gve january 2010

Volume #2 Number 4 FREE Mid-January / Mid-February 2010

INSIDEGrand River

Hospital District goes electronic

page 11

Soderbergs celebrate 40 years

page 13

Library movespage 14

Easing the bankruptcy sting

page 15

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

Like her late husbandbefore her, Judy Beasleybecomes Parachute’s mayor

By Carrie Click, Echo Editor

When asked if she ever imagined beingthe mayor of Parachute, Judy Beasley has aquick response.

“Oh, heavens no,” she says. Although Judy seems somewhat sur-

prised by her new role, it’s not such astretch. Parachute’s new mayor was serv-ing as mayor pro tem when former MayorRob McClung – who happens to be thebrother of Judy’s daughter-in-law AmyBeasley – announced he was resigning toreturn to college in Fort Collins. Rob’s lastday on the job was Dec. 30.

Judy credits Parachute’s staff with mak-ing a smooth changeover.

“The staff is so very good at town hall,”Judy says. “They’ve made the transitioneasier for me.

One agenda item Judy is excited aboutis a new historical designation: the townacquiring the historical McKay House.

“It has a lovely park area,” she says. “It’sgoing to be a real asset.”

All in the familyThe Parachute businesswoman and for-

mer English teacher – she taught gradesseven through 12 – has years of experi-ence as part of a civic-minded family.

Judy’s late husband Dave Beasleyserved in multiple capacities during his 41years in Parachute. At different times, hewas town marshal, fire chief, town trustee,planning and zoning commissioner, mayorpro tem and mayor.

When Dave died suddenly in 2005, thecouncil decided to honor him by namingBeasley Park on First Street after him.

“He would’ve been humbled,” she says.“He was always extremely active. Healways had to be serving in some capacity.The only reason he would stop was he’d beterm-limited, so then he’d go do somethingelse.”A fixture in Parachute

The Beasleys’ gift shop, with its distinc-tive tipi perched on its roof, has been a fix-ture in Parachute for 30-plus years. TheBeasleys operated four of these shopsthroughout the southwest. Now, just theParachute store remains.

Once named Thunder River TradingCompany, it’s now called Old Mountain

Mayor Judy Beasley at Parachute Town Hall. Photo by Joe Sluga

The Beasley legacy continuesThe Beasley legacy continues

continued on page 3

Winter is here: A view from the Battlement Mesa Golf Course looking north. Photo by Ron Bailey

, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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 $25 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/ DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

COPY EDITORDANA CAYTON

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:

Adam Lambrecht, Jeanne Miles, Sarah Tahvonen, Shawnn Wilkins, Catalina Island Conservancy, Veronica Duran, Alissa Cose, Laurie Devere, Karmen Steimel,Samantha Orite, Colorado Mountain College, Robert Knight, Mary Anderson, Rebecca Ruland, Amelia Shelley, Barbara Barker, Tom Hall, Jim Klink, Tamra Allen, Mountain Family Health Center, Cary Parmenter, Heather McGregor,Denise Van Hoorelbeke, Scott Pankow, Scott Saunders, Betsy Leonard, Mary Ellen Denomy, Sue McEvoy

71 Siprelle DriveBattlement Mesa, CO. 81635970-285-5661

Have a story idea?Contact The Echo

[email protected]

This month, the start of the year 2010, The GrandValley Echo is looking a bit different.

In order to use our precious pages in the most effi-cient way possible, we’ve decided to reduce the Echo’scover photo and run some copy on the front page.This way, we can try to give you as much news as wecan in the least number of pages.

We’ve always felt it was important to have a big, fullpage cover shot on the Echo, but as we all know, chal-lenging times require creative adjustments.

We’re using the same method on the Echo calendarpage, combining copy and advertising to make amore compact and cost-effective newspaper.

Along those lines, be sure to let us know what’simportant for you to read in these pages. Let us knowif what we’re giving you is what you want. During thistime, we all need to be focusing on the most essentialelements of our work and our lives. Help us create thetype of paper that brings meaning to your lives andyour community.

We hope you like our little changes, and will contin-ue to actively support your Echo and those businessesthat support us through advertising.

Let’s all have a great new year…

Alyssa OhnmachtPublisher

Carrie ClickEditor

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-January / Mid-February 2010,

G O V E R N M E N T

Battlement Concerned Citizens: Can Battlement’s mineral rights be swapped?Other issues discussed include BCC asking county to follow up on Silt well pad fire

Town of Parachute NewsFrom Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight

We hope all of you had a great Christmas and a good New Year. We approach 2010 with arenewed sense of optimism and with the expectation that Garfield County will rebound fromthese times of difficulty and transition towards prosperity. We continue to court new business toour area and have recently adopted a tax incentive program for prospective business ventures inour recently developed commercial zones. Feel free to contact me if you need further informationon this program.

We said our goodbyes to former Mayor Roy McClung in December and wished him and hiswife Carol all the luck in the world as they begin their pursuit to increase their education atColorado State University. There is no doubt in our minds that Roy will return to Parachute and,once again, become involved in supporting and promoting community interests.

We swore Mayor Judy Beasley, who has long ties to the community, on Jan. 14 at ParachuteTown Hall. We congratulate her on her promotion from mayor pro-tem.

Five trustee positions will be up for election this April, so if you have not registered to vote atParachute Town Hall, please take the opportunity to do so and then cast your ballot when the timecomes.

The state senate carved out $17 million dollars in mineral severance funds to support one ormore large projects in municipalities directly and substantially impacted by the extraction of min-erals from federal lands. Parachute's West Interchange project was selected as one of the sevenfinalists for funding under this program. Final selections will be made on Feb. 8 and we are hope-ful we will receive funding to build the new interchange. We would not have had the matchingfunds required under this grant program without significant financial support from GarfieldCounty, Williams Production, EnCana Oil and Gas and the Colorado Department of Highways.

As always, we encourage you to utilize our website to keep in touch with the latest happen-ings in Parachute and Battlement Mesa. You can subscribe to an RSS feed that will automaticallysend you an e-mail when new information is posted.

Town of Parachute Briefs

Reduced utility rates availableThe Town of Parachute offers reduced water and

sewer rates to qualified users.

Family size Income not exceeding1 person $13,520 per year2 persons $16,736 per year3 persons $19,952 per year4 persons $25,476 per year5 persons $28,962 per year6 persons $31,908 per year

People requesting reduced water and sewer ratesmust obtain an application from Parachute Town Halland submit the form with proper documentation ofwages, Social Security income, etc.

Please contact Parachute Town Hall with any ques-tions.

Time to renew dog licensesJanuary is the time to renew dog licenses. Fees are

still $2 for spayed and neutered pets and $5 for thosenot. Stop into Parachute Town Hall to get your dog’s2010 tag today.

From public worksDrop off your Christmas trees by the lift station at the

rodeo grounds, to the right of Cottonwood Park. During inclement weather, please remove all vehicles

from the streets so public works can clear the snowproperly. Thank you.

Historical highlightFrom 1883 to 1907, Tom and Alice Glover had a

beautiful ranch up Parachute Creek. The ranch included300 acres, a fine orchard of 35 acres, and about 300head of cattle. The Glovers’ cabin has since been relo-cated next to the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse.

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Although the Battlement Concerned Citizens(BCC) are having their kick-off meeting on Jan. 21,(see calendar listing, page 5), the group has beenbusy meeting together, attending county commis-sioner meetings and researching oil and gas activi-ties.

At the BCC’s Jan. 6 meeting, a dozen people met todiscuss the Antero well pad fire near Silt on NewYear’s Day. BCC members worry that a similar firecould erupt on one or more of the well pads plannedfor Battlement’s planned unit development.

Burning Mountains fire officials said the fire wascontained in 90 minutes.

BCC member Frank Smith recommended thatBCC should ask the county to follow up on thecause of the fire, and ask what the county is plan-ning to do to make certain Battlement residents aresafe.

BCC member Dave Devanney added that some-one should ask Garfield County Gas and Oil LiaisonJudy Jordon if anyone is keeping track of these typesof incidents.

The group also discussed making sure that Anterosecure linings in pits located in Battlement, so that noseepage occurs.

Frank Smith said he’d contact Garfield CountyAssessor John Gorman to do an analysis of what ishappening or what might happen to property values

in Battlement Mesa when drilling begins. He said he’llalso ask if anyone has ever been successful in provingdevaluation of property due to gas development andhow it was done.

Bill Nelson, of the Battlement Mesa Oil and GasCommittee, continues to pursue swapping BattlementMesa’s mineral rights through letter writing to politi-cal officials.

Finally, the BCC agreed to support Garfield Countyand a countywide health study. Dave Devanney andPaul Light said they would make a list of air qualityissues.

The next Battlement Concerned Citizens meetingis at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter.

Gift and Jewelry, named after a mountain locatedup Parachute Creek.

Judy’s son Chris Beasley and his wife Amynow own and operate the shop, though Judyfills in when needed.

Getting involved After Dave’s death, Judy says she missed the

connection the couple had with the community.“When the kids took over the shop, I realized

how much I missed being in the know, and thatI had time to get involved,” she says.

That’s when Judy joined town council.Judy has seen Parachute’s ups and downs, and

she knows and loves the town well. The couplemoved to Parachute from Denver in 1967.

“Parachute was Dave’s cup of tea,” Judysays. “We wanted out of the city. And I’m fromAlabama, so I’ve always been a country girl.”

Judy isn’t the first female mayor ofParachute, however. Judy remembers RuthKeistler served as mayor in the late ‘60s.

And when Judy’s term is over come thisspring, she says she’d like to stay on, supportingand serving Parachute like her husband beforeher.

“Yes, I plan to run,” she says.

Beasley legacy continued from page 1


G R A N D V A L L E Y G R A T I T U D EAre you thankful – and you want everybody to know about it? Please try to keep your gratefulness under

500 words and send to Grand Valley Gratitude, 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623, or [email protected].

Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’re expanding our word-count limit to 500 words orless for Letters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input,opinions, thanks and whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respect-ful, civil way. (Please, no unsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofreadletters. 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

Linda Pontius Waite was a wonderful friend

Dear Echo: Linda Pontius Waite was one of the kindest,

most generous ladies I have ever had the pleasureof knowing. She was so real and genuine. Shewas the perfect nurse.

She always thought of others, and gave somuch of herself to everyone. She was a naturalexhorter, and encouraged others to open up, vol-unteer, or just advance themselves. She alwaysseemed to think the best of everyone. She down-played the things she did, and pointed out othersto see to it they received credit due. She was won-derful. She was a wonderful friend – more like asister as she was so easy to love and be around.

I could not have said these things at hermemorial service. I would never have made itthrough the comments.

Those who knew her did not need to be toldthis. Those who did not have the privilege ofknowing her, well you need to know you reallymissed out. Look around and see if you can findfolks who are kind, generous and thoughtful andbe a friend to them. Be sure you appreciate them.

There are not enough of them. So hang on anddon’t let them drift away from you. I will missLinda immensely as will everyone who knewLinda and loved her.

Juanita R. WilliamsParachute

Hospice volunteer training offered

Dear Echo:Last fall, the Echo ran a story about Hospice of

the Valley and the work we are doing, providingcare to terminally ill patients from Aspen toParachute.

We are now preparing to offer a volunteertraining in Rifle beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19. Thisis a 15-hour training, meeting from 5-8 p.m. onJan. 19, 20, 21, 25 and 26.

Anyone interested in signing up for this training,please call me, Sean Jeung, at 888-927-6650. Classwill meet in the Divide Creek Meeting Room atGrand River Hospital and Medical Center.

Sean JeungChaplain and volunteer coordinator

Hospice of the Valley

Government BriefsParachute Police Department earns rare state accreditation

The Parachute Police Department has received accreditation byearning the Professional Standards Compliance Award, which rec-ognizes outstanding police and sheriff’s departments throughoutColorado based on 186 established professional standards.

There are 232 law enforcement agencies in Colorado and only35 of these agencies are accredited.

“Gaining this accreditation was not an easy process and itinvolved a lot of work and commitment by the entire department,”says Chief Cary Parmenter.

Basalt Police Chief Keith Ikeda, representing the ColoradoAssociation of Chiefs of Police (CACP) presented the award toParachute Police Chief Parmenter during the Dec. 10 ParachuteTown Council meeting. The Parachute Police Department met orexceeded CACP’s established standards. CACP and the CountySheriffs of Colorado, which represent all local and county lawenforcement in Colorado, sanction the accreditation program.

According to Chief Ikeda, the Parachute Police Departmentearned the recognition due to its commitment to provide qualitylaw enforcement services in partnership with the community.

The Parachute Police Department includes six sworn officers andone civilian employee. Chief Parmenter says the department also iscommitted to improving service delivery on an ongoing basis,resulting in a safer community.

Garfield County requests input on future growth options

Garfield County is in the early stages of updating its long-rangecomprehensive plan. This plan will govern how growth and devel-opment occurs in the unincorporated areas of the county 20 yearsinto the future and establish the basic direction that will guidefuture zoning and development decisions.

It will not only affect private properties and future subdivisionsof land, but also other county priorities – such as where new roads,utilities and other facilities should be located.

Initial public meetings were held in November and have gener-ated a variety of ideas about how and where growth should occur.In addition, to ensure that every county resident has an opportuni-ty to get involved in this planning process, the county has createdthe Sounding Board, an online survey.

To be participate in the online survey and for more informationabout upcoming public meetings scheduled for Feb. 2,3 and 4, visitthe Comprehensive Plan website at garfieldcomprehensive-plan2030.com or contact Tamra Allen at 945-8212.

– Tamra Allen, Garfield County long range planner

Fifth year for free tax preparation serviceWells Fargo Bank in Battlement Mesa is hosting a free tax prepa-

ration site for the upcoming tax season. This year the site is open onFridays and Saturdays, beginning Feb. 12, and ending April 10. Thesite will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. OnSaturdays, the site will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Two Battlement Mesa residents are volunteering their time atthe site: Tom Hall, CPA, and Jean Proud. Both are experiencedincome tax preparers. The site is affiliated with the VolunteerIncome Tax Assistance Program (VITA), a free federal and stateincome tax preparation program.

Free tax preparation is provided to elderly, middle-income andlow-income taxpayers qualified to file Federal Tax Form 1040. VITAhandles most basic tax issues. Those with complex or unusual taxsituations will be referred to paid preparers.

The site handles returns with credits, as well as pensions, SocialSecurity income and railroad retirement income.

At each appointment, a client must present a picture ID andSocial Security cards for spouses and dependents, as well as all rel-evant tax documents. You should also bring a copy of your 2008tax return. Both spouses must be present to sign the return beforeit is electronically filed. Clients for whom English is a second lan-guage should bring a translator.

Wells Fargo is at 71 Sipprelle Dr. in Battlement Mesa. Starting inmid-January, call 285-7848 to schedule an appointment. Pleaseleave a message if no one is available to take your call.

– Tom Hall, CPA

Thank you, Williams

Dear Echo: On behalf of the Grand Valley Historical

Society, I would like to thank WilliamsProduction RMT for its donation of the historicThomas Glover cabin.

In addition to providing the GVHS with thiscabin, Williams also financed the moving of the struc-ture to the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse groundsand took responsibility for the site preparation aswell as the reroofing and chinking of the cabin.

I would like to offer a special thank you toSusan Alvillar of Williams for her leadership inseeing this project through. Her persistence anddedication to the Glover cabin project overalmost a three-year period made it a reality.

Sincerely,Jim Klink

Grand Valley Historical Society

Thanks for basketball league help

Dear Echo: Thanks! We just wanted to thank everyone

who was involved in the Shepherd of the MesaBasketball League. We had more than 60 boys andgirls from the third grade through the sixth gradeparticipate.

We especially want to thank the coaches whovolunteered their time to encourage and teach allof the kids.

• The third and fourth grade coaches: A.J.Buffington, Whitney Johnson, Gene Duran,Brandon Downing, Michelle Foster, DevynCyphers, Deb Cornelius, Myrna Vargas, Katie

Cornelius, and Amber Greeson• The fifth and sixth grade coaches: Lisa

Waszak, Teresa Snyder, Jessica DuPuis, JerryMohrlang, Tracy Andrews, Reagan Cyphers,and Whitney Vance.

Thanks again and we hope to see you next year!Adam Lambrecht and Bill Cornelius

Shepherd of the Mesa

Thanks for a successful KSUN fundraiser

On Dec. 5, KSUN 103.9, Battlement Mesa'scommunity radio station, sponsored a fundraiserto benefit the station. The event was a great suc-cess with more than 100 attendees.

Many of those that helped with this eventshould be acknowledged, including EasyCuisine, Clark's Market, The White Buffalo, JaneChapman, Mary Jane and Pete Wahlman,Connie Stiers, Shepherd of the Mesa LutheranChurch parishinors, Carpet Plus, Dan Temple,Battlement Mesa Golf Course, and theBattlement Mesa Activity Center staff.

Grand Valley Middle School students hosted thecoat check, members of the Parachute RecreationDepartment U12 soccer team served as wait staff,and Lisa Waszak, their coach, was the kitchencoordinator and kept everything "hopping.”

A huge thank-you to all who attended andhelped make this a success and to all of thosewho gave their time, their talents, or their prod-uct to make this inaugural event worth repeating.

Laurel KoningKSUN Community Radio

Battlement Mesa


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

Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send event items to [email protected]. Be sure to include thefive Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else we need to pass on.

Jan. 15: 5:30 p.m. Battlement Concerned Citizens meets atthe Battlemment Mesa Activity Center.

Jan. 15-31: Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber ofCommerce membership drive continues.

Jan. 19, 20, 21, 25 and 26: 5-8 p.m. Hospice of the Valleyvolunteer training at the Divide Creek Meeting Room atGrand Valley Hospital and Medical Center, Rifle. Fifteen-hourtraining. Call Sean at 888-927-6650 if you’d like to take thetraining.

Jan. 20: Scheduled re-opening of the temporary ParachuteLibrary at the corner of Fisher and Hill next to the GrandValley Center for Family Learning in downtown Parachute.The library is being renovated. Call 285-9870 with questionsor if you need directions.

Jan. 21: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber ofCommerce board meeting is at Alpine Bank in Battlement.

Jan. 21: 6:30 p.m. Battlement Concerned Citizens kick-offmeeting at the Grand Valley Fire Station on Stone QuarryRoad in Battlement. Refreshments, meet-and-greet, busi-ness meeting, Q & A, a documentary screening, “WhatYou Need to Know About Natural Gas Production.” CallDave, 285-2263.

Jan. 23: 2 p.m. Doc Holliday comes to the historicBattlement Mesa Schoolhouse, by way of R.W. Boyle, whoportrays the good doctor. No charge for Grand ValleyHistorical Society members, $3/suggested donation foradults, children free. Parental discretion advised.

Jan. 28: 7 p.m. “Men of Worth,” a Celtic duo, performs atthe Glenwood Springs High School. Admission is by mem-bership ticket through the Glenwood Springs CommunityConcert Association. Call Judy at 945-5384 for more info.

Feb. 1: “The Big Read” is “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.Pick up your copy at the temporary Parachute Library at thecorner of Fisher and Hill in downtown Parachute or call 285-9870.

Feb. 2, 3 and 4: Garfield County Comprehensive Plan pub-lic meetings scheduled; visit garfieldcomprehensive-plan2030.com or call Tamra Allen at 945-8212 for specifics.

Feb. 5: 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m.“Vehicle Fleets in the Clean EnergyEconomy: Reducing Costs and Diversifying Fuel Sources” atthe Glenwood Springs Community Center. $15. Reservationsrequested by Feb. 2. Hosted by the Garfield New EnergyCommunities Initiative. Contact garfieldcleanenergy.org.

Feb. 5-7: Com to Redstone’s Winterfest, a winter festivalwith dog events, children’s activities, ice climbing demon-strations, snow sculpting, Nordic and cross-country ski racingand more. Go to redtonecolorado.com for a full schedule orcall 963-6355 for more information.

Feb. 10: 7 p.m. A theatrical presentation on the life ofauthor Ray Bradbury is at the Grand Valley High School. 285-9870.

Feb. 11: Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commercesocial is at VJ’s Ribbs, followed by a dinner special from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Feb. 12: Free tax preparation through the Volunteer TaxAssistance Program at Wells Fargo in Battlement beginstoday and runs on Fridays and Saturdays through April 10.Appointments necessary. Call 285-7848.

ONGOING:

The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots of classesand activities: swimming, dancing, personal training, wateraerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, and more. Call 285-9480.

New year, new dog licenses. January is the time to renewdog licenses in Parachute: $2 for spayed and neutered petsand $5 for those not. Pick up new tags at Parachute TownHall.

The Sunlight ski bus runs on Wednesdays and Saturdaysthroughout the ski season. Season bus pass is $15. All ridersmust reserve a spot; call 625-2151.

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Area Chamber ofCommerce’s membership drive runs the month ofJanuary. To join or for more information, go to para-chutechamber.org.

Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church serves a free soup lunch at the church at132 Parachute Ave.

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

The first Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. the WestGarfield Democrats meet at Mesa Vista Assisted Living, 285-7206.

Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Grand Valley Kiwanis Clubmeets at its new location, the Parachute Senior Center, 540N. Parachute, in Parachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.

The second Tuesday of every month, NeighborhoodWatch meetings are held at Parachute Town Hall. 285-7630

The second Tuesday of every month, at 6:30 p.m.HEARTBEAT meets in Glenwood, which offers support for sur-vivors after suicide at the First United Methodist Church, 824Cooper St.; use the Bethel Chapel entrance. Call Pam at 945-1398, [email protected].

Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Valley Senior Centerhosts a luncheon prepared by the Rifle Senior Center. $2.50for those over 60. Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.

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

The second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., theParachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation DistrictBoard of Directors meets at the recreation district office, 101Cardinal Way, #4, Parachute, 285-0388,pbmparkandrec.org.

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., "Through the Bible in OneYear" Bible Study is at the Grand Valley Christian Church, 116W. Second. Contact Pastor Lois Smith, 285-7957.

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

Every Friday: 10:30 a.m. Storytime at the ParachuteLibrary. 285-9870.

Every Friday at 7 p.m. Al-Anon meets for those troubled byanother’s drinking at Grand Valley Christian Church, 116 W.Second, main building. Strictly confidential. Contact Doris,285-9836 or Bonnie, 984-2286.

Every Saturday BINGO! Is held at the Valley Senor Center.Coffee, soft drinks, popcorn, snacks.

Every Saturday, Mountain Family Health Center inGlenwood is now open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on a walk-inbasis, providing a low-cost alternative to the ER for non-emergency care. No appointment necessary. 1905 BlakeAve. 945-2840.

UPCOMING:

• Feb. 26: 7:30 p.m. Tickets now on sale for SymphonySwing, featuring Symphony in the Valley’s tribute to the BigBand era, at Grand Valley High School in Parachute. Lightrefreshments, bistro-style table seating and dancing. $20/perperson. Go to sitv.org to order tickets and for more info.

OUTSIDE STORAGEOUTSIDE STORAGENEW TO THE

PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA

LOCATED IN PARACHUTE

Travel Trailers, RV's, Boats, Trucks, etc.

CALL JOHN - 970-986-1820 OR SHERRY - 970-640-3115


The Flower Shop

73 Sipperelle DriveIn the Battlement Market Plaza

970-285-2510

VALENTINES DAY SPECIALSFREE delivery onThursday and Friday

Order before Feb. 4th and receive FREE candy!

Balloon Bouquets $15 and up

We are open 6am until 9pm daily315 E First Street • Parachute. Co. 81635970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091

Come ondownand

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SPECIALS

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

Monday - Steak Nite - $3.00off any freshly cut steak

Tueday - Prime Rib SandwichWednesday - Dino Ribbs - orBeef Ribs when available

Thursday - Chef’s ChoiceFriday - Catfish, collard greensand blackeyed peas & rice

We have daily specials under $10.

Happy New Year 2010!

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

Keeping your foot on the(natural) gas pedal

For so many years, we have become accustomed to pulling upto a station and filling our tanks with gasoline to run our vehicles.While some of this gasoline is produced in the United States,much of the fuel that we use to take us from place to place comesfrom the far reaches of the world. We have learned to calculate themiles per gallon, so we can try to be frugal when the pump pricesstart creeping up.

Well lately, the battle cry across the U.S. has been to start usingthe energy that we produce here. This will mean that we need tostart changing our calculations to how many miles we can go ona cubic foot of natural gas, rather than gallons of gasoline. Thereare many folks already doing a lot of changing by starting to usethe products that we produce here. Freightliner has developed andis using semis to transport products in California with natural gas,rather than gasoline. T Boone Pickens has been developing astrong plan for natural gas vehicle use in Texas.

The shining star here in Colorado is EnCana Oil and Gas. Theyhave made the conversion on many of their vehicles to start usingnatural gas in their company vehicles. Gov. Ritter has requiredthat the state’s vehicles start using natural gas as their fuel ofchoice. It is cleaner, more efficient, costs less and is produced here.So, it is a win-win-win.

Not only will this create a better environment, it will producea better economic base. More gas will be produced because it willbe needed for more diverse reasons other than just heating ourhomes. The businesses that can provide the service of convertingexisting vehicles to natural gas use will start to enjoy a boom also.I have already seen a natural gas filling station in Richfield, Utah.So, it should not be too long before we will be pulling up to thenatural gas pump to fill ‘er up. This should be truly an excitingdecade.

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and anAccredited Petroleum Accountant She has been nationally recognized asan expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past presi-dent of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Association ofRoyalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the naro-us.orgwebsite or through The Grand Valley Echo.

WINTER GETAWAY SPECIALDinner, lodging and breakfast for 2

only $125 (Valid Wednesdays thru Sundays)

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[tÑÑç itÄxÇà|ÇxËá Wtç4


By Barbara Barker, Grand Valley Kiwanis Club

Kiwanians were everywhere during the holiday season. Therewere three major projects in the works – the Cash for Christmasraffle, the Salvation Army bell ringing, and a Christmas party withSanta and bags of gifts for more than 200 little people at the GrandValley Center for Family Learning in Parachute.

By Dec. 18, we had sold 1,100 tickets. Amanda Jablonski of theGrand Valley High School Key Club drew the winning tickets. Thelucky first place winner was Dani Christenson ($650). Secondplace went to Caren Swindell ($350), the third place winter wasSally Baker ($250), fourth place went to Cheri Witt-Brown ($150),and the fifth place winner David Fiftal ($100).

The raffle made more than $1,800, which will be used forfuture scholarships and projects for kids in our community.Thanks to the community for supporting our programs so we cangive back to the children. And we owe our chairman, Chuck Hall,a big thank you for the successful conclusion of this project, whichincluded 26 volunteers for 83 hours of selling raffle tickets.

Steve Randol spearheaded the bell-ringing project, whichincluded most of our members. We began ringing bells the dayafter Thanksgiving and rang the final bell Christmas Eve. Thirty-seven volunteers rang bells for 76 hours in front of Clark’s Market.A total of $3,271 was collected from our community for theSalvation Army.

Bob Campbell was busy on our third project, gathering littlesurprises to fill gift bags for 14 classes at the Grand Valley Centerfor Family Learning. It took two hours on Dec. 21 for six volun-teers to fill more than 200 bags with fun stuff. Santa Claus wasthere for the little ones to sit on his knee and tell him secrets. Bobhad the help of nine volunteers for an estimated 35 hours.

Finally, Ann and Bob Arrington and Michelle Foster managed toput together a Christmas party at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter (BMAC) for our club. Eighty-eight members and guestsenjoyed a delicious meal catered by Alain Senac, chef par excel-lence.

Due to a change in hours of operation at the BMAC, we havechanged our meeting place. Kiwanis of Grand Valley now meets atthe Parachute Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute in Parachute, at 7a.m. for coffee, with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Pleasecome join us some Tuesday morning.

AmandaJoblonski drewthe winningtickets for theKiwanis Cashfor Christmasraffle.

DaniChristensenreceives her

$650 first prizefrom Kiwanian

Chuck Hall fromthe Cash for

Christmas raffle.

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S P O R T S & R E C R E A T I O N

Top: The Mountain Temp Services team claimed this past fall’s 2009 Adult Co-EdVolleyball Championship with Jace Braun, their captain. The Parachute/BattlementMesa Park and Recreation District coordinates adult co-ed volleyball teams, and host-ed the championship. Bottom: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and RecreationDistrict held a Tiny Tot Basketball event recently at Bea UnderwoodElementary in Parachute for kindergarteners through second graders.Twenty-eight budding hoopsters participated, learning b-ball fundamen-tals and having fun.

Photos courtesy of Shawnn Wilkins

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

Sign up now for spring soccerBy Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District execu-tive director

Ski Bus to Sunlight: The ski bus to Sunlight Ski Resort is currently running onWednesdays and Saturdays. Call 625-2151 the day before to register to ride the bus. If you donot call, you do not ride. The bus is limited to 47 passengers. The fee to ride all season is only$15 per person, which is a great deal.

Spring Soccer: Boys and girls ages 8-14 can sign up now until Feb. 10. Yes it is earlybut we have to get the team numbers into the Western Slope Soccer League and ColoradoState Soccer League by their deadline. The fee has gone up to $65 to participant and a $35uniform deposit if needed (if the uniform is not sponsored by a company other than thePark and Recreation District). The fee went up because the Colorado State Soccer Leagueis charging $500 per team and $8 per player.

Youth Wrestling: For boys and girls kindergarten through sixth grade. Wrestlingstarts approximately March 8 and ends May 8. There will be six peewee wrestling tour-naments and practices will be held three times per week at Grand Valley High School aux-iliary gym. Fee to participate is $100. This includes six tournament fees and a $75 refund-able singlet (uniform) fee. Serna will be the head coach. Parachute will be hosting one ofthe tournaments.

Fall Adult Volleyball: Winner of the Fall Adult Volleyball League was MountainTemporary Services, Jace Braun, captain. Congratulations!

Winter Adult Volleyball: Adult Coed Volleyball is full and began in early January.Seven teams are participating: Alpine Bank/Battlement Mesa; The Diggers sponsored byFrontier Electric and Valley Car Wash; The Supers; Shepherd of the Mesa LutheranChurch; Crown Peak Baptist Church; The Rotaters; and M.T. Netters.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 101 Cardinal Way, #4, Parachute, 285-0388, pbmparkandrec.org. Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.

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Team 1 – M.T. NettersTeam 2 – The SupersTeam 3 – Alpine BankTeam 4 – The DiggersTeam 5 – Shepherd Of The MesaTeam 6 – Crown Peak BaptistTeam 7 – The Rotaters

Jan. 5The Rotaters vs. Alpine Bank

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.The Supers vs. Shepherd of the Mesa

Court 2 • 6:30 p.m.The Diggers vs. The Rotaters

Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.Crown Peak Baptist vs. M.T. Netters

Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12The Diggers vs. Shepherd of the Mesa

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.The Supers vs. Alpine Bank

Court 2 • 6:30 p.m.Crown Peak Baptist vs. The Rotaters

Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.M.T. Netters vs. Alpine Bank

Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19The Supers vs. The Diggers

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.Shepherd of the Mesa vs. M.T. Netters

Court 2 • 6:30 p.m.Alpine Bank vs. Crown Peak Baptist

Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.Shepherd of the Mesa vs. The Rotaters

Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26Crown Peak Baptist vs. The Supers

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.M.T. Netters vs. The Diggers

Court 2 • 6:30 p.m.The Rotaters vs. The Supers

Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.Alpine Bank vs. Shepherd of the Mesa

Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 2The Rotaters vs. M.T. Netters

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.The Diggers vs. Crown Peak Baptist

Court 2 • 6:30 p.m.Alpine Bank vs. The Diggers

Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.Shepherd of the Mesa vs. Crown Peak Baptist

Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9M.T. Netters vs. The Supers

Court 1 • 6:30 p.m.Game 1 of Bracket



Court 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16Game 4 of Bracket



Court 1 • 7:30 p.m.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District

2010 Winter Adult Volleyball ScheduleAll games held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Call 285-0388 for more info.


