2012 Grand Valley Echo February

Volume 4 Number 5 FREE Mid-February / Mid-March 2012

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Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Encana is breaking ground on its largestUS field office building yet – in Parachute

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

When Encana breaks ground on its expansive new officebuilding in the Parachute Park planned unit development(PUD) in the next month or so, it’s going to mean a lot morethan simply the addition of a very large commercial struc-ture to the local skyline.

“With this office building, Encana is parking themselves inthe epicenter of the oil and gas industry,” said Hayden Raderof Glenwood Springs, the developer who’s been workingsince 1992 on developing Parachute Park, an industrial subdi-vision in west Parachute. “They’re positioning themselves forthe future in the heartbeat of the oil and gas industry.”

At three floors and 51,000 square feet, the new build-ing’s footprint covers more than a third of an acre. Thereare larger buildings in the area: in comparison, theBattlement Mesa Activity Center is 53,000 square feet,Grand Valley Middle School is 70,000 square feet, andGrand Valley High School 101,000 square feet. Still the newbuilding will be Encana’s largest U.S. field office when it’scompleted, most likely during the first part of 2013.

‘The main artery’“Encana could build a headquarters in Denver, so why

this commitment to Parachute?” said Del Dawson, aRe/Max Country Realtor who was part of brokering thedeal. “The reason is location. Logistically [utilizing theExxon-built Parachute-to-Piceance Colony road], Parachuteprovides closer access to the Piceance Basin than Meeker,Rifle and Rangely.”

Currently, Encana rents office space north of Parachutein the former American Soda/Solvay building whereEncana management staff numbers continue to grow. Thisyear 240 employees report for work in Parachute, up from170 staff in 2007.

Gas well numbers continue to increase, too. Mostrecent counts report a total of 3,200 local wells, adding tothe total count every year.

Dawson has seen the energy industry come and go. Hewas around during Black Sunday in May 1982, when Exxonlaid off 2,200 oil shale workers in a matter of hours andchanged the course of Parachute’s and Battlement Mesa’seconomy virtually overnight.

However, the fact that Encana is committing to a 20-year lease in the new Parachute Park subdivision is goodnews for the economy.

“It’s stunning,” Dawson said. “It means Encana knows thatParachute is becoming the main artery [to the region’s gas andoil industry]. And it means they’re here for the long term.”

‘The heartbeat of the oil and gas industry’

Although Encana is putting down roots, thecompany won’t own its new building. Encana willlease the structure from Shea Properties, a divisionof the J.F. Shea Company that originated in 1881 inOregon, with offices in California, Colorado andfive other states. The company has a history: it wasinvolved in building both the Golden Gate Bridgeand Hoover Dam.

GE Johnson out of Colorado Springs is the contrac-tor for the Parachute building. The company isrequired to hire a large percentage of local subcon-tractors and workers for the project.

A lengthy processPulling all the pieces together for Parachute Park

and Encana’s new building hasn’t happened quick-ly. An 80-acre subdivision had initially been plattedin 1980 in the area, complete with not only anindustrial component but with single-family homes,a theater, bowling alley and grocery stores. Some ofthe infrastructure, such as water and sewer, hadbeen developed when Black Sunday hit town, leav-ing the partially-built subdivision abandoned andunused for decades.

Developer Hayden Rader first got interested inParachute Park property in 1992, not for a mixed-usesubdivision or industrial park, but for another purpose.

“I started purchasing property [in Parachute Park]with a group of investors to develop it as a gam-bling center,” he said.

When gambling wasn’t approved for Parachute,

Rader moved to Plan B, working to create an indus-trial park instead. So began a 20-year process ofuntangling and renegotiating approvals, roadways,design modifications, and a range of other issues.

Working with the Town of Parachute, TownAttorney Steve Carter, Town Administrator BobKnight, Colorado Department of Transportation,Garfield County, Exxon, Williams, numerous individ-uals, and a variety of energy industry companies,Rader slowly sorted out the Parachute Park mess,readying it for a new life as an energy industry center.

“Bob Knight pulled a big rabbit out of the hat,securing a DOLA grant for road way improvementson and off site,” said Rader. “We all did. There wererabbits being pulled out of hats all over the place toget this thing done.”

The result of decades of detangling and restruc-turing is Parachute Park’s 45-acre-net industrialdevelopment. With Encana’s building as the anchor,six more lots have sold since October, leaving 18lots left, between one and three acres each.

Two more buildings are planned for constructionand are scheduled for completion by the end of thisyear: one for Enterprise Gas Processing and theother for TLC Pipeline Construction.

“We don’t have many uncommitted lots left,”said Rader, speaking of Parachute Park lot inventory.

“What’s happening is that [energy] companies areseeing the need to be in Parachute,” said Dawson.

“Parachute is the entryway to the Piceance Basin,”added Rader, “and companies want to be here.”

Encana’s new office building in Parachute is scheduled to break ground in the next month or so, and should be com-pleted by the beginning of 2013. It will be able to accommodate more than 300 employees.

Architectural rendering courtesy of Hayden Rader

, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

schools, nonprofit groups and civicorganizations; to bring attention tothe individuals and local businesses

that are the fabric of the Grand Valley region; to contribute to

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $35 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ADVERTISING SALESBARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATIONSTEVE PAVLIN

Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

274 REDSTONE BLVD., REDSTONE, COLORADO 81623970-963-2373 • [email protected]

All copy submitted to The Grand Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Grand Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication

of any submitted material that does not meet the publisher’s standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.

Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Hayden Rader, Wind River PerformanceHorses, Ava Lanes, Anne Huber, ShirleyBarrick, Alain Senac, Mary Anderson, EricSarno, Dick Ciprich, Barbara Pavlin, DavidBoyd, Bob Knight, Keith Lammey, BetsyLeonard, M.E. Denomy, Laurel Koning, JeanEdmonds, Julie Lana, Rob Ferguson, MesaVista, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, BarbaraBarker, Carol Lybrook, DDS, Connie Berglund,Rick Blauvelt, Debra Crawford, CMC, HeatherMcGregor, Tarianna Lawrece, Emma Cruz,Artemio Baltazar, Hunter Metcalf, JazminMcFarland, Dustin Weist, Baileyann Merry,David Walck, Jeannie Miles, Veronica Duran,Anne White, Mark Gregory, Jory SorensenCharlie Hornick, Sue McEvoy

echonewspapers.com

From the PublisherHappy Valentine's Day

The Echo: A labor of love – but we need some help!

If you are a regular reader of The Grand Valley Echo, you will notice this Echo is a bit differentthan those you’ve read during the past months. In short, it’s thicker and is filled with lots of sto-ries and information to read.

We normally base the Echo’s page count each month on the number of ads that are purchased.This is a common practice with newspapers, and a way to maintain some control of expenses ver-sus income. We normally run a fairly low percentage of ads to pages... usually about 50 percentor so. Many newspapers run a much higher ad percentage, but we want to give you the most edi-torial copy that we can.

This month, however, we had so much news to share with you, and not enough advertising tocarry a larger paper that we decided to run a very low percentage of advertising. That means thatthe Echo is essentially sponsoring its own production and print costs. Consider it a Valentine’s Daygift. The point is, we think it’s important that the Parachute and Battlement Mesa communitieshave an informative newspaper that focuses on what’s important to know right here. However, weneed your help.

Due to the decline in business advertising, we devised a Ride the Rail campaign where individ-uals and businesses who don't normally run large ads are able to support the paper and help usrun a larger paper each month. Our Ride the Rail program runs $10 to $100 per month depend-ing on size. We strongly encourage you to consider supporting the Echo in this way. Please con-tact the Echo at 963-2373 or [email protected] if you’d like to know more.

In the meantime, please enjoy this copy-heavy issue of the Echo – and think about becominga Ride the Rails supporter.

ClarificationsA story that ran in the

January 2012 Echo about theenergy industry stated thatAntero Resources is proposingto drill 200 new wells withinBattlement Mesa’s plannedunit development (PUD).Antero is actually proposing toconstruct a total of 10 drillpads within Battlement’s PUD.These 10 pads would thenserve as bases for drilling up toa total of 200 undergroundhorizontal and directional nat-ural gas wells.

Another story that ran inthe January 2012 Echo aboutthe 2nd Time Around RecycleOutlet did not mention bothowners of the business. BothRon Casto and Jeff Grant arebusiness partners in the outlet.

The Echo regrets any confu-sion that may have beencaused by these stories.

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-February 2012 / Mid-March 2012,

B U S I N E S S

Sugs Tru Luck beats out 1,000 horses to claimtop honors


How many world champions do you know? Well, if you know Sugs Tru Luck, a 13-year-old black paint stallion

owned by Jarvis and Chris Abbey of Parachute, you know at least one. Hewas named the 2011 Senior Heeling World Champion at the 2011 AmericanPaint Horse Association (APHA) World Championships held last Novemberin Fort Worth, Texas. For the uninitiated, ‘heeling’ refers to the horse’s posi-tion in roping the back legs of stock, while ‘heading’ refers to roping thehead.

At the APHA World Championships, Sugs Tru Luck (“Toby” for short)competed against more than 1,000 horses that came from as far away asAustralia and France.

So, what put Toby above all the other paints, making him a heelingworld champion?

“It’s qualitative,” said Chris. “He’s judged on how he reacts and handlescattle. They look at how quiet he is before and after his run. They look atthe overall quality of his run.”

Not only can Toby heel, he can head and he has competed in other rodeoevents as well. He’s versatile. It also helps that Toby has champion blood-lines, and an excellent disposition.

“He’s so laid back. And he’s super cowy,” said Chris, referring to Toby’sinstinctual ability to manage cattle. “He specializes in cattle events.”

Two different perspectivesChris and Jarvis Abbey operate Wind River Performance Horses on

Morrisiana Mesa above Parachute and Battlement Mesa. For both, theirhorse business is in addition to full-time jobs. Jarvis works in the energyindustry, and Chris is in her fourth year teaching at Grand Valley HighSchool.

“Most people don’t know about this part of my life,” said Chris, regarding herwork with performance horses.

The couple come fromtwo different perspectives tothe horse world. Chris wasraised in Connecticut, ridingEnglish and competing indressage growing up, whileJarvis, from Lander, Wyo.,has been around pack andbackcountry trail horses hiswhole life.

When it comes to show-ing their horses, they’re bothproud “parents” – in theirown ways.

“I always say that Jarvis isa lot more competitive than Iam when we’re showing,”said Chris. “I’m more laidback about it.”

However the Abbeys dealwith competition, they’redoing something right.Following his APHA win,Toby was shown at theNational Western StockShow in Denver in January,where he added 56 APHApoints, confirming his statusas a top performance bredpaint stallion. He has numer-ous other awards and acco-lades to his credit.

Even though the Abbeyslive in Parachute, Tobyspends most of his time inPenrose outside of Pueblo,

Colo. at Key Stallion Station, a breeding center. There, Toby breeds with 15 to 20mares a year, and works with his trainer Jack Wright.

Breeding world championsChris purchased Toby

from a polo ranch in Sheridan,Wyo., so the couple wouldlike to breed a world champi-on, becoming involved in theentire process.

“Our participation is limit-ed [with Toby,] Chris said.“He is our most successfulstallion so far. Our next goal isto breed a world champion.It’s attainable.”

The couple are well ontheir way. They’re currentlyshowing Toby’s son, their jun-ior stallion, Gay Bar Lucky Jac.Several of Toby’s colts live atthe Abbeys’ horse facility onMorrisiana Mesa, and somemares are expecting the cham-pion’s colts this spring.

Toby’s colts seem to besimilar to their father on thegood disposition scale.

“You can put a halter onone of them for the first timeand lead him around,” Jarvissaid. “It’s like they don’t evenhave to be trained.”

“We really believe thatwith commitment, researchand knowledge,” said Chris,“a small breeder can completeat the national big shows.”

Parachute paint attains world champion status

Last November, Sugs Tru Luck was named the 2011 Senior Heeling World Champion at the 2011Paint Horse Association World Championshiops in Fort Worth, Texas. Here he is with trainer JackWright of Penrose, exhibited by Jay Wadhams of Pueblo, and the Abbeys. Photo courtesy of WindRiver Performance Horses

Chris and Jarvis Abbey of Parachute with one of their world champion horse Sugs Tru Luck's colts. The Abbeys ownWind River Performance Horses on Morrisiana Mesa where they raise home-bred performance horses. P

hoto by Carrie Click


GO GRAND VALLEYHelp our calendar grow; let us know. Send public event items to [email protected]. Be sure to include

the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else readers need to know.

• Feb. 15: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• Feb. 15: 2-3 p.m. A reception with local Sue Hornick, author of“More Than a Cowboy,” is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• Feb. 16: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• Feb. 17: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• Feb. 17: 6 p.m. Reel Readers book/movie to be announced at theParachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• Feb. 18: 2-3 p.m. Cover letter workshop is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. Pre-registration requested. 285-9870.

• Feb. 21: 12-2 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Bunch; book to beannounced, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.


• Feb. 22: 2:30-4 p.m. Anime Club is at the Parachute Branch Library.285-9870.

• Feb. 23: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• Feb. 24: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• Feb. 28: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at Parachute Branch Library fea-tures Diane Dayhoff’s program of tatting and huck weaving.Meetings are the fourth Tuesday at 1 p.m. Go to battlementmesacol-orado.com for more info.


• March 1: 10 a.m. Bilingual Story Time is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.

• March 1: 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Energy Advisory Board meets toencourage positive communication and responsible energy develop-ment at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., Rifle. RSVP if you’reattending the meeting as complimentary dinner is served. For topics,more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

• March 1: 7 p.m. The Sweet Adelines singing group performs in theParachute Branch Library’s community room. Tickets are $3/person,and advanced tickets are available at the library. Sponsored by theFriends of the Parachute Library; 285-9870.

