Making a Difference

ABuse AWAreness

PreGnAncy center

the hAven

cArWile & Folks

love mi

cncc students

Boy scouts

younG ProFessionAls

Fire / rescue

sPeciAl olymPics

A supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

Working together to make a difference in our community.

2 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

Inspiration leads to positive change for our community Certain quotes catch our attention and help us reflect on life’s hardships and triumphs.

I love hearing or seeing quotes throughout the week that give me energy, excitement and inspiration about work, family and friends.

In my ongoing quest to feel happiness and joy each day, I recently signed up for a daily email from a former real estate agent turned inspirational speaker Darren Hardy, who sends out the “Darren Daily” — an uplifting message or video that helps his followers become better people.

The other week I read a Darren Daily that hit the nail on the head of what the Craig Daily Press aims to do with its Making a Difference special section each year.

The Darren Daily started with a quote: “We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll The quote is completely accurate and inspiring. Darren went on to highlight that he believes we are always making a difference, “every day and in every moment.”

“As soon as you walk out your front door,

you become the cause of a series of ripple effects that will forever affect the direction and experience of much of the rest of the world,” Darren wrote.

I truly embrace that message, and I’d like to take it a step further.

The people who make a true difference in our community don’t seek compensation. They don’t ask others to do things they wouldn’t do themselves. They work hard to ensure every segment of Craig and Moffat County has a place for those who need a helping hand, for those need a voice and for those who may be limited in some capacity due to unavoidable circumstances.

That’s why Making a Difference is an important way to highlight good works by great people who work selflessly walk out their door each day and create positive ripple effects of positive change in our community.

The Craig Daily Press team is honored to publish our third installment of Making a Difference. We hope the stories will inspire readers to do something nice for others.

February 2016

Publisher Renee Campbell 970-875-1788 circulation manager Gary Cole 970-875-1785 editor Noelle Leavitt Riley 970-875-1790 Advertising manager Sheli Steele 970-875-1782

From the editor Noelle Leavitt Riley

creative services manager Lindsay Porter 970-875-1780 Writers & Photographers Andy Bockelman 970-875-1793 Patrick Kelly 970-875-1795 Michael Neary 970-875-1794 Advertising Cori Kroese 970-875-1783 Melissa Valentine 970-875-1781 Advertising design Janette Najera Julia Perry Administrative Assistant Christy Barnes 970-875-1797

970-824-7031 CraigDailyPress.com

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4 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Special Olympics made more special thanks to community support

By Andy Bockelman

Not everyone is guaranteed a chance to shine, but once spring arrives in Northwest Colorado, a certain group of people are given an opportunity to step off the sidelines.

For more than three decades, the Special Olympics have been hosted in Craig, providing those with disabilities a day to compete in athletic endeavors, including track and field, weightlifting and swimming.

The worldwide program, which began in 1968, comes to the Western Slope of Colorado in mid-May, a favorite event for many in the area as those from surrounding towns like Steamboat Springs, Delta, Montrose and more make their way to Craig.

Local coordinator Dan Severson said the focus is to provide not just a single day of events but an entire weekend where athletes can be the center of attention. While much of the support comes from Craig Kiwanis Club, it’s the effort of the entire community that makes it memorable.

“There’s lots of businesses in town that help out, and we encourage everybody in town to come out and cheer,” he said. “It’s a really rewarding day.”

Volunteers aid in taking times, helping athletes and otherwise making everything

go smoothly during the introductory barbecue and the games themselves.

Deb Kirby, day program coordinator for Horizons Specialized Services, said 15 local people involved with the organization — which works with those with developmental disabilities — competed last spring, among about 100 total at the event.

“For our guys, it lifts their confidence to be part of something like that, if they win or not,” she said. “It shows that they can accomplish something, even if they finish the 50-meter walk in last place. We’ll hear about it weeks later, with their ribbon, that’s how proud they are.”

Western Regional Manager Julie Fite, who works out of Grand Junction, has been involved with Special Olympics since 1989, and in that time the Craig competition has become one of her favorites to attend not only as a qualifier to send people to state but as a general celebration of goodwill and recognition for those involved.

“The community just goes all out,” she said of Craig’s event and the involvement it includes. “A lot of people choose to come to that event just because it entails a lot of different aspects, not just the competition part of it. Without the local businesses and service organizations it wouldn’t be possible.”

