2012 Grand Valley Echo April

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Volume 4 Number 7 FREE Mid-April / Mid-May 2012 Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley INSIDE Spring Double Header page 5 Chamber News page 8 New column: Beret’s Book Bag page 17 The Funny Bike Guy page 3 Kiwanis winter ecology page 13 Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 What’s ahead? Snowpack levels are down and drought conditions are up in the Grand Valley – and all over western Colorado Local photographer Howie Orona took this early morning image of low clouds below Mt. Callahan and blue sky above Parachute and Battlement Mesa. Clouds and precipitation have been at a minimum, and clear skies have been the norm during this past winter and early spring. Howie is the winner of our Echo Shots photo contest for this photograph. Photo by Howie Orona By Carrie Click, Echo editor Colorado’s last significant drought year was 2002, and we’re heading there again. Snowpack levels are down and it’s dry in Colorado, and particularly the Upper Colorado River basin. In fact, out of all of Colorado’s river basins, the Upper Colorado is record- ing the lowest levels in the state, according to the Colorado Climate Center (CCC), which is monitored through Colorado State University in Fort Collins. The numbers are looking pretty skimpy. As of press time on April 11, the Upper Colorado River basin, of which Parachute and Battlement are a part, had a snow water equivalent of 35 percent of the average. And precipitation levels were just 66 percent of average. According to the CCC, in western Colorado, the greatest month- ly precipitation occurs in the winter months. June is typically the dri- est month. Late summer and early fall can be the wettest time of year. In other words, we don’t know what’s ahead – at least as far as drought and the weather goes. What we do know is that it’s abnormally dry and water is at a premium, so extra care should be taken in the months ahead. Conserve water, prevent fire Some water conser vation tips: According to the Water Conservation Board, you can cut your water use by integrating these tips into your garden and lawn care: • Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. • Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped. • Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste. • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and side- walk and save water every time. • Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. • Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of grass for hard-to- water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips. Some fir e-pr evention tips: According to Smokey Bear – seriously; he has a website at smokeybear.com – the following tips can help prevent wildland fire: • As Rob Ferguson points out in his Grand Valley Fire Protection District column on page 16, the district is issuing burn permits until Memorial Day on May 28. Be extra careful if you plan to burn. No burning is allowed after dark, and all burning must be extinguished by 12 p.m. if conditions are windy. • Never toss a cigarette – burning or otherwise – out of a vehicle or onto the ground. Extinguish and discard butts of all kinds in prop- er, fireproof containers. • Don’t park your vehicle on dry grass. • All off-road vehicles need to be equipped with spark arresters. • Don’t set off fireworks on public lands, and be extremely care- ful on private property if you decide to use them. This year, it’s probably a better idea to celebrate another way than lighting a flam- mable object you can’t control.

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Transcript of 2012 Grand Valley Echo April

  • Volume 4 Number 7 FREE Mid-April / Mid-May 2012

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

    INSIDE

    Spring DoubleHeaderpage 5

    Chamber Newspage 8

    New column:Berets

    Book Bagpage 17

    The Funny Bike Guy

    page 3

    Kiwanis winterecologypage 13

    Serving the Grand Valley since 2008

    Whats ahead?Snowpack levels are down and drought conditions are up in the Grand Valley and all over western Colorado

    Local photographer Howie Orona took this early morning image of low clouds below Mt. Callahan and blue sky above Parachute and Battlement Mesa.Clouds and precipitation have been at a minimum, and clear skies have been the norm during this past winter and early spring. Howie is the winner of ourEcho Shots photo contest for this photograph. Photo by Howie Orona

    By Carrie Click, Echo editor

    Colorados last significant drought year was 2002, and wereheading there again. Snowpack levels are down and its dry inColorado, and particularly the Upper Colorado River basin. In fact,out of all of Colorados river basins, the Upper Colorado is record-ing the lowest levels in the state, according to the Colorado ClimateCenter (CCC), which is monitored through Colorado StateUniversity in Fort Collins.

    The numbers are looking pretty skimpy. As of press time on April11, the Upper Colorado River basin, of which Parachute andBattlement are a part, had a snow water equivalent of 35 percent ofthe average. And precipitation levels were just 66 percent of average.

    According to the CCC, in western Colorado, the greatest month-ly precipitation occurs in the winter months. June is typically the dri-est month. Late summer and early fall can be the wettest time of year.

    In other words, we dont know whats ahead at least as far asdrought and the weather goes.

    What we do know is that its abnormally dry and water is at apremium, so extra care should be taken in the months ahead.

    Conserve water, prevent fireSome water conservation tips:According to the Water Conservation Board, you can cut your

    water use by integrating these tips into your garden and lawn care: Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when

    temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn

    shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closelyclipped.

    Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches byhand to avoid waste.

    Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and side-walk and save water every time.

    Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not thehouse, sidewalk, or street.

    Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of grass for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

    Some fire-prevention tips:According to Smokey Bear seriously; he has a website at

    smokeybear.com the following tips can help prevent wildland fire: As Rob Ferguson points out in his Grand Valley Fire Protection

    District column on page 16, the district is issuing burn permits untilMemorial Day on May 28. Be extra careful if you plan to burn. Noburning is allowed after dark, and all burning must be extinguishedby 12 p.m. if conditions are windy.

    Never toss a cigarette burning or otherwise out of a vehicleor onto the ground. Extinguish and discard butts of all kinds in prop-er, fireproof containers.

    Dont park your vehicle on dry grass. All off-road vehicles need to be equipped with spark arresters. Dont set off fireworks on public lands, and be extremely care-

    ful on private property if you decide to use them. This year, itsprobably a better idea to celebrate another way than lighting a flam-mable object you cant control.

  • Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 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 publishers standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.

    Thank you to this months contributors:

    Howie Orona, Charles E. Lear, MD,Mary Anderson, Steve Rippy, Roy G. Brubacher, Elaine and Paul Bussone,Geoff Renstrom, Encana Oil & Gas,Garfield County, David Boyd, Jeanne Miles,Keith Lammey, Anne Huber, Dan Temple,Barbara Barker, Charlie Hornick, VeronicaDuran, Joline Gnatek, Literacy Outreach,Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart,Karen Klink, Annick Pruett, Carrie Godes,Jimmy Keif, Rob Ferguson, Beret Brenckman,J. Steven Randol, Laurel Koning, Karol Sacca,Mark Gregory, Tarianna Lawrence,Artemio Baltazar, Betsy Leonard, Donate Life Colorado, Lynn Shore, Nancy Chromy, Rebecca Ruland

    Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? Weve expanded our word-count limit to 500 words or less for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo wel-comes your input, opinions, thanks and whatever else youd like to share with our readers, provided its written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reservesthe right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, [email protected], or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to include your name,title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.

    L E T T E R S T O T H E E C H O

    Thanks for the movies

    Dear Echo:The Common Ground members would like to

    thank all of the movie goers who attended theNight Out at the Movies on March 23 at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center.

    Everyone in attendance had a great time enjoy-ing the appetizers, which were donated byEncana Oil & Gas, Williams Production, and WPXEnergy and the movie Its Complicated, spon-sored by Antero Resources.

    We appreciated the community support andhope to see you this summer at the outdoorMovies Under the Stars. Please watch TheGrand Valley Echo for upcoming details.

    Mary Lee MohrlangCommon Ground Member

    Battlement Mesa

    Thank you for barrel horse prizes

    Dear Echo:I would like to thank the many, many business-

    es and individuals from Parachute/BattlementMesa area that contributed to National BarrelHorse Association District 10s 2011 awards pro-gram.

    Included are Alpine Bank, Battlement Mesa;Colorado Veterinary Services, Dr. MorganMcCarty; Sherry Keinath; Old Mountain Giftsand Jewelry; Bayou Well Services; Latham CattleCompany; Racing In the Rockies; WilliamsProduction; Parachute Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Leeand Monica Smith; Headlines Salon, HollyBinnian; Terry's Critter PetRol, Terry Mahaney;Your Timeless Memories, K.C. Binger; WesternSlope Trailer Sales; Boot Barn; Pictures by TeresaStevens; Antler Arena, Alicia Fraser; and theGrand Valley Park Association.

    With the help of our members and our spon-sors we were able to give championship saddles,championship buckles, and over 275 prizes downthrough fifth place to our 2011 high point winnersin each division in the open, youth and senior. So40 award winners received prizes!

    Thank you for being such a wonderful commu-nity!

    Mary AndersonDistrict Director

    National Barrel Horse Association District 10Parachute

    Local 13-year-old dancer needs sponsorshipsupport

    Dear Echo:My family and I live on Battlement Mesa, and

    my 13-year-old daughter Randi attends GrandValley Middle School.

    After a lengthy process and a three-hour liveaudition, Randi has been accepted to BrockusConservatory of Dance and Musical Theater inSouthern California. It is a boarding school forhigh school students. She also received a partialscholarship.

    Randi is in need of sponsorship to attend thisconservatory, which is a nonprofit 501-c-3 quali-fied organization. We are trying to help her quick-ly get this sponsorship information to individualsand businesses that might be interested in thistax-deductible support.

    Randi and I are available to speak with anyindividuals and organizations that are interestedin helping her financially. You may reach us at319-5342 and [email protected].

    Thank you, Debbie Lenard

    Battlement Mesa

    Have you heard about

    The Insiders GuideTO BATTEMENT MESA & PARACHUTE

    Everything you need to know about living, visiting, working and playing

    in the Grand Valley area.