• March 2: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-9870.

• March 2: Last day to file for Battlement Mesa Metro District’s boardelection. Two, four-year terms are open. Election is May 8. Call 285-9050 for forms.

• March 3: 8:30-8:45 a.m. CARE Pet Food Bank distributes food tothose needing help feeding their dogs and cats, at the Kum & Goparking lot at Tamarisk Trail and Stone Quarry Road in BattlementMesa. 947-9173.

• March 5: 6-9 p.m. The Alex Project Celebration Dinner. Contactthe Parachute Branch Library at 285-9870 for more info.

• March 6: Comments to the BLM are most helpful if received bytoday regarding a proposed water treatment facility in the PiceanceBasin. Go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo/index.html, orcontact the White River Field Office in Meeker, 970-878-3800.

• March 6: 6 p.m. The Democratic Precinct Caucus for Precincts 24,25, 26 and 27 is at Grand Valley High School, 800 Cardinal Way,Parachute. Paul Light, 285-7791.

• March 7: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at Parachute Branch Library.285-9870.

• March 7: 1 p.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new commu-nity park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School at theBattlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388 .


• March 8: 6-7 p.m. Basic e-mail class is at Parachute Branch Library.285-9870.

• March 8: 7 p.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new commu-nity park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School at theBattlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388.


• March 10: 10 a.m. Public meeting to discuss plans for a new com-munity park located adjacent to the Grand Valley Middle School atthe Battlement Mesa Fire Station. 285-0388.

• March 10: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Grand River Hospital District’sParachute and Battlement Mesa Health Fair, at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. Screenings, blood draws, health education. 625-6433.

• March 12: Nominations for the Bureau of Land Management’s(BLM) Colorado Northwest District Resource Advisory Council thatincludes Parachute and Battlement Mesa is due today to the BLMoffice in Silt. Go to blm.gov/co/st/en/blm_resources/racs/swrac.htmlor call 876-9008 for criteria and nomination process.

• March 13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tackle it Tuesday project work day atParachute Branch Library. Drop in for as much time as you want, butdinner reservations required. Call the library at 285-9870.

• March 13: 7 p.m. The Page Turners Book Club features “Messenger ofTruth” by Jacqueline Winspear, at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• March 14: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the Parachute BranchLibrary. 285-9870.


ONGOING

• Starting this year, the Battlement Mesa Company’s CommunityCoffee Talks will take place on a quarterly basis.

• The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has a variety of exercise class-es for preschoolers to seniors. Call Anne, 285-9480.

• Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome.

• Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley United MethodistChurch serves a free soup lunch at the church at 132 Parachute Ave.

• The fourth Monday of every month, the Grand Valley Sew and SewQuilters meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. CallRoxie Jones at 285-9791 and Patsy Noel at 285-2472 for more info.

• The last Monday of the month, an Alzheimer’s caregiver supportgroup meets from 10-11 a.m. at the Grand Valley United MethodistChurch, 132 N. Parachute Ave., 800-272-3900, 987-3184.

• The first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., the Grand ValleyCitizens Alliance meets at the Rifle Branch Library community room.Leslie, 618-0890.

• Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute meets at the Community Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, in Parachute. Coffee is at 7a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.

• Seniors age 60 and older and disabled of any age may ride TheTraveler, a wheelchair-accessible van with door-to-door service fromParachute to Glenwood Springs and to various towns and locationsin between in Garfield County. Suggested donation is $8 round trip.The Traveler also travels from Parachute to Grand Junction the sec-ond Thursday of the month. Donation is $20 round trip. Call 48hours in advance for reservations and information at 625-1366.

• The second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. the BattlementMesa Service Association’s Oil and Gas Committee meets at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center.

• The third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tips andTalks on Tuesday is at the Parachute Valley Senior Center; men andwomen of all ages welcome. 540 N. Parachute, Parachute, 285-7934.

• Grand Mesa Chorus rehearses every Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.,at the Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way, GrandJunction. All women age 16 and older are welcome to audition. CallShirley at 255-9419, grandmesachorus.org.

• Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute. 285-7630.

• The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support forSurvivors After Suicide – is open to anyone who has suffered the lossof a loved one through suicide – no matter how long ago. This peergroup meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at theFirst United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the BethelChapel entrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam

Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail [email protected].

• The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.,the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Board ofDirectors meets at the recreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way,Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.

• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., the Battlement MesaService Association meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

• Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and every Friday at11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library. Both open to youngchildren. Call Michelle at 285-9870.

• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Centerhosts a luncheon prepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50 for those over60. Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.

• The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., theBattlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets at the BattlementMesa Activity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432.

• Every last Wednesday of the month from 5-6 p.m., an Alzheimer’scaregiver support group meets at Alpine Hospice, 1517 Blake Ave.,Suite 100B in Glenwood. Andrea, 303-704-6377.

• Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the second and fourthWednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the Battlement MesaActivity Center to discuss issues of concern to the Battlement Mesacommunity. Open to the public. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.

• Common Ground meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at3:30 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The group is com-prised of citizens from Parachute and Battlement Mesa who are com-mitted to working together for a better community. All residentsinterested in contributing their time and energy for the bettermentof Battlement and Parachute are encouraged to attend.

• Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except the first Thursday of the month),the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at the Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in.

• The first Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m., the EnergyAdvisory Board meets to encourage positive communication andresponsible energy development at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 EastAve., Rifle. For topics, more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/ener-gy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hostsinterviews with community members on KSUN 103.9 FM.

• Saturdays at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts BingoNight with cash prizes. Players bring a snack to share; come and bringa friend. The senior center is at 540 N. Parachute Ave., at the intersec-tion of County Road 215 and North Parachute Avenue, 285-6492.

UPCOMING


• March 17: 5 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber ofCommerce’s annual dinner and auction is at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. $30/person; tickets available at Alpine Bank, WellsFargo, and Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry. 285-9480.

• March 17: 6-7 p.m. Interview techniques class is at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-9870.

• March 20: 10 a.m. Tips and Talks on Tuesdays is at the ParachuteValley Senior Center and features a talk about dentistry given by Dr.Garry Millard. 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute.

• March 20: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Brunch host local authorMarilyn Barnewall at the Parachute Branch Library to discuss herbooks, “When the Swan’s Neck Breaks,” and “Flight of the BlackSwan.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Parachute Library; 285-9870.

• March 23: 7 p.m. “A Night at the Movies” at the Battlement MesaActivity Center featuring the 2009 film, “It’s Complicated.” 285-9480.

• March 27: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at Parachute Branch Library and fea-tures Maggie Cook’s demonstration of pastel art. Meetings are the fourthTuesday at 1 p.m. Go to battlementmesacolorado.com for more info.

• April 19: Last day to apply for Grand Valley Educational Foundationscholarships. Contact Grand Valley High School counseling office at285-5705, ext. 4105, or go to garcoschools.org and click on “GrandValley Educational Foundation.”


B U S I N E S S

After a career in school administration, Ava Lanes takes an artistic turn


Tucked away in one of Battlement Mesa’s neighborhoods is Ava Lanes’s sin-gle-story house. It’s an inviting place, with a tidy front yard, and a two-cargarage adjoining Ava’s home.

What makes it different is that vehicles aren’t parked behind the garagedoor. What’s there is Heritage Gallery and Frame, Ava’s picture framing andoriginal photography gallery.

“I want to do this full time,” said Ava, standing in her rather artistic garageamidst rows of picture frames and her colorful, large-format landscape andnature photographs. “This is where I want to go.”

Even though Ava has spent the last 36 years in education, she’s quite famil-iar with picture framing. In her native North Dakota, she co-owned a store-front matting and framing shop before moving to Colorado in 1990. She servedas principal of Rifle Middle School, and later became the assistant superintend-ent of Garfield School District Re-2.

Shifting from schools to photos and framesAfter retiring from Re-2 six years ago, Ava became an educational consult-

ant to schools all over the country. Still, she kept thinking about utilizing herphotography and framing expertise.

“It’s my passion,” she said. “Matting and framing can make an original pho-tograph really special.”

Beside the traditional mat, glass, and wood or metal frame, Ava employsseveral innovative materials, which involve adhering the photograph directlyonto resin, metal, or canvas, the last of which is the most reasonably-pricedmedium.

In addition to framing, Ava can also create posters, custom framing, and canhandle historical preservation pieces, which involve extra care.

Working out of her garage/studio has direct cost advantages for her and her cus-tomers, too.

“I have low overhead working here,” she said, “so I can cut better deals.”

Mountains and birdsAva credits noted Colorado photographer John Fielder with teaching her much

of what she knows about photography. She has attended workshops he has heldin Telluride, learning about what makes a great photograph.

Ava’s photographs are familiar to western Coloradans – there are aspen leaves,hummingbirds, mountains, flowers and wide-open spaces. Ava’s also working ona three-subject series, of paths and roads, steps, and benches.

“Sometimes, I shoot right out my back door,” Ava said, pointing to a photo-graph of a hummingbird she took in her

backyard. Birds are a favorite subject, leading to a

few of Ava’s bird photos being published in the magazine, Birds & Blooms.“My mom loved birds,” she said. She also takes photos in Twin Lakes and Telluride – and she takes photos of far-

off places, too, such as Mexico and Hawaii. Not only does Ava travel for photo shoots, but she participates in at least four

juried art shows and fairs a year where she sells her photographs. “My photography is great because it helps feed my [travel] habit,” she said with

a smile. Ava Lanes can be

reached at HeritageGallery and Frame, 285-9805, heritage-galleryandframe.com,[email protected].

Photographs and frames

Ava Lanes with one of her hummingbird photographs in a custom mounting. Sometimes she can“shoot right out my back door,” she said. Photo by Carrie Click

Ava’s custom mounted and enlarged nature photographs.. Photos by Carrie Click.


PARACHUTE RADIO SHACK 316 E 1st street next to Napa Auto Parts

M-F 9 am – 6 pm and Sat 9am -4 pm

970-285-2111

MARY LEE MOHRLANGCell (970) [email protected]

The Colorado Heritage Group73 Sipprelle Drive Suite J-1Battlement Mesa ,CO 81635

BRANDY SWANSONCell (970) 319-3574

[email protected]

Shop locally and support your local chamber businesses!

C H A M B E R N E W S

Next General MeetingThursday, May 10, 2012

Parachute/Battlement MesaArea Chamber of CommerceBattlement Mesa FirehouseProgram: To be announced

Chamber dinner and auction setfor March 17By Anne Huber, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership drive is current-ly on. The chamber is your connection for what’s going on in the community. Quarterly meetingsare an opportunity to network with other members and promote your business specialties. A gen-eral business membership is $100/year; nonprofit membership is $75/year; and an associate (indi-vidual) membership is $50/year. Download a membership form from the chamber website at para-chutechamber.org or contact Mary Anderson at 285-0388.

The annual chamber dinner and auction, to be held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, is afun night with lots of activities and a great chance to interact with business leaders in the commu-nity. Dress is casual or you can use your imagination to dress up in a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Socialhour starts at 5 p.m. Enjoy a drink at the cash bar, operated by the Arroyo Saloon. Dinner will beserved at 6 p.m.

Local businesses and individuals contribute items to be auctioned. This is the chamber’s majorfundraiser for the year. Proceeds help finance the fireworks display held each fall at Cottonwood Park.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo, and Old Mountain Gift andJewelry. You do not have to be a member of the chamber to attend.

There will be many items to bid on at both the silent auction and the live auction that followsdinner.

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A HOME WITH FAMILY APPEAL Large family room on lower level.Open views across back of home, jetted tub, granite, tile accents.Battlement Mesa - $325,000

NEED EXTRA PARKING SPACE?Low maintenance yard-spr. system. All appliances included, new blinds.

Subdv. has walking trails/ park. $139,900

SUN-LIT COZY KITCHN NOOKUnique MF home on a cul-de-sac lot.Laminate flooring in the living room,

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ECONOMY IN SPACE AND CARE Split bedroom plan each with its own

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RANCH ON A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC

Vaulted ceilings, walls of windows,large walk-in shower in master,floor to ceiling rock fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $248,000

STUCCO RANCH WITH TILE ROOF

Large office with a wall of custom oak cabinetry, two fireplaces,

entry courtyard, beautiful yard. Battlement Mesa - $415,000

RURAL RIFLE SUBDIVISION MF home on spacious lot with roomto add a shop or garage. Large living

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A COZY PLACE TO CALL HOME

Split bedroom plan, master bath witha garden tub, new carpet, fresh

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Covered porch and patio, cul-de-saclot and great views. Sun-lit den,

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TRULY ONE OF A KIND Windows accent the kitchen nook.

Gigantic trex deck with awning. Two story elegant custom home. Battlement Mesa - $390,000

LAND:

MINI RANCHETTE SUBDIVISION

Borders BLM property, 360* views.8.38 acres includes a 1500 sq.ft. shop and located close to I-70. Battlement Mesa - $235,000

ADJOINS THE GOLF COURSE Pristine setting in exclusive

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Sq. ft. min. - 2200sq. ft. Battlement Mesa - $68,000

DO YOU WANT PRIVACY This 160 acres is located on the northwest side of DeBeque. Vast

and open views. Zoned SF or Agr. DeBeque - $215,000

MAKE AN OFFER 40 acres- surrounded by BLM

property. 20 Acres- great views of thehogbacks being sold as is - landlocked.

Silt - $25,000 and $45,000

SITES TO SEE Enjoy Battlement Mesa amenities. A variety of building lots. Water

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The Colorado Heritage Group

In memory of Jan Menke SenacOct. 16, 1952 – Jan. 30, 2011

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing newI thought about you yesterday and days before that too

I think of you in silence I often speak your nameAll I have are memories and your picture in a frame

Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never partGod has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.

