2012 grand valley echo november

Volume 5 Number 2 FREE Mid-November/ Mid-December 2012

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

INSIDE

Sports & Recpage 7

Our Schoolspages 10 & 11

Food Drivepage 3

New nursepractitioner

page 16

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Exit 72, the West Parachute interchange, officially opened on Oct. 31 – but don't tryto access it just yet. Closed signs are still in place as of press time so that roundaboutand road construction work can be completed. Although there's still work to bedone, crews moved quickly; just a month earlier on Oct. 9, the on and offramps werestill dirt and looked a long way off from being finished. Construction was moved upfrom 2013 to this year, with work beginning in late March. The new interchange, at$12 million, was designed to free up congestion at the main I-70/Parachute inter-change, providing easier access for energy industry traffic. And with Encana's newfield office now open nearby and just north of the interstate, town officials and ener-gy industry leaders anticipate that the area surrounding the new exit will eventuallyfill in with commercial entities. Photo by Carrie Click

I-70's Exit 72: A new way to exit

and access West Parachute

, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-November/Mid-December 2012

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

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

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

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $35 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ASSISTANT COPY EDITORJAE JULGRAN

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:

Charlie Hornick, LIFT-UP, Renelle Lott,Greg Rippy, M.E. Denomy, Rifle FuneralHome, the Jays, Dr. Laurie Marbas,Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club, SaraMcCurdy, Mary Anderson, Rob Ferguson,Colorado Mountain College, Kelsy Been,St. Mary’s, Anne Huber, Jeanne Miles,Ashlynn Speakman, Sierra Berger,Shannia Burns, Collin Weeks, Joy Kemper,Cary Parmenter, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, Mt. Callahan SteeringCommittee, Annick Pruett, Ann Galloway,Betsy Leonard, KSUN Community Radio,Roberta McGowan, Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church, PEO Chapter IP

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

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

A politically-motivated boycott at VJ’s Ribbs?

Dear Echo: Jean and Geno Johnson of VJ’s Outlaw Ribbs in Parachute have been boycotted by a number of

Republicans after they hosted a breakfast for Garfield County Democrats on Oct. 13.Four days after the event, Geno was allegedly contacted by a customer and learned from two Parachute-

based energy industry employees that someone had sent an email to employees telling them to boycott VJ'sbecause they hosted the Democrats.

In addition, former Bronco Vance Johnson texted his mother Jean a screen shot he took of his Facebookpage, where someone had posted a racist death threat for “helping Democrats.” Vance is a Republican.

Since then, several things have occured:Several people tried to locate the actual email and/or to find the photo and boycott post on the Internet.West GarCo Dems via the Battlement Concerned Citizens contacted an energy industry company for their

response, in which they denied knowledge of any such memo/email and that they “would not condone or tol-erate this type of behavior.”

Colorado Sen. Gail Schwartz, while meeting with energy executives in Denver, sternly spoke to themabout what she had learned. They assured her they would make sure that their employees were not involved.

I alerted West GarCo Dems to please support the Johnsons through dining at their restaurant and alertingsympathetic community members.

The Republican party and the Tea Party have held multiples of events at VJ's. For the Republicans who areall about the Constitution and protecting small businesses, they are running a small business out of businessover their politics.

The Johnsons have been losing hundreds of dollars a day for almost an entire month. They need our helpand our voices. Parachute and Battlement Mesa can ill afford the approximately 15 people that will be leftunemployed if the Johnsons are forced out of business.

Things we can do immediately:Support VJ's Outlaw Ribbs with your business and enlighten/encourage others toWrite letters to editors making our communities aware, supporting the Johnsons, and calling out the polit-

ical divisiveness and bigotry for what they are; Thanks much for reading this and for any ideas and support you can provide myself and/or the Johnsons

in getting their business back. I always believe in the power and the heart of the people.All the best,

Kim WilleCarbondale

PEO IW says thank you

Dear Echo:The members of the Philanthropic Educational Organization’s (PEO) Chapter IW would like to thank all

who attended our annual Fall Fashion Show on Oct. 20.

Your support helps us award scholarships for local women so theycan continue their education.

We would also like to give a special thank you to the following:Battlement Mesa Activity Center for the use of their facility; PlumCreek Cellars, DeBeque Canyon Winery and Carlson Vineyards (alllocated in Palisade) for their participation with their wines; Herberger’s,Miller’s Dry Goods, Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks, Dress Barn,Children’s Place and Gymboree for supplying the clothes for our mod-els; and Old Mountain Gifts and Jewelry for supplying jewelry for ourmodels to wear. We would also like to thank our BILs (husbands of thePEO sisters) for being our wine stewards and escorts again this year.

Without the support of the community and these businesses, ourfashion show wouldn’t have been as successful as it was. We hope tosee you all again next October.

Karen KlinkPEO IW Public Relations

News from Fran Storm, a favorite formerGrand Valleyite

The Echo received the following letter from Fran Storm, who lived inBattlement Mesa for many years and was an integral part of the BattlementMesa Activity Center and the community. We thought readers would like toknow what Fran has been up to since she left the area.

Dear Echo:It is fun to keep up with Battlement Mesa via your paper.I am indeed busy in my new community, president of the Seniors,

first vice president for the SAC Wayne County division, a New Yorksenior group, on the hospitality committee for the King’s Daughters andchairperson of the Village Christmas event.

I have tried sitting. It doesn't work.There are so many wonderful cultural events in this area. I am a

happy camper. I certainly miss my friends and the mountains ofColorado, making new memories with the lakes and wine of UpperNew York state and the people who live here.

Take care and continued success with the paper.Fran Storm

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-November/Mid-December 2012,

Food drive for LIFT-UP is makinga differenceBy Charlie Hornick, Echo contributor

The Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis Food Drivetook place on Oct. 27 on “National Make a DifferenceDay.” Thanks to a multitude of volunteers, more thanthree tons of food is now available for the holidays andfor the coming year for the valuable ministry of LIFT-UP.

Hundreds of households gave food and many volun-teers assisted in collecting and sorting the boxes, cansand packages. Those who witnessed the diligent workof youth and adults at the St John Community Centercame away with big smiles.

Well over half of the volunteers were young people.The Builders Club from Grand Valley Middle School andthe Key Club from Grand Valley High School, along withvolunteers from Grace Bible Church stuffed fliers into theplastic bags donated by Clark’s Market.

Close to 3,000 bags were then distributed a weekbefore the food drive throughout area by these youth along with Boy ScoutTroop 255, the Kiwanians, employees of the Town of Parachute and othervolunteers from the community. Residents were asked to fill the sacks withnon-perishable items. The response was phenomenal.

On the beautiful and sunny day of the food drive,volunteers filled the gym at St John and sorted thefood, which was then transported to the new LIFT-UPFood Bank in Parachute.

The LIFT-UP Food Bank serves local families inneed. LIFT-UP is an acronym for Life Interfaith Teamon Unemployment and Poverty. Utilization of the foodbank has increased more than 100 percent in the pastcouple of years. This year’s food drive will prove tomake the holidays brighter and easier for many.

Volunteers serve guests at The Extended Table Soup Kitchen inGlenwood Springs. Photo courtesy of LIFT-UP

LIFT-UP's Extended Table Soup Kitchen now extends to Rifle

LIFT-UP began hosting an Extended Table SoupKitchen in RIfle each Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. beginningOct. 16 at the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Churchin the Lovell Building, 200 E. Fourth St. in Rifle.