    The Battlement Mesa Service Association (BMSA)and The Grand Valley Echo newspaper are teaming up this spring to publish a

    2012 summer/fall guidebook. Packed full of information you wont find anywhere else, The Insiders Guide will be

    a valuable guide to locals and visitors alike.

    Space reservations are due April 20th.Final art is due April 27th.

    Dont miss out!

    SPACE IS LIMITED.Call or e-mail now!

    TO RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE CONTACT:

    Barbara Pavlin285-7364 or [email protected]

    For more information contact:Keith Lammey 970-285-7482

    [email protected]

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 3

    G R A N D V A L L E Y I T E S

    By Charles E. Lear, M.D.

    Editors note: We received this submission from Dr. Lear, whos lived in BattlementMesa for 10 years. With this story, we are happy to finally end this mystery.

    Exercise after 60 is the only way to keep your age under control. I have exer-cised regularly since I was 30 not a masochistic no-pain, no gain ordeal but apleasant I want to do that again kind of exercise. Because I do not like losing, Iam not into competitive sports. I walk, I jog, I ski and I cycle.

    When I am introduced to people around Battlement Mesa, I identify myself bysaying, I am the guy on the recumbent trike with the flag and flashing lights.They invariably respond with a variation of, Oh! Youre that guy. Riding arecumbent cycle is like walking with a puppy. It makes friends for you whereveryou go.

    Let me define recumbent cycling. On two or three wheels the rider sits on abroad seat with a back support. Pedals are out in front. By definition, one cannotstand on the pedals of a recumbent cycle.

    Recumbent cycles are arguably the best design for longer pleasure rides onpavement. The rider has his head up to take in the view. There is virtually nostrain on neck, shoulders, wrists or backside. At the end of a ride, an uprightcyclist often gets off the bike with a bikers waddle. A recumbenteer more often

    leans back on his vehicle for a while as if it were a lawn chair on wheels.There is some downside to recumbency. With a stretched out and therefore

    heavier frame, going up hills is slower. On the other hand, with the improvedaerodynamics of a recumbent position plus the extra weight, going downhill isfaster. When I ride in rolling country with standard upright cyclists, I tend to yo-yo falling behind on the uphill and catching up on the downhill.

    I have put many miles on recumbent bicycles but have lately favored the tricy-cle, especially in the hills around Battlement Mesa. A two-wheeled cycle requiresmaintaining at least a minimum forward speed to remain upright. If a hill is toosteep, one either gets off and walks or falls over and then walks.

    On the tricycle, I can slow my forward momentum down to zero miles an hourif need be. As a result, I fear no hills. I patiently spin the crank uphill at a sedate1.5 miles an hour while I lean back and enjoy the scenery.

    I suspect that some people think that recumbent riders (also known as bent rid-ers) ride their funny bikes out of a need to express their individual eccentricity.One might suppose that bent riders also do things like collecting tropical grubs orsleeping under a pyramid.

    True, the recumbent cycle makes it difficult to go unnoticed and that is a goodthing when riding on a road. But, I assure you, I ride mine because it is just a purepleasure.

    Who is that guy and why is he riding that funny bike?

  • Page 4, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    GO GRAND VALLEYYour calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa

    Help 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.

    April 16: 2-3:30 p.m. Trees, Gardens, Lawns& Noxious Weeds, a discussion with PatMcCarty, Colorado State University Extensionand Steve Anthony, Garfield County VegetationManagement, is at the Parachute Library. Patand Steve are available to answer any questionsabout these topics you may have. Contact CSUExtension at 625-3969.

    April 17: 10 a.m. Tips and Talks on Tuesdaysfeatures relaxing chair massages by ClaudiaSanta Cruz and Carla Delgado along with sim-ple exercises to music. The group paints color-ful sun catchers, too. Light refreshments.Parachute Valley Senior Center, 540 N.Parachute Ave. 285-7934.

    April 17: 12-2 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch talkabout Anne River Siddons Off Season at theParachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

    April 17: 7-9 p.m. The Rocky MountainChapter of the Crohns & Colitis Foundation ofAmerica presents Understanding InflammatoryBowel Disease, at Valley View Hospital inGlenwood. To register go tohttp://online.ccfa.org/glenwoodspringsibdInfo.Mary Lee Mohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore,309-8589.

    April 18: 2:30 p.m. Anime Club meets at theParachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

    April 19-21: 7 p.m. The Music Man with aGrand Valley High School, Grand Valley MiddleSchool, and Bea Underwood Elementary Schoolcast plays at the Grand Valley High School. Dinnertheater package offered with tickets starting at$30; performance-only tickets start at $5. CallTracy at 285-5705 for tickets and information.

    April 19-21: Free childrens immunizations areat Garfield County Public Health offices in Rifle(across from Rifle City Market) and GlenwoodSprings (across from Valley View Hospital), from8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on April 19-20, and from10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 21. Call 625-5200 formore info.

    April 19: Last day to apply for Grand ValleyEducational Foundation scholarships. ContactGrand Valley High School counseling office at285-5705, ext. 4105, or go to garcoschools.organd click on Grand Valley EducationalFoundation.

    April 20: The Parachute Branch Library isclosed today for staff training. 285-9870.

    April 20: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The 2012 RegionalTrails, Biking, Walking Summit is at theGlenwood Springs Community Center, 100Wulfsohn Rd., Glenwood Springs. Participantscan attend all or part of the event. $15/includeslunch. 704-9200, garfieldcleanenergy.org.

    April 23-27: Scholastic Book Fair at St JohnElementary School. Call for hours, specialevents, and special guests. 460 Stone QuarryRd., Battlement. Contact Beret, [email protected]

    April 24: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at theParachute Library. Nancy Stranger will discusscopyrighting for visual artists. 285-9870.

    April 24: 7-9 p.m. The Rocky MountainChapter of the Crohns & Colitis Foundation ofAmerica presents Nutrition & IBD: Choices forAdults and Kids, at Grand River Hospital inRifle. To register go tohttp://online.ccfa.org/riflenutrition. Mary LeeMohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore, 309-8589.

    April 28: 7 p.m. Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlowperforms in concert at the Parachute BranchLibrary, 244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute.$5/person. 285-9870.

    May 1 and May 8: 9-10 a.m. The Power toClick computer training is at the ParachuteBranch Library. Reservations required. Call thelibrary at 285-9870.

    May 3: 4:30 p.m. Battlement Mesa CouplesGolf League season starts today at theBattlement Mesa Golf Course, followed by anafter-golf get-together at the Fairway Grill. Golfentry fee is $4. Sign up at the Pro Shop by May2. Play is every Thursday, May 3-Sept. 27.Contact John Constine, [email protected].

    May 3: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Garfield CountyEnergy Advisory Board meets at the Rifle BranchLibrary at 207 East Ave., in Rifle. The topic willbe a review of hydraulic fracturing techniquesused in Garfield Countys oil and gas wells. RSVPto Denice Brown, 625-5915,[email protected], as dinner willbe served at 5:30 p.m.

    May 5: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The 10th annual EncanaEnergy Expo is at the Garfield CountyFairgrounds in Rifle features more than 90organizations and companies. Talk with repre-sentatives from the energy industry, collegesand universities, and the state and federal gov-ernment about hydraulic fracturing, drilling, oilshale, alternative energy, natural gas poweredvehicles, and more. 1001 Railroad Ave., Rifle.625-6601.

    May 8: Tackle It Tuesday is at the ParachuteBranch Library. Bring your own lunch. 285-9870.

    May 8: Battlement Mesa Metro District elec-tion. Vote on the two seats up for election.Contact Steve Rippy at 285-9050.

    May 9: Patricia Martin slide show, the authorof A Meadowlark Calling at the ParachuteBranch Library.285-9870.

    May 10: 12 p.m. The Parachute/BattlementMesa Chamber of Commerces next generalmembership meeting is at the Battlement MesaFirehouse. The website is currently being updat-ed at parachutechamber.org.

    May 10: 2-3:30 p.m. A free eight-week Matterof Balance class starts at the Parachute ValleySenior Center. The goal is to learn how to man-age falls and increase activity levels for olderadults. Advance registration is not required. 540N. Parachute Ave., Parachute. 285-7934.

    May 10: 6-7:30 p.m. Basic Computer level 3(ESL) is at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

    May 11: 6 p.m. Reel Readers feature SarahsKey by Tatiana de Rosnay and starring KristinScott Thomas in the movie version at theParachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

    May 12: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Successful Transitionsworkshop for high school students is at theParachute Branch Library. Reservations requiredat 285-9870.

    May 13: Mothers Day

    ONGOING The Parachute Branch Library hosts StoryTimes, including Toddler Story Time, Ready toRead Story Time and Bilingual Story Time on aregular basis each week. Call the library at 285-9870 for info on the story time that is the bestfit for your child.

    Raising a Reader blue bag ceremonies arebeing held throughout April at the ParachuteBranch Library. Call 285-9870 for more infor-mation.

    The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has avariety of exercise classes for preschoolers toseniors. Call Anne, 285-9480.

    Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., PartyBridge is held at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter. All levels welcome.

    Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the GrandValley United Methodist Church serves a freesoup lunch at the church at 132 Parachute Ave.