File Photo Bobby Holmberg, center, receives encouragement from friends Debbie Hansen, left, and Blake Abdella as he nears the end of the 400-meter wheelchair race during the 2015 Western Area Colorado Spring Special Olympic Games. The athletic event for people with disabilities receives a great deal of community support each May.

Thank you, Lois Stoffle.

Your commitment to your family, friends, community, and everyone around you has shown us what a genuinely selfless person is supposed to be.

During the time we spent at Sandrock Ridge Care and Rehab over the last several years we have watched you give your care and commitment to so many. Your energy, helpfulness and positive attitude truly make a difference in peoples lives when they need it most. We honestly cannot express how much we appreciate you and all you do. Thank you for being you, Lois.

Tom and Jessie Cramer

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A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

February 2016

The Haven’s executive director works to make residents smile By noelle leAvitt riley

Karen Burley spent her career serving others — a role she’s enjoyed in many capacities.

She’s currently the executive director of The Haven assisted living in Hayden and works hard each day to make residents smile.

The Haven has 17 residents — with a capacity Karen Burley is the executive director of to house 20 — and curThe Haven, and works to ensure that each rently has 18 employees, resident is happy and healthy. all who help the elderly in every way possible, Burley said.

“It’s nothing to take an extra five minutes here or 10 minutes there to make them happy,” she said. “I am so lucky because everyone knows that. It’s the coolest place ever.”

Residents’ rooms are cleaned, their meals are prepared for them and they never have to do their own laundry, Burley noted.

But such luxuries don’t always make it easy to be a senior citizen in an assisted living situation, Burley said.

Many of the residents deal with a great sense of loss when they move into The Haven, as they feel a loss of independence, they lose the ability to make their own choices and lose the comfort of their lifelong homes.

“But we try to make it the next best place away from home,” Burley said.

Prior to becoming the director of The Haven 12 years ago, Burley made a difference in people’s lives through her 26 years of working as an Emergency Medical Technician.

She also ran the Maybell ambulance for many years, she said.

Burley has been a resident in Moffat County since 1979, and said there’s no other line of work she’d rather do aside from serving others.

She worked for Moffat County Social Services for several years prior to taking on the executive director role at The Haven.

At social services, she worked with adults and elderly, helping them with a variety of needs.

“That kind of prepped me to walk into this,” she said. “I was the one who listened to records with them… wrote letters for them.”

Her most important role now, she said, is to make The Haven residents smile.

“It’s different when you’re connected with the elderly, when you’re trying to make their days brighter,” Burley said.

“I’m always helping them in a fun and happy way. The job was never depressing. For me, it was a fun thing.”

What she’s noticed is the most difficult thing for residents is generation gaps.

“This generation wasn’t as vocal as the Baby Boomers,” Burley said. “It’s a whole different culture. They don’t stick up for themselves like the Baby Boomers do. Many of these folks rode horses to school. You look at going from that to this tech world now. They’re experts in going with the flow.”

Burley’s understanding of the generation gaps allows her and staff to better serve The Haven’s residents, she said.

“The staff here makes a difference. Everybody who walks through the door knows that you can make somebody’s day special or not,” Burley said.

Her staff agrees, and they all walk around with open arms and big smiles.

“She’s caring, she’s considerate and she has the best interest of residents in mind,” Diane Girty, assistant director at The Haven, said about Burley.

The Haven The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurses Association owns the Haven.

The Haven Community Center hosts a wide variety of programs and services yearround.

Twenty beds are available for seniors.

The Haven has cared for older adults for 18 years.

The Haven hosts an annual Ban Dance every June.

The Haven employs 15 full- and parttime staff and offers respite care in addition to assisted living services.

noelle leAvitt riley Residents and employees at The Haven assisted living facility share a happy moment together. The Haven works to make elderly residents happy and comfortable.

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6 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Young pros promote positive change

By Andy Bockelman

Facebook.

YVYP consists of Craig natives and newcomers alike, singles and those settled with a family, all of whom view the area as a great place to live but also in need of some improvements in the way it is perceived by people in their 20s or 30s and how those same people put effort into addressing the problems they see.

“We need to acknowledge that Craig just needs a bit of a change, it needs a boost,” said Autumn Tatman, who first moved to Craig two years ago. “People who want to acknowledge that and see change within the community should come be a part of this.”

Maddy Jourgensen is one of many who was born and raised in Craig, having recently moved back to the area after graduating from Colorado State University this winter.

“I think it’s important for us as the young voice in the community to promote the great things that Craig has to offer that people don’t recognize as often,” she said.

