purchased house in Cedaredge wanted to know if the aspens in their yard could be saved. My answer was a qualified yes. Some of these aspens were 20 years old while others were root sprouts that had developed into small trees thus far. The previous owner had let the aspens fend for themselves and cut them down as they died from a multitude of causes. The older aspens were planted on the east side of the house (good) but never were watered except by

rainfall (bad). Their leaves were the size of nickels, showing extreme stress. There were also many dead branches and the presence of cytospora canker, an incurable branch and trunk disease. Here are my recommendations for these older trees: Do everything to remove all the stress these trees are now under. I would begin watering every 21 days until the first freeze and then every two months. I would return to the 21-day frequency in the spring. The key is to water deeply but infrequently. Overwatering can suffocate tree roots, leading to yellow leaves and eventual tree death. I would also put two inches of bark mulch in the aspen planting area for water conservation and cooling of tree roots. I would prune out all the deadwood. I would also apply imidacloprid insecticide as a soil drench in the very early spring to help control the poplar twiggall fly and perhaps for flatheaded borers (metallic wood borers). In the spring, when the new leaf buds begin to open, I would spray the developing foliage three times at seven- to 10-day intervals to minimize marssonina blight on leaves. I would also apply a nitrogen fertilizer, ammonium sulphate (210-0-24S) in the spring. No fertilizer should be applied to trees and shrubs after July 4 to avoid winter kill problems. The smaller, younger cottonwoods are being damaged by deer and need a small diameter wire cage placed around them

to protect them from buck antler rubbing. These same trees show evidence of flatheaded borer activity and should receive the imidacloprid treatment as well. I would also spray these trees and the older trees between June and August for egg-laying adult flatheaded borers with a permethrin insecticide product. These applications would be every two weeks and would not be repeated in subsequent years unless the borers returned. Spray the entire tree, with a focus on their trunks. Most borers attack only trees that are stressed, as these trees are. So promoting vigorous growth and health is our goal here. Since aspen trees are only marginally adapted to our lower elevations and clay, alkaline soils, we must do everything we can to make them comfortable. Planting on the east and north sides of our houses is best. West and southern exposures can scorch their leaves. Also, rock mulches will reflect unwanted heat into the trees, making them uncomfortable. Aspens, while drop dead gorgeous with their attractive bark, rustling leaves and golden fall color, can be a pain to maintain in our lower elevation landscapes. You might consider alternatives if you are not prepared to do those things that increase their success. While my suggestions above were addressing trees with problems, keeping aspens stressfree using my management tips will go a long way in helping them live long and prosper. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology.

CMS students dream of a greenhouse BY McKENZIE MOORE DCI Intern

The students in Cedaredge Middle School’s gifted and talented department are always hard at work creating projects for the betterment of not only Cedaredge, but all of Delta County. Back in 2011, the GT students designed, promoted, and built a disc golf course that’s free and open to everyone interested at any time. Their most recent accomplishment, a large climbing wall in the gymnasium, attracts many visitors and athletes for the unique opportunity to learn the skills necessary for mountain and rock climbing. Now, Mr. Craig and the students of CMS GT formulate plans to build a greenhouse at some point in the future. They plan to begin applying for grants and getting the support of the community to help launch the project as soon as possible. Mr. Craig also helped the students last year in creating such a large project. They worked together to design a greenhouse, using computer software, then build

a model of their creation based entirely off their own ideas, not past blueprints. In addition to providing a way to use the sale of potted plants for fundraising opportunities, the greenhouse at CMS will teach students aquaponics and the care of different kinds of plant life. Mr. Craig also states that the building can be used as an outdoor classroom. “We hope that classes at CMS can use it to study biology or just have a large space outdoors for projects.” Although the project hasn’t taken off, CMS’ gifted and talented department never ceases to amaze the community of Delta County. With many successful projects in the past, an outdoor classroom or greenhouse will surely be another great experience for both the students involved and the members of the community who use it. Mr. Craig voices his excitement about the future of the project. “It’s mostly just a dream at this point, but we can’t wait to get started.”

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS September 16, 2015

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta volleyball team 7-0 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s volleyball team played five games last week, beginning with Central’s Warriors on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The Panthers also played twice on both Friday and Saturday as they hosted a volleyball tournament on those two days. Friday’s opponents included Gunnison and Pagosa Springs. Saturday’s games were against Aspen and Cortez. In each contest, Delta came away with victories. So far this season, the Panthers have amassed one of their best records in recent years with a mark of 7-0. Head coach Beth Nelson is very pleased with her team’s progress so far this season. “They compliment each other and play in harmony. All of these girls work and play hard in practice.” Delta 3, Central 0 Juniors Ashton Reese and Emily Baier look to be contending for the team’s kills leader each week. Ashton, a transfer from Texas, won last week’s competition in the team’s first match against Central. Reese pounded down 19 kills, and Baier posted 16 for a combined 35 of 39 team kills. Baier and Shanan Davey shared team honors for digs with 19 each while teammates Shelbi Ledesma and Reese had 11 and 10 digs respectively. Junior Emily Nortnik took care of all assists for the Panthers with 38 dishes. Delta’s closest set was the first at 25-19. The Panthers wasted little time, and effort, disposing of the Warriors 25-14 in set three. Delta won the third set, and the match, with a 25-17 decision. Tournament Play Delta 3, Gunnison 0 The Panthers were the class of the field in Pool A play in Delta. A 3-0 start against the Cowboys on Friday was impressive, with several players contributing big to final results.

Renewed rivalries highlight girls XC BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

A new chapter was written in an old rivalry at the Hotchkiss Cross Country Invitational girls’ race last Saturday at Hotchkiss High School. Hotchkiss senior Mae Anderson cruised to a first-place finish, completing the hilly course in the adobes behind the high school less than 25 seconds ahead of secondplace finisher Chelsea Meilner of Paonia. GIRLS XC TO C6

Photo by Eric Goold

Hotchkiss senior Mae Anderson is pictured on the last rise before the ﬁnal stretch of the race. Anderson won the race.

Delta scored wins of 25-15, 25-14 and 25-15. Reese was dominating offensively with 23 kills in 35 attempts for a .457 kill percentage. Baier was the team’s next highest contributor with 11 kills. Baier and Nortnik had four aces each to lead that category while Davey had 12 digs. Nortnik dished out 32 assists, and Davey and Reese were reception leaders with 20 and 10 respectively. Delta 3, Pagosa Spgs 0 Delta’s opening set was a 25-18 victory. In set two

the Panthers cruised to a 25-10 win and claimed the match victory with a 25-14 third set. Baier and Reese combined for 29 of the 32 kills recorded, with Baier leading the way with 16. Dani Sakala had three blocks and Reese two while at the net. Digs accolades went to Reese with 13, and Davey added another 10. Nortnik’s 28 assists was the team’s top number in that category. Delta 3, Aspen 0 Delta’s dominance continued on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Aspen.