    The fourth Monday of every month, theGrand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet at9:30 a.m. at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse.Call Roxie Jones at 285-9791 and Patsy Noel at285-2472 for more info.

    The last Monday of the month, an Alzheimerscaregiver support group meets from 10-11 a.m.at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church,132 N. Parachute Ave., 800-272-3900, 987-3184.

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

    Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets at theCommunity Room of the Parachute BranchLibrary, 244 Grand Valley Way, in Parachute.Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.

    Every Tuesday, a group plays pinochle at 1:30p.m. at the Parachute Valley Senior Center. CallCheryl at 285-9755 for information or toarrange a needed ride. The senior center islocated at 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute.

    The second Tuesday of every month at 3:30p.m. the Battlement Mesa Service AssociationsOil and Gas Committee meets at the BattlementMesa Activity Center.

    The third Tuesday of each month from 10a.m.-12 p.m., Tips and Talks on Tuesday is atthe Parachute Valley Senior Center; men andwomen of all ages welcome. The last meetingbefore the summer is on May 15. 540 N.Parachute, Parachute, 285-7934.

    Grand Mesa Chorus rehearses every Tuesdayfrom 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Redlands UnitedMethodist Church, 527 Village Way, GrandJunction. All women age 16 and older are wel-come to audition. Call Shirley at 255-9419,grandmesachorus.org.

    Neighborhood Watch meets the secondTuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at ParachuteTown Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute.285-7630.

    The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT Support for Survivors After Suicide is open toanyone who has suffered the loss of a loved onethrough suicide no matter how long ago. Thispeer group meets the second Tuesday of eachmonth at 6:30 p.m. at the First UnitedMethodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Usethe Bethel Chapel entrance of the church, 824Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail [email protected].

    The second Tuesday or Wednesday of everymonth at 6:30 p.m., the Parachute/BattlementMesa Park and Recreation District Board ofDirectors meets at the recreation district office,259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, para-chutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.

    The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m.,the Battlement Mesa Service Association meetsat the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

    Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., theParachute Valley Senior Center hosts a luncheonprepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50 forthose over 60. Reservations taken Mondaysfrom 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.

    The first and third Wednesday of every monthat 3 p.m., the Battlement Mesa ArchitecturalCommittee meets at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. Open to the public. 285-9432.

    Every last Wednesday of the month from 5-6p.m., an Alzheimers caregiver support groupmeets at Alpine Hospice, 1517 Blake Ave., Suite100B in Glenwood. Andrea, 303-704-6377.

    Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the sec-ond and fourth Wednesdays of every month at1:30 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter to discuss issues of concern to theBattlement Mesa community. Open to the pub-lic. Dave, 285-2263 or Paul, 285-7791.

    Common Ground meets the fourthWednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. The group iscomprised of citizens from Parachute andBattlement Mesa who are committed to work-ing together for a better community. All resi-dents interested in contributing their time andenergy for the betterment of Battlement andParachute are encouraged to attend.

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

    The first Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m., the Energy Advisory Board meets toencourage positive communication and respon-sible energy development at the Rifle BranchLibrary, 207 East Ave., Rifle. For topics, more, goto garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

    Seniors age 60 and older and disabled of anyage may ride The Traveler, a wheelchair-accessi-ble van with door-to-door service fromParachute to Glenwood Springs and to varioustowns and locations in between in GarfieldCounty. Suggested donation is $8 round trip.The Traveler also travels from Parachute toGrand Junction the second Thursday of themonth. Donation is $20 round trip. Call 48hours in advance for reservations and informa-tion at 625-1366.

    Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. CommunityConnections hosts interviews with communitymembers on KSUN 103.9 FM.

    Saturdays at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley SeniorCenter hosts Bingo Night with cash prizes.Players bring a snack to share; come and bring afriend. The senior center is at 540 N. ParachuteAve., at the intersection of County Road 215 andNorth Parachute Avenue, 285-6492.

    UPCOMING May 15: 10 a.m. Tips and Talks on Tuesday atthe senior center has its last meeting before thegroup disbands for the summer, which willinclude making greeting cards and a potlucklunch. Bring scissors and tape. Parachute ValleySenior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave.,Parachute, 285-7934.

    June 3: The Take Steps Walk Steps Walk forCrohns & Colitis is at Centennial Park in Rifle from4-6 p.m. Sponsored by Alpine Bank. Mary LeeMohrlang, 216-5058 or Mary Moore, 309-8589.

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 5

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    SWALLOW OIL COMPANY 945-8823WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

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    Available at the following Phillips 66 Stations

    Vote in the Battlement MesaMetro District election

    Battlement Mesa Metro Districts (BMMD) election is May 8. It is a mail ballot election; voterscan return their ballots in the mail or they can drop them off to the BMMD office at 401 ArroyoDr. All ballots must be received at the office by May 8.

    The BMMD has a five-person board: Michelle Foster, Sara McCurdy, Lynn Shore, Fred Inman,and Bruce Richards. Lynn Shore and Fred Inmans terms expire in May. Lynn is running for anoth-er term; Fred is not.

    There are six people running for two seats. Here is a brief rundown of the candidates:Bill Wilde: Bills experience began with his 1981 construction management of the utility distri-

    bution systems and treatment facilities in Battlement Mesa. Later he supervised operations, permit-ting, regulatory compliance and water rights prior to creation of the BMMD. He served on numer-ous elected boards in Battlement Mesa and Garfield County from 1984-2008, including being adirector and past president of BMMD for several terms.

    Bob Arrington: Bob is a registered professional engineer, has served on the architectural com-mittee, was elected a delegate for Willow Creek, and serves on the Battlement Mesa ServiceAssociation board. He is currently on the finance committee and was elected vice-president thisyear. Bob is this year's Kiwanis president, and serves on the Garfield County Energy AdvisoryBoard. He has worked with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, Union Carbide, and Martin-Marietta, among others.

    Jason Fletcher: A Battlement Mesa resident for eight years, Jason is married and has a 16-year-old stepdaughter and a 5-year-old son. He has worked for Alpine Bank for 12 years. He has sat onmany local boards and committees.

    Bill Nelson: Born and educated in Great Britain, Bill is an accountant and certified internal audi-tor. A resident of Battlement Mesa for more than 14 years, Bill has served on committees andboards with the Battlement Mesa Service Association, the BMMD, and the Grand Valley FireProtection District. He served as four years as president of the Battlement Mesa ServiceAssociation, and two years as president of the Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District.

    LeeRay J. Smith: Owner and operator of Timber Line Electric & Control Corporation, Lee andhis wife Susan moved to Battlement Mesa in 2009. He served in the US Navy and was educated inaccounting, electronics. His company specializes in municipal water and wastewater design, main-tenance, remodel and construction. He is a member of the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, theVolunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and volunteers with Special Olympics Colorado. Lee hasacquired the management skills and practical field experience needed to assist the Battlement MesaMetropolitan District.

    Lynn Shore: Born in Sterling, Colo., and raised in the farmlands of Nebraska, Lynn served hon-orably in the Air Force from 1962-66. He managed Battlement Mesa apartments for Exxon, then allresidential and commercial properties in Battlement Mesa for Battlement Mesa Partners. Lynnbecame vice president of the Battlement Mesa Company in 1993 and retired in 2008. He Is a certi-fied property manager and a professional community association manager. Lynn is active as a vol-unteer, and Is currently the vice-president of Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District and presidentof the Grand Valley Fire Protection District.

    For questions about the election, contact Steve Rippy at BMMD at 285-9050. Carrie Click

    Mary Anderson of Parachute sent in this photo of a set of twin calves born on April 3 owned by Ted Andersonof Parachute. "They are their mom's first babies," writes Mary. "Notice how much their faces look alike!"

  • Page 6, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    S P O R T S & R E C

    ABOUT MYRTLE SPURGE Exudes toxic, milky latex that can cause burns and irritation to the skin. Keep young children away from this plant. Also known as Donkey Tail and Creeping Spurge. Low growing perennial reaching a height of 4-6 and spread of 18. Fleshy, trailing blue-green leaves. Yellowish green flower-like bracts appear in early spring. Reproduces by seeds that are capable of projecting up to 15 away from the plant. All plant parts of the plant are considered poisonous. Highly invasive escaped ornamental common in many xeriscapes and rockgardens. Myrtle Spurge is expanding rapidly, displacing native vegetation and reduc-ing forage for wildlife. It is found locally in Battlement Mesa, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, andin Peach Valley.

    MANAGEMENTSmall infestations can be hand dug or pulled, however be sure to wear

    appropriate clothing and gloves since the sap secreted from Myrtle Spurge iscapable of burning the skin. Eliminating the seed bank of this plant is neces-sary given that it is a prolific seed producer. For that reason remove the flowerand seed head promptly. Also, eliminating new seedlings when the plant isyoung will aid in control. For larger infestations of Myrtle Spurge a herbicideis recommended. Please contact the Garfield County Vegetation Managementfor recommendations on an appropriate herbicide.

    As always a good ground cover will prevent noxious weeds from becominga problem, so seeding bare ground after any ground disturbance is essential.

    This plant is on the State of Colorados A List of noxious weeds, meaningthat the state wants it completely eradicated. Landowners, both public and pri-vate, are obligated by state law to manage noxious weeds on their property.