“There’s a lot of great things that happen here, and I think people our age tend to not be aware of them.”

Brandi Meek said she is encouraged by the variety of people who want to be involved with the group.

“It’s exciting to have an organization of younger people where we can all bring our

The Yampa Valley Young Professionals is a newly formed group aimed at bringing Craig’s younger population together and finding new ways to enhance and serve the community.

different ideas, different backgrounds and put it together in a positive way,” she said.

Most recently, YVYP participated in the Downtown Business Association Art Walk and Taste of Chocolate with a fire pit in Alice Pleasant Park, and members plan to attach themselves to many of the events on Craig’s calendar as well as possibly creat-

• SYLVIA MCF EAT ER ’14 L D ERS STA

‘15 •

ing some of their own to keep the community engaged, active and united.

What it boils down to, many will say, is taking pride in the place you live.

“We need to take some ownership of this town, go the extra mile and realize it’s not going to happen if you don’t give 120 percent,“ Tatman said.

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Courtesy photo

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The members of Yampa Valley Young Professionals have their minds set on a goal of rallying their generation to enhance the future of their community and to inspire coming generations to do the same.

YVYP was conceived in late 2015 by Derek Duran and Kirstie McPherson as an outlet for people in their age demographic to make connections with others who wanted to contribute their time and energy into making Craig the best it can be.

The mission statement put together by the two of them outlines the objective to “connect young professionals within the Yampa Valley by promoting our communities in a positive manner by getting involved through social, social projects and community activities.”

Furthermore, creating a network of younger people in the area and ensuring they have a voice is also part of the process, McPherson said.

“We want to provide young professionals with the resources to become strong leaders in the community, become more well-known and have an active face in the community and change the (community) attitude to a positive one,” she said.

Much of the communication within the group takes place, in true Millennial fashion, on social media sites such as

Horizons is proud to celebrate our employees who’ve been nominated for Alliance Colorado’s Direct Support Professional of the Year Award: Deb Kirby, Melissa Stadler, Sylvia McFeaters, and Brittany Smale. Thank you for advocating for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

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A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

February 2016

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Craig Fire/Rescue does more than put out fires

By Patrick Kelly

The men and women of Craig Fire/Rescue have jobs, families and the normal obligations of day-to-day life.

They also have an extra commitment to keeping the community safe.

“Staying on top of training, responding to middle-of-the-night calls, getting up and leaving the family and going when we’re needed,” said Jamie Cline, listing some of her responsibilities as a firefighter with Craig Fire/Rescue.

Cline is a four-year veteran with two teenage sons who proudly refer to her as firefighter.

“They think it’s really neat,” she said.

Before becoming an official firefighter, Cline spent a full year in training as a rookie, just like every Craig Fire/Rescue recruit.

Jeffery Doolin, a recent addition to the department, just graduated from basic training last January.

“Lots of weekends and Friday nights,” he said, describing his year as a rookie.

Doolin is married, has two kids and works a full shift with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association but still finds time to keep up with his first responder training.

He said the experience of the fire department’s veteran members continues to be a

key part of his education.

“Everybody is really helpful,” he said.

“When you don’t know something, they’ll take the time to show you.”

Firefighter Shane Sperry has been with Craig Fire/Rescue for 30 years and has helped train many young recruits.

“With some of the knowledge that I have, I do pass that on to newer recruits or newer veterans who are still learning,” Sperry said.

When these dedicated civil servants aren’t busy fighting fires or responding to emergencies, they can be found educating the community on important safety matters.

“It’s just never-ending,” said Battalion Chief Troy Hampton. “We go to the schools, senior citizen homes, all different types of groups.”

Firefighters from Craig Fire/Rescue are also responsible for the Fourth of July firework show, which is run entirely by volunteers from the department.

With such an important role in keeping the community safe, Moffat County can be thankful it has these dedicated first responders.

“We’re always there,” said Cline. “We always get a truck out the door.”

Courtesy photo Members of Craig Fire/Rescue pose for a group shot. Standing: Troy Hampton, Jesse Doolin, William Montgomery, Al Landa, Clay Trevenen, Annie Sauer, Kris Olsen, James St. Louis, Chris Mercer, Ryan Hess, Doug Willems, Brian Slaight, Jami Cline, Mike Beason, KC Hume, Shayne Sperry, Justin Fedinec, Camaron Hammond, Jeremy Ashton and Justin Anthony. Kneeling: David Decker, Shane Krause, Kevin Kernen, James Bohrer, Ryan Hampton and Kamisha Siminoe.