~ Alain

O B I T U A R I E S

Marlys D. BarrickMarlys D. Barrick of Fruita, Colo. passed away peacefully surrounded by family as the sun was

rising on Jan. 26, 2012. She was 76. Marlys was born in Osage, Iowa to Ruby and Jurgen Tebban in Osage, Iowa. She moved to

Venice, Calif. in 1949 and graduated in the Class of ‘54 from Venice High School.Marlys and her three children moved to Parachute, then Grand Valley, in 1969 where they

became part of the Parachute community. Marlys married Dale Barrick in 1973 and the two fami-lies became one with Eddie Barrick and Justin Barrick who came along in November of 1974.

Marlys worked at Choice Hotels and the Marriot Hotel. Later she succumbed to her children’srequests to help raise her grandchildren.

She moved to San Diego, Calif. in 1994 to enjoy her apartment at the beach, but the WesternSlope of Colorado kept calling her back. She moved back to the Grand Valley in 2006, and residedin Fruita until her passing.

Marlys is preceded in death by her husband Dale Barrick. She is survived by her brothers Ronand Jerry Tebban, children Thomas T. and Cindy Rich, Laurie and Ron Bond,

Shelley and Dan Oliver, Dale (Eddie) and Shirley Barrick, Justin and Holly Barrick, 14 grandchil-dren and two great grandchildren and her cat Simba.


S P O R T S & R E C

Sponsored byParachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District - “Where The Fun Begins”

Dates set to meet about new community park plansBy Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Executive Director Mary Anderson

PROGRAMS

Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp: May 28-June 1British Soccer Camps provide players of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to receive

high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts. Each day includes individual footskills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily tour-nament. The Challenger coaching staff provides children with lessons in respect, responsibility,integrity, sportsmanship and leadership. Camp programs include a free ball and shirt, and a freeBritish Soccer jersey for online registrations 45 days prior to camp.

Mini Soccer – Ages 4-5, 9-10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, $92First Kicks – Age 3, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday, $78Half Day – Ages 6-16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday, $122

The additional program below is available to campers who also sign up for the half day camp:Ages 6-16, 1-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, $45

A $10 per player late fee will be assessed on applications received within 10 days of the programstart date. Registration available online. Call Eric Sarno at 285-0388 with questions.

Adult Coed Volleyball: Six teams have been playing against each other each Tuesday nightsince Jan. 20 for a total of eight weeks at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center gym. Games are heldat 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fun for everyone. Babysitting is available.

Youth Girls Volleyball: Wow; more than 60 youngsters are practicing and playing games atSt John Elementary’s gym. Marilyn Bulger is the head coach.

Youth Basketball for Boys: This program began on Jan. 9 and will run through the first week-end in March. This is for third through sixth grade boys. Teams are full, with one, third and fourthgrade team that is being coached by Juliene Metcalf and two, fifth and sixth grade teams; one coachedby Doug Pfau who is being assisted by A.J. Buffington and the other coached by Mike Higgenbotham.Parachute teams are holding their own at league games. Games were held in Parachute on Feb. 11 andwill be held on Feb. 25 at St John’s from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m.

Youth Wrestling: Pre-registration is encouraged and is open now. Kindergarten through sixthgrade is held March through May annually and is open to both boys and girls. Tony Serna will bethe head coach. Fee to participate is $100 which includes fees into six league tournaments. The ten-tative date for the Parachute tournament is set for April 7.

Youth Spring Soccer: This is a competitive league and begins with practices in March. Earlyregistration is required due to the large number of teams to be scheduled throughout the league.There are two divisions: a boys division and a girls division. Teams that are registered are U10Boys, U10 Girls and U12 Girls.

PARK PLANS

Battlement Mesa/Parachute new community park: Plans are to begin work on a newcommunity park which is located on approximately six acres below the Grand Valley Middle School.There will be public meetings held on March 7 at 1 p.m., March 8 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 10 a.m.at the Grand Valley Fire Protection Building. At these meetings, there will be presentations to show-case the design ideas for the community park and gather public input. There have been three meet-ings scheduled so that more people may be accommodated for attendance purposes. The designs arevery unique and environmentally friendly. The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and RecreationDistrict, Common Ground, Battlement Mesa Service Association, Battlement Mesa Company andGarfield School District #16 are all working together for the benefit of all citizens located within therecreation district boundaries. A Great Outdoors Colorado Grant will be applied for in the fall of2012. It is our hope that there will be many people who would like to share their input and/or vol-unteer to help to build this park. This most certainly will be a positive addition to our community.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388,parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.

Sports Briefs

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Bowlers News

Boni Rust led the women with 464 and TomGentilcore led the men with 472 in our first-ever, adults-only event at Rifle’s Fireside Lanes event in January.

Everyone had a great time, and we are looking for-ward to our next event, which is scheduled for March 3at 6 p.m. RSVPs must be in by March 1 at 6 p.m. Thecost is $10 per person. There will be three games ofbowling, and we’ll have some prizes too. You will needa reservation, as we are limited to 48 bowlers.

Call Dick Ciprich or Margaret Cooke at 462-3159 tosecure your spot or you can e-mail Dick [email protected]

– Dick Ciprich

Tin Cup Golf Club News

Free golf memberships (a $25 value) are beingaccepted thru May 1. You can pick up applications atthe Battlement Mesa Activity Center desk or where thegolf cage is set up.

Call 250-5154 for further information.– Dick Ciprich

Shommy’s Restaurant285-9711Inside Phillip’s 66 in Parachute

EMMA RUSHING"Emma is a terrific student whose hard work helps her earn top gradesin all her classes. Her positive attitude is infections to other students. Shehas earned the ultimate compliment and that is when she is in a class,she makes the whole class better. She leads by example, while not beingafraid to confront her fellow students that are not demonstrating the prop-er behavior. Other students respect her for her work ethic, positive atti-tude, leaderships skills, and her ability to know when it is ok to have agood time and play with her friends. Specifically, Emma is the StudentCouncil Secretary, a leader in National Junior Honor Society, andinvolved in many sports. She recently lead the development of behaviorrelated skits that the student council students preformed for the wholeschool. She is a country girl at heart and loves being around her horses.Overall, Emma is the kind of students other students should and do try toemulate. Having her at GVMS, makes GVMS a better school."

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Battlement Mesa Activity Center News

Saying goodbye toIdella Henry

In 1992, Idella Henry was living in California, near Escondido. Her daughter, Heidi, who livedin Rifle at the time, thought that Battlement Mesa would be a great place for her mother to retire.Idella did move to Battlement Mesa and when she had been here two days, she came to the activ-ity center, applied for a part-time job and was hired on the spot by Mary Anderson, the director.

Idella worked on the front desk for 10 years. She says she loved her job – she’s a people per-son. And members loved Idella. Previously, Idella worked as a personnel specialist for SolarEnergy Research Institute in Denver, so she was well-suited to the position of front desk cus-tomer service.

After retiring from the activity center, Idella continued to be an active member, faithfullyworking out on the treadmills several times a week and joining the Happy Hookers (a needle-work group) every Thursday. Idella is an accomplished knitter and always had a beautiful proj-ect in hand.

Idella has a great sense of humor. One day as she was checking in, Cody (front desk) com-mented to her that she might be the oldest active member. Idella said, “I don’t know if that’s acompliment.” But she knew that it was and that she should be proud of her active and healthylifestyle.

On Feb. 2, the Happy Hookers and a few other friends celebrated Idella’s 90th birthday andsaid their good-byes as this would be her last visit with the club.

All of us at the activity center will miss Idella and wish her all the best as she moves to hernew home in Westminster, again near her daughter Heidi. And we all say, “Thanks, Idella, forspending 20 years with us.” If any of her friends need her contact information, please contactAnne at the activity center.

- Anne Huber, Battlement Mesa Activity Center

Vance Johnson(and Parachute)featured onChannel 9 NewsBy Carrie Click, Echo editor

Vance “VJ” Johnson told a television audience on SuperBowl Sunday that he’s “living the dream” today – co-own-ing VJ’s Outlaw Ribbs restaurant in Parachute with his fam-ily.

“It’s different than the Super Bowl dream,” said the for-mer Bronco, who played in three Super Bowls as part of theThree Amigos’ triple threat of wide receivers: VJ, MarkJackson and Ricky Nattiel.

Denver’s Channel 9 News sportscaster Rod Mackeyinterviewed VJ in “Life After Football,” a segment featuringBronco player interviews before and after the big game onFeb. 5.

Rod traveled to Parachute to shoot the segment, whichfeatured VJ, Parachute, and interior and exterior shots ofOutlaw Ribbs.

VJ talked about some tough times he had after his foot-ball career, including being broke and living on the floor ofhis office. He said his lowest point was losing his sonVaughn in a motorcycle accident in September 2007.

“After losing him, I didn’t want to live,” said VJ, but hisfather Eugene helped him get back on his feet.

“He told me, ‘That’s not the Vance Johnson I raised,’” VJtold Rod.

VJ said he’s found happiness, and recently married. Hecompared life to riding huge waves of highs and lows.

“I don’t want to go back in there,” he said of gettingthrough the low points.

Along with VJ, Vance’s dad Eugene, mom Ima Jean andson Scott are all part of running the Johnson family’s restau-rant, located off I-70 in downtown Parachute.

Barbara Pavlin contributed to this story.

S P O R T S & R E C

The Happy Hookers group, of which Idella Henry, right, was a member,meet every Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Photo courtesy of BMAC


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Government BriefsBLM seeks nominations to Western Slope Resource Advisory councils

SILT – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM)Northwest Colorado District is seeking public nomina-tions for five open positions on its Resource AdvisoryCouncil (RAC).

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for theirexpertise in natural resource issues, help the bureau carryout its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands,composing more land than any other federal agency.Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interestin public land management, including conservationists,ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local govern-ment officials, tribal officials and academics.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others toserve on an advisory council. Nominees are judged onthe basis of their training, education, knowledge of thecouncil’s geographical area, and commitment to consen-sus building.

In the Northwest District, of which Parachute andBattlement Mesa regions are included, five positions areopen, including:

• two openings for Category 1 members (ranchers,representatives from the energy and mineral industry, thetimber industry, transportation, off-highway vehicle use,and commercial recreation)

• two openings for Category 2 members (representa-tives from environmental, archeological and historicalorganizations, dispersed recreation, and wild horse andburro organizations)

• one opening for a Category 3 member (representa-tives from elected government offices, natural resources,tribal groups, natural science academic institutions, andthe general public.

Nominations must be submitted by March 12 to theBureau of Land Management, Attn: David Boyd, 2300River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Additional require-ments and nomination forms can be found by going toblm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/racs/nwrac.html or bycalling David at 876-9008. All nominations must beaccompanied by letters of reference from any represent-ed interests or organizations; a completed backgroundinformation nomination form. –

– David Boyd, BLM

Board vacancies at Battlement Mesa Metro District

The Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District will hold aregular election on May 8 to fill the positions of two out-going board members. Upon election, the new directorswill both serve one four-year term.

If you are interested in running for a director position,a self-nomination and acceptance form or letter must befiled with the designated election official of the district onor before the close of business on March 2. Self-nomina-tion and acceptance forms and an affidavit of intent to bea write-in candidate forms are available upon requestfrom the office of the District Manager, 401 Arroyo Dr.,Parachute, CO 81635; 285-9050.

– Battlement Mesa Metro District

Town of Parachute NewsFrom Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight

• Parachute is happy to report its first year of positive growth since 2008. We expect our total rev-enues will end the year about five percent up from 2010.

• The new Encana building will break ground soon, we have building plans submitted for a newbuilding for TLC Pipeline and Enterprise Services has purchased a lot in the Parachute Park plannedunit development as well. (See cover story.) We hope this resurgence in building continues as oursluggish economy becomes more energized.

• The annexation of part of American Soda's property has been completed and we look forwardto the efforts of the Grand Valley Parks Association in turning this section into a full-blown arenacomplete with grandstands for equestrian events.

• A new member of our public works crew, Harley (Bud) Walker, is a long-time resident ofParachute and we are glad to have him on board with us.

• It is that time of year again when we like to remind our resident dog owners to renew their townlicenses. The town has migrated to a three-year licensing requirement. The three year license fee foranimals that have been spayed or neutered is now $15.00. The cost increases to $22.50 for animalsthat have not been spayed or neutered.

• All business licenses expired the end of December as well so please come in to see usif you havenot already renewed.

• Development ideas in the areas near the new interchange continue to spring up and we hopewill take root once the interchange is open. We are hoping to entice businesses that will diversify ourlocal economy but welcome any and all new services to our town.

• No plans have been formalized but we are looking at the potential of extending water and sewerservices to the western edges of town to accommodate any new growth.

All in all, we are hoping for a return to some normalcy as we wind our way through this new cal-endar year with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

G O V E R N M E N T


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The Battlement Mesa Service Association

The road we’ve traveledBy Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association

It helps if at least once a year we stop and look back down that long road we’ve traveled.Throughout the year we’re mostly focused on where we’re going. We’re trying to figure out howwe’re going to make it to the top of the next hill in the road ahead.

I’ve noticed that when you look back down the road that you’ve just traveled, it usually looksless difficult than it did on the outbound side. Maybe you agree.

I think that could be said for the road the Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA) has trav-eled this past year. In many ways, BMSA’s 2011 journey was challenging. In early 2011, the BMSABoard of Directors held a workshop and established our 2011 goals. In 2010, we only set 12 goalsbut our 2011 list doubled to 24 goals.