    For more information about this plant or any of the otherweeds in Garfield County, contact the Vegetation Management

    Department at 625-8601 x 4305, or by email:[email protected]

    Above: Produces milky latex that burns the skin.

    Top right: Keep young children away from this plant.

    Lower right: Spreading from gardens into wildlife habitat.

    WEED OF THE MONTHMyrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)

    PURGE THE SPURGE!This is the first in a series of informational display ads on noxious weeds that willappear periodically throughout the growing season in the Grand Valley Echo.

    Colorado River Scramble GolfTournament set for May 19By Roy G. Brubacher, Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute golf committee chairman

    For the 19th year, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachuteis hosting the Colorado River Scramble Golf Tournament. Thetournament is being held May 19 at the Battlement Mesa GolfCourse.

    Grand Valley Kiwanis President Bob Arrington says the tourna-ment will feature a scramble format and a maximum of 36 teams offour, or 144 players, and will begin play with a shotgun start at 8a.m. A featured prize will be a new Ford Focus for the first player toscore a hole-in-one on No. 3. The players will also compete formany other prizes, such as the longest drive, closest to the pin, etc.

    All proceeds from the tournament will be used to supportscholarships for Grand Valley High School graduates and otherprograms for the Parachute and Battlement Mesa youth.

    President Arrington hastened to point out that during the past12 years, the local Kiwanis Foundation has awarded 109 scholar-ships valued at $154,000.

    Parachute Mayor Judy Beasley will serve as honorary chairper-son for the tournament . Mayor Beasley urges you to mark yourcalendars.

    For tournament information, call Roy G. Brubacher, golf com-mittee chairman, at 285-9678 or 216-3945.

    Sports BriefBattlement Mesa Couples Golf League season starts May 3

    The 2012 Battlement Mesa Couples Golf League seasonwill start on May 3 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Please sign up atthe Pro Shop by Wednesday afternoon on May 2, and indi-cate if you will be attending the after-golf get-together atthe Fairway Grill, to be hosted by Elaine and Paul Bussone.The entry fee for golf is $4 per couple. As in the past a vari-ety of games will be played with either four-person or two-person teams, made up of coupes or mixed couples.

    Following golf we will have the opening night dinnerat the Fairway Grill followed by a short meeting to discussthe upcoming year and provide everybody the opportu-nity to sign up to host one of the after-golf potluck gettogethers at their home.

    The couples league will play every Thursday from May3-Sept. 27. Talk it up with your friends and neighbors. Wewelcome any and all new players, and it is a great way toget to know new people.

    Come out and join us for a good time and great fellow-ship.

    Elaine & Paul Bussone, Battlement Mesa Couples Golf League

    Logos Brochures

    Advertising

    Book layout & design

    Alyssa Ohnmacht 963-2373

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 7

    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

    Wrestling, soccer, softball, baseball, and tee ball, tooPlus British Soccer Camp starts May 28By Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District Executive Director Mary Anderson

    ProgramsYouth Wrestling: Practices are at the small gym at Grand Valley High School on Mondays,

    Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Wrestling for K-6 graders is held March throughMay and is open to both boys and girls. Tony Serna is the head coach.

    There will be a youth tournament on May 5 at Grand Valley High School in the main gymna-sium from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Please feel free to stop by the school and watch the action.

    Youth Soccer: Weekly practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. Leaguegames began on April 7. Upcoming home games are on April 21, April 28 and 29, and May 12 atthe Callahan Ballfield Complex in Parachute. Coaches are Bruce Hoggan for U10 Boys, BonnieBrown for U10 Girls and Mandy Rice for the U12 Girls.

    We want thank to coach Bonnie Brown for soliciting a new shirt sponsor for the youth soccerteams. And, we want to thank Macs Trucking out of Fruita. They provided 45 new soccer jer-seys for the three teams. We certainly do appreciate their generosity.

    British Soccer Camp: The camp is being held in Parachute from May 28-June l. Pamphlets forthe camp are available at the park and recreation office. Each participant receives a soccer balland T-shirt to keep, plus professional instruction.

    British Soccer Camp fundraisers: A parent group that is fundraising for the British SoccerCamp. They have raised more than $1,800.00 (by press time) and hosted a chili cook off, bakesales, silent auctions and more during the first part of April. All proceeds go to send severalyoungsters to the British Soccer Camp. Thank you to Alpine Bank for their contribution of $500to help with this cause.

    Youth Softball and Baseball: Sign up soon or call for team availability. The fee to play is $55 witha $35 refundable uniform deposit. Age divisions are 8-10 years old; 11-12 years old, and 13-15 yearsold. Games are held in and out of town. Practices are held at the Callahan Ballfield Complex andbegin the week of May 21. Teams must be turned into the league scheduler by April 18.

    Tee Ball: Tee ball is for 5-7 year olds and is held at the Callahan Ballfield Complex in Parachute.Call for team availability. Program fees are $40 and your child will get a T-shirt to keep.

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

    Top left, Holly Binnian, left, of Headlines Salon presents youth 3D run-ner up Allie Beasley of Parachute with her first belt buckle.

    Right, Jason Fletcher, center, and the Alpine Bank "girls" hold MaryAnderson's new saddle.

    Left, Amy Beasley, Parachute 4D open buckle winner, Mary Anderson,4D open saddle winner, and Karol Heflin, Eagle, 4D open buckle winner.

    Bottom left, Headlines Holly Binnian with NBHAs District 10 DirectorMary Anderson, who also received a buckle.

    Photos courtesy of Mary Anderson

    National Barrel Horse Association District 10 winnersThe National Barrel HorseAssociation (NBHA) localDistrict 10 competitions winners recently received their awards for 2011.Headlines Salon and Alpine Bank sponsored the District 10 NBHA.

  • Page 8, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    Chamber News

    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!

    The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber ofCommerce website is currently being updatedat parachutecolorado.com

    The next general membership meeting isMay 10 at 12 p.m. at the Battlement MesaFirehouse.

    Several individuals and businesses received recognition at the Parachute/BattlementMesa Chamber of Commerce awards dinner in March.

    From left: Judith Hayward presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Laurel Koning.Lynn Shore presented the Person of the Year award to Floyd McDaniel of KSUNCommunity Radio. Chamber President Paul Schultz presented the Service Organizationof the Year award to Meals on Wheels Kaaren Peck, which is a Grand River HospitalDistrict program. Business of the Year went to Alpine Bank.

    Photos courtesy of Mary Anderson

    Lower right: Jennifer Gisner and Wendy Chapman of Bodacious Bites setting out the deli-cious hors doeuvres. Photo courtesy of Lynn Shore

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 9

    O I L & G A S

    Treating Adults & ChildrenSpecialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

    NOW SERVING PARACHUTE & BATTLEMENT MESA

    Complimentary initial exam Clear or metal traditional braces

    Surgical cases Invisalign Temporary Orthodontic Implants

    Damon Orthodontist system

    970-243-6455225 Callahan Avenue Parachute, Colorado

    Brian J. Burton DMD,MS

    Affordable monthly plans availableMost Insurance and credit cardsaccepted

    We are offering the building for single event rent. The building consists of two rooms, parking, a complete kitchenand rest room plus 10 tables and 150 chairs. Complete serving ofchina, silverware, glass ware available for nice parties. Great dance floor, too. Capacity 75

    For organization meetings & meals, holiday/birthday/anniversary parties,

    neighborhood gatherings and family reunions.

    For more information contact: Judith at 285-9696 or Michelle at 285-7828

    FOR RENT Battlement School House owned by Grand Valley Historical Society.

    Encanas Energy Expo set for May 5 in RifleEvent provides information to the public about natural gasdevelopment in western Colorado

    By Geoff Renstrom, Encana Oil & Gas

    Encana Oil & Gas is hosting its 10th annual Energy Expo at the Garfield County Fairgrounds inRifle on May 5. The expo provides opportunities for western Colorado residents to interact withthe energy industry about natural gas development in the Piceance Basin.

    With more than 90 companies and organizations at the event, the Energy Expo offers attendeesa unique opportunity to talk one-on-one with natural gas operators and service companies; local,state and federal governmental agencies; and community and state university representatives.

    Interactive exhibits and equipment displays will show attendees how companies drill for natu-ral gas; how the hydraulic fracturing process works; how oil shale is developed; and what newenvironmental technologies are being used to protect groundwater and reduce air emissions.

    The expo will also showcase local alternative energy companies and natural gas powered vehicles. The expo runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 5 and is open to the public at the Garfield County

    Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle.

    Garfield County Energy AdvisoryBoard meets May 3

    Garfield Countys Energy Advisory Board (EAB)is planning its next meeting for May 3 at the RifleBranch Library. The EAB is a forum for the oil andgas industry, the public, landowners and local gov-ernment to engage in positive and proactive com-munication and actions that encourage responsibleand balanced development of these resourceswithin Garfield County. Each month there is aneducational presentation related to Oil and Gasindustry topics.

    The topic for the May 3 EAB meeting is tenta-tively a review of current hydraulic fracturing tech-nology and methods as applied in Garfield Countyoil and gas wells.

    Dinner is provided for meeting attendees beginning at 5:30 p.m. RSVPs are requested for mealplanning purposes. If you would like to enjoy the dinner before the meeting, please call DeniceBrown 625-5915 so she may order the correct amount of food.