Not Pictured: Steve Lingo, Darrek Stoffel, Cade Bangs, Lucas Rummel and Nick Scheller.

“The only way to have a “friend is to be one.”

“–Ralph Waldo Emerson Acacia founded Tiny Girl, Big Dream in 2012 with the goal to push bullying and violence out of the schools with friendship and kindness. Getting the Friendship Bench into as many schools possible is just the beginning. To learn more about Acacia Woodley and her Tiny Girl, Big Dream Mission visit: www.tinygirlbigdream.org

JUNIOR GRAND FUTURES MILLER FAMILY APPLIANCE TCB CONTRACTING, INC

Thank you to our community and friends for helping make a difference in our community.

With your support we are able to place a Friendship Bench in every Moffat County Elementary School.

2 1 1 9 5 8 5 3

8 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Craig agencies seek to educate on child abuse

By Michael Neary

To make headway on the problem of child abuse, members of the Craig Police Department and other area organizations want to spread a key message: that preventing or stopping child abuse is the responsibility of everyone in the community.

Norm Rimmer, school resource officer for the Craig Police Department, is seeking new ways to educate the community about child abuse — and he wants suggestions about the best ways to proceed.

Rimmer said a community-based committee working with the Craig Police Department identified various youth issues as important areas for focus — including child abuse.

“The committee was focused on, ‘how can we educate our community to fight, combat, stop child abuse?’” he said.

Rimmer said the committee believed child abuse was an important issue the police department could help to address. Now, Rimmer and other officers are considering ways to do so.

“When we looked at it, we said we can go to the Rotary, we can go to the Chamber of Commerce meetings, but we don’t necessarily feel that’s going to be our target audience to give presentations or talks about how to prevent child abuse,” he said.

So, Rimmer is asking for public feedback regarding the best approach to education about child abuse.

“Where can we go to talk about how to prevent child abuse?” Rimmer asked.

Rimmer sat down at the Craig Police Department to consider ways to educate people about the problem. He was joined

by Gary Nichols, an investigator with the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, and Nicole Shatz, case manager supervisor for the Moffat County Department of Social Services.

According to statistics compiled by the state about Moffat County, 458 children were served by the Moffat County Department of Social Services between October 2013 and September 2015. During that time, there were 527 allegations of child abuse and/or neglect, 108 of which were substantiated. Those confirmed allegations affected 111 children.

“That, to me, is a large number of children being affected,” Shatz said, noting that the number children affected by neglect was particularly high. She pointed out that out of those 111 children, 59 were victims of neglect.

“I think you could correlate that back to substance abuse and domestic violence,” Shatz said.

Shatz noted the importance of engaging with a panoply of community groups to work on the problem.

“The Ministerial Alliance would be a good one because they’re so connected,” Shatz said. “A lot of our families

Noelle Leavitt Riley Norm Rimmer, school resource officer for the Craig Police Department, and Nicole Shatz, case manager supervisor for the Moffat County Social Services Department, are among those seeking to educate the public about child abuse.

seek assistance through the churches.”

Rimmer picked up on the notion of cooperation among groups.

“That’s kind of the reason why I wanted the Sheriff’s Department here and DSS here,” he said. “Child abuse and neglect is a community issue. It’s just not a DSS case. It’s just not a police department or a law enforcement case.”

Nichols noted the ability of the entire community to combat child abuse.

“I believe that everyone can be an advocate for children in recognizing abuse — and not only recognizing it, but reporting it,” Nichols said. “Some people see something they recognize may be child abuse, but they’re afraid to get involved because of retaliation, or because they think it’s none of their business,” he said.

Shatz noted a struggle that people in this community, and elsewhere, may face when they consider reporting child abuse.

“The struggle — and it’s not just this community, it’s all over — is when you have to have an ongoing relationship

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Proud to be a part of this community that chooses to Make A Difference!

for all you do to make our community better!

Thank you for all you do.

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with the family you are working with,” Shatz said.

Rimmer, Shatz and Nichols all noted a number of factors that can be associated with child abuse, and they described alcohol and drug abuse as a particularly pervasive factor. Treating that sort of abuse, Rimmer said, could help to curtail child abuse.

“That would be one step in combating or stopping child abuse in our community,” Rimmer said.

The group also noted that the problem of child abuse defies boundaries.