I guess that we were really optimistic on the day we met. After a few days, reality set in and webegan to realize how difficult our 2011 journey was going to be. Despite the expanded list of goals,I think it is fair to say that 2011 was a “good year” for the BMSA. True, we didn’t achieve all ofour 24 goals, but we achieved many goals and made progress on most of the others.

Here is a recap of some of our successes:• We acquired ownership of two large tracts of park land and open space (including Saddleback

Park) from Saddleback Village, LLC.

• We adopted a new amendment (the eighth) to the Amended and Restated Declarations ofCovenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Battlement Mesa. This change allows owners theoption to increase their off-street parking if certain requirements are met.

• We accepted a bike/pedestrian easement from John M. and Jody J. Lyons and the Lyons FamilyPartnership, LLP which was essential in order to proceed with the Library Trail.

• We completed the construction of the long awaited Library Trail which connects our trail sys-tem to Parachute.

• We reached an understanding with Garfield County to assure that we are notified of GarCo’splanning department reviews/approval activities within a three-mile radius of Battlement Mesa.

• We coordinated with Garfield County to chip and seal several of Battlement Mesa’s streets.

• We worked with Garfield County to complete a drainage improvement project onThunderburg Trail that corrected a significant drainage problem.

• We completed a comprehensive mapping of the noxious weeds that have infested the 3,200-acre PUD and began a spraying program to help control noxious weeds.

• We adopted new, less restrictive, language regarding the installation of playground equipmentwithin the Battlement Mesa PUD.

• We adopted language in our standards which regulate vegetation that overgrows ontoBattlement Mesa’s streets and roadways.

• We completed and implemented a redesigned city website at battlementmesacolorado.com.

• We started a new online, monthly Battlement Mesa newsletter.

• We created and are maintaining a Battlement Mesa Facebook page.

• In conjunction with five Northwestern Colorado counties, we developed a Battlement Mesapromotional rack card that is being printed and will soon be displayed with similar cards in ourcommunity as well as in the cities and counties in the five-county area.

• We commissioned the community’s first third party reserve study to better understand thetiming and magnitude of future expenses related to maintaining and replacing Battlement Mesa’sinfrastructure. Prior studies were done internally.

• We repainted most Village and directional signs, including the large Battlement Mesa sign atthe waterfall.

• We repainted all of the bollards along Stone Quarry Road that protect the telecommunicationboxes.

• We installed several trash/pet waste containers along sections of our trail system.

• The BMSA helped fund the cost of the three summer “Movie Nights.”

• We developed and adopted an updated BMSA logo and installed new signage at the newBMMD/BMSA business office.

Yes, it seems like it was a busy year!

G O V E R N M E N T


O I L & G A S

Co-chair explains group notagainst drilling, but promotingdrilling in a responsible manner

By Betsy Leonard, Echo contributor

Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC) hosted acommunity open forum on Jan. 24 to discuss impend-ing oil and gas development in the Battlement Mesaplanned unit development (PUD). About 60 peopleattended the meeting. Dave Devanney and Paul Light,BCC co-chairs, served as the masters of ceremony.

The Jan. 24 forumAt January’s BCC forum, Dave Devanney outlined

the purpose of the meeting, which was to “clear theair” of some of the rumors that have been circulatingabout BCC. He stated that this citizen’s group is notagainst drilling, but promotes drilling in a responsiblemanner. BCC is concerned with the health and wellbeing of all Battlement Mesa residents.

BCC has spoken to several attorneys to assist themin their work to address air, water, and soil quality aswell as noise, traffic, and light pollution. Even thoughthe first phase of the HIA was terminated, theColorado School of Public Health addressed the sec-ond phase, which was to develop the design for an

environmental health and monitoring study (EHMS). Five study designs were submitted to the county at

the end of December: 1. Air, water, and soil study designed to monitor

the levels of pollutants released throughout the welldevelopment and production process.

2. Characterization of air emissions studydesigned to assess the hazardous air pollutants(HAPS) emitted from natural gas development (NGD)activities and their impact on human health.

3. Dispersion of air emissions study designed toassess the degree and extent of HAPs emitted fromNGD activities and their impact on human health.

4. Medical monitoring study designed to trackphysical and mental health trends over time and toidentify health effects of NGD in Battlement Mesa.

5. Community monitoring study designed to trackongoing community health status and identify com-munity effects of NGD.

Study No. 1 is designed to be conducted inde-pendently. Studies 2 and 3 are designed to be con-ducted together and studies 4 and 5 are also designedto be conducted together. Running some of thesestudies together will allow for significant cost savingsin sampling and field efforts.

At the meeting, attendees could look at postersthat outlined each village and the proposed well sites.Several concerns were expressed and questions were

raised. Other areas of involvement were covered,such as assisting with the Garfield County air qualitystudies, and monitoring the EHMS.

BCC background The BCC started in May 2009 after Antero

Resources announced they had leased Exxon-ownedmineral rights and planned to develop 10 pads withinBattlement Mesa’s PUD boundary.

After initiating a petition – securing more than 400signatures – to ask that a comprehensive health studybe conducted before any drilling begins, ColoradoSchool of Public Health conducted a health impactassessment (HIA). Two drafts were presented beforethe Garfield Board of County Commissioners termi-nated the project.

With the help of the Western Colorado Congressand Global Community Monitor, a “bucket brigade”was also established. This is a citizen action group thatcaptures polluted air samples that can be processed ata lab for analysis. This system arose from the work ofenvironmental activist Erin Brockovich to provide aneasy, inexpensive technique to collect air samples.

Attorney Ed Masry contacted an engineering col-league and Battlement Mesa’s bucket brigade formed.Although these analyses may or may not stand up incourt, they can be used to point to recurring problemsand/or trends.

BCC hosts a community open forum


DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUS

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GRAND VALLEY ENERGYA monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA

Mailbox moneyFor years, people who received royalty payments for their minerals have dubbed the money that

they get “mailbox money.” They have felt that the royalties that they received just magicallyshowed up in their mailbox.

In reality, it is important to make sure that the money that a person receives for royalties is care-fully reviewed for accuracy. We would not dream of renting out our house and not making surethat the rent check that we receive from the tenants is the amount that we agreed to in our leasecontract. Well, minerals are also leased to a tenant. They are property that we own, pay tax on andprotect, just like a home or pasture. When a person receives a royalty it is a payment for the use ofthe minerals and not just “manna from heaven.”

To make sure that the amount is accurate, the mineral owner should know the terms of the con-tract, called the oil and gas lease. A mineral owner also needs to know what wells have been drilledon the property and are producing gas or oil. This kind of information can be found out by askingthe company that has drilled the wells. Usually, you can find their address and telephone numberon the check stub to ask them for information.

After a person finds out what wells have been drilled, then review the check stub to make surethe wells that the company has drilled are listed on the check stub. If they are not all there, thencall to ask why. Sometimes, it is just an issue of the well having work being done on it or beingshut down because there is no place to sell the minerals for a gain.

While you have the company on the telephone, it might also be a good idea to inquire whereyour minerals are sold, how the company gets them there and how your price reported is calculat-ed. The more you know the more equipped you are to protect your royalty payments and makesure that they are accurate.

So, the next time a royalty check arrives, look at it like a monthly project, just like paying yourbills, not just magic mailbox money.

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and an accredited petroleum accountant Shehas been nationally recognized as an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past pres-ident of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. If you have ques-tions, contact her at the naro-us.org website or through the Echo.

Echo New BriefsTwo Parachute/Battlement-based crime cases take place in January

Three Parachute/Battlement Mesa men are beinginvestigated in two separate criminal cases that occurredin January.

Jeremy W. Caywood, 30, of Battlement Mesa was shotand killed on Jan. 14 at a home between Parachute andRifle. Thirteen days later Nathanial Rice, 26, of Parachutewas arrested at his home. Rice was booked into theGarfield County Jail on Jan. 27, and was released afterpaying an $11,000 bond. On Feb. 8, he appeared incourt regarding the case. He is being charged with reck-less manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and ille-gal discharge of a firearm, according to the GarfieldCounty Sheriff’s Office.

In a separate case, Michael Keith Spell, 22, and LesterVann Waters, 47, both of Battlement Mesa, are being heldin North Dakota following the disappearance of mathteacher Sherry Arnold, 43, of Sydney. Mont. near theMontana woman’s home on Jan. 7. Spell and Waters havebeen charged with kidnapping. As of mid-February,Arnold’s body has not been found.

– Carrie Click


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Echo BriefsBLM seeks public comment on proposed Pumba natural gas pipeline south of Rifle

SILT – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) isseeking public comments on a natural gas pipelineproposal south of Rifle.

Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. is proposing toconstruct the Pumba Pipeline, a buried 24-inchpipeline that would transport natural gas from theEast Mamm Creek Compressor Station southeast ofRifle to the Rifle Compressor Station west of Rifle.The 11.2-mile pipeline would cross 7.2 miles ofBLM land and four miles of private land.

In addition, Encana proposes to construct aburied 16-inch steel water pipeline that would par-allel the Pumba Pipeline. The 6.7-mile waterpipeline would link the Lake Fox Tie-in in SouthGrass Mesa with the Rifle Compressor Station, with5.5 miles on BLM land and 1.2 on private land.

Both pipelines would be bored under theColorado River from private property to avoidimpacts to the riverbed, aquatic wildlife and theadjacent riparian ecosystem. Bore depth would bebetween 130 and 380 feet. The new bores wouldbe near an existing pipeline bore beneath the river.

The BLM wants to hear any concerns or issuesfrom the public about the proposal. Although com-ments will be most helpful if received by Feb. 15,comments may be accepted after this date. Theproposal and map are available atblm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo/GSFO_MasterPlansOfDevelopment.html.

Written comments and questions should bedirected to Colorado River Valley Field Office at 2300

River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Electronic com-ments may be submitted to [email protected]. Be aware that your entire comment –including your personal identifying information –may be made publicly available at any time. Whileyou can ask us in your comment to withhold yourpersonal identifying information from public review,we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information, contact David Boyd at876-9008, [email protected].

– David Boyd, BLM

BLM seeks public comment on water treatment facility in Piceance Basin

MEEKER – The Bureau of Land Management(BLM) seeks public comment on a proposal fromBOPCO, L.P., to construct a facility 20 miles west ofMeeker, Colo., to treat produced water from oil andgas development on the Piceance Basin and dis-charge it into Yellow Creek.

The proposed Yellow Creek Produced WaterTreatment Facility would treat up to 24,000 barrelsof produced water from BOPCO’s Yellow Creek nat-ural gas field and discharge up to 18,000 barrelsinto Yellow Creek each day. BOPCO has acquired asurface discharge permit from the State of Coloradofor this project. If approved, construction of thefacility is scheduled to begin in 2013.

The proposal includes new construction ofburied pipelines, a power-line, a six-acre facility andassociated structures along Rio Blanco County Road20 on BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife surface.The six-acre facility would be entirely on BLM land.

About 1.2 miles of the proposed 1.4-mile pipelineright-of-way would be on CPW land; and about 1.1miles of the proposed 1.5-mile power-line right-of-way would be on CPW land.

A separate agreement authorizing the pipelinesand power-line across state land would be requiredbetween BOPCO and Colorado Parks and Wildlifebefore the project would be approved.

Before BLM begins an environmental assessmentof this proposal, it wants to hear any issues or con-cerns from the public. When the environmentalassessment is drafted, it will also be made availablefor public review and comment.

Copies of the proposal, including maps, areavailable online athttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo/index.html,or by contacting the White River Field Office inMeeker, 970-878-3800.

Written comments can be mailed to Janet Doll,BLM WRFO, 220 E. Market St, Meeker, CO 81641or sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Please note"Yellow Creek Produced Water Treatment Facility" inthe subject line for all e-mails. Comments will bemost helpful if received by March 6.

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying informa-tion in your comment, you should be aware thatyour entire comment—including your personalidentifying information—may be made publiclyavailable at any time. While you can ask us in yourcomment to withhold your personal identifyinginformation from public review, we cannot guaran-tee that we will be able to do so.

– David Boyd, BLM


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Bountiful Baskets becomingpart of Grand Valley areaBy Julie Lana, Echo contributor

Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op is a community of people whoutilize their purchasing power as a group to buy items at whole-sale prices. They are dedicated to helping their communities eathealthier by providing fresh, high quality, delicious produce atan affordable cost.

Bountiful Baskets is now becoming a part of theParachute/Battlement Mesa community. The co-op started distributionin downtown Parachute last spring and has recently moved to theGrand Valley Fire District Station on Stone Quarry Road.

As a group, the co-op purchases high-quality produce atwholesale prices. Items are distributed evenly among partici-pants. It is a great way to bring healthy food to the table at anaffordable price.

Bountiful Baskets is not a business; it is a completely volun-teer-run food cooperative. Conventional produce baskets,which include fruits and veggies, are offered every other week.The contribution is $18 for first time participants and $15 forreturning participants plus a processing fee of $1.50 each time tocover PayPal costs. Organic baskets are also available for an addi-tional $10 on top of the conventional basket price.

A recent basket contained a head of lettuce, a bag of Brusselsprouts, broccoli, a head of cauliflower, corn on the cob,bananas, kiwis, tomatoes, pears, oranges, and apples. Basketswill have different amounts as the case ends are evenly distrib-uted through the baskets.

The baskets contain a variety of fruits and vegetables fromorder to order. Participants do not choose the types of fruits andvegetables but they can choose from extra items (at extra cost)such as breads, specific fruit or vegetable packs, granola, andcases of fresh fruit. Many participants do enjoy the mix and sur-prise of every basket.

There is no commitment once participants register with theco-op online. Some enjoy the variety and newness while othersdo not. One can decide if it is right for them. Registration allowsmembers to receive reminders for the next order and deliverydays. Participants may order as often as they prefer.