    For more information, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board. Garfield County

    EAB meetingWhen: 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 3Where: Rifle Branch Library,

    207 East Ave., RifleWhat: A review of hydraulic fracturing

    techniques used in Garfield Countysoil and gas wells

    RSVP: Dinner provided at 530 p.m.; please call for meal planning purposes

    Contact: Denice Brown, 625-5915, [email protected]

    Happy Mothers Day!

  • Page 10, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    103.9 FM

    TUNE IN!BROADCASTING 24/7!

    Syndicated Radio Programs Local Programming

    YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS

    Let KSUN announce your upcoming project, meeting dates, programs, fundraiser, or presentations

    on our Community Calendar. This free announcement will be read as a courtesy of KSUN Radio.

    Please contact the radio station with your information. We would love to get the word out for you!

    KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals,

    Broadcasting Games LIVE!

    JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profitorganization. Donations are tax deductible.

    KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa 285-2246

    www.ksunradio.org

    Shommys Restaurant

    BLM seeks public comment on revised naturalgas pipeline proposal south of RifleBy David Boyd, Bureau of Land Management

    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a revised natural gas pipeline pro-posal south of Rifle.

    In December, 2011, BLM released a proposal for public review for a 22.3-mile natural gas pipeline calledthe Kokopelli Phase II, and two water lines that would share the pipeline trench for 4.1 miles. Constructionon the pipeline and water lines was proposed to begin in 2012.

    Due to current natural gas market conditions, Bargath LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary ofWilliams Midstream, has since indicated that construction of the natural gas pipeline would not begin until atleast 2013. Construction on the water lines, which are proposed by WPX Energy, is still proposed for 2012,meaning they would no longer share the same trench as the natural gas pipeline and would necessitate sepa-rate construction at separate times.

    As BLM begins the environmental assessment of this revised proposal, it wants to hear any concerns orissues from the public. Because the pipelines would share a corridor for 4.1 miles, BLM is continuing to ana-lyze the natural gas pipelines and the water lines under the same assessment to better evaluate cumulativeimpacts.

    The natural gas pipeline would be a buried 16-inch pipeline that would cross 22.3 miles from the DryHollow Compressor south of Silt to the Rulison Compressor near Anvil Points. Approximately 7.6 mileswould be installed on BLM-managed lands, 0.9 miles on US Forest Service-managed lands, and 13.8 miles onprivate property.

    The two 6-inch water lines include the 4.1 mile section that would parallel the proposed Kokopelli trench,plus an additional 0.6 miles of private land. The water lines would provide water delivery and collection capa-bilities to gas fields in this area and would reduce water truck traffic.

    Comments will be most helpful if received by May 2. The proposal and map are available online athttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo/GSFO_MasterPlansOfDevelopment.html.

    Written comments and questions should be directed to Colorado River Valley Field Office, 2300 RiverFrontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Electronic comments may be submitted [email protected].

    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information inyour comment, you should be aware that your entire comment including your personal identifying infor-mation may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withholdyour personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

    101 CARDINAL WAY ACROSS FROM FAMILY DOLLAR IN PARACHUTE 285-6664285-6664

    SPRING is here!Check out ourselection of sandals andjoin us for our SPA PEDICURES.Your feet will look great in those new spring and summer selection of sandals.

    NEW HOURS: Tue. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 3 pm Closed Sun. & Mon.Evenings available by appointment.

    PROM IS NEAR. Our stylists and nail technicians are standing byand ready We have the BLING AND JEWELS to accessorize yourhair and nails along with colors to match your dress. We will bring

    your whole style together! Open late Saturday April 28th.

    PERMANENT MAKEUP eyeliner and eyebrows available April 20th and 21st.Limited openings so hurry and book your appointment.

    $175.00 per service or both for $300.00

    CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK SITE.

    Open 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. M-F 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat.-Sun.315 E First Street Parachute, Co. 81635970-285-1917 catering 970-285-7091

    Weekday specialsunder$10!

    SPECIALS

    Chefs Choice Daily Specials

    Monday Steak Nite - $3 off freshly cut steaks

    Friday - Catfish Day

    Saturday/Sunday from 1:30Fresh Baked Prime Rib Dinner

    Happy Mothers DaySPECIAL 8 oz. Filet $15.95

    O I L & G A S

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 11

    G O V E R N M E N T

    103.9 FM

    TUNE IN!BROADCASTING 24/7!

    Syndicated Radio Programs Local Programming

    YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS

    Let KSUN announce your upcoming project, meeting dates, programs, fundraiser, or presentations

    on our Community Calendar. This free announcement will be read as a courtesy of KSUN Radio.

    Please contact the radio station with your information. We would love to get the word out for you!

    KSUN Radio - The Voice of the Grand Valley High School Cardinals,

    Broadcasting Games LIVE!

    JOIN US! We are a member supported non-profitorganization. Donations are tax deductible.

    KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa 285-2246

    www.ksunradio.org

    Shommys Restaurant285-9711Inside Phillips 66 in Parachute

    Braeden Paskett

    Braeden is an 8th grade student at GVMS. He is kind, hardworking,and always thinking of others. Braeden is an excellent role model andhas high moral character. He was nominated by Mrs. Pfau his Algebra2 teacher for his: effort, positive attitude, diligence in completingwork, and for always being prepared. Braeden once wrote in anEnglish paper that his family are the best people he knows. This beliefand statement from Braeden sums up Braeden's quality of character.Braeden is a helper and he is very responsible. Braedens dedicationto his grades and positive leadership skills have earned him a positionas a GVMS Office Aide. Breaden excels in this position, at times I feelhe could run the office solo. He assumes jobs with minimal instruc-tion and great enthusiasm and his work ethic is beyond compare.

    Ms. Pfau and GVMS Office Staff

    Proud to sponsor the STUDENT OF THE MONTH

    The Battlement Mesa Service Association

    Battlement Mesa: An Emerging New Community, Part TwoBy Battlement Mesa Service Association President Keith Lammey

    In last months Echo, I explained that I had discovered an interesting document on the WesternResearch Institutes website, which is a Wyoming-based nonprofit that researches advanced ener-gy systems.

    The article refers to our community as Battlement Mesa: An Emerging New Community. It isunattributed and apparently was written in the mid-1980s and explains the circumstances and eventsthat led to Battlement Mesas transformation from a rural ranching area to a residential community.

    Most local residents know that there are two Battlement Mesas. There is a geographic land formlying north of the Grand Mesa known as Battlement Mesa and there is a planned unit development(PUD) named Battlement Mesa. The history of the Battlement Mesa PUD is closely tied to oil shaledevelopment. And, in part, local oil shale history dates back to the Native Americans of this area andthe infamous rock that burns story that is frequently told by our local residents. In short, in 1882,an early settler to Parachute Creek named Mike Callahan mistakenly built his cabins chimney outof shale rocks. That was before local Native Americans had a chance to tell him that shale burns.

    I dont know for how long and how much the Native Americans knew about oil shale but appar-ently they understood that oil shale and ordinary rock were dramatically different.

    According to the Western Research Institute article, oil shale history in Garfield County hasalways been a boom-and-bust story that dates back at least to the end of World War I. After that,several companies tried to produce oil from oil shale but quickly discovered that it was difficult toproduce large quantities of oil from shale. After a few failed attempts, the oil shale pioneers losthope and disappeared.

    Several years later, after World War II, new oil shale pioneers conceived and began constructionof the Anvil Points facilities on the south rim of the Roan Plateau between present day Parachuteand Rifle. This federal government-initiated facility operated in varying degrees until the mid-1950s. Each new oil shale pioneer claimed to have the magic formula that enabled him to convertoil shale to oil profitably. After the boom attracted many new residents to the area and the pilotprograms unsuccessfully attempted to convert to commercial production, the post World War IIboom turned to bust by the early 1960s.

    The boom-and-bust oil shale cycle was quiet between the early 1960s and the oil embargo of1974. While many of us were waiting in long lines to fill our cars with gasoline, new oil shale pio-neers had concluded that the true oil shale era had arrived.

    The federal government joined the action and fueled the oil shale boom by awarding two fed-eral oil shale leases in 1975. By 1980, after five years of environmental and pilot programs, com-mercial production levels was thought to be inevitable and on the immediate horizon. In 1980,Colony Oil Shale announced that it would construct a 47,000-barrel-per-day oil shale to oil facili-ty. Union Oil of California added to the oil shale fervor by announcing its intention to build a10,000-barrel-per-day shale production facility.

    The new oil shale boom had reached a new, much higher level of optimistic certainty. ManyAmericans were certain that domestic oil shale production would eliminate the countrys depend-ence on foreign oil and the likelihood of lines at the gas pump.

    Exxon was among the believers and acquired ARCOs 60 percent interest in the Colony ShaleOil Project, which was located 15 miles north of Parachute. Suddenly, Battlement Mesa was anemerging new community hat was expected to become home to nearly 25,000 people. ExxonsBattlement Mesa showed great promise in the early 1980s and even the most skeptical residents ofthe Western Slope were certain that this time the boom was real.

    And then, on May 2, 1982, everything stopped when Exxons board of directors made the deci-sion to terminate the Colony Oil Shale Project. The date became known to area residents as BlackSunday. The oil shale boom had gone bust, again.