“I don’t care if you make $800,000 a year or if you’re at poverty level,” Rimmer said. “Child abuse runs throughout the socio-economic class.”

Nichols added: “It’s through all cultures, too, and religions.”

Rimmer, Shatz and Nichols all encouraged feedback from residents regarding the problem of child abuse.

Rimmer can be reached at 970-826-2360 or nrimmer@ craigpolice.org. Shatz can be reached at 970-824-8282 ext.

2025 or Nicole.Shatz@state.co.us. Nichols can be reached at 970-826-2307 or gnichols@sheriff.moffat.co.us.

21197054

824-8106 Business 1589 W. Victory Way Craig

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Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

February 2016

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Troop 1150 serves community, shapes future leaders In communities across the nation, the Boy Scouts of America are making a difference.

As one of the United States’ most prominent youth organizations — one of a few to hold a Congressional charter — BSA has taught young men self-accountability and community involvement for more than 100 years.

Members of Craig’s Troop 1150 are quick to maintain that tradition and explain why scouting is important to them and the community.

“You have to learn how to give back to something that gives to you,” 16-year-old Patrol Leader Johnathon Macks said.

Macks and his seven cohorts in Troop 1150 can easily list what draws them to scouting — camaraderie, opportunity, adventure and the chance to give back to their community.

Every Monday night, the boys run their own meeting where they plan upcoming troop activities and learn new skills.

Scouts with enough experience take on the role of teacher and school younger boys on subjects like first aid. Meanwhile, adult leaders handle more advanced subjects like civics with the older Scouts.

Troop 1150’s service to the community is obvious when it comes to activities like cleaning up sections of interstate, shoveling out fire hydrants for Craig Fire/Rescue and participating in holiday charity

drives, but the real specialty is in the young men it breeds.

“I see Scouting as a leadership stand-by,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Hunter Seim, an Eagle Scout.

Seim is one of seven adult volunteers with Troop 1150, and his 14-year-old son, Wyatt, is an active leader in the troop.

The adult volunteers play a big part when it comes to transportation and organization, but ultimately the boys are at the helm.

“You plan it, you’re in charge,” said Seim. “The ability to do that and make your plan is just tremendous. It’s just incredibly valuable.”

The sharp boys of Troop 1150 are swift to recognize how the skills gained as Scouts will can transfer into everyday life.

“Over all the fun and adventures you might have, you can still take home that little piece that you can always use,” said Macks, echoed by his fellow troop members.

Scoutmaster Darrin Bevel said he was proud of all of the members of troop 1150 hopes more people get involved.

If you are interested in joining or supporting Troop 1150, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ groups/BSATroop1150/

Thanks to all of those who bring a special light to our community!

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Patrick Kelly Troop 1150 members Shane Balleck, Wyatt Seim, Johnathon Macks,Kuyler Balleck, Nathaniel Mack and Cody Eckhoff proudly display their colors.

THANK YOU ALL

THANK YOU for supporting our community, we appreciate all you do!

Severson Supply & Rental

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176 clay ave, Craig, CO

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By Patrick Kelly

10 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

CNCC student government strives to keep ‘community’ in college, students active in outreach

By Andy BockelmAn

At any level, an educational institution needs to know how it can best meet the needs of its body of pupils, and that’s what the Colorado Northwestern Community College student government strives to do.

CNCC’s Craig campus consists of a body of 10 students elected to represent the concerns of those enrolled, including four officers chosen in the spring and six senators in the fall.

Currently, Robert Meyers serves as president, Travis Walsh as vice-president, Remmington Kohpay secretary and Melissa Hill treasurer. Senators include Jared CarterCoulter, Brett Lindgren, Abby Miles, Elishah Miles, Alexia Prisbrey and Laura Secules.

“It’s good to know my opinion matters and to be part of the decision-making,” Prisbrey said.

Beyond being a positive addition to a college and job résumé, student government serves to improve life around the campus and in the area of the community that surrounds CNCC. Projects have included converting a garage space to a student lounge, maintaining a student food bank, overseeing funding for an upcoming overseas trip to Scotland and organizing events, such as a recent journey to the X Games in Aspen alongside students from the school’s Rangely campus.

“We’re trying to work together more, have more crosscampus communication,” said Jennifer Holloway, CNCC Craig’s director of student services. “We’re planning a retreat hopefully in March where both student governments come together and work on some team-building stuff and getting some more structure to the bylaws.”