H E A L T H

Mesa Vista NewsBy Scott Saunders, Mesa Vista Assisted Living

Fighting off cabin fever

On Dec. 18, we hosted our annual holidayparty and Open House and had a wonderful time. Family and friendswere in attendance to feast upon a great meal put together by ourcook Sandra Strauss. Ula and her accordion were superlative, asalways.

Other holiday festivities filled our month. Colorado Heritage RealEstate brought gifts for all the residents, as they have done for years.Many thanks to those folks for their kindness. Elementary, middleschool and high school students came down to sing Christmas songs.Those younger folks sure brighten our day every time they visit.

The snowfall and cold snap have kept us inside more than we’reused to. Good thing we have Amy Jo Cruz to help us fight off cabinfever! Hopefully Old Man Winter will make an early exit this year.

We’ve been strategizing what to grow in our garden this spring,and are anxious to get started. We have raised garden beds for resi-dent gardening in our courtyard, and I’m always impressed by howbeautiful it becomes in spring and summer.

A healthy New YearThe New Year is already upon us. Every year, most of us look

ahead to making positive changes in the next 12 months. Asyou started thinking about your 2010 New Year’s resolutions,you probably started thinking about your health and if you arehappy with the way you are living.

Across the board, most resolutions are health-related. Whenmaking your resolution, remember to make it something thatis attainable, realistic, and in your control. If you’ve never ran amile in your life, aiming to run a marathon this year may notbe the best idea. Also make sure the goal is in your control, notanyone else’s. Hoping that your work environment changes forthe better may not be completely in your control. Althoughchanging how you react could be.

Here are some simple, attainable, and healthy resolutions togive you some ideas:1. Eat less salt. The benefits of lessening your salt intake are

immense.2. Control your portion size. Learn how much you should be

eating of various foods, including meats, pastas, and breads.If you begin eating correct portions, you will start to seeresults.

3. Quit smoking. You’ve heard it before, and you are going tokeep hearing it until you put down the smokes.

4. Make time for your annual exams such as mammograms,prostate screenings, pap smears, dentist appointments, andblood work. These simple tests can truly save your life.

5. Floss your teeth. Taking care of your teeth plays a role inyour overall health. And your breath will smell better.

6. Smile more. Be more positive. Rid yourself of negative peo-ple and influences in your life. Make it a goal to live life hap-pily and do what you need to do to get there.

7. Find ways to manage stress that don’t involve food, drivingtoo fast, or yelling at people. Whether it is reading a book,playing Monopoly with your kids, or stepping outside forsome fresh air, do whatever makes you feel better.

8. If you need help, don’t be ashamed to ask for it. Whether youhave a stomach pain that won’t go away or just need to talkto someone, don’t be afraid to seek someone else’s advice. No matter how you decide to go into the new year, remem-

ber that bad habits can be broken and issues of all shapes andsizes can usually be repaired. Whatever you decide for yournew year’s resolution, or even if you don’t have any resolutionsat all, I wish for you a happy and healthy 2010.

Sarah Tahvonen writes about health issues for the Echo fromRifle. If you have any comments or suggestions for a health-relatedtopic you’d like to see covered, e-mail [email protected].

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H E A L T H

Patients should expect changes

By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District public relations coordinator

RIFLE – On Dec. 1, Grand River Hospital andMedical Center went live with an electronic healthrecord (EHR) program at their family health, internalmedicine, and women’s health offices.

This new system means that patient records havebeen converted to a digital format, allowing real-timedocumentation and quick access to health informa-tion when providers need it. Patients can expect somechanges, especially at their first appointment since theconversion.

There are many advantages for patients andproviders to Grand River implementing this EHR sys-tem. It allows providers to document appointments,tests, and exams quickly and accurately, adding to thedigital file directly, instead of waiting to documentinto a paper file. EHR also allows access to patient

records from more than one place, eliminating thewait for medical records to arrive. Turnaround timesfor ordered tests, such as laboratory results, will bemuch quicker, as they will be sent directly to apatient’s digital chart for the provider to review. Thesystem also supplies a very accurate list of medica-tions a patient is taking and will flag possible druginteractions. With EHR, prescriptions can be sentdirectly to participating pharmacies, saving patientstime and hassle.

At Grand River family health, internal medicine,and women’s health offices, providers now havetablet PCs, similar to a laptop, with them in the examrooms, allowing them access to patient health recordselectronically. This enables them to order exams, pre-scriptions and referrals, all with a touch of a screen.

At a patient’s first appointment, there are somethings patients should expect as this transition is beingmade. This initial visit may take longer than usual,though after ensuring all information is accurate with-in the system, future appointments will go muchfaster. Patients will want to bring all current medica-

tions to the appointment in a plastic bag so theirprovider can make sure all medications are listed cor-rectly in the patients’ records. Also, in an effort to pro-tect against identity theft and fraud, each patient willbe asked to take a photo to put into their record.

“Grand River Hospital District embraced electronichealth records for their outpatient clinics for greaterefficiencies for patients and providers,” said LoisKame, director of clinic services for Grand RiverHospital District.

“But efficiency isn't the only benefit,” she contin-ued. “For individual patients, access to good carebecomes easier and safer when records can easily beshared. EHR can be understood as a complete recordof patient encounters that allows us to automate andstreamline workflow in the health care settingthrough evidence-based decision support, qualitymanagement, and outcomes reporting,”

The implementation of an electronic health recordprogram at Grand River Hospital and Medical Centeris made possible through grants from the Departmentof Local Affairs and Colorado Healthy Connections.

By Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital Districtpublic relations coordinator

RIFLE – Grand River Hospital District, which oper-ates Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels, isoffering up more than a good lunch to homeboundseniors in the area who participate in the program.

For example, from Dec. 14-16, Meals on Wheelspartnered with Vista Subaru of Glenwood Springs.Vista, in addition to giving grant money, loaned threecars to Meals on Wheels. The vehicles were used todeliver meals on those days.

Vista also helped provide Blizzard Bags, a new pro-gram, which contain 24 hours worth of emergencyfood. The food is shelf stable for one year, andincludes heat-and-eat meals, oatmeal packets, cook-ies, water, and more. Each Blizzard Bag also includes

signs that can be placed in windows signalingwhether the person inside is OK or in need of help.

Blizzard Bags can be used if food cannot be deliv-ered or in case of an emergency, and are prepared bythe Medical Reserve Corps of Garfield County, a col-laborative effort among many organizations.

“GRHD has been paramount in their support ofthis project and so many community groups havebeen involved,” says Mickey Neal, co-coordinator forthe Medical Reserves Corp of Garfield County.

Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels andGrand River are also working to ensure that seniorswho participate in the program have an opportunityto get other needs met. With grant money given byBanfield Animal Hospitals, clients can have pet fooddelivered to their home with their Meals on Wheelsdelivery.

And, in a partnership with Garfield County PublicLibrary District, Meals on Wheels now offers Booksto Go. Clients can have reading material of theirchoice delivered once a month by their Meals onWheels driver. They have a choice of what type ofreading material they prefer and in addition to books,they can also check out books on cassette, CD andMP3 player.

“At GRHD, we feel that Meals on Wheels is farmore than delivering nutritious food, but is a commu-nity endeavor to provide daily contact, companion-ship, and a better quality of life,” says Kaaren Peck,volunteer services and Meals on Wheels manager forGrand River Hospital District. “All of these programenhancements make our Western Garfield CountyMeals on Wheels an enriching adventure for both ourclients and our volunteers,”

Western Garfield County Meals on Wheels hasbeen operated and supported by Grand River HospitalDistrict since 1976. With the help of 77 dedicated vol-unteers, the program delivers more than 650 meals amonth to homes in Parachute, Battlement Mesa, Rifle,Silt and New Castle.

Grand River implements electronic health record program

Mountain Family Health Centeroffering Saturday hours

To better accommodate those who work onweekdays, Mountain Family Health Center isextending its schedule to include Saturdays.

Beginning Jan. 9, the Saturday Clinic is offer-ing a reliable, low-cost alternative to visitinghospital emergency departments for minorinjuries and infections, and non life-threateningillnesses like coughs, colds and flu. TheSaturday Clinic is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on awalk-in basis, and no appointment is necessary.

Mountain Family is also open Mondaythrough Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.Mountain Family Health Center is located at1905 Blake Avenue, Suite 101, in GlenwoodSprings, across the street from Valley ViewHospital. To schedule an appointment onweekdays, please call 945-2840.

Mountain Family welcomes any person inneed of care, regardless of ability to pay, accept-ing most private insurances, Medicaid andMedicare, sliding scale programs and other assis-tance programs for any person who is uninsured.

– Mountain Family Health Center

Grand River’s Meals On Wheels offers much more than lunchMeals on Wheels… and more

• For more information about WesternGarfield County Meals on Wheels or to sign upfor the program, contact Kaaren Peck at 625-6423.

• For more information about Blizzard Bagsor if you know someone who may need one,contact Mickey Neal at 625-3393.

Vista Subaru donated the useof these cars that were used todeliver Meals on Wheels andBlizzard Bags in December.Pictured are volunteers Mikeand Jennifer Reyelts and theirdaughter.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Tahvonen


L I V I N G

Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints

Olive oil isn’t just for spaghetti anymore

By Barbara Barker

• A paper shredder can be used for more than just pro-tecting you from identify theft. Shred tissue paper andthen use it as festive strips inside gift bags and boxes.

• So you won’t forget those pearl studs on the hotelnightstand, fasten them into the holes on your watch-band.

• Reuse that old Kleenex box by stuffing those plasticgrocery bags in the empty tissue box and store under thekitchen sink.

• Take off your shoes before entering the house; track-ing creates more than 80 percent of the dirt and dust inyour home.