All orders are done online at bountifulbaskets.org. Orderingtakes place from noon on Monday through 8 p.m. on Tuesdayand baskets are picked up the following Saturday. Participantswho do not pick up their baskets during the set time framedonate their baskets to the fire station.

For the Parachute area, the next order dates are Feb. 27 withpick-up on March 3.

If you are interested in Bountiful Baskets and would like moreinformation, stop by during the next delivery day from 3-4:20p.m. on Feb. 18 to see how it works.

C O M M U N I T YArts & Entertainment BriefsBMAC hosts “A Night Out at the Movies”

What could be better than staying right here to enjoy a great movie on the “big screen”? Pleasejoin the inaugural Night Out at the Movies on March 23 in the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Thisevent has been planned for adults only and will be shown in the lobby on the same large screen usedduring our summer Family Film Fest.

“It’s Complicated” starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will be our premier offer-ing. This romantic comedy was released in December of 2009. If you missed it, then join us for ourprivate showing. If you have already seen it, you know that you would love to see it again, in thecomfort of your own activity center!

Tickets will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Each ticket entitles you to a complimentaryglass of wine and a wonderful assortment of both cold and warm appetizers. A cash bar will also beavailable throughout the night. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. in the lobby with appetizers and drinksbeing served. The showing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

This event is being hosted by the Battlement Mesa Activity Center and sponsored by CommonGround. The movie viewing fees have been paid for by Antero Resources. Tickets are available at theactivity center, Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and Old Mountain Gift Shop.

- Laurel Koning, Echo contributor

Village Artists meet on Feb. 28

The Village Artists met Jan. 24 at the Parachute Library. Eight artists and a guest were present.Connie Cox, Lillian Wyant and Jean Edmonds brought in an art piece to work on as we discussedfuture art meeting programs and critiqued our last art show at the activity center and made plansfor the annual art show next October.

The Village Artists are sponsoring Robert Harper's oil/acrylic workshop at the Parachute Library.The two days of lessons will be Feb. 23, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Feb. 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for atotal cost of $90. For more information on this workshop, contact Jean Buchan at 285-2234.

Our next meeting, Feb. 28 at the Parachute Library at 1 p.m., will have Diane Dayhoff presentinga program of tatting and huck weaving. The March 27 meeting will feature Maggie Cook's demon-stration of pastel art. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings, which are the fourth Tuesday ofeach month at 1 p.m. Information on our group is also on the battlementmesacolorado.com website.

Lillian Wyant will be the featured artist showing her paintings at Gallery 809, 809 Grand Ave., inGlenwood Springs during the month of March. On the evening of March 9 there will be an artist’sreception at the gallery.

- Jean Edmonds, Village Artists


Grand Valley Fire Protection DistrictBy Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

A busy startto the new year

Well, we are off and running in the new year! All the fire district’s CPR instructors arerecertifying their instructor status in the month of February. The fire district would like tocongratulate three individuals for completing their emergency medical technician –Intermediate level certification. They are Darrell Charlesworth, Andrew Duprey, and CodyReece. They went above and beyond to learn more of the medical field to bring better serv-ice and patient care to the community. We are always striving to train the firefighters bet-ter just so they are safer on incidents but even better when providing the services to you.

Without the support of the community, we would not be able to provide the best serv-ice possible. The fire district would like to thank the community for their continued support.

This will be the 50th year for the fire district providing fire and emergency medical serv-ices to the area. Look for more information about our 50-year anniversary this summer. Wewill be having an open house at the Battlement Fire Station. BE SAFE!

For the month of January, the fire district responded to 50 calls for service:6 fire incidents1 structure fire1 fire alarm3 brush fires1 equipment fire23 emergency medical calls6 vehicle crashes1 public assist3 gas leaks/hazmat assignments3 carbon monoxide incidents2 animal rescues5 good intent calls

In addition, five commercial quick reference/company safety inspections were conducted.

Training hours per crew:Green Crew: 21.25 hoursBlack crew: 25 hoursRed Crew: 25.50 hours

Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide area of residential, commercial andsome very remote areas with fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention,public education and training in cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The district coversroughly 321 square miles. This is I-70 from mile marker 66.4 to mile marker 82.5, then allthe way north to Rio Blanco County and south to Mesa County, including three-quarters ofa square mile of Mesa County.

If you should have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contactDeputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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Senior Center News

Mountain Family HealthServices dental director tospeak at senior meeting

The March Tips and Talks on Tuesdays meeting will be at 10a.m., March 20 at the Parachute Valley Senior Center 540 N.Parachute Avenue.

Dentistry will be the topic at the get-together. The programwill feature Dr. Garry Millard, dental director of MountainFamily Health Services with a clinic located on 14th Street inRifle. As a Navy dentist for 10 years and a periodontist for 15years, he brings extensive experience to his practice.

Garry will explain services provided by the Rifle clinic withemphasis on dentistry and the links between diabetes and gumdisease and will answer questions from the audience.

As usual, blood pressure readings are available from 10 to10:30 a.m. when the program starts. Word games and refresh-ments will round out another timely Tips and Talks on Tuesdaysprogram.

Dates of future programs will be on third Tuesdays ratherthan second Tuesdays as before. No reservations are necessary,so come and bring a friend. Call 285-7934 for more information.

– Mitzi Burkhart, Parachute Valley Senior Center

Mesa Vista News

February birthday wishesto Betty Henson, OpalEllsbury, and FernBrethower

By Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence Activity Director Kathy Germano

We had a fairly mild January and managed to get to the Rifle SeniorCenter for a wonderful lunch and social time. We are having lunch at theParachute Valley Senior Center on Feb. 15.

We are so fortunate to have such an active student body in our commu-nity. We enjoyed a surprise piano concert by one of our middle school stu-dents, Chase Church, and we hope he will visit and perform again. Themiddle school honor club visited on Feb. 8 and the high school leadershipclub brought Valentines for the residents on Feb. 14.

Dianne Dayhoff’s tatting class was well received and she hopes to havemore craft learning classes in the future. If anyone has any ideas or inter-est in a particular class you may reach her at 283-5190.

Our entertainment this month was a piano performance by Bob Thonfrom Grand Junction on Feb. 7.

Mesa Vista will be hosting a special diabetic nail clinic every month. Wehave had a great need for this in the community and are so pleased thatComfort Keepers is sponsoring this service. A registered nurse will be here thethird Thursday of every month from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $25 and everyone iswelcome. Reservations can be made at 241-8818.

Celebrating birthdays in February are Betty Henson on Feb. 3, Opal Ellsburyon Feb. 22, and Fern Brethower on Feb. 27. We wish you all a very happy birth-day!

I am sure that March will bring thoughts of preparing our garden. Daylight sav-

ings time and longer days will be welcomed. Spring is just around the corner! Wehope you have a wonderful month and feel free to visit us anytime.

Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is part of theSenior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing forolder adults in Colorado.

Mesa Vista residents from left, Shirley Barr, Carolyn Thornton, Louise Meno, Muriel Stewart, andMarcelle Church. Photo courtesy of Mesa Vista

Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints by Barbara Barker

Keep a powder puff in your flour canister

• A small carpet scrap makes a great cold weather insulator. Trace your feet on a piece ofpaper or cardboard and make a pattern. Then cut the carpet to fit, place in rubbers, bootsor winter shoes that could use a little help with the cold.

• If you are one egg short for the cake, just add two tablespoons of mayonnaise, you’ll bethe only one who’ll know.

• To freshen stale, hard marshmallows, put them in a plastic bag and dip it in hot water. Tokeep them from drying out in the first place, store marshmallows in an air-tight containerand keep in the freezer.

• A few drops of wintergreen oil on a cotton ball will make the house smell fresh and cleanfor months.

• Use Life Saver candies as birthday candle holders; they are colorful and inexpensive.

• For kids’ fun – Supply them with fresh lemon juice that they may use as ink. They canwrite secret messages with toothpicks dipped in the lemon juice. To read the messages afterthe juice has dried, place the paper in the sun or hold it near a light bulb (not too close).The juice turns brown and words magically appear.

• Do not place house plants near a radiator. Dry, hot rooms are not good for growingplants. Remove plants to a cool part of the house at night.

• After making soups in quantity, pour into bread pans or ice trays and freeze. Turn out andwrap in plastic; takes less space in the freezer.

• Put marbles in the bottom of the double boiler; when water boils down the marbles willwarn you.

• Drop a thimble over the center tube of the percolator before adding coffee grounds.

• To prevent a crust from forming inside the lid and around the rim of jars of mustard, chilisauce, honey, etc., cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap before screwing on the lid.

• Keep a clean powder puff in the flour canister to dust flour on the rolling pin, pastry board, etc.

• Before opening a package of bacon, roll it in a tube; this loosens slices and keeps them from stick-ing together. Roll with bacon facing out and put a rubber band around the bacon before storing.

• For extra ice cubes for parties, make in muffin tins; they’re larger and last longer.

• Remove bottom screws from towel rack brackets and replace with cup hooks to hangwashcloths, small towels, etc.

• When traveling, always pack a candle to rub on zippers that refuse to budge; it also canbe useful in the event of a power failure.

• Put those old computer mouse pads under the washing machine to keep it from “walk-ing” across the floor.

• Use air freshener to clean mirrors.

• And last but not least, try eating pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, magnesium, iron,phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A and the B vitamins. These elements, particularly the zinc,can lead to more sex hormones being produced, thus boosting one’s sex drive.

Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which she’ll reveal infuture issues of the Echo.


**Not valid on Valentine’s Day

**

Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded ourword-count limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give youplenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opin-ions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, pro-vided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiatedattacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Sendyour words to The Grand Valley Echo, [email protected], or 274Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include yourname, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.

L E T T E R S

Grand Valley Historical Society apologizes forcancellation

Dear Echo: The Grand Valley Historical Society regrets the cancellation

of the January meeting featuring Robert Silbernagel, author of"Troubled Trails," the story of what's become known as theMeeker Massacre. He will be rescheduled for a future meeting –tentatively in April. Please watch for more details.

Thank you,Jim Klink

Grand Valley Historical Society

Ladies Night Out at BMAC

Dear Echo,The first Ladies Night Out (LNO) to be held in several years was

a recent event at the Battlement Mea Activity Center (BMAC). Onbehalf of the staff and ladies who attended, we wish to acknowl-edge the generous donations of Parachute and Battlement Mesaarea businesses that donated door prizes: Shommy’s Restaurant,Wells Fargo, Mindy Lindauer, Battlement Mesa Golf Club, ValleyCar Wash, Wendy’s and Battlement Mesa (True Value) Hardware.

Jane Chapman and Mary Jane Wahlman of Bodacious Bitesserved delicious homemade soups and homemade breads. Theevening included a craft project and fitness class demos forZumba (Bobbi Rowe), step aerobics (Kyle Grambley), andindoor cycling (Tiffany Chapman).

The next Ladies Night Out is scheduled for May. Our thanksto all who made this an evening of fun.

Anne HuberDirector

Battlement Mesa Activity Center

Thank you, Encana for kindergarten program

Dear Echo: I would like to thank the folks at Encana for their continued

support of our full-day kindergarten program at the Center forFamily Learning. For the past two years, Encana has given$20,000 to offset the tuition costs for local children to attend full-day kindergarten.

In January of 2011, as well as this January, Encana providedthe district with the funds necessary to offset costs for a portionof the full-day program. These funds are used solely to eliminatethe need for tuition during this semester of school.

Encana has pledged to one more year of funding , which willbe realized in January 2013.

Encana understands, as all of you do, the importance of earlychildhood education and the impact it has on the future successof our children. Gains in student achievement over the past threeyears, since the program has been running, have been tremen-dous. Our students are achieving at higher levels, allowing forgreater success as they move on to Bea Underwood Elementary.

So, from the staff, students, and families of Garfield 16,thanks Encana for supporting our school district!

Ken Haptonstall, PhDSuperintendent of Schools

Garfield County School District No. 16Parachute


H E A L T H

Are you prepared for a dental emergency?

By Dr. Carol Lybrook

Editor's note: The author, Dr. CarolLybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate LybrookDental Center in the Southgate Plaza in Parachute.

Kids are prone to accidents and we as parents need to beprepared. To celebrate National Children's Oral Health month,I wanted to talk about the unpredictable and how to preparefor a dental emergency.

Thousands of dental emergencies – from injuries to apainful, abscessed tooth – take place every day. Would youknow what to do if your child broke a tooth or had a toothknocked out while playing outdoors? What if you had a badtoothache in the middle of the night and couldn't get to thedentist until the next day? Knowing what to do can lessen thepain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Keep your dental office phone number and an emergencynumber where the dentist can be reached after hours withother emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fireand police departments. Some families post these numbers onthe refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door near thephone. Call the dentist immediately for instructions on how tohandle a dental emergency.

Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean itout. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to removeany food or other debris that may be caught between theteeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against thegums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. If thetoothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don't rely onpainkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your dentistshould evaluate the condition.

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth: Try to find the tooth!This may not be as easy as you think if the injury took place ona playground, basketball court or while skateboarding, so tryto stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the rootin water if the tooth is dirty. Don't scrub it or remove anyattached tissue fragments. If it's possible, gently insert andhold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. Ifthat's not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring itto the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation, sotry to get to your dentist immediately.

Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water toclean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of thecheek to help reduce the swelling. Sometimes a broken pieceof the tooth can be bonded back into place. Make sure youbring it with you when you visit the dentist.

Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gentlywith a clean cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce anyswelling. If the bleeding can't be controlled, go to a hospitalemergency room or clinic. You may able to reduce bleedingfrom the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to putpressure on the wound.

Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently removethe object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument toremove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If youcan't dislodge the object with floss, contact your dentist.

Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to controlswelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately.

To learn more about the preparation of a dental emer-gency, talk to dentist and define the plan that works for youand your family.

The Tooth of the Matter

Have a story idea?Contact the Echo

[email protected]

Caring for your youngchild’s teethBy Family Nurse Practitioner ConnieBerglund, Grand River Student Health Center

Tooth decay is the single most prevalent disease of childhood. Left untreated, tooth decay cancause pain and infection that may lead to problems with nutrition, growth and development,school readiness, and speech problems.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be at their first birthday. Establishing a trusting rela-tionship with a dentist at an early age is important for the child.

There are many things parents can do to help prevent cavities in children. These include brush-ing the child’s teeth twice a day as soon as the teeth erupt. Start when the baby’s first tooth comesin by wiping the baby’s teeth after feeding. Because young children do not have the manual dex-terity to properly clean their own teeth, an adult must brush the preschool child’s teeth in additionto allowing the child to brush. This also reinforces the correct method of brushing for the child.

For children younger than 2 years of age, brush the teeth with plain water or toothpaste. For chil-dren 2 years and older, a pea sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste should be applied to the child’stoothpaste. The child should spit out the toothpaste after brushing, but not rinse his mouth withwater because the small amount of toothpaste that remains on the teeth helps prevent tooth decay.Flossing should also be started as soon as two teeth touch and flossing sticks make it easier and moreexciting for children. When parents feel that their child is doing a thorough job brushing their ownteeth, they should allow the child more independence by allowing them to brush their teeth by them-selves. This is generally around the age six or seven, by can vary with each child. However, parentsshould continue to supervise their child’s teeth brushing and reinforce any areas of concern.

Parents can also prevent tooth decay by starting healthy eating habits at an early age. If the childis put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup, fill it only with water. Also, fill the child’s sippy cup (ifused) with only water when it’s not mealtime. Offer healthy snacks like fruits or vegetables andavoid sweet or sticky snacks like candy, cookies, or Fruit Roll-Ups. There is also sugar in foods likecrackers and chips and these should be only eaten at mealtime.

Having a routine snack time is healthier on the teeth instead of frequent snacking by the child.Limit the amount of juice the child drinks to no more than one small cup of juice daily and only atmealtimes. Children who are thirsty should be given water or milk instead of juice. If the childdrinks milk at bedtime, make sure to clean their teeth afterward.

Finally, if parents find a cavity in their child, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to lessenthe damage to the child’s tooth and to decrease the cost of the dental visit as well.

What happens to your child’s baby teeth can affect the growth of the adult teeth as well. Startingearly healthy habits for your child’s teeth and regular visits to the dentist can affect your child’steeth way into the adult years.


N O N P R O F I T SMt. Callahan Community Fund

Developing young mindswith Raising a ReaderBy Raising a Reader Executive Director Rick Blauvelt

In this column, the Mt. Callahan Community Fund (MCCF) invitesrepresentatives of local nonprofits that MCCF has funded to write abouttheir organizations so you can get to know these remarkable groups andhow they benefit Parachute and Battlement Mesa.

Have you ever read a story to a young child and watched her eyes light up with joy and won-der? For the local nonprofit, Raising A Reader, the perfect world is one in which every child frombirth to age 5 hears a storybook every single day.

The folks at Raising A Reader know from numerous research projects nationwide that readingto a child is the single most significant thing a parent can do during a child’s first five years to ensurethat child’s reading success. They also know that literacy skills and language development inkindergarten are predictors of college attendance.

Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute currentlyworks in 11 preschool classrooms in Parachute andBattlement Mesa with 170 children and their fami-lies. The organization seeks to ensure that everychild in Parachute (and beyond) will enter kinder-garten ready for reading success, in love withbooks, and excited about learning.

In Garfield County, just 63 percent of thirdgraders tested proficient in reading on Colorado’sstandardized test (CSAP) in 2010. Only 41 percent

were proficient in writing. By third grade, the odds are stacked heavily against children not read-ing at grade level. Statistically, they are unlikely to ever catch up.

For many of these children, the problem is rooted in early literacy neglect. Science has shownthat 90 percent of the brain’s fundamental hard wiring occurs by age 5. This period represents acritical window for development of oral language, letter and sound fluency, and vocabulary.

Here is how it works here in our Parachute classrooms:Book Bag Program: Each week, 170 preschool children in 11 Parachute classrooms are given

a bright red book bag filled with four age-appropriate books. Each set of books is sent home for aweek, returned, and then replaced with another four books. This rotation provides 60 to 80 booksto each home annually.

Family Night Early Literacy Training: During the school year, parents and children attendthree two-hour training/practice sessions held at the Center for Family Learning on Second Street.The research shows that a targeted program to train parents is highly correlated with significantimprovements in the early literacy development of the child. Parents learn how to use storybooksto stimulate story recall, recognition of rhyming patterns, development of new words and otherearly literacy skills.

Library Introduction Program: Each spring, each classroom takes a field trip to theParachute library where children are presented with their own Raising a Reader library bag (tokeep), their first library card, and the opportunity to check out their first library books.

Leaders for Readers: This program matches volunteer readers to interested preschool class-rooms for regular story time sessions. To sign up for a regular session in a Parachute classroom, call230-9117.

Does it work? The data Raising A Reader collects is persuasive. Recent data from GarfieldSchool District No. 16 based in Parachute revealed that children with a Raising A Reader back-ground scored from 3 to 10 percentage points higher on various kindergarten readiness tests thanthe full cohort of kindergarteners.

The Parachute community has been incredibly supportive. Rebecca Ruland, principal at theCenter for Family Learning, serves on our board and really helps us improve our capacity to helpParachute children.

So, grab a storybook and read – to your child, to your grandchild, to any child who will sit andlisten. Watch their eyes light up and remember that you are preparing a young child for the futurewe all will share together.

For more information contact Rick Blauvelt, Executive Director, P.O. Box 2533, GlenwoodSprings, CO 81602, [email protected], 230-9117.

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Echo BriefsFriends of the Parachute Library holding membership drive

The Friends of the Parachute Branch Library (FOPL) is having its 2012 membership drivein February. The Friends support the local library throughout the year by sponsoring pro-grams and events. FOPL members receive advanced notice of upcoming library events, asneak peak at upcoming book sales, and two-for-one prices at many library events. If youare interested in joining the Friends, stop by the library and pick up a registration form.

There are several FOPL-sponsored events coming up within the next month:• The Sweet Adelines singing group will be performing in the library community room

at 7 p.m. on March 1. The performance is open to the public with tickets at $3 per person.Advanced tickets are available at the library.

• Local author Marilyn Barnewall returns to the Parachute Branch Library March 20 fora noon book club lunch and discussion of her books, “When the Swan’s Neck Breaks,” and“Flight of the Black Swan.” Marilyn was a guest speaker in January and impressed thecrowd with her knowledge of the banking industry. At the time, she agreed to return tolead the discussion. Copies of her book are available at the library. The event is free andopen to the public. Reservations are suggested for the lunch at noon. Call 285-9870 formore information.

– Julie Lana, Friends of the Parachute Library

CMC tuition increase undecided, military receives in-district tuition rates

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) trustees voted on Jan. 30 to table a decision on set-ting 2012-13 tuition and fees until the next board meeting, and approved granting in-dis-trict tuition rates for active military, veterans and their dependents.

The board is considering whether to keep next year’s tuition the same as the currentyear’s, or to consider increasing tuition for lower-division classes by $2 to $3 per credit hourfor in-district students, $6 for in-state and $20 for out-of-state. No tuition increase was pro-posed for 300- and 400-level classes.

Trustees approved one-time bonuses, to be drawn from a college-wide $400,000 appro-priation for part-time staff and adjunct faculty. No college-wide salary increases have beenbudgeted for the 2011-12 school year. CMC employees received a one percent salaryincrease for the previous year.

A decision on tuition fees is scheduled to be made at the March 12 trustee meeting.

– Debbie Crawford, CMC

Call for nominations for local humanitarians

Now is the time to submit nominations for the Garfield County Humanitarian ServiceAwards.

If you know someone who gives their time, attention, creativity and effort to benefit res-idents of Garfield County, please consider nominating them for a Humanitarian ServiceAward.

Nominations are due Friday, March 2.Nominees are sought in four categories: youth, adult and senior volunteer, and staff

member. The selection committee may also create other categories for winners to fit uniqueaspects of this year’s nominees.

All nominees and those who submitted nomination letters are invited to attend theawards banquet, set for 5:30 p.m. April 16, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.Atthe banquet, all nominees are recognized and the winners in each category are announced.It is an inspiring evening to hear about the many dedicated people who are busy making adifference for others.

The annual awards event, now in its 23rd year, is sponsored by Garfield County, theGarfield County Human Service Commission and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.

To nominate a humanitarian, visit the Garfield County website, garfield-county.com,click on “Humanitarian Service Awards” and then download the nomination form and rules.Each nomination package must include at least three letters from different people describ-ing the nominee’s dedication to humanitarian service in Garfield County.

Those without access to a computer can request a nomination form by mail by calling456-3271.

Tickets for the awards dinner are $20 and may be reserved by calling 456-3271.The Humanitarian Service Awards honor residents of Garfield County for their selfless

contributions to make our community a more vibrant, diverse, caring, sustainable, support-ive and safe place to live.

– Heather McGregor


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16www.garcoschools.org

G R A N D V A L L E Y H I G H S C H O O L N E W S

Sophomore Ricardo Malta (Ricky) enjoysbeing in the spotlight for the month. Photocourtesy of GVHS

Striver of the MonthBy Tarianna Lawrence, GVHS

To become Striver of the Monthyou not only have to outwork every-one in your school, but you also haveto do everything right in school andout of school. Ricky Malta, a sopho-more at Grand Valley High School hasshown that he has outworked severalpeople by participating in wrestlingand in track; he is a superior athlete aswell as a terrific role model.

Ricky says, “I’m surprised that Iwas chosen as Striver of the Month,but very honored!”

How did you become Striver?Malta says, “I became striver of the

month by doing well in school, byfocusing on my grades, and gettingalong with students and teachers.”

What are some future goals youhave?

His main goals are to join the mili-tary and then go to college in Florida.

What are some accomplishmentsthat you are proud of

Ricky stated, “Well, I am proud ofmaintaining my GPA, as well as doingwell in sports, and getting along withteachers and students.”

Ricky not only has the terrificgrades, but he also is an outstandingathlete as well as a great role model forothers.

Good Job Ricardo Malta, for beingselected as Striver of the Month.

Ricky is a true leader and he isgoing to go far in life!

Junior Monica Ruiz smiles because she isexcited to receive such an honor.

Try hard, get moreBy Emma Cruz, GVHS

Students at G.V. work incrediblyhard and their efforts are rarely over-looked, but there is always someonewho works just a little harder then therest. Monica Ruiz was recognized forjunior/senior student of the month.Monica put in extra hours, more effortand tried harder in every single class.Friends of Monica would agree thatshe let nothing get in the way of hersucceeding. We caught up with herlater and asked her a few questions.

For those who say they cannot put

in extra effort because they have a job,what advice can you offer?

“I have a job and I did it. I guessreally just working hard and never set-tling for less.”

With everything, school, work,friends, and family how do you man-age to make time for everything andstill stay sane?

“I have a stop watch. I'm just kid-ding, it just happens.”

We all know the school smartMonica, but what are some of yourother hobbies? Anything in particular?

“I like to read, it lets you go to placesyou can't go to in real life. I like to play soc-cer, it gets the blood in the brain. Maybethat's why I got student of the month.”

Would you like to thank anyone?“My parents, my friends for being

there for me, and my teachers forthrowing help at me when I need itand when I don't.

May we all learn from her, young orold. If we put our mind to it we canachieve greatness, "Be not afraid of great-ness: some are born great, some achievegreatness, and some have greatnessthrust upon them," William Shakespeare.

Junior Samantha Vaskin is proud to be MostImproved Student of the Month.

Most Improved Student of theMonth: Samantha VaskinBy Artemio Baltazar, GVHS

Samantha Vaskin is the MostImproved Student of the Month. Shewas chosen by the staff of GrandValley High School for her improve-ments throughout this year.

She is involved in cheerleaderingand went to state. Vaskin said “she hadfun at state even though they didn’tplace, all that mattered was that theydid their best and had fun; she washonored when they recognized her forbeing the most improved because itshows that the GVHS staff has noticesher improvements.”

How did you become most improved?“I became student of the month by doingmy work, taking care of business, and byhaving a positive attitude.”

What are some future goals youhave? “I want to accomplish gettingmy grades higher than they alreadyare. Another goal that I have is finish-ing high school and planning to go tocollege in Chicago.”

What are some accomplishmentsthat you are proud of? “I have manyaccomplishments, but my main one isthat I am a role model for my little sis-ter, and that I am going to be the firstgeneration out of my family to attendor graduate high school.”

Vaskin is a great student and will keepworking hard to accomplish her goals inlife, and keep her mind work-orientedinstead of result-oriented. She will keepdoing her best to improve more and suc-ceed more than ever with faith that what-ever result she gets, is the best for her.

Good Job Samantha Vaskin, forbeing selected as Most Improve.

Keep improving and working hard!

Winterfest King and Queen Lizbet Gonzalezand Artemio Baltazar receive their honorsduring the varsity boys basketball game.

And the winner Is…By Hunter Metcalf, GVHS

A tradition at Grand Valley HighSchool has honored eight of our stu-dents to receive the title of Winter festRoyalty. Two students from each classare chosen by GVHS staff to be a rep-resentative of the academic achieve-ments, success, and cardinal spiritthroughout the school year.