Student government has also turned its attention to lending a hand in the sale of daffodils on behalf of Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association’s hospice program, balancing support of other groups in the region with its work to improve the school for those who use it most.

A plan for construction of a new walking path on the property is something Abby Miles feels is a good example of meeting student needs.

“A lot of them walk or bike here, and a path through the field would make it a lot easier so they don’t have to go all the way around,” she said.

Hill has been part of the governing body for the past two semesters and said she would like to see expansion of certain academic programs, such as sciences and arts.

“A lot of the focus is on the cosmetology and the mechanics and not so much that stuff,” she said, adding that more opportunities to showcase student artworks are in progress.

Walsh said the drive providing more activities for the student body includes laying out the welcome mat for

Andy BockelmAn From left, Colorado Northwestern Community College student government members Laura Secules, Travis Walsh, Alexia Prisbrey, Melissa Hill, Brett Lindgren, Abby Miles and Remmington Kohpay are joined by CNCC staff advisers Kirstie McPherson, front, and Jennifer Holloway in the student lounge. Officers and senators are elected in the spring and fall, respectively, and are responsible for meeting the needs of the CNCC student body, as well as lending support to other causes in Craig.

more people in the area to participate in CNCC’s dealings, including community dances they have helped organize.

“One of the biggest things we’ve been trying to do is community involvement, get our college more known, and that way we can get even more support,” he said.

Thank you, Bear River Young Life, for all you do for our community.

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

February 2016

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Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center reaches wider population By michAel neAry

The Yampa Valley Pregnancy and Family Center has begun reaching out to a wider array of residents — and that means collaborating with other area agencies.

“A sense of collaboration and sharing of resources and information has revitalized how we all work together,” said Vicki Van Couvering, the executive director of the Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center.

Van Couvering has worked as executive director since May, and she was pleased to divulge that the center had received a $2,000 grant from the Yampa Valley Community Foundation last fall. The grant enabled the center to update its lessons, and to help pay for diapers, formula and other items.

Van Couvering, who was a member of the center’s board of directors before she became executive director, noted the way the center’s reach as expanded over the years.

“It started out to mentor and help pregnant teens deal with (pregnancy) and explain things to their parents and be a support system to help them know the best choice they can make,” she said. “Being faith-based, we always tried to help them have their babies and raise them or put them up for adoption.”

As the years have progressed, she said, the center’s services grew.

“The pregnancy side of it has not disappeared, but we became aware that (new mothers) need help with parenting, which is how the ‘Earn While You Learn’ classes came to be,” she said.

Those are classes offered by the center on DVD that help with parenting, life skills and various other issues. Van Couvering said clients earn “baby bucks” for lessons that the center will reimburse for useful store-bought items such as cribs.

The center also offers supplies for new and soon-to-be parents, from small items such as diapers to larger items such as strollers.

“It’s all free,” Van Couvering said. “No pre-qualifications. If there’s a need, we really want (people) to call. If we don’t have it we’ll try to get it.”

Van Couvering said there were some donations that the center cannot take for safety reasons.

“We can’t take cribs, we can’t take car seats, and we really can’t take crib mattresses unless they’re brand new,” she said. “But basically (we can take) anything else.”

She mentioned such items as clothes, diapers and baby food, so long as the food’s not outdated. She also said that the

center takes maternity clothes.

Van Couvering noted some much-needed items, such as formula and larger size clothes. She mentioned 12 months to 4T toddler size.

“All our high chairs and strollers are gone, so those would also be a need,” she added.

Van Couvering noted that the center has seven volunteers and six board members. She’s the only paid employee.

“Some of our volunteers sort clothes and do clean-up, and then we have another category called peer advisors, and they will actually work with our clients,” she said. “They could be helping with their lessons and interacting with them to make sure they find what they need.”

And lately, she stressed, the center’s work is increasingly intertwined with the work of other community organizations and agencies with an interest in raising infants and toddlers.

She mentioned cooperative interaction with GOAL Academy, Connections 4 Kids, the Moffat County Department of Social Services and other organizations.

It’s a pattern of interaction she’s noticed throughout the community.

“Something has changed (regarding) agency interaction here in Craig,” she said.

Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center The Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center has an urgent need for gently used high chairs, walkers and maternity clothes.

People who have any of these items to donate may call 970-824-5204 to set up a time to bring them to the Center.

michAel neAry Vicki Van Couvering is the executive director of the Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center.

Thank You for making a Real difference in our community!

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12 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

File Photo Terry Carwile loves to drive his 1967 Plymouth Barracuda in Craig’s annual parades.

Terry Carwile continues to positively impact community By noelle leAvitt riley

You’d be hard pressed to find someone in Moffat County who doesn’t know former Craig Mayor Terry Carwile.

His role as mayor ended last April when he opted not to run for a third term, but that doesn’t mean he’s scarcely seen.

Quite the contrary, especially since he started working part-time for Colowyo and Trapper coal mines, educating the community about timely public comment periods.

Work aside, he’s at most big Craig events, smiling, engaging in thoughtful conversation while enjoying his favorite region — Northwest Colorado.

He moved to Northwest Colorado in the summer of 1975, specifically to work for one of the surface mines, but before he got hired he accomplished notable work at a subdivision in Hayden and also worked for contractor Bill Neilson who is Kent Neilson’s dad. Carwile also worked north of town on U.S. Highway 13 near the old Ralph White Reservoir.

Shortly after, he found himself out of work.

“Just as I had got an unemployment claim filed, I got an offer to go out to Trapper,” Carwile said.

He never looked back. Carwile spent 30 years working at the surface mine as a heavy equipment operator.

Carwile worked on the draglines, and ultimately found a spot on the coal crew, leaving the exhausting rotating shifts held by dragline operators. He retired in 2008, three years after he won the election for Craig city council.

Yet, Carwile held positions on many boards and commissions prior to becoming a city councilman.

He actually was elected to coucil after he lost two difficult and expensive races — one for the Colorado House of Representatives against Al White in 2002 and the other for Moffat County Commissioner against Tom Gray in 2004.

Carwile learned a very important lesson in both losses — keep going, which is why he opted to run for city council and ultimately mayor.

He was elected to mayor in April 2011.

“I am not one to give up,” Carwile said.

— TERRY CARWILE Most recently, Carwile has worked as a community liaison for Tri-State and Colowyo coal mine as they sift through public comment periods.

“I am not one to give up,”

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

February 2016

| 13

Yvette Williams Davis has been running a women’s shelter and a thrift store for about two years — the shelter opened in May 2014, and the store opened in January 2014 — and since July, she’s been operating the store in a new location at 2218 Baker Drive.

LOVE MI

michAel neAry

With new store location, LOVE MI continues to serve For Yvette Williams Davis, the act of serving women who need shelter transcends immediate physical needs.

“If I could empower one person, one of those women at a time, then they could go back into their community and be part of a change,” said Davis, pastor of Loyal Outreach Voluntary Evangelistic Ministries International, or LOVE MI, in Craig.

Davis has been running a women’s shelter and a thrift store for about two years — the shelter opened in May 2014, and the shop opened in January 2014 — and since July, she’s been operating the store in a new location at 2218 Baker Drive. Davis said the store has evolved to focus more on household items such as sofas, dressers, kitchenware and many smaller objects. She said there’s less emphasis now on clothes, which were a slower sell.

The new location also features a large room that can easily facilitate Bible study groups and other activities. The new space

is different in other ways, as well.

“It has changed (the store) tremendously,” she said, noting that she’s received quite a number of compliments from customers. “With the windows, it’s airier — and there’s more light.”

Before Davis moved to Craig about four years ago, she lived in Nassau, Bahamas, where she was born. It was there, more than a decade ago, that she began thinking about a shelter.

“It was about 15 years ago that God placed this vision in my spirit in regards to a shelter,” she said. “I just didn’t know I was going to end up in these parts.”

The shelter on Russell Street is designed for women and children, with an age limit of 12 for male children. Davis said her own experiences help her to empathize with the women who stay in the shelter.

“I know what it is to face homelessness,” she said. “I have been a single mother, up until the time I married my husband. I’ve experienced some of those struggles.”

All your business paper needs, and more!

WE RISE BY

Lifting Others that’s what it’s all about!

Thank you to all of the helping hands in our community.

530 Breeze St, Craig

466 Yampa Ave. • 970-824-7484

She married Dr. Wayne Davis, a veterinarian in Craig. The two met when Dr. Davis was in the Bahamas for a work-related project.

Volunteers, she said, would be welcome at the shelter.

“We’re looking for persons who have that passion, and who feel that they’re called to this,” she said. “An outreach ministry is not an easy ministry. You have to be sensitive to (the people who need help), and so we’re looking for people with passion.”

It’s that sort of passion, tempered with understanding, that Davis herself exudes.

“Every day I pray to God to give me the wisdom, the knowledge and the understanding” to work with the people who need help, she said. “In my soul, I am not just satisfied with the fact of giving just a bed and a meal. I would actually like to see (the people who come here) delivered and set free.”

People who are interested in Davis’s work can call her at 970-824-1066 or 970-756-7113.

Phone: 970.824.9427 21193977

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824-5298 552 Breeze St, Craig

21193471

By michAel neAry

14 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

‘The Wandering Elder’ helps in every corner of community

By Patrick Kelly

Neil Folks is likely one of Craig’s most visible residents.

Know as “The Wandering Elder,” Folks has taken on a multitude of obligations in the community.

At the age of 77, Folk’s activeness puts most young men to shame. He can be found at local government assemblies, volunteering with charitable organizations or simply offering sage advice.

“The community owes me nothing, it’s been good to me,” Folks said. “I owe the community everything.”

Folks doesn’t just say those words, he lives up to them words in numerous ways.

He is the president of the Craig’s chapter of the Fuller Center for Housing, a spiritual counselor, former Rotary Club president and infinitely more.

With the Fuller Center, Folks recruits the help of local businesses and volunteers to construct housing for families in need.

The homes are constructed phase by phase as funding permits and once complete families that might not otherwise be able to purchase a house are given the chance to move in and pay an adjusted mortgage that suits their financial needs.

Folks said the last family housed by the

Fuller Center is already starting to pay it forward by providing professional labor on the group’s current construction project.

“The whole point is to help people get their feet underneath them,” he said.

When he isn’t busy helping build homes, Folks can be found building hopes.

As a spiritual counselor with hundreds of hours of professional training, Folks has taken it upon himself to lift grief from the young men who find themselves involved with the criminal justice system.

The philosophy of Folk’s therapy revolves around listening and consolation.

“You are an expert on your pain,” he said. “I walk with you through your fire.”

Folks has taken a hiatus from grief counseling, citing a back-log of emotions given to him by his patients. Despite his willingness to take on the pain of others, Folks said it is still up to him to dispose of the feelings and sometime that is difficult to achieve.

“It’s my fault for not saying, ‘no more,’” he said.

But Folks is slow to tire and continues to be involved in the community, even making a recent run for Moffat Count School Board.

“I’m on your schedule, not mine,” he said.

We would like to thank Horizons Specialized Services for all of the amazing work they do.

We would like to thank Jason for being such a wonderful addition to our team. You do a fantastic job keeping our shop clean and we appreciate you!!

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File Photo Neil Folks studies construction schematics for a Fuller Center project in this photo from 2012.

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press

Making a Difference

February 2016

| 15

Thanks for making a difference

noelle leAvitt riley Karli Bockelman took over as the director of Grand Futures Prevention Coalition in Craig on Jan. 21. She’s looking forward to helping educate the community, especially parents, on how to prevent children from engaging in drug abuse. Grand Futures works to “create and support healthy, positive lifestyle choices as alternatives to substance abuse for our youth and in our community,” according to the group’s website.

michAel neAry Karen Brown manages the Community Budget Center in Craig. In April, the organization will assume duties currently performed by Moffat County Human Service Volunteers.

noelle leAvitt riley File Photo Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide Executive Director Meghan Francone is working hard to reduce stigma around suicide in Moffat County and to reach all of those in need of support. REPS provides suicide prevention training, crisis support services and other community programs in an effort to reduce Northwest Colorado’s high suicide rates.

ROTARY CLUB OF CRAIG

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HUMAN RESOURCE COUNCIL

JOINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ANIMAL SHELTER FORGET ME NOT FOUNDATION

The Downtown Business Association hosts a number of events throughout the year, and it also helps build camaraderie between small businesses in Craig, making a difference in the lives of shoppers and business owners. Several times throughout the year, the DBA hosts the Locals Love You More Contest, where consumers save receipts from purchases and are entered into a drawing where they can win hundreds in cash and prizes. The DBA also hosts Down Home Christmas Celebration and the Art Walk/Taste of Chocolate each year to name a few. The DBA meets at 8 a.m. each Wednesday at Downtown Books.

The Craig Daily Press and Print Shop staff want to thank everyone in our community who works together to Make a Difference.

We would also like to recognize the involvement of our own employees in area activities.

MOFFAT COUNTY UNITED WAY DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOC.

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR

FESTIVAL OF TREES BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CHAMBER BOARD

COLORADO WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

16 | February 2016

Making a Difference

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press