• Besides adding flavor to your spaghetti, you can useolive oil to shave, remove eye makeup, shine stainlesssteel, unstick a zipper, dust wooden furniture, and silencesqueaky doors.

• Make your guacamole ahead and keep it lookingfresh by squeezing a little lemon into your avocado dipand stir. The lemon will eliminate the browning thatoccurs when guacamole sits.

• Don’t throw out that old toothbrush holder. Fill itwith water and use it as a flower vase. Makes a fast, sym-metrical arrangement even if you’re all thumbs.

• No extra-long matches on hand? Try lighting up astick of spaghetti (only uncooked works) to light thosehard to reach candlewicks and pilot lights.

• Skip the formal tablecloth and use parchment paper,brown mailing paper, or festive gift-wrap to create a casu-al place mat for two when draped across the table, side toside.

• Before applying mascara, leave the wand outside thetube for a minute so it can dry a bit. Wet mascara canmake lashes clump.

• Slow cookers are notorious for failing to soften bakedbeans. Place a layer of foil directly on the beans to keepthe heat at the bottom of the pot and in the beans –rather than the heat rising to the lid. This shaves hours offcooking time.

• Remove stickers and decals from painted furniture bydabbing the labels with vinegar and peel them off with-out harming the paint.

• To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grat-ed raw potato in cheesecloth and apply it to your eyelidsfor 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the residue and apply an eyecream. The circles will lighten and the skin will tighten.

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon on aluminum foil and placethis in a hot oven and leave the oven door open. Do thisafter you have used the oven and turned it off.

• To sweeten the garbage disposal run some citrusrinds through it.

• Washable toys should be cleaned at least once amonth, or at least when visibly dirty. Throw the toys intothe top rack of the dishwasher or into the washingmachine, or hand wash them in dish soap and water.

• Put stuffed toys in a plastic bag and place them in afreezer for five to six hours once a week. This kills most liv-ing dust mites.

• And remember, The phrase “working mother” isredundant.

Barbara Barker of Battlement Mesa has lots more of thesehints, which she’ll reveal in future issues of the Echo.

Nature at Home and Afieldby Betsy Leonard

Succession: Change Over Time

Living in Florida at the ages of 9 and 10, I attended a Girl Scoutsummer camp near Ocala. I spent many long hours outdoors, learningto swim, canoeing, and sailing on the waters of Deer Lake.

Time goes by and 35 years later, I wanted to show my husbandwhere I had spent so many happy times. We drove up to the now- defunct camp and looked outto where the lake had been. Much to my surprise, all that remained was a soggy meadow with iso-lated pockets of shallow standing water. Succession had taken hold.

One thing that all communities and ecosystems share is that their structures constantly changein response to changing environmental conditions. The environment may change so much that aspecies’ niche disappears. Old niches are replaced by new niches to which different species areadapted. This gradual change in species composition is called ecological succession.

Ecologists recognize two types of ecological succession: primary and secondary, depending onthe conditions present at the beginning of the process.

Primary succession begins where there is no soil in a terrestrial ecosystem. Examples include anabandoned highway or parking lot, and a newly created shallow pond or reservoir.

The first steps of primary succession are colonized by organisms and formation of soil fromexposed rock. On land, organisms called lichens, a fungus and alga living in a mutualistic relation-ship, first colonize exposed rocks. Lichens secrete acids that break down the rock and form organ-ic material by photosynthesis. Weathering caused by wind, rain, and frost also breaks down rocks.Once soil has formed, grasses and other small plants begin to grow from seeds carried to the habi-tat by wind or animals. The grass community survives for many generations and makes the soildeeper and more fertile. Eventually, enough soil is formed to support non-woody plants, pines andother trees, eventually replaced by broadleaf trees and hardwood trees. This is the final stage ofsuccession in many areas. A mature ecosystem will change very little over time. A community thatdoes not undergo further succession is called a climax community.

Secondary succession begins in areas where the natural community of organisms has been dis-turbed, removed, or destroyed but the soil or bottom sediment remains.

Examples abound such as abandoned farmlands and burned or cut forests. Secondary succession resembles the later stages of primary succession. Eventually, a climax communi-

ty forms again, and the process of succession is complete. Descriptions of ecological succession usuallyfocus on changes in vegetation. However, these changes in turn affect food and shelter for various animals.

Ecological succession is not a matter of new species developing, or even old species adapting tonew conditions. Rather, it is a matter of populations of existing species taking advantage of a newarea as conditions become favorable. In any given landscape, there are likely to be all stages of suc-cession represented in the ecosystems present. It can be said that ecological succession helps tomaintain a balanced ecosystem.

Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives in Parachute.

Dancing at KSUN’s December fundraiser are George and Mary Hill, and Ron and Carol Schelling. Photos courtesy of Anne Huber


From the members ofCommunity Counts...…

from all of us, to all of you...

Happy New YearWe look forward to

working wth you in 2010.

www.communitycountscolorado.com Toll free: 866-442-9034

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

ObituaryDorothy D. Tucker

July 3, 1923 – Dec. 29, 2009

Former Battlement Mesa resident Dorothy D.Tucker passed away in a nursing home in Las Vegason Dec. 29, 2009. She was 86.

Dorothy was born in Worland ,Wyo. on July 3.1923 to Grace and Earl Davis. She graduated fromthe Worland school system.

In February 1942, she married Edwin N.Blackman. They had two children, Edwin Charlesand Vicki. Edwin, Dorothy’s husband, preceded herin death.

In 1979, Dorothy married Orville C. (O.C.)Tucker of Denver. They had no children.

Dorothy loved golf and was very active in theLadies Golf Club at Overland Park in Denver andHeather Ridge Golf Club in Aurora. She moved withher husband O.C. to Battlement Mesa in 1989,where she again was very active in the Ladies GolfClub at the Battlement Mesa Golf Club.

Dorothy and O.C. moved in October 2008 toMesquite, Nev. She was a member of the DesertDames, a ladies social club in Mesquite.

Dorothy is survived by her husband O.C., hertwo children, Edwin Charles Blackman of Rawlins,Wyo. Vicki Lynn Klein of Scottsbluff, Neb., and theirspouses, five grandchildren, nine great grandchil-dren and numerous relatives and friends.

There were no services. There was cremation. Dorothy was loved by many and will be missed

by all who knew her.

Anniversary

Above, Larry and Kay Soderberg in 2009; right, on theirwedding day in 1969.

Photos courtesy of the Soderbergs

Larry and Kay Soderberg cele-brated their 40th anniversary inDecember with a trip to FortWalton Beach, Fla.

On Nov. 30, 1969, Laurence(Larry) Soderberg, a widower withthree daughters, married KayBarraclough at the UnitedMethodist Church in Broomfield,Colo.

The couple moved toBattlement Mesa 16 years ago afterLarry retired from Martin Marietta(now Lockheed Martin) in Denver.

They have seven grandchildrenand four great grandchildren.

Happy 40th anniversary, Larry and Kay Soderberg!


L I B R A R Y N E W SParachute Branch Library • 244 Grand Valley Way • Parachute • 285-9870

By Amelia Shelley, Garfield County Public LibraryDistrict executive director

I get asked frequently if we are using local contractorson the Rifle and Parachute Branch Library projects. Theanswer is an unequivocal yes!

In hiring Adolfson and Peterson (A&P) as our generalcontractors, we asked them to pay special attention torecruiting local subcontractors for both jobs. They havemade significant efforts to reach out to the local subcon-tractor community including an open house in Rifle, exten-sive advertising, and recruitment for bids.

A&P has a rigorous vetting process for all subcontractors,including a review of their business experience with similarprojects, manpower availability and financial stability andnot every local contractor has been able to qualify. In thiseconomy this has proven to be a double-edged sword; it isboth difficult for some subcontractors to qualify for theprojects, and the project could potentially serve as the life-

line they need at this time to keep their business afloat.While we understand this dilemma, we also understand

that while the project is under construction, A&P is in chargeof the project and carries the liability should any subcontrac-tor fail to fulfill his obligations, which ultimately affectsthe quality and timely completion of the project.

I should note however, that currently we have seen alarge number of bids, and the library district is seeing adecline in the projected costs for the buildings. A&P hasalready hired a number of subcontractors that are newpartners for them. Through the first two bid packetsincluding site work, concrete and structure, 80 percent ofthe bids have gone to local subcontractors for the RifleBranch Library, and 73 percent to locals on Parachute.

I anticipate that we will not be able to keep these per-centages as high on the remainder of the work, becausethere aren't as many subcontractors in Garfield County inthe remaining trades being bid, but we expect to continueto hire local for much of the work.

New books available at the library

Here are some of the hot new titlesfor January available at the ParachuteBranch Library:

“Wild Child: And Other Stories” by T. Coraghessan Boyle

“Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier

“Burn” by Ted Dekker“Merry Wives of Maggody”

by Joan Hess “The Wolf at the Door” by Jack Higgins “Dragon Keeper” by Robin Hobb “A Fair Maiden” by Joyce Carol Oates “Iron River” by T. Jefferson Parker “Fun with Problems” by Robert Stone “Noah s Compass” by Anne Tyler “The Prodigal Wife” by Marcia Willett

Many more new books and DVDs areavailable. Check our website at garfield-libraries.org and feel free to use ourInternet page to put any of the abovetitles on hold with your library card orcome to the library and we will put yourname on the books for you.

Parachute Branch Library 285-9870The library will call or e-mail you when

your items are ready for pick up. Enjoy.

– Beret Brenckman, Parachute Branch Library

Library Briefs

Expansion and renovation of Parachute Branch Library beginsThe Parachute Branch Library held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 17 for the library’s expansion and renova-

tion project. Library Board President Nella Barker and Library District Executive Director Amelia Shelley spoke about therecent successes of the Parachute Branch, and how the building project will keep the library headed in the right direc-tion. Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson also talked of the importance of libraries.

The library has vacated the building to allow the construction process to move forward. The library closed Jan. 11,and moved across I-70 into downtown Parachute, to the northwest intersection of Fisher and Hill next to the GrandValley Center for Family Learning.

To get to the temporary location you will need to cross the bridge over I-70, take a left on First Street (the main streetthrough town), and a right on Fisher Avenue (by LIFT UP). The library is scheduled to reopen at its temporary locationon Jan. 20.

If you have questions, please call 285-9870. – Parachute Branch Library

Food for Fines at your libraryDuring the month of February, if you bring in non-perishable food items to any of the six Garfield County libraries

you will receive credit on your library card account. For every item you donate, you will receive a $1 credit appliedtoward overdue fines (not lost materials or fees). All the items donated will be given to the local LIFT-UP.