The students chosen are a great rep-resentation of Grand Valley High School.The freshmen class winners were ShelbyBelt and Houston Stansbury, sophomorerepresentatives were Hanna Corneliousand Ricardo Malta, junior candidates,Wendy Muneton and Jordan Quinn, andour Winter fest King and Queen wereseniors Lizbet Gonzalez and ArtemioBaltazar.

“I’m glad I won my senior yearbecause it was a great experience” saysGonzalez after her name wasannounced.

Baltazar stated after beingcrowned, “I have been working hardthis school year and I’m happy theGVHS staff recognized my dedication.”

These students are inspiring to theirfellow classmates and set a solid exam-ple for their peers in the upcoming year!

Sophomore Lauren Paskett boxes out heropponent in the Rifle game on Jan. 28.

Lady Cardinals: Can they worktheir way back to the top?By Jazmin McFarland, GVHS

“A rebuilding year.” This is whatmany people have claimed and pre-dicted the Lady Cardinal’s basketballseason to be.

Starting three sophomores, one jun-ior, and one senior, and having threefreshmen, three sophomores, one jun-ior and one senior come off the bench,the team was not expected to do verywell due to a lack of experience andage. However, the Lady Cardinals werequick to prove everyone wrong.

The Lady Cards started off their sea-son really well. They took second placeamong nine teams at their first tourna-ment, the Meeker Shootout, where theydefeated Vanguard and Meeker, and thenlost to Hayden in the championship game.

They continued to prove them-selves as they defeated their first

league opponents, the Rifle Bears, whowere league champions with an unde-feated record last year. After a longbreak without any games over thewinter holidays, the Lady Cardsproved to still have discipline and thetenacity to win when they defeatedHotchkiss and Gunnison in their firstweek back from break.

However, the next week proved tobe slightly more difficult for the Cards.They started off with a difficult loss totheir rivals, the Coal Ridge Titans, andthen also lost to the Olathe Pirates.Although they had two difficult lossesin a row, they Lady Cards decided thatlosing was not an option and hoppedback on the winning wagon whenthey defeated both Basalt andCedaredge. They battled a tough gameagainst Aspen, but unfortunately cameup short by about eight points.

Now, the Lady Cards have somethingto prove. With six girls being unable toparticipate through a period of five gamesdue to disciplinary issues, the Cards havelost their last three games to Roaring Fork,Rifle and Meeker. It has been a toughstretch of games for these ladies, as deal-ing with adversities can prove to be quitechallenging, or a major setback, the LadyCards need to prove that it is a challengethat they can overcome.

People should expect to see anincredible fight from these ladies.Although there have been many obsta-cles that have been put in place that theyneed to overcome, these girls still havethe heart and desire to win and be in thestate playoffs. As long as they are able towork together and stay together as ateam, as long as they are able to performto the best of their abilities day in andday out, these girls will be unstoppable.

Tyler Scott gets some face time with a Rifleopponent that resulted in a league win onJan. 28.

Heart, love, brotherhoodBy Dustin Weist, GVHS

In the 2011-2012 Basketball seasonthe Cards have been on a roller coaster.There have been some incredible winsand some unexpected losses. The boy’svarsity team had a positive record of 9-5 as of the end of January. They playedeight league games and won five.

In their last game against Rifle theyplayed a close game winning 41-40. Atthe start of the fourth quarter the scorewas 30-25 with key three-point shotsmade by Grand Valley in the fourthquarter. The game came down to a foulshot on junior Trent Reidle with .6 sec-onds left in the game. The intensity rosewhen the Cardinal fans were jumpingout of their seats shouting louder thanRifle's crowd. Rifle did not have a homecourt advantage with this game.

As pressure was on Reidle's shoul-ders to make his free-throws for thewin, he missed his first shot. The crowd

was on edge with the knowledge thatthe win was just one shot away. Theposts were ready to get the rebound, theguards were ready to deny any shot thatcame their way, the fans were ready toexplode from either side of the court,and Reidle had to clear his mind and lethimself get comfortable for the shot.

Reidle received the ball from thereferee and made his second shot. Thecrowd went wild with the flashes ofred, white, and black jumping up anddown cheering the loudest they could.Rifle was severely upset but respectedGrand Valley for the well played game.

Senior Trever Smith was the leadscorer of the game scoring 23 points,which was the highest score from anyplayer in that game.

On average the team scores 49.6points a game, 28 rebounds, and col-lectively scored 695 points. Of the 695points, Smith has scored 246, Reidle175, and junior Jake White is the thirdleading scorer with 86 points.Sophomore Tyler Scott leads the teamin blocked shots and rebounds. Thisbig guy in the paint has had 18 of the27 blocked shots and 96 of the 392rebounds. Reidle also lead the teamwith steals, having 25 of the 100 steals.

The rest of the season looks brightfor the boys with their last game on Feb.18. The team and coaches will see thelast few games for four seniors this year.Trever Smith, Eddie Pena, ChrisMcGruder, and Dustin Weist havedevoted plenty of time to the team andmuch more time to the sport. Thesefour have played together since elemen-tary school at Bea UnderwoodElementary. They have enjoyed thesemany years of playing together and areleaving on a good note. They all showedtrue heart, love, and brotherhood.

Head Coach Jake Higuera had afew inspirational words to say aboutthe team, “I love these guys with allmy heart because they fight for eachother with all of theirs! You couldn'task for a better group of guys, and Imean that from the varsity on down.They die everyday for what we are allabout; heart, love, brotherhood! Stayhungry and keep fighting!”

The Grand Valley Wrestling Team preparesfor battle. Photo courtesy of GVHS

Let’s get ready to rumble!By Baileyann Merry

With wrestlers who have beenwrestling since they were old enoughto start the pee-wee program to thekids who have started the sport for thefirst time this year, the Grand Valleywrestling team has been doing great sofar for the 2011-2012 season.

Even though there have been ups

Continued on page 24


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16www.garcoschools.org

SchoolsTerrific Kids for January

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwoodand St John elementary schools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes char-acter development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaningThoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive andCapable.

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolJanuary’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row,Bill Coehlo (Kiwanis representative), Savannah Woodhams, Zach Turner,

Melanie Loya, and Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative); secondrow, Xavier Amador, Fiona Craine, and Cintia Cornejo; back row, BraedenPlace, Braylee Schaffer, Kelly Shoub, Canyon Smith-Shope, and RodrigoVargas. Not pictured: Andrew Black.

St John Elementary SchoolJanuary’s Terrific Kids from St John are Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis rep-

resentative), Bill Coelho (Kiwanis representative), Karizma Gustin, WyattGardner, Ahmed Flores, Emma Andersen, Maria Banuelos, and PrincipalKathy Keeling.

Congratulations to all of January’s Terrific Kids!

O U R S C H O O L SFrom Grand Valley High School

Community service is part ofeducation at Grand ValleyBy David Walck, Grand Valley High School Assistant Principal andActivities Director

Grand Valley HighSchool (GVHS) honorscommunity service. Oncea student completes 100hours of cumulative serv-ice during their four yearsat Grand Valley, they grad-uate with the communityservice honor bestowed bythe board of education. Allcommunity service hoursare pre-approved throughthe school administration.These hours must be out-side of activity club expec-tations (25 hours), and stu-dents cannot earn anyother form of credit, recog-nition, or remuneration forthose hours.

The fall semester pro-duced 207 hours of com-munity service from 35different students. The contributions have been done in a variety of ways: offi-ciating for Parachute Park and Rec, volunteering at the Parachute library, workingwithin various churches, volunteering in elementary school after-school pro-grams, babysitting at parent-teacher conferences, and working at LIFT-UP.

GVHS wants to recognize outstanding performances of our activity partici-pants and the service they provide. The GVHS Cheerleading team competed atthe State Spirit Competition in December and as part of their service, they donat-ed toys for less advantaged children. Coach April Hurt had them do an impromp-tu cheer performance at a Denver-area Target store when they were purchasingthe toys. The spectators and employees loved the performance.

The Grand Valley Key Club worked hard during the holidays to have a fooddrive to benefit local families. Key Club students challenged their classmates tobring in non-perishables in a competition with a reward at the end. Mark Jansen’ssenior class advisory was victorious as they brought in the most food donations.

The Key Club also gave their time and purchased gifts for the Grand ValleyGivers Tree to help local families in need. GVHS Key Club is the school’s biggestservice organization led by Julie Lana and Alison Teter.

The Grand Valley Fine Arts Department continued its mission to provide qual-ity music performances with the Winter Band/Choir concert in held inDecember. Music Director Barb Carroll conducted outstanding performancesfrom the band, choir and guitar classes. Students were showcased in solos andgroup performances. A great evening was had by all for those who attended.

The GVHS Theatre Co. competed at the state conference in December. Allstudents scored well. Due to an electronic error, sophomore SNE Whitely andfreshman Cayley Merry will be resubmitting their state-qualifying piece to be re-evaluated for national qualification.

Our winter sports programs have started their seasons with success. Senior TreverSmith and sophomore Haley Johnson were named to their respective all-tournamentteams at the Meeker Shootout Basketball Tournament. Senior David Witt won theprestigious Grand Junction Central Warrior Classic Wrestling tournament at 170pounds. Teams are continued their league play in the months of January and February.

If you have any questions or concerns with activities department, please feelfree to contact Assistant Principal and Activities Director David Walck at 285-5705 or at [email protected].


Grand Valley High School students Artemio Baltazar and Sara Sirotek work with Kim Whelan onthe classroom’s new digital microscope funded by the Grand Valley Educational Foundation.

Grand Valley Educational Foundationfunds local students and programs

Scholarship application deadlines approaching forGVHS high school seniors and college students

By Anne White, Grand Valley Educational Foundation

Grand Valley High School seniors have until April 19 to apply for a number ofscholarships offered by the Grand Valley Educational Foundation.

Teachers working in the Garfield School District No. 16 in Parachute are also eligi-ble to apply for grants from the foundation. Teachers and administrators must applyfor those grants, which are then reviewed by the school’s principal and foundationmembers.

Projects that have received funding in the past include a digital microscope for usein GVHS science teacher Kim Whelan’s class.

“The digital microscope is installed and I am now able to access views of preparedslides and project these images to the wall allowing much improved teaching with mystudents as they attempt to identify various tissues of the human body,” Kim said.

The GVEF also provided funding for GVHS math teacher Amanda Martin’s studentsto build a greenhouse. When complete, the greenhouse will be donated to the GrandValley Center for Family Learning so that preschoolers and kindergarten students canexplore the best way to grow food. Amanda’s students learned how to apply their mathskills in designing and constructing the greenhouse.

“Our mission is to prepare students for life,” said Amanda, “and the best way wecan do that is to give them life skills.”

For this grant cycle, scholarships that will be awarded through the foundation areavailable to GVHS seniors who will be attending college or vocational school in thefall include:

• American Legion Ward Underwood Post # 114: $1,000 academic scholarship• American Legion Ward Underwood Post # 114: $1,000 vocational scholarship• Pam Brock Teacher Scholarship: two-year $2,000 scholarship

Additionally, a scholarship for GVHS graduates currently enrolled in college inColorado is available:

• Carl H. Bernklau Continuing Education Scholarship: $2,500 scholarship. College stu-dents wanting to apply for this scholarship can go to the district’s website atgarcoschool.org and access the application under the “Grand Valley EducationalFoundation” link and then the “Forms” link. They can also receive an application by con-tacting the GVEF at P.O. Box 682, Parachute 81635. Like the other scholarships, theBernklau Continuing Education Scholarship application is due April 19.

All scholarship applications are due by April 19 and can be obtained through theguidance counselor’s office at Grand Valley High School.

Other programs GVEF has recently funded include Nathan Wubbena teachingfourth and fifth grade music students basic guitar playing skills using the half-sizedguitars, funding for transportation for an after-school tutoring program, and resourcematerials for the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning.

For additional information regarding grants, scholarships, or making a donation tothe Grand Valley Educational Foundation, go to Garfield No. 16 School District’s web-site at garcoschools.org.

News for performing arts enthusiastsBy Mark Gregory, GVHS language arts and theatre arts educator

There's ample news coming out of Grand Valley High School and its per-forming arts department:

• The 2011 fall play, “Steel Magnolias,” went very well, and the produc-tion finished in the black. It couldn't have been done without our great sup-porters, patrons, and – of course – students.

• Our trip to the International Thespian Society (ITS) state theatre compe-tition and conference was a huge success. Mara Mayfield and BaileyAnnMerry performed admirably and are excited for next year. Cayley Merry andSNE Whitely performed, but their scores were lost due to a computer glitch.They will be re-submitting their entry and might still qualify for nationals. I'llkeep you posted.

• We are currently in the process of getting our GVHS TheatreCo T-shirtsand sweatshirts made for purchase in case any supporters would like to buyone and show your support. I'll keep you posted when we get the final designback from our shwag maker.

• We plan to have our website finished in advance of spring break. Thiswill also include a Facebook page.

• The drama class presented its one-act plays in January at GVHS, andhighlighted the growth of our theatre education (THEA) I and THEA II stu-dents. Our state competitors also showcased their performance pieces.

• On Jan. 23, the GVHS Key Club presented its annual Talent Show. Thewinners were Alden Rasic and Jake Smith; Jessica Curtis was second; andCayley Merry was third. All are invited to compete for the $500 prize inKiwanis’ Talent Show coming up later in the semester.

• Rehearsals for spring musical “The Music Man” are underway.

News that should interest local teachers and parents-I have been selected to be on the Colorado Department of Education's

Content Collaborative Committee for the Theatre Arts. The purpose of thiscommittee is “the development of valid, reliable and fair student measure-ment tools that indicate student academic growth and can be used to evalu-ate educator effectiveness.”