  • Page 12, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    N O N P R O F I T S

    Mt. Callahan Community FundKSUN is really about the sun, Battlement and Parachute

    By Anne Huber, Echo contributor

    In this column, the Mt. Callahan CommunityFund (MCCF) invites representatives of local nonprof-its that MCCF has funded to write about their organ-izations so you can get to know these remarkablegroups and how they benefit Parachute andBattlement Mesa.

    It was Dec. 11, 2002 Fran Storms birthday and if you remember Fran, who lived inBattlement Mesa and worked at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center (BMAC) then you knowthere was a certain festivity about the day.

    Several KSUN board members, a couple of technical guys and Fran and I were all crowded intothe tiny KSUN studio inside the BMAC. It was time to turn on the transmitter and say Hello toa brand new audience at a brand new radio station. The process had taken more than two years.

    At first nothing happened, and then technical volunteers Larry Huber and John Chapmanmade the right connections and finally transmission! Officially incorporated as KSUNCommunity Radio, Inc. with the Colorado Secretary of State, the real call letters submitted to theFCC are KSBP for Sun, Battlement, and Parachute.

    The foundersThe late Tom Beard, then-manager of Battlement Mesa Company and Jimm Seany, a broad-

    cast journalism instructor at Mesa State College, met early in 2000 to discuss the possibility of astation for Battlement Mesa and Parachute. Later, Bill Atkinson, a retired licensed radio engineer,drew up plans for the station.

    The first official station meeting was held that November with Harlan Hanson as president; JimWarren, vice-president and treasurer; and Linda Berry, secretary. The FCC application was filed inJanuary of 2001.

    KSBPs mission is to keep listeners informed about the local community and give voice to othernonprofit and community organizations in the Grand Valley. Early programming included TheHistory of Country Music 101 produced by Floyd McDaniel, a run of old-time radio shows; TheCarmel & Fish Show airing popular music; Fric and Frac hosted by Mary Lee Mohrlang andTerry Lynott that evolved into Community Connections, a live Friday morning interview pro-gram; and Blessing Up, a live one-hour Sunday morning program that has aired for severalyears. Floyd McDaniel hosts The Morning Show live every weekday morning playing classiccountry in between announcements. The station is also equipped for emergency weather andAmber alerts.

    ChallengesThings can go wrong running a radio station, including these: 1. In 2007, a Grand Junction Cumulus Radio representative announced that coordinates for

    the KSUN antenna were incorrectly filed and that if not corrected, the station would be fined orworse, shut down. But there was another reason for his visit; Cumulus had purchased a nearbyfrequency (101.3) only two digits away from KSUNs 101.1 , and the local station would have toget another frequency, which ultimately moved to 103.9.

    2. A licensing report that KSUN mailed on time to the FCC was considered not filed becauseof a rule change that required the report to be filed online. KSUN board members were notaware of the change. The subsequent steps necessary to straighten this seemingly minor mistakewas extensive and required hours of telephone and on-line time. KSUN was fined $750 and notlong after, KSUN joined the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, an organizationthat advocates for nonprofit stations and keeps small stations such as KSUN notified of rulechanges that have serious consequences.

    3. The on-air computer crashed. Recovery and replacement of the necessary hardware andsoftware again took volunteers many hours to repair. The music that had been carefully catego-rized into different genres so that programmed music could play at the appropriate time wasjumbled. Now classical, jazz, rock and country might play in the same segment. Over time, mostof the errors have been corrected.

    The detailsKSUN operates because of the generosity of its members, underwriters, volunteers and foun-

    dations such as the Mt. Callahan Community Fund. Mt. Callahan has made several awards toKSUN to improve programming.

    Sponsored by:Sherry Johnson

    Sponsored by:Mac & Sara

    McCurdy

    Sponsored by:Mary LeeMohrlang

    Sponsored by:Barbara Pavlin

    Sponsored by:Jennifer

    Richardson

    RESORT LIVING YEAR ROUNDLovely low maintenance townhome,

    extensive tiled floors, big views, cherrycabinets, walk out ranch.

    Battlement Mesa - $199,900

    EVERYONE LOVES AMAKEOVER

    Recently remodeled spacious MFhome, Upgraded flooring, appliances,cabinetry, countertops and more plus

    a hobbyist's dream garage. Battlement Mesa - $117,000

    FIVE BEDROOMS - WOW!Stucco ranch with finished gardenbasement. Large backyard borders

    open space. Quality upgrades. Battlement Mesa - $310,000

    A CUSTOM MF HOMELooks like new with fresh paint. Large

    detached garage-workshop space.Extra deep soaking tub and separate

    shower in master bath. Battlement Mesa - $120,000

    ENERGY STAR RATED HOME Oversized garage with eight foot

    doors, Travertine tile spa tub in masterbath, granite countertops in kitchen .

    Battlement Mesa - $297,500

    VERY SPACIOUS MF HOMEDen, office and living room, split bed-

    room plan, nice master bath, largestorage building/playhouse.

    Battlement Mesa - $135,000

    AS EASY AS IT GETS Worry free townhome. Quiet, beautiful-ly landscaped subdivision. Within walk-ing distance to rec center and shopping.

    $115,000

    TIMELESS DESIGN & QUALITY Roomy ranch with oak doors, sky-

    lights, lighted deco shelves, all roomsare very spacious.

    Battlement Mesa - $248,000

    VIEWS OF THE MOUNTIANS A quiet and friendly neighborhood,golf course lot, gorgeous ranch with

    walls of windows. Battlement Mesa - $415,000

    LET THERE BE LIGHT Bright and spacious MF Home. Twoliving areas, built in entertainmentcenter with fireplace, huge master

    suite with 5 piece bath. Battlement Mesa - $47,500

    BE DAZZLED Upgrades galore. MF Home in quiet

    subdivision minutes from Rifle.Textured drywall, walk-in closets.

    Rifle - $154,900

    SUPER PRICE - NICE MF HOME Attached two car garage, updated inte-

    rior with new carpet, light fixtures,stove and dishwasher.

    Battlement Mesa- $99,900

    NEW PAINT, CARPET ANDVINYL

    Super home with easy care yard.Recently updated, split bedroom plan,

    corner living room fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $175,000

    OUTDOOR PARTY PERFECTION Distinctive luxurious home,

    hard-wood floors throughout, expan-sive deck, unique two story floorplan.

    Battlement Mesa - $390,000

    LAND:

    EAGLES POINT - BUILD HERE Beautiful views, walk to shopping,bring your own builder and plans,

    covenant protected subdivision. Battlement Mesa - $71,500-98,000

    IT'S TIME TO GOLF Watch the golfers on the 17th tee

    from this great lot. A perfect site foryour dream home.

    Battlement Mesa - $68,000

    RURAL LIVING LIFESTYLEBeautiful 8.39 acres with 1500 sq ftshop. Horses are welcome. Utilities

    available at property. Battlement Mesa - $235,000

    DO YOU WANT PRIVACYUnimproved 160 acres, partiallyfenced, zoned single family/agr,

    Modular home allowed. De Beque - $215,000

    MAKE A STATEMENT Versatile corner lot in Eagles PointSubdivision. Great views, close to

    shopping plaza and golf. Battlement Mesa - $59,000

    USE YOUR IMAGINATIONInvest in your future now. Site specific

    soils test available, water and sewer tap fees paid.

    Battlement Mesa - $59,900

    Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058Brandy Swanson, 970-319-3574

    73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635

    Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com

    mohrlang swansonThe NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate

    The Colorado Heritage Group

    continued on next page

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 13

    O U T D O O R S

    KSUN continued from previous pageFloyd McDaniel, retired businessman, dedicates many hours

    each week to keep programs organized. The board meetsmonthly on the fourth Tuesday at 3 p.m. at BMAC to discuss pro-gramming, memberships, fundraising, underwriting and com-munity outreach. These meetings are open to the public.

    There are opportunities for community members to help withstation operations and KSUN needs more volunteers to solicitnew underwriters, produce new shows, help with fundraisingand serve as committee members on special projects. KSUNbroadcasts Grand Valley football and basketball. It streams its sig-nal on the Internet so it can be heard all over the world.

    Expenses include music fees paid to several organizations, lia-bility insurance, hardware and software updates, rent, telephoneand Internet.

    Tune in to 103.9 on your FM dial. If you cant pick up the sig-nal, call the station at 285-2246 for assistance. The stations rangeis about 15 miles east and west: DeBeque to Rifle along the I-70corridor. Listeners can acquire a program schedule from the stu-dio or view the schedule online at ksunradio.org. The next boardmeeting is April 24 at 3 PM at BMAC. KSUN is a 501c3, tax-exempt organization and donations to KSUN are tax deductible.

    lake. Beavers often build lodges and store food under the waternear the lodge. They spend the winter under the ice, and thefemale beaver gives birth to two to six kits. On the winter ecolo-gy trip, boy and girl students representing beavers built dams,shelter and collected food before winter. Then the rest of the kids the family did the same activity again.

    Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachutes winter ecology 2012Editors note: Why is a wintertime snow trip

    being featured in this months Echo? Because Imistakenly didnt get these great photos andstory into a previous edition. We knew youdlike to see what the Kiwanis Club treated somelucky kids to this past winter.