Last February Garfield County’s libraries collected more than 2,300 food items. So, look in your pantry or head tothe grocery store and take full advantage of this year’s Food for Fines program.

If you have questions please call 625-4270 or stop by your local branch library. – Garfield County Library District

Library district hiring local for regional construction projects

Amelia Shelley at groundbreaking for ParachuteBranch Library.

Photo courtesy of Garfield County Public Library District


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Live Programming each weekday morning 7-8 a.m. with weather, announcements, music and more.

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

KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246

www.ksunradio.org

B U S I N E S S

Taking the sting out of bankruptcyBankruptcy petition preparer Barbara Arrowood canhelp those facing Chapter 7

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Often, when facing a difficult situation, it’s better to deal with someone who’sfaced a similar set of circumstances. For those facing the possibility of bankruptcyin Parachute and Battlement Mesa, Barbara Arrowood is that person.

In the last decade, Barbara tragically lost both her husband Robbie, and heryoung son Ryan. In the midst of those devastating deaths, she had to declare bank-ruptcy, so she’s intimately familiar with confronting crisis.

“I know what it’s like,” she says. With 25 years of experience, she helps those trapped in a corner, facing job loss,

medical emergencies, layoffs, mounting debts, foreclosures and more.

Right hereBarbara is not a lawyer, so she cannot give legal advice. As a U.S. bankruptcy

petition preparer, however, she can help guide people through Chapter 7 bank-ruptcy.

It all starts with a local phone call. Instead of a nameless big-city firm, Barbaraand her team are right here in the Grand Valley area.

“So many people need help,” she says. “I know people are too scared to talk toanyone. People are so afraid to file.”

Barbara says the Chapter 7 filing materials are around 50 pages long. So she andher assistant Dee Doudy, help people move through the process.

“Dee does the initial interview,” says Barbara. “It’s a cup of coffee and you’re inand out with Dee.”

Chapter 7 is not for everyone, but it is for those who are sinking in insurmount-able debt. Typical candidates have often lost their jobs and have been unable tofind work. They’re often trying to keep their mortgage and car payments current,

but are slipping. They might be facing major surgery. They’re behind on their cred-it cards, but they keep using them because they have to find some way to feedtheir families.

“In my opinion, by the time your wages and assets are getting garnished, we’reat the critical stage,” says Barbara.

First stepsIn Barbara’s opinion, the first step is to do a “reality check,” that is, to get real

about what you owe and what can be done about it. “You have to list all your debts,” she says, “that’s every bill you owe.” Fortunately, she says she’s never seen creditors and lenders so willing to work

with people to restructure their debts. “In my opinion, you need to talk to your lenders,” she says. “You don’t want to

procrastinate.” And if Chapter 7 seems like the route to go, Barbara can immediately deflect

phone calls and mail from bill collectors.“I know what it feels like to have your phone ring and your heart jump into

your throat,” she says, adding that she can immediately take over those inquiries.

Next stepsBarbara says, in her opinion, that attitudes about bankruptcy have changed a

lot, especially since the economic downturn. In essence, it’s become a more forgiv-ing alternative.

She says that a lot of myths surround bankruptcy. For example, bankruptcydoesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your house or car. Filing Chapter 7 doesn’t for-give alimony, child support, student loans, some taxes and criminal restitution. Butit can help people get back on their feet and moving forward.

“I have clients from all ages,” Barbara says. “From kids in their 20s to retiredpeople. If you’re in trouble, we can get something done.”

Arrowood and Associates can be reached at 285-2201.


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

O U R S C H O O L STerrific KidsTerrific Kids for December 2009The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Terrific Kids for Parachute andBattlement’s two elementary schools. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive,Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.

St John Elementary SchoolDecember’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Jason Schubert, Katie Kellerby and JJ Treadwell; sec-ond row, Jacob Dunn, Sindi Cruz, Blaine Vance; third row, Jessica Orosz, Emily France, St John Principal JorySorensen and Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representative).

Congratulations to all of December’s Terrific Kids!

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolDecember’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Kirstin Medina, Hector De la Cruz, DaicenSadlier, Brian Friend and Kya Tague; second row, Kailey Davis, Luke Duran, Nelson Escolero, Taylor Miller andLeslie Monterosso third row, Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative), William Herndon, Justin Andrew, EricFrance, Bea Underwood Principal Mr. Berg and Macy Cross.

Involving Parents and Children

What’s new in 2010?By Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning (GVCFL) has high hopesfor the coming year. Your input as a parent, community member ordistrict employee is warmly welcome. See below for opportunities,and be sure to contact me, Rebecca Ruland, at 285-5702 if you’d liketo get involved with any of these projects.

School-based health clinic planning grantWe’re looking into starting a school-based health clinic (SBHC) at

our school.After meetings with Grand River Hospital District (GRHD), we now

have a partnership with them. Together, we applied for a planninggrant through the Colorado Health Foundation and were grantedmoney to hire a consultant, Dr. Maureen Daly of Wheatridge, Colo.Should her work with us show a need for a SBHC in our school district,we plan to apply to the Colorado Health Foundation by April 15.

Outdoor exploration area in the old playgroundWe have studied the potential impact of nature on child develop-

ment, including cooperative play, critical thinking and sensory devel-opment.

With this information, we met last year to talk about designing someof our school’s outdoor spaces. Parents Melissa Moore, Julie Rider, HeidiBertrard Miller, Victoria Call and Kimberly Tucker, among others, plant-ed garden beds, trees and flowers, dug a sand pit, and began creatingan “off road” track for bikes and trikes.

We got a good start, but there is still much to be done. We planto resume our efforts, and have been able to secure funds to hire aprofessional landscape design company, True Image Designs, to workwith us this spring.

Science exploration roomDuring the past year, Brandon Thurston, a Grand Valley High

School science teacher, and some of his students have been creating ahands-on science room in one of our empty classrooms. We’re hopingwe will be able to open the room at the end of this school year, pro-viding an outstanding resource for our teachers and students as wellas an opportunity for high school students to inspire a love of sciencewith their younger peers.

Options for parentsSome parents have suggested including a conversational Spanish

class alongside the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes weoffered this fall. Beginning Feb. 22, we will begin 10 weeks of FamilyLiteracy nights from 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays. These will include ESL, con-versational Spanish, and topics in technology using our computer lab.Additionally, the class will cover parents supporting their child’s successin school. Some childcare and homework help is available through thehigh school’s Key Club for children 3 through eighth grade.

A course in Love and Logic in English with Adriana Chavez beginsin February from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays. Child care will be provided forthe first eight children whose parents sign up. Contact Adriana Chavezat 285-5702 for more details.

On Jan. 27 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the center, Christine Singletonwill provide nutrition information for brain development, oral health,and prevention of obesity in young children.

GVCFL and Parachute Library parkingOur local library is being temporarily housed in the yellow building

adjacent to our school on the east side while their permanent buildingis being refurbished. Library patrons are being asked to park across thestreet in the present staff parking lot so that parents trying to droptheir children at school can park nearest the building.

Spotlight on teacherImelda Jones has been a preschool teacher at GVCFL for the past

six years. She was born in the Philippines and moved to South Carolinawith her military family as a baby. She and her husband moved toParachute after getting married. They have one son, Hunter, who is infifth grade. Imelda has an associate’s degree in accounting and workedin that field for 10 years. She is one class short of her Early ChildhoodDirector License certification.


O U R S C H O O L S

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

“Poisonous” poinsettias

By Alissa Cose, Grand Valley High School

One of the most traditional Christmas flowers is the poinsettia, but it hasbecome less popular over the years because people think they are very poisonousand will harm humans and animals if ingested.

The truth is that they are not deadly if ingested in small quantities. This rumor allstarted in 1919 when a 2-year-old child died and they assumed it was the fault of a“poisonous” poinsettia leaf. But according to the POISINDEX Information Service, a50-pound child would have to ingest 1.25 pounds or 500 to 600 leaves to exceed theexperimental doses. The only listed side effect in the “Handbook of Poisonous andInjurious Plants” is nothing more than occasional vomiting if ingested.

As with humans, poinsettias are non-toxic to animals as well. According to theAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website,ingesting poinsettia leaves will be “irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimescausing vomiting, but generally overrated in toxicity.”

So next Christmas, when you are out holiday shopping don’t second-guessyourself when buying poinsettias. They make a beautiful holiday decoration.

New Colorado law: Don’t text and drive

By Laurie Devere, Grand Valley High School

Everyone knows someone, or has heard about someone who has crashed theirvehicle because they were texting. Many young drivers consider it a second natureto text, and do not think twice about taking their eyes, and brain, off the road tosend a text message on their phone.

As of Dec. 1, a new law went into effect in the state of Colorado. It is now offi-cially illegal to text while driving. For drivers under the age of 18, being caught tex-ting while driving is a first offense, and for each ticket received, there will be anaccompanying $50 fine.

Adults cannot be pulled over just for texting, but if caught once and pulled over,they’ll receive a $50 fine as well.

It can be agreed by just about everybody that distraction in cars is very danger-ous and now this ban on texting will hopefully help reduce some risk out there onthe roads.

Get involved with your local high school

By Karmen Steimel, Grand Valley High School

Do you remember your good old friend from high school, VirgilHisel from 1977, or Tom Rich, the class president in 1974? Well, if yougraduated from Grand Valley High School during that time, you mostcertainly do.

The librarian at Grand Valley High School is working on a new, orshould I say old, project concerning the Hall of Senior Portraits. Shenoticed the portraits for a couple of the years were either terribly dam-aged or missing all together! With that, Judy Crook turned to the oldyearbooks to find the right pictures to scan and replace the old dam-aged ones in the hall, only to find that the yearbooks were in worseshape than the senior portraits.

Judy tried to restore them herself, and even tried to turn it into aclass project here at the school by proposing the idea to our digital pro-cessing class. Even with all her efforts, she could still use your help torestore Grand Valley’s senior class portraits.

If you have an older yearbook (preferably the years 1947-1948 or1969-1980) in good condition and wouldn’t mind loaning it to theschool for a couple weeks, please contact Judy Crook at GVHS.

Grand Valley’s Science Fair

By Samantha Orite, Grand Valley High School

Grand Valley High School had its Science Fair on Dec. 10 from 7:15 a.m. to 7:15p.m. They invited the community to come see all the great projects.

“There were some interesting projects and more creativity this year,” saysAngela Brady.

The winners of the 2009 GVHS Science Fair are: In first place for Earth/Space was Jordanne Williams. Engineering was Ryan

Williams and Tanner Zimmerman, Chemistry was Tarianna Lawrence and KaitlinBirdsey. Zoology was Tyler Lewis and Jesse Beasley. Health/Behavioral wasElisabeth LeFevre, and Botany was Yoanny Esparza.

The Best of Show winners were Ryan Williams and Tanner Zimmerman. Congratulations to all who participated and keep up the hard work. Have a

great school year.

Ryan Williams and Tanner Zimmerman, winners for the best of show at the science fair, show off their prize with teacher, Brian Roddiger, far left.

Grand Valley High School News

Grand Valley Middle School

A Message from the Principal By Scott C. Pankow

Happy New Year! As we begin 2010, we all have many hopes, dreams and visions of a new, bright and

prosperous new year.We all say “Happy New Year,” but what are we really saying? What we are doing is

wishing our fellow man, the best for their future, our future, and the future of ouryouth. The work that you and our teachers do for our children daily will create a suc-cessful town, state and country. So when we say Happy New Year, are we not really say-ing Happy Education for our children and our youth of tomorrow?

That being the case, it is never too early to begin thinking about college educationfor your middle school child. Before we left for break, all our eighth grade studentsreceived their Explore test results to review and see where their academic strengths andinterests might be for the future. Once the students had these results back, they had anopportunity to sign up on College in Colorado for early preparations for college. Takesome time and visit the website at collegeincolorado.org and look at your child’s inter-est and goal areas and what it will take to get them there.

We have a Breakfast of Champions again on Jan.15. Join us at 7 a.m. in the cafeteriato celebrate your child’s academic success. We have A/B Honor Roll, Principal Honor Roll(all As) most improved (GPA growth) and Citizenship (tied into the R.OA.R. program).

Again, welcome back and Happy Education for the New Year!


If you have something to contribute to The Grand Valley

Echo, let us [email protected]

All Saints' Episcopal Church150 Sipprelle Dr.Battlement Mesa285-7908Pastor's mobile: 985-5797The Reverend Edmond-JosephRivet, Priest-in-chargeWebsite: allsaintsepiscopal.infoChurch e-mail:

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

SundaySunday 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 BaptistChurch101 W. Battlement ParkwayParachute, CO 81635970-285-7946crownpeakbaptist.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 throughoutthe week ...Visit our website for more infor-mation.

Come -- Experience God's Power for life &livingKnow -- Christ through a loving family forfellowshipGrow -- In Christ through a foundation ofdiscipleshipGo -- With Christ in a ministry of servicewith 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. Box6248Battlement Mesa285-9862Charlie Hornick, PastorLance Easterling, Youth Pastor

SundayBlessing Up for ChurchBroadcast 103.9 FMSunday School: 9:30-10:15amMorning Worship: 10:30am

Evening Service: 5:30pm

Youth / Children’s ActivitiesGrace Bible Church Child Care:

Mon – Fri.Awana: Tues. 7:00pm

(Sept. – April)High School Youth:

Sun. 5:00-7:00pmMiddle School Youth:

Thurs 5:00-7:00pm

*Bible Studies, Special Activities(Call for times and places)

24-Hour Prayer Line: 384-7999

Grand Valley Christian Church2nd Street & Parachute AvenueParachute, CO 81635

Lois Smith, Pastor 285-9223e-mail: [email protected] Church Office 285-7597

Sunday worship 10:00 am

Daily Prayer Tuesday thru Friday9:30 a.m.

Grand Valley United Methodist Church132 N. Parachute Ave., P.O. Box 125,Parachute285-9892, 285-6582 E-mail: [email protected] Amrie, Pastor

SundayWorship Service:

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.Faith Journey Sunday

School same as Worship Service hour

Seekers Sunday School10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Contact church for more info: 285-9892

Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church (WELS)Worship Location: Historical Society Schoolhouse on County Road 300Battlement Mesa

Pastor, Bill Cornelius: 987-3093

Staff Minister of Youth, Outreach and WorshipAdam Lambrecht: 987-1992

Worship CoordinatorSarah Lambrecht: 285-7255

Worship Time: Sunday morning 10 a.m.

Family Bible Classes: Call for locationsMonday: 3:30 p.m.

(west side of town)Tuesday: 6 p.m.

(Glenwood Springs)Wednesday: 7 p.m.

(east side of town)Thursday: 7:30 p.m.

Starting Soon! Call for location

Confirmation/Catechism (Kids in sixth grade-high school):Wednesday 7 p.m.

"Come to me, all you who areweary and burdened, and I willgive you rest." Matthew 11:28

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley High School Cafeteria

800 Cardinal WayParachute, CO. 81635

Pastor David Bartlett

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 amYouth and Childrens Sunday School

(970) 210-5795(970) 210-5849

• The Echo Worship Directory •As I See It

Stacking up the messages

By Adam Lambrecht, staff minister of youth,music and outreach, Shepherd of the MesaLutheran Church

Perhaps it’s time for a personal confession: I love thegame of poker. I really do. I enjoy playing it, and I evenenjoy watching it on TV. There’s something about thetension of the game and the drama of the cards that sucksme in.

One of the things that always impresses me aboutpoker, though, has very little to do with the game itself.It’s how the players stack and play with their chips. Haveyou ever noticed that? What amazes me is how they areable to place their bets and count their chips simply bytouch. They don’t have to look and count out their chips,one by one. They stack their chips, so they’re able toknow with a simple touch how many they have.

Obviously, that’s not rocket science. It’s really quite asimple thing – something that can easily apply to manyareas of our lives. If you need to figure something out,you stack it up against something you already know.Science has long used this simple principle to testhypotheses. We use it, sometimes unwittingly, in our ownlives all the time – call it the “lessons of experience.” Westack up the new information we receive to somethingwe have already learned or experienced. It helps us eval-uate.

This simple principle applies to our religious lives, aswell. You don’t have to look far to realize that there arelots of different churches with lots of different messages.And often, they are conflicting messages. So, what arewe to do?

Stack it up with the Word of God. We take whateveranyone says – whether it’s a pastor or a teacher or a friendor a relative – and we stack it up with the Bible. There cer-tainly are a lot of different messages coming out of a lotof different churches. Some say, “If you’re a goodChristian, you’ll have happiness and success.” Others say,“Christians will face difficulty and trouble and persecu-tion.” Some churches might say, “The details don’t real-ly matter so long as we all believe in God.” Others maysay, “Every single word of the Bible is God’s Word.”Conflicting messages.

What do we do? With all of them, our practice is thesame. We stack these messages up against the Bible itself.And just like the poker player who’s able to stack his chipsand know how much he has, we know that if the messagestacks up to what God’s Word says, we have the truth.

As I see it, that’s our job as a church. We aren’t here toproclaim our wisdom or to argue people into faith. Notonly is that unloving, but it’s also unproductive. Our jobis to say, “Don’t take our word for it, go to the source –the Bible – for yourself.” We’re here to simply point peo-ple to the Bible. That’s where we find our comfort, joyand peace.

F A I T HTo be listed in The Echo Worship Directory, please contact [email protected] to set upan account. There is a small monthly fee of $10 to help offset the cost of producing this page.

GRAND VALLEY SPELLBINDERSis looking for volunteers.

Call 285-7175 for more information.


Grand Valley EchoPhone DirectoryAnimal Control 625-8095

Battlement Mesa Activity Center 285-9480

Battlement Mesa Company (Property Management)

285-9740

Battlement Mesa Maintenance 285-9174

Battlement Mesa Medical Center 285-7046

Battlement Mesa Service Association (Government)

285-9432

Consolidated Metro District

(Battlement Mesa water/sewer) 285-9050

Dispatch 625-8095

Emergencies (Fire, Law Enforcement, Medical) 911

Fire Department (Grand Valley Fire Protection District)

285-9119

Garfield County Commissioners 945-5004

Garfield County Courthouse 945-0453

Garfield County Sheriff (Non-emergency) 945-0453

Garfield County Sheriff Auxiliary 285-9261

Golf Club (Battlement Mesa) 285-7274

Grand River Medical Center 625-1510

Grand Valley Echo 963-2373

Holy Cross Electric 945-5491

KSUN Radio Station 285-2246

Mesa Vista Assisted Living Center 285-1844

Parachute Branch Library 285-9870

Parachute Town Hall 285-7630

Park and Recreation Department 285-0388

Police Department (Parachute) 285-7630

Post Office (Parachute) 285-7677

Road Conditions 877-315-7623

Schools

Bea Underwood Elementary 285-5703

District 16 285-5700

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

285-5702

Grand Valley High School 285-5705

Grand Valley Middle School 285-5707

St John Elementary School 285-5704

Senior Center (Parachute) 285-7934

Carrie ClickWriter + Proofer + Editor

Help for any writing project

[email protected]

Echo Briefs

New CEO selected for CMC in Rifle

After conducting a nationwide search, Colorado Mountain College has selected WesternSlope’s Nancy Genova to become the chief executive officer for its West Garfield Campusin Rifle.

“Nancy was not a candidate for the position,” said Stan Jensen, president of the college,which has 11 locations across the Western Slope. But at the public reception where com-munity members, employees and students could meet the five finalists interviewing for theposition in early December, the support voiced for Genova was overwhelming.

“At the reception and through an Internet survey we conducted, people said thoughthey thought one candidate or the other could do the job, Nancy was their first choice. Shewas our top vote getter,” Jensen said.

Before being named an executive vice president of the college in mid-2008, for morethan a decade Genova had headed up the college’s Roaring Fork Campus, with sites inSpring Valley, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Altogether, she’s been an employee ofthe college for 21 years.

– Colorado Mountain College

Radio series on KSUN wins environmental awardThe Isla Earth Radio Series, a 90-second spot heard on KSUN at 103.9 at 6 a.m. and 4

p.m., Monday through Friday, recently won the 2009 W3 Silver Award for its website,islaearth.org in the category of environmental awareness.

The Isla Earth Radio Series is an environmental call-to-action show produced by theCatalina Island Conservancy in Long Beach, Calif.

The award honors creative excellence on the web, and recognizes the creative and mar-keting professionals behind award winning websites, web video and online marketing pro-grams.

The Isla Earth website was selected from 3,000 entrants and the W3 Awards are sanc-tioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.

For additional information, visit islaearth.org.– Catalina Island Conservancy

Doc Holliday Comes to Battlement MesaOnce again, the Grand Valley Historical Society (GVHS) wants to remind Grand Valleyites

that the one and only Doc Holliday is coming to Battlement Mesa on Jan. 23. The historical society will hold its winter meeting on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. at the historic

Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. The afternoon’s program will feature R.W. Boyle, noted por-trayer of John Henry “Doc” Holliday.

R.W. has portrayed Doc Holliday to numerous groups throughout western Colorado andbrings a real sense of authenticity to the role with appropriate period dress and genuineand replica firearms that Doc would have used. Boyle will relate stories of the life and timesof this famous Western icon, and take questions about the notorious gambler.Refreshments will be served.

There is no admission fee to this program for GVHS members. The public is also invitedwith a requested donation of $3 for adults. Children will be admitted without charge, butparental discretion should be used as the program deals with adult subject matter aboutDoc Holliday’s life.

– Jim Klink, Grand Valley Historical Society

Symphony Swing tickets now on saleTickets are now on sale for Symphony Swing, the Symphony in the Valley’s gala event

to benefit the community orchestra. The show features the Symphony in the Valley Jazz Orchestra playing the top tunes from

the Big Band era, with sizzling hot soloists, including Debbie Dawson, Krista Espelien andLorraine Curry.

“This music is a treat for the ears, and if you like to dance, you won’t be able to sit still,”said Kelly Thompson of Rifle, a trumpet player, vocalist and co-conductor of SymphonySwing. He will share the podium with Conductor Carlos Elias and Co-conductor John Bokram.

Symphony Swing will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 26, at Grand Valley HighSchool in Parachute. The event will include light refreshments, bistro-style table seating anddancing on a spacious dance floor. Tickets are $20 for all seats. Tickets for the Parachuteshow are available in advance at the orchestra’s website, sitv.org.

Symphony Swing will also be presented at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the HotelColorado in Glenwood Springs. That event includes a full course meal and a cash bar in theDevereux Room at the Hotel Colorado. Tickets are $70 per person or $900 for a premiumtable for 10. Advance reservations are required.

– Heather McGregor, Symphony in the Valley


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TICKETS AVAILABLE ATTiffany of Redstone

and The Redstone General Store.CASH OR CHECK ONLY.

www.redstonecastle.usredstonecolorado.com

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

By Sue McEvoy, Crystal Valley Echo staff writer

While January and February may seem like the dead of winter, the first annual RedstoneWinterfest promises to bring life to the Crystal Valley for the entire weekend of Feb. 5-7.

Kicking off Friday afternoon at the Expo tent in front of the Redstone Inn, the weekendpromises activities for the daring, creative and inquisitive. Throughout the weekend, Rockand Ice magazine will host world-class ice climbers, gear demos and climbing demonstra-tions.

Saturday’s events include a 5k snowshoe race and fun walk around the Redstone Castle,kids games and a dog skijoring clinic at the Redstone Stables, an animal first aid class andthe fifth annual dog parade down Redstone Boulevard.

Saturday evening offers a catered moonlight ski at the Redstone Stables, the premier ofa new film, “North Face,” about the Eiger, and live music at the Redstone Inn.

On Sunday morning, a nordic and skate ski race is scheduled at Redstone Stables fol-lowed by more kids games and dog skjioring clinics. A rescue dog will do an avalanche res-cue demonstration at Elk Park. And all the kids are encouraged to try the Pebbles Ski Run.

Throughout the weekend, Redstone’s main drag will be a gallery of snow sculptureswith opportunities for kids to make their own in Redstone Park. All of the shops andrestaurants will be open and beer tasting and a chili cook-off just add to the flavor of thisyear’s Winterfest.

Redstone is located off Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 toGlenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Hopeto see you in Redstone!

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Antiques12863 Hwy 133 • Redstone, CO 81623

[email protected]

1-877-963-9339


THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADSFOR RENTBATTLEMENT MESA: 3 bedroom (1large master bedroom and bathwith large walk-in closet), 2 bathcondo. Separate laundry room withwasher and dryer, AC, 1 car garagewith large storage room. The RecCenter is within walking distanceand dues are included. $1,100 mo.plus security deposit. Beautiful viewsof the Roan Peaks - NS, pets consid-ered. 704-0373 (H), 404-2346 (cell).Battlement Mesa – New and latemodel manufactured homes forrent, both Singlewides andDoublewides. They range in sizefrom 1,065 to 2,400 sq. ft. 3Bedrooms and 2 baths, thelargest one is 4 BR/3 BA.Furnished and unfurnished. Allare immaculately clean, freshlypainted and excellently main-tained. They all have air condi-tioning or swamp coolers, washerand dryer, sheds and most havedecks. Rents range from $1,100to $1,675 and include Activitycenter membership, lot rent andtrash pick-up. One year lease.1st; last and security. Call foravailability. 948-5883. pd4/10NICE, NEW LOG HOME INDEBEQUE: 3bd/2ba, all appli-ances including w/d & gas fire-place. No Smokers, PetNegotiable. Asking $1,150/mo,first and SD. Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 319-7754. ColoradoHeritage Prop Mgmt Co.

FOR RENTIN BATTLEMENT MESA, GREATFAMILY HOME ON 1 ACRE: 2,077SF; 3bd/2ba; all appliancesincluded. N/S , Pet Negotiable.Activity center Included;$1,400/mo. first and SD. CallCHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970-319-7754. Colorado HeritageProp. Mgmt Co.

NICE HOME IN DEBEQUE: 1,600SF, 3bd/2ba AND FAMILYROOM. All appliances incl.; N/SN/P; $1,100/mo. first and SD.Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or970-319-7754. ColoradoHeritage Prop. Mgmt Co.

BATTLEMENT MESA, EXCEP-TIONAL, MAINTENANCE-FREETOWNHOME: 1,750 SF, 2bd/2baplus office. All appliances includ-ed and activity center. N/S. SmallPet Negotiable. $1,200/mo. firstand SD. Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970-319-7754 ColoradoHeritage Prop. Mgmt Co.

BATTLEMENT MESA, MAINTE-NANCE-FREE PATIO HOME 1,341SF: 2bd/2ba, all appliancesincluded plus activity center.N/S, N/P. $980/mo. First and SD.Call CHRIS 970-285-9700 or970-319-7754 Colorado HeritageProp. Mgmt Co.

FOR RENTRIFLE, NOW AVAILABLE - COM-FORT AND WARMTH! 1,300 SF,3bd/2b. All appliances included..N/S, No Pets. Wood Stove$1,100/mo. first plus SD CallCHRIS 970-285-9700 or 970-319-7754 Colorado HeritageProp. Mgmt Co.HORSE RANCH FOR SALE or RENTRIFLE – Seven acre horse facilityand/or investment property. OnHighway 13 just north of town,two houses, barn/shop, 4-stallbarn, hay shed, paddocks, out-door arena, fruit trees,Government Creek, water rights,mineral rights, two ponds, hun-dreds of trees. $500,000 or rentfor $2,500/mo.Contact Carrie at963-1009. ccTRUCK FOR SALE2002 Dodge Ram 2500, Tow andcamper package, New transmis-sion, Extra set of Rims, StuddedSnows, Shell, Pipe-Rack, Roll-OutExtend-a-Bed. 150,000 miles.Must sell - $5,000. 963-9027 tfnFOR SALEPERFECT WATER: A system to turndead water into LIVING, VIBRANT,VORTEXED STRUCTURED PER-FECT WATER for pennies per gal-lon. Call Patrick 970-285-7059. blCHEST FREEZER; works well.53wx28lx38d. $75.00 OBO. 285-7922. pd1x

SERVICESCHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY PETITIONPREPARATION $450.00. Stopharassing phone calls, judgments,garnishments. Confidential. 25 yearsexp. Call Barbara at 285-2201. blHELP WANTEDMarketing rep wanted for fastgrowing health & wellness co.Commissions + bonuses + profitsharing. Full or part time. ContactBarbara 309-1354 or 285-7634.OPPORTUNITYPlace your classified ad here andlet over 4,000 readers in theBattlement Mesa, Parachute andRifle areas know what you havefor sale or rent! Send your ad and$10 for 40 words to GVE, 274Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO81623 - Thank You!

THE GRAND VALLEYECHO CLASSIFIED ADSPHOTO CLASSIFIED AD–Run an photo

and 25 words for $15/month*LISTING CLASSIFIED AD–Run up to

40 words for $10/month**25¢ per word extra. These ads must be prepaid.

Name:__ _______________

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Ad:

Submit this form and payment by the 1st of the month to:

The Grand Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd.,Redstone, CO 81623

IF YOU ARE RUNNING A PHOTO CLASSIFIED,SEND PHOTO TO [email protected]

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE PICK UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS RACKS OUTSIDE:

Outlaw Ribbs • Wendy’s • Clark’s Market • Southgate Plaza/Grand Valley PubINSIDE AT:

The Kum & Go Stations • The Battlement Mesa Activity Center and at MANY local businesses!

IF YOU ENJOY READING THIS PAPER, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!The Echo is available at many valley locations for free pick up (see box Above)…

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FOR SALE2002 DODGE RAM 2500

• Tow and camper package• New transmission• Extra set of Rims• Studded Snows• Shell • Pipe-Rack• Roll-Out Extend-a-Bed

150,000 miles.MUST SELL - $5,000

ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED.

Call Michael 970-963-9027

Do you have a greatstory idea?

If you have something to contribute to The Grand Valley Echo, let us know

963-2373 • [email protected]

h h h


SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY

TO RUN YOUR AD IN THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 963-2373 TODAY!

Kyle StewartAstrological Consultant

963-5590

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE!

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

NOW SERVICINGPARACHUTE

AND BATTLEMENT MESA• Commercial dumpsters,

full time service

• Commercial roll-offs10, 20, 30, & 40 cubic yards available

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISPOSAL947-0990

Canyon CleanersFor all your laundry & dry cleaning needs.

• Open 9-5 – Mon - Fri •

In the Battlement Mesa Plaza down the hall from Farmer’s Insurance.

285-9947 • 876-5020office

• 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

LET YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU ARE HERE…

Place an ad in the Grand Valley Echo Service Directory.

Contact Alyssa for more information or to reserve your Service Directory Space!

[email protected]

Pleae support the advertisers that support The Grand Valley Echo!

Carrie ClickWriter + Proofer + Editor

Help for any writing project

[email protected]

Evenings & weekend hours available

CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCYPRICE REDUCTIONI know these are tough times... so I’ve lowered my price to help YOU!

Complete bankruptcy petition preparation$500.00 $450.00

Call Barbara Arrowood and find out more information.

CALL ARROWOOD AND ASSOCIATESU.S. Bankruptcy Petition Preparer

Call for free consultation and information.

970-285-2201Local business with 25 years experience

STOP HARASSING PHONE CALLSSTOP THREATENING LETTERS

STOP GARNISHMENT

gve january 2010

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