Colorado Country Life October 2010 by American MainStreet Publications

OCTOBER 2010

CLOSE KNIT

Charity intertwines with community

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association • Volume 41, Number 10

Publisher/Editor Associate Editor Editorial/Digital

Mona Neeley, CCC Donna Norris Carissa Sheehan

OFFICERS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Executive Director

Chris Morgan, Gunnison Bob Bledsoe, Tri-State Bill Midcap, Fort Morgan Don Kaufman, Sangre De Cristo Kent Singer, CREA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Empire John Porter Grand Valley Sylvia Spangler Highline Jim Lueck Holy Cross Michael Glass K.C. Dan Mills LaPlata Tom Compton Mountain Parks Stan Cazier Mountain View B.D. Paddock Poudre Valley Jack Schneider San Isabel Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph San Luis Valley Mike Rierson, John Villyard Sangre De Cristo Paul Erickson Southeast Mark Grasmick United Power Jim Jaeger White River Bill Jordan Y-W Stuart Travis Yampa Valley Sam Haslem Associate Members Basin Electric Co-Bank Wheatland Electric EDITORIAL Denver Corporate Office 5400 N. Washington • Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-455-4111 Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org Website: coloradocountrylife.coop Facebook: Colorado Country Life Twitter: @COCountryLife ADVERTISING Kris Wendtland NCM

16 FEATURE Close Knit Community intertwines to deliver

COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life, does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life, magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.

Recipes

Fun popcorn recipes for Halloween visitors BY LINH TRUONG

Outdoors

Artist creates beautiful feathered creations BY DENNIS SMITH

Energy Tips

Steam ovens offer more efficient cooking options BY JAMES DULLEY

DEPARTMENTS

Honor our veterans sacrifice by voting this November BY KENT SINGER

published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric

Gardening Bring unique Colorado asthetics to your garden BY EVE GILMORE

303-902-7276 800-626-1181

COLUMNS

warmth and comfort BY SHARON FRICKEY

5 6 7 12 14 30

Viewpoint

Letters Calendar Co-op News NewsClips Industry Story Discoveries

COVER: C OVER STORY AUTHOR SHARON FRICKEY AND GRANDDAUGHTER ABBY SHOW OFF KNITTED HATS LIKE THOSE MENTIONED IN THE FEATURE STORY. HATS KNIT BY MELISSA BORDWINE AND PENNY LLOYD. PHOTO BY BRENT WARD, BRENTWARDPHOTOS.COM

Celebrate Your Right to Vote Generations of veterans have sacrificed so that we could go to the polls every November BY KENT SINGER, CRE A E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR

eterans Day this year will have special meaning for me. In early September, my uncle, Loyd C. Burcham, was among the 850 or so World War II veterans who pass away each day in the United States. My uncle lived a long and rich life, blessed by loving family and friends. His passing is of course sad to those of us who loved him, but it is also a reminder of the dedication and commitment of the millions of Americans whose sacrifice has provided all of us with the freedoms we enjoy today. Uncle Loyd was a military man through and through, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Along with thousands of other young Americans, he enlisted in the Army the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His country needed him and he answered the call. He was a bombardier on one of the first B-29 crews that flew over Japan, and he was credited with shooting down two Japanese planes. During his 30-year career and involvement in three wars, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and additional commendations too numerous to cite. Uncle Loyd was a navigator, and the exact performance of his job was critical to successful missions. It took me a long time to understand his attention to detail and preparation in the execution of the most mundane tasks, but this discipline was simply second nature to him. Long after his military service was over, he still wore spit-shined patent leather shoes and crisp white shirts. As his sister Julie noted at his funeral, it was common for Uncle Loyd to provide a briefing prior

4 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

Loyd C. Burcham 1921-2010

to family road trips. Like so many of our American heroes, Uncle Loyd did not boast about his war record. In fact, while we occasionally talked about some of his close calls, I did not know how highly decorated he was until I read his obituary. This is because he did not consider his military service as extraordinary; it was simply what was expected of a good citizen. Uncle Loyd fits squarely within the category of Americans that Tom Brokaw so eloquently described in his book, The Greatest Generation. He was basically a farm kid, raised in rural southeast Kansas, one of seven children. But it is no exaggeration to say that this farm kid, along with millions of others like him, stood up to the tyranny of Nazi Germany and literally saved the world from its oppression.

What is most amazing to me about the accomplishments and heroics of my uncle is that I know virtually everyone reading this has a similar story to tell about an aunt or uncle, mother or father, sister or brother, grandmother or grandfather. The one consistent thing about America is that each generation produces heroes who serve in our armed forces not for the pay or recognition, but simply out of a sense of devotion to duty and country. As I mentioned in this space last month, we have an important election coming up in Colorado. Lots of important races and ballot questions will be decided. Between now and November 2, we will be inundated by a tidal wave of television, radio and print ads that either praise Candidate A or vilify Candidate B. It is easy to become cynical about the election process that is the keystone of our democracy. Voting has become so mundane and routine in this country that we forget that it is a sacred and hard-fought right. I think we should keep in mind the fact that we could not celebrate Election Day without the sacrifices of those whom we celebrate on Veterans Day. So, this year, I intend to fly my American flag on Veterans Day and to vote on Election Day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the least I can do to honor the memory of Uncle Loyd and the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces.

Executive Director

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Questions on Contribution In the September issue there was a picture of the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s executive director presenting a check to Rep. John Salazar (“Co-ops Meet with Salazar”). I have two questions: Exactly who contributed what? Were any of the employees coerced into contributing? R alph E. Carson, Walsenburg

EDITOR’S NOTE: Several electric co-op members questioned where the money given to Rep. Salazar (D-Dist. 3) came from, as they should. We apologize for not making that clear in the September article. No money from electric co-op member electric bills was involved. No money from an electric co-op budget was involved. All of the money donated to Rep. Salazar was private money or from the electric cooperatives’ national political action committee known as ACRE or Action Committee for Rural Electrification. ACRE is an organization open to staff, board members and member-owners of electric co-ops as individuals, including member-owners who are also employees of the co-op. Employees who are not members of the co-op may not be solicited for membership in the PAC. There are specific rules that govern who may be asked to join the PAC and how they may be asked. No one may be coerced. In fact, no one who supervises employees may ask those same employees to join the PAC. Money from the PAC is distributed on a bipartisan basis. Rather than looking at what party a candidate represents, the committee looks at how that candidate has supported issues that affect the electric cooperatives. Cookie Care Package The college kid I designated (after winning the College Care Package of Cookies) got the cookies and has voted a “thumbs up.” Thanks for making her day. Nina Wood, Kremling Via Facebook

end your letter to the editor by mail to 5400 S N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or by email it to mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 5

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Through October 27 in Colorado Springs

Farmers Market

October 9–10 in Calhan

October 16, 17, 23, 24 in Durango

October 29 in Westcliffe

Slavic Fest

Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

Heritage Ghost Walk

Every Monday and Wednesday through October. Western Museum of Mining & Industry 800-752-6558, www.wmmi.org

Traditional foods, wine, beer, entertainment — St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 19485 N. Calhan Highway 719-347-2336 or 719-347-2526 www.holydormition.net

Through October 29 in Pueblo

October 9–10 in Littleton

October 17 in Aguilar

Southwest Art Show

Pumpkin Picking

Chili Dinner Fundraiser

Pueblo Art Guild in Mineral Palace Park 719-543-2455 puebloartguild.web.officelive.com

Also free amusement rides, pony rides, entertainment stages Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.botanicgardens.org

Aguilar Community Center 146 W. Main, 2 to 5 p.m. 719-941-4678

Ride the train, bring home a pumpkin, meet Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy 888-872-4607 www.durangotrain.com

Every 15 minutes between 6 and 7 p.m. at All Aboard Westcliffe, Rosita Avenue 719-371-7076, www.custercounty.com October 29–31 in Leadville

Haunted House

Through October 31 in Colorado Springs

Broadmoor Pops Orchestra

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

October 9–10 in Monument

Kids age 6-12 Western Museum of Mining & Industry, during regular museum hours 719-488-0880, www.wmmi.org

Creative Crafters’ Showcase Annual Craft Show

October 7–10 in Durango

Durango Heritage Celebration Celebrate Durango’s early history. Come in period dress or as you are. 970-382-9298 www.durangoheritage.org October 9 in Rye

Fall Festival Auction, crafts, kids activities, roast beef dinner. Rye Home United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; auction, 1:15 p.m. 719-489-2779 October 9 in Colorado Springs

Family Exploration Day: Engines Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 719-488-0880, www.wmmi.org October 9 in Durango

Durango Heritage Train Short train excursion with Durango pioneers 970-385-8801, www.durangotrain.com

October 21 in Pueblo

More than 100 crafters, $5 admission ($1 off with this page). Lewis-Palmer High School, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 719-488-3046 October 16 in Sterling

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. 719-295-7200 www.sangredecristoarts.org October 22 in Grand Junction

Behind-the-Scenes Tour See artifacts not on display, museum after dark. Museum of the West, 5:30 p.m. 970-242-0971

A Night at the Museum Family activities, a twilight tour, campfire treats, stories in the dark Overland Trail Museum, 6 to 8 p.m. 970-522-3895 October 16 in Walsenburg

Fall Festival Community Center, 10th and Russell, 6 to 10 p.m. Games, booths, silent auction, dancing, barbecue. 719-738-1204 October 16 in Durango

Bark & Wine Silent Auction La Plata Fairgrounds, 6 to 10 p.m. 970-259-2847 www.lpchumanesociety.org/bark_ wine.html

6 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

October 22–31 in Colorado Springs

Haunted Mines Haunted house event opens at 7 p.m. Western Museum of Mining & Industry 719-488-0880 www.hauntedmines.org or www.wmmi.org October 23 in Monument

Tri-Lakes Annual Health Fair Free admission Palmer Ridge High School, 7 a.m. to noon 719-481-3282 www.trilakeschamber.com

Stapleton Manor, 118 W. 7th Street. 6 to 10 p.m. 719-486-1049 October 30 in Durango

Final Day of Train Service to Silverton 888-872-4607 www.durangotrain.com October 30 in Grand Junction

Downtown Spooktacular Pumpkin decorating, costume parade Sixth and Main 970-256-4133, www.downtowngj.org November 4–7 in the Black Forest

Fall Craft Show Black Forest Community Center (Black Forest Road), Thursday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 719-494-1455, www.bfacg.org November 6 in Beulah

Dinner Fundraiser for Colorado Trail Hike Homemade food, slide show, music, prizes. Mountain Park Environmental Center, 4:30 p.m. adminmpec@hikeandlearn.org November 6 in Kiowa

Craft Show Kiowa Middle School and High School 525 Commanche Street, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 303-867-8555 or 970-656-3828

For more information on these activities, visit www.coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Events.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 11

Learn About the Latest Technology at Summit Electric co-ops’ trade association sponsors look at the future of electricity

pdates on solar energy technologies, the smart grid, the future of nuclear energy, transmission gridlock, energy efficiency and more will be part of the upcoming Energy Innovations Summit in Denver. Sponsored by the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the daylong conference will bring together experts in these various areas for presentations that look at some of what is happening in the electric industry. Anyone interested in the electric industry and its future is invited to attend the Friday, October 22, event. In addition to specific speakers, there will be a panel of utility CEOs discussing innovations at their companies. Public power executives will also discuss the new energy economy and how their utilities are meeting the goals set by the state. A variety of vendors will also be on hand to share information on their technologies and products.

To register, go to www.crea.coop and click on the Energy Innovations Summit link at the end of the story on the home page. Or for more information, call 303-455-2700 ext. 100 or email jpatterson@coloradorea.org.

Candidates Speak at Electric Co-op Forum

n estimated 200 electric co-op board members, managers and employees were in the audience when three candidates for governor and two candidates for the U.S. Senate spoke to the Colorado Rural Electric Association Friday, August 27. Gubernatorial candidates Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (D), Dan Maes (R) and former Congressman Tom Tancredo (American Constitution Party) each addressed the group, which had gathered at Tri-State Generation and Transmission in Westminster. Also appearing at the event were U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and challenger Ken Buck (R). The morning was a two-way discussion with each candidate. Representatives of the electric cooperatives had an opportunity to explain to the candidates what co-ops are and how they fit into the utility industry that serves Colorado. It was a chance to remind the candidates that the co-ops, as well as Tri-State, their power supplier, are all not-for-profit entities working to provide reliable, affordable power in the difficult and far-reaching corners of the state. The candidates also had an opportunity to present their positions.

12 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

Hickenlooper emphasized his business background. He also explained his plan to work with Colorado’s counties to establish local economic development plans and to Hickenlooper work with regions of the state to bring more business to Colorado. Mae s spent t i me reviewing his rural, Midwest roots and his business background. He explained that when he takes office he will downsize state government, strengthen the energy industry Maes and cut taxes. Tancredo discussed the problems with mandates when it comes to the electric industry, noting that there is too much government involvement in business with bureaucrats Tancredo

telling industry how to operate. He also noted that through his candidacy he will “force the issues that I think need to be discussed.” In the Senate race, Sen. Bennet emphasized the need for the United States to gain its energy independence and he commended Colorado for its leadership in moving toward more Sen. Bennet renewable energy and more clean energy. And while he noted that nothing like the U.S. House cap-and-trade energy bill is going to pass this year, he did say he supports a national renewable portfolio standard and a way to price carbon emission and include it in the price of electricity. Buck told the audience that he would like to see less government and less government spending. There needs to be a balance to make sure people’s needs are met, he said, but government can’t keep growing the way it has. Government also needs to step back from its involvement in private industries. He said government

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

CO-OP AFFECTED BY WILDFIRE

wildfire that destroyed two homes and burned hundreds of acres in northern Colorado affected electric co-op members when Poudre Valley REA had to suspend operations in a portion of one substation. The precautionary measure, taken at the request of the fire incident commander, knocked out power to 257 PVREA members in the Loveland area. “There was concern about the fire reaching the area around our Carter Lake substation,” said Myles Jensen, member services and external affairs manager of PVREA. “We de-energized a line to ensure the safety of the firefighters.” The Loveland fire was one of two major wildfires in Colorado in early September. The other fire was the larger Fourmile fire that consumed more than 10 square miles near Boulder. — Derrill Holly, ECT.coop

shouldn’t be “picking winners and losers in the energy industry.” Each of the candidates presented his views and then answered questions from the audience. Buck Videos of all of the candidates except Sen. Bennet (who asked not to be videotaped) are available at www.crea.coop. The Colorado Rural Electric Association is the trade association representing the state’s electric cooperatives. Organized in 1945, CREA provides a variety of services for its member cooperatives including education, communication, safety training and loss control and legislative representation at the state and national levels. Through CREA, the individual co-ops share in the advantage of a larger utility operation but control and ownership is maintained at the local level. Colorado’s electric co-ops encourage their members to vote in this coming election. Voting may be done by mail, at early voting sites or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 13

Cowboy Co-ops

Wrangling values and delivering affordability for 75 years BY MEGAN MCKOY- NOE

Seven Cooperative Principles

mile’s a pretty long way — 5,280 feet, to be exact. In some parts of America you can ride for many miles without seeing a soul; just a ranch or farm in the distance. But there’s one common sight — rows of utility poles, silent sentinels that follow along rural highways and stretch across the plains. In electric co-op territory, an average of seven members are served by each mile of line. There’s not much revenue coming in with that kind of sparse population — typically around $10,500 a year. Compare that to urban areas, where an average mile of line maintained by forprofit, investor-owned utilities brings in $62,600 per year by serving five times the number of consumers. Suburban co-ops serve 12 percent of Americans, but these hardy, consumerowned and -controlled power wranglers own and maintain 42 percent of all poles and distribution lines across the nation. It’s quite a disparity. Why are there different kinds of power companies? It’s a question that deserves attention 75 years after these small, scrappy cowboy co-ops were created. Square peg, round hole There’s an old saying about things that just don’t fit: “It’s like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.” That’s what bringing electricity to a ranch or farm was like

14 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

in the 1930s. Rural power didn’t fit the profit motives of investor-owned utilities. Extending lines into the countryside was expensive, with no profit for IOUs. In 1935, only 10 percent of farms enjoyed the privilege of electricity, and they paid these companies dearly for it. In many cases, farmers and their rural neighbors were forced to pay up to $3,000 per mile to build lines to their homesteads. Before coops rode in, power was not available at any cost for most rural areas. To get around the utilities, enterprising folks deployed “light plants” powered by steam engines and windmills or complicated battery systems to provide themselves with electricity. These household generators were not only bulky, noisy, expensive and costly to maintain, they also produced little electricity and posed a safety risk. But all of that changed in 1935 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order creating the federal Rural Electrification Administration. Now known as the Rural Utilities Service, the then-REA had one goal: to provide lowcost loans, engineering and administrative support to help electrify rural regions. “Electricity is a modern necessity of life and ought to be in every village, every home and every farm in every part of the United States,” Roosevelt said. To meet the challenge, farmers and

1. Voluntary and open membership: Membership in a cooperative is available to all who can reasonably use its services, regardless of race, religion, sex or economic circumstances. 2. Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratically controlled, with each member having one vote. As a result, control remains in the hands of all customers. Directors are elected from among the membership. 3. Members’ Economic Participation: Cooperatives provide services “at cost” and remain not-for-profit regardless of the value of benefits delivered. Any money left over after all expenses are paid belongs to the members. Each member’s share in the margin is determined by the amount of his or her use of the cooperative’s services. 4. Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are self-sustaining, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If cooperatives enter into agreements with others or raise money from outside sources, they do so on terms that maintain democratic control as well as their unique identity. 5. Education, Training and Information: Keeping members, directors, managers and employees up to date on issues so they can effectively govern the cooperative is vital. Communication, particularly with young members and opinion leaders, helps generate necessary public support for cooperatives. 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Mutual support allows cooperatives to improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs. 7. Concern for Community: Cooperatives develop communities through programs supported by the membership.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

INDUSTRY

other rural community leaders joined forces to form electric cooperatives. A fee of $5 was collected from each family—making them members and owners of the co-op—to generate the capital needed to qualify for an REA loan. Within its first two years, REA helped co-ops construct 53,000 miles of power lines. As more people discovered the potential of electricity, business boomed. In 1949 alone, 184,000 miles of electric co-op lines were built, with an average of 700 miles constructed every working day. Soon innovations in line building pioneered by co-op engineers and the competitive pressure co-ops placed on investor-owned utilities to serve rural areas slashed the cost of providing rural electric service by 50 percent or more. Three-quarters of a century and more than 2.5 million miles of line later, electric co-ops are still defying the odds with a tried-and-true record of delivering affordable electric service to members. A matter of principles Rural Americans needed a better solution, and electric co-ops proved to be a perfect fit. But the co-op business model

doesn’t stop at electricity. Co-ops have been formed to sell produce, provide loans, arrange for housing, offer health care and more. The modern co-op movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale in northern England in 1844. The group was guided by a set of principles drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced in the United States by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion. The Rochdale Principles require that a cooperative must be open for anyone to join. There also have to be real member benefits. Members of electric co-ops often get money back once a year when the co-op’s in good financial shape. More than $550 million has been returned to members by electric co-ops over the decades. Another principle of co-ops is that every member retains one voice, one vote. Business meetings are held annually, allowing members to elect fellow consumers to guide the co-op and have a say in how their utility is run. Education is another big focus. And it goes without saying that co-ops are inde-

pendent, not tied to the purse strings of far-flung investors. Co-ops also cooperate on regional and national issues to keep your costs low. The last principle covers the reason co-ops were created in the first place. Concern for community — helping with economic development, funding scholarships, supporting local charities and other countless ways co-ops work to make life better in the areas they serve — reflects the heart of the cooperative difference. Times have changed, but electric co-ops are just as important today as they were 75 years ago. What started out as a small band of scrappy, consumer-driven cowboy co-ops has grown into a nationwide network serving roughly 18 million homes, businesses, farms and other establishments, representing more than 42 million people. To learn about electric cooperatives near you, visit www.crea.coop. Curious about other types of cooperatives? Visit www. go.coop. Megan McKoy-Noe writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Energy Innovations Summit sponsored by

Colorado Rural Electric Association Learn what’s happening in the electric industry today. Friday, October 22 • 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center • 650 15th St, Denver 80202 Register online at www.crea.coop For more information, call 303-455-2700 or email jpatterson@coloradorea.org

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 15

Close Knit Community intertwines with charity Three Gifts you knitted me a doll-sized hat to fit my tiny preemie head it held in life-giving warmth so my mom and dad could hold me you crocheted us a blanket for our newborn we’re no longer soldiers in Iraq we’re mom and dad, back with our kids, adjusting to civilian life you knitted me a helmet liner gave me something soft between the reality of hard helmet and my aching head we ask — who are you — why did you share your time, your love — what made you care?

BY S H A RO N F R I C K EY

Families throughout Colorado will benefit this winter from the handcrafted hats, scarves and mittens made by dedicated knitters.

y own encounter with the gift of a knitted hat was personal. My youngest granddaughter, born nine weeks premature, needed a special environment to limit stress and keep her warm, fed and protected. Abby (her name shortened from Abigail to fit this tiny 3-pound, 6-ounce being) lived in a high-tech, plastictopped miracle “isolette,” a substitute womb designed for her survival in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Colorado Hospital. A state-of-the-art facility, the NICU cares for preemies from all over Colorado, even receiving tiny patients from Wyoming and Nebraska. Swaddled in pre-warmed blankets, the babies in the hospital’s NICU may leave the comfort of their high-tech incubators with soft, hand-knitted hats atop their tiny heads to keep them warm. Top: Once a preemie needing a knitted hat, Abby, now 18 months, still enjoys the warmth of a knitted hat.

16 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Keeping a preemie warm is not just a matter of comfort; it’s critical to survival. Most preemies have very little body fat tissue as insulation and can’t regulate their internal body temperature on their own. Blankets don’t replace the warmth lost through a baby’s head, but a warmth-holding hat allows a baby to be out of the incubators to cuddle with Mom, Dad and siblings. Rita Alexander, manager of the volunteer program at University of Colorado Hospital, coordinates knitters and seamstresses dedicated to helping newborns. Last year, the first eight bars of Brahms’ Lullaby played throughout the hospital 300 times, each time a celebration of a baby’s birth. Many of these babies’ mothers didn’t even have a baby blanket — donations helped keep the babies clothed and warm. It’s the same in nearly every corner of the state with Colorado knitters and crocheters working passionately to transform yarn and thread into gifts for premature babies, families in need and even soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Unique circumstances may have brought many of these knitters and crocheters together, but all the groups share a common dedication to producing handcrafted gifts that impact lives in myriad ways. Choosing which stories to share here was challenging; these small acts of kindness enriched my belief in the goodness of people.

Warm Beginnings for Babies One passionate volunteer at the University of Colorado Hospital makes 25 amazing gift bags a month out of recycled material. Other volunteers fill those gift bags with pretty knitted caps, bibs and layettes. Still others’ work, sadly, is not for babies who will be going home from the hospital. Some of the volunteers are dedicated to creating beautiful burial gowns lovingly handworked and smocked, embroidered, tucked and beribboned. Crocheters also shine as givers of gifts. Baby Bear Hugs (an affiliate of Colorado Bright Beginnings, a statewide nonprofit organization serving nine Colorado counties) focuses on preventing child abuse in the area it serves by supporting positive parenting, celebrating the birth of a baby and that baby’s development and providing positive support for parents of newborns. Three staffers run the program from a comfortable, quiet office in the basement of the Presbyterian Church in Sterling. However, they are dependent on an unlikely group of volunteers:

Want to get started on your own knitting project? Join us on Facebook this month and win knitting books and supplies. Go to www.facebook.com/ COCountyLife.

inmates at the Sterling Correctional Facility. In 2009, 35 inmate crocheters hooked 234 baby blankets using $3,500 worth of donated yarn (no state money is used for the program) and putting in 5,800 crochet hours. They crocheted until they ran out of donated acrylic yarn, and they are dedicated to providing every newborn in Logan County with a baby blanket. Those inmates were honored as the 2009 Volunteers of the Year for Logan County’s Baby Bear Hugs baby blanket program. “With no classes, inmates are self-taught,” says Lani Michel, coordinator for the Logan County Baby Bear Hugs program. “A few picked up crocheting before prison, others learn from donated books. They help each other. Everyone’s a winner — the men who crochet, the babies and parents. Moms get the blanket and realize someone cares about their child and them. Because of the home visit to deliver the blanket, there’s an adult to talk to that day, along with a phone number to call if they need it.” Erica Pijoan, a Baby Bear Hugs home visitor, is passionate about the baby-blanket program. “About 14 months ago, we had a family new to Sterling,” says Joan. “For both parents, veterans of the Iraq war, reentering civilian life proved difficult. After they were separated from their children, their self-esteem about parenting was low. When their second child was born, we brought a blanket — the inmates keep us supplied with dozens — to their home, a safe environment for building trust. The blanket blew them away. Someone they don’t know, will never meet or even know by name made this for their baby.” The blanket was an opening. The parents also got Bright Beginnings materials with basic parenting information. A relationship began, anchored by a blanket. “Now, after a year, this amazingly competent couple continue their education and feel confident as parents,” Pijoan says. “And it starts with a blanket.” Dahlia Alexander, a Baby Bear Hugs bilingual home visitor, spoke about how taking the blankets into the homes helps her make a connection with the kids and creates positive experiences. She recalls a visit with a 2-year-old whose older brother had already “graduated” out of the program, which only serves children up to age 3. After the visit, the older boy wanted a high five, and then the 2 year old, still wet from the swimming pool, reached up for a hug and a high five. Alexander ended up wet, but happy. “These are things I won’t forget,” she said. [continued on page 18]

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 17

[continued from page 17]

Warmer Nights for Soldiers Babies and kids aren’t the only focus for Colorado volunteers with yarn. Some volunteers knit and crochet helmet liners to help our armed forces, especially those deployed to remote outposts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Troops in these areas live with cold nights in the summer and times of extreme cold in fall and winter, and they need some type of headgear to fit under their combat helmets. Helmet liners made with synthetic fibers fuse with the skin at high temperatures. A soft, washable wool yarn, knitted into a hat to fit under the helmet, provides comfort and safety. This project was started several years ago, and the need is still there. This spring’s surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan sent knitters back to their needles. Showing support for each man and woman serving in the military by providing comfort items like the helmet liners lets the soldiers know that no matter how we view war, we still stand with the warrior. We watched Vietnam vets — our fathers, husbands and sons — bear the backlash from the transferred anger of war, and we vowed “Never again.” K*4*O*T (Knit for Our Troops) teams up with the Denver Public Library and the Rocky Mountain United Services Organization. The USO motto, “Until Everyone Comes Home,” keeps the donated helmet liners coming. Helmet liners dropped off at the Fresh City Life office at the Denver Public Library are sorted, labeled, bundled and sent to the USO at Denver International Airport and Fort Carson. Troops passing through the USO pick up the liners to stash in their backpacks to be ready when needed. “They see the hats and say, ‘These are cool,’ as they try one on. They often ask if they can take some to their buddies,” says Hedy Margolis, center manager at USO at DIA. More than 17,000 helmet liners donated through the program warm soldiers’ heads. K-HeLP, another project that provides knitted helmet liners to soldiers, accepts only 100-percent washable wool helmet liners and stresses sending helmet liners directly to troops. Deployed relatives often request extra liners for their unit. In the Yarn Outlet in Colorado Springs, a foam

18 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

WOOLEN HAT LINER PATTERN Materials Any soft worsted weight, 100-percent washable or superwash wool yarn that will knit to gauge, such as Cascade 220 Superwash or equivalent. Size 7 or 8 16-inch circular needle (or size to obtain gauge). Size 7 or 8 double point needles (or size to obtain gauge) Note: If you knit with loose or medium tension, size 7 needles will make a snug, close-fitting hat, perfect for everyday wear and to fit well under a helmet. Use size 8 needles if your tension is tight. One stitch marker. Gauge: 4.5 st/inch in stocking stitch. Only 100-percent wool yarn is acceptable for a soldier to use on duty. Wool is inherently nonflammable and won’t melt against the skin in the event of an accident and is warm even when wet. Only tan, brown, black, charcoal, or combinations of these colors are allowed by our armed forces. Marines strongly prefer darker shades of tan, such as khaki. Instructions With circular needle, cast on 90 stitches. Being careful not to twist the cast on stitches, place stitch marker and join row together.

mannequin head sports a knitted wool helmet liner, a sample knit from washable wool from a pattern available at the store and online. Kae Elliott coordinates the volunteer K-HeLP program, which was started by Carla Kwek. “After a recent move to Colorado Springs, I walked into the Yarn Outlet and saw a hatted mannequin and the note about the helmet liners under it,” says Elliott. “My nephew was deploying to Iraq. I didn’t knit, but thought I could probably do it. I left with directions, needles and a skein of soft, washable wool. I gave three helmet liners to my nephew as he deployed. His commanding officer saw his liner and thought it was great, so he gave it to him and gave the other two away as well. He deployed to an outpost with 30 other soldiers and wondered if we could get helmet liners for his entire unit. I got other knitters

Rows 1-3: K1, P1 ribbing. Row 4: Increasing 1 stitch in first stitch, knit around — 91 sts. Continue knitting every round for 4 inches above ribbing. (Do not include the edge ribbing in the measurement.) Begin decrease: Round 1: (K11, k2tog) 7 times – 84 sts Round 2: Knit Round 3: (K10, k2tog) 7 times – 77 sts Round 4: Knit — Courtesy http://denverlibrary.org/capsproject Mail wool knitted helmet liners and hats to:

American Red Cross Attn: Team Leader Bagram AFB APO AE 09354

to help and we sent one for each soldier.” Since then, Elliott has knitted dozens of helmet liners. The HeLP goal for wool helmets liners is 4,022 by January 1, 2011. Susanne Harlandt, the station manager at the Fort Carson Red Cross, was deployed to Bagram Air Field in July for a four-month tour and took more than 300 donated helmet liners in her gear to distribute to the troops. “Neither the Red Cross nor the Army nor any military unit has a budget to send donated helmet liners to troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan,” Harlandt says. “If sent in a package, it must bear the name and correct address of a soldier. If knitters want to mail hats and helmet liners to the Red Cross at Bagram, we’ll see that they get to the troops.” (See address in green box above)

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Caring Goes into Each Stitch Each of the troops who receives a helmet liner values the comfort it provides, as well as the thought that someone back home cares. There is value in handmade items beyond the simple ability of the item to keep us warm or comfortable. That was true for a U.S. veteran, who received a blanket from another group of dedicated volunteers. They meet at Barnes and Noble’s Boulder store where I recently saw several women circled together, knitting. According to Bonnie Iris, an outgoing artist, they meet on the third Thursday — or “thereabouts” — once a month. Their schedule varies depending on what else is going on. However, their fingers seldom stay still. They knit when they are together, but their knitting also goes with them whenever they leave the house. One knitter told of “getting prepped for surgery and waiting in the room that opened out to the OR. “I pulled out my needles and knitted until they were ready for me,” she said. The results of all this knitting are given away to those in need. Ruth Sachnoff, described by friends as a natural-born volunteer, started Knitters from the Heart 15 years ago. The group sews its label into donated adult- and child-size hats, mittens, socks, gloves, scarves, shawls for the elderly and lap blankets for veterans. Once, when they had a chance to deliver their lap blankets to the Veterans Adminis-

tration Hospital themselves, they were able to watch the vets chose the one they liked. One delighted gentleman’s choice became his favorite possession. After he died, his wife kept the blanket close at home and took it with her on trips where his blanket kept her company. The group also donates items to Emergency Family Assistance in Boulder, the St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota and the Boulder County detention center for teens. Just like most charity knitters and crocheters, the members usually never meet the recipients of their work, yet the impact of their work is great. These knitted and crocheted gifts may be small in the scope of the world’s demands, but these hats, liners, mittens and blankets were created with love and concern for others. They become significant in the heart of the receiver. Hundreds of hands across Colorado are creating these projects as groups meet and friend coordinate their efforts. However, the needs of those who may benefit from this charitable giving are greater. Preemies, those serving in the military and separated from loved ones, inmates in prison, families with newborns, the homeless, those in hospitals and hospices, elders isolated and alone — all could be comforted with a gift from the heart, a gift that is part of a long Colorado tradition of sharing a part of oneself through the click of a needle or the slide of a hook.

Sharon Frickey, a retired teacher, lives in Arvada. She loves spending time with her grandchildren. This is Sharon’s fifth story for Colorado Country Life.

Warm hats, soft blankets and more are provided to kids and families by knitting and crocheting volunteers throughout Colorado. You will find connections to some of these volunteer groups as well as yarn suppliers in Discoveries on page 30.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBERER 2010

Colorado Country Life 19

A Sense of Place How to bring a unique Colorado aesthetic to your garden BY EVE GILMORE

olorful Colorado. We love it. Many of us have gone to great lengths to reside here. As gardeners we have the opportunity to create an aesthetic unique to the southern Rockies and reflect the natural beauty of the place we call home. Colorado has an incredible array of native plants that thrive with minimal inputs in the garden, and I am a proponent of using them whenever possible. But no gardener (except perhaps the native-plant purist) should feel limited to natives. There is a growing abundance of plants that thrive in Colorado’s soils and climate available to gardeners. Many of them have come from other places in the world with similar conditions and have been tested for suitability and non-invasiveness at places like the Denver Botanic Gardens. These plants hail from places like Chile, China, South Africa and Eastern Europe. Colorado gardeners reap many rewards when growing plants that are adapted to what Colorado has to offer. These plants tend to do best when their soil is not amended and when they are not given supplemental water except during establishment and during periods of extended drought. Many also do not require pruning and fertilizing but nonetheless feature gorgeous, long-blooming, colorful flowers and interesting foliage. Just think of all the fun things that could be done with the time and money no longer spent purchasing and working in amendments and carefully watering and fertilizing the garden. More time can be spent sitting back, enjoying the beauty of the garden without a sore back. The other exciting reward is the creation of gardens that have their own look and style, creating a sense of place. More needs to be considered when shopping at the nursery than hardiness zone. Plants that

This garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens nicely illustrates the beauty and variety of plants adapted to Colorado’s climate and conditions.

can take intense sunlight and low amounts of water have special characteristics that allow them to survive and thrive. Leaves that are small, grey or silvery in color, and those that are covered in fine hairs are some examples. For lists of plants and further reading, Cutting Edge Gardening in the Intermountain West by Marcia Tatroe and High and Dry by Robert Nold come highly recommended. There is a strong temptation for people who have relocated to Colorado to want to create the garden, or at least use the plants, that they know from their former digs. While many of those common — and

indeed lovely — garden plants from milder, wetter, lower or less sunny places can grow here, they demand many more resources and much more of our time. And what good is it to move from Ohio to Colorado only to gaze out the window on a garden that looks like Ohio? Step out of the familiar and get to know native Colorado plants and the other gems from similar climates. Your efforts will be worthwhile, and your gardens will reflect the natural Colorado landscape with all the colors, textures and forms that we so enjoy.

ead previous gardening columns at www. R coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Gardening.

October is Cooperative Month Your local electric co-op is one of many co-ops serving you. They are local, trusted and there for you.

20 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Become a fan of Colorado Country Life and win great prizes in October. Find us at www.facebook.com/COCountryLife.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 21

Poppin’ Good Popcorn Enjoy a favorite American treat at this year’s Halloween parties BY LINH TRUONG

ctober is a wonderful month to celebrate popcorn. The fall crop is in and as the weather cools we’re ready for some nostalgic, indoor treats. And as a whole grain, popcorn provides carbohydrates and fiber and is naturally low in fat and calories until you add toffee or chocolate. But the sweet additions are what make the recipes below fun. Find more recipes at www.popcorn.org.

English Toffee Popcorn Bars 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn 1 cup peanuts 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted Toffee 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons water 4 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup Chocolate topping 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) chocolate pieces 1 tablespoon shortening Combine popcorn, peanuts and toasted coconut. Cover bottom of a buttered 15 1/2- by 10 1/2- by 1–inch jelly-roll pan with half of popcorn mixture. Keep filled pan and remaining popcorn mixture warm in a preheated 200-degree oven. Toffee Melt butter over low heat in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Add sugar and blend well. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches a full boil. Add water and corn syrup; mix well. Wash down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar granules. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches soft-crack stage on a candy thermometer (280 degrees). Immediately pour mixture over warm popcorn in jelly-roll pan, making certain all popcorn is covered. Quickly spread and press remaining popcorn mixture into hot toffee. Set aside to cool. Chocolate topping Melt chocolate and shortening over low heat. Spread over popcorn mixture, making certain any loose pieces are held in place. Cool. Cut into bars. May be wrapped in plastic wrap for storage. Yield: 20 bars (4 by 2 inches)

F or more fun popcorn recipes, visit our website www.coloradocountry life.coop. Click on Recipes.

22 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Popcorn Balls 3 quarts popped popcorn 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 3 cups miniature marshmallows 3 tablespoons (1/2 of a 3-ounce box) orange gelatin dessert mix Candy corn, jelly beans and sour green-apple candy sticks, licorice string, dried fruit, etc. Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn inside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated. Spray hands with cooking spray and press handfuls of mixture firmly to form into balls. Place balls on wax paper or in cupcake papers. Press candy decorations into balls to form eyes, a stem and a jack-o’-lantern grin. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage. Add a ribbon tie to plastic wrap as a decorative closure. Yield: 16 balls (2 inches)

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE 2. Publication No.: 469-400 3. Filing Date: 09/21/2010 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $9.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication 5400 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216-1731; Contact Person: Mona Neeley; Telephone: 303-455-4111 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 5400 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Mona Neeley, 5400 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Editor: Mona Neeley, 5400 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Managing Editor: Not applicable. 10. Owner Full Name: Colorado Rural Electric Association; Complete Mailing Address: 5400 North Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities.: None 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organization authorized to mail at special rates). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 3. Publication Title: Colorado Country Life 4. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2010 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation - Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 188,176. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): 186,894. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): None; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 633; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): None; c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 187,527; d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 111; (2) Free or Nominal Rate InCounty Copies Included on PS Form 3541: none; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. FirstClass Mail): none; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 538; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 649; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 188,176; g. Copies not Distributed: None; h. Total (Sum of l5f and g.): 188,176; (i) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 99.7%. - No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date; a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 188,051. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): 186822. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): None; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 627; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): None; c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 187,459; d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 97; (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: none; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): none; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 505; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 602; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 188,051; g. Copies not Distributed: None; h. Total (Sum of l5f and g.): 188,051; (i) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 99.7%. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the October issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner: /s/ Mona Neeley Date: 09/21/07 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). PS Form 3526, September 2007 WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

GET A CAREER THAT EXCITES YOU

Colorado Country Life will focus on education in all its forms in the February issue. Promote your program or service. To advertise, contact Kris at 303-902-7276 or advertising@ coloradocountrylife.org

Suzanne Prileszky, member of Mountain View Electric Association, was the September winner of the WildCharger. Go to www.coloradocountrylife.coop, click on Contest and enter the October giveaway.

OCTOBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 23

Wildlife Art A Coloradan’s feathered creations mimic life BY DENNIS E. SMITH

hen it comes to stuffing a bird, most of us probably picture a Thanksgiving turkey with the classic bread or giblet stuffing seasoned with celery, onions, herbs and maybe oysters or mushrooms. But Dustin Krause stuffs his birds with steel wires, cotton and poly batting, ornately carved foam blocks, sculpting compounds, adhesives, resins, preservatives and hydration solutions. He’s a taxidermist. He specializes in waterfowl art, and he’s bloody good at it — exceptional, actually, considering he’s only been at it professionally for three years. Intrigued by ducks, geese and shorebirds since he was a youngster, Krause took to duck hunting early in his youth and then competition duck calling. He took first place in the Dustin Krause displays wood duck drake on a floral pedestal base. Rocky Mountain Gold duck-calling contest at the International Sportsman’s Exposition in Denver on his very first try … before ultimately succumbing to waterfowl taxidermy. “It just seemed a natural progression,” he says. Krause studied under Dan Wiege of Forkhorn Taxidermy in Loveland for several years before deciding to branch out on his own. Forkhorn was a multispecies shop with an emphasis on trophy fish, big-game heads and mammal mounts, and Krause learned the fundamentals and sophisticated technique from his mentor. But his real love is trying to capture the beauty and spellbinding artistry of waterfowl on the wing. “Ducks and geese execute an infinite number of poses in the air, on the water and on the ground,” Krause says. “And they’re all beautiful. I strive to capture those unique behaviors.” Apart from getting the physical reconstruction of a bird in any one of a million possible poses anatomically correct, Krause says the greatest challenge is trying to translate a client’s vision into a finished creation. So for poses he exhaustively researches photos on the Internet and in wildfowl magazines for photos to show his customers before beginning to reconstruct a model. His greatest reward is watching the reaction on a client’s face when he’s “nailed it.” He also loves hearing the hunting stories associated with each bird. “Of course, it’s not all pleasant,” he says. Prepping the pelt — removing meat, blood, oils, fat and gristle from a skin and feathers — without damaging it is dirty, tricky work. But it is absolutely critical, not only to the finished appearance of the bird, but also to preventing future decomposition. The real fun for Krause is in crafting unique, one-of-a-kind poses that reflect real-life situations and capture realistic waterfowl behavior while avoiding that stock “mannequin” look common to many commercial mounts. To that end, he personally hand carves the foam bodies for each bird and applies batting, adhesives and other fillers to re-create the musculature that best coincides with the chosen behavior and size of the bird. The head, bill and feet are intricately airbrushed, and the wings and body feathers meticulously groomed into what can only be considered a work of wildlife art. You can see Krause’s work by emailing him at dkwaterfowl@gmail.com or by calling 970-518-2909.

Read earlier columns by Dennis Smith at www.coloradocountrylife.coop click on Outdoors.

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

STEAMY SAVINGS

Steam ovens offer more efficient cooking options BY JAMES DULLEY

ow efficient are residential steam ovens? Do they bake and roast as well as a regular oven?

Steam ovens are used by professional bakeries and restaurants because of the quality of cooked foods and the dramatically reduced cooking time. Shorter cooking times result in less energy being used and lower utility bills. Within the past several years, these professional steam ovens have become available for home use, although they are still more expensive than conventional ovens. For some people it is worth it because they like cooking with steam. Food cooks much faster in a steam oven because steam has a higher heat content and heat transfer rate than hot air. Food retains more of the natural flavors and nutrients in a steam oven than it does in a conventional oven. With more natural flavors, less salt and other seasonings are needed, further enhancing the health benefits of steam cooking. Roasting a large chicken in a steam oven takes about 20 minutes, compared to two hours in a conventional oven. The overall heating element wattage in a steam oven rates less than the elements in a conventional oven. Superheated steam also heats the fat in meat quickly without searing the outside surface. This liquefies fat almost instantly — much of it drips off into a pan, resulting in lower-fat meat. There are additional energy savings because an entire meal can be made in the steam oven without using separate pots on a stovetop. Stovetop cooking is particularly inefficient because much of the heat never gets to the food. Instead, it escapes around the sides of the pot into the room air. Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Colorado Country Life, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

F or more information on steam ovens, visit www.coloradocountrylife.coop and click on Energy Tips.

OCTOBER 2010 Colorado

Country Life 25

MARKETPLACE

Advertise in MarketPlace and watch your business grow. Call Kris for information 303-902-7276.

Gift Giving Guide

Place your ad in our November or December Gift Guide pages and see why Colorado Country Life is called “one of the best-read little gems in the state”

Every retail business in Colorado would benefit from Gift Guide exposure since our readers are some of the most devoted visitors to other parts of the state and they love to buy Colorado products.

Call Kris Wendtland at Colorado Country Life at 303-902-7276 or email advertising@coloradocountrylife.org 26 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

MARKETPLACE

Have a fun and safe Halloween

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

OCTOBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 27

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.42 per word/month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay with a credit card. Send your ad to: Mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 Email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CHAIR CANING. Hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-5470723. chaanita@aculink.net. (858-10-10)

FOR SALE (Business Only) – Country Craft Store, leased 1800 sq. ft. in the ‘Heart of the Rockies.’ 7000’ elevation at the base of Colorado’s ‘fourteeners’ mountains. $80,000, OBO, 719-942-3836, 8am-7pm. (902-10-10)

COMPLETE RESTORATION of antique woodburning stoves. Some parts available. Free estimates. 719-924-9192. (874-11-10) GRANDMA’S CLOCK QUIT? Expert repair of spring and weight driven clocks. Berthoud, 970-532-3022 Email: four burros@aol.com. (126-12-10)

ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. Wholesale, as much as 60% off store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including giant 5’ moose mount! 970-627-3053. (105-02-11)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.) AVON sells — you earn money. Generous profits. Flexible hours. $10 start up. ISR. 719-550-0242. (133-12-10) BEGIN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella Candles/Gifts/ Beauty. Try the best! www. naturesbest.scent-team.com. Free weekly drawing. Great income potential. (831-01-11) EARN A LITTLE OR A LOT! We can help you achieve your goals. www.GreatDayProfits. com. (924-01-11)

K-LAWN – LAWN FERTILIZING business opportunity. Parttime seasonal work. Be your own boss. NOT a franchise. It’s YOUR business! Training by turf professionals. Superior quality products. Protected territory. Low startup costs. www.k-lawn.com. 800-4459116 (914-11-10) LEARN HOW YOU CAN work at home mailing postcards in your spare time. Dept. 7507, www.easymoneyathome. com/500aday, 800-242-0363 Ext. 1405 (911-10-10) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School homestudy course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-11) WHAT IF THE MONEY you spend on groceries could help improve your family health AND fatten your wallet? http://tinyurl.com/minerals 4life (913-10-10)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO Barritz Conv., mint condition, collector’s dream, $15K, 970522-4600 (899-10-10) 1995-2009 — SUBARUS, Foresters, Outbacks, Imprezas, WRXs and Tribecas! Great Prices! One-Year Warranty! Dealer: 719-510-2212 or 303-870-2212. (574-02-11)

28 Colorado Country Life OCTOBER 2010

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. Clocks of all kinds repaired. Howard Miller service. Call Robert 970-2477729. (109-11-10) ELECTRIC LAMP and heater repairs – All types, Ft. Collins area. For further information, call 970-204-1644. (92611-10)

DIET FOOD DISCOUNT DIET FOOD. Highest quality, lowest prices. Our plan or yours. Diethighprotein. com. (763-06-11)

FARM MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148. www.sawmill exchange.com. (267-10-10)

EDUCATION TRY OUR WET FELTING class and learn to felt a hat or purse. Great gifts. October 10 or November 7. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $50 class/materials fee. Space is limited. Call Rene to register 719-232-8509. www. peakranchalpacas.com. (92210-10)

FINANCIAL SERVICES GREAT RATES on mobile/modular home insurance. Colorado licensed agent. Dennis (719) 641-6713. (905-10-10) TIRED OF STOCK MARKET volatility? Low rates of return on your CD’s? Now you can earn 8% guaranteed with no risk to your principal, ever, as well as tax-deferred growth, guaranteed lifetime income, and liberal withdrawal benefits. For more information, please contact Thad Scholl at Town & Country Insurance at 877887-3131 or thad.scholl@gmail. com. (851-01-11)

FOR SALE GOOSE AND DUCK decoys, Magnums, standard silhouette, includes stakes, also heavy duty bullet trap on legs, 719-495-0461. (921-11-10) HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or Permanent; 32x45 working pen w/ 16’ crowding tub, $3,015. Call Kenneth 580876-3699, www.cccattle equipment.com. (882-12-10) RX – SAVE 50-90% on monthly meds! Hundreds of brand name and generics from licensed pharmacy partners shipped to your door. 90/180 day supply. Prescriptions required. Advair – Symbicort – Zyprexa – Abilify – Risperdal – Lantus – Humalog – Plavix – Actos – Nexium – Lexapro – Crestor – Lipitor – Alphagan – Xalatan – Timolol – many more! Call 800-288-9526 for free info today. (886-12-10) TOYOTA KNITTING MACHINE, stand, ribber. Like new. Make any reasonable offer, 970-6691493. (923-10-10) FREE FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesays truth@yahoo.com, 888-2111715. (814-12-10)

HEALTH LONG TERM CARE free shoppers guide, 303-898-9121, 866-499-7076, Ext. 150, watts. david@planadvisorsllc.com (915-12-10) PROTECT YOUR SKIN and health from harmful chemicals. MIESSENCE certified organic products. www.organicvision. mionegroup.com 719-3807873. (133-12-10)

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, PO Box 450, New Britain, CT 060500450.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS ALPACA FLEECE, four natural colors. Gray, black, tan, dark brown. $50 per fleece. 970402-7184. (919-10-10) AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-02-11) SPINNING, WEAVING, KNITTING, crochet, felting, dyeing, books, patterns, classes. Table Rock Llamas Fiber Arts Studio, 6520 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, 866-4957747. (791-11-10)

HOUSE HELPS ARE YOUR BASEMENT WALLS bowing and cracking? We can stabilize them without any outside digging. We use a Manta Ray anchor system. www.lastchanceservices.com. (900-10-10) LIVESTOCK FOR SALE DOES YOUR FAMILY LOVE COWBOYS? Buy a book about the Wild West. Now on sale for $25. Colorado’s Rodeo Roots to Modern-Day Cowboys. Call 303-455-4111 to order yours today. LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES ALL ORIGINAL, Frasier Saddle #178 excellent condition. kathyskasa@centurylink.net. (917-10-10)

MISCELLANEOUS PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, slides or photos on DVD. 888-609-9778 or www.transfer guy.com. (465-12-10)

MUSIC PLAY GOSPEL songs by ear. 10 lessons $12.95. www. DavidsonsMusic.com 913-2624982. (927-10-10) REAL ESTATE 35-ACRE PARCELS, overlooking North Sterling Reservoir, ideal for custom home, exc. hunting, 970-522-4600. (89910-10)

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

REAL ESTATE DURANGO AREA – 160 acres bordering BLM. 6% OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE. $450K, Mountain Land Properties, LLC, 719-783-0563. (920-11-10) LAND WANTED — large land buyer looking to purchase 50020,000 acres in Colorado. Will consider bail outs, foreclosures, joint ventures, condo/commercial projects. Will close quickly. Call Joe @ Red Creek Land 719-5436663. (648-02-11) LODGE-STYLE authentic cabin, Grand Lake, trout pond with seasonal stream. 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths, woodburning fireplace, over 3,000 sq. ft., 3-car garage, aspen, spruce, south facing, fenced yard, broker owned, $549,000, Pete, 303-229-4865. (925-10-10) MOUNTAIN PROPERTY with 5 bedroom 2.5 bath, full basement cabin near Gunnison National Forest and Blue Mesa. Wooded large lot, year round access, domestic water, underground electric and phone. Cabin built in 1983. Asking $219,000. Owner may carry. Call 970-964-4938 or write FD George, Cimarron, CO 81220. (918-10-10) RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 207, 7549 W Cactus, #104, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org. (441-12-10)

SPECIAL SERVICES CUTTING BOARDS and trivets – hardwoods and sizes, for brochure, details, call Ft. Collins area, 970-204-1644. (926-11-10) LAKE OR POND? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Complete systems $199 to $369!! Waterfall? 7,000 gph super Hi-Efficiency waterfall pump, just 3 amps! $399.99! wwwfishpond aerator.com, 608-254-2735. (879-12-10)

TICKETS NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available. Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888637-7633) or www.NFR-Rodeo. com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-10) VACATIONS JOIN US! BRANSON TOUR November 1-8! Includes transportation, lodging, insurance, most meals and spectacular Branson shows! Prices for singles, or double up and save! Visit cortez travelservice.com for more information, call (970) 565-9295 or email info@corteztravelonline. com. WE’RE SAVING A SEAT FOR YOU!! (904-10-10) VACATION RENTAL GREEN SNOW OASIS CABINS — Housekeeping log cabins with fishing, hiking, hunting. Near Telluride, 505-632-6828, 970-562-7669. (908-10-10) KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makanacrest.com; kauaiweddings. com. (756-05-11) SOUTH PADRE ISLAND beach house for winter rental. 3 bedroom, $2,100/mo. Call for details. Sharon, 832-275-2515. (88411-10)

WANTED TO BUY ELK AND DEER ANTLERS in bulk quantity. Also bear traps. Phone toll free 877-400-1156. Antlers1@ powellantlershop.com. (86311-10) I WILL BUY YOUR German daggers, helmets and other military items. Don Simmons, PO Box 4734, Springfield, MO 65808, 417881-5645. DSimmons@corpranet. net. (470-12-10) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@hotmail.com. (817-12-10)

October doesn’t have to be scary. Boost the last quarter of the year with an ad in the classified section. And everyone will know your business.

Call Kris at 303-902-7276

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

WANTED TO BUY OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-565-1256. (871-11-10) OLD GAS AND OIL items: gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc., considered. Also 1930-40 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-2505721. (519-11-10) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (870-12-10) OLD TRACTORS that don’t run. Jerry Browne, 2707 Weld Co. Rd. 19, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. 303659-7026. (220-04-11) WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-02-11) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337. (22709-11) WE PAY CASH FOR minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122. (227-09-11)

WEDDINGS DO YOU WANT TO CREATE a magical, romantic, unforgettable wedding on the beach? The NEW Beach Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook shows you how. Download now at www.BeachWedding Magic.com. (12-10)

Our 90-year-old mother recently sold her car and was feeling pretty sad about losing her independence. When my sister called her, our mother was counting her money and was feeling a little better about the ordeal. With the extra money, my sister suggested that she use some to get cable television, since she wouldn’t be getting out as often. “I don’t watch that much television, just ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ ‘American Idol,’ news programs and once in a while I watch ‘Inside Edition’ or ‘Access Hollywood,’” she replied. “I sort of like to keep up with what’s going on in tinkle town,” Fran Golding, Calhan

This summer, our 28-year-old grandson, Karson, who has spent many summer vacations in Cuchara, conquered his 54th and final 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado. A few days later, when he was in Colorado Springs, this true mountain man from Mississippi wanted to officially climb Pikes Peak, too. Three hours later he reached the summit, and as he climbed over the last rock, there was a 10-year-old boy staring at him. “Did you climb all the way up here?” the child asked in disbelief. “Yes, I did,” our grandson replied. To which the young lad informed him, “Didn’t you know there’s a road you can drive up?” Dona M. Cooper, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Here’s what happened to Bubba: Bubba walked into a doctor’s office, and the receptionist asked him what he had. “Shingles,” Bubba said. So she wrote down his height, weight and a complete medical history and told Bubba to wait in the examining room. A half hour later a nurse came in and asked Bubba what he had. “Shingles,” Bubba said. So the nurse gave Bubba a blood test, a blood pressure test and an electrocardiogram and told Bubba to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor. “Shingles,” Bubba told the doctor when he asked what he had. The doctor asked, “Where?” Bubba said, “Outside on the truck. Where do you want me to unload them?” Orvilla Ward, Clifton

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2010 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 or email them to funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org.

OCTOBER 2010

Colorado Country Life 29

Mountain Kats Colorado Fiber Arts 121 Broadway Ave., Pueblo 719-543-1161 www.coloradofiberarts.com Colorado Fiber Arts is “Pueblo’s local yarn store … and much more.” The store carries supplies for knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, felters and gourd artists. In addition, the store offers classes for beginning knitters or crocheters as well as classes for more advanced students and classes in hand spinning and needle felting.

Winter Park 970-217-5744 www.mtnkats.com Tanya Stern, aka the artist TJ Daring, taught knitting, crocheting, sewing and doll-making for several years at a Waldorf School, and she says, “to truly love her designs, one would have to touch the soft textures and feel how wonderful they are.” You can do just that at Cosmic Dog Mexican Grill in Winter Park (in Park Plaza at 78707 U.S. Highway 40, 970-726-7178). More of her designs are at Winter Park Market north of town on U.S. Highway 40. Stern’s unique designs are done by needle felting. She also makes and sells handmade knitting needles, as well as hats, scarves, mittens, purses, dog sweaters and dolls.

Sheep Camp Wool Mill 19850 Beacon Lite Road, Monument 719-232-8509 peakranch@comcast.net www.peakranchalpacas.com Peak Ranch Alpacas has an alpaca boutique filled with alpaca apparel, yarns and toys. In addition, the ranch offers alpaca felting and weaving classes. The owners also breed, sell and board alpacas. The ranch’s full line of alpaca outerwear includes coats, sweaters, socks, hats and more. The ranch will host a Harvest Brew on October 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Molina 970-487-0142 sheepcampmill@aol.com This family business offers handspun yarns produced from the fleece from its flocks of Shetland, Bluefaced Leicester and merino sheep. Some of the yarns are acid dyed in rich, deep colors. Others are all natural in luxurious earthy colors.

Pikes Peak Knitting Guild

Fiberspace Patterns

Peak Ranch Alpacas

2502 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs 719-495-8140 email: info@ppkg.org This charity knitting group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church, 2502 Palmer Park Blvd. (between Circle Avenue and Union Boulevard). Membership is $12. The purpose of the group is to meet and exchange ideas, to help and encourage all knitters, to stimulate interest, to improve skills and to gain an appreciation of the art of knitting. The guild has sponsored knitting classes from wellknown fiber artists and often has “show and tell” at meetings, door prizes and mini classes taught by its own members.

Samson & Friends 1501 High Street, Canon City 719-276-9197 Diane Del Duca spins alpaca fiber and knits, weaves, crochets and needle felts alpaca fibercrafts, products and apparel. She uses barbed needles and felts the fibers into 3-D pictures that she presents in a framed format. These unique animal portraits have become her passion. She often does custom orders of people’s pets as well as wild animals.

30 Colorado Country Life OctoBER 2010

113 N. Second St., Sterling 970-521-9041, 877-467-0382 www.fiberspacepatterns.com Fiberspace has been a fixture in downtown Sterling for the last 14 years. As “northeastern Colorado’s resource for the fiber arts,” the store carries supplies and offers classes for knitting, crocheting, beadworking, needle felting and pine needle basketry. In addition, the shop is a small gallery featuring handcrafted ceramics, paintings, jewelry, weavings and soaps by local artisans. Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mini Gifts Berthoud 970-402-7184 minigifts@aol.com Mini Gifts sells knit and crochet alpaca scarves made from alpaca yarn spun here in Colorado, as well as felted items, purses, slippers and more. Contact Mini Gifts via phone or e-mail.

in the Fearless Knitting workbook and a $25 gift card to buy yarn for your W project. Find out how by visiting our website at www.coloradocountrylife. coop and clicking on Contests. Deadline is October 15. We will also be giving away kniting books and more on Facebook during October. You’ll find us at www.facebook.com/COCountryLife.