As a representative of this area and the theatre arts, I want to voice theopinions of educators and parents on THEA standards and assessment. Pleasefeel free to contact me if you'd like to give me any insight: Mark Gregory,Ma.Ed., Grand Valley High School

Language Arts & Theatre Arts, educator; GVHS TheatreCo, producer/director; 285-5705, ext. 4121. [email protected].

School BriefStars of Tomorrow Talent Show scheduled for March 7

Come support local students as they show-case their talent. Participating acts includepiano, singing, gymnastics, and acting.

Stars of Tomorrow, is a talent contest sponsored by Kiwanis that willinvolve many different acts from Grand Valley High School or Grand ValleyMiddle School. Each act had to first qualify during their school talent show.

The winner of this competition will go on to the state competitionthat will take place in April in Fort Collins.

Prizes will be awarded for the top four placers at this Stars ofTomorrow competition.

– Jory Sorensen, Grand Valley Middle School

and downs in just about everyone’s matches, they each have been working hard and giving ittheir all to get ready for regionals.

“Everything is practice until regionals,” says Coach Frink. The regional tournament is the most important tournament in a wrestler’s season because it

determines if their season really mattered or not. When every wrestler goes to the tournamentthey start with an even record, so it’s like a start of a new season. It won’t matter if they had thebest or worst record coming into regionals, everyone has an equal chance of going on to state.

Everyone on the team has a high chance of placing in regionals, but one who sticks out themost is David Witt. Being the only senior on the team, Witt puts a lot of responsibility on hisshoulders to be the leader for his younger teammates. This does not stop Witt from training hardand improving his skills everyday.

“He has been workin’ like an animal,” said Coach Frink, “He has had an outstanding seasonand I know his efforts will pay off.”

Currently Witt’s record is an impressive 31-0! With his hard work and dedication to success allof his fans are wishing for the best outcome possible to end his senior year. Congratulationswrestlers and good luck at Regionals!

O U R S C H O O L S

When: March 7Time: 6 p.m.Location: GVHS CafeteriaAudience Admission:$2 adults

GVHS News continued from page 22


All Saints' Episcopal Church150 Sipprelle Dr.Battlement Mesa285-7908Pastor's mobile: 985-5797The Reverend Edmond-Joseph Rivet,

Priest-in-chargeWebsite: allsaintsepiscopal.infoChurch e-mail:

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

Sunday Eucharist: 10:30 a.m.Choir: 9:30 a.m.Children's Godly Play: 10 a.m.

WOW: Worship On WednesdayContemplative Eucharist: 6 p.m.Soup Social: 6:30 p.m.Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.

• • •

Crown Peak Baptist Church101 W. Battlement ParkwayParachute285-7946crownpeakbaptist.com

Rick Van Vleet, Senior PastorDan LaRue, Associate PastorMatt Loftin, Youth PastorBrian Jarrett, Minister of Music

Sunday Morning Worship – 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Bible Study for all ages – 9:45 a.m.

(Children's Church offered during 11 a.m. service)

Wed. Night Dinner 5:30 p.m.Wed. Night Programs 6:30 p.m.(Adult, Children & Youth Groups)

Small groups meet throughout theweek ... Visit our website for moreinformation.

Come -- Experience God's Power for life & living

Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship

Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship

Go -- With Christ in a ministry of service with a focus for evangelism

• • •

Faith Baptist Church235 N. Railroad Ave.ParachuteJohn Yadloski, Pastor285-7424

SundaySunday School: 9:45 a.m.Morning Worship: 11 a.m.

Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m.

WednesdayBible Study: 7 p.m.

Grace Bible Church755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248Battlement Mesa285-9862Charlie Hornick, PastorJed Johnston, Family Life PastorChastity McGillivray, GBC

Child Care Missionary Intern, Amy Hamilton

SundayBlessing Up for Church Broadcast

8 a.m. - 103.9 FMSunday School: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Evening Service: 5:30 p.m.

Youth / Children’s ActivitiesGrace Bible Church Child Care:

Mon – Fri.Boy Scouts – Call for days/timesAwana:

Tuesdays 6:30pm (Sept. – April)High School Youth:

Sun. 5:00-7:00 p.m.Middle School Youth:

Wed. 7:00-8:30 p.m.

*Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places)Website: grace-bible-church.com24-Hour Prayer Line: 256-4693

• • •

Grand Valley Christian ChurchSecond Street & Parachute AvenueParachute

Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080e-mail: [email protected] Church Office 285-7597

Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

• • •

Grand Valley United Methodist Church132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co. 81635970-285-9892grandvalleyumc.qwestnet.com

We are a Christ-centered congrega-tion committed to biblical and theo-logical openness and inclusiveness.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULEAdult Sunday School: 8:30 a.m.Children’s Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time with refreshments at11:00 a.m.We have a Communion Service onthe First Sunday of every monthOur “Awakening Chorus” Choir prac-tices on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

We Invite you to Attend our SpecialServices on Thanksgiving, ChristmasEve, Ash Wednesday, MaundyThursday, Good Friday TenebraeService, Easter Sunrise Service andBreakfast.

We offer many volunteer opportuni-ties to support community agencies.We host a free luncheon everyMonday open to all.We offer a community garden that isfree to all.Meditation and Spiritual GrowthGroup twice a month at 7:00 p.m.

Our church has been active in servingthe area for 122 years!Come Join Us This Sunday!

The Lighthouse(Assembly of God)1833 S. Battlement ParkwayBattlement Mesa285-7236 or 379-5947

(Pastor's cell)Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew

ServicesSunday school:

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.Worship service:

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.(Children's Church & Nursery)

Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon:

Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

• • •

Shepherd of the Mesa (WELS)Website: shepherdofthemesa.orgBill Cornelius, Pastor 987-3093Youth Directors: Kristy and RoryRoder, Brandon Downing

Worship:Sunday at 10 a.m.Bible Information Class:Monday at 7 p.m.Family Bible Study:Wednesday at 7 p.m.Location: Historic Battlement MesaSchoolhouse on County Road 300

Lutheran Catechism:Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study Group:Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Location: 12 Rosewood Way

In Home Bible Study throughout the week.Call for times and locations in your area.

• • •

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley Middle School0364 Sipprelle DriveParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.Youth and Children’sSunday School

210-5795210-5849

• • •

• The Echo Worship Directory •To be listed in The Echo Worship Directory, please contact

[email protected] to set up an account, there is a small monthly fee of $10.

As I See ItTebow and Tebowing – One pastor’s perspectiveBy Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church

“What do you think of Tim Tebow?” is a question Ihave been asked dozens of times.

Seldom, if ever, in the history of sports has one athletehad such an impact on the nation. In a recent ESPN poll,he was voted America’s new favorite athlete.

If you are an American and have not heard of Tim Tebow,that means that you have been off the planet for the last fewmonths. At the young age of 24, he is already in the ency-clopedia and the word, “tebowing,” is now in the diction-ary. He has set both NFL records and NCAA records. And hisautobiography was the best-selling sports book of the year.

Despite some less-than-stellar performances at timesas quarterback of the Denver Broncos, he has had shin-ing moments that grabbed the attention and hearts offans all over the globe. His 80-yard touchdown pass towin the playoff game in overtime to beat Pittsburg setrecords with Twitter in the number of hits per second.

So, what do I think? First, I believe that his widespread fanbase is refreshing. Many of us have been sickened by theheadlines of athletes who have used steroids, been arrestedfor heinous crimes, or exposed for sordid affairs. Any timethere is an athlete who can have such a positive influence onour youth, we ought to applaud. It is exciting to me to seeso many teens wearing a No. 15 Broncos jersey.

Also, I contend that he has every right to point to heav-en when he scores a touchdown and to give the glory to hisLord and Savior. He has as much right as those who strut inthe end zone, beat on their chests, and then brag that theyare No. 1. Tim just happens to believe that God is No. 1.

It is interesting to me how many are offended byTebow’s kneeling (“tebowing”) for a few brief secondsand praying. Is that not his right? Have none of his crit-ics been in a New York airport or a foreign country whereit is not unusual to see many show their reverence to Godby kneeling or placing a prayer shawl over their heads?Whatever happened to graciousness in giving otherssome space to be themselves?

I have been impressed with Tebow’s demeanor. We havewatched him during locker room interviews demonstratehumility in the midst of victory and grace after defeat. Howmany athletes have declared that their teammates makethem look better than they really are? How many athleteshave said that they need to improve a lot in some areas?

We have seen him be bold yet reservedly kind tounjust criticism. He does not back down from controver-sy regarding his convictions. Even as far back as highschool he was criticized for being a home schooler whoplayed in a public high school, leading them to the statechampionship. In college he became the center of con-troversy again over exercising his free speech by puttinga Bible verse on his eye black. Each time he did not backdown, nor did he get offended by pettiness.

Perhaps the main thing I like about him besides hisfaith and character is his reminder to us all that footballis just a game and that there is much more to life thanfootball. His commitment to share the love of his Lordwith others in an orphanage in the Philippines, at a chil-dren’s hospital in Florida, and at churches and youthgroups shows the man he is off the football field.

I believe that if I met Tim Tebow face to face, he wouldbe gracious enough and humble enough to shake myhand and look me in the eye. When he would discoverthat I was his brother in Christ, we would exchangewords of encouragement and possibly even a hug. And ifI had an issue with him on how he lives out hisChristianity, rather than griping to the world, I wouldtake that up with him. After all, he is my brother.

F A I T H


Where’s Redstone?PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s nine-year old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and isthe monthly newspaper for the Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get to know your sister: Come visit.

In like a lion?By Sue McEvoy, Echo staff writer

Whether the spring of 2012 goes out like a lion or not remainsto be seen, but Redstone’s history is still steeped in the story of“The Lion of Redstone.”

The town’s founder, John Cleveland Osgood was known as“The Lion of Redstone.” He was the sixth wealthiest man inAmerica in 1900, making his fortune in coal and steel here in theWest.

As just one of the robber barons to make vast fortunes duringthe Industrial Age, Osgood built Redstone as a model companytown featuring European-styled cottages for workers’ housing,and a Dutch inn, clubhouse, schoolhouse and firehouse.

In 1901, two rail systems connected at the site of 200 brickedbeehive-shaped coking ovens across the Crystal River from thevillage.

For his own home, Osgood constructed Cleveholm Manor,now known as Redstone Castle. The 42-room mansion featuredgold-leaf ceilings, Honduran mahogany paneling, Tiffany fix-tures and Stickley wood paneling. Used a hunting lodge, guestsincluded Teddy Roosevelt, Prince Leopold of Belgium and J.D.Rockefeller.

Much of Osgood’s Redstone exists today. Restoration workwas recently completed on Redstone’s historic coke ovens. TheRedstone Inn and 28 of the original cottages are shops, business-es and homes along the Boulevard. Guided tours of theRedstone Castle are available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south ofCarbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 tothe junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Visit redstonecol-orado.com for more information. Hope to see you in Redstone!

THE HEART OF REDSTONE

WITH A UNIQUE SELECTION OFCENTERPIECES FOR YOUR HOME!

REDSTONE CASTLE TOUR TICKETSAVAILABLE HERE!

OPEN YEAR ROUND • OPEN DAILY970-963-1769

225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone

i|á|à exwáàÉÇxVtáàÄx‹

REDSTONE CASTLE TOURSSaturday, Sunday • 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18 Children under 5: FREE

(FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone,

and the Redstone General Store

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us

redstonecolorado.com

CALL NOWFOR YOUR

WINTERADVENTURE!

Back by popular demand…

Winter Sliegh Rides

Book yourwinter

adventureby calling963-1144

or 963-2526

New this year…

WinterTrailRides


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DEBEQUE TO ASPEN

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL

• Electronic locate • Rooter work• Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments• Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections• Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36”

CALL RICK or SCOTT

970-930-0124P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650

• Basic and Full Service Oil Changes• Automatic Transmission Flushes• Tire Sales• ASE Certified Mechanic on duty full-time

285-9217

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

THE GRAND VTHE GRAND VALLEY ECHO ALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS

Only $10 for up to 40 words!(25¢/word after that).

Classified ads MUST be prepaid.Mail your check to:

274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623

and E-MAIL YOUR AD COPY TO:

[email protected]

THE ECHOCLASSIFIEDS

SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY

Steve’s Painting & Decorating Inc.New Construction, Commercial & Mold Prevention

Carrie ClickWriter + Proofer + Editor

Help for any writing project

[email protected]

FOR SALE:FOR SALE: 1995 Cavalier 14 x 60 mobile home, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath-rooms, screened front porch and back porch. Nice fenced yard, insulat-ed storage shed, concrete patio. No. 15 in quiet and private park inDeBeque. $12,500 or best offer. 970-283-1283.FOR RENT:FOR RENT: BATTLEMENT MESA – 3 BD/2 BA condo, washer/dryer, AC,1 car garage, lots of storage; activity center dues included. First monthrent ($1,200) and security ($1,200) due upon signing. NS, pets consid-ered. Call 704-0373. SERVICES:SERVICES: Mike's Home Maintenance Service - Providing homeservice for the Battlement area. Lawns mowed from $15-35. Leafremoval/gutters cleaned. General home maintenance. Minorplumbing. House painting. Tree trimming and clean-up, $45-70/tree. (Note: Globe willows shed multiple limbs and excess leaves- this can be controlled with correct trimming.) Call Mike 285-9330.

For all your professional plumbing needsService Work • Boilers • Water HeatersFurnaces • Coolers • Remodels • Leaks

Gas • Controls • Radiant Heat

Parachute, Rifle and Silt

2012 Grand Valley Echo February

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