The Panthers gave up 16 points in the first set, 14 in the second and 13 in the third as they coasted to a win. The match’s kill leaders were Baier with nine and Reese with seven. Twelve service aces were recorded in the match with Davey, Baier and Shelbi Ledesma credited with three each. Other stat leaders for Delta included Davey with 24 digs and Nortnik with 21 assists. Delta 3, Cortez 0 Delta’s final volleyball match of the weekend was against Cortez. Baier and Reese were once again to top kills leaders for Delta with 12 and 16 respectively. Four players recorded double digits in digs, including Davey, 22, Ledesma, 17, Reese, 13, and Nortnik with 10.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge volleyball players Lydia Knutson, nearest, and Hannah Gilmore block effectively against Plateau Valley last Friday in Cedaredge. The Bruins won the match, 3-0.

Cedaredge volleyball team eases to victory BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Ashton Reese drives the ball across court for a point against Gunnison last Friday at Delta’s Invitational Volleyball Tournament. Reese had 23 kills in Delta’s 3-0 win.

After last week’s volleyball action Cedaredge is 2-0 in 2A/1A Western Slope Grand Mesa League standings and 33 overall. Paonia’s Eagles lead the way at 2-0 and 3-0. The Bruins played two matches last week and scored 3-0 shutouts in each contest against Plateau Valley on Sept. 11

and Caprock Academy on Sept. 12. CHS 3, PVHS 0 The Cowboys provided some top competition against the Bruins but could not break into the win column. Cedaredge won the first set 2517 and then fought off the determined crew from Collbran with two straight wins with scores of 25-19. Hannah Gilmore was

Eagles win 25th behind Walters, stingy defense cepting Weinreich and taking the return back for an 18-yard touchdown Make it 25 in a row for and a 35-0 advantage. the Eagles. Walters took care of Paonia’s high school the rest, running for a football team played in 62-yard score and finding front of its home fans for Miller on a touchdown the first time this year hookup, this one a pass last Friday night and the of 12 yards, and Paonia Eagles showed that the finished the scoring in present and the future the contest with over a are looking good. minute remaining in the Player of the Year Tayfirst half. lor Walters ran for three After posting two huge touchdowns and passed seasons as an underclassfor two more while the man, Walters is poised to Eagles’ young defense have one of the statistiput a touchdown on the cally best careers ever for board and Paonia rolled a Colorado high school to a 49-0 win over visfootball player. But he iting Ignacio at Paonia doesn’t think about that. Town Park. “I just go into the “I liked how we worked game and it’s the game,” as a team,” Walters said. Walters said. “I want to “Our blockers are doing win game by game and really good and using all not think about anything the technique we taught else. It’s for the team.” them. We got better this Senior Colby Simpson week and just let it go was a perfect 7-for-7 on during the game.” extra point tries and has Walters set the tone yet to miss a PAT this on Paonia’s first offensive season. possession, taking a quarWith the first team sitterback keeper around ting out the second half, the Ignacio defense for a Paonia fans watched as 19-yard touchdown run Caden Meilner, Sackett and a quick 7-0 lead. Chesnik, Jesse Burns Ignacio was shortand Riley Simianer all handed, fielding 17 playgot their first work playing varsity football for the Eagles and showed that the future is in good hands. Coming up next on the schedule for the Eagles (2-0) is Friday night’s homecoming contest against Centauri, slated for 7 p.m. at Paonia Town Park. Centauri’s Falcons were the last team to beat the Eagles over two years ago. “Centauri is kind of a rival now because they beat us and then we beat them to win the first state championship Photo by Eric Goold game,” Walters said. Paonia quarterback Taylor Walters calls an audible during the ﬁrst quarter of “We’re gonna come out the Eagles’ game against Ignacio. Paonia had little trouble with the Bobcats and work hard and try to win that game.” as it rolled to a 49-0 win.

BY ERIC GOOLD

DCI Sports Writer

ers for the contest. That dwindled to 15 by the end of the game and reports on the Bobcats’ sideline indicated that only one of those players was a true lineman. The visitors responded by playing an unorthodox hurry-up offense that employed a swinging gate formation, where the center was flanked by two receivers and quarterback Zach Weinreich lined up in the shotgun. The rest of the Bobcats were way on the other side of the line of scrimmage in a big bundle of receivers and blockers. “That was brand new to us. That was crazy,” Paonia sophomore defensive end Jaden Miller said about the unusual offense. “We had no clue they were gonna do that.” It didn’t take the Eagles long to adjust and get the offense back on the field. Five plays later Walters burned down the sideline for a 44-yard score and Paonia led 14-0. Ignacio’s next drive ended in a turnover on downs after Miller’s big

sack of Weinreich. A lot of new faces are getting used to playing Paonia’s trademark tough defense. “We’ve been practicing good, and we’ve been picking it up,” Miller said. “A lot of us are brand new so we’ve been learning a lot. It’s been an experience, that’s for sure. We’re getting there.” The Eagles needed eight plays to find the end zone on their next drive. Walters connected with junior Trevor Smith on a 1-yard scoring strike and Paonia led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. After sophomore Cyrus Malek-Madani intercepted Weinreich on the Bobcats next possession, Paonia upped the lead to 28-0 after Miller’s 1yard touchdown run on a handoff from Walters. “It’s amazing,” Miller said. “I remember watching him (Walters) in eighth grade and I was like, yeah, I want to be there someday. So it’s really cool to be here now.” Trevor Plymale was next to step up for the Paonia defense, inter-

coach Heather Dunbar’s choice of Player of the Game for the Bruins. The hard-playing junior hammered 10 kills, had two assists and blocked six attempted kills. Other top leaders in kills included Nellie Freeman and Kenzie Henderson with seven kills each. Kendall McHugh led the Bruins with six aces while Lydia Knutson and Freeman recorded seven and five blocks each. Henderson and Amber Jenkins paced the Bruins in digs with 20 and 13 respectively. McHugh turned in the team’s highest number of assists with 13 dishes, and Jenkins and Lacey Love recorded 13 and 10 service receptions respectively. CHS 3, Caprock 0 The Eagles were no match for Cedaredge’s experience and the 30 score indicates that. Cedaredge won the first set 25-9 and scored wins of 25-14 and 25-15 to close out the match. Henderson was Cedaredge’s kills and blocks leader with 12 and five. Gilmore was next in both those categories with 10 and 4 respectively. Freeman, 15, Jenkins, 13, and McHugh, 11, were the top three digs leaders for Cedaredge. McHugh finished the match with 29 assists. The Bruins are scheduled to host Gunnison on Sept. 17 with freshman play set to begin at 4 p.m. The junior varsity plays at 5 p.m., and varsity action is scheduled for 6 p.m. Next Wednesday’s schedule has the Bruins hosting De Beque for matches beginning at 5 and 6 p.m.

County XC boys shine on Saturday BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

Three Delta County high schools saw vastly improved performances from their boys’ cross country teams at the Hotchkiss Invitational last Saturday at Hotchkiss High School. The hilly 5k course got hotter as the day went on, and the boys ran the final test of the event. Montrose standout Ian BOYS XC TO C6

C6 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Brown runs for 5 TDs in 48-13 Panthers’ grid win BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta evened its prep football record at 1-1 with a 48-13 decision over the visiting Pagosa Springs Pirates. Junior Tristan Brown, playing running back for the injured Jonny Ponce, dominated offensive play for the Panthers with 18 carries, 158 yards and five rushing touchdowns. The Panthers had over 300 yards of total offense. Ponce is scheduled to return to Delta’s lineup after next week’s bye. Ponce suffered a deep bone bruise to a leg that sidelined him from the second quarter through the remainder of the game in the Panthers’ loss to Montrose. On the game’s first possession, Pagosa Springs had the ball for a big portion of the opening quarter, with its offense moving the ball down to Delta’s 15-yard line before losing it on downs. Brown, on a 4yard run, ended an 85yard drive that took 10 plays. Brown plunged into the end zone with just 44.5 seconds remaining in the first period.

A.B. Ontiveros kicked the extra point, giving Delta a 7-0 lead after one quarter. The Pirates began their first scoring drive at the end of the first quarter and scored on a 60-yard scoring strike to sophomore Ty Kimsey from Isaiah Griego early in the second period. The try for extra point failed, leaving Delta on top 76 with 11:22 left before halftime. Delta countered the Pirates with a score of its own on its next possession with Brown getting his second touchdown from four yards out. The drive began on Pagosa’s 48-yard line and took just six plays. The extra point kick was good, leaving Delta with a 146 lead with 8:47 left in the half. On the scoring drive, an 18-yard pass from sophomore Drake Horn to senior Braden Atchley kept the drive moving. Neither team scored on its next possessions. Delta’s defense pinned the Pirates deep in their own territory on its next possession, forcing a punt that was returned to Pago-

sa’s 33-yard line. From there it was strength and speed that netted Brown his third TD of the game after scampering those 33 yards to paydirt. A successful PAT made it 21-6 with 4:00 left before halftime. The Pirates began their next drive from their own 20-yard line. Pagosa Springs scored on a gadget pass play from Griego to Craig Tamburelli that covered the final 62 yards. The PAT kick was good, making the score 21-13 in Delta’s favor with 2:31 left in the half. Delta began its next possession at its own 47-yard line and worked quickly to move the ball. Horn found Atchley down the right sideline for a 28-yard aerial on a thirddown play to keep the drive alive. After that Horn found senior tight end Kory Mills in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown toss. The 53-yard drive took nine plays and left Delta with a 28-13 halftime lead following the extra point kick. Following halftime, Delta got the ball first and began a drive from its own 38-yard line. Brown’s fourth touchdown came on a 24-yard run that punished several Pirate defenders along the way. Ontiveros’ extra point kick was wide left,

making the score 34-13 with 8:29 left in the third period. The Pirates next possession fizzled when they went for the first down and lost three yards on a fourth-and-long to turn the ball over on downs. Delta began its next drive from its own 40-yard line with little time left in the third quarter. Delta continued its drive in the fourth quarter and, on its ninth play, dished the ball to Brown for his fifth score of the game on a three-yard plunge. The point after was good and gave Delta a 41-13 advantage at the 9:32 mark of the fourth quarter. Brown was responsible for Delta’s final score by making a defensive play that set up the game’s final score. Pagosa Springs was forced to punt from its own end zone. Brown stretched out to block the punt, with the Panthers recovering on Pagosa’s 1-yard line. Horn got the call on a quarterback sneak for the final score. Ontiveros was good on the PAT to make the final score 4813. Delta is off next week but will resume its scheduled play in Steamboat Springs against the Sailors on Sept. 25. Game time for that contest is 7 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta senior Brendan Atchley held onto this pass from Drake Horn to complete a 28-yard play that kept a Delta drive alive. The Panthers used Atchley’s heroics to set up their fourth touchdown on a 9-yard pass to tight end Kory Mills.

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia sophomore Caden Meilner crosses the ﬁnish line just ahead of De Beque’s Zach Powell in last Saturday’s Hotchkiss Invitational cross country race.

BOYS XC

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta running back Tristan Brown bulls his way into the end zone, against Pagosa Springs, for his ﬁfth touchdown of the game in a 48-13 victory for the Panthers.

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CONTINUED FROM C5 Meek was the overall winner for the second week in a row, and he did it in impressive fashion. Following a personal challenge, Meek stayed on the start line an extra 30 seconds and let the entire field get ahead of him. He then promptly passed every single runner to win the race in 17 minutes, 47.93 seconds. Paonia sophomore Caden Meilner was the first Delta County boy across the finish line, posting a 16th place time of 19:34.33. “I felt like I was going at a really comfortable pace, but I still had more inside of me,” Meilner said. “I was working on keeping a constant pace and not killing myself on the first couple of miles. I had a really good finish, so yeah, I felt pretty good out there.” Delta freshman John Ames posted the best finish for the Panthers at 20:10.61 and 29th overall. “I ran this course in middle school. It’s a tough course, with a lot of turns and more hills,” Ames said. “We have a young team, but I think

we’re getting better each week. It feels like a second family.” Hotchkiss saw its best finish from Gabe Rodriguez, who was right behind Ames in 30th place overall with his time of 20:12.24. “It was really tough competition. I saw several of our boys finished stronger today than they have in the past couple weeks,” Hotchkiss coach Kelly Cowan said. “So I was really pleased with them doing it that way.” Hotchkiss just missed its goal in the team standings, finishing sixth. Gunnison won the race, Delta finished in seventh place and Paonia was ninth. Sam Rodriguez was right behind his brother at the finish line for Hotchkiss, posting a time of 20:13.36. Zack Allen (20:32.62), Owen Mattison (22:33.88), Parker Katzdorn (23:03.99), Trenton Carr (24:21.30), Nick Jung (25:23.05) and Myles Zoutte (27:36.72) rounded out the team effort for the Bulldogs. “Our boys just missed our goal of the top five, but that’s okay,” said Cowan. “It’s a tough, tough course

here so I was real pleased with how the kids did.” Paonia got a second consecutive strong race from junior Tim Helmer, who was the second Eagle across the finish line at 20:39.24. “Tim has really stepped it up this year,” Eagles coach Brandy Sparks said. “He looked very strong today and I think all the boys did really well.” Bo Pipher was the third Paonia runner across the line with his time of 22:30.98. Ben O’Rourke was next at 23:35.98 for the Eagles and Ethan Bartlett (25:19.90), Dominic Limone (26:53.63) and John Deck (42.18.48) completed the team results for the Eagles. “All these meets that we’re going to are workouts for the big meets at regionals and state,” Sparks said. “We had a hard week of practice and I know they came in this morning sore, but it’s all about getting in shape and getting ready for that regional meet.” Delta’s large, young squad, with five freshmen and six sophomores, was paced by Ames, Elias

Carlson (20:35.34) and Logan Freed, who was the third team runner across the finish line at 21:41.65. David Husmann (22:23.28) and Paul Connett (23:03.58) were fourth and fifth, respectively, for the Panthers. “We’ve got a fairly good-sized boys’ team, and of course they are fairly young, which is a good thing,” Delta coach JB Lopez said. “They’re showing a lot of promise. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Aaron Lohrberg (23:21.71), Thomas Neil (23:32.42), Rodolfo Contreras (23:45.40), Charlie Reid (24:18.38) and Ryan Cooper (25:46.30) were the next Panthers to finish the run. Delta’s Lane Mayberry completed the course in 25:47.66. Ronald Jackson (26:34.65), Joshua Dillon (26:57.08) and Micah Kathrein (28:54.85) rounded out the team runners for the Panthers. “This is a tough course,” Lopez said. “I can tell they’re getting into great shape. They were able to maintain their conditioning throughout the race, so that’s a good sign.”

think if she was feeling as good as she can feel she might have done better. But I’m so proud of her. She did a great job.” In the team standings, Eagle Valley won the race. Hotchkiss was third, Paonia finished fourth and Delta was seventh. Hotchkiss runners Kaiya Firor (23:33.55) and Sophia Schelle (23:43.77) finished seventh and eighth overall, respectively, on their home course. Mariah Griffith (27:03.01) and Ashley Ziemer (32:40.81) completed the Bulldogs’ team score at the race. “With the girls, we were hoping we could get three runners in the top 10 and we did that so I was real pleased there,” said Hotchkiss coach Kelly Cowan. “I was hoping for a top-five team finish and we did that. So they did well today and I was real proud of them.” Paonia sophomore Brooke Hillman was strong for the second

consecutive week, posting a 14th place time of 24:16.70. “I’m really impressed with Brooke today,” Eagles coach Brandy Sparks said. “This is a tough course and she gave it all she had, and that’s all I ask. Placing, that’s great, but I want to know that they’ve done their best and I’m confident that today she did. I was really impressed.” Nora Dransfield (26:40.16), Macy O’Rourke (27:13.45) and Megan Limone (31:58.41) rounded out the Eagles’ team effort. Delta senior Abbi Beckwith missed the race so she could take the ACT. After Music finished fifth, Delta was well-represented in the standings. Beki Atchley was the second Panther across the finish line at 25:24.53. Anha Richards (26:20.52), Summer Hood (33:13.49) and Amanda Fuller (34:16.16) completed the team totals for Delta.

GIRLS XC CONTINUED FROM C5 “I was really motivated today,” Anderson said after completing the challenging, up-and-down 5k course in 22 minutes, 9.36 seconds. “This was my last chance to win on my home course so I decided to go for it.” Anderson and Meilner have competed in a friendly rivalry since the seventh grade. Meilner charged off the start line and led the field for most of the mainly uphill first mile of the race. “I love the hills, but as soon as I got on that back stretch that’s where Mae definitely excels,” Meilner said. “She excels all the way around. It’s always been my goal to catch her. Maybe someday, but it wasn’t today. I was happy with my race.” Anderson was able to overtake Meilner during the second mile of the course during the flatter section of the run. “She kept the lead for the first mile, then down in the valley I got ahead

of her,” Anderson said. “Then I decided to keep the lead. I had to push the pace and opened it up a little. That was my strategy.” Meilner’s second-place time of 22:34.54 was well ahead of the third- and fourth-place finishers, two runners from Eagle Valley. It was also the best finish Meilner has posted in her cross country career. “Mae has just been faster than me the past few years,” Meilner said. “She’s been the person to beat, the person to pace with. On the course we’re super competitive, but off the course we’re super good friends too. It works out nicely.” Delta senior Mykayla Music continued her strong start to the season by finishing fifth overall with her time of 23:19.68. “The girls looked good today. Our girls’ team is small, and they’re pretty young,” Delta coach JB Lopez said. “Mykayla last year won this race, so I

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Delta diamond crew wins 4 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s softball schedule is hectic to say the least. Last week was a five-game schedule and another five-game stint was scheduled for the second week in a row. The Panthers were in Palisade on Tuesday, Sept. 8, where they scored a 19-8 win in six innings. On Friday, Sept. 11, Delta played a doubleheader against the visiting Durango Demons and scored wins of 17-7 and 20-2. A Saturday doubleheader against Cortez produced a split in games with Delta winning the first contest 12-6 and Cortez the second game by a 12-8 decision. Delta 19, Palisade 8 The Panthers began the week with success when they held off a surging Bulldogs’ nine to win a 19-8 decision in 4A WSL play in Palisade. Freshman Jenna Sutliff showed why Delta coach Steve Reiher has the talented player in the lineup. All Sutliff did was hit two home runs and a double for five RBIs. Sutliff also scored four runs for Delta. Sutliff wasn’t the only

Panther who had good days at the plate. Junior Saydee Culver was 3-5 and one RBI while senior teammates Hannah Easter, Keilee Womack and Rachel Huerkamp picked up two hits apiece for the winners. Easter was the pitcher of record for Delta with 6.2 innings of work with three hits allowed, eight runs and 11 strike outs. Durango DH Game 1 Delta 17, Durango 7 Lily Lockhart, the Player of the Game for Delta, had two base hits in the opener against Durango and both were home runs, raising her season total to seven. Megan Sandoval also cleared the fence to end the game in the sixth inning with the 10-run rule in effect after Sandoval’s bomb made the score 17-7. All Sutliff has done to date is go 15 of 30 at the plate for 2015 for a .500 batting average with 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Not bad for a freshman. Against Durango in the first game Sutliff led the hit parade for the Panthers with three hits in four at bats, including a double. Nadia Hall and Lockhart finished with two hits apiece.

Easter was the winning pitcher for Delta in the opener against the Demons. She had seven strike outs in the game. Game Two Delta 20, Durango 2 An 11-run first inning more than set the tone for how the game would end. Delta scored two times in the second frame and ended the game with a seven-run third inning after the Demons had scored their second run in the top of the third. Seven Delta players hit safely against the Demons, including Womack’s third dinger of the season. Lockhart had a double, while Easter, Huerkamp, Hall, Sandoval and Culver all had singles. Cortez DH Game 1 Delta 12, Cortez 6 A big game for Lockhart helped Delta overcome a 6-3 deficit for a 12-6 victory in a 4A nonconference softball game. Lockhart hit two home runs and drove in six runs in the win at home. Cortez scored twice in the first inning and three times in the third for a 5-3 advantage. One more run in the fourth had Cortez ahead 6-3. The score changed quickly in

the bottom of the fourth as Delta scored six times to take a 9-6 lead. Three runs in the fifth shifted momentum to Delta, and Cortez did not recover in a 12-6 win for Delta’s Panthers. Easter picked up the win, her fourth of the season, for Delta. Game 2 Cortez 12, Delta 8 Delta started slow and stayed slow as it dropped a non-league game to the visiting Cortez Panthers, 12-8. Cortez took advantage of Delta miscues to jump to an early 4-0 lead with two runs in each of the first two innings. A five-run fourth boosted Cortez’s lead to 9-0 before the host Panthers plated two runs on a home run by Womack. Each team scored twice in the fifth for an 11-2 Cortez lead. Delta gained some ground with three runs in the sixth after Cortez had scored once in the top half of the inning. Delta scored one run in the bottom of the seventh and left runners on base, leaving the score at 12-8. Sandoval and Lockhart paced Delta’s offense with two hits each while

Womack’s home run netted two RBIs. The Panthers played second-place Eagle Valley, 1-0 and 2-2, on Tuesday, Sept. 15 with those results being reported in next week’s paper. Up Next Delta will host tournament play on Friday

and Saturday and play two games each day. On Friday the Panthers face Durango, 1-5, in a 3 p.m. contest and then play Montrose, 2-3, at 5 p.m. Saturday’s opponents for the Panthers include Gunnison, 5-3, at 11 a.m. and Cedaredge, 5-1, at 1 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Junior Saydee Culver just managed to knock down this ground ball to make a play against Durango during doubleheader action played in Delta last week. Delta defeated the Demons 17-7 and 20-2.

Bruins maul Skiers in DH going. That is wickedly header action at The true for the Aspen Skiers Field of Dreams. Aspen, sporting a You have to start some- who visited Cedaredge’s where to get where you’re softball team in double- team of 14 freshmen and

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Junior Lacey Rodriguez picked up this bunt by an Aspen player last Saturday at The Field of Dreams and made an accurate throw to ﬁrst base for an out. The Bruins won both games of a doubleheader, 17-0 and 16-6. Aspen’s roster indicates a very young team with 14 freshmen and one sophomore listed. Aspen is new to the 3A District 5 League in 2015.

one sophomore, had the daunting task of taking on the 3A District 5 league leading Bruins last Saturday. At 4-0 and 5-1, the Bruins’ only loss of the year was to Faith Christian, 15-13, earlier in the season. In game one there was no score in the first inning. After that the runs came quickly and far too often for the Skiers in a 17-0 shutout. Game two was also lopsided, but the Skiers managed to score six runs in a 16-6 loss. Game 1 Bruins 17, Skiers 0 Cedaredge teed off on Aspen pitching in the second and third innings with seven and 10 runs respectively. The youth and inexperience showed as Aspen committed six errors in four innings of play. Cedaredge outhit the Skiers 15-1 with three players picking up three hits each. Brittney Thliveris led the way with a

3-3 day that included a double and three RBIs. Chey Christian knocked in two runs while going 3-3 with two doubles. Kelsey Stroud also had three hits in three at bats with an RBI. Josie Hiatt was 1-3 with three RBIs. Stroud and Samantha Galley had triples in the game. Brittany Kendall was the winning pitcher for Cedaredge. Game 2 Bruins 16, Skiers 6 Aspen took a 4-3 lead after one inning of play in game two. That lead vanished when Cedaredge outscored the Skiers 7-1 in the second inning. The Bruins continued their hitting supremacy with two more runs in the third and three in

the fourth. Aspen added its final run in the fourth with the Bruins scoring their last run in the fifth for a 16-6 finale. Cedaredge outhit the Skiers 22-1 on its way to the win. Galley had five RBIs in the game with a long home run in a 4-4 day at the plate. Chey Christian also had a four-bagger with four RBIs to her credit. Cedaredge is scheduled to play Montrose on Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of the Delta Invitational tournament. Later that day the Bruins are slated to face Delta at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Bruins will host Palisade in a 4 p.m. contest at The Field of Dreams.

PHS netters start hot BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia High School volleyball team is back to its winning ways. After defeating Caprock and Rangely in its first home matches of the year last week, the Eagles are showing signs of the chemistry and teamwork that got them to the state tournament last year. “I’m really happy with where we are at this point. We had some pretty big shoes to fill due to graduation of three starters, but all of these girls are stepping up to the plate,” Paonia coach Krista Carsten said. “As long as we keep improving day by day, week by week, I believe we will be where we need to be by the end of October.” Senior Ashley Van Vleet started the Eagles off right against Caprock last Thursday, serving Paonia out to a quick 103 lead in the first game. She also finished with a 57.1 kill percentage. In total the Eagles recorded 30 kills and 23 aces (10 of them by senior Taylor Carsten) in the match, which Paonia won 25-5, 25-5, 25-6. “The team did a great job of maintaining intensity and focus throughout the entire match,” Carsten said. “Caprock is much improved over last

year.” The kill percentages for the Eagles were solid in the match. Juniors McKenna Hartigan (83.3 percent) and Emily Pieper (66.7 percent) each had a strong hitting performance. Sophomore McKenna Palmer, maybe the tallest Eagle on a very tall team, had a 100 percent kill rating. That means every ball that was set to her, she scored on. “Palmer is doing some good things,” Carsten said. “She is tall, has solid hands, and puts up a big block, so having her filling in as an opposite would be really advantageous. She could shut down some solid outside hitters.” Rangely came to the Paonia gym and put up a fight against the Eagles last Saturday. Van Vleet dominated at the net, posting 13 kills and only two hitting errors, and Paonia won 25-14, 25-21, 25-16. “It was a good, solid match across the board,” Carsten said. “Rangely is a pretty scrappy team that hustles hard, but we also had some pretty amazing defensive plays that demonstrated pure hustle.” Junior McKenna Hartigan contributed 11 kills in the match victory for

Paonia. Another Eagle making her presence felt early in the season is junior Sophie Anderson, who transferred to Paonia this year. “Anderson is just so athletic and eager to learn,” Carsten said. “We are working to improve her volleyball knowledge and her technical skills since she sat out of volleyball for a year, but she is making great steps and has been a great addition to our program.” Paonia takes the

court again Thursday for Homecoming against Plateau Valley. “Plateau Valley is traditionally a pretty solid defensive team,” Carsten said. “As always, we will need to maintain a high level of intensity throughout and focus on the first contact so that we can establish our offense.” The Eagles are scheduled to face longPhoto by Eric Goold time rival Hotchkiss on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Paonia junior Emily Pieper slams home a kill the friendly confines of against Caprock Academy in last week’s win over the visiting Eagles. Paonia High School.

C8 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Redding fourth at NPC show BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Taylor Redding is a student at Colorado Mesa University, taking classes five days a week. She attended Paonia High School and graduated in December, six months early. During Redding’s senior year at Paonia she drove to Delta Montrose Technical College and received her CNA certification. She will receive her medical assistant certification and associate degree next summer from CMU. Redding’s commitment to higher education did not deter her from participating in high school sports. One of her biggest concerns was finding ways to stay healthy and fit as she rigorously strived to complete courses for early graduation. While keeping schoolwork under control, Redding made time to work out and eat right. She traveled to Delta every day after class to exercise, and then would turn around and drive back to Hotchkiss for dinner, homework and rest. When positive results from exercising and eating right became evident, Redding became obsessed with fitness. Her routine, for several years, has been to work out before

and after school at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. Redding also worked at The Garden Center as a waitress and a garden helper and had a job in a coffee shop as well. Coming from a family that is very active and healthy helped Redding take the fitness bug a step farther. In April, Redding saw her first NPC, Nation Physique Committee, competition in Denver and knew she was hooked. Conversations with different trainers, and personal potentials, encouraged Redding to join Team Elemental where her coach, Sarah Kornhauser, is also a member. That move included more driving to Gold’s Gym for team meetings in Montrose. Kornhauser recently earned the title of Mrs. Colorado Physique. In hopes of following in Kornhauser’s steps, Redding was given a diet and workout plan to begin her career. Along the way, Redding’s diet and food intake changed as training progressed to insure exact development and outcome. “I usually ate 4 oz. of protein with every meal, usually consisting of fish and a lot of chicken and asparagus,” noted

Redding. Training began in earnest after that and Redding soon found out “Training means zero social life, no time for friends, no going out and complete focus on goals.” The hard training began with 16 weeks left before a competition. A decision to do The Warrior Classic in Loveland on Aug. 29 guided Redding in a convenient time frame. Diets became more strict and workouts more intense. “I kept on working toward my goal with tunnel vision. At the same time, I enrolled in college and moved into an apartment where my life slowly became more chaotic.” Through it all, Redding remained loyal to the gym and her commitment to an end goal. “I had to prep my food and carry it in a lunch box larger than my gym bag. I ate every two hours and spent a total of 10 hours per week preparing my food for three days in advance.” After starting school at CMU Redding switched workout sites to the campus facility. Anxiety grew as the competition date approached. Questions of preparedness and purpose had to be calmed by Kornhauser the closer the competition date loomed. The

message was simple. You must believe in yourself and know you will do well. “There’s no time to worry about being ready. You must trust the process and your coach,” noted Redding. Redding felt both nervous and excited walking into her first NPC event. The morning preparation included curling hair, makeup and spray tanning. There were three categories Redding entered: First Time Novice, any age group for those who have never been in competition, Teen Bikini, ages 17-20 and Bikini Open, all contestants between the ages 17-75 whether they have competed or not. Competition begins with pre-judging. All competitors in each division present themselves on stage to a panel of 13 judges. After all contestants have been on stage, the judges then arrange contestants according to their strengths for final judging later that day. Redding earned first call-outs in all three categories. First call-outs are those competitors who have caught the judge’s eye and usually include the first five names mentioned in each category. Finals judging was not as nerve-wracking

for Redding. “The nerves were gone. The rush from being on stage was nothing like I’d ever felt.” Redding walked away with two medals in her first NPC show. She was fourth in both Teen and Novice categories. In the finals, only the top five are awarded medals or trophies. Redding says, “I am motivated by a fit lifestyle and I came away knowing myself in a different light. It was the best experience of my life and I met some awesome people backstage.” Plans are already being made for the State Show in July 2016 as sights

have been set on becoming Miss Teen Colorado. Redding’s goal is to win the Miss Colorado title and then begin training for her first national compeition. “I know none of this would have been possible without support of many people. I owe everything to my support system that has been there from the beginning, including coach Sarah, mom Kari Williams, co-workers at The Garden Center and Bistro and Bill Heddles Rec Center for the positive energy and staff encouragement. I could not have done it without you!”

Photo submitted

Taylor Redding poses on stage after placing fourth in both Teen and Novice Bikini competition.

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Bruins 2-0 in 1A WSL football BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

ond touchdown in the last quarter and was good on the extra point once again for a 14-6 advantage. The Pirates also scored in the last quarter but came up short with the extra point try for a final score of 14-12. In this game, Jacob Ostrom completed four of 10 passes for 43 yards and one interception. Christian Reynolds hauled in three of Ostrom’s completions for 30 yards. Kyler Anderson caught one pass for 13 yards. Reynolds paced Cedaredge’s ground game with 115 yards on 15 carries and scored one touchdown. Tyler Cooper was Cedaredge’s second leading rusher with 64 yards in 13 carries. In all, Cedaredge finished the game with 260 yards of offense. Brandon O’Hern had 11 tackles to lead the Bruin defense while Isaac Swoffer and Tré Labossierre added nine tackles each. Cedaredge plays host to Aspen on Friday, Sept. 18, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

Following last Friday’s 14-12 win in Olathe, Cedaredge has opened the season with a 2-0 record. A week prior, the Bruins dealt Basalt a 216 defeat. Bruins 21, Basalt 6 Against Basalt the Bruins took a 9-3 lead to the locker room at halftime on the strength of a Brendon Klaseen field goal in the second quarter. Both teams had scored touchdowns in the first quarter but had failed to convert on extra point attempts. Cedaredge held the Longhorns scoreless in the third period while the Bruins’ offense scored a touchdown and another Brendon Klaseen field goal that pushed the score to 19-6. The game’s final score came on a safety by the Bruins. The Bruins recorded 260 yards of offense while the Longhorns had 215 yards. Bruins 14, Pirates 12 Last week’s game against Olathe was a lowscoring affair with missed extra points deciding the game’s outcome. Cedaredge scored first in the game with a touchdown in the first quarter. The extra point kick by Bryce Klaseen gave the Bruins a 7-0 lead. Neither team crossed the goal line in secondquarter action, giving the Bruins a 7-0 halftime lead. The Pirates got on the board in the third quarter but Photo by Randy Sunderland failed to convert on the PAT and Olathe receiver Jake Jimenez trailed 7-6 head- nearly pulled this pass in during ing to the final the second quarter of last Friday’s contest against the Cedaredge stanza. Bruins. The Bruins’ Tyler Cooper Cedaredge scored its sec- (2) is closing in on Jimenez.

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September 16, 2015

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DOWNSIZING SALE: 1750 Lynx St. Delta. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furniture, Longaberger baskets, old quilts, dishes, glassware, DVDs, old copper pieces, knickknacks and some kitchen items. No clothes. No early birds. (1x37)

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SUPPORTED LIVING Assistant/Relief Driver. Community Options is seeking individuals who would like to provide assistance and training to adults and/or children with intellectual/developmental disabilities in order to help them achieve more meaningful and productive lives in accordance with the values and statements of Community Options, Inc. Part-time and full-time positions in our Support Services Department. Duties can include respite, homemaking duties, personal care services, activities with clients, transportation and mentorship. Creative and flexible hours available. We are also in need of a part-time relief driver to provide transportation for our clients. Generous benefit package for full time employees. Must have valid Colorado Driver License and High School Diploma, GED, or appropriate experience. For more information, contact Wendy at (970) 249-1412 ext. 237. Apply.at 336 S. 10th St., Montrose or apply online at www. communityoptionsinc.org. (2x37)

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D2 Wednesday, September 16, 2015 HELP WANTED ADVERTISING SALES Representative: High Country News (HCN), a nonprofit multimedia news outlet, seeks a salesperson to sell print and digital advertising programs. Candidates should have excellent communication skills (written, phone and digital), two years of sales experience, preferably in newspaper or related field (or any other combination of education and experience). This fulltime position includes competitive salary and benefits. To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@hcn. org. HCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work force. (1x37)

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Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 81 Colorado newspapers for only $350, contact your local newspaper or call SYNC2 Media at 303-571-5117. HELP WANTED HELP WANTED - DRIVERS Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Operator Career! We Offer Become a driver for Stevens Training and Certifications Running Transport! NO EXPERIENCE Bulldozers, Backhoes and NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! VA Benefits Eligible! Stevens covers all costs! 1-866-362-6497 1-888-734-6714 drive4stevens.com SYNC2 MEDIA Buy a 25-word statewide classified line ad in newspapers across the state of Colorado for just $350 per week. Ask about our Frequency Discounts. Contact this newspaper or call SYNC2 Media, 303-571-5117

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PUBLIC SERVICE

THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., closed (Alcoholics only) at Friends of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open (others may attend) at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door). (tfnx3) FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant women in Delta County can now get help to quit smoking and get something they can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta County Health Department at 874-2165 or your local physician. (TFNx2) SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store. WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180. (tfnx23) AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778. HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. thru December 24. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 872-3780. (tfx44) CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices.

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PUBLIC SERVICE

DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of non-perishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker. (tfx36)

THE AMERICAN RED Cross needs you. Become one of the Red Cross volunteers who says, “We’ll Be There, Because Help Can’t Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-2424851 or 1-800-HELP NOW HELP!!! KEEP THE for information on the difanimal population under ference you can make in control, and SAVE an ani- someone’s life as a disaster mal's life. Adopt your new volunteer. ((TFNx4)) cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. DELTA HAS A BOOKAdoption fee is minimal. store in the basement of Call 874-2149. (DCHS) the library featuring gently used books and magazines. THERE IS A VFW MEETING Come check it out! on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a UNEMPLOYED? JOIN potluck and the meeting is at others for a time of net7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, 860 working, encouragement, Hwy 92, Delta. For further and skill improvement. information, call 874-8172 Latent Resources meets Jim Baker, Quartermaster. the first Thursday of each (tfx12) month at 6:30 at the Delta United Methodist Church BECAWS! ADOPT A DOG (5th & Meeker). Attendants or cat today. Call 970-527- and visitors are encouraged 3350, or visit cawsonline. to dress professionally org. Delta County Citizens and bring a note pad and for Animal Welfare and a willingness to learn and Shelter (CAWS) be challenged. Find us on CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV facebook.com & twitter.com regular meetings on the - search "Latent Resources", second Monday of each or call James at 970-901month at 7 p.m. at the 9463. Veterans Building, 15th & HEALTHY BABIES START Howard, Delta. For further with early prenatal care. information, call Paul Carter Delta County Health 874-5150. (tfx19) Department. Offers access ARE YOU NEW TO THE to immediate, temporary Delta area? Stop by the Medicaid for pregnant Delta Area Chamber of women who qualify. 874Commerce at 301 Main St. 2165. (tfx25) for you FREE Welcome Bag, BOOKS MAKE GREAT filled with goodies, sam- stocking stuffers. Find ples, discounts and commu- books at great prices in nity information, courtesy the basement of the Delta of Chamber members and Public Library. sponsored by Kim GuthrieBurch of Re/Max Today. BECAWS! DISCOUNT spay and neuter coupons YOU HAVE THE POWER TO available. Call 970-527change a child's life! 3350, or visit cawsonline. Children are waiting for org. Delta County Citizens senior partners in Delta for Animal Welfare and County right now! Can you Shelter (CAWS) spare 3 hours a week? We need your help! Call today FARM WORKER HEALTH for more information. Please Services: We offer assisvolunteer to spend time with tance with medical, dental a child in our community. and medicines. If you work Partners of Delta, Montrose in agriculture you may and Ouray, 874-4661, www. qualify for our services. For partners-west.org. or www. more information call 323deltayouth@montrose.net. 0538. (tfx12) (tfx13) SERVICIOS DE SALUD PAONIA AMERICAN De Campesinos: Ofrecemos Legion runs a year round ayuda con doctores, dentisnon-perishable emergency tas, y medicinas. Si trabajas food pantry. This is for en agricultura puedes califithe North Fork area. For car para nuestros servicios. information, call 527-6252. Para mas informacion llame (tfx49) al 323-0538. (tfx12)

IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Public Library. SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of NARCOTICS ANONY- gold and silver scraps. The mous meets at 9th and Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is Palmer, Delta, Mondays and sending them to: New Eyes Fridays at 8 p.m. (tfnx5) for the Needy, 549 Millburn BECAWS! DONATIONS Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 needed. Credit cards or send them to: Gale accepted. Call 970-527- Conger, Secretary of IOOF 3350, or visit cawsonline. Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. org. Delta County Citizens 548, Delta, CO 81416. for Animal Welfare and PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS Shelter (CAWS) in the classifieds. 874-4421

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Delta County Independent

THINK YOU'RE PREGnant? Abused? Need help? The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free service, support and advice to all teenagers and women in crisis pregnancy situations. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW. (TFNx28).

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GOT TIME? RSVP NEEDS senior citizen volunteers throughout area. If you have 2 - 4 hours per month minimum, opportunities in Delta/Montrose counties that match your interests are available. YOU are the missing LINK. Call 874-8657 or 249-9639. (tfx28) FAMILIES BELIEVING in families: Tandem Families is an innovative, private non-profit mentoring program providing services for at-risk children of Delta and Mont-rose counties. Anyone interested in volunteering their services or donating usable items should call 874-3000 or 2527445. (TFNx8)

PUBLIC SERVICE PLEASE HELP! VOLUNteers needed to help get new animal shelter in Delta off the ground. We need temporary or long term foster homes, foot soldiers, light research, paperwork and phone people. Many hands make light work. Thank you! Another Chance Critter Haven. 874-9011. DEDUCT IT FROM YOUR taxes! Donations of: pet food, old blankets, towels, kennels, carriers, pet beds or dishes, and money always appreciated. Another Chance Critter Haven. 8749011. 501 (c) (3)

BECAWS! DOG/CAT foster families needed. Call 970-527-3350, or visit cawTHE AMERICAN LEGION sonline.org. Delta County Post 97 Paonia is seeking Citizens for Animal Welfare the names and addresses of and Shelter (CAWS) all persons currently serving on active duty in the COLORADO QUITLINE IS military from the North Fork a free, confidential teleValley in order to contact phone coaching service them and show our sup- for anyone calling from a port. Send addresses to Colorado area code. With American Legion Post 97, QuitLine, tobacco users can PO Box 277, Paonia, CO receive free supplies of the nicotine patch as they work 81428 or call 527-6552. with trained coaches who PARENTS FREE! INFORM- create a personalized quit ation and referrals to plan just for them. To conlicensed child care provid- tact the QuitLine, call 1-800ers, call Bright Futures Child QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) Care Resource and Referral, or visit www.coquitline.org. 1-877-728-5613. (TFNx4) BECAWS! DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT THE DELTA an animal rescue sucPublic Library. Give a gently cess story to share? Call used book in the Downstairs 970-527-3350, or email Book Store. rescuemagazine@gmail. com. Delta County Citizens FOSTER GRANDPARENT for Animal Welfare and Program enriches the lives Shelter (CAWS) of senior volunteers while improving the education of THE DELTA COUNTY children with special needs. Democratic Party invites Volunteers, 55 and older, you to visit their Facebook needed to assist in class page for announcements, rooms tutoring and mentor- information and intelligent ing children. Low-income discussion of issues. You volunteers may qualify for are not alone! Contact a stipend. Teachers in Delta www.facebook.com/pages/ area class rooms request CO-Delta-County-Democrat "Grandparents" to come s/109082339170167 in and work with students DONATION who need the extra help to BECAWS! achieve their best. For infor- items needed for Barkin' mation on how you can use Bargains Thrift Store in your talents to help kids call Paonia. Call 970-527-5111. Delta County Citizens for Tanya at 263-9091. (tfx7) Animal Welfare and Shelter PARENTS — FREE (CAWS) information and referrals for licensed child care pro- HUNGRY? PLEASE JOIN viders. Call Bright Futures us for a free meal. Tuesdays, Child Care Resource & 5:30 - 7 p.m., and Saturdays Referral at 877-728-5613. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Served at Westminster Hall, 135 E. (TFNx1) 4th St., Delta, across from BECAWS! VOLUNTEERS the post office. No income needed. Call 970-527-3350, restrictions - if you're hunor visit cawsonline.org. gry, please feel free to join Delta County Citizens for us. For questions, to donate Animal Welfare and Shelter or to volunteer, please call (CAWS) the Abraham Connection, (970) 773-8290. JOIN FORCES WITH US! Animal lovers rescue ALZHEIMER'S ASSOgroups, shelters: let's band ciation Caregivers' Support together and get a county- Group, Cory/Austin. All wide shelter built! We Saints Lutheran Church, are here for the animals. 20101 Deer Creek Road. Another Chance Critter Last Wednesday of every Haven. 874-9011. month, 1 p.m.

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Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Managing Editor

ugs for kids. That’s how Connie Harris and Terri Brubaker describe the blankets they make through the Binky Patrol, a nationwide effort to reach out to needy kids with a comforting handmade blanket, or “binky.” Connie was a “friend” of the chapter in Montrose, and on the day her grandmother died a post from that chapter popped up on her Facebook page. Since her grandmother was the one “who taught me how to do all this fun stuff,” Terri decided to establish a chapter in Delta County in honor of her grandmother. Her two greatest memories of her grandmother were her hugs and her big rock garden. Connie combined the two to come up with the chapter’s name, “Grandma’s Garden of Hugs.” “To me, these blankets are

The Binky Patrol: Hugs from the heart

Terri Brubaker holds up a pieced quilt made and donated by Rain Klepper. a hug,” Connie said. She established a Facebook page for the local chapter and in just over a month 35 volunteers stepped up to either make handmade blankets, or to provide yarn, fabric and batting for other willing hands. Unfortunately, just a couple of weeks into the project, Connie’s “better half,” Ray Penland, broke his neck in a farming accident. She found herself scrambling to keep up with the farm chores between trips to the hospital and rehab. Unwilling to give up the growing chapter, she reached out to a good friend, Terri Brubaker, who readily agreed to collect donations and help out with the paperwork. Terri could have easily claimed she had no time — she’s a caretaker for her mother, who’s recovering from surgery, and has a large spread on Rogers Mesa to

Binky Patrol photo

A tied ﬂeece blanket is the perfect alternative for volunteers who don’t know how to sew.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Connie Harris is a crafty lady with a big heart who established a Delta County chapter of Binky Patrol.

tend. But how do you tell someone like Connie you’re too busy? Connie is a fulltime grandmother who makes quilted photo albums and flag afghans to order. With Ray laid up, she’s farming their six acres of land on Redlands Mesa and she’s up to her elbows in canning jars. But Terri and Connie are the proof behind the old saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” “There’s gotta be 28 hours in a day,” they said. “There’s no way we could do all this in 24!” The answer, Terri said, lies in carving out an hour while the dishpans are soaking in the sink, or 20 minutes while you’re waiting for the washing machine to finish. “You find the minutes when it’s something you care about,” she said. “Maybe these kids don’t have a mom, or a grandma, to do it for them. So you invent the time.” Binkies come in a variety of sizes and can be sewn, knitted, crocheted or quilted. A Binky Patrol label is sewn in the corner of each blanket. Each chapter designates the recipients of the “binkies.” Connie and Terri are first committed to Delta County, making sure the need here is met. “If there’s a disaster, the Delta County chapter could transfer some blankets elsewhere, but we mainly want to take care of the needs here at home first,” Terri said. “That was why I started a chapter in this area,” Connie added. “We didn’t have one; the closest are in Montrose and Clifton. I decided it was time to take care of the kids here at home.” Connie and Terri plan to provide blankets to the Delta County Department of Social Services, as well as ambulances, fire districts and law enforcement agencies throughout Delta County. In the event of a fire, an accident or an incidence of domestic violence, they’re the first people who see a child who is in need of the comfort of a blanket. “Our main focus is the little ones,” Terri said. “Once we make sure all the kids are warm and cuddled, then we’ll start with the rest of the world.” Binky Patrol’s unique way of touching a child’s life includes hats, booties, gowns, pillows and stuffed toys, in addition to the blankets. Most volunteers work on their own, but in the future Connie and Terri hope to host a bink-a-thon, where everyone can get together for a fun day of fellowship and blanket making. Even if you don’t know how to sew or knit, you can make a tied fleece blanket. All you need is some fleece fabric, a pair of scissors and the directions from binkypatrol.org. Or, you can pick up yarn, fabric or batting inexpensively at garage sales. “We will find somebody in our chapter who will use those materi-

als to make a blanket,” Terri said. For experienced quilters with a stash of fabric, the smaller size binkies are a great opportunity to piece together a colorful assortment of scraps. All designs are acceptable, as long as they are soft, washable and can make it through the dryer on high. You can learn more about

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Grandma’s Garden of Hugs on Facebook — just search for Hotchkiss Binky Patrol. To arrange pickup for finished blankets or materials, call Terri at 872-3272 or Connie at 644-7902. “These blankets will mean the world to a kid who doesn’t understand what’s going on ... when everything they know has been ripped away from them,” Terri said.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Each binky is delivered with a Binky Patrol label (provided) sewn or attached in the corner.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

These crocheted afghans will serve as a reminder that someone cares.