    By Dan Temple, Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute

    The Kiwanis Club took local fourthgraders on their annual snowshoeing tripat Mesa Lakes Lodge up on the GrandMesa:

    Jan. 23: Teacher Addie Meekand 22 students

    Jan. 30: Teacher Sherri Nickelsonand 22 students

    Jan 31: Teacher Tim Smyser and22 students

    Feb 6: Teacher Pamela Lowtherand 20 students

    We again had two activities forthe kids to participate in:

    1) Sunnyside South: The studentslearned about our environment andhow it is shaped by the climate,topography and other factors.Through a hands-on investigation ofnorth versus south-facing slopes, the stu-dents compared several very basic differ-ences.

    2) Busy Beaver: We taught the studentsabout beavers building dams to create a

    Photos courtesy of Lynn Shore

    Have you heard the exciting news?Mary Jane Wahlman & Jane Chapman

    Owners ofBodacious Bites Bistro & Catering

    Will soon be opening their doors at71 Tamarisk Trail in Battlement Mesa

    Watch for further information as we getcloser to our opening date.

  • Page 14, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

    Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints by Barbara Barker

    Put marbles in the bottom of your double boiler

    If you are one egg short for the cake, just add two tablespoons of mayonnaise; youll bethe only one wholl know.

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

    Use LifeSavers candies as birthday candleholders; they are colorful and inexpensive.

    For kids fun, supply them with fresh lemon juice, which 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 houseplants near a radiator. Dry, hot rooms are not good for growing plants.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 outsoup and wrap in plastic; in this form, the soup 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.

    Before opening a package of bacon, roll it in a tube. This loosens slices and keeps themfrom sticking together. Roll with bacon facing out and put a rubber band around beforestoring.

    For extra ice cubes for parties, make in muffin tins; theyre 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; also can beuseful 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.

    Try eating pumpkin seeds. They contain zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium,plus vitamin A and B vitamins. These elements, particularly the zinc, can lead to more sexhormones being produced, thus boosting ones sex drive.

    Pressing frozen spinach dry inevitably leaves a mess. Try puncturing the bag a few timesand set it aside in a bowl to defrost. Once the spinach has thawed, just squeeze the bagand the water will drain out of the holes without the mess.

    Convert an old grill plant herbs in it; you have an herb garden.

    When planting peas, place a few tomato cages along the rows on their sides. As the peascome up, they vine onto the cages, which makes for good support and easy picking laterin the season.

    Baby wipes prevent carpet stains. They work well on everything from tomato sauce splat-ters to coffee spills, and are great for cleaning up after a little dog.

    Keep bananas from turning dark in fruit salad by dunking the unpeeled banana into boil-ing water until the skin starts to turn black.

    Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of these hints, which shell reveal in futureissues of the Echo.

    Echo BriefsGarco waiting on a new manager

    Garfield County commissioners decided in March they aretaking a several-month break before searching for a countymanager.

    Former Garfield County Manager Ed Green was let go lastwinter, and Garfield County Attorney Andrew Gorgey is actingas interim county manager until the position is filled.

    Five finalists were selected for consideration for the job, butcommissioners decided that none was the right fit.

    I think we need a respite time, said Garfield CountyCommissioner Mike Samson, and three months down theroad, we start the process again.

    Carrie Click

    National Day of Prayer is May 3

    The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute is sponsoringan interdenominational prayer service at the flag pole in frontof Parachute Town Hall on May 3 from 12-1 p.m.

    One Nation Under God is this years theme for the 61stannual National Day of Prayer. Light refreshments will beserved afterward in the community room of the ParachuteBranch Library.

    For more information call 309-0363.

    Charlie Hornick

    Village Artists is on April 24

    The Village Artists meet next on April 24 with NancyStranger, who will talk about copyrights for visual artists. Wewill be meeting at the library 1 p.m. as usual. Everyone is wel-come. Refreshments will be served.

    On March 27, Village Artists and a few friends met at thelibrary for a very interesting meeting. We were shown a grad-ual painting using frost-colored chalk by Maggie Cook. whohad moved to Grand Junction from Battlement Mesa about 4years ago.

    Maggie answered questions and discussed reasons for someof the movements she made in her sketch. As Maggie contin-ued to use the chalk in different ways, a peaceful sceneappeared of a grassy bank along a river and trees.

    Joline Gnatek, Village Artists

    Literacy Outreach receives grant

    Literacy Outreach has been awarded a grant of $17,000 byAspen Community Foundation.

    According to Literacy Outreach Executive Director MarthaFredendall, the grant will be used to fund a part-time volunteercoordinator, which benefits all residents of Garfield County andthe surrounding areas.

    Literacy Outreach was started in 1986 by a group of con-cerned citizens to meet the needs of people who need one-on-one literacy education and trained tutors to teach them.

    During the past 25 years, volunteers have provided weeklytutoring to more than 1,400 clients. Individualized instructionprovides a flexible alternative to the traditional classroom andallows the students to continue their education in spite ofdemanding work schedules, long commutes and lack of trans-portation or childcare.

    For more information about Literacy Outreach, go to litera-cyoutreach.org

    Literacy Outreach

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 15

    H E A L T H

    Have a story idea?Contact the Echo

    [email protected]

    Mesa Vista NewsA happy birthday for Yvonne EricksonBy Mesa Vista Assisted Living ResidenceActivity Director Kathy Germano

    We certainly have enjoyed our lunch outings at the sen-ior centers in Rifle and Parachute. We are planning morein the month to come. Everyone is so gracious and wel-coming.

    We are the happy recipients of a brand new large flatscreen TV thanks to Brad, Dustin and Jason of A-1 Heating.

    The residents enjoyed Saturday movie time on the bigscreen and also enjoy Wii bowling up close and life-like.

    The garden club had their first meeting and is prepar-ing the garden plots for the tiller and starting plants in thesunroom for future gardening.

    We have two performances this month. Bob Thonentertained us on April 10 and Doug Britten is playing rag-time tunes on April 17.

    We are celebrating one birthday this month for YvonneErickson on April 28. Yvonnes entire family, grandparents,parents, aunt and uncles were born and raised in Dotsero,Colo. Her grandfather helped build the original roadthrough Glenwood Canyon. Yvonne was born inGlenwood Springs in 1921 and was also raised in Dotsero.She moved to Eagle at the age of 12 to attend high schooland graduated when she was 16 years old. She raised herfamily two daughters and a son in Glenwood Springswhere they all graduated from Glenwood Springs HighSchool. Yvonne has eight grandchildren, multiple greatgrandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Happybirthday, Yvonne!

    Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence inParachute/Battlement Mesa is part of the Senior HousingOptions network of residences and apartments providinghousing for older adults in Colorado.

    Living with Crohns disease?You are not aloneBy Karen Klink, Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America, Rocky Mountain Division public relations

    Do you live with Crohns, ulcerative colitis or any other form of irritable bowel disorder (IBD)?Do you know someone who does? You are not alone. This is the silent disease because most peo-ple who live with IBD dont want to talk about it. However, getting educated and educating oth-ers about IBD is your first step in making your or your loved ones life easier.

    The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will behosting two upcoming educational programs locally in April. Both programs will feature a panel ofexperts doctors as well as local residents who are living with IBD and they are free to everyonein the community.

    The first program, titled Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease, will feature Dr. Jason MCollins from Glenwood Medical Associates and takes place on April 17 from 7-9 p.m. at ValleyView Hospital in Glenwood Springs. Attendees will be able to speak to Dr. Collins after the pro-gram to learn more about treatments and disease management.

    The second program, Nutrition & IBD: Choices for Adults and Kids, features Mickie Hosack,clinical dietician for Grand River Hospital and Medical Center and will be held on April 24 from 7-9 p.m. at Grand River Hospital.

    There will be light refreshments and information on the upcoming Take Steps Walk for Crohns& Colitis scheduled for June 3 at Centennial Park in Rifle from 4-6 p.m. This annual walk, picnicand festival is sponsored by Alpine Bank and promises to be a fun afternoon of music, festivitiesand companionship. Bring the kids!

    To register, go to http://online.ccfa.org/glenwoodspringsibdInfo for the first program andhttp://online.ccfa.org/riflenutrition for the second. For more information on either program or onthe Take Steps Walk in June, please contact Mary Lee Mohrlang at 216-5058 or Mary Moore at 309-8589.

    Senior Center NewsChair massages, sun catchers, and a balancing class

    By Mitzi Burkhart

    On April 17 at 10 a.m., Tips and Talks on Tuesdays isoffering relaxing chair massages by Claudia Santa Cruzand Carla Delgado along with simple exercises to music.And creative juices will flow as the group paints colorfulsun catchers. Light refreshments will be served, so come tothe senior center to take part.

    In May, a free eight-week Matter of Balance class will startMay 10 at 2 p.m., at the Senior Center. The sessions will con-tinue every Thursday from 2-3:30 pm for eight weeks. Thegoal is to learn how to manage falls and increase activity lev-els for older adults. Advance registration is not required.

    And at 10 a.m. on May 15, the senior center hostscrafts and a potluck lunch before the Tips and Talks onTuesday group disbands for the summer. Everyone shouldbring scissors and scotch tape for the craft.

    The group will create two different kinds of greetingcards with all materials provided. Mabel Yeatts will explainand help in making beautiful iris paper folding cards, andKearston Cameron will assist in making traditional cardswith stamps, stickers and glitter. A potluck lunch will topoff this last meeting till September, so bring a dish to sharefor lunch. Everyone is invited, even if this is your first visit.

    These activities are taking place at the Parachute ValleySenior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute, 285-7934.

    Health BriefsGrand River Hospital nurses chosen as regional Nightingale Award recipients

    Two nurses from Grand River Hospital in Rifle have been chosen as regional NightingaleAward recipients. Each region of Colorado conducts a nomination process culminating inthe state Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Human Caring sponsored by the ColoradoNurses Foundation.

    This is the first time that Grand River Hospital RNs have been finalists for this award andwe couldnt be more proud of them, says Mary DesOrmeau, Grand River Hospitals chiefnursing officer.

    Both Maria and Stacy are attending the state Nightingale Awards on May 19 to repre-sent the Western Slope.

    Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital District

    Free childrens immunizations offered April 19-21

    Garfield County Public Health is offering free childrens immunizations on April 19 from8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., April 20 from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and April 21 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.at the public health office in Rifle (across from City Market). There is no charge for childrenages newborn through 18. Please bring your immunizations records and call 625-5200 formore information.

    Immunizations will also be available at the Glenwood Springs public health office (nextto Valley View Hospital) during the same times and dates.

    Carrie Godes, Garfield County Public Health

  • Page 16, GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012

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

    Ramping up for wildland fire season

    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].

    For the month of March 2012, the fire district responded to 52 calls for service:18 fire incidents2 structure fires5 fire alarms 9 brush fires/fire outside/trash/rubbish17 emergency medical calls5 vehicle crashes3 public assists1 gas leaks/hazmat assignments2 smoke/odor removal2 dispatched and cancelled en route

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

    Training hours per crew:19.5 Green crew14.5 Black crew27 Red crew

    The fire district is ramping up for wildland fire season. We will be testing our pumps,inspecting hand tools, and testing our fire hoses. Staff will be conducting their annual wild-land pack test, which is a three-mile hike with a 45-pound backpack on. They must com-plete the hike in 45 minutes and 45 seconds. We will also be doing our annual refresherclasses for wildland firefighting.

    Remember we are still issuing burn permits up until Memorial Day. No burning isallowed after dark. Once the winds start kicking up like each year, all open burns will needto be extinguished by noon each day.

    Please remember to have enough clear space between you home and any brush to min-imize your homes risk to wildland fires. This area could be 30 feet or more depending onvegetation and how steep the slope is of your property.

    If you should have an emergency, please call 911 as soon as possible!

    If you shouldhave an

    emergency, please call

    911 as soonas possible!

    Beret'sBook BagSpring intoa great book

    Let's spring into some greatbooks.

    Poison Flower by Thomas Perry

    Poison Flower is bookseven in the Jane Whitefieldseries about a woman who helps people disappear. Theymight be running from crime bosses or wives of abusivemen. Jane, the main character, uses her heritage and herguts and brains to help people escape from bad circum-stances and live. Jane is gritty, sympathetic, caring, brilliantand trustworthy. Trickles of her Seneca Native Americanwisdom add to her character without being overwhelming.Jane is taken hostage, and returns to her "real" life with avery satisfying ending. I recommend it absolutely.

    The Survivor's Club by Ben SherwoodIt's 2012. Some believe there will be a worldwide eco-

    nomic collapse, a sunspot could act as a bomb and knockout every electronic and machine in the world, or therecould be a huge tidal tsunami similar to what hit Japan. InThe Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that CouldSave Your Life, Ben Sherwood looks at what you need toknow to be a survivor of a global catastrophe. In the bookhe answers questions such as which is the safest seat on anairplane? Where is the best place to have a heart attack?How can birthdays be hazardous to your health? His writingis very engaging and accessible. It's interesting to hear whathe thinks about who will survive and why. I recommend it.

    Beret Brenckman, is an avid reader, book owner and bib-liophile. If it has to do with books or reading she's on it!She's the librarian for Bea Underwood Elementary and StJohn Elementary schools and a former assistant branchmanager at the Parachute Branch Library. Beret's been read-ing and recommending books for years...even if she has tosneak up next to you at the bookstore and gush. Go to Beretat https://sites.google.com/site/beretsbooks/ for more rec-ommendations!

  • GRAND VALLEY ECHO Mid-April/Mid-May 2012, Page 17

    Stars of Tomorrowhighlights stars of todayBy J. Steven Randol, Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute

    Grand Valley MiddleSchool (GVMS) studentJonathan Smith won thisyears Stars ofTomorrow talent showon March 7 for his pianoperformance. (See box fora rundown of winners.)

    Jonathan is eligible toadvance to the Kiwanisdistrict show held in Aprilin Ft. Collins. His feeswill be paid for by theKiwanis Club.

    Contestants camefrom DeBeque and GrandValley high schools andGrand Valley Middle School. The acts were instrumental, vocal,gymnastic, dance, and a poetry reading. There was good atten-dance at the show.

    Now in its second year locally, the show is put on by theKiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute, and was held at GrandValley High School (GVHS) in Parachute. The shows chairpersonwas Opal Morganthaler with Bill Coelho assisting her, and RyanFrink, Jory Sorensen, and David Walck served as co-chairs.Master of ceremonies was Linda Prendergast who did an excel-lent job and added great humor.

    Dr. Bob Toll, Laurel Koning, and Mary Jane Wahlman werejudges, and stage hands were The Key Club, a Kiwanis-sponsoredyouth organization at GVHS. In charge of the spotlight wasTristan Lamon; the sound coordinator was Bailey Ann Merry, andMara Mayfield handled the lights.

    The Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at theParachute Branch Librarys Community Room. Come by if youare interested in being a part of serving our children and commu-nity by being a Kiwanian.

    Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlow givesconcert at Parachute Branch LibraryBy Parachute Branch Library Manager Karol Sacca

    Celtic fingerstyle guitarist Jerry Barlow is giving a concert at the Parachute Branch Library at7 p.m. on April 28.

    Jerrys unique and skillfully delivered repertoire incorporates favorite traditional pieces aswell as his own Celtic-inspired compositions. In concert, Jerry brings traditional Celtic tunesalive by sharing the history, humor, and legends behind the music.

    Jerry Barlow [is] a performer who is skilled, funny and riveting, said bagpiper Scott Beach,the director of Colorado Celtic Entertainment that represents Jerry.

    Jerrys newest CD, Fields and Fences, was released in late October 2011 to excellentreviews. It has been nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year by the Independent MusicAssociation.

    The Indie Acoustic Project, an international award that celebrates the best independentacoustic music, selected the title song from Jerrys CD, Bring Down the Storm, as one of thebest songs of 2006. Songs from his first CD, Keepsake, were included in a PBS documentarySong of our Children. Music from Bring Down the Storm is featured in the new Universityof Colorado documentary, Learn about Climate.

    Jerrys music can be heard regularly on many National Public Radio stations. He has been fea-tured in Fingerstyle Guitar magazine, and was profiled in the February 2011 issue of CelticConnection. He has performed in the Gates Auditorium for the University of Denvers LamontSchool of Music, the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, and is a favorite of High PlainsPublic Radios Living Room Concert Series in Amarillo, Texas.

    Tickets for Jerry Barlows concert on April 28 at the library are $5 at the door or in advance.For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the library at 285-9870.

    Movies Under the Starsramping up for the summerBy Laurel Koning, Echo contributor

    We are hard at work to offer Movies Under the Stars on thelawn at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center again this summer.We hope to show four movies over the course of the summer inan absolute perfect setting and these movie offerings will befree to all.

    But in order to have this project move forward, we need someadditional hands now! Assistance is needed in the planningstages for the movie selections, recruitment of snack vendors,advertising and onsite support. If you can step up and help,please give me, Laurel, a call at 285-1258.

    In order to have these movies offered to the community, weare also looking for additional sponsors to help defer the licens-ing fees. If your organization can help, again please let me know.

    This year, were allowing four groups to manage the popcornand pop stand and keep the proceeds for their group! If youknow of a group that might be interested (school, church, social,etc.) we need to know now. You will be assigned one night thatyour group will have the opportunity to sell and earn moneytoward your groups efforts. And the popcorn machine will besupplied for each groups use.

    This event was great fun for all of last years attendees. Wehope that you can join us on the grass to enjoy our great summermovie schedule. See you Under the Stars!

    The MusicMan is onhis way tothe GrandValleyBy Mark Gregory, Grand ValleyHigh School Language Arts andTheatre Arts educator GVHSTheatreCo producer/ director

    Loyal theatre aficionados haveseveral opportunities to enjoy theGrand Valley High School (GVHS)TheatreCos production of TheMusic Man. This show featuresstudents from GVHS, Grand ValleyMiddle School, and BeaUnderwood Elementary School.

    The Music Man is the well-loved story of Professor HaroldHill, a fast talking traveling sales-man and his idea of starting aboys band in a small town. Themusical has romance, Americana

    and lots of memorable songs, such as Seventy-SixTrombones, Ya Got Trouble, and Til There Was You.

    Performances are April 19-21 at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Hall at the high school, 800 Cardinal Way,in Parachute. A four-course dinner theater package is offered for $30 for students and seniorswith proper identification, and $35 for general admission.

    Tickets are available for just the performance for $5 for students and seniors, and $8 for gen-eral admission. Discounts are available pre-sale for performance-only tickets.

    For tickets and more information, contact Tracy Chartier at 285-5705.

    A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T

    Stars of Tomorrow winnersJonathan Smith

    GVMS piano - $500Gabrielle Coleman

    GVMS piano - $300Katilynn Keeling

    GV