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

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

HISTORIC SITE

HOLIDAY MAGIC

Bross Hotel recognized for social, architectural significance, B1

SPORTS DRIVEN TO EXCEL

Bigger-than-life ornaments adorn huge Christmas tree, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Panther wrestlers outdistance competition at Delta Invitational, C5 DECEMBER 16, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 50

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

It’s time to think about municipal elections BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

There’s a new twist on municipal elections in 2016. To allow enough time for ballots to be delivered to vot-

ers overseas, the timeline for ballot preparation has been moved up. That means petitions for prospective councilmembers in all Delta County munici-

A holiday tradition

palities will be circulated from Jan. 5 through Jan. 25. “People are going to have to start sooner, but it gives us plenty of time to get ready,” said Rene Loy Maas, Delta

Photo by Pat Sunderland

For an estimated 40 years, students from Garnet Mesa Elementary School have lined the curving staircase at Bank of the West to perform holiday favorites. The tradition continued Dec. 11 with music director Joe Siennicki leading the kindergartners through a selection of popular Christmas carols and ﬁnger plays. The young performers were rewarded with candy canes, distributed by Santa Claus as the students prepared to leave the bank and board their buses.

County elections supervisor. She anticipates all municipalities will conduct their elections through the county — unless there are just enough (or not enough) candidates to fill the open seats. In that case, the election will likely be cancelled. Overseas ballots will be mailed Feb. 19. Voters in Delta County should expect to see their ballots in the mail the week of March 14. Election day is April 5. “Not a lot of people think of the municipal election in January, but they’re going to need to,” said Jolene Nelson, Delta city clerk. In Delta, three council seats will be filled during the municipal election. The seats are currently held by Ray Penick, Mary Cooper and Robert Jurca. Cooper and Jurca are both term limited. Penick represents District A, and Cooper is from District B. Individuals interested in running for those seats must reside within those district boundaries, which can be found on the city website. The other vacancy is an at-large position which can be filled by a qualified elector residing anywhere within the city. Cooper said she’s learned so much during her eight years in office, she’s reluctant to step down. “I spent years as a business

Gunn returns to Delta County Libraries BY LEAH MORRIS

Golf course continues to rely on utility transfers BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Although voters approved a combined parks, recreation and golf department in November 2014, the City of Delta continues to transfer funds from utility accounts to offset golf course expenditures. While all three departments are now under the supervision of Wilma Erven, funds cannot be combined because of the golf course debt, interim city manager Glen Black explained at a recent council meeting. As posed to voters in 2014, the ballot question allowed expanded use of the threequarter-cent sales tax previously dedicated to rec center operations and maintenance. Voter approval permitted use of the funds for all types of parks, recreation and open space uses, including Devil’s Thumb. Black said the key word is may, as in those funds may be used for golf course operations. In 2016, the city has budgeted transfers totaling $380,000

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D8 Business .......................A10 Church ........................ D5-6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness .........B7-8 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A8 School Zone .................. A6 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................C5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-4 TV Listings ..................B5-6

from the sewer, water and refuse funds. “We’re hoping that we won’t need it all,” said councilmember Bill Raley. In addition, expanded use of recreation center funds will eliminate the need for transfers to the general fund. “For the first time in my knowledge, the general fund will be self-sustaining,” Black said. The 2016 budget totals $28.6 million, and the mill levy has again been certified at zero. Property owners in Delta city limits pay no property taxes to support city operations; instead, the primary source of revenue is a 3 percent sales tax. The golf course fund totals $919,914, which includes a portion of Wilma Erven’s salary to recognize her supervisory role. In 2016, a mechanic’s salary is also being moved from the internal services fund to the golf course fund, because he primarily works on golf carts and groundskeeping equipment. In a follow-up interview, Erven discussed the cost-saving measures being taken to

minimize transfers from the utility funds. The golf course is currently closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, the least busy days during the winter. Only Ken Brown, head golf pro, and Ian Peluso, golf course superintendent, are working full time; no seasonal personnel are currently on the payroll. Brown is running both the snack bar and the pro shop, with help from Erven. In the snack bar, food service is limited to hot dogs, packaged snacks and bottled pop and beer. Operations on the golf course and in the clubhouse will ramp back up in the spring, but after a year of disappointing food and beverage sales, Erven said they’ll be very selective about what’s offered in the snack bar. “We won’t be so tied to personnel costs and inventory,” she said, “but we will gear up service for tournaments and club events.” Cost overruns in the snack bar, as well as the payment of accrued time off to two GOLF COURSE TO A3

owner saying, ‘They should do something about this, and they should do something about that’ and I decided I should be one of the ‘they.’ I hope whoever steps in and takes over my seat has a deep regard and downright care for the City of Delta and is willing to sit down and face the hard things that need to be addressed along with the enjoyable moments that will occur.” She has represented the city on the boards of Delta County Economic Development, Blake Field and Project 7 Water Authority. “I have had a real learning curve on DCED and have admiration for the members who work long hours and no pay to try and get more jobs and businesses into Delta,” Cooper said. “My position on Project 7 and the airport board have given me a greater appreciation for operations when I turn on the water or watch the planes fly over (I live at the base of the airport). “I hope there are many people willing to invest themselves for four years and help keep the City of Delta on the right path towards the future,” she said. “There are exciting things going on in the background and I have every confidence in the direction the City of Delta is heading.” ELECTIONS TO A3

Delta County Libraries

A former employee has found her way back to the Delta County Libraries, and her return will be evident in all five libraries over the next few months. LaDonna Gunn started working for Delta County Libraries in 2007. She began as the Cedaredge Library teen librarian, then moved to the Hotchkiss administrative offices in 2009 to work on grants and public relations. Gunn relocated with her husband to Elko, Nev., in 2012, where she continued to develop grants for Delta County Libraries for almost another year before she became the youth services librarian for the Elko-Lander-Eureka County Library System in northeastern Nevada and worked at the Elko County Library. Now, Delta County Libraries is fortunate to have hired Gunn back as a regional manager. At least at first, she will be working with staff in all five libraries, filling in management gaps throughout the district. “I am excited to have LaDonna back,” says interim district director Lea Hart. “Her skills and experience will be of great benefit to the district. Initially, we are planning to utilize her as a connection for all of our librar-

ies, improving communication with staff and the community and adding consistency to our services across the county.” In the basement of the Hotchkiss Library, Gunn is a whirlwind of organization, sorting papers, moving furniture and setting up a work area to suit her needs. At one point, she opens a desk drawer, pulls out a file folder tab and exclaims, “Hey, this has my handwriting on it.” In reality, a whole lot more than Gunn’s handwriting has lasted at the libraries during her time away. Grant funding, program organization and marketing procedures are just some of the past improvements she made that have successfully carried the libraries through the last few years. Gunn’s grant writing led to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding of numerous library computers and other equipment near the end of 2010. Much of this technology is still in use. Gunn elaborates on some of her other projects that have had a lasting effect, explaining, “We received a couple of LSTA [Library Services and Technology Act] grants. The first brought in several online databases: Grolier, Mango, and Optimal Resume. The second partnered with GUNN TO A3

USFS seeks space in Delta

Visit with Santa

Olathe Miracle

Progress to secure a new lease for the forest headquarters office for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is occurring. A pre-solicitation notice announcing a 10- to 15-year lease for approximately 13,000 to 15,000 square feet of office space, warehouse storage and parking has been posted on the Government “FedBizOpps.gov” website and legal notices were placed in area newspapers. The agency renewed its desire to remain in the Delta area to provide continued customer service to its stakeholders. The area identified in the pre-solicitation notice identifies north, west, east, and south boundaries for the area of consideration. Interested parties can view the pre-solicitation information on the FedBizOpps website at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA/ FS/82X9/R2-16-003/listing.html.

Santa will be at Sweitzer Lake Sunday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the state park will be waived for those coming to visit Santa. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Kids, bring your list so Santa can check it twice. Photographs will be taken and emailed to your parents. Sweitzer Lake State Park is located one mile south of Delta. Look for the turnoff just south of Pioneer Road.

Olathe’s annual “Miracle on Main Street” celebration takes place Friday, Dec. 18. After the parade at 5:30 p.m., follow Santa to the American Legion Hall at 315 S. 5th Street. There will be goodies for the kids and a chance to share last-minute requests. Olathe Rebekah Lodge #99 will host a chili dinner. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids. Bring the whole family for a fun evening in downtown Olathe.

A2 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS Both ISIL, climate change must be addressed Dear Editor: In response to the two letters that appeared in the Dec. 9 DCI questioning the urgency of dealing with climate change, I would begin with a couple of statements. One: climate change caused by human-caused global warming, caused in turn mainly by our adding new CO2 to the carbon cycle through the burning of fossil fuels, is the very most important issue of the present and will continue to be so for several generations. ISIL is a serious concern right now but they will be dealt with, hopefully within a few years. Terrorism is episodic and can never be fully prevented, just reduced in probability. These are all short-term problems. We need to deal with both kinds of issues and not one exclusive of the other. Human-caused climate change will be with us for many decades and possibly centuries. Allowed to proceed unchecked it will gradually disrupt all of human society including food systems, infrastructure, governmental stability, health and more. Mitigating it to keep negative effects at less-than-catastrophic levels (2 degrees C. of warming) will take a sustained effort by every nation on earth over many decades and failure is not an option. It is a global problem of the long term with the early effects in temperate areas not yet as fully apparent as they will be. Dramatic effects are happening right now in the

Arctic, Greenland and in places like sub-Saharan Africa where a prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change probably led to the instability that led to the rise of ISIL. Our own Pentagon rates climate change as a leading security threat due to social effects of physical impacts. Policy makers have been aware of problems since the late 1980s and science long before that beginning in the 1800s when the warming effects of CO2 were shown by experiments. Some progress was made at this year’s COP21 gathering in Paris but not nearly enough.

Two: Libelous smears and simplistic claims of conspiracies as expressed by the one letter writer are not what the world needs. We need sustained action and we need it soon. We need to come together, accept the basic science and support coordinated intergovernmental actions like those put forth at COP21. We have been dawdling and denying the reality of the problem for over a quarter century and that is much too long. It’s time to grow up and accept the moral responsibility for our actions as humans. Thomas Wills Hotchkiss

Support needed for vital asset Dear Editor: There is a huge unrecognized asset that we need to support in our community for our survival in dark times. ISIS, Iran, and other terrorist organizations want to destroy the United States. The technology to do that exists with a single fission bomb exploded in space over the U.S. which will take out our power grid for years and all unprotected electronics. Predictions are that nationwide 85 percent of the population will die within three months from the failure of the grid. I don’t know how we deserve him, but Joe Davis MD, out of religious conviction, decided to move here, purchase Hi Quality and take the necessary steps so that no

one in Delta or Montrose counties need starve to death after such an event. Joe has procured EMP Faraday protected diesel generating capacity with enough diesel storage to run grain and bean processing equipment at his Peagreen facility. It is a huge task involving emergency protected communications security, and a whole host of other tasks. Ask to see his amazing flow chart. The purpose of this letter is to ask for any support you may be able to provide. If you have time, skill or equipment that you are willing to donate before or after the event, please call Joe at 874-4478 and see what you can do to help. Mike Mason Cedaredge

isn’t the supply of carbon dioxide diminished? Very simply, when plants die, they fall to the earth and eventually decompose, generating carbon dioxide in the process. Nature is extremely clever. Animal life, such as human, also contributes to the carbon dioxide supply. We breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Plant and animal life make up a life cycle that always balances. For example, a sudden climatic event such as a volcano eruption will dump huge volumes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Plant life sees this as an increase in food supply and vegetation flourishes until a balance is reestablished. Isn’t nature amazing? All the foregoing is based on accepted scientific facts that can eas-

ily be demonstrated. The interesting thing about the global warming lie is the total lack of scientific evidence. Climate changes implied require many years of data gathering to establish a verifiable trend and the theory is not that old. I know there are computer programs that attest to the truth of the theory, but always remember, what comes out of a computer is no better than what goes in. All of which has to do with an unproven theory. Going back to the facts, the foregoing can be reduced to four major points: Carbon dioxide is vital to life on earth. Carbon dioxide is a manufactured gas. The volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been relatively stable since records have been kept. The volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is automatically controlled by nature. Most important is point 4. What that means is when man attempts to manipulate the carbon dioxide balance in the atmosphere, he is opposed by nature. To me, nature is GOD. No matter what you call it, history tells us, GOD always wins. In plain terms, this means all attempts to control carbon dioxide are exercises in futility. These efforts would merely be humorous but for the economic havoc they cause. How long the perfect lie of global warming can survive is anyone’s guess, but truth will eventually win. Jim Andrews Austin

The perfect lie Dear Editor: Several times in world history a simple lie has been widely accepted with earth-shaking results. The flat earth lie is one example. Today we have a widely accepted lie that human activity is causing an unbalance in atmospheric carbon dioxide which in turn results in drastic climate change. First of all, it must be pointed out, carbon dioxide holds a very unique position in the makeup of earth’s atmosphere. Although carbon dioxide amounts to only 0.03 percent by volume, compared to oxygen’s 21.0 percent by volume, ALL LIFE on earth requires carbon dioxide. By photosynthesis, all green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into leaves, grass, etc. That raises the question, Why

A great academic day Dear Editor: Thursday, Dec. 10, was a wonderful day for academics in the Delta County School District. The morning started with the sixth-eighth grade math competition (Math Counts.) The top mathematicians from around the district competed both individually and as teams. Following several written rounds, the top 10 competitors from both the sixth grade and seventh-eighth grade divisions battled head to head in a grueling, timed, best of three questions stand-off to decide the final rankings. Imagine yourself completing math problems, by hand, in front of a crowd at the Performing Arts Center. What I observed was a group of our students demonstrating poise and and mastery very much beyond their tender years. After lunch the Delta High School STEM 2 class under the direction of Mr. Magtutu took the stage to present three

different proposals on how each would send a scientific payload to 120,000 feet, conduct an experiment and return it safely to terra firma. The groups were scored on budgeting, relevance of the experiment, regulatory compliance, as well as presentation. Again, poise, thoughtfulness, thoroughness were aggregated into performances well beyond their years. Each of us lucky enough to judge the competition could only wish to have had this type of class when we were in school! Following the competition, one young man indicated that this project was the most fun he ever had in school, to which I thought: Maybe, just maybe, we are going to be okay after all. I offer my sincere appreciation to the school district and the teachers that take on extra duties to make these type of activities a reality. Neal Schwieterman Paonia

Delta County Independent

Collaboration will help strengthen our economy Dear Editor: Interested in a strong and diverse Delta County economy? Delta County businesses know that our economy is difficult. These tough economic times require a multi-pronged approach and innovative ideas to success. As the area experiences job loss and decreased spending, businesses are asking, “How do we keep our business viable?” The chambers are the answer to that question! The chambers of commerce provide LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY and ACTION. The chambers are the catalysts for a thriving, diverse and vibrant business economy that supports our valued quality of life. Cherry Days, Downtown Friday and the Paonia Holiday Festivities exceeded businesses’ expectations. These events demonstrate how the chambers and businesses can work together on multiple local events to attract large audiences to main street businesses. Teams achieve more than the individual. Your job will be easier (and more cost effective) with the support of other businesses — from hiring consultants, to launching a marketing campaign, to drawing great participation at an event. Successful examples include the Schallert Business Symposium that the North

Fork chambers led last fall and the multiple business skills workshops and trainings the Paonia Chamber has co-hosted with The Hive in 2015. Gaining access to experts in fields including marketing, human resources, and search engine optimization became possible for all local businesses because a centralized organization working with a strong team made these happen. No one can argue the fact that the vast majority of businesses in our area are small businesses that meet the USDA’s criteria as “small rural businesses.” The chambers are the only organizations in Delta County with the single focus of helping your small rural business prosper. However, the chambers also need a team to successfully fulfill their mission. The county team began when the three North Fork chambers started meeting and collaborating about five years ago. The team expanded to all five Delta County chambers and the Creative Coalition. The team continued to reach out across the county and has expanded to include the Delta County administrator, Delta County Economic Development, Delta County Tourism Council and Region 10. Each Delta County town has unique characteristics and personali-

ties, while sharing common values. Our tourist industry and business organizations are linked with each other. The five Delta County Chambers, West Elks Wine Growers Association, Valley Organic Growers Association and the Colorado State certified North Fork Valley Creative District are examples of organizations that create linkages throughout the area. As the linkages grow, our economy becomes stronger. Individual businesses offer high-quality, unique and outstanding experiences. Combined, we indeed provide it all — farms, ranches, wineries, artists, lodging, farmto-table restaurants, and all of the iconic Colorado outdoor activities. How can you help strengthen Delta County’s economy? Join one or more of the local chambers if you are a Delta County business or a Delta County nonprofit. If you are a Delta County citizen concerned about the local economy, shop locally and join or donate to the chambers. The chambers need active board members, committee members, and volunteers! It really is that simple — your membership dues and volunteer time are the heart of your chambers. Mike Drake President Paonia Chamber of Commerce

Law enforcement blotter

From the Delta and jailed on two warrants with a total $3,000 Police Department: bond. Alycia L. Cok, 22, of Dec. 7: Veronica R. Munoz, 26, Delta was issued a ticket of Clifton was arrested for alleged reckless drivand jailed on a warrant ing and child abuse after being involved in a crash with a $1,000 bond. Summer M.S. Adcock, with a parked car in the 21, of Delta was arrest- 1700 block of H Road. No ed and jailed for alleged injuries were reported or observed. Neither vehicle harassment. licia M. Emmons, 35, required tow services. Citations: 12 tickets of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged for traffic violations were violation of a protection issued this week, five for speeding. order. Please remember: Dec. 8: Robert N. Pacheco, All criminal charges are 66, of Delta was issued merely an accusation a ticket for alleged care- and the defendant is preless driving after being sumed innocent until or involved in a one-vehicle unless proven guilty. crash in the 1400 block From the Delta of Highway 50 North. No injuries were reported or County Sheriff’s Office observed and the vehicle (partial list): involved was driven from Dec. 2 the scene. Details of a three-car Dec. 9: David E. Hale Jr., 48, accident on Highway of Delta was issued a 65 have been clarified. ticket for alleged Limi- Michael Chavez was tations on backing after northbound on Highway being involved in a two- 65 and had slowed to vehicle crash in the make a turn when his Walmart parking lot. No vehicle was rear-ended injuries were reported or by John Wolverton. Virobserved. Neither vehicle ginia Warner was traveling southbound at the required tow services. Sonny A. Antrillo, 31, same time and did not of Delta was arrested and actually strike either jailed on two warrants vehicle. with a total of $4,500 Dec. 8 A damaged vehicle bond. He was also issued a ticket for alleged pos- was found abandoned at session of drug parapher- the intersection of Rednalia and unauthorized lands Mesa Road and possession of a controlled North Road. When contacted, the driver said he substance. had hit a deer the night Dec. 10: Missie N. Rundle, 30, before. He was advised of Delta was issued a to file a report with the ticket for alleged limi- Colorado State Patrol. Sheriff ’s deputies took tations on backing after being involved in a two- a report of a civil probvehicle crash in the 100 lem regarding property block of E. 4th Street. No lines on F25 Road. Both injuries were reported or parties were advised the observed. Both vehicles issue is civil in nature. Kyle Alward, 24, was were driven from the arrested on domestic vioscene. Tessa A. Case, 29, of lence charges after depuDelta was issued a ticket ties responded to a disturbance at a residence for alleged harassment. on Highway 65 in EckDec. 11: A 17-year-old female ert. At approximately of Montrose was arrested on a warrant with a $300 6:30 p.m., dispatch was bond and released to a advised of 10 to 12 cows on the road in the vicinparent. ity of Ash Mesa Road and Dec. 13: Isaac J. Gallegos, 24, D25 Road. After invesof Delta was arrested tigation, the cows were

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delta County (includes Olathe Somerset & Maher) .......................... $29.00 In-State ..................................................................................... $33.00 Out-of-State .............................................................................. $37.00 Seniors Discount (65 & Older): $2 Off

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

moved to a secured area. Dec. 9 Deputies responded to an address on D Road in Crawford in response to a domestic dispute. James J. Brasiel, 39, was arrested for domestic violence, third degree assault, criminal mischief and cruelty to animals. The Colorado State Patrol requested assistance in locating Edgar Saenz, who was involved in a traffic accident on Highway 50 between Delta and Grand Junction. Dec. 11 The theft of horses was reported from an address on Cactus Park Road. The theft of an air compressor was reported from a rental home on Cedar Mesa Road. At approximately 10:44 p.m., dispatch received a report of a barn fire at Smith Fork Ranch outside of Crawford. Upon arrival, the Crawford Fire Department found the barn fully engulfed and requested assistance from Hotchkiss Fire. The barn/shop was a total loss, estimated at $200,000. Investigation revealed no suspicious circumstances. Sheriff ’s deputies responded to a problem between a Crawford employer and his employee. Dec. 12 Deputies received a report of a suspicious incident that resulted in a 98-year-old Paonia woman being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. It was later determined no criminal activity had taken place. A Delta woman reported her dog had been killed by a neighbor’s dog. The incident occurred on 2175 Road. Shortly before 9 p.m., a single-car accident occurred on Highway 92 near Crawford Reservoir. A vehicle driven by Keith Kincade reportedly lost traction on a patch of ice. The vehicle slid backward off the highway and down an embankment. No blockage or injuries were witnessed. An accident involving a vehicle and a deer occurred at the intersection of Highway 65 and Highway 92 shortly before midnight. Dec. 13 A runaway juvenile was reported in Cedaredge.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Gunn

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Golf course

FROM PAGE A1 PACE to provide seniors with access to current technologies. We also received the Workforce Virtual Centers, and, finally, the three state historical fund grants for the rehabilitation and preservation of the Delta Public Library Carnegie building.” Gunn’s enthusiasm for getting back out in this community is appar-

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ent as she says, “I love that this position brings me in touch with people, both staff and community members. Since I believe that libraries are such an integral part of our communities, I really enjoy being part of an organization that connects people with each other and information and empowers them to realize their dreams.” Although Gunn is organizing a desk in the Hotchkiss Library, her chair will sit empty many days as she travels around the district. Community members who worked with her in the past will recognize her as she moves in and out of the libraries, and

Gunn will be happy to greet both familiar and new patrons throughout the county in the months to come.

FROM PAGE A1 departing full-time employees, necessitated a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 earlier this month. Because of a very busy year, however, utility transfers were actually lower than the previous year. “We’re excited to see how far we’ve come in the past year,” Erven said, “and we’re really optimistic for 2016.” Devil’s Thumb has

had tremendous support not only from the local men’s and women’s clubs, but also from golfers throughout the region, she said. The addition of Ken Brown has also been very positive. “He has come up with a lot of fun ideas,” Erven said.

“We’re on a mission to make this golf course as cost efficient as possible while offering an incredible product,” she said. “I hope citizens realize we truly are working to make Devil’s Thumb an asset ... another amenity that might bring folks to our community.”

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LaDonna Gunn

at Delta Hardware GIFTS FOR HIM

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Counting heads

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While Santa hands out candy canes to Lincoln Elementary School students, Tanya Anderson counts heads before loading everyone back onto the bus. The students performed holiday songs and ﬁnger plays for an appreciative audience at the Bank of the West Tuesday morning.

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GIFTS FOR HER

Elections Delta should consider FROM PAGE A1 Jurca said any person some type of community who truly cares about service — if not Delta City Council, then the planning commission, Delta Housing Authority or other organization. “There are many ways to get involved,” Jurca said. “There is no question that city council is the hardest yet most ful�� filling position. A person �� may think they know �� what it takes to run a �� city, but until you’re on �� council and begin to see �� the inner workings you �� really haven’t a clue. �� “I hear all the time when you mention council to someone, ‘I don’t have the time.’ This is an �� excuse. When I started on council I had a second �� grader and a preschooler. They are now a senior and freshman. With simple time management, I have balanced a full-time job, family commitments and council. “The biggest thing citi�� zens need to understand �� is without new ideas Delta will not progress. Council has been a recy�� cling program. The only �� people running are for�� mer council members. �� With former members come the same old ideas. �� We need younger profes�� sionals to get involved. �� It is the only way to get �� new ideas and move this �� area forward. I will fall into the class of former �� council members shortly. �� I really hope in two years �� I’m not thinking of run�� ning because nobody is �� stepping up.” �� Jurca concluded, �� “Being on council you �� are giving back to your �� community while helping shape its future. The �� most satisfying part for �� me is knowing I have �� helped shaped Delta. My �� decisions can be consid�� ered right or wrong but I �� did what I felt was in the �� best interest of Delta.” �� Anyone interested �� in shaping the future �� of their community is �� urged to contact the town �� clerk of the community which they reside for �� in details about open seats �� and residency require�� ments.

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Holiday Hours

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Merry Christmas and Thanks for Shopping at Delta Hardware this past year! �

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A4 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Pages celebrate golden anniversary

Wanted Wanted

Dale Huff If you know this person, come to his

Birthday Party Friday, December 18th 5:00 – 7:30 pm Delta United Methodist Church 477 Meeker No gifts, just birthday cards

Les and Sheila Page of Paonia will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 16. They were married in Dundee, Scotland, in 1965, and plan to celebrate their anniversary in Central City. They have three children, Jere Page, Sandra (Tom) Legg and Jean Thurston, all of Grand Junction. They have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Cards may be sent to 115 Meadowbrook Court, Paonia, CO 81428.

Photo submitted

Della Darnall, Senior CommUnity Meals program warehouse manager, and Al Shonk, Senior CommUnity Meals program director, assemble the “blizzard boxes.” Deliveries to Montrose area participants started Dec. 15, with Delta County and the North Fork to follow.

‘Blizzard boxes’ equip the homebound for harsh weather Les and Sheila Page

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� � �� Sponsored by:

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Les and Sheila Page

Senior CommUnity Meals, a program of Volunteers of America, is assembling emergency “blizzard boxes” to distribute to their homebound older adult clients beginning Dec. 15. The emergency food boxes will contain enough food for six meals in the event a storm hits the area. “In past years we have provided these boxes during the harsh winter months in the event we were not able to deliver or otherwise provide meals at the meal sites due to severe weather conditions. The boxes serve as a reassurance to our

homebound clients that they will not go hungry in a storm,” Al Shonk said. Non-perishable items like individual cans of chili, spaghetti, ravioli, tuna, fruit cups, juice boxes, packs of peanuts, sunflower seeds and crackers are some of the items included in the boxes. Over the past year, approximately 75,000 hot and frozen meals have been provided through Senior CommUnity Meals to the senior citizens of Delta, Montrose and San Miguel counties. “We want to do this to let our customers know how much we care about them. This project has received numerous dona-

tions from very generous businesses and individuals in our area. We are extremely grateful for their support,” Shonk said. The program serves lunches at seven community meal sites from Olathe to Paonia to Nucla/Naturita and delivers meals to seniors’ homes utilizing a network of staff and volunteers covering approximately 4,600 square miles. Senior CommUnity Meals is principally funded by the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging. For more information on Senior CommUnity Meals, visit www.senior communitymeals.org.

Dallyce Marchbanks and Jeff Vincent of Delta are the parents of a son, Brantley Allen Vincent, born Nov. 25, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 13.4 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 3.8 ounces and was 20.25 inches in length.

Senior centers holiday schedules BIRTHS

The senior center meal sites at Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Paonia and Olathe will all be closed Fridays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, respectively. On Thursdays, Dec. 24 and 31, senior centers at Cedaredge and Olathe will be open and serving meals. The senior center meal sites at Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia will be closed Dec. 24 and 31. On closure dates, no meals will be served by Senior CommUnity Meals, there will be no Meals On Wheels deliveries, and the Delta Senior Center’s Thrift Store will

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Holiday Special

also be closed. The boards of directors of the five senior centers, the Delta County Council on Aging, and Senior CommUnity Meals wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

MOPS to host WAR party

Tori Hovey and Samson B. of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Zenara Bonnie Hovey, born Dec. 2, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 18 inches in length.

Mandy and Rachelle Martinez of Delta are the parents of a son, Jayden Quinn Martinez, born Nov. 25, 2015, at Delta County Memorial HospiMatthew and Shantel Delta MOPS is host- tal. He weighed 7 pounds, ing a WAR party. Women 5.2 ounces and was 20 Shiflet of Delta are the parents of a son, JeremiAt Risk International is inches in length. ah Joseph Shiflet, born an organization dedicatAdam and April Ober- Dec. 4, 2015, at Delta ed to saving women from sex trafficking around heu of Delta are the par- County Memorial Hosthe world. After their ents of a daughter, Nicole pital. He weighed 7.84 rescue, they are taught Danielle Oberheu, born pounds and was 19 inches to make clothing, jewel- Nov. 30, 2015, at Delta in length. ry, Christmas ornaments County Memorial HosDave and Connie and other items which pital. She weighed 7 are then sold both to sup- pounds, 5 ounces and was Beneteau of Delta are the parents of a daughport themselves and also 20 inches in length. ter, Eliana Grace Benehelp rescue other victims Brad and Kalie Lind- teau, born Dec. 7, 2015, of sex trafficking. At the next MOPS meeting say of Cedaredge are the at Delta County MemoriThursday, Dec. 17, at 9 parents of a daughter, al Hospital. She weighed a.m., there will be a large Evelyn Kate Lindsay, 7 pounds, 12 ounces and selection of exquisite born Dec. 1, 2015, at was 19 inches in length. items for sale. It will be a Delta County Memorial Levi and Jessi Heinritz perfect opportunity to do Hospital. She weighed 6 some last-minute Christ- pounds, 5 ounces and was of Crawford are the parents of a daughter, Reese mas shopping and fellow- 19 inches in length. Marie Heinritz, born ship with other moms. Scott and Michelle Dec. 9, 2015, at Delta MOPS meets at Delta First Baptist Church, Moore of Delta are the County Memorial Hospi1250 Pioneer Road. Call parents of a daughter, tal. She weighed 7 pounds, Carmen 4.2 ounces and was 19.75 Amanda Perez at 970- Elizabeth Moore, born Dec. 1, 2015, inches in length. 778-5272.

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Celebrate the birth of Christ

Photo submitted

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1000 Pioneer Road, Delta, is presenting two live nativity performances Saturday, Dec. 19, at 6 and 7 p.m. A chili/soup supper will be offered between performances. The Tiny Treasures Preschool will also be having a bake sale with Christmas goodies.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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Santa’s elves

The Delta County Independent publishes engagements, anniversaries and wedding stories free of charge.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Delta served “Breakfast with Santa” at Bill Heddles Recreation Center last Saturday. Kids ﬁlled up on pancakes after visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Members of the Delta High School Key Club were on hand with activities to keep the kids busy for an hour or two.

Delta, Cedaredge residents to become U.S. citizens Twenty immigrants from Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam will take the oath of allegiance and become U.S. citizens Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the federal courthouse in Grand Junction. U.S. Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher will preside over the ceremony with assistance by U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after they fulfill the requirements established by Congress. Naturalized citizens enjoy nearly all the same benefits, rights and responsibilities that the Constitution gives to native-born U.S. citizens, including the right to vote. During fiscal year 2015, 729,995 immigrants

were naturalized. Those being naturalized live in Aspen (three), Carbondale, Cedaredge, Clifton, Craig (three), Delta (two), Fruita, Glenwood Springs, Gypsum, Montrose, Olathe, Palisade, Rifle, Silt and Steamboat Springs. Some of their professions include bookkeeper, teacher’s aide, hospital admissions, laborer, daycare provider, applications engineer and housekeeping.

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Students extol freedom BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Four talented local writers were honored on Monday for essays they have written that celebrate American patriotism and freedom. Members of Lee Marts Veterans of F∑oreign Wars Post and Auxiliary #3571 of Delta recognized the top middle school and high school essayists in the VFW’s annual voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen writing contest. Post and Auxiliary officials reported there were 167 student entries in the contest this year and that judging winners from among all the high-quality entries was extremely difficult. Most of the student writers were in classes taught by Mrs. Charlesworth of Delta Middle School. The entries were judged by a panel of retired educators and media professionals. Winning first place in the high school-level Voice of Democracy contest was Brenna Rhiness, a junior. Brenna’s sister, Carisa, a seventh grader, penned an essay that took first place in the middle school-level Patriot’s Pen competition. They are daughters of Derek and Tammy Rhiness of Delta. The essay taking second place in the Patriot’s Pen contest judging was written by Aubree L. Andre, a seventh grader and daughter of Rodney and Toni Andre of Delta. The third-place essay award went to a composition by DMS seventh grader Kaitlyn Grace Branson, daughter of Michael and Alissa Branson of Delta. As part of the VFW’s Christmas banquet held at the Odd Fellows Hall, the winning essays were read by their authors. The compositions displayed clear-sighted understanding and commitment to the values that have guided America in its exceptional journey to world

power. Kaitlyn Branson’s essay emphasized that freedom is guaranteed by the rights in the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution was given to the citizens for freedom, she said. The 2nd Amendment right of freedom to bear arms is a demonstration of the freedom that responsible citizens have. The same is true for the 1st Amendment. Other countries don’t have or understand the freedoms that Americans have. “To me, freedom is the best gift ever given,” she concluded.

she said. They give individuals the right to disagree with the government. “We are able to speak our own opinion and express ourselves.” Expressing oneself in words helps one be a unique person. The freedom of speech and of religion “are put into action every day by how we live and who we are,” she said. Brenna Rhiness noted in her essay that America needs a strong leader in foreign relations and one that can bring Democrats and Republicans together. “It is time to be all in for the people,” she said. “Our leader needs to care about the people and not ignore their opinions.” One current challenge that will have to be overcome is the practice of “pawning off problems onto the next generation,” she said. Each of the winning essays earned a cash stipend. They have been forAubree Andre warded for district-level Aubree Andre’s essay judging. emphasized the “right to bear arms and to speak my own mind.” She saluted her family members for the service to freedom, including her grandfather who is a Vietnam veteran. Freedom has given Americans the right to be themselves as a nation. The true purpose of freeBrenna Rhiness dom is to let the people of the United States have liberty, she said. In her essay, Carisa Rhiness took note of the “bloody battles” that have been fought to secure the freedoms that Americans have today. “The freedom of speech and of religion are the two most important freedoms in my life,” Carisa Rhiness

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A6 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Students go into the ‘shark tank’ to fund projects BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Evan Watson and Tyler Myers are seeking $363.93 to develop a pneumatic projectile launcher for a high school physics project. They got it. During a series of presentations to school and district staff, three teams

to create a tennis ball launcher using irrigation pipe and air pressure. The less expensive design utilizes a bike pump to build air pressure; the “go big or go home” version would require the purchase of an air compressor. The air compressor would allow them to more accurately measure the psi, which would translate to more accurate projections of the ball’s path and distance.

of advanced physics students presented the case for their projects, which included the pneumatic projectile launcher as well as a super conductor and a wave interference machine. The guy holding the checkbook — DHS principal Derek Carlson — agreed to fund all three.

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They’ll spend the second semester building and testing their launcher. By April, they are expected to have a presentation ready for Lincoln Elementary School’s Science Night. In addition to demonstrating the launcher, they will have to explain the scientific applications in a manner young students can understand. A presentation will also be given for Delta Middle School students.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Evan Watson and Tyler Myers present their concept for a pneumatic projectile launcher to a small group of teachers, administrators and community members. There’s a nationwide emphasis on teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM. DHS instructor Ben Magtutu has added physics to the mix, to create a class he calls PHLEM. Students enrolled in the PHLEM class are already taking collegelevel physics through the Advanced Placement program. Magtutu expects them, as PHLEM students, to apply the principles they’ve learned in the classroom. They’ve got just one assignment — designing and building a project that incor-

porates such concepts as fluid dynamics, pressure, momentum, electromagnetic induction, resistance, super position, constructive interference and destructive interference. The juniors and seniors in his class brainstormed several ideas before voting to select the top three projects. They then divided into teams and began working on the first step, research and design. With conceptual plans in place, they went into the “shark tank” to seek the funding they need to purchase materials. Watson and Myers explained how they plan

Photo submitted

Virtuous Kids

Lincoln Elementary and the Kiwanis Club of Delta recently recognized the Virtuous Kids pictured above: (front row, left to right) Jaiden Brown (respectful), Hailey Lopez (on task), Colton Lampton (diligent) and Julian Rapozo (respectful); (back row) Ada Bermudez (respectful) and Bronc Harrison (responsible).

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

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Clare James is one of two recipients of the 2015 Colorado Clinical Laboratory Undergraduate Student Scholarship provided by a number of clinical laboratory professional organizations, including Colorado Association for Continuing Medical Laboratory Education, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Colorado, and Clinical Laboratory Management Association Centennial Chapter. James is a student at Parkview School of Medical Laboratory Science and will graduate in 2016 as a medical laboratory scientist. She was selected among a number of excellent applicants for displaying qualities of a laboratory professional and a commitment to the profession. James is the daughter of Dr. David and Barbara James of Delta.

Photos submitted

Terriﬁc Kids

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) Isabel Felix, Hayden Hamm, Elijah Rundle, Isabella Barry, Yerania Munoz; (back) Soloman Peter, Karleigh West, Daniel Silva, Serenity McCurdy. Below are second and third graders Daniel Romero, Pah Pah Moo, Lillian Sinkay, Mya Barrientos, Troy Siennicki, Breckin Atchley and Edwin Perry.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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A8 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

OBITUARIES

father, Dale Connor; and a brother, Sam Connor. Memorial contributions may be made to Donor Alliance, 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 800N, Denver, CO 80246. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Leeanna Mewhinney

Leeanna J. Mewhinney of Eckert died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 53. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta with James Conley officiating. Mrs. Mewhinney was born in Montrose Aug. 30, 1962, to Russell Sheets and Norma Jean Ayers. She spent most of her childhood in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School in 1980. On Aug. 15, 1992, she married Richard Mewhinney on Grand Mesa. Mrs. Mewhinney enjoyed gardening, art, sculpting, painting, sketching, writing, fourwheeling and spending quality time with her family. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Richard Mewhinney of Eckert; two sons, Nicholas Gallegos and Logan Mewhinney of Austin; a daughter, Kylee Mewhinney of Eckert; her mother, Norma Jean Connor of Montrose; two brothers, Rusty Sheets of Olathe and Daren (Jody) Boyd of Montrose; five sisters, Margaret Brady and Janece Culver, both of Montrose, Mary (Robert) English of Olathe, Rebecca Omang of Austin and Lisa (Jake) Suppes of Olathe; and extended family. She was preceded in death by a son, Nathan Mewhinney; her father, Russell Sheets; her step-

Patti Russell

Patricia “Patti” Russell of Paonia died Dec. 7, 2015. She was 58. She was born in Bristol, Pa., Nov. 9, 1957, to Herbert and Marilyn Guy. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1975 and moved to Colorado. On Aug. 8, 1980, she married Charlie Russell. The family moved to Paonia in 1993 where they had a five-acre farm on Lamborn Mesa. Mrs. Russell raised horses, pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and peacocks and cared for her fruit trees, half-acre garden, alfalfa fields and yard. She enjoyed hunting elk in the backcountry with her muzzleloader and her horse, Hatchet. She is survived by her husband, Charlie; her sons, Henry and Elliott (Laura); her sisters, Vicki Long, Peggy Havens and Wendy Rabon; a brother, Earl Guy; and extended family. Services were held Dec. 12. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) at cawsonline.org.

Custom Engraved.... Granite Memorials Stone Signs Address Rocks Pet Memorials & Much More ��

John Kukar

John Kukar died Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at The Homestead in Montrose. He was 87. John Philip Kukar was born in Pueblo Nov. 21, 1928, to John Sr. and Mary Ann Jacklich. He grew up and attended school in Pueblo and Calhan. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for 21 years, with an additional eight years in the reserves. He married Molly Caviezel, who died in 2002. They had two sons. He married Dolores Armstrong; she died in May 2015. Mr. Kukar enjoyed his family and playing the accordion. He is survived by his sons, John A. Kukar of Delta and Mike (Heidi) Kukar of Montrose; and five grandchildren, Araiya, Alyssa, Kaden, Sienna and Andrew. A memorial service was held Friday, Dec. 11, at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors. A reception followed at Signature Events. Interment is at Calhan Memorial Cemetery in Calhan. Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors handled the arrangements.

Bridget Mannon

Delta resident Bridget C. Mannon died of complications from congestive heart failure Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. She was 83. She was born in Kings Lynn, England, Jan. 26, 1932, to Victor and Nancy (Stannard) Bardell. After graduating from school in England, she met Lacy Mannon while he was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, England. They were married on Sept. 6, 1952, and relocated to Virginia. They raised their children in Alexandria, Va. After her husband died, Mrs. Mannon moved to Delta to be closer to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, practicing yoga, dancing, reading, writing, watching cooking shows and spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Mannon is survived by two sons, Peter Mannon of Delta and Robert Mannon of Cedaredge; two daughters, Deborah Krum of Las Vegas, Nev., and Dianne Mannon of Delta; one brother, Paul Bardell of Bedfordshire, England; 14 grandchildren; 22

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great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lacy Mannon; a son, Richard Mannon; and a grandson, Steven Mannon. At her request, memorials will be held at a later date in Delta and Key West, Fla. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

David Hanson

Longtime Hotchkiss resident David Lars Hanson died Dec. 5, 2015, at the VA Hospital in San Diego, Calif. He was 78. He was in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Midway. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tinkering in his shop. Mr. Hanson is survived by a brother, Hilding Hanson; two sisters, Carolyn Patratzik and JoAnn Graham; three sons, Bradley (Chandra) Hanson, Christopher (Julie) Hanson and Michael (Lyndsey) Hanson; a stepdaughter, Heidi Webb; 11 grandchildren, Kristina (Randy) Franco, Levi (Kelly) Hanson, James (Holly) Hanson Tyler Hanson, Hayden Hanson, Jay Webb, Elias, Wyatt, Ryker, Liam and Piper Hanson; and 10 great-grandchildren, Jaycie, Zoey and Kannah Franco, Kylee, Karlie and Addie Hanson, Kaleb, Zayne, Gavin and Paige Hanson; and extended family. A memorial service is planned for next summer.

Ernest Greenwood

Former longtime Delta resident Ernest Greenwood died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at HopeWest in Grand Junction. He was 97. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Mr. Greenwood was a dairy farmer. He is survived by three daughters, Judy Duncan and Debra Davis, both of Grand Junction, and Jana Gerow of Springfield, Ore.; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be sent to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506. Callahan-Edfast Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Ozella Shea

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Ozella Shea died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at her home in Delta. She was 83. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Delta, with Father Richard Haldane officiating. Burial will follow in Delta City Cemetery. Ozella Audell Allmon was born in Ulysses, Kan., April 15, 1932, to Robert and Cleo (Bever) Allmon. During her childhood the family moved to the Surface Creek area.

Delta County Independent

She graduated from Delta High School in 1950. On July 24, 1950, she married John “Jack” Shea in Aztec, N.M. Mrs. Shea was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Rosary and Altar Society, a bridge club and Cowbelles. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, sewing, fishing and spending time with her family. She is survived by her son, Steve (Becky) Shea of Delta; her daughters, Mary Shea of Delta and Margaret (Mitch) Harmon of Whitewood, S.D.; a brother, Doyle (Sandy) Allmon of Rifle; three sisters, Lola Marshman of Grand Junction, LaRee Cooper of Westcliffe and Roberta (Jim) Barrington of Windsor; five grandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren. Mrs. Shea was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jack, in 2004; a son, John Shea; two daughters, Kay Montgomery and Marlene Shea; a grandson, Danny Montgomery; a granddaughter, Heather Albrecht; a great-granddaughter, Mary Albrecht; and a brother, Ernest Allmon. Memorial contributions may be sent to HopeWest, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

5, 1930, to William and Walda Farber. She married Marion Hawkins who died in 1966. She married Delbert Parsons in 1970. After retirement they moved to Cedaredge. Delbert Parsons died in 1997. Mrs. Parsons worked as an LPN for over 20 years at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Wilson of Belleview, Fla., and Pamela Hawkins of Cedaredge; a sister, Mary Jacobson of Yuma, Ariz.; numerous grandchildren. great-grandchildren, stepchildren and stepgrandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husbands. Memorial contributions may be sent to Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 369, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Vaunda Draney

Jeane Ruby

Vaunda Lee Draney of Cedaredge died Dec. 3, 2015. She was 75. She was born in Fresno, Calif., June 7, 1940, to Richard and Nona Hardy. She attended the Moody Institute of Science in California. She married Richard Draney. The couple moved to Colorado in 1968 to farm on Redlands Mesa and to operate an art store in Delta. They later moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Denver. They settled in the Cedaredge area in the early 1990s. Earlier in her life Mrs. Draney worked as a secretary for insurance firms. She was a homemaker most of her life. Mrs. Draney was a member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Cedaredge. She helped St. Michael Church in Delta create a gift store and library. She enjoyed her dog, Peanut, and philanthropic activities. She is survived by her daughter, Sister Mary Dominic of Lufkin, Texas; her sister, Marilyn Lee of Cedaredge; her stepchildren, Dan Draney of Montrose, Calif., Donna French of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Sheryl Cottrell of Oro Valley, Ariz.; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Draney, in 2010. A memorial service was held Dec. 8 at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. Burial was at Cedardge Cemetery, next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Lufkin, Texas, or HopeWest in Grand Junction.

Mabel “Jeane” Ruby died Dec. 10, 2015, at Colorow Care Center in Olathe. She was 88. Mrs. Ruby was born Aug. 7, 1927, in McCook, Neb., to Ora and Lillian (Mills) Clopton. She was raised in McCook and in North Denver. On April 1, 1947, she married Don Ruby. They lived in Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska and Colorado. They were longtime residents of Limon. Mrs. Ruby worked as a telephone operator and as a correspondent for The Limon Leader. She enjoyed road trips, cooking, baking, sewing and playing the piano. She was active in the Limon United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and Red Hats. Don died in June 2012, and a short time later Mrs. Ruby moved to Delta to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She is survived by her four children, Jeri of Pittsburgh, Pa., Gary (Barb) Ruby of Castle Rock, Pat (Randy) Sunderland of Delta, and Ric (Maria) Ruby of Elkhorn, Wis.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with the eighth due in February. She was preceded in death by two older siblings, Bob and Betty. Cremation has taken place; a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, c/o Yvonne Read, P.O. Box 94, Bennett, CO 80102, or HopeWest, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service Bill Heddles Recre& Crematory handled the ation Center offers weekarrangements. ly sessions of duplicate bridge, party bridge, cribEllie Parsons bage, pinochle, Scrabble Eleanor “Ellie” Par- and chess. In addition, sons died Dec. 15, 2015, Tuesday Needlers meet at Horizons Care Center every Tuesday morning. in Eckert. She was 85. Four-month sessions are A celebration of life will offered for adults Janube held at 1 p.m., Friday, ary-April, May-August Dec. 18, at Cedaredge and September-DecemCommunity United ber for a small fee. Sign Methodist Church. up at the recreation cenMrs. Parsons was born ter or call 874-0923 for in Halstead, Kan., June more information.

Join the fun at the rec center

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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Winter is settling in on Colorado and snowmobile season has started. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds snowmobilers to travel safely this winter and to be sure that your machine is running properly and ready for the mountains. To help snowmobilers prepare, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering a free workshop on snowmobile maintenance and avalanche awareness, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at Ridgway State Park. To register for the class at Ridgway State

concern for snowmobilers and Crabb will talk about what to consider when planning a trip and safety tips for riders. The avalanche awareness component of the workshop will include information on safety equipment and its use, judging snow conditions, route planning, terrain features to avoid, and how to further your riding skills. Crabb will also explain avalanche beacons and participants will learn how to use them in an exercise. “This course is not a substitute for a full-

Volunteers join BLM, Audubon Society for annual bird count Hawk-eyed volunteers across the country will brave the winter weather to count birds during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which takes place Dec. 14 through Jan. 5. Birders and nature enthusiasts take part in this tradition, because they enjoy participating in the longest-running wildlife census on the planet. Each year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere, harnessing the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled by volunteers records every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, and contributes to a vast citizen science network that is part of a tradition stretching back more than 100 years. Each of the citizen scientists who annually brave snow, wind, or rain to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes a contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations like the BLM use data collected in this census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird

Count does it for love of birds, the excitement of friendly competition, and an understanding of the importance of science and conservation. The count takes place within count circles, which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is overseen by a count compiler. Count circles will be divided and areas assigned to participants at the meeting time and place below. If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeder. The counts will take place on: Saturday, Dec. 19, in Delta. Please meet at 8 a.m. in the Delta City Market parking lot to receive maps, data sheets and directions for conducting surveys. Contact Amy Seglund at 970-252-6014 or amy. seglund@state.co.us if you are interested in participating or need additional information. Sunday, Dec. 20, in Montrose. Please meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Montrose Public Lands Center parking lot, 2465 S. Townsend Avenue. The bird count continues until the circle is done or until dusk. All data needs to be returned to the leader by the end of the day. Contact Missy Siders at 970-240-5332 or msiders@blm.gov. Sunday, Dec. 20, in Gunnison. Please

meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Western State Colorado University campus in Hurst Hall, room 130, to get organized. A chili potluck is at 5:30 p.m. that evening to compile results. Be prepared for winter conditions. Contact Arden Anderson at 970-641-5322 the week before the count if there are any questions. All data needs to be returned to the leader by the end of the day, or make other arrangements with the leader. Saturday, Jan. 5, in Hotchkiss. Please meet at 8 a.m. in the Hotchkiss City Market parking lot to break into groups. For more information contact Jason Beason at 970-310-5117 or jason. beason@birdconservancy. org. Jason would like to hear from everyone that plans on helping with the count, but it isn’t necessary to participate. All volunteers need to bring warm clothes (dress for weather), snack and/or lunch, drinks, binoculars, spotting scope (if you have one) and bird identification books. Volunteers are provided maps of birding areas, checklists of birds that might be seen and additional instructions. For more information about CBC participation, visit www. audubon.org/conservation/science/christmasbird-count and click on the “Join the Christmas Bird Count” link halfway down the page. For additional information on local efforts call the numbers listed above or Jon Horn of Black Canyon Audubon, 970-249-6761,

fledged avalanche course, but it is a great introduction and refresher for riders of all skill levels,” said Chelsea Murray, senior ranger at Ridgway State Park. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website provides complete information for snowmobilers, including rules and regulations, safety tips, links to websites of other snowmobile clubs, accident reporting procedures, links to annual registration materials for residents and non-residents, and links to trail system websites. The website can be found at http://cpw.state. co.us/thingstodo/Pages/ SnowmobileHelpful Links.aspx.

Holiday market planned Wrap up your lastminute shopping at an artisan holiday market at 203 Ute Street in Delta, across from Sears. Hours are Friday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be wine tastings, baked goods, jewelry, clothes, wood products, rock salt lamps, guitars, essential oils and much more. Artisans are welcome. For more information, call 250-6621.

Experience the wonder of Garden of Lights Elaborate light displays, hot chocolate, horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling and Mr. and Mrs. Claus — it doesn’t get much more festive than that. You’ll find all of this and more at the second annual Garden of Lights Dec. 18-20, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Montrose Botanical Gardens. A small entry fee will be charged. The Montrose Botanical Gardens are located just south of the Montrose Pavilion. For more information, visit www.montrose gardens.org.

Mini concerts Star Wars opening inspires conclude The Advent (preChristmas) season is being celebrated with mini-concerts at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer in Delta. The final concert will be a special men’s choir on Dec. 22. This concert runs from 12:10 to 12:55 p.m. in order to fit within working persons’ lunch hours. The public is invited to enjoy this special holiday performance of a dynamic and lively group of men. Contact St. Luke’s Church, 874-9489, or Nyla Storch, 874-9485, for further information.

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Park, call 970-626-5822, or RSVP to Chelsea. murray@state.co.us. Ryan Crabb, a CPW trails coordinator and expert snowmobiler, will talk about a variety of issues related to snowmobiling at the workshop. He’ll explain basic maintenance issues, common mechanical problems, what kind of tools and replacement parts snowmobilers should carry, and the steps required for recovering a snowmobile that’s disabled in the backcountry. Riding safely is a major

duel, costume contest

Opening night for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is Thursday, Dec. 17. The eagerlyanticipated film is coming to the Egyptian Theatre in Delta, along with a costume display and costume contest. Mary Morgan Hinz has recreated three dresses from the movie that will be displayed in the theater lobby. On Friday, Dec. 18, a costume contest will be held before the 7 p.m. showing. There will be prizes for first, second and third

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place. Nesbit, “Stephanie one of the friends who is helping with the costume contest, has donated the prizes from her family’s collection of Star Wars memorabilia,” Hinz explained. Some of the brand new, unopened Star Wars collectibles will also be handed out during a drawing, so hold onto your ticket stubs. After the costume contest, Hinz and friends will perform a fight duel they have choreographed themselves. The duel

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incorporates a flashing display of lightsabers and handmade costumes. Darth Vader will make a guest appearance, courtesy of Louis Nesbit. Other cast members include Stephanie Nesbit, Adam DeAngelo and Hinz. LillyDay Buchser and Shayla Warner are helping coordinate the details, in cooperation with theater owner Jeanne Dewsnup. “We’re going to create a fully entertaining experience for all Star Wars fans!” Hinz said. “It will be a lot of fun!”

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A10 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

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Good Vibrations

HUGE SALE!

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Good Vibrations book and gift store recently opened in Delta’s Columbine Mall. The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Sooner McKay, Creative Heart Studio, and Brenda Suiter, Good Vibrations. Also pictured are Scharee Atchison, chamber ambassador/Western Slope Long Term Care Solutions; David Hauze, Center for Spiritual Living (CSL); Donna Miller, CSL; Sherry Hall, CSL; Linette Gerlach, ambassador; Taylor Buchheim, First Colorado National Bank; Kira Pierce, chamber director/Pierce Construction; Brittany Stanley, ambassador/Mattress Brothers; Kylynn Wilson, chamber director/Crossroads Senior Living; Rick Granger, ambassador/360 Insurance Co.; Jaime Fisher, ambassador/Senior Community Care; and Portia Vigil, ambassador/Guild Mortgage.

Bistro offers handcrafted fare BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Brickwall Eatery has opened under a new name and with a new chef/owner. At the Wild Flower Bistro, 305 Main Street in Delta, Gretchen Morfogen is offering “timelessly crafted freshly made comfort classics.” The concept of a bistro is new to Delta. To Morfogen, bistros serve moderately priced meals in a modest setting. French homestyle cooking, and slow-cooked foods like cassoulet, a bean stew, are typical. The lunch menu also features sandwiches, soups, salads and paninis — grilled sandwiches prepared with artisan bread. The cranberry tuna salad has been a big hit, as is

the French dip and loose meat bistro melt. Morfogen says there are plenty of places in Delta to grab a burger or a slice of pizza; she is looking to create a different dining experience. She mixes things up with specials such as chicken and biscuits, meatloaf and lasagna. She’s gearing up to offer crepes, both savory and sweet. Whether she’s in the kitchen preparing lunch or brunch, she incorporates as many local ingredients as possible, from farm-fresh eggs to potatoes. She has a small farm in Austin where she raises hops and blackberries, with plenty of room to expand into greens and root vegetables for use in

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Ready for something other than burgers and pizza? Try the Wild Flower Bistro at 305 Main Street in Delta, where chef Gretchen Morfogen is offering timelessly crafted comfort classics. the restaurant. Her specialty is highlighting seasonal, select items “that come in the back door.” The Wild Flower Bistro is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 8 a.m. In addition to lunch entrees offered during the week, Morfogen elevates eggs, bacon and bread into unique dishes such as cinnamon custard croissant French toast, Spanish egg torta, griddle wraps and an open face BLAT. Enjoy a Bloody Mary, chalata, local hard cider or a glass of wine with your meal — and be sure to leave room for a slice of homemade pie. Gretchen retained much of the staff from the Brickwall, but upgraded the kitchen to improve flow and efficiency. Colorful murals brighten up the interior, including one of a longhorn cow that’s looking for a name. Morfogen has worked in the restaurant industry since 1980, with stints at high-end restaurants in New York City and as a private chef in the Napa Valley. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York

and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. For 10 years, she was employed by Whole Foods Market in St. Louis. “This is my empty-nest lifestyle,” she said, pointing to the small, manageable space that’s quickly being transformed into the warm, inviting restaurant she envisions for Delta. When warm weather returns, she’ll offer patio dining and longer hours.

Photo submitted

20-year employee

Michelle Dean was recently recognized for 20 years of service at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Dean is a discharge planner.

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NORTH FORK December 16, 2015

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Santa Claus to visit Hotchkiss Fire Station Santa’s elves have been working around the clock to prepare for his annual arrival this Saturday at the Hotchkiss Fire District station, 193 Hotchkiss Avenue. Santa looks forward to having his photo taken with all of the children, and photos will be posted to the district’s Facebook page for everyone to

enjoy and share. All are invited to bring their own cameras, too. Gifts will be available for all the children. While there, take a tour of the station, meet the firefighters and see all the great trucks and equipment. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Municipal election petitions due early BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Citizens interested in running for election in 2016 take note: Changes have been made in the timeline for submitting petitions. Petitions for individuals seeking a seat on the Paonia board of trustees or Hotchkiss and Crawford councils can be picked up at respective town offices on Jan. 5, and must be completed and submitted to the respective town hall no later than Jan. 25. In the past, petitions have gone out in February, said Hotchkiss town clerk Marlene Searle at the Dec. 10 council meeting. The change gives towns more time to prepare for elections, which will be held April 5, said Searle.

Four-year terms being served by Hotchkiss trustees Dustyn Foster, Carrie Wingfield and James Roberts are expiring. A two-year seat held by trustee Larry Jakubiak, who was appointed, is also ending. All sitting trustees are eligible for re-election. In Crawford, seats held by Gill Saunders, Wanda Gofforth, Hetty Todd and mayor Susie Steckel are up for grabs in 2016. Steckel announced at the Dec. 10 meeting that she will not seek re-election for mayor. In Paonia, terms ending in April 2016 include Ross King, Amber Kleinman, Eric Goold and mayor Neal Schwieterman, who is prohibited by term limits from seeking reelection.

Winter comes to the North Fork

A Delta County Road and Bridge Department truck plows the P Hill section of Lamborn Mesa Road in Paonia Monday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the area received up to 19 inches of snow between Monday and Tuesday morning.

Paonia passes budget, emergency ordinances BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Following almost three months of special meetings, budget hearings and public input, the Town of Paonia

Crawford adopts budget BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At the Dec. 9 meeting of the Crawford Town Council, council members unanimously passed the 2016 budget and related ordinances. Councilor Wanda Gofforth was not present. “I think you’ve done a good job,” said Carl Page, the only citizen in attendance during the public hearing on the budget. “Thank you,” said Mayor Susie Steckel. “Thank you,” replied Page. The balanced budget was passed with two changes to the draft. Interim town clerk Leiann Goddard reported that town auditor Pete Blair of Blair and Associates recommends transferring the $10,000 representing one-half of the town’s cost share in bringing high-speed broadband Internet access to the town from the Capital Projects Fund account to the General Fund Capital Outlay account.

The balance of the $20,000 investment will be budgeted in 2017. Also, an additional $20,000 will be transferred from the Sewer Fund reserves to the Sewer Fund Maintenance account for replacement of a section of sewer main located on Cedar Avenue. The amount, added to the $10,000 originally budgeted for the project, is based on preliminary bid estimates, said public works director Bruce Bair. The transfer brings total available sewer fund resources to $58,430. Passage of Resolution 52015 appropriates money to various funds for the 2016 budget year, and Resolution 62015 adopts a mill levy of 2.42 mills, as certified by Delta County, and gives the town power to levy general property taxes for 2015 to help defray the costs of government for the year. Total general property taxes to be collected, based on a total assessed valuation

Photo by Tamie Meck

of $2,649,578, is $6,412. Steckel thanked Bair and Goddard for their work on the budget in light of the town losing long-time clerk Jackie Savage in June, and her replacement, Toby Stephenson, in November. Goddard is acting clerk while the town seeks to fill the position. Bair named a long list of individuals who pitched in to create a balanced budget. Due to the holidays, council will not hold a December work session. The next public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2016. Trustees also voted to approve the drafting of a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation regarding its recently released draft environmental assessment on the Zanni Lateral of the Crawford Clipper Ditch Pipeline Project. If approved, the project would allow for the piping and filling in of approximately 1.7 miles of open irrigation ditch. The CRAWFORD BUDGET TO B2

passed a balanced 2016 budget and ordinances for water, sewer and garbage rate increases at its Dec. 8 meeting of the board of trustees. All ordinances, which were passed under emergency measures, were required to pass by a three-fourths majority, and fee increases will be retroactive to Dec. 1. All three ordinances reflect changes recommended by town attorney David Marek to explain that they are being passed as emergency ordinances “in order to meet financing and debt services” of the town; “to avoid a deficit operating position”; and to allow “for capital reinvestment and maintenance costs...” Berry defended board actions when Bill Brunner, a former trustee, suggested during the public comment period on the emergency water ordinance that rate increases are unnecessary. Brunner has been critical of the town and the board in recent months and suggested that the budget is filled with non-required expenses, in particular, the replacement of about half the town’s water meters with more accurate remote-read meters. If money left over from loans related to recent upgrades projects were returned rather than being spent on unnecessary repairs, said Brunner, debt service would be lower

and rate increases would not be necessary. Berry defended the increases, stating that the system is “riddled with problems.” Upgrades, as well as “tons of deferred maintenance” have been put on hold until the town “can generate enough income to begin to tackle them,” said Berry. The town’s first interest is in addressing public health and safety, and meter replacement, while necessary to ensure everyone is charged the correct usage amount, is low priority at this time and will be funded in part by volume consumption rate increases. The ordinance passed on a 5-1 vote, with trustee Suzanne Watson casting the dissenting vote. Upon the motion PAONIA BUDGET TO B2

Senator Donovan in Paonia on Friday State senator Kerry Donovan will host a town hall meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Paonia Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Bross Hotel receives historic designation BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

On Nov. 16, the historic Bross Hotel was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Bross, located at 312 Onarga Avenue in Paonia, was recognized for its architectural and social significance to the community. The Bross joins 27 other Delta County properties on the register, including Paonia’s Bruce Estates, the Curtis Hardware Company building at 228 Grand Avenue, First National Bank building (226 Grand Avenue), Mathews House on Mathews Lane, and Paonia First Christian Church. Properties placed on the national register are automatically placed on the Colorado register. In December 2013, the

Board of County Commissioners placed the Bross Hotel Bed and Breakfast on the county Historic Landmark Register. Owner Linda Lentz and her daughter purchased the Paonia hotel from Julie Andrew in 2000, and in 2002 Lentz became the sole owner. Lentz discovered the hotel while searching the Internet for a place to retire in Colorado. “I thought it was just beautiful,” recalled Lentz. “Beautiful and charming. This dining room was just to die for.” Coincidentally, Bross was also the maiden name of Lentz’s paternal grandmother. Lentz said any relation likely dates back a good 200 years through the families’ German heritage.

Photo courtesy Linda Lentz

A group of dapper gentlemen poses in the front yard of the Bross Hotel in Paonia in 1913.

The hotel’s Late Victorian architecture reminds her of Pennsylvania, where her German ancestors settled in the mid-1700s. According to a narrative by the Colorado State Historical Society, defining features include “bay windows, fish-scale shingles in the gables, segmental arch opening windows, stone lintels, and a transom above the front door.” When it opened, the two-and-a-half story Bross offered indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, a coal-fired furnace, a large kitchen, and other amenities that were signs of prosperity. “It was a fine place to stay,” said Lentz. Laura Bross, wife of W.T. Bross, also ran a “lodging and eating house” next door and was known for her charming hospitality. The estimated 100,000 bricks for its triple brick construction were made on site using material excavated for the basement. According to “Bross Hotel: 100 Years — 1906-2006,” written by Lentz, the Bross was designed and built by William Taylor Bross and opened for business in May 1906. An article in a local paper described it as the “Brown Palace of Delta County.” The Bross was a social center of Paonia, where women met for tea, the Rotary Club of Paonia (now the North Fork Rotary Club) and original Paonia Lions Club met, young men signed up for

Photo by Tamie Meck

The historic Bross Hotel on Onarga Avenue in Paonia was recently named to the National and Colorado registers of historic places for its architectural and social signiﬁcance. The adjacent house was also a “lodging and eating house” run by Laura “Mother” Bross in the early part of the 20th century. Selective Service, and in 1927 a meeting was held there to discuss the formation of a Chamber of Commerce. Other owners include Otto Bross, son of William T. (19031923); Lura Atkins (19441971); George and Grace Edwards (1971-1979); Caleb Ives and Claudia Bach (19791990); Randall R. and Elizabeth L. Taft (1990-1994);and Julie A. Andrew (1994-2000). The Bross is currently for sale. “I think it’s an honor to be listed on the register,” said Lentz. “I think it’s important to the town.”

Mrs. Bross’ Chocolate Candy (from a recipe card written by Bross owner Lura Atkins and on display at the Bross) 4 cubes sugar, 2 tablespn cocoa, 1/2 cup Karo, milk enough to moisten, cook until it makes a soft ball in cold water, remove from fire — add 1 tablespn butter, let get quite cold then beat - vanilla. Butter scotch 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespn vinegar, 1/4 cup Karo, 4 tablespn boiling water, 1/4 cup butter. Cook until it candies in cold water. Vanilla. Pour in buttered pan & break.

B2 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Party brings holiday cheer to North Fork kids BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

As he has done since 1991, Santa Claus arrived early for more than 175 children in the North Fork area, bringing bags of gifts and spreading holiday cheer Saturday at the annual North Fork Children’s Christmas Party. This year’s event was a big success, said director Pam Bliss. In the last 24 years the party has resulted in an estimated 60,000

gifts going under the trees of area children, many of whom may not otherwise have packages to open on Christmas day. This year 177 children were on Santa’s list. Baby bags were given to 44 children under the age of 3, and kids ages 4-10 each received an age-appropriate gift bag from Santa, filled with toys, outerwear, clothing and more. Each bag contains at least 14 wrapped items, said Bliss.

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Another 30 youths ages 11-12 received $50 Walmart gift certificates. Saturday morning’s cold, wet weather didn’t keep any of the anticipated 105 children from attending the party, held in the warmth of Hotchkiss Memorial Hall, but it kept a few volunteers away, said Bliss, which makes her appreciate even more all that they do. With outdoor activities including the hayride and outdoor basketball canceled due to the weather, Memorial Hall was a little crowded, but spirits remained high. Santa posed for pictures with children, which were placed in custom frames made at one of the many crafts booths offered during the event. Everyone enjoyed live music, caroling, face painting with Annette Murray, decorating of cookie ornaments at Cookie Town, making balloon animals, breaking piñatas, and story time with Mrs. Claus. A big holiday meal was also

Photo by Tamie Meck

Volunteers for the annual North Fork Children’s Christmas Party have their photo taken with Santa Saturday morning before the arrival of the more than 100 children at Hotchkiss Memorial Hall. This is the 24th year for the party, which has provided more than 3,600 gift bags to needy children since 1991. served. Organizers work throughout the year to make this day special, said Bliss. The Re/Max Yard Sale for Charity, held annually in July, raised $2,500 toward the event. Numerous individuals also make donations for

the party, and it couldn’t happen without them, said Bliss. Plans are already underway for the 25th annual party. Volunteers begin shopping once postholiday sales begin, when prices on quality namebrand items are low.

“That’s how we manage to get such nice stuff,” said Bliss. “We want to thank the community for their outpouring of generosity,” said Bliss. “It’s community supporting community, and that’s as good as it gets.”

firm of RubinBrown, and called the amount “excessive … because this is the most expensive audit this town has ever had.” Watson added that there is no budget for a town clerk or chief of police, as required by state statute. Trustee Eric Goold commented that he is “content current staff adequately fills those positions,” and that the budget is “great,” thanks in large part to the auditing services performed by RubinBrown in 2015. Berry thanked staff and trustees for their dedication in creating a balanced budget and called its passage “a huge step toward regaining the town’s financial solvency and beginning to put in place policies that are going to shape the future of this community in a very positive way.” Trustees unanimously voted to adopt the resolution levying general property taxes for 2015. The total assessed valuation of $12,320,386 reflects a modest $29,000 increase in total assessed valuation provided by the Delta County Assessor back in August when the process began, said Berry, but no change in the mill levy, certified at 8.322 mills by the Board of County

Commissioners. Projected property tax revenues are $103,243. The budget and related documents can be downloaded from the town website, townofpaonia. com, and can be viewed at Town Hall during regular business hours. During the meeting, trustees approved a change order for contractor Spiegel Industrial, which is performing repairs on the 1 milliongallon tank. Spiegel will relinquish 50 percent of the total contract retainage amount of $17,679 to the town. The town also approved a special event liquor

license application for the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley for an event scheduled for Jan. 30 at 138 Grand Avenue. Trustees, Berry and town attorney David Marek went into executive session prior to adjournment for the purpose of discussing the personnel matter of Berry’s performance evaluation and compensation. The board will meet at a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, to close out the year’s expenses. In addition, the town will renew its North Fork River flow gauge station contract with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Paonia budget FROM PAGE B1 to adopt the emergency garbage ordinance, Watson stated she will also vote against the remaining two ordinances and the resolution to adopt the 2016 budget. Regarding ordinances, Watson said the town has known about possible increases for a year and has had “ample time to look into it.” No comment from trustees or the public was offered upon Eric Goold’s motion to adopt the emergency sewer system ordinance. Resolution 2015-15 to adopt the 2016 budget also passed on a 5-1 vote. Watson said she can’t see why the town budgeted $38,000 for the auditing

Lasagna is served up on Dec. 16 Loving Spoonfuls in Paonia will serve a traditional lasagna dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Ellen Hansen-Smith Teen Center, located on Fourth Street next to Paonia Town Park. Cost is by donation, and diners are asked to bring a dessert to share if they can.

Crawford budget FROM PAGE B1 public comment period for the EA closed Dec. 11. The letter would request that the bureau extend its public comment period and include a flood impact study as part of the approval process for the project after Carl Page came before council to express concern over flooding that has occurred at his property since an earlier piping project was completed. During heavy rains,

water that normally drains off of the I Street area and across Highway 92 into the ditch now flows directly onto his property and the three properties below his, said Page, who lives on the 600 block of Highway 92. Trustee Gill Saunders said that town council needs to address the situation out of concern for the town and for the citizens and their property values. “I think this is a worthy fight,” said Saunders.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Festive weekend of holiday fun in Hotchkiss BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Several holiday events were held during the December Second Saturday Shop in Hotchkiss Day. The Creamery Arts Center offered workshops. Live music was provided by The Three Tinkers. At the Church of Art, curator Mary Hockenbery offered a workshop in making cigar box shrines in honor of Dec. 12 as Feast of Our Lady

of Guadalupe Day. At Heritage Hall, the Holiday Marketplace doubled as a fundraiser for the North Fork Ambulance. Organizer Jen Ludwig said all 29 booths were spoken for. Had two businesses not been absent, “it would be full.” This is only the second time the event has been held, “but hopefully it keeps going,” said Ludwig, who already has

plans and interested vendors for next year. The object this year was to avoid repeat themes in selecting booths, said Ludwig. “We try to make sure we have a pretty

good variety.” Booths offered custom jewelry, woodwork, antiques, ceramics, and more. Kelly Katzdorn’s “Birds, Bees and Botanicals” booth offered bees-

GOCO grant funds upgrades to river park The Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board announced today a $12,600 Youth Corps grant to the Town of Paonia for improvements to the popular Paonia River Park. The grant will fund two weeks of work by Western Conservation Corps crews. Youth will triple the length of the existing trails at Paonia

River Park, one of the only public access points to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Corps members’ work will not only increase public access, but also protect sensitive wetlands habitat in the park. Paonia River Park has previously received nearly $150,000 in funding from GOCO for park development and improvements.

wax candles, soaps, lotions, jams, jellies and fruit butter. Katzdorn raises the bees on her 10acre property and makes all the items by hand. Joe Mendoza offered handmade clocks and decorative wood objects, and Hetty and Larry Todd displayed numerous antiques. Future Farmers of America students also volunteered their time to provide a lunch of chili, soups and pies. Food was all donated, and Don’s Market, City Market and Walmart donated

gift cards to purchase ingredients. Cookies and brownies were donated by Annie’s Country Cooking and apple cider was courtesy of Big B’s Juices in Hotchkiss. Door prizes were given away throughout the day, and drawings were held for gift certificates and two cell phones donated by Boss Cellular. Ludwig anticipates this year’s event will raise between $1,500 and $2,000 for the NFA. “That’s pretty good, considering we only charge $20 a booth.”

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Amy Fortin of Hotchkiss writes cards while manning her “Pumpkins & Mistletoe” booth Saturday during the Holiday Marketplace at Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss. The event, one of many held last weekend at Hotchkiss, was a fundraiser for the North Fork Ambulance.

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B4 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paonia surplus auction is Friday BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Town of Paonia is holding a surplus property sale at 38784 Highway 133 (approximately one half mile west of Delicious Orchards), this Friday, Dec. 18. Auction preview begins at 9 a.m., with auctioneer John Cunningham starting the bidding process at 10 a.m. Due to a short list of items, the

auction isn’t going to last very long, according to town manager Jane Berry. “We don’t have a lot of stuff, but we’ve got a lot of really cool stuff.” Among the items are bicycles, computer equipment, two-way radios, office chairs, trailers, two model 2002 pickups, a 2002 Ford Explorer, a 1977 International dump truck, a 1970 Kaiser 6x6 truck formerly

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used by the U.S. Forest Service, a Snow Cat, a 2001 Polaris Sportsman ATV, a 500-gallon water filtration pressure tank and sets of three water filtration pressure tanks, corrugated steel sheeting and rolls of chain link fencing in various lengths. Everything is being sold “as is.” An auction flyer with Photo submitted sales terms and photos is available at townof Red Hat Dolls of the Valley celebrated Christmas Thursday, Dec. 10, at the paonia.com under the Hotchkiss Hightower Café. heading of “News,” and at cunninghamauction service.com under “Sale Bill” and “Photos.”

Red Hat Dolls of the Valley celebrate Christmas

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A 1977 International dump truck is among surplus items owned by the Town of Paonia scheduled to be sold at auction this Friday.

Sacred Heart presents annual concert The Sacred Heart Choir presents its 17th annual Christmas concert, “A Chorus of Light,” on Sunday, Dec. 20. The prelude music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Brent Helleckson is the director of the choir. The concert is being held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 235 North Fork Avenue in Paonia. There will be a reception following the free concert. For more information, contact Susan Johnson at 5276232 or Sacred Heart Church, 527-2314.

BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

“The Friendliest Town Around” stands out among its peers on a website dedicated to recognizing the best of the best in America. Hotchkiss recently took the No. 2 spot among a list of “Top 12 Small Cities in Colorado” by the national website 101usa.com. The site describes Hotchkiss as having “a number of recreation opportunities,” but not being very well-known for its outdoor activities. Rather, 101usa.com focuses on its mild climate. According to the site, Hotchkiss doesn’t

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A community partnership

Photo submitted

Students at Paonia Elementary and Hotchkiss K-8 gather canned food items to help others this holiday season. First Colorado National Bank is partnering with these schools to match $1 per canned good to go to the Paonia Food Bank and Helping Hands.

“suffer from the bitter cold winters” typical of its neighbors. “Hotchkiss is located on the threshold between the high mountains … and the deserts of Western Colorado.” As a result, Hotchkiss is “lush and green and offers argu-

ably the nicest year-round climate in the state.” Other attractions of note include proximity to the Black Canyon and the Gunnison Gorge, Morrow Point, Crystal, Blue Mesa and Crawford reservoirs, and the San

Juan National Forest. Creede made the top spot, with Lake City coming in at No. 3 followed by Silverton, Glenwood Springs, Telluride, Aspen, Durango, Ouray, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs and Gunnison.

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queen for the Red Hats, Portman was recently selected as volunteer of the month at the Paonia Care Center. Honored for 14 years of service, she provided creative crafts for residents every Monday of the year. Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Portman was instrumental in securing a large Colorado and United States flag to fly outside the Paonia Care Center.

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Yvonne Rubino played Santa’s elf, handing out wrapped white elephant gifts. Entertainment was Christmas carols. Present were Portman, Joyce Holybee, Joyce Chapdelaine, Jennette Habenicht, Carole McDaniel, Barbara Grosse-Rhode, Jean Flotho, Bobbie Selk, Claudia King and Julia Stark. Guests were Rubino and Elizabeth Chapdelaine. Besides serving as

Hotchkiss listed No. 2 among state’s small cities

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Queen Bee Betty Portman hosted a Christmas party for the Red Hat Dolls of the Valley on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Hotchkiss Hightower Café. Festive ladies, dressed in red and purple finery, enjoyed a meal catered by Cary Hightower. The menu included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For dessert there was a choice of decadent apple or chocolate strudel.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Don’t let this image of Hotchkiss during Monday’s afternoon snowfall fool you. The town, according to the website 101usa.com, has some of the mildest weather among its Colorado peers. Hotchkiss took second place in the site’s naming of “Top 12 Small Cities in Colorado.”

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Find holiday bliss beneath the weight of caregiving Responsibilities cause physical, emotional and financial strains

When a major illness or injury leaves someone in need of long-term, nearly round-the-clock care, it’s often up to a family member to step in and provide it. But research shows that the role of caregiving can lead to its own health issues, creating a significant amount of stress and strain for the caregiver. “That stress can come in many forms,” says Marylee MacDonald (www.maryleemacdonald.

org), a caregiver advocate and writer whose debut novel, “Montpelier Tomorrow,” was inspired in part by her experience helping care for her son-in-law. “There is emotional stress, physical stress and even financial stress. Sometimes there’s also additional stress from the guilt that caregivers feel when they find themselves resenting the people they are caring for.” MacDonald says caregivers overwhelmed by the stress must make a concerted effort to find things that will bring happiness into their lives. That may be even more important during the holidays when the season calls for merri-

ment, but each day still brings its share of difficulties. “Finding your bliss ranks high on the todo list,” she says. “It’s not easy, but you always should be on the lookout for things that surprise you and bring you joy.” A recent study by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving revealed that 22 percent of caregivers felt their health had gotten worse because of caregiving. “I don’t think that’s all that surprising,”

Support groups offered countywide Do you care for a loved one with dementia? If so, you are not alone! Delta County Senior Resource Council and Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado, sponsored by Region 10, offer support groups for caregivers. These groups are an opportunity to learn about resources and talk with others who face similar issues. Support groups meet in all three areas of the county. In the North Fork, meetings are held at the Hotchkiss Town Hall at 1:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the

month. Meetings are held at the Cedaredge Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. On the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, the support group meets at Westminster Hall, 4th and Meeker in Delta, at 1:30 p.m. The meetings are facilitated by Dr. Jess Deegan, who is a caregiver himself. For more information, see www.Facebook.com/ drdeeganii. Dr. Deegan can be contacted by email at DrDeeganII@gmail. com or by phone at 970510-0724.

Photo submitted

5-year employee

Gwendolyn Eslinger recently received a ﬁve-year service award from Delta County Memorial Hospital.

Al-Anon boosts coping skills for friends, families of alcoholics Representing the leading funder of alcohol research in the world, Dr. Robert Huebner, NIAAA director of treatment and recovery research, said in a “First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery” podcast interview, “I think the general pattern of evidence suggests a real and genuine benefit to participation in Al-Anon meetings, and we believe at NIAAA that it represents a great option for family or friends of people with alcohol use disorders. “When looking at the benefits of Al-Anon for family members [of alcoholics], research on the potential therapeutic benefits of Al-Anon has shown that attending meetings is a good thing,” said Dr. Huebner.

“It can bolster coping skills; reduce vulnerability to everyday stressors that we all face; it can also lead to reductions in family conflict, and increased satisfaction with relationships,” he said. “And, finally, it can increase self-esteem, which is always a challenging issue when living or being a part of a family system that has a person with alcohol use disorders.” Al-Anon Family Groups are for families and friends who have been affected by a loved one’s drinking. Nearly 16,000 local groups meet throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Puerto Rico every week. Al-Anon Family Groups meet in more than 130 countries, and Al-Anon

literature is available in more than 40 languages. Al-Anon Family Groups have been offering strength and support to families and friends of problem drinkers since 1951. Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. acts as the clearinghouse worldwide for inquiries from those who need help or want information about Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen, its program for teenage members. For more information about Al-Anon Family Groups, go to al-anon. org and read a copy of Al-Anon’s annual public outreach magazine “AlAnon Faces Alcoholism 2015.” Find a local meeting by calling Elizabeth W., 874-9832, or toll-free: 1-888-4AL-ANON.

Potassium is good for the heart, bones and muscles BY MELISSA WDOWIK, PHD, RDN between Colorado State University

Are you tired of hearing about everything you should eat less of? If so, you will be happy to read about something that you can not only eat more of, but that also protects your heart, bones and muscles — potassium! Heart. Potassium is a mineral that helps relax blood vessels, decrease risk of stroke and reduce blood pressure. It appears to offset some of the damaging effects of a highsodium (or salt) diet, making blood vessels less stiff as well as helping the body excrete sodium. Bones. There is a positive link between bone health and a diet high in potassium. Potassiumrich foods produce alkali in the body to maintain acid-base balance. To see how bones are involved, imagine a diet high in grains and protein foods with very little fruits and vegetables. This diet makes the body acidic, sending a signal to bones to neutralize that acid by breaking down bone to release alkali (base). Adding potassium-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet makes the body more alkali, allowing your bones to hold on to their structure. Muscles. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, communication

muscles and nerves, and overall muscular function. Since muscles are found throughout your body, including your arms, legs and respiratory and digestive tracts, a diet low in potassium can contribute to fatigue and digestive troubles. Despite all these benefits, the average potassium intake in the U.S. is only 2,650 milligrams each day, compared to the recommended 4,700 milligrams. So what are the best food sources of this nutrient? Fruit is naturally high in potassium. In addition to the well-known banana, dried fruit, cantaloupe, peaches, apples and oranges are the highest sources, followed by almost all other fruits. Aim for at least three servings each day, with a serving being 1⁄4 cup dried and 1⁄2 cup fresh, canned (in water), frozen or juice. Vegetables are also high in potassium, with leafy green vegetables leading the way along with orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and acorn squash. Other vegetables are also good sources, and research suggests we need four servings daily. One serving is just 1⁄2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw vegetables, so you could meet your goal with two servings each at

lunch and dinner. Nuts, beans and lentils also contain significant amounts of potassium. One 1⁄2-cup serving most days is realistic, especially if you rotate your bean selection between lima, pinto, kidney, great northern, navy and black. Although canned beans are convenient, be sure to rinse them well in a colander to remove excess sodium. Speaking of sodium, sodium and potassium have opposite effects in the body. People with high-sodium, low-potassium diets are more likely to have high blood pressure, are more likely to die from a heart attack, and are more likely to die from any cause than someone with a higher potassium, lower-sodium diet. While it may be tempting to take a pill, real food is preferable to potassium supplements and potassium-based no-salt substitutes, especially if you have health issues or take medications; check with your doctor before using these. 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.

MacDonald says. “If anything, it’s a wonder that the percentage isn’t higher.” Other findings in the study included: • Nearly one in five caregivers (19 percent) reported a high level of physical strain resulting from caregiving, while 38 percent considered their caregiving situation to be emotionally stressful. Those percentages go up significantly for caregivers who provide 21 or more hours of care each week. • When people feel they had no choice in taking on their caregiving role, the stress becomes even greater. More than half — 53 percent — report high levels of emotional stress. • Caring for a close relative causes more emotional stress than caring for another relative or a non-relative, with 45 percent of those caring for a spouse and 44 percent of those caring for a parent reporting emotional stress. That compares to 35 percent of those caring for another relative and 18 percent of those caring for a non-relative. • Finances sometimes take a hit, with 18 percent of caregivers saying they experienced financial strain. Financial strain was more commonly reported by higher-hour caregivers. “What often happens these days is that most of the burden falls to one person, with maybe other family members stepping in occasionally to provide respite care,” MacDonald says. “Some of that is because of the way society is today. We don’t have three generations living within a few blocks of each other any more.” MacDonald’s involvement in caregiving began when her son-in-law became afflicted with ALS and she put some of her own goals on hold to

help her daughter. “My son-in-law’s illness threatened my daughter’s happiness and I wanted to protect her,” MacDonald says. “I think that’s only natural. But it also made me aware of the strains that caregivers are under, and that in many cases there aren’t always good longterm institutional care options available. That puts the onus on family members.” Depending on the situation, caregivers become responsible for any number of duties. They help the care recipient get

in and out of bed and chairs. They deal with incontinence or diapers, help the recipient to and from the toilet, and assist with bathing or showering. They also provide transportation, take care of grocery or other shopping, and do housework. “People have their own lives to live, and not everyone wants to work without pay 24/7, for months or years on end,” MacDonald says. “That’s another reason why one person often has to take on the bulk of the responsibility alone.”

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Tips to shorten the duration of a cold Few things can be as uncomfortable as the common cold. In their book “Common Cold,” authors Olaf Weber and Ronald Eccles say the common cold has been around since ancient times. More than 200 virus strains can contribute to colds, but the rhinovirus is the most common. Colds produce a bevy of symptoms, including runny nose, congestion and sore throat, so it should come as no surprise that sufferers want to find relief

fast. Colds typically last for a week or more. While there’s no cure for the common cold, according to The Mayo Clinic there are some remedies that can help cold sufferers feel better more quickly. Rest. One of the best things to do when you have a cold is to get adequate rest. Your body’s immune system is working overtime to combat the cold virus, and restricting activity can help it direct efforts

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where they’re needed most. Keep away from strenuous activities, and spend more time relaxing or sleeping to let your body do its job. Hydration. Consuming plenty of clear fluids can reduce congestion and ensure that you do not get dehydrated. Plus, warm beverages can be soothing to an irritated throat. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration. Saline rinses. Intra-

nasal saline sprays, neti pots and similar products can help loosen mucus that is clogging the nose and sinus cavities, allowing it to flow out. This makes blowing your nose more effective and may help prevent post-nasal drip. Avoid prolonged use of medicated decongestant sprays. They may work well, but they can cause rebound congestion that’s worse than the original stuffiness. Vitamin C. Vitamin C will not prevent colds,

but it could help in other ways. Taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C also may provide benefits for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure, offers The Mayo Clinic. Soup and tea. Soup is an easy-to-digest meal that provides many of the necessary remedies for a cold, including warm broth to hydrate and soothe, antioxidant-rich vegetables and protein to

Secretary of state promotes wise charitable giving Secretary of State Wayne Williams calls on Coloradans to give generously to their favorite charities during this holiday season but also to be on guard against charity scams. Williams offered Coloradans his wise-giving tips and a database of information about charities raising funds in Colorado to help them make informed decisions. “Coloradans are very generous,” Williams said, “and we want to make sure their money goes for the causes they support.” Most charities that solicit contributions in Colorado are required to register with the secretary of state’s office. The registration filings include information about the organization’s leadership, mission, financial efficiency, and commercial fundraisers. Paid solicitors who raise funds in Colorado also register, and their disclosure forms show the duration and results of any solicitation campaigns conducted. Visit CheckTheCharity.com to maximize your donations

and avoid unscrupulous solicitors. Williams’ 10 wise-giving tips: • Ask for the registration number of the charity and paid solicitor. • Make a note of the individual caller’s first and last name and the name of the telemarketing company that employs the caller. • Ask the solicitor how much of the donation will go to the charity, whether the donation is tax-deductible, and what charitable programs it will support. • Do not pay in cash. Donate by check made payable to the charity or use the charity’s website to donate by credit card. • Make sure you are visiting the official website of the charity you wish to support, and beware of lookalike websites, especially if you are asked to provide personal financial information. • Research the charity’s disclosure and financial statements on the secretary of state’s website. • Be wary if the charity fails to provide infor-

mation about its finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested. • Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to wellknown organizations. These sound-alike names are intended to confuse. • If solicited in person, ask to see the solicitor’s identification. • If you feel uncomfortable, just say, “No, thank you.” Colorado residents may also access the state’s annual reports on charitable giving at http:// www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/ charities/annualReports. html. The reports analyze and illustrate the information reported by registered charities and paid solicitors, most notably the results of the joint solicitation campaigns they conducted during the previous year. The 2015 annual report will be available on Jan. 15. Consumers should report suspected fraudulent charitable solicitations to the Colorado secretary of state’s office or the attorney general’s office.

help fuel the body’s recovery process. In 2000, Dr. Stephen Rennard of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha actually tested if chicken soup clinically makes people with colds feel better. He found that chicken soup inhibited neutrophils, immune cells that cause congestion. Decaffeinated tea also may help you stay hydrated and relieve many cold symptoms. Reinfection. Use cleaning products that are effective at killing viruses around the house to prevent reinfection and cold relapses. Also, avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth between hand-washings to keep germs at bay. Colds can be a nuisance. Most medicines will help relieve symptoms but cannot make colds go away faster. Natural remedies can help the body’s immune system work at its best and lessen the severity of a cold.

Photo submitted

10-year employee

Pamela Brewer recently received a 10-year service award from Delta County Memorial Hospital.

Low-calorie foods to fill you up

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Hunger can be a difficult hurdle to clear for people looking to lose weight. While nutritious foods don’t lack for taste, many people adapting to new diets featuring healthy, low-calorie foods find themselves still hungry after meals, making it difficult for them to stay the course and reach their weight-loss goals. Some low-calorie foods may contribute to hunger pangs, but there are many foods that satisfy hunger despite their low calorie count. Baked potatoes. Potatoes might be high in carbohydrates, but they also are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can boost the immune system. Baked potatoes also provide a powerful punch of potassium, which can help men and women better control their blood pressure. That’s especially beneficial to overweight

or obese men and women who are already dealing with high blood pressure. Baked potatoes also can make men and women feel full, which should help low-calorie devotees avoid overeating. Eggs. The reputation of eggs tends to change every few years, and much of that can no doubt be attributed to misinformation about this low-calorie breakfast staple. Eggs are a great source of complete protein, and that protein contributes to feelings of fullness. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, eggs contain all nine essential amino acids that, upon being digested, release hormones that suppress appetite. Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is another excellent and low-calorie source of protein, offering roughly twice as much protein as regular yogurt.

Greek yogurt also is an excellent source of calcium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. But Greek yogurt also contributes to feelings of fullness, as a study from the Nestle Nutrition Institute found that consuming proteins found in dairy products increases satiety. Oatmeal. While many people may only eat oatmeal when fighting a cold, this high-fiber and lowcalorie breakfast alternative can be enjoyed yearround, helping to fight feelings of hunger all along. According to the Dairy Council of California©, oatmeal contains soluble fiber that stays in the stomach for long periods of time. That contributes to feelings of fullness and may just decrease mid-morning hunger pangs. The soluble fiber in oatmeal can also decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,

which is often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” Apples. Apples are another low-calorie source of soluble fiber, and apples also are a good source of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system. But apples are more than just a low-calorie food that contributes to feelings of fullness. Finnish researchers who studied dietary data of more than 9,200 men and women found that those who ate apples frequently had lower risk of stroke than those who did not eat apples. That could be attributable to the effect of soluble fiber on LDL cholesterol as well as the effects of the antioxidant compounds found in apples. Hunger pangs have derailed many a low-calorie diet. But there are plenty of low-calorie foods that also satisfy hunger and reduce the likelihood of overeating.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Check out these programs: Cedaredge Storytime for Babies, Tots and Preschoolers at the Cedaredge Library. Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Parents and tots are invited to participate in a reading time together. Maker Space: Holiday Card Making. Visit the Cedaredge Library anytime during open hours and make a special holiday card. Supplies, tools and ideas will be provided. Available for the month of December. Crafts Group. Crafters meet each Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Contact the library at 3997674 for details. Tech Soup Saturday. Bring your devices and your questions. Our expert “techies” will do their best to answer your questions. Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crawford Storytime for Babies, Tots and Preschoolers at the Crawford Library. Stories, games, songs, activities and crafts for kids 0-5 and their parents or caretakers. Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Holiday Village Writing Contest. Visit the Crawford Library holiday village for writing inspiration or take a look at the photos on www.delta

libraries.org/holiday-vil lage. Then enter your poetry or prose in our contest. Deadline is Dec. 31. Please visit the website or call the Crawford Library at 399-7783 for more information. Computer Tutor. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Just drop in during regular library hours or call ahead for a specific time. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Free Heart Health Screenings. Free heart health screenings are being offered at the Delta Library every Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Duct Tape Creation Station. Procrastinating on gifts this year? Come get crafty at our duct tape creation station. Supplies and project ideas provided. The creation station will be located in the teen area of the Delta Library Dec. 14-23. Come in any time to make a unique gift for yourself or someone special in your life! Movie. The Delta Library will be showing a holiday movie directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on children’s author Chris Van Allsburg’s modern holiday classic. The movie revolves around Billy, who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him and a group

of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. Wear your pajamas and enjoy delicious hot cocoa and cookies! Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Tech Talk. Bring in your devices and get help from our tech-savvy staff! Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Call the library to find out about this week’s class at 874-9630. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, activities and crafts downstairs. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help and good company. Anyone is welcome to join. Call the Hotchkiss Library to get more information on this group. Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Hotchkiss Gingerbead Contest. Participants have entered their gingerbread house creations into the gingerbread contest. Categories: children, family, adult entries. Open to public viewing through Dec. 17. Winners will be announced Dec. 21. Entries need to be picked up by Dec. 30. Hotchkiss Book Club. This month’s selection is “Let Me Be Frank with You” by Richard Ford. Hotchkiss Book Club meets on the third Thursday of each month (September-June) at 3

Miracle On Main Street

Friday, December 18 Downtown Olathe ; Parade ; Santa ; Chili Dinner

p.m. For more information and this month’s location, please contact Diane Winchester at 8723745. Thursday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Tuesday–Thursday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact Paonia Library at 399-

7881 for information. Teen Program: Bey Blades. Teens and tweens, join us for some serious competition and a lot of fun! Friday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m. Family Holiday Movie. Join folks of all ages for a special Paonia Library celebration of winter with refreshments and a movie directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on children’s author Chris Van Allsburg’s modern holiday classic. The movie revolves around Billy, who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so.

This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him and a group of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 6 p.m. Movie for Break. Paonia Library will show a hit animated movie about the popular small, yellow, cylindrical creatures who have one or two eyes. More information is available on the libraries calendar at www.delta libraries.org. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m.

A holiday tradition

Photo by Pat Sunderland

After performing for parents and grandparents at Bank of the West, Garnet Mesa kindergartners lined up for a treat from Santa. The bank has hosted student performers from Garnet Mesa Elementary for an estimated 40 years. Music director Joe Siennicki led the kids through songs and ﬁnger plays, as proud parents took photos and captured the moment on video.

Miracle On Main Street ��

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B10 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

OLATHE CHRISTMAS

Delta County Independent

Miracle On Main Street Downtown Olathe

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Friday, December 18 Parade • Santa • Chili Dinner Wishing You All Safe & Happy Holidays ��

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SURFACE CREEK December 16, 2015

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Rotary seeks volunteers for Christmas dinner The Cedaredge Rotary Club and Les and DJ Mergelman are organizing the free Community Christmas dinner again this year and volunteers are needed to help with things like setup, cleanup, service, and meal take-outs. As in the past years, it will be held Christmas Day at the Stolte Shed at Pioneer Town, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you would like to volunteer or help out in any way, call Marsha Bryan at 2348800. All volunteers are also welcome to enjoy the dinner. Donations for the event may be sent to the following: Les and DJ Mergelman, 380 N.E. Shady Oak Ave. Cedaredge, CO 81413; or Cedaredge Rotary Club, P.O. Box 750, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

Ideas needed for golf course eatery BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge will be issuing a request for proposals for management of the golf course restaurant following action of the town board at its regular meeting on Dec. 10. Any responses to the town’s RFP are to be reviewed by trustees at their next official meeting — a work session on Jan 14. Town administrator Katie Sickles told the trustees that current restaurant manager Doug Coburn, who wants to terminate his current management lease, has also submitted a proposal for a new lease deal. She said that the new offer specifies a May 1 restaurant opening, but did not specify other details. Coburn was not present for the trustee’s Dec. 10 discussion. A motion by trustee Ray Hanson to accept Coburn’s termination notice effective at year’s end and also to table consideration of any new management proposals created a topic of discussion for the board. Sickles advised them not to table the issue of new proposals. Trustee Nancy Sturgill asked, “Then, what is the plan” for finding new management? Trustee Al Smith said he was “not sold on going the competitive bid route” for finding new management. Hanson amended his

motion to include only acceptance of Coburn’s lease termination, and that passed unanimously. Trustees then moved on to discussion of a restaurant “action plan,” one in a series of attempts to deal with the golf course restaurant business operation over the past decade. When Coburn took management of the restaurant two years ago, he recognized that business from golfers and the local neighborhood alone were not enough to sustain the enterprise. While a full service restaurant is desired at that location by golfers and neighborhood residents, that market has not generated sufficient business to support one. Coburn proposed two years ago a program of promotions to attract business from other areas of the county. The town has been focused on having an independent business manager and operator for the restaurant. In 2005, the town hired a golf course management consultant from the Front Range to offer advice. That resulted in a recommendation that the town itself run the restaurant with management provided directly by the board of trustees. But the idea, which would turn the restaurant into a full-fledged town business enterprise with access to public resources and in direct competition with other local restaurants, has never been pursued. EATERY IDEAS TO C2

Crimson crown

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Grand Mesa displays a glowing crown as a wash of morning sunlight bathes the heights in crimson brilliance.

Eliminating golf benefit doubles trustees’ pay BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Cedaredge Town Board has doubled the monthly paychecks for trustees and increased the mayor’s pay while saying it isn’t a raise. Under the plan adopted as Ordinance 2015-10 on Dec. 10, the next members elected to the board of trustees will get 100 percent more money for their service than current trustees do. In addition, the person elected Cedaredge mayor this coming April will receive almost 60 percent more money for the post than the current mayor receives. Neither of those increases is considered a raise in the view of trustees or of town hall. Ordinance 2015-10 accomplished this accounting magic by “eliminating” the town board’s golf benefit and compensating trustees directly with a bigger paycheck. The town board golf benefit perk offers sitting trustees and the mayor with up to $1,750 worth of free greens fees and golf cart use annu-

ally. Some board members use the golf benefit and others don’t. Trustees who don’t use the benefit are paid a base of $75 per month ($900 per year). Trustees who do use the benefit are getting their $900 plus up to full value of the golf benefit — a total annual compensation of $2,650. According to discussion at the town board’s November work session where the issue was aired, the possibility of non-golfing trustees wasn’t foreseen by anyone when the benefit was enacted some years ago to entice candidates to run for public office. To address this differential in compensation which Mayor Pat Means calls “unfair,” the trustees adopted Ordinance 2015-10; a complex and detailed scheme that addresses the unfairness by giving everyone more money every month — money which board members at their November work session said is not to be considered as a raise. The accounting that underlies Ordinance 2015-10 is

summed up in the ordinance. This ordinance is essentially summing historic budgeted compensation and benefit expenditures and reallocating to compensation without increasing expenditures.” It was accomplished as follows: • Town hall number crunchers determined the “historical cost of [town board] compensation plus golf benefits from the year 2000 to 2013. • The sum arrived at was then divided up during negotiation among trustees and the mayor at their Nov. 12 work session. The end result is that beginning with the April 2016 election, the mayor’s pay — which is $300 per month now — will jump to $475 per month. New trustees will see a doubling of their checks from $75 per month to $150 per month. Currently seated elected officials will have to become newly elected to qualify for the higher pay. New trustees will no longer be able to golf at the townGOLFING BENEFITS TO C2

Big tree delivers childlike perspective BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Combine a big love for the Christmas season, a big imagination, and a big, nearly 50foot-tall pine tree in the front yard and you have the makings for a Santa’s workshop holiday setting that is unique and delightful. Glenn and Randi Byrne have made their front yard pine tree the focus of a Christmas decorating celebration that will make even a holidayweary adult experience once again the feelings of their first Christmas. The tree ornaments they have fabricated from everyday materials in their garage are bigger than life-sized. They appear to an adult as they might appear to a toddler first experiencing the magic of the Christmas holiday. The full

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

At night, the nearly 50-foottall Christmas tree at the home of Glenn and Randi Byrne makes a striking statement to passersby about the holiday season.

effect comes when viewed up close — the perspective transports adults back to their first Christmas as a child. Glenn and Randi are retired from the electrical construction business. They decided three years ago to put some of their professional fabricating skills to work and created a holiday display of big candy ornaments and hung them on their big pine tree. “We rented a 40-foot man lift from Hotchkiss Rentals,” to get the lights and other ornaments up to the tree’s tip top highest boughs, Glenn explained. The tree has grown a bit since then. And so this year the couple needed a lift that would take them 50 feet off the ground in order to reach the top. Up there on the very top is a handmade, lighted star that they fabricated from steel pencil rod, a material familiar to the Brynes from their construction business days. Where does such enthusiasm for the holiday come from? “It’s all her imagination,” Glenn says, smiling as he gestures toward his wife standing beside him. Randi, also with a big Christmas smile, explained further, “It’s the kid in me. Some of us just never grow up.” Glenn and Randi make the ornaments in their garage using a simple jigsaw. They cut the shapes for airplanes and trains out of wood and paint them. One ornament on the tree is a kid’s snow sled. It was easy to make because they just used a sled they had

on hand as a template, traced the shape on a piece of thin plywood, and cut it out with the jigsaw. The sled ornament is normal-sized; but when placed on their tree it takes on a bigger-than-life dimension as it might be experienced by a wide-eyed child. Toy wagon ornaments are recycled shipping crates with wheels made from the black plastic lids of coffee containers. The coffee containers themselves are also “recycled” and made into toy drum ornaments that hang from the tree. Other creative uses for common objects have become part of Randi’s imaginative ornament-making enterprise. For example, giant lollipops are made with rolled up “swim noodles” that kids play with at the pool in summer. There are giant brand-name candy bars sure to spark the envy of youngsters viewing the display. Glenn and Randi used simple three-quarter-inch PVC tubing and assembled it using elbows and other parts into realistic-looking tricycles. The wheels are made from cardboard cutouts, and tires are fashioned from foam insulation for water pipes that’s even the right gray color to represent rubber. Others are getting into the fun, too. Randi said that the couple is expecting to have family visiting during the holidays. They have all been asked to contribute something to the tree ornament collection, and so the display can be expected to grow throughout the holiday season. The towering tree is easy

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

The handmade ornaments that Glenn and Randi Byrne have fashioned for the big Christmas tree in their NE Columbine yard create the feelings of Santa’s workshop and a kid’s ﬁrst Christmas. to find, day or night. It is located on the cul-de-sac on NE Columbine, just off NE 4th Street. In the daytime the tree delights visitors with its collection of big ornaments. At night the tree is a towering testament to the feelings of the season.

Towering almost 50 feet tall, the holiday-inspired colored light strings are visible from locations above Cedaredge on the highway. They shine like a beacon, leading those with the feeling of Christmas, like the feelings that Glenn and Randi have, to express and amplifiy the happiness of the season.

C2 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Students sing the songs of the season Students usher in holidays with three concerts BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Surface Creek community’s Christmas spirit was serenaded in the season’s best style as Cedaredge Elementary School music students of Andrea Kallson performed their annual concerts at the school last week.

On Tuesday, the fourth and fifth graders opened the three nights of chorale performances with a 1950s, rock ’n’ rollthemed program. There were poodle skirts, bobby socks and saddle oxfords on display as the girls, along with the boys, who sported crew cut styles, leather jackets and white shirts with sleeves rolled up, matched voices, performing their Jingle Bell Jukebox program. Mr. Grinch made an appearance during the

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performance. But the singers banished his antiChristmas attitude to its solitary mountaintop with the students’ voices singing “Sleigh Ride” and the Christmas carol medley, “Santa’s on His Way.” The school’s upper classes performed “Comin’ up Christmas Time” for their jolly finale. The second and third graders gave their Christmas program performance at the school on Wednesday night to another packed house of appreciative parents and other family members and friends. That entertaining evening was followed by the cutest kids in the school singing their ways into holiday hearts. The kindergarten and first grade students told a musical story that had a triumphant note. The

Littlest Christmas Tree on the lot overcame the slights of bigger trees to become Santa’s favorite and personal choice because The Littlest Tree showed that it knew the true meaning of Christmas. The littlest students assembled on risers in the gym, decked out in Christmas tree costumes made in class from paper grocery sacks with cascading green boughs of evergreen they had fashioned using construction paper colored with green crayons.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

The littlest Christmas trees proved their holiday spirit and won Santa’s admiration in the kindergarten and ﬁrst grade musical program at Cedaredge Elementary School last week.

Correction

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In the Dec. 9 issue, there is a typographical error in the article, “Six seek seats on chamber board,” about the December meeting of the Cedaredge Area Chamber Photo by Hank Lohmeyer of Commerce. It stated Poodle skirts and white T-shirts set the stage for the fourth and ﬁfth grade AppleFest made $14,681 but that the Golden Gala Christmas musical presentation of Jingle Bell Jukebox at Cedaredge Elemenlost $12,097. The actual tary School last week. amount of loss for the gala was $2,097. We regret the error.

Golfing benefits

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FROM PAGE C1 owned golf course at no charge. The benefit continues for the balance of the terms for seated trustees. A lifetime golf benefit offered to elected officials who have served eight consecutive years will not be made available to those elected in the future; however, sitting trustees and others

still qualify to receive it. (See related story.) During the November work session, Mayor Means noted the “negativity” she often hears about town board pay-and-benefit arrangements. Trustee Ray Hanson seconded the remark saying, “I get it all the time.” The stated objective of Ordinance 2015-10 is to

achieve fairness by eliminating the town board golf benefit. It does not reduce costs. Instead, the ordinance converts the cost of golf benefits actually utilized by some of the board members to added pay to all elected officials. The golf benefit that is extended to salaried town employees is not affected by Ordinance 2015-10.

Ordinance details golf benefits BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

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In drafting its proposed Ordinance 2015-10, town staff endeavored to keep individual elected officials’ names out of the document. However, issues are so intertwined that a generalized wording was found to be impossible. So it was found necessary to state in the ordinance how each individual current and past mayor or trustee’s pay and golf benefit entitlement would be affected by the ordinance. Quotes are directly from the proposed ordinance. • Mayor Pat Means: Currently signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April is term limited as mayor. Eligible for Ordinance 201510 board of trustee member compensation if elected to a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits.” • Trustee Nancy Sturgill: Signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April 2016 is term limited as trustee. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits.” • Trustee Ray Hanson: Not signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April 2016 can run for re-election. Eligible for Ordinance 2015-10 board of trustee member compensation if elected into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits if re-elected and serves eight consecutive years.” • Trustee Dayton Myers: Not signed up for 2015 golf benefit.

“Term expires April 2016 can run for re-election. Eligible for Ordinance 2015-10 board of trustee member compensation if elected into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits if re-elected and serves eight consecutive years.” • Trustee Larry Smith: Not signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April 2018 is term limited. Eligible for Ordinance 2015-10 board of trustee member compensation if elected into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits.” • Trustee Patti Michael: Signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April 2018 can run for re-election. Eligible for Ordinance 2015 board of trustee member compensation if elected into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits if re-elected and serves eight

consecutive years.” • Al Smith: Signed up for 2015 golf benefit. “Term expires April 2018 can run for re-election. Eligible for Ordinance 2015-10 board of trustee member compensation if elected into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits if re-elected and serves eight consecutive years.” • Past trustee Gene Welch: “Term expired April 2014 can be elected or an appointment to an elected official term. Eligible for Ordinance 2015 board of trustee member compensation into a new position. Eligible for lifetime golf benefits.” • Past trustees. “All other past Board of Trustees eligible for Ordinance 2015-10 board of trustee member compensation into a new position and all have currently waived their lifetime golf benefit.”

Eatery ideas FROM PAGE C1 “We need a proposal from someone to manage the golf course restaurant,” said Mayor Pat Means. She noted that the business model for the restaurant has been the same “for umpteen years and hasn’t worked.” Trustee Al Smith made reference to a familiar observation attributed to Albert Einstein and others: how doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is a definition of insanity.

Trustee discussion of the topic focused on an idea of an operation similar to how “The Divot” sandwich-and-donut shop was set up when the golf course first opened. Instead of a full-service, upscale restaurant, the sandwich shop would provide food and beverage primarily for golfers. Such an operation would have difficulty making the town’s required lease payments which go into the golf course fund. Making operational business concessions to a scaled-down lunch stand operation could be seen as a government subsidy. Sickles said, “We need a competitive bid process” for the restaurant’s management. She noted that the restaurant and equipment are public property, though Coburn owns the current inventory of food and liquor. She suggested publishing the same RFP that has been issued previously, and comments made during the discussion indicated there may be someone already interested in the business.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Charity, community and Christmas in Cedaredge BY MCKENZIE MOORE CHS INTERN

The schools of Cedaredge celebrate Christmas every year by bringing in real trees, decorating classrooms, and most importantly, giving back to the community. All three schools introduced new ideas for fundraisers, donations and entertainment for the town this year. Cedaredge Elementary School put on a 50s-themed Christmas performance for the community on Tuesday night, spreading holiday spirit and providing entertainment for members of the

community who may not be able to afford concerts or professional performances. Angela Saenz, a student at Cedaredge High School, watched her two younger siblings perform that night. “It’s a way to bring everyone together in the light of the Christmas spirit!” she says cheerfully. Cedaredge High School placed boxes outside the office labeled with each grade level. The “Coat Drive War” lasts the entire month of December. Classes compete by putting coats for the less fortunate in their class’s box to gain points,

and gloves, hats or other warm items in other class’s boxes to steal their points. The students grabbed the opportunity to both get an extended lunch and to help those in need stay warm. The four boxes filled to the brim with winter clothing by the second week of the contest. The school’s band and choir also put on free concerts at the end of the semester. Students of all ages come together during the holiday season to spread Christmas cheer and to give back to the community. Many express their excitement about giving rather than receiving and enthusiastically throw all of their effort into making sure everyone has a fulfilling holiday season.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Lights delight

The Kunkel residence on East Main Street is delighting passersby again this Christmas season with its brilliant display including lighted garlands, stockings, a big Christmas tree, a toy-ﬁlled choo-choo chugging away on the roof, and a life-sized nativity scene. Out of view on the opposite side of the garage is a fully lighted Christmas tree forest.

OC has five board openings BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Photo by Mckenzie Moore

Friendly competition among Cedaredge High School students is ﬁlling boxes with warm clothing for those less fortunate.

Four appointed to chamber board BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

According to staff at the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, four new directors have been appointed to the chamber’s board of directors. They were named at

a special meeting of the board held on Tuesday morning, Dec. 8. The new directors are Stacy Morton, Dottie Whitlock, Nancy Hovde and John Whitney. They join current directors Phyllis Hoffman, Frank St. Peter and

In April’s municipal election at Orchard City, there will be four trustee seats up for election — three with four-year terms and one with a two-year term — along with the mayoral seat. Orchard City town clerk Melissa Oelke announced at the trustees’ Dec. 9 meeting that candidate petition packets for the upcoming April elections will be available right after the first of the year. Completed nominating petitions will need to be returned before the end of January, a shorter deadline than in past years due to changes in state election laws. An official announcement of dates for picking up and returning petitions will be issued by

town hall. It has been a two-year process of town board resignations, appointments, and a cancelled election that has led to Orchard City having four trustees serving terms the public has not cast a vote for. Even so, three of those trustees stood for election last April — an election that was cancelled because there were three candidates seeking three open town board seats. And since that April 2014 cancelled election, another trustee resignation took place. One person expressed interest in that opening and was appointed by the board. The situation will lead to a possibly interesting election season at the upcoming municipal election in April. At that

Plants of the Western Slope

time, not only will the mayor’s seat be open as Don Suppes will be term limited, but four trustee seats will also be up for the citizens’ choice — a total five of seven seats up for grabs. The current composition of the town board has come about as follows: In the 2010 election, trustees Jan Gage, Gale Doudy and Jerry Brunemeier were elected. Two years later at the 2012 trustee election, Suppes, Boyd and Thomas were re-elected to four-year terms, and Craig Fuller was elected to a four-year term. Matt Soper was elected to a two-year term to fill Jerry Brunemeir’s resignation. Soper served only a short time before a life situation forced his resignation and he was replaced by Ken Volgamore’s appointment. The cancelled 2014 municipal election

A look at local flora with Evelyn Horn Mistletoe Over a year ago, I wrote a column on mistletoe. In my mind’s eye, I was walking through an oak woodland in Wisconsin. That autumn there were mushrooms on the trees, as well as clumps of mistletoe. So, in this column I’ll again change the season to winter and the time to long ago. The sky is clear without a cloud. I’m alone and can hear only my footfalls crunching on the icecrusted snow. I’m cold. Ahead and to my right, I see something green! Impossible — all the trees are bare. It’s wintertime! I feel a tremor of fear; this green thing must be magical. Cautiously, I move forward. Yes, it is a cluster of green foliage in the barren limbs of an oak … there are white berries too. White fruit is a clue to poison. Magic! And from such experiences arose the legends and myths about mistle-

Mistletoe toe. Supposedly mistletoe within a home would protect it from lightning or fire. And kissing? Probably an ancient Scandinavian legend for it was improper to wage warfare in sight of the mistletoe and the plant was considered an aphrodisiac (from its association with Frigga, the goddess of love). And legends continue, as well as the kissing and its etiquette.

Christmas concert

Photo by Evelyn Horn

Of course, our mistletoe looks like what one would expect in an arid region. These mistletoe grow on juniper (cedar), on spruce, fir and pine in our area and they’re “host specific,” with each tree having its own variety of mistletoe. The mistletoe appear as brownish clumps on our trees and, as parasites, they may actually kill their host. Commonly they’re called

Photo by Dale R. Smith

A Christmas concert by the group Roses & Thorns ﬁlled the Chapel of the Cross in Cedaredge Sunday, Dec. 13, with the uplifting sounds of the season. The program included a Christmas carol sing-along. Members of the group include Bob Clark, Bob Wear, Dave DeVinny, John Shriver, Dan Hawkins, Al Smith, Anna Maria Turilli and Nacy Carlson. Pianist is Sharon Clark.

“witches brooms.” The Old English term mista = dung, and tan = twig, leads to misteltan which leads us to “mistletoe.” This photo was taken going down the Land’s End Road in the summer. The botanical name for our mistletoe is Phoradendron juniperinum. Greek phor means “thief” and dendron refers to trees. You can see the damage being done to this juniper: many branches are dead. So as you drive through our juniper-cedar woodlands watch for our native mistletoe. It’s easily seen — it’s nearly everywhere.

brought Volgamore, Bob Eckels, and Jan Gage into terms that were uncontested by any other candidates. Marsha Thomas, then in the second year of her second four-year term, resigned for health reasons and was replaced by Beverly Moore. Jan Gage’s resignation created another opening to which Toni Chatto has been appointed. So in 2016, as things stand now, there will be four trustee seats open as well as the mayor’s seat. Suppes and Boyd will be term limited in 2016. Fuller’s four-year term will be up, and Moore and Chatto’s seats will be up for election also. Volgamore and Eckels serve terms which will continue through 2018. Should either of them resign due to being elected mayor or for some other reason, another appointment will be made to fill the final two years of the term.

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C4 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Water crew responds to Orchard City break BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Orchard City’s troubled West Main water transmission line encountered another failure over the Thanksgiving weekend, according to a report from the trustee water committee. One of the fused couplings which has experienced previous failures on the HDPE polymer line failed over that weekend. It led water department workers to divert flows to the East Main trans-

mission line, the other of two main treated water transmission lines that form the backbone of the Orchard City distribution system. Diverting that water, however, created surges in the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) installed on the East Main line, explained Jimmie Boyd, town trustee and water committee member. The surges produced “water hammering” effects in the distribution system.

At the trustee water committee meeting on Dec. 9, about a dozen of the town’s water customers were present with various complaints about damage to water heaters and other problems said to have been caused by the water hammering. “We expected one person at the meeting,” Boyd told the DCI, “but instead about a dozen showed up.” In his report to the other trustees, Boyd noted that the water customers

had been asked to gather and submit estimates for any damage claimed and provide them at the next water committee meeting. Apparently, the pressure reducing valves installed on the East

Main transmission line need to be calibrated to work together in unison. Mayor Don Suppes noted that in spite of the HDPE materials problems that have been encountered on the new West Main line, the pressure-reducing

valves on that segment work well. A hydrologic engineer who worked on the West Main PRVs is being contacted by town officials to see if he can work the same engineering solution on the East Main PRVs.

Elberta Rebekah Lodge announces winners The Cedaredge Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106 held a money-making project this year. The proceeds will be used for the building fund, scholarship fund and charities the lodge supports.

The members want to thank everyone who bought a ticket in support of the Rebekah’s. The grand prize of the quilt and pillows was won by Floyd Heer of Montrose.

Pam Keane of Anchorage, Alaska, won the second-place prize of a cooking and craft basket. Don Benjamin of Cedaredge won the third-place prize of a fishing and tool basket.

Photo submitted

Enjoying the warm Colorado sunshine during a wintry season in slick rock country is only one of the delightful adventures the Senior Hikers group ﬁnds on their regular excursions into local landscapes.

Pam Keane of Anchorage, Alaska, won a cooking and craft basket.

Photos courtesy Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106

Floyd Heer of Montrose was the winner of the ﬁrst- Don Benjamin of place prize in this year’s fundraiser by Cedaredge Cedaredge won a ﬁshElberta Rebekah Lodge #106. ing and tool basket.

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Senior hikers stay on the go in all seasons The Cedaredge Senior Hikers have been enjoying the pleasures and wonders of local geography recently, venturing from desert canyon to mountain snow with the changing of seasons. “The senior hiking group continues to hike in our beautiful canyon country almost every Wednesday throughout the winter,” said Jude Keica, a member of the group. “We recently traveled to Fruita to enjoy McInnis Canyons, and we also saw big horn sheep while hiking in a canyon just west of Delta.

“On Monday and Friday, we met to enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing on Grand Mesa,” she added. The group is making plans for upcoming outings as well. “In January, we will have our annual hot dog roast and maybe some rock climbing,” Keica said. Anyone wanting more information about the Cedaredge Senior Hikers and wanting to join in the free fun activities of the group is encouraged to call Keica at 856-7331. “Living here you can do it all,” she said.

Photo submitted

There is more than one way to enjoy a trail as the Senior Hikers take to snowshoes and cross country skis.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS December 16, 2015

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta outdistances powerhouse teams

Panthers win Invitational

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

This year’s Delta Panthers’ wrestling team has already proven to be an exceptional squad. With Delta’s football team going deep into the playoffs, several athletes were late getting to wrestling practices. Nonetheless, the Panthers are exhibiting drive to excel in 201516. The most recent achievement was last weekend’s team title at the Delta Invitational Tournament on Saturday. There were 12 competitive teams in attendance and the Panthers scored 200 points to outdistance a few powerhouse teams such as Paonia, Hotchkiss, Buena Vista and Meeker. Hotchkiss finished second with 188 points, Buena Vista was third with 181 and Paonia fourth with 163.5 points.

Cedaredge was fifth with the 85.5 points it scored in tournament action. Prior to last weekend’s tournament, the Panthers wrestled Fruita, Olathe and Durango, winning all but the Olathe match. Against Fruita the Panthers won five matches by pin on their way to a 45-28 victory. Olathe came to town on Thursday and battled the Panthers down to the wire before stealing a 3936 decision on a threeperiod overtime between 170 pounders Kory Mills and Trent Rose. A Friday match against Durango was also a win as the Panthers headed toward a long day at the Delta Invitational on Saturday. Delta 45, Fruita 28 The Panthers were all about getting the job done as Delta claimed five individual titles on its way to victory.

Luke Anderson earned a pin at 106 over Tyler Romero in 5:55. Other pin-wins included Logan Mayberry at 120 against Jahziel Serrano (2:19), Drake Horn at 138 against Josh Vincent (4:50), Stephen Davignon at 160 over Logan Gentlzer (1:17) and Livan Santander at 220 against Colt Chatfield (3:12). Panthers earning points for decisions included 126-pounder Kavan Trujillo (14-7), 145-pounder Shaun Staats (9-7) and 152-pounder Kole Roberts (9-3). Kory Mills, at 170, won by forfeit. Olathe 39, Delta 36 Delta knew it had an 18-point lead before its match with the Pirates on Thursday. Forfeits at 132, 138 and 182 produced 18 points and what was thought to be a comfortable cushion as the match progressed.

The Panthers began with a forfeit win at 182 for Sam Komives. Chayden Harris tied the match with his pin over Josh Reeder (1:53) in the 195 pound match. Olathe’s Felix Pena and Delta’s Logan Church entertained the crowd with action in the 285pound division with an overtime match won by Pena, 6-4. Luke Anderson began the lower weights with a win for the Panthers by pinning Gabriel Jolly (1:43). Olathe won the next two bouts with 113pounder Elias Ramierez pinning Landon Mayberry (3:38) and Andrew Godfrey sticking Logan Mayberry in the 120pound bout (4:41). Kavan Trujillo got the Panthers back onto a winning note with his 126-pound win over Clay Yarnell, 9-3. Kyler Massano (132)

and Drake Horn (138) picked up forfeit wins. Shaun Staats pinned Rosalio Garcia (3:35) in the 145-pound bout. Kole Roberts and Caleb Jolly had an exciting match at 152 with Jolly earning a late pin (5:57) for six points, leaving Delta ahead 36-30 with two bouts left. Jacob Jimenez tied the match at 36-36 with his pinfall over Stephen Davignon at 160. The match win came down to a battle between stellar wrestlers Kory Mills and Trent Rose. It took three overtime periods to determine the bout winner. Rose got two points late in the third overtime period to claim a 5-3 victory that handed Olathe a 39-36 win. Delta Invitational A strong showing at last weekend’s Delta Invitational helped the Panthers win their own tournament with 200 points.

Hotchkiss was second with 188 points followed by Buena Vista (181), Paonia (163.5), Cedaredge (85.5), Meeker (70), Grand Valley (62), Durango (58), Steamboat Springs (52), Rifle (49), Basalt (25) and Rangely (4). The Panthers earned individual titles at 106 with Anderson winning by decision, 12-9, over Hotchkiss’ Sergio Campos; at 138 on a pin by Drake Horn over Paonia’s Clay Campbell (4:53); at 170 where Mills pinned Rifle’s Drake Montgomery (2:23) and a Church decision (2-1 OT) over Basalt’s Olmer Marquez at 285. Trujillo placed fourth at 126, with third place finishes coming at 152, 160 and 220 for the Panthers. The Panthers will see plenty of mat action this weekend, Dec. 18-19, at Central’s Warrior Classic.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Photo by Wayne Crick Delta’s Luke Anderson built a lead with pinning combinations like the one pictured above. Anderson went on to pin Olathe’s Gabriel Jolly in the 106- Delta’s Kory Mills (left) and Olathe’s Trent Rose made the price of admission pound bout during dual competition last week. Olathe wrestled well in crucial worth it as these two 170-pounders took their bout to three overtime periods matches and was able to offset an 18-point deﬁcit to score a 39-36 decision. before Rose claimed a 5-3 win.

Good start for ‘Dogs; now fifth BY ERIC GOOLD

the high school last Friday night. Missing a couple of key wrestlers because of injury, Hotchkiss prevailed against Moffat County 46-28 and then beat an undermanned Rangely squad 81-0. “We’ve come a long way in a week,” Hotchkiss coach Richard Flores said. “We are missing some kids. Our 152-pounder is out for the year with a shoulder injury, we lost our 182-pounder after he dislocated his elbow, and

we don’t have a 220 so we bumped some kids up tonight and they wrestled pretty tough.” The Bulldogs were paced by a sizzling start after the Three Coltons put them in front for good against Moffat County. Colton Cordova (120), Colton Hall (126) and Colton DeLuzio (132) got the Bulldogs on the board at 16-0 with their big wins. Cordova and Hall won by pinfall while DeLuzio won his match against John Peroulis 9-

“That set the tone,” Flores said. “Cordova’s The wrestlers at match was fantastic. He’s Hotchkiss High School our 113 and we bumped are off to a great start. him up to 120 and he Two weeks into the wrestled a really tough campaign, the Bulldogs kid from Moffat County are up to No. 5 in 2A in a and he looked great.” recent poll and have seen Normally the Bullseveral individuals put dogs would have a fourth up some big wins at duals Colton, this one Colton early in the season. Peebles at 152 pounds, Local fans got their but the sophomore is first glimpse of the Bullrecovering from an injudogs this past week when ry. Hotchkiss hosted a Tri “We usually carry four Meet against Moffat Coltons,” Flores said. County and Rangely at “And that fourth one is tougher than nails.” Bulldogs sophomore Chase Hiatt was pinned by a tough competitor in Issik Herod at 138 pounds, and Moffat County cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 16-6. Three Open weights for Moffat County helped Hotchkiss along as Owen Mattison (145), Austin Todd (152) and Wade Katzdorn (160) all collected wins for the Bulldogs, who saw their lead upped to 34-6. The visitors would not go down quietly, however, and Moffat County reeled off three consecutive wins by pinfall to make it 3424. Mikinzie Klimper pinned Kale Litzelman at 170, Hugo Hernandez put Kayden Owens on his back at 182 and Stelious Peroulis pinned Bulldogs sophomore Devin Curtis at 195 to keep the dual Photo by Eric Goold in doubt. Hotchkiss turned the Hotchkiss freshman Sergio Campos duals with Moffat County’s Karson Cox in tide in the match of the the Bulldogs’ victory last Friday at Hotchkiss. DCI Sports Writer

night at 220, when Bulldogs junior Jared Cantrell moved up a weight to beat Moffat County tough guy Trevor Kuhn 10-4. “I was real impressed with Jared Cantrell filling in at 220,” Flores said. “He only weighs about 183, 184 and he filled in and did a really good job.” Heavyweight Connor Collins won his match by pin and Hotchkiss led 4324. A hard-fought and entertaining match at 106 saw Hotchkiss freshman Sergio Campos beat Karson Cox 6-4 to pro-

vide the final three team points for the Bulldogs. Chris Moschetti provided the final margin when he won 12-3 over Bulldogs freshman Presley Pene at 113 pounds. “We’re down some kids, but you focus on what you have and what we had today wrestled real tough,” Flores said. “As a team we looked pretty good. I was happy with it.” Panther Invitational Hotchkiss continued its hot start a day later with a second-place finish at the Delta Invitational WRESTLING TO C6

Photo by Eric Goold

Hotchkiss’ Jared Cantrell looks to take down Moffat County’s Trevor Kuhn in last Friday’s match at Hotchkiss High School.

C6 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Eagles’ matmen shaping up BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The wrestlers at Paonia High School don’t have much time to get ready for the season. The Eagles, who saw their three-year streak of 2A state championships snapped last year, showed no signs of a tough transition from the football season as Paonia hosted a pair of duals during week two of the young season. “It’s hard to believe there’s only four practices left before Christmas break,” Eagles coach Andy Pipher said. “With football you kind of get a late start and then it’s like, ‘Where did it go?’ It happens so fast.” Paonia hosted a pair of duals this past week on Thursday and Friday nights at the Paonia High School gym.

The first was against 4A Palisade, coached by Paonia graduate and state champion Tanner Ridgway. “That was a lot of fun,” Pipher said. “In high school he was a state champion for me and it’s fun to see him coaching. He’s just doing a great job with them.” Traditions renewed in the Eagles’ first home dual of the season when both Pipher and Ridgway wore Pipher’s trademark coaching uniform, a longsleeved shirt and tie. “At the CMU duals last week, (former Eagle) Korey Kennedy was coaching Grand Valley, and Tanner was there, too, and they both had shirts and ties on,” Pipher said. “It’s kind of fun to see those guys carry that on to their kids. I can’t

say enough good things about Tanner.” The Bulldogs’ coach gave his mentor a tough match as Palisade sent out several quality wrestlers against the Eagles. Paonia jumped ahead 18-0 as Gabe Ferguson (120) and freshman Sackett Chesnik (132) won their matches by pinfall and Caden Meilner won at 126, which was open for Palisade. “I think Sackett had a great match and Ferguson did, too,” Pipher said. Palisade got its first points from Austin Bernal, who grappled Paonia sophomore Clay Campbell at 138 pounds. Bernal took Campbell down once in each of the first two periods, then worked for a 7-0 win to make the match tally 18-

4 for the Eagles. Bo Pipher continued his perfect start to the season with his win by pin at 145. Pipher needed just 41 seconds to put Palisade’s Gabe Nettleblad on his back. Palisade answered with a victory from Chance Charlesworth at 152 pounds. Charlesworth pinned Paonia freshman Anthony Felice 59 seconds into the first period of their match. Terrance Williams followed with another pin for the Bulldogs, this one at 160 when he beat Paonia senior Nick Brewer. Bulldogs junior Isaac Maestas made it three pins in a row when he beat Tim Helmer at 170 to cut Paonia’s lead to 24-22. Jaden Miller responded with a victory at 182 to put Paonia ahead for good. Miller pinned Palisade’s Danny Tate with 44 seconds left in the first period of their dual. “Jaden is starting to get back in that rhythm,”

Pipher said. “He’s had a couple practices and now he’s starting to turn it on a bit and that’s good to see. So I was proud of him.” Trevor Smith (220) and Soul Connolly (106) both picked up wins for Paonia in weights left open by Palisade. The Bulldogs got those points back with pinfall victories. Farris Billy pinned the Eagles’ Cyrus MalekMadani at 195 and Trevor Barrett corralled Paonia sophomore heavyweight Luis Chavez in a sumoesque battle to win at 285. The final match of the dual was at 113 pounds, where Paonia’s Eli Etter pinned Palisade’s Trevor Swanson 34 seconds into the second period of their dual. Etter’s contribution wrapped up Paonia’s 4834 victory. “Eli had a great match there at 113,” Piper said. “All of our guys got after it and they wrestled tough. It was a good win.” Delta Invitational Paonia finished fourth

at last Saturday’s Panther Invitational at Delta High School. The host Panthers won the tournament with 200 points and Hotchkiss was second with 188. Buena Vista was third at 181 and Paonia finished fourth at 163.5. Four Eagles made it to the championship match and finished second in their weight classes: Ferguson (120), Campbell (138), Miller (182) and Smith (220). Bo Pipher won at 145 when he pinned Toby Camp of Buena Vista, continuing his unbeaten start to the season. All of his wins have been by pinfall. In a recent online poll, 2A defending champion Rocky Ford is No. 1, followed by Centauri, Meeker, Paonia and Hotchkiss at No. 5. “I’m real happy with the beginning of the season, but it’s not the beginning of the season that counts, it’s the end,” said Eagles coach Andy Pipher. “So it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia senior Bo Pipher is off to an undefeated start so far this season. Here, he sizes up Palisade’s Gage Nettleblad before his win last Thursday night in Paonia.

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia freshman Sackett Chesnik arm locks Palisade’s Dillon Abeyta before pinning him in last Thursday’s dual in Paonia.

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia sophomore Luis Chavez grapples with Palisade heavyweight Trevor Barrett in their dual last Thursday at Paonia High School.

LaBossiere wins title BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge High School’s wrestling team had three athletes place in the top three at last weekend’s Delta Invitational. The Bruins scored 85.5 points to place fifth in the 12-team field in

Delta. Tré LaBossiere won an individual title in the 195-pound division for Cedaredge by pinning Delta’s Josh Reeder in a time of 1:09. Alex McCracken defeated Paonia’s Eli Etter, 9-2, to earn third

place in the 113-pound classification. Landen Eckhart also earned third place with a pin over Hotchkiss’ Jared Cantrell in a time of 1:17. Cedaredge will join the rest of Delta County’s schools at the Warrior Classic on Dec. 18-19.

Wrestling CONTINUED FROM C5 at Delta High School. The Bulldogs posted 188 team points, second to the host Delta’s 200. DeLuzio, Campos and Cordova all made it to the finals before falling just short of their individual titles. Hall was the champion at 126 when he defeated Durango’s Tristan Martinez 12-9 in the championship.

Todd was the champion at 152 after his 113 major decision over Buena Vista’s Jackson Baroni. Wade Katzdorn was the third Hotchkiss individual champ when he beat Meeker’s Chase Rule 4-3 to claim the title at 160. Flores is thrilled with the strong team start for the Bulldogs, but he knows that they still have

a long way to go before February and the state tournament get here. “By the end of the year, we should see aggression,” Flores said. “Just an all-out swarm of attack. Guys who are light on their feet, always attacking, always attacking. When a guy puts pressure on you like that, it’s real hard to beat a guy who is constantly in your face.”

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Bruins’ hoops teams win BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge High School’s basketball team is now on top of the 2A District 5 girls’ standings. A loss by Paonia to Olathe last week has the Bruins listed in first place with a 5-0 record. West Grand also boasts a 5-0 record and Paonia (4-1) slipped to third with the loss in Olathe. Fourth place belongs to Soroco with its 3-1 mark, and Vail Christian is fifth at 2-2. The girls defeated Ridgway 66-20 on Wednesday and then scored a 5429 decision over Roaring Fork on Saturday without post player Hannah Gilmore. In the boys’ race, Paonia’s 4-0 record is the best in the league, with Meeker (3-0) second, Soroco (41) third, Vail Christian (3-1) fourth and West Grand (2-1) fifth. After that it’s Cedaredge (3-2), Hotchkiss (1-5), Rangely

(0-2) and Hayden (0-3) resting in the cellar. Cedaredge picked up a pair of wins last week with a 62-61 double overtime win in Ridgway and a 66-49 victory against the Rams in Carbondale. Cedarege Girls vs Ridgway CHS 66, Demons 20 The Bruins wasted little time in establishing who was the better team as they rolled to a 20-4 lead after the first eight minutes of play. Consistency was the order of the day as Cedaredge posted another 20 points in the second quarter to take a 40-10 halftime lead over Ridgway. Cedaredge used plenty of players in the contest and in the second half the third-quarter score showed a shift in personnel with a 10-5 edge in the third period. Another 16 points from the Bruins in the fourth quarter, plus a defense

that gave up only five points, made the final score 66-20. Hannah Gilmore led the Bruins’ offense with 15 points. In double-digit support roles, Kendall McHugh and Nellie Freeman contributed 13 and 11 points respectively. Courtney Freeman, as a freshman, added her eight points to the winning cause, including two 3-pointers. Alyssa Kissner was the board chairman for Cedaredge with 10 rebounds, eight offensive and two defensive. Cedaredge Boys vs Ridgway CHS 62, RHS 61 (2OT) Ridgway trailed 27-19 at halftime against the Bruins. A third-quarter surge by the Demons pulled Ridgway even at 33-33 after a 14-6 run. Both teams scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, leaving the game tied at 44 apiece to force overtime.

Nothing was settled in the first overtime period as each team scored seven points, forcing the second overtime period. Cedaredge put an end to the game after outscoring the Demons 11-10. Grant Saville tallied 30 points for the Demons while teammate Hasten Beamer scored 24. Cedaredge’s Christian Reynolds had a funnel leading to the rims and he used it often to score 29 points, including four 3-pointers and 7 of 11 from the charity stripe. Reynolds and teammate Garrett Meyers scored six points each in the two overtime periods combined, helping the Bruins outlast Ridgway 18-17 to make the final score 6261. Meyers also finished in double digits with 15 points for the Bruins. Cedarege Girls vs Roaring Fork Bruins 54, Rams 29 Even though the Bru-

Panthers boys struggle; girls split weekend tilts BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s basketball teams are struggling to find ways to win in the early stages of their hoops campaigns. The girls are in a total rebuilding year with a new coach and his new offense and defensive schemes. That, and the fact there are only two seniors on the roster, make this year’s team susceptible to mistakes, both physical and mental. Delta’s girls are currently 0-1 in league play and 2-3 overall. Delta’s boys started the season with three straight wins but have suffered losses in their last two outings. Delta Girls vs Palisade Palisade 51, Delta 12 Delta’s opening league contest against a potent Palisade Bulldogs’ team wasn’t everything Delta coaches had in mind. Even though head coach Craig Cerise knew coming into the game Palisade was an odds on favorite to win this year’s 4A WSL title, he envisioned a more diciplined Panthers team to be more poised than they were in a 51-12 loss in Palisade last Friday night. The team’s quickness, and hot shooting performances from Christa and Ashlyn Brown, overpowered Delta, 18-4, in the opening quarter. Christa Brown dumped in seven points and Ashlyn another six to lead the offensive thrust. Emily Nortnik scored the four points for Delta in the quarter. Even though the tempo was slower in the second period, Palisade kept an upper hand with a 14-7 run and a lead of 32-11 at

halftime. Numerous miscues by the Panthers, and a solid offense by Palisade, resulted in a 15-0 third quarter for the Bulldogs. Delta’s offense consisted of just four free throw attempts in the period. Delta was limited to four free throws in the fourth period, with Missa Webb hitting one of four to account for Delta’s fourth-quarter offense. Palisade wasn’t much better with a field goal and two free throws totaling four points for a final score of 51-12. Christa Brown finished the game with 20 points for Palisade and Aspen Guray had 11. Delta Boys vs Palisade Palisade 61, Delta 48 First-quarter action between the Bulldogs and Panthers generated an 1111 tie at the end of eight minutes of play. Beau Byers and Kyle Mock hit long range 3-pointers for Delta while Tanner Hall and Ian Schierlano matched that feat with 3-pointers of their own for Palisade. The Bulldogs gained a slight advantage with an 18-12 run in the second period on the strength of Schierlano’s six points and another five from Hall. Jonny Ponce had four free throws and Blake Reiher had a field goal and a pair of charity tosses to pace Delta’s offense. The Bulldogs held a 29-23 lead at halftime. Following the break, Palisade’s Schierlano netted 10 points that triggered a 17-point effort by the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Mock and Jaspar Carmichael scored five points each for the Panthers as Delta matched

the 17-point effort during the same time span. Palisade, using the foul problems of Delta to its advantage, outplayed the Panthers, 15-8, down the stretch to win going away, 61-48. Schierlano’s 19 points paced all scorers in the game with Carmichael’s 15 topping the Panthers’ point output. Mock finished with 11 for Delta. Delta Girls vs Basalt Delta 61, Basalt 47 The Panthers came back strong on Saturday afternoon following a loss

to Palisade on Friday. Delta used a strong, 188, start in the first period to claim a 61-47 victory in Basalt. Freshman Jenna Sutliff and junior Lily Lockhart scored six points each in the first quarter, helping the Panthers build their 10-point lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter Delta had balanced scoring from its lineup, with seven of the nine players on the roster scoring at least two points. Basalt scored 12 points in the DELTA HOOPS TO C8

Photo by Wayne Crick

quarter. Cedaredge put together a strong offensive second quarter to outscore the Rams 22-12 and take a 30-24 lead to its locker room at halftime. The Bruins added another 11 points to their lead, with a 24-13 run, in the third period and then held that 17-point lead the rest of the way as both teams scored 12 points in the final stanza. Reynolds accounted for 10 of the Bruins’ 22 counters in the second frame with Meyers chipping in another seven. Chris Lindley scored all 10 of his points for the Bruins in the third quarter, igniting a 24-13 surge that more or less iced the win. Reynolds finished the game with 24 points and Meyers added 18 more to the final totals. Sergio Vega led Roaring Fork’s offense with 20 points. The Bruins will conclude their 2015 portion of their basketball schedule this week with a home game against Basalt on Saturday, Dec. 19. The girls play at 3 p.m. and the boys follow at 4:30 p.m.

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Dylan Hollenbeck (23) gets a hand on the ball as Palisade’s Ian Schierlano shoots the ball. Palisade gained the edge in second-half play and used a high foul count against Delta to forge ahead and keep a lead.

Delta junior Emily Nortnik takes up room as she awaits the ball’s descent for a rebound against Palisade last Friday night. The Bulldogs were too much for Delta this time around and scored a lop-sided 51-12 win in 4A WSL play.

ins didn’t have their usual rousing start to a game, the results were positive in a 25-point win. After the first eight minutes of play the Bruins were clinging to a 10-5 advantage. Roaring Fork scored one more than the Bruins in second-quarter play and trailed 17-13 at halftime. Cedaredge coach Ryan Hilbig had the right words for his team at halftime and the Bruins responded in the third quarter with a 22-6 run to take the worry out of a close game. The Bruins added another 15 points to their totals in fourth-quarter play. McHugh’s 14 points led the way on offense for the Bruins with Henrie scoring 12 and Kissner adding another eight. Mykayla McKinney pulled down two offensive rebounds and another five at the defensive end of the court. Cedaredge Boys vs Roaring Fork Bruins 66, Rams 49 Saturday night’s contest against the Rams started in a negative way with the Rams holding a 12-8 lead after the first

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C8 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Paonia teams off to good start in hoops BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia High School girls’ basketball team saw the highs and the lows this past week. The latter came last Tuesday on the road in Olathe, where the Eagles suffered their first loss of the season. The Eagles used a big second half to force overtime, but Olathe, which is seemingly always tough at home, rallied and beat the Eagles after two overtime sessions, 58-55. The Pirates came out firing at home and led 14-11 after the first quarter and 29-20 at halftime. Vanessa Ceballos paced the home team with 15 points including three 3pointers.

Paonia won the third and fourth quarters and forced overtime at 49-49. Senior Ashley Van Vleet led all scorers with 19 points and Sophia Anderson chipped in 11 points in the defeat. The first overtime session was 4-4 and Olathe won the final session 5-2 to secure the victory. Fouls became an issue as the game went on. The Eagles had four players foul out of the contest while Olathe lost two players to fouls. Paonia finished 11 of 22 from the charity stripe while the Pirates netted 18 of 32 foul shots. The Eagles recovered quickly, taking their second road trip of the year last Friday to Telluride.

Paonia won that game 70-4 and improved to 4-1 on the season. Paonia was in Gunnison last night for a game versus Sargent, then plays at Grand Valley on Saturday in its last game before Christmas break. The next game for the Eagles is slated for Jan. 9 at Plateau Valley. Boys win The Paonia boys’ team continued its strong start to the season and beat Telluride on the road 5639. The Eagles fell behind 28-22 at halftime, but used a strong defensive second half to prevail. Paonia held Telluride to Photo by Eric Goold four points in the third Emily Pieper (4) applies pressure defense along with Ashley Van Vleet (24) and seven points in the and Chey Christian (5) during Paonia’s game played earlier this season against fourth quarter. Coal Ridge.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta defenders Joyclie Webb (10) and Mykayla Music (1) smother Palisade’s Abby Thiessen in an attempt to force a turnover during last Friday night’s 4A WSL basketball game in Palisade. The Bulldogs’ defense was stiﬂing and their offense was solid in a 51-12 win.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Freshman Kyle Mock and Blake Reiher get a hand up for Delta as Palisade’s Max Noland shoots from close in.

Delta hoops CONTINUED FROM C7 frame but still trailed, 36-20, going to intermisPhoto by Wayne Crick sion. Third-quarter play was Hotchkiss coach Richard Flores, center, leads a talented group of Bulldogs this year. Hotchkiss has posted played evenly between high scores so far this season and is ranked No. 5 in Class 2A wrestling. the two teams as each squad scored 15 points. The big difference in the game for Delta was the increase in point-production by Nortnik in the period. Nortnik’s 11-point effort helped the Panthers maintain their 16point lead going to the fourth quarter. Delta was 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter and Nortnik added two more goals to the Panthers’ 10-point final quarter. Nortnik was stellar in Delta’s win as she rebounded well at both ends of the court and poured in a gamehigh, and career-high, 23 points for the Panthers. Sutliff and Lockhart contributed 10 points each in the win. Nicole Alvarado was Basalt’s top shooter with 10 points. Delta Boys vs Basalt Basalt 53, Delta 26 An off-night offensively hindered Delta’s progress against the Longhorns. Basalt fed the ball to big man Michael Glen for seven first-quarter points as the Longhorns took a 12-9 lead heading to the second period. Ponce’s five points paced

the Panthers in the opening frame. Neither team was overly productive on their offensive ends of the court in the second quarter. Basalt kept an upper hand with a 13-6 run on the strength of Glen’s eight points. Carmichael had five of Delta’s six points. Delta’s inability to find the hoop continued in second-half play. The Panthers’ offense contributed just six points, while Basalt doubled that amount with 12 counters of its own. The Panthers lost Mock in the fourth quarter and could not get inside consistently on offense. Basalt took advantage of the Panthers’ defensive loss and outscored Delta 16-5 in the final quarter for the 53-26 victory. The two teams meet again, in Delta, Feb. 8, 2016. In Saturday’s game, Glen was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points, and teammate Wade Soho finished with 12. Delta’s leading scorer was Carmichael with nine points. Delta played Roaring Fork on Tuesday and is scheduled to play in Glenwood Springs on Friday, Dec. 18, with girls’ and boys’ varsity games set for 6 and 7:30 p.m. On Saturday the Panthers will host Battle Mountain at 2 and 3:30 p.m.

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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) HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. (DCHS)

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THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, 860 Hwy 92, Delta. For further THE DELTA COUNTY information, call 874-8172 Independent runs these Jim Baker, Quartermaster. items as a public service (tfx12) free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are BECAWS! ADOPT A DOG charged. However, each or cat today. Call 970-527group is asked to please 3350, or visit cawsonline. keep them current by call- org. Delta County Citizens ing 874-4421. for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV Memorial Hospital needs regular meetings on the hospital volunteers. Days second Monday of each and hours are flexible. There month at 7 p.m. at the are currently openings Veterans Building, 15th & in the ER, Oncology, Gift Howard, Delta. For further Shop and some additional information, call Paul Carter areas. If you are interested, 874-5150. (tfx19) please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Joyce Picard ARE YOU NEW TO THE at (970) 874-3841 for an Delta area? Stop by the Delta Area Chamber of application. (4x27) Commerce at 301 Main St. WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- for you FREE Welcome Bag, ings, Delta. Wednesdays, filled with goodies, sam5:00 p.m., closed ples, discounts and commu(Alcoholics only) at Friends nity information, courtesy of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. of Chamber members and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open sponsored by Kim Guthrie(others may attend) at St. Burch of Re/Max Today. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door). YOU HAVE THE POWER TO change a child's life! (tfnx3) Children are waiting for FREE DIAPERS FOR UP senior partners in Delta to one year! Pregnant County right now! Can you women in Delta County can spare 3 hours a week? We now get help to quit smok- need your help! Call today ing and get something they for more information. Please can really use after their volunteer to spend time with baby arrives — free diapers. a child in our community. Healthy moms have healthy Partners of Delta, Montrose babies. Enroll in the Baby & and Ouray, 874-4661, www. Me Tobacco Free program partners-west.org. or www. today. Contact the Delta deltayouth@montrose.net. County Health Department (tfx13) at 874-2165 or your local PAONIA AMERICAN physician. (TFNx2) Legion runs a year round SUPPORT THE DELTA non-perishable emergency Public Library. Give a gently food pantry. This is for used book in the Downstairs the North Fork area. For Book Store. information, call 527-6252. (tfx49) WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD meets at 5:00 p.m. on the jewelry and silver or bits of 4th Thursday of each month gold and silver scraps. The in Cedaredge. To find out Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is how to participate in pro- sending them to: New Eyes moting patriotism and for the Needy, 549 Millburn assisting veterans, contact Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- or send them to: Gale 1180. (tfnx23) Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. AARP DRIVER SAFETY 548, Delta, CO 81416. Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic THE AMERICAN RED laws, learn defensive driv- Cross needs you. Become ing techniques. For details one of the Red Cross voland schedule contact John unteers who says, “We’ll Be Loring (970) 856-6924 or There, Because Help Can’t (970) 424-1778. Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-242HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW Historical Museum. Winter for information on the difhours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. ference you can make in thru December 24. $3 admis- someone’s life as a disaster sion or free to members. volunteer. ((TFNx4)) Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in DELTA HAS A BOOKHotchkiss. 872-3780. (tfx44) store in the basement of the library featuring gently CHECK OUT THE BOOK used books and magazines. store at the library. You'll Come check it out! find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable YOUR LISTING HERE! prices. call now... 874-4421

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UNEMPLOYED? JOIN others for a time of networking, encouragement, and skill improvement. Latent Resources meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the Delta United Methodist Church (5th & Meeker). Attendants and visitors are encouraged to dress professionally and bring a note pad and a willingness to learn and be challenged. Find us on facebook.com & twitter.com - search "Latent Resources", or call James at 970-9019463. HEALTHY BABIES START with early prenatal care. Delta County Health Department. Offers access to immediate, temporary Medicaid for pregnant women who qualify. 8742165. (tfx25) BOOKS MAKE GREAT stocking stuffers. Find books at great prices in the basement of the Delta Public Library. BECAWS! DISCOUNT spay and neuter coupons available. Call 970-5273350, or visit cawsonline. org. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) FARM WORKER HEALTH Services: We offer assistance with medical, dental and medicines. If you work in agriculture you may qualify for our services. For more information call 3230538. (tfx12) SERVICIOS DE SALUD De Campesinos: Ofrecemos ayuda con doctores, dentistas, y medicinas. Si trabajas en agricultura puedes calificar para nuestros servicios. Para mas informacion llame al 323-0538. (tfx12) 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).

FOSTER GRANDPARENT Program enriches the lives of senior volunteers while improving the education of children with special needs. Volunteers, 55 and older, needed to assist in class rooms tutoring and mentoring children. Low-income volunteers may qualify for a stipend. Teachers in Delta area class rooms request "Grandparents" to come in and work with students who need the extra help to achieve their best. For information on how you can use your talents to help kids call Tanya at 263-9091. (tfx7) PARENTS — FREE information and referrals for licensed child care providers. Call Bright Futures Child Care Resource & Referral at 877-728-5613. (TFNx1)

THE AMERICAN LEGION Post 97 Paonia is seeking the names and addresses of all persons currently serving on active duty in the military from the North Fork Valley in order to contact them and show our support. Send addresses to American Legion Post 97, PO Box 277, Paonia, CO 81428 or call 527-6552. PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. (TFNx4) BUYING OR SELLING Find it in the DCI Classifieds.

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PUBLIC SERVICE JOIN FORCES WITH US! Animal lovers rescue groups, shelters: let's band together and get a countywide shelter built! We are here for the animals. Another Chance Critter Haven. 874-9011. BECAWS! DOG/CAT foster families needed. Call 970-527-3350, or visit cawsonline.org. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) COLORADO QUITLINE IS a free, confidential telephone coaching service for anyone calling from a Colorado area code. With QuitLine, tobacco users can receive free supplies of the nicotine patch as they work with trained coaches who create a personalized quit plan just for them. To contact the QuitLine, call 1-800QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.coquitline.org.

BECAWS! VOLUNTEERS needed. Call 970-527-3350, or visit cawsonline.org. Delta County Citizens for BECAWS! DO YOU HAVE Animal Welfare and Shelter an animal rescue success story to share? Call (CAWS) 970-527-3350, or email PLEASE HELP! VOLUN- rescuemagazine@gmail. teers needed to help get com. Delta County Citizens new animal shelter in Delta for Animal Welfare and off the ground. We need Shelter (CAWS) temporary or long term foster homes, foot soldiers, THE DELTA COUNTY light research, paperwork Democratic Party invites and phone people. Many you to visit their Facebook hands make light work. page for announcements, Thank you! Another Chance information and intelligent discussion of issues. You Critter Haven. 874-9011. are not alone! Contact DEDUCT IT FROM YOUR www.facebook.com/pages/ taxes! Donations of: pet CO-Delta-County-Democrat food, old blankets, tow- s/109082339170167 els, kennels, carriers, pet DONATION beds or dishes, and money BECAWS! always appreciated. Another items needed for Barkin' Chance Critter Haven. 874- Bargains Thrift Store in Paonia. Call 970-527-5111. 9011. 501 (c) (3) Delta County Citizens for ALZHEIMER'S ASSO- Animal Welfare and Shelter ciation Caregivers' Support (CAWS) Group, Cory/Austin. All SOMEONE'S Saints Lutheran Church, FOUND 20101 Deer Creek Road. puppy? Let them find it in Last Wednesday of every the DCI Classifieds. month, 1 p.m.

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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)

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Delta County Independent

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Area churches celebrate the birth of Christ All Saints Lutheran Church 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight worship service, 7 p.m., led by Pastor Paul Rosin. Eckert Presbyterian Church 13025 Highway 65 Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6:30 p.m. St. Philip Benizi 290 NW Cedar Avenue Cedaredge Thursday, Dec. 24 — Prelude, 6:30 p.m.; Mass, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 — Mass, 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 — Service, 6 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner in St. Ann’s Hall at 7 p.m. Cedaredge Community Methodist Church 3rd & Aspen Sunday, Dec. 20 — Christmas cantata, “Tell the World Jesus is Born,” 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Family service at 5 p.m., featuring “Oh Come Ye,” a drama written by one of our own, Karen Cline. Traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m. You are invited to come celebrate this jubilant time of the year. Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church S.E. Jay Avenue, Cedaredge Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m., with congregational carol singing, highlights from the cantata, additional music

and brief readings. Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church 298 Bert Street Delta Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve vigil service, 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day Festal Divine Liturgy, 9 a.m. Saint Andrew’s Parish welcomes all. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 5th & Palmer, Delta Tuesday, Dec. 22 — Advent concert, 12:10 to 12:55 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve carol service begins at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve Holy Communion Service begins at 8:30 p.m., with reception after service. Friday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day Holy Communion service, 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Holy Communion service, 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day Holy Communion service, 10 a.m. First Baptist Church of Delta 1250 Pioneer Road Sunday, Dec. 20 — Morning worship, 10:30 a.m. The message is “Faith Requires Worship.” At 6 p.m. 10:30 a.m. enjoy a visit from St. Nicholas as church members interpret the origin of Santa Claus. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight worship, 6 p.m. The message is “This Changes Everything.” A special offering will be taken for

the Salvation Army. Saturday, Dec. 26 — Meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. to go sledding on Grand Mesa. Delta United Methodist Church 5th & Meeker Tuesday, Dec. 22 — Blue Christmas service, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight service, 6 p.m. A simpler service takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day service, 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25 — Annual community Christmas dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Everyone welcome! If you would like to volunteer to help serve, clean up, or prepare food, please call the church office, 8749501. Friday, Jan. 1 — Annual devotional exchange. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Garnet Mesa Baptist Church 863 A Street, Delta Sunday, Dec. 20 — During morning worship at 11 a.m., the church will be looking at the birth of our Savior. The children’s Christmas play will take place during the evening service at 6:30 p.m. Delta Christian Church 795 1600 Road Sunday, Dec. 20 — Morning worship, 10 a.m. “Waiting on the World to Change.” Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 1721 H Road, Delta

Wednesday, Dec. 16 — Midweek Advent service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 — Live Nativity program, 6 and 7 p.m. A chili/soup supper will be offered between performances. The Tiny Treasures Preschool will also be having a bake sale. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day service, 9 a.m. Presbyterian Church of Delta 4th & Meeker Sunday, Dec. 20 — Fourth Sunday of Advent with children’s puppet interpretation of Jesus’ birth, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight communion service, 6 p.m. Delta First Assembly Eaton & Dodge Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve and communion service, 6 p.m. Center for Spiritual Living 658 Howard Street, Delta Sunday, Dec. 20 — Winter solstice service, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Taize candlelight Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 — Burning bowl New Year’s ceremony, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 — World peace prayer service, 5 a.m. (yes, 5 a.m.). Mountain View Bible Church 8733 3100 Road Lazear Friday, Dec. 18 —

Christmas caroling and chili supper, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 — Noel service, “The Hope of Christmas,” 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 — Candlelight communion service, 6 p.m. For more information, call Pastor Jim at 3236412. Paonia United Methodist Church 3rd & Onarga Sunday, Dec. 20 — Services celebrating Advent, 10 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight Christmas Eve service, 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25 — Christmas potluck luncheon, noon. For more information, call 5273348. Crawford Community United Methodist 297 Dogwood Avenue Sunday, Dec. 20 — Worship, 9 a.m., followed by fellowship hour in the church hall. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m.

Hotchkiss Community United Methodist 285 2nd Street Sunday, Dec. 20 —Worship, 11 a.m., followed by fellowship hour in the church hall. Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. Paonia Church of the Nazarene 307 North Fork Avenue Sunday, Dec. 20 — Worship, 10:30 a.m. Paonia Friends Church 409 3rd Street Thursday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. This is a casual service with music, reading of the Christmas story and communion. A reception for Christ’s birthday will follow. Come as you are but please come! This free listing will be updated for the Dec. 23 edition of the DCI. Additional church information can be emailed to editor@deltacounty independent.com.

Olathe school presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ Holy Guardian Angels School of Olathe will present its annual Christmas play Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue, Delta. This year the students will present “A Christmas Carol.” The play is free and open for all to enjoy. Preceding the play there will be a fundrais-

ing dinner in the Delta Middle School cafeteria, located behind the Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be at 6 p.m. with drawings for door prizes beginning at 6:30 p.m. For further information, to purchase dinner tickets or to make a donation, call 323-5057.

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

First Church of God presents gospel chalk art Delta Church of God, 11th and Howard, will present a unique event Christmas Eve. Linda Aubery, children’s pastor, will use gospel chalk

art to share the story of Christ’s birth. The public is invited to this presentation, offered at no charge as the church’s gift to the community.

Gospel chalk art is a unique and effective ministry that consists of drawing a picture in chalk while sharing a message from the Word of God.

Hilltop receives grant to support domestic violence emergency shelters Hilltop Community Resources has received a $60,000 Daniels Fund grant to support its domestic violence emergency shelters in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. This grant also funds Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak program, located in Grand Junction. In 2015, Hilltop’s domestic violence programs provided emer-

gency shelter nights to nearly 451 women and children, responded to 8,310 calls to the 24-hour crisis lines, and offered community services to 428 adults and children affected by domestic violence. Additionally, the Daniels Fund grant provides funds to Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak, an adult day care program that provides a safe and stimu-

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lating environment for seniors dealing with memory loss, confusion and medical frailty. Hilltop Community Resources’ 24 programs provide services and activities that are comprehensive, familyfocused and supported by community collaborations in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. For more information, visit www.htop.org.

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the drawing, creating a stunning effect. Don’t miss this unique Christmas event, to take place Thursday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. For more information, call the church at 874-4647.

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chalk, she will draw a new, visible scene around the pre-drawn, invisible one. Once this new scene is complete, she will flip on the black light and the pre-drawn scene will suddenly appear within

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This 160-year-old American tradition dates back to the early 19th century. “Lighting artists,” as they were originally called, would draw large 4x6-foot pictures with chalk to music. In the mid-1980s chalk art began using black light. In a black light drawing the areas that appear white to the naked eye come alive with color when exposed to the rays of a black light. Aubery will perform a 25-minute chalk drawing, synchronized to contemporary Christian music and accentuated by the dramatic lighting. She will begin with what appears to be a large blank sheet of paper. Using standard

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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D8 Wednesday, December 16, 2015

BACK PAGE

A Christmas wonderland

B A C K P A G E

Delta County Independent

Photos courtesy Yvonne Rowland

Each year Yvonne Rowland transforms her home into a Christmas wonderland. In the foreground are two magnificent Fitz and Floyd porcelain figures, Father Christmas and a deer. The tree in the background is The Disney Tree, decorated with characters from Disney films. It is just one of many adorning her home during the holiday.

Yvonne Rowland and her beloved mother, LaVerne Lee, also known as the Hallmark Lady.

Davis and renamed Ryan’s Hallmark. Mrs. Lee retired at the age of 88 because of her health. The majority of the ornaments with which Yvonne decorates are from Hallmark. Friends have given her ornaments over the years but they stay away from Hallmark ornaments, not knowing which Hallmark ornaments Yvonne will choose that year. She has three ornaments that were her grandmother’s. The Santa Tree, on prominent display, was Yvonne’s mother’s tree and Yvonne places her mother’s ornaments on it. It displays Santas of all descriptions as well as other ornaments. “My girlfriend and I had this competition going every year about which of us would be the first to bring my mother a new Santa ornament,” Yvonne said. “All the years I was growing up we continued to expand the number of ornaments on my mother’s tree.” Yvonne’s dad died when Yvonne was 23. Years ago Yvonne decorated two live trees every year but now she decorates artificial trees. This year she is decorating five tall trees and six small trees. She has lived in her house for 36 years and in every room she joyfully decorates in celebration of Christmas. “I try to focus on the birth of Christ,” she says. She has several nativity scenes which she leaves up year-round. Her sister Nadine, who lives in Denver, gave her a nativity set in pewter. Another set has all the characters cast in white. A display of three angels, at the touch of a button, proclaims, “Gloria In Excelsis Deo.” When approaching Yvonne’s house, it is apparent “this is the house.” Outside decorations declare it and, in the window sills of several tall windows, a line of Father Christmas figurines affirms it. As you step into the house, gentle music from solar wind chimes indicate the season. The chimes are a gift from Jim and Tracy Munson. Just inside the door, Norman Rockwell holds forth through figurines depicting Santa’s activities: Santa writing down a child’s name, Santa reading

a child’s letter, Santa making his lists, Santa making toys, Santa looking over a sleeping child, Santa putting toys on a tree, Santa enjoying milk and cookies, and Santa with his boots off sleeping in his chair. Look right and your eyes will feast on a multitude of ornaments you may recognize. This is the Hallmark Tree, spilling over with Hallmark ornaments. There is a table containing all Barbie ornaments. Another table features snow babies, little porcelain angel babies. Yvonne has several hundred snow babies and they are displayed in various places. Six small trees with miniature Hallmark ornaments appear throughout the house. The Red and White Candy Cane Tree stands tall in its red-and-whiteness and at its base is a light-and-motion collection of snowmen given to Yvonne over the years by her mother. Yvonne says, “This is a special memory. I know my toys and I know where they came from. “Children love to play with the snowmen. The snowmen all do different motions and children love to push all the buttons at once. “Not one of the snowmen has ever been damaged. I have two kitties and they don’t bother anything.” To the left of the Red and White Candy Cane Tree is a collection of bearand-boy figurines and a music box: bear and boy ice skating, bear and boy sledding, bear and boy caroling, bear and boy reading a Christmas story, bear and boy having a snack of peppermint candy at the North pole, and bear carrying boy home on his back. Using the figurines, Yvonne tells a story to children as the music box plays. On a chest to the right of the Candy Cane Tree sits the pewter nativity set from her sister. Across the room on another chest are two magnificent Fitz and Floyd porcelain figures, Father Christmas and a deer. “David Mangum used to drool over these two figures,” Yvonne said, pausing to express her personal loss with David’s passing and the community’s loss. Just beyond these figures the Disney

Tree sits, providing a home for many Disney figures — Mickey Mouse, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Happy Feet, Shrek, and others. Also across the room is a gold and white Father Christmas, a gift to Yvonne from a friend. Alongside that Father Christmas are several small angels. “Made for me over the years by a friend,” Yvonne says. A wall hanging given to her 30 years ago by a friend reads, “Come Let Us Adore Him.” In her bedroom where there is adequate space, Yvonne places the Serenity Tree. “It is a gray silver tree,” she explains, “with white lights. The ornaments are silver, blue and white. There are mirrors on three sides of the room and the lights reflect over and over and over.” And the bathroom? The bathroom is decorated in red and green, with a small tree, a teddy bear, a vase of poinsettias, poinsettia-trimmed lights around the mirror, teddy bear and Santa wall hangings, and red and green towels. The kitchen has a half-tree on a cabinet door, angels in both windows, and an angel on the microwave. It takes Yvonne 50 to 60 hours to complete her wonderland decorating. As to how long it takes her to take down and put away the decorations, she says, “I don’t care, but I do have Valentine’s Day as a goal.” Yvonne Rowland is very generous in sharing her Christmas Wonderland. She hosts a luncheon for about 30 girlfriends, a family gathering, and a Christmas Eve dinner with friends. Children are welcome. “I show the children the buttons to push and show them how to pull a string or other ways to activate the sound-and-motion decorations. I have never had a child break an ornament,” Yvonne said. She is also generous to people who want to come and walk through her house to see her Christmas Wonderland. She will want to schedule those “walk throughs” after Christmas. Yvonne asks that those interested call her home phone, 874-9690. She uses her cell phone for business.

Yvonne places the Serenity Tree in her bedroom where there is room for a larger tree. The tree is gray silver with white lights. Ornaments are silver, blue and white. There are mirrors on three walls, ﬂoor to ceiling on one wall, and the lights are reﬂected over and over in the mirrors.

This tree is home to three ornaments that were handed down to Yvonne from her grandmother. On one side at the base of the tree is a treasured collection of snowmen given to Yvonne over the years by her mother. On the other side of the tree is a collection of bear-and-boy ﬁgurines.

This is Yvonne’s late mother’s tree. Yvonne places her mother’s ornaments on it every year. It displays Santas of all descriptions as well as other ornaments.

Yvonne’s mother, LaVerne Lee, was often called the Hallmark Lady because of her many years working at the local Hallmark store. This tree hosts Hallmark ornaments created through the years, many recognizable to people who had the same ornaments on their trees.

BY ANNETTE BRAND

Staff Writer

hen Christmas is approaching every year, Yvonne Rowland’s world takes on added energy and excitement. She, and friends who help her, pull down from her garage and the loft in her office boxes filled with Christmas tree branches and boxes and boxes and boxes of ornaments, nativity scenes, Father Christmas depictions, and figurines of many characters familiar to our Christmas celebrations. Yvonne was born and raised in Delta County. She grew up in Cory. “So much of this — my excitement about decorating for Christmas — I credit to my mother,” Yvonne says. “It started when I was growing up. My mother put a lot of focus on the Christmas tree. “Dad would put Santa and his reindeers up on the roof. There was a spruce tree in the yard and he decorated it with a string of lights. As the spruce tree grew so did the number of strings of lights it took to decorate it.” Yvonne’s mother — the late LaVerne Lee — was referred to by many in the community as “the Hallmark Lady.” LaVerne Lee worked in retail over 30 years. She worked at Mr. K’s Hallmark for years and continued working there when Mr. K’s was purchased by Ron