The Extended Table started in 1995 and has been serv-ing nutritious meals each weekday for the past 17 years inthe basement of the First United Methodist Church inGlenwood Springs. The meals are prepared and served byvolunteer groups.

Last year the Glenwood location served 13,400 meals.This year about 1,200 meals per month have been servedto roughly 60 people each weeknight.

LIFT-UP is pleased to be able to now offer this serviceto anyone in need in the Rifle area.

– LIFT-UP

Top, Boxes of foodare loaded onto

trucks after they aresorted, center.

Bottom, Boy ScoutConnor Sproles

delivers a box offood to the LIFT-UP

Food Bank.

Photos courtesyof Charlie

Hornick


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

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

• Nov. 17: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Home for TheHolidays Shopping Event is at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center, 0398Arroyo Dr., Battlement.• Nov. 17: The 30th annual Craft Fair is atthe Grand Valley High School gymnasium.Original, hand crafted items; shop athome for gifts or for items for your homethat are unique. There will be home bakedgoods for sale, as well. The school groupswill have a few booths too. parachutebat-tlementparkandrecreation.org.• Nov. 17: 7-10:30 p.m. Battlement MesaSchoolhouse Community Dance. Come at7 p.m. for a dance class; dance starts at 8p.m. Dances are held monthly, on thethird Saturday of the month. Free, thoughdonations gratefully accepted. Susanne,250-6262; Judi, 285-9696.• Nov. 20: 7 a.m. The Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets in theCommunity Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.• Nov. 20: 10 a.m. Tips, Topics and Talkson Tuesdays. “Pamper Yourself Day" Treatyourself to hand dips and chair massages.Put your creativity to use in making holi-day gift bags. Refreshments will be served.Everyone is welcome. Valley SeniorCenter, 540 N. Parachute Ave.• Nov. 20: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do LunchBunch meet at the Parachute BranchLibrary to discuss “Defending Jacob” byWilliam Landay. Enjoy a potluck lunch.285-9870.• Nov. 22: Happy Thanksgiving.• Nov. 26: 3 p.m. Anime Club. Meet atthe Parachute Branch Library to talk aboutyour favorites, get recommendations, andpractice your drawing skills. 285-9870.• Nov. 27: 7 a.m. The Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets at theCommunity Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.• Nov. 30: 6-8 p.m. Opening reception forJack Roberts’ painting exhibit at CMCRifle. 3695 Airport Rd. Rifle. RSVP toCrystal Schiller at 947-8361.• Dec. 1: 7 p.m. KSUN Holiday Gala at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. Advancetickets are $30 and available at the activi-ty center, Alpine Bank and Old MountainGift and Jewelry.

• Dec. 4: 7 a.m. The Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets in theCommunity Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.• Dec. 5: 1 p.m. Crochet for Christmas atthe Parachute Branch Library, 244 GrandValley Way. Know how to make a simplechain? Need some very quick Christmasgifts? Bring a “G” crochet hook and ahunk of yarn. Class limited to 10, so signup now by calling 285-9870 or stoppingby the library.• Dec. 6: 5:30-8:30 p.m. The EnergyAdvisory Board meets to encourage posi-tive communication and responsible ener-gy development at the Rifle BranchLibrary, 207 East Ave., Rifle. For topics,more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or con-tact Denice Brown at 625-5915.• Dec. 6: 6 p.m. Wrap it Up. Need timeand space to wrap up those gifts? Join usat the Parachute Branch Library for bigtables and lots of space so you can wrapaway. And don’t worry, no one will tellyour loved ones what they’re getting forChristmas. Even enjoy some refreshmentswhile you toil away. 285-9870.• Dec. 8: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church in Parachute has its annu-al Holiday Cookie and Craft Sale in thechurch’s Fellowship Hall at 132 North Ave.• Dec. 8: 1-4 p.m. Holiday Home Tour,presented by the PEO Chapter IP toursfour Battlement Mesa and Parachutehomes. Ticket are $10; proceeds providescholarships to local graduating students.To purchase tickets, call 285-5627 or 285-1112.• Dec. 8: Kid’s Christmas at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. Mr. andMrs. Claus will be there with gifts for thechildren. Cookies will be provided by theGrand River Hospital. • Dec. 11: 7 a.m. The Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets in theCommunity Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.• Dec. 11: 10 a.m. Tackle it Tuesday at theParachute Library. Calling all quilters,stampers, needle crafters and scrapbook-ers. There will be tables, irons, ironingboards and cutting mats all set up for yourconvenience. Drop in and bring your proj-

ect for a day of crafting, food and friends.Bring your own lunch, refreshments willbe provided. 285-9870.• Dec. 11: 3:30-5 p.m. The BattlementMesa Service Association’s Oil and GasCommittee meets at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. The public is welcome.285-9432.• Dec. 14: Last day to submit commentsregarding the BLM’s draft White RiverResource Management Plan Oil and GasAmendment. For more info go towww.blm.gov/…oom/2012/august/blm_proposes_plan.html .

ONGOING• The Parachute Branch Library hosts StoryTimes, including Toddler Story Time, Readyto Read Story Time and Bilingual StoryTime on a regular basis each week. Lots ofother reading clubs and events for all agesmeet at the library as well. 285-9870.• The Battlement Mesa Activity Center hasa variety of exercise classes for preschool-ers to seniors. Call Anne, 285-9480.• Castle Tours: Guided holiday tours ofthe Historic Redstone Castle Saturdays &Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Tickets available atRedstone General Store and Tiffany ofRedstone. $15 for adults and $10 for sen-iors / children, free for kids under 5 yrs.More info 963-9656 or redstonecastle.us.• Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., PartyBridge is held at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. All levels welcome.• Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. theGrand Valley United Methodist Churchserves a free soup lunch at the church at132 Parachute Ave.• The fourth Monday of every month, theGrand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet at9:30 a.m. at the Battlement MesaSchoolhouse. Call Roxie Jones at 285-9791and Patsy Noel at 285-2472 for more info.• The last Monday of the month, anAlzheimer’s caregiver support groupmeets from 10-11 a.m. at the GrandValley United Methodist Church, 132 N.Parachute Ave., 800-272-3900, 987-3184. • The first Tuesday of every month at 6:30p.m., the Grand Valley Citizens Alliancemeets at the Rifle Branch Library commu-nity room. Leslie, 618-0890.• Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the KiwanisClub of Grand Valley/Parachute meets at

the Community Room of the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., programbegins at 7:30 a.m.• Every Tuesday, a group plays pinochle at1:30 p.m. at the Parachute Valley SeniorCenter. Call Cheryl at 285-9755 for infor-mation or to arrange a needed ride. Thesenior center is located at 540 N.Parachute Ave., Parachute.• The second Tuesday of every month at3:30 p.m. the Battlement Mesa ServiceAssociation’s Oil and Gas Committee meetsat the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.• Grand Mesa Chorus rehearses everyTuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at theRedlands United Methodist Church, 527Village Way, Grand Junction. All women age16 and older are welcome to audition. CallShirley at 255-9419, grandmesachorus.org.• Neighborhood Watch meets the secondTuesday of the month at 7 p.m. atParachute Town Hall, 222 Grand ValleyWay, Parachute. 285-7630.• The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEART-BEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide –is open to anyone who has suffered the lossof a loved one through suicide – no matterhow long ago. This peer group meets thesecond Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.at the First United Methodist Church inGlenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapelentrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street.Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, [email protected].• The second Tuesday or Wednesday ofevery month at 6:30 p.m., theParachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District board of directorsmeets at the recreation district office, 259Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, para-chutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.• The third Tuesday of every month at 9a.m., the Battlement Mesa ServiceAssociation meets at the Battlement MesaActivity Center.• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., theParachute Valley Senior Center hosts aluncheon prepared by the Rifle SeniorCenter. $2.50 for those over 60.Reservations taken Mondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.• The first and third Wednesday of everymonth at 3 p.m., the Battlement MesaArchitectural Committee meets at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. Open tothe public. 285-9432.• Every last Wednesday of the month from

5-6 p.m., an Alzheimer’s caregiver supportgroup meets at Alpine Hospice, 1517Blake Ave., Suite 100B in Glenwood.Andrea, 471-9312.• Battlement Concerned Citizens meet thesecond and fourth Wednesdays of everymonth at 1:30 p.m. at the BattlementMesa Activity Center to discuss issues ofconcern to the Battlement Mesa commu-nity. Open to the public. Dave, 285-2263or Paul, 285-7791.• Common Ground meets the fourthWednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. atthe Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Thegroup is comprised of citizens fromParachute and Battlement Mesa who arecommitted to working together for a bet-ter community. All residents interested incontributing their time and energy for thebetterment of Battlement and Parachuteare encouraged to attend.• Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except thefirst Thursday of the month), the PrayerShawl Ministry meets at the Grand ValleyUnited Methodist Church, 132 N.Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or the church, 285-9892, to join in.• The first Thursday of every month from5:30-8:30 p.m., the Energy Advisory Boardmeets to encourage positive communica-tion and responsible energy developmentat the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave.,Rifle. For topics, more, go to garfield-coun-ty.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx,or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.• The second Thursday of every month,One Moment meets, which is a supportgroup for bereaved parents who haveexperienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, orearly infant loss. Meetings are led byMarcia Villarreal and Amanda Emerson-Burger at the Glenwood Insurance Agency,1605 Grand Ave., Glenwood, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 963-7110, 379-5387.• Seniors age 60 and older and disabled ofany age may ride The Traveler, a wheel-chair-accessible van with door-to-doorservice from Parachute to GlenwoodSprings and to various towns and loca-tions in between in Garfield County.Suggested donation is $8 round trip. TheTraveler also travels from Parachute toGrand Junction the second Thursday ofthe month. Donation is $20 round trip.Call 48 hours in advance for reservationsand information at 625-1366• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “CommunityConnections” hosts interviews with commu-nity members on KSUN 103.9 FM.

**Not valid on Valentine’s Day

**


O I L & G A S

Garfield County Federal Mineral LeaseDistrict announces fall grant recipientsBy Greg Rippy, GFMLD

The Garfield Federal Mineral Lease District Board of Directors recently awarded grants to thefollowing entities during its fall 2012 grant cycle.

The grants awarded for the fall 2012 grant cycle totaled $1,777,958.10. The grants awarded forthe traditional grant program totaled $ 1,587,328.10. The grants awarded for the mini grant pro-gram totaled $190,630.

The spring 2013 grant cycle will begin in February with award announcements anticipated in April.

Settlement reached in lawsuit by GrandValley entities against Garco’s commissionersBy Renelle Lott, Garfield County

The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) signed a settlement agreement in mid-October with the Western Colorado Congress, Paul Light, and the Grand Valley Citizens Allianceregarding a lawsuit alleging the BOCC violated Colorado’s Open Meetings Law (OML).

The agreement centered on a March 27, 2012 meeting in Vernal, Utah, which the commissionersaddressed in public meetings in advance, but did not provide notice of the meeting.

Under the settlement, the BOCC is sending a letter to theBureau of Land Management (BLM) notifying the BLM thatResolution 12-14, which was submitted as the BOCC’s publiccomments on BLM’s 2012 Oil Shale and Tar Sands ProgrammaticEnvironmental Impact Statement, has been rescinded.

The BOCC agreed to pay $7,500 in attorney’s fees to plaintiffs.“As I said at the time we rescinded the resolution, I do not

believe that continued litigation is in the best interest of the cit-izens of Garfield County,” Commissioner Mike Samson said.

The BOCC also agreed not to consider adopting a resolutionthat addresses the BLM’s 2012 Oil Shale and Tar SandsProgrammatic Environmental Impact Statement in the future,unless the BOCC has publicly posted a notice at least 14 calen-dar days prior to the public meeting at which the resolution willbe considered, and that the BOCC will hear public comment onthe proposed resolution prior to making a decision.

The lawsuit against the BOCC was dismissed as part of thesettlement.

Getting prepared for tax seasonIndeed it is only November, but us accountant types are

already prepping for our special time. No, I don’t meanChristmas, but tax season. I know all of you are saying “Ugh, notyet”, but being prepared for the future certainly can help youmake good decisions.

All of the candidates for office were talking about the need tobeef up Medicare in order to ensure its survival. To help protectMedicare, in 2010, the government passed a new tax that will becharged only against certain types of income and only upon peo-ple who exceed a certain level of income.

For folks who receive oil and gas royalty income, interestincome, dividend income and other income that is considered“passive income,” they may have to pay an additional 3.8 per-cent tax to help beef up Medicare starting in 2013. Income mustexceed $200,000 for single people or $250,000 for married cou-ples before the tax kicks in.

Those whose income is less than $200,000 will not have to paythis tax except for those who have their income in what is calleda trust. Trusts actually have to be set up, usually with a lawyer. Oiland gas royalty income, as well as other types of passive income,could be taxed at an income rate of as low as $12,000 if there isnot some pre-planning done with your tax preparer.

Now, that you are prepared for the next tax season, get thoseturkeys and pumpkin pies ready and have a happy Thanksgiving.

GRAND VALLEYENERGYA monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA

Commissioners approve funding for air emissions studyBy Renelle Lott, chief communications officer,Garfield County

The Garfield Board of County Commissioners(BOCC) has signed a formal agreement with ColoradoState University (CSU) to provide substantial fundingfor an academic study to collect data on air emissionssurrounding well pad activities in Garfield County.

The BOCC committed $1 million towards the $1.77million study from its Oil and Gas Mitigation Fund. Thebalance of study funding will come from gifts to CSU,including from oil and gas companies. The air emissionsstudy will be conducted over a three-year period begin-ning this fall, and concluding in the fall of 2015.

The BOCC expressed unanimous support for the

project and finalization of the intergovernmental agree-ment (IGA) now allows CSU researchers to conduct thestudy.

The IGA outlines that the purpose of the project is toquantify air emissions emitted from natural gas drillingand well completion operations, which includehydraulic fracturing and flow back processes.

Air emissions will be measured at various distances,upwind and downwind, from several well sites acrossGarfield County. The project scope is not designed to,and will not consider or quantify impacts, includinghealth impacts, that potential pollutants or their con-centrations may have. Instead, the air emissions datawill be made available for public use. The IGA requirestimely disclosure of any hazardous conditions that may

be discovered in the course of the study.CSU will provide progress reports and submit

monthly invoices to the county; however, documents,data, methodologies and results will remain confiden-tial property of CSU until all data are collected,reviewed and provided as a whole to the public at theconclusion of the study.

The proposal from CSU for the study, titledCharacterizing Air Emissions from Natural Gas Drillingand Well Completion Operations in Garfield County,Colorado, and the associated IGA, as well as pressreleases regarding the study, are available on theGarfield County website at garfield-county.com/air-quality/air-emissions-study.aspx.

Awards in the traditional grant programwere made to:Garfield County Library District - $50,000Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation -

$270,000Town of New Castle - $231,000Parachute Park & Recreation - $ 350,000City of Rifle - $217,000Ross Montessori School - $150,000Town of Silt - $319,328

Awards in the mini grant program weremade to:Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District -

$23,250Town of Carbondale - $24,690Garfield County Housing Authority - $18,000Garfield County Library District - $24,690Garfield School District No. 16 - $25,000Town of New Castle - $25,000City of Rifle - $25,000Town of Silt - $25,000


O B I T U A R I E S

Lori Kay (Kemper) WestDec. 29, 1961 – Oct. 21, 2012

Lori Kay West of Fresno, Calif. passed awayon Oct. 21 after a long battle with cancer. Shewas 50.

She was preceded in death by her husbandRobert West III. She is survived by her two chil-dren, Tamara, 23 and Robert (BJ) IV, 19, and abrother, Lindsey Kemper, of Millikin, Colo.

Lori was the daughter of Leon Kemper ofEstes Park, Colo. and Joy Kemper of BattlementMesa. Lori was a loving mother and loved by allwho knew her.

Lori was an advocate of advanced educationand both of her children are in college. Tamarais studying psychology and working with chil-dren with disabilities and BJ is learning comput-er science.

Lori loved animals and was a caretaker toany stray cat or dog.

A memorial was held by her children forNov. 4 at their home in Fresno.

Frederick William HopperSept. 16, 1921 – Sept. 28, 2012

"Some bright morning when this life is over,I'll fly away--"

On Sept. 28, 2012, Fred boarded his finalglider flight to the heavens leaving behind hisbeloved wife Mary; his daughters Tracy Tatroand Kirn Dominguez (Jesse); grandchildrenChris Tatro‚ and Shannon Tatro Ponce;nephews Tommy, Fred, Ricky and EddieJohnson and families. He also leaves behindmany dear and long-time friends. Fred was 91.

Fred grew up in Denver's Park Hill neighbor-hood, enjoying adventurous family forays intothe mountains and excursions on Denver's bigboxy street cars.

He graduated from D.U. with degrees inchemistry, math and physics. He was interest-ed in the electronics industry from the days ofcrystal set receivers to the marvelous devicesof today. Along with two other D.U. graduateshe founded Rocky Mountain Research Lab,now Great Western Inorganics. For manyyears, he worked for Martin Marietta. Fredwas a member of the team on the first Marsmission in 1976.

In 2011 he was a member of the final WesternSlope Honor Flight to Washington DC for WorldWar II veterans. He will be remembered for hisgreat love of his family. Hobbies were mathe-matics, photography, writing, cartooning,skiing,flying, fishing, hiking and biking.

"I'll fly away to a place where joys willnever end"

To honor Fred's memory donations may bemade to Colorado State Veterans NursingHorne, 851 E. Fifth St., Rifle, CO 81650

Online condolences may be made atrifleruneralhome.com.

Dear Heather,Four years ago you left us. We

miss you every single day, and askon this anniversary that peoplestop and remember Heather for afew minutes, her smile, her kindnature, and her joy in life. Heather,we know that you are watchingover all of us. We miss and loveyou so very much.

– Mom and Dad


S P O R T S & R E CBattlement Mesa Ladies GolfClub gives out 2012 awards

The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club scramble and luncheon, heldon Oct. 2, recognized members for their achievements during the season.

DiAnn Robertson is this year’s 18-hole Low Gross Club Championand Nancy Swenson is the nine-hole Low Gross Champion. ConnieStiers finished the tournament as 18-hole Low Net winner and BarbPavlin is the nine-hole Low Net winner.

The match play winners this year are Connie Stiers for 18 holes andNancy Swenson for nine holes. Their runners-up are Sue Knuth and JudiGentilcore.

The top seven places in the season-long points game went to SueKnuth, Betty Mosby, Karen Elsea, Nancy Swenson, Paula Coons, BarbPavlin and Connie Stiers.

Margaret Cooke received the Most Improved Player award for 2012;Barb Pavlin played every Tuesday of the season; and the Ringer Boardwinners are Sandi Saxton and Paula Coons for the 18-hole players andBarb Pavlin and Sharon Temple in the nine-hole competition.

In new awards this year, the club recognized the members who scored the most chip-ins, birdies andeagles. Margaret Prater was the only member who executed a chip-in that resulted in an eagle; Karen Elseaposted seven chip-ins and Paula Coons and Sue Knuth scored three birdies each.

The 2012 season went very well and the club is looking forward to April when the new season begins.

– Sara McCurdy, Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District

The 30th annual CraftFair is on Nov. 17 atGrand Valley High SchoolBy Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation director

Fall soccer has wrapped up. The U12 Girls are league champi-ons. Thank you coaches and referees.

Battlement Mesa/Parachute New Community Park:Proceeds from the Common Ground Community Classic GolfTournament totaled more $11,000. In addition, the Park andRecreation District will be receiving a grant from the GarfieldCounty Federal Mineral Lease District (FMLD) in the amount of$350,000 to help with Phase One of the park’s construction.Obtaining the grant was a team effort and we are all verypleased that the FMLD board chose the district to receive someof the funds available.

Adult Co-ed Volleyball: There are nine teams participatingin the fall season. Games are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter. Babysitting is provided for the little ones. This is alwaysa fun program for adults. Stop by if you would like to watchsome of the adult volleyball action.

Youth Girls Basketball: There is a third/fourth grade teamand a fifth/sixth grade team in the 2012 fall Colorado RiverLeague. Practices are held on Wednesday and Thursdayevenings, and games are held on Saturdays. Practices are at theSt. John Community Center.

Tiny Tot Basketball: For youngsters K–second grade. Thelittle ones learn the basics of basketball. Practices are held twotimes per week, from 5-6 p.m. at Bea Underwood Elementary onWednesdays and Thursdays.

Thirtieth Annual Craft Fair: The 30th Annual Craft Fairis on Nov. 17 at Grand Valley High School. The doors open at 9a.m. We appreciate the high school allowing us to transform theschool into a one-day shopping extravaganza. Kitchen towels,quilts, wood items, metal art, photography, jewelry, paintings,Christmas wood items for the entryway to your home, puzzles,pottery, ceramics, handmade soaps and both products, knit hats,fleece vests and throws, dried packaged dips and salsas, freshpeach salsa, fused glass products, intarsia wood items, candles,fabric and tapestry bags, stocking stuffers, dog collars and livertreats for pets,, antique bird houses, one of a kind decorated oldwindows, fudge, cream caramels, jackets, scarves, purses, wildhorse calendars, jams, jellies, floral bouquets, wreaths, babyblankets, decorative metal art, elk antler and rifle cartridge writ-ing pens and home baked goods plus there will be a concessionstand with proceeds benefiting the school’s junior class.Poinsettias will also be for sale in the lobby.

The recreation district’s five-member board of directors holdsmeetings on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each monthat 7 p.m. at the district office, 259 Cardinal Way. The boardmembers are elected biannually by the members of the commu-nity. Current board members are Jason Fletcher, DeniseGallegos, Ron Palmer, Michael Richards and Marilyn Bulger.

Check out the website for more information at parachutebat-tlementparkandrecreation.org.

Sponsored byParachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

DiAnn Robertson is theBattlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club18-hole Low Gross Champion.

Photo courtesy of BattlementMesa Ladies Golf Club

Echo BriefsLocal artist Jack Roberts’ paint-ings featured at CMC Rifleexhibit

Parachute’s Judi Hayward is sponsoring an artexhibit at Rifle’s Colorado Mountain Collegecampus starting on Nov. 30.

The exhibit focuses on the work of JackRoberts, who for 50 years, depicted the historyand spirit of western life in his own distinctivestyle. In his studio located near Redstone he cre-ated as many as 40 paintings a year.

Jack’s son, Gary Miller of Rifle will discuss hisfather’s work at an opening reception from 6-8p.m. at the Rifle campus, 3695 Airport Rd. Rifle.

RSVP to Crystal Schiller at 947-8361 if youwould like to attend the reception.

– CMC

Karol Sacca receives librarian award

Parachute Branch Library Manager KarolSacca recently received the Lucy SchweersAward for Excellence in Paralibrarianship at the2012 Colorado Association of LibrariesConference.

This award is given to a librarian who displaysoutstanding leadership and service, as well as

excellence in the library, information or mediafield within the state of Colorado.

Nominees must directly or indirectly servepatrons and communities in a way that goesbeyond basic requirements of his or her job.Karol was selected among a number of nomi-nees from throughout Colorado.

– Kelsy Been, Garfield County Libraries

St. Mary’s Christmas BazaarFind that special gift at St. Mary’s traditional

Christmas Holiday Bazaar, beginning at 8:30a.m. on Nov. 17 at Seventh and Birch streets inRifle.

The bazaar will feature vintage linens, datedcollectibles, unique ornaments, gift baskets,hand-crafted items, bling, home decor andmuch more. Stock your pantry with homemadegoodies and garden-fresh canned goods fromthe country kitchen.

Enjoy hot cinnamon rolls and beverages from8:30-10:00 a.m. and then stay for lunch. Soup,beverage and dessert will be served from 11:30a.m.-1 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be available for an authenticAmerican Girl doll, complete with wardrobe,book and hand crafted decorated cradle.

For further info, call 625-5115 or email [email protected].

– St. Mary’s

Holiday safety preparednesstips from the Red CrossBy Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling orbroiling food. If you must leave the kitchen unattend-ed for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, boiling or roast-ing food, check it regularly, remain in the homewhile food is cooking and use a timer to remind youthat the stove or oven is on.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing or danglingsleeves while cooking.

• Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforc-ing a "kid-free zone" of three feet around the stove.

• Keep anything that can catch on fire such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plas-

tic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains awayfrom your stovetop, oven or any other appliance inthe kitchen that generates heat.

• If you must use a turkey fryer, make sure it isoutdoors and in an open area away from all walls,fences or other structures that could catch on fire.Also keep the fryer away from moisture that cancause serious burns from steam or splattering hot oil.Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarmnear your kitchen and use the test button to check iteach month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

• After your Thanksgiving guests leave, ask afamily member to perform a home safety check toensure that all candles and smoking materials areextinguished


Chamber News

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

M-F 9 am – 6 pm and Sat 9am -4 pm

970-285-2111

MARY LEE MOHRLANGCell (970) [email protected]

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

BRANDY SWANSONCell (970) 319-3574

[email protected]

Shop locally and support your local chamber businesses!

parachutecolorado.com

The next general membership meeting is Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse.

FeaturedParachute/BattlementMesa Chamber ofCommerce member:Nancy JayBy Anne Huber, Parachute/BattlementMesa Chamber of Commerce

Nancy Jay and her husband Craig havelived in Battlement Mesa for 18 years.They moved from Colorado Springs to becloser to family. Nancy and Craig havebeen married for almost 28 years, and sheand Craig had a beautiful daughter,Heather.

Nancy recently had a change of careers

and now works as thefinancial assistant in theBattlement Mesa Companyaccounting offices. Nancyreally likes using her educa-tion in accounting. It was abig change from the 17years she spent at WellsFargo Bank. Nancy is a firmbeliever that change is agood thing.

“I was asked to fill avacant position back in themid ‘90s and have been an active memberand board member ever since,” said Nancyabout her When asked her involvement inthe chamber. “My most current term isonce again a fill-in position for a resigningboard member.”

Nancy said she tries to get the bestreturn on all of the chamber’s investments.

I really enjoy being treasur-er,” she said. “My accountingbackground has been a greathelp in understanding the dif-ferent types of accounts andproducts that are available.”

Nancy’s personal goal is tosee an increase in participationof members and businessesthat want to see this communi-ty grow. She feels that thechamber should be the centerof the Parachute and

Battlement Mesa business communities. “If we don’t have excited and energetic

volunteers that won’t happen,” she said. Nancy serves on several nonprofit

boards in the community and believes thatvolunteers make a difference and keep ourcommunity thriving when times are hard.

WHY SHOP ATHOME? Reason #3

For every $100 spent inindependently ownedstores, $68 returns to

the community through taxes, payroll

and other expenditures.If you spend that in a

national chain, only $43 stays here.Spend it online and

nothing comeshome.


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NOW SERVING PARACHUTE & BATTLEMENT MESA

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970-243-6455225 Callahan Avenue • Parachute, Colorado

Brian J. Burton DMD,MS

Affordable monthly plans availableMost Insurance and credit cardsaccepted

www.bmac-co.org • 970-285-9480

Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District oversees the operations of thewater and wastewater plants and also owns Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter. The BMMD website has valuable information about all districtoperations, district management, documents and employment. TheBMMD Board of Directors meetings are held at the district office; 401Arroyo Drive (across from the Activity Center) on the 4th Thursday ofeach month at 9 AM. November and December meetings are the 3rdThursday. Meetings are open to the public.

www.bmmetrodistrict.com

970-285-9050Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Home for the Holidays Shopping [FREE Event]

Saturday, November 17; 11 AM – 4 PMContact Tracy Miller 285-6671 for info.

Thanksgiving hours:Wednesday Nov. 21; 8:00 AM – 3 PM

Thursday Nov. 22; CLOSED

Black Friday Zumba PartyNovember 23; 10 AM – 12 PM $10

AARP Safe Driving ClassThursday, Nov. 29; 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Veterans and their family free this monthAARP members $12 and non-members $14

KSUN Christmas GALASaturday, December 1; 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Tickets available $30 each

Women’s Self-Defense ClassSat., Dec.r 8; 1 – 3 PM $55/person

Santa Claus and Kids’ Christmas • FREESaturday December 8; 1:00 – 3 PM

BMSA Annual MeetingWednesday, December 12; 7:00 PM

Call BMAC for information on fitness andmartial arts classes & water aerobics

Monthly newsletter available online atwww.bmac-co.org

NEW NAME JANUARY 2013: GRAND VALLEY

RECREATION CENTER

Grand Valley Fire Protection DistrictBe fire savvy for the holidaysBy Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

For the month of October 2012 the fire districtresponded to 41 calls for service. The same period in2011 resulted in 51 calls.

In October, there were:13 Fire incidents0 Structure fire1 Fire alarm9 Brush fires/fire outside/trash/rubbish1 Smoke or odor scares/removal1 Electrical wiring/equipment problem20 Emergency medical calls3 Vehicle crashes4 Public assists1 Dispatched and cancelled enroute

Between Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2011, call volume was at 485 calls forservice. From Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2012 call volume has increased to534 calls for service. This is approximately a 10.1 percent increasein calls for the fire district from last year.

Training hours per crew67 hours - Green Crew47 hours - Black crew51 hours - Red Crew

The fire district would like give a huge thanks to the Battlement Mesa Service Association(BMSA) for the use of the building located at the intersection of North Battlement Parkwayand County Rd 300A. The firefighters are practicing search techniques, vertical roof venti-lation, breaching walls for emergency egress of a building, hose evolutions, forcible entryand many more valuable firefighting skills. Thank you very much BMSA.

The holidays are coming.Remember, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries on

Thanksgiving. The occurrence of cooking fires is nearly double on Thanksgiving than on anyother day of the year. Be careful preparing those awesome holiday meals.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

If you shouldhave an

emergency, please call

911 as soonas possible!

Willow Ridge apartments in BattlementMesa involved in structure fireBy Rob Ferguson, Grand Valley Fire Protection District

On Nov. 4, at 12:14 pm Grand Valley Fire Protection District (GVFPD) was called out for a struc-ture fire located at 854 West Battlement Parkway Building D.

Upon arrival, fire crews found unit 204 fully evolved with fire with the fire quickly spreadingthrough the common attic space into the next apartment.

The fire was controlled by two engines, one ladder and 15 firefighters.The fire was under con-trol in approximately 35 minutes. The fire was contained to the two fire units and roof. Two apart-ments were a total loss with heavy water damage in four other units.The 16-unit building wasevacuated without any injuries to any occupants or fire personnel.

Battlement Mesa Company was able to house all evacuees from the building while the fire isbeing investigated.The four units involved are under police control until Colorado Bureau ofInvestigations (CBI) is finished with the investigation.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Investigators, along with CBI fire investigations completed the inves-tigation.

The cause of the fire was determined to be arson and a 13-year-old Battlement Mesa male resi-dent was issued a summons for fourth degree arson.

The Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Garfield County Youthzone contributed in thecharging determination. Both the mother and the juvenile were cooperative during the investiga-tion.

To maintain the integrity in the prosecution of this case, no further information will be released.GVFPD personnel and Garfield County Sheriff’s Officers will remain on scene overnight.

GVFPD would like to thank Colorado River Fire Rescue, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office andBattlement Mesa Company for their help with the incident.


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

O U R S C H O O L S

Terrific Kids for October 2012The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood Elementary’s

Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC”is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly,Inquisitive and Capable.

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolOctober’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Cali Jackson,

Kylee Walker, Mickie Davis, Justin Miller; second row, Kathy Keeling, principal, BaileyHoyt, Hayden Grice, McKatie Hemmert, Colby Scott; third row, Dylan Mueller, CanyonShope, Leslie Monterosso, and fourth row, Joel Montoya, Hope Bruhn, and OpalMorganthaler, Kiwanis representative. Not pictured: Dylan Sprague, Jordyn Pittman.

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Miles

Congratulations to all of October’s Terrific Kids!

•• TOO MUCH NEWSTOO FEW ADS ••

The amount of advertising and sponsorships solddetermines the size of the paper. We’ve had to cut

many valuable, informative stories because thepage count of the Echo is so small. Advertise your

business or consider sponsoring the Echo if you findvalue in receiving this newspaper every month.

• ADVERTISING SALES •

BARBARA PAVLIN, 285-7634

Striver of the Month:Austin MartinezBy Ashlynn Speakman, GVHS

Basketball player, track participant and a Fellowship ChristianAthlete Club member, all describe Grand Valley High SchoolStriver of the Month Austin Martinez.

When asked how he earned the award, he replied “I think I gotthis award because I work hard at everything I do, and also I amvery responsible when it comes to school work.”

Strivers of the Month are academically focused with responsi-bility and content grades and have personal goals.

“One goal I have for the year is to get better,” said Austin,“whether it’s academically or through sports. Also, I want to dowell on tests like TCAP and further my knowledge.”

Striving for greatness, Austin Martinez is a well deserved stu-dent for this reward.

Striver of the Month Austin Martinez


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

O U R S C H O O L S

Grand Valley High School News

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

Have a BlessedThanksgiving!

Plan your Holiday Party now at VJ's

Enjoy the GOODMAN BandNovember 17

We will be CLOSED Thanksgiving Day

No Time to Quit NowBy Sierra Berger, GVHS

Lauren Paskett was named the October Student ofthe Month at Grand Valley High School.

Lauren is an inspiring student who never stopspushing herself to achieve great things. When askedwho inspires her the most, Lauren replied, “Thor! Ihope one day I can achieve his magic perfection.”

Lauren’s goals keep her moving forward andremind her that every little thing counts.

Lauren is involved in basketball, soccer, NationalHonor Society, Fellow Christian Athletes, and KeyClub. She loves helping the community and showinga little bit of her competitive side.

“They help me push myself to keep doing my bestand reach new goals,” she said. “I love being activeand it brings joy to my life.”

She is a great athlete that many students look upto and is a great team leader. Lauren sees what is infront of her and knows what steps she needs to taketo get there.

“I want to focus on my education beyond highschool,” she said. “I want to work on getting scholar-ships and planning my college career.”

Lauren was also excited when she found out that

she got to park out in the front of the school in thevisitors and staff section because of winning Studentof the Month.

“It was great!,” she said. “Everyday, I would drive tothe front of the school and have a huge grin on my face!”

Lauren is a great student and is destined to go farwith the rest of her high school career and life. She isan inspiration to us all.

Most ImprovedStudent: Loy VandiverBy Shannia Burns, GVHS

When asked how he earned this award, Loyreplied, “I stepped it up to get good grades and to beon top of my school work because if you’re behind itis harder for you to have good grades.”

Loy was very excited to earn this honor because “Ireally don’t win awards so this award means a lot to me.”

When asked what some of his goals are for highschool, Loy answered “To graduate high school with

good grades. That would be good for me.”Grand Valley High School is very proud of Loy. He

should feel honored to be recognized for his positiveefforts.

Attention student drivers!By Collin Weeks, GVHS

Driving has always been a form of freedom, andfor most of us, the main way we get around. One ofthe highlights of a teenager’s life is getting a driver’slicense. For most, it’s a sign of growing up and even arite of passage. From running errands, picking up sib-lings to being able to drive to the movies with friends,driving around like an “adult” is a great feeling.

“Graduated Drivers Licensing or GDL, affects thesteps required to get your license and also the specif-ic restrictions you’ll need to obey until you turn 18”states the Colorado Department of Transportation.

GDL laws set certain restrictions on teen drivers.These laws include passenger restrictions, cell phonebans and curfews.

The passenger restrictions allow teens to only drivewith passengers who are 21 and older for the first sixmonths after obtaining their license. During the sec-ond six months, a teen may only drive with one pas-senger under 21. There are some exceptions, includingsiblings and passengers with medical emergencies.

Using a cell phone while driving is illegal inColorado for drivers 18 and younger.

There is an enforced curfew for teen drivers. Teensare not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

These laws may aggravate many teenagers, butthey are enforced to help ensure the safety of teendrivers and those driving around them, For moreinformation on teen driving laws, visitcoloradodot.info.

For more on student driving, see Parachute PoliceChief Cary Parmenter’s article on page 12.

Student of the Month Lauren Paskett

The Most Improved Student for Octoberis sophomore Loy Vandiver.


Rules of the road for teen drivers

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

BOOK YOURHOLIDAY PARTY NOW!

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

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

By Cary Parmenter, Chief of Police, ParachutePolice Department

The rules of the road apply to drivers of all ages,but there are certain additional restrictions that allteen drivers need to know.

Passenger restrictionsTeens with a permit:- No passengers other than a driving instructor,

parent, legal guardian or a licensed adult 21 years ofage or older (authorized by parent/guardian).

Teens with a license:- For the first six months, no passengers under 21,

unless a parent or other licensed adult driver is in thevehicle.

- For the next six months, one passenger under age21 (unsupervised).

- Siblings and passengers with medical emergen-cies are exceptions.

- At any time, no more than one passenger isallowed in the front seat.

Mandatory seat belts:By law, all teen drivers and passengers must wear

individual seat belts, no sharing.This is a primary violation and you can get

stopped for only this reason.Cell phones and texting banned:-Teens under age 18 are prohibited from using a

cell phone, for either talking or texting, while driving.Teens can be fined and may risk losing their license.Exceptions include emergency calls to the police or

fire department.This is a primary violation and you can get

stopped for only this reason.Curfew:-For the first year as a licensed driver, teens must

abide by a curfew. There is no driving between mid-night and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an instructor,parent or legal guardian. Exceptions include drivingto/from school/work (a signed statement fromschool/work required), medical emergencies andemancipated minors.

Curfew laws may vary by city or county. The curfew laws in the town limits of Parachute

are from 11 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. To properly follow thecurfew in your area, please confirm restrictions withyour local government.

Zero tolerance for drunk driving:Eight young people die every day in the US in

alcohol-related crashes. Talk with your teen about the dangers of driving

drunk or riding with someone who has used alcoholor drugs.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, even atrace of alcohol on minor drivers, is punishable bylaw.

For a refresher on all traffic laws, review theColorado Department of Revenue's Drivers’ Handbook.For more information on teen driving and the GraduatedDriver Licensing (GDL) visit coteendriver.com. For infor-mation on approved courses and driving schools, go tocolorado.gov/revenue/dmv

Low-income energy assistance availableBy Renelle Lott, Garfield County

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program(LEAP) is now available to eligible householdsthrough the end of next April. Qualifying limited-income households may receive assistance to pay fora portion of their home energy bills.

For the 2012-13 heating season, Garfield, Eagleand Pitkin counties have contracted with DiscoverGoodwill of Southern and Western Colorado toadminister the program.

Discover Goodwill has administered the LEAPprogram for El Paso County for more than 15 years.

“By contracting with Goodwill, households seek-ing assistance will receive their benefits more quicklyand at a lower cost to the county,” stated TriciaMurray, economic security division manager forGarfield County Department of Human Services.

Households may qualify for LEAP assistance ifanyone within the home is a US citizen or legal per-manent resident. Heating costs are paid directly to anenergy provider or are included in the rent as long asgross monthly household income is within incomeguidelines. The maximum gross monthly householdincome limit of 150 percent of the Federal PovertyGuidelines, based on the number of eligible house-hold members, is as follows:

1 - $1,3972 - $1,8923 - $2,3874 - $2,8825 - $3,3776 - $3,8727 - $4,3678 - $4,862Each qualified household may receive only one

LEAP benefit for the winter season. Factors such asincome, type of heat being used, type of dwelling andnumber of people in the household are consideredbefore an amount is awarded to an applicant. Fundsfor home heating system repairs may also be avail-able.

Additional resources for those struggling withhigh heat bills are available through the Governor’sEnergy Office Energy Management Program, alsoknown as the Weatherization Program. Those whoqualify for LEAP, Temporary Aid to Needy Families(TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP) or SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI) automatically qualify for theseweatherization services.

Request an application by mail or for more infor-mation on LEAP and other available resources, callDiscover Goodwill at 888-775-5327 or Heat Help at866-432-8435. For more information on the weather-ization program, call 800-332-3669 or visitnwccog.org .

Water quality– a local perspective

Located behind the grey apartments in Battlement Mesa and visiblefrom the walking path is a small body of water about 300 feet belowthe path. Most of this water comes from a natural runoff.

However, there seems to be a constant source of water coming intothis body of water and the amount of algae on the surface varies as con-ditions change. We can study this small water patch as a microcosm ofthe larger issue of the quality of water bodies.

First, what is meant by “water quality”? This is the chemical, phys-ical and biological characteristics of water. It is also a measure of thecondition of water relative to the requirements of one or more bioticspecies and or to any human need or purpose according to the Journalof Environmental Quality.

There are several measurements of a water body’s health, includingtemperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, hardness and suspendedsediment.

Water temperature is important to swimmers and fishermen, butalso to industries and algae. Temperature can affect the ability of waterto hold oxygen and it hinders the ability of organisms to resist certainpollutants.

For example, trout require colder water with higher dissolved oxy-gen levels to survive. Temperatures in our little pond are probably ele-vated because there is not much depth to the water, there is no circula-tion, and algae is thriving on the surface.

PH is a measurement of the acidic or basic status of the water; itranges from 0-14, with seven being neutral. When the pH is less thanseven, this indicates acidity, whereas a pH greater than seven indicatesa base. Water that has more free hydrogen ions is acidic and whenwater has more free hydroxyl ions, it is basic.

So, what does this mean? Well, for instance, water coming out of anabandoned coal mine can have a pH of two, which is very acidic andwould kill any fish trying to live in it. In thinking about pH, each num-ber represents a 10-fold change in the acidity/basicness of the water.Water with a pH of four is 10 times more acidic than water with a pHof five. We would have to measure the pH of our pond; you cannot tellby looking.

Turbidity is the amount of particulate matter that is suspended in thewater, making the water cloudy or opaque. Materials that contribute toturbidity include clay, silt, finely divided organic and inorganic matter,plankton, soluble colored compounds, and microscopic organisms. Ourpond is very dark, so the turbidity is high. During a rainstorm, particlesfrom the surrounding land are washed into the Colorado River makingthe water a muddy brown color, indicating water with higher turbiditylevels.

You cannot tell by looking at a body of water how much oxygen isin it. Rapidly moving water, such as mountain streams, tends to containa lot of dissolved oxygen, while stagnant water contains little. Bacteriain water can consume oxygen as organic matter decays. Nutrients cancontribute to algae growth. Our pond does not have a complete algaebloom (eutrophication), but it no doubt has decreased levels of oxygen.

The amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water deter-mines its “hardness.” Where water is hard, such as here, you may noticethat it is difficult to lather up when washing your hands or clothes.Hard water can damage equipment. That is why we must spend moneyto soften our water. As runoff, our pond probably has hard water too.

Finally, suspended sediment is the amount of soil moving along in astream. It is highly dependent on the speed at which the water is flow-ing; fast-flowing water can pick up and carry more soil than calm water.If land is disturbed along a stream and protection measures are nottaken, then excess sediment can harm the water quality of a stream. Itis unclear about the amount of suspended sediment in our pond.

Learning about water quality is important because it can be impact-ed by many different things, including industrial processes. We must alllearn to be vigilant to protect our water sources.

Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who lives inParachute.

Nature at Homeand AfieldBy Betsy Leonard


Mesa Vista NewsThanksgiving Day andbeyond at Mesa Vista

By Kathy Germano, Mesa VistaAssisted Living Residence activitydirector

Everyone at Mesa Vista wishesyou a happy Thanksgiving.

The residents had a grand Halloween party withfood, beverages, costumes and karaoke galore.

All have been working hard on the crafts to be sold at the 30th annual Craft Fair inParachute on Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mesa Vista will be in space number 87 inSanta’s Workshop, so be sure to stop by.

Mesa Vista will also be hosting a scrumptious bake sale at the residence on that sameday. Many of the recipes used for the bake sale come from our residents’ old recipefavorites. Come by for a tour, free hot chocolate, popcorn and meet our community.

The residents will enjoy a traditional dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Pepper Bowden, theresidence’s wonderful and talented dietary manager/cook, has a busy schedule coming up.The residents will be celebrating the holiday season with their families on Dec. 14 with theannual Holiday Gala, complete with dinner and entertainment.

Celebrating birthdays in November are Marge Koteskey celebrating 99 years on Nov. 10and CC Cervantes on Nov. 17. Happy Birthday ladies!

Hope to see you soon at the Craft Fair and our bake sale. Until then, many happy days.

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Dominos Pizza - 625-0505

THE CORNER STORE & LASER CAR WASH9th & Railroad • Rifle

Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store

BOOKCLIFF CAR WASH1st & West Ave • Rifle

Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store

SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

Rifle - 970-625-1467 • Eagle - 970-328-7788

Available at the following Phillips 66 Stations

Valley Senior Center holds Pamper Yourself Day on Nov. 20Nov. 20 is Pamper Yourself Day during this special Tips and Talks on Tuesday at Parachute's

Valley Senior Center. A day of relaxation awaits, beginning at 10 a.m. Treat yourself to hand dipsand chair massages given by Claudia Santa Cruz and Carla Delgado.

Put your creativity to use in making holiday gift bags and doing word search puzzles while lis-tening to variety of holiday music.

Refreshments including cider, donuts, and cheese and crackers to top off this festive Tips andTalks on Tuesday event.

There will not be a Tips and Talks on Tuesday program in December.– Mitzi Burkhart, Valley Senior Center

From left, Georgianna Hathaway, RuthGraves and Virginia Holub.


N O N P R O F I T S

Sponsored by:Sherry Johnson

Sponsored by:Mac & Sara

McCurdy

Sponsored by:Mary LeeMohrlang

Sponsored by:Barbara Pavlin

Mt. Callahan Community Fund

Mt. Callahan Community Fund: 10 years of serving the communityBy Mt. Callahan Community Steering Committee

In this column, the Mt. Callahan Community Fund(MCCF) invites representatives of local nonprofits that MCCFhas funded to write about their organizations. In this way, youcan get to know these remarkable groups and how they benefitParachute and Battlement Mesa.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Mt. Callahan Community Fund (MTCCF), an endowedcharitable fund managed by the Western Colorado Community Foundation which serves theBattlement Mesa and Parachute communities.

Ten years ago, a group of civic-minded individuals realized that thriving communities are whereneighbors take care of neighbors. With the goal of creating a continuing source of revenue to assistthe many needs of a healthy community, several enthusiastic leaders in Battlement Mesa andParachute took action.

Under the guidance and energy of Maryann McKinley and an initial $25,000 donation fromUnocal, a matching grant from the Boettcher Foundation was obtained and the Endowment Fundwas established. Since then, the fund has grown to more than $100,000.

MTCCF has granted $75,350 to worthy causes and organizations in our community with fundsfrom donations from local businesses and individuals and earnings from the Endowment Fund.

In 2008 the "100 for 100" campaign was initiated to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Townof Parachute's founding and to build the MTCCF Endowment Fund in order to support the fundingof yearly grants to the communities of Parachute and Battlement Mesa. The Friends of theCampaign each donated $5,000 and the Town of Parachute pledged $25,000 over a period fiveyears. Plaques at the Town of Parachute and the Battlement Mesa Activity Center display these gen-erous donors: Alpine Bank of Battlement Mesa, Judith Hayward, Betty and George Letson, Ivo andBetty Lindauer, Tom and Lou Roess, Lynn and Lynn Shore, and the Town of Parachute.

It's important to note that all the funds that MTCCF grants are used locally. You can see the ben-efits all around you. When you visit the Battlement Schoolhouse, notice the lovely landscaping. Andif you attend one of their dinner parties, notice the beautiful new china, silverware and tablecloths.MTCCF helped with the historic restoration also.

Children enjoy the new modular skate park, soccer goals and nets, picnic tables at CallahanBallpark, new playground equipment, and be sure to check out the new dog agility equipment atthe dog park at the Saddleback Recreation Center. MTCCF has contributed funds for each of theseprojects through the Park and Recreation District.

MTCCF also supports the Early Learning Center in 10 classrooms in Parachute and BattlementMesa. KSUN has benefited from grants for new programming and computer software. LIFT-UP con-tinuously receives funds for the food pantry and general operating support in Parachute. MTCCFhas granted funds to Meals on Wheels, the Senior Center, various local schools for musical instru-ments, English/Spanish dictionaries and student scholarships.

These are just some of the ways the MTCCF has had a positive impact in making our commu-nity a better place to live, work and play.

The Mt. Callahan Community Fund is administered by a volunteer steering committee com-posed of local citizens.

If you are interested in supporting community organizations through MTCCF, please contactBarbara Pavlin at 285-7634 or Sara McCurdy at 285-9182 or send your donation directly to the Mt.Callahan Community Fund, P.O. Box 104, Parachute 81635.

FLEXIBLE FAMILY FLOORPLAN Very large kitchen with center island,

built in hutch. Laminate flooring in liv-ing, family, kitchen and dining. Battlement Mesa - $189,900

GOOD LIFE - WISE INVESTMENT

Premier building site, upscale golfcourse subdivision with enormous

views for your new home. Battlement Mesa - $75,000

THE PERFECT PLACE...for your perfect home. Buildable lot

with stunning views in every direction. Tap fees paid.

Battlement Mesa - $65,000

VIEWS IN ALL DIRECTIONS Great landscaping and outside space in

this well kept MF home. Eat-inkitchen, covered patio.


FLEXIBLE TOWNHOME PLAN Bright and airy breakfast nook, formal dining room, two living areas, quality

upgrades throughout. Battlement Mesa - $199,000

EFFICIENT TOWNHOME PLAN Walk to Battlement Activity Centerand shopping, perfect 2nd home,

weekend or vacation retreat. Battlement Mesa - $110,000

TIMELESS DESIGN AND QUALITY

Master suite with walk-in closet and huge shower, hardwood

interior doors, full wall fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $229,000

PATIO WITH CUSTOM SEATING Window filled townhome, large mastersuite, workshop/craft room, open living

dining and study.Battlement Mesa - $124,500

SO NICE TO COME HOME TO Master suite has soaker tub and tiled shower, oak kitchen cabinetry, study

with window seat. Battlement Mesa - $174,500

A NEW HOME BY CHRISTMAS Ready to move in and in great

condition. Split bedroom plan, MFhome, new carpet and paint. Battlement Mesa - $99,900

SEASONED WITH LOVE AND CARE

Open vistas from secluded patio, pristine condition in and out, living

room with corner fireplace. Battlement Mesa - $162,000

UPGRADES GALORE MF home with 1500 plus sq. ft. Allnew appliances and flooring. Fenced

yard, garage and storage building. Battlement Mesa - $117,000

ELEGANT STYLE AND SETTING Unique custom home, river rock fire-place, master on main, loft, library,

gourmet kitchen. Battlement Mesa - $390,000

LAND:

WHERE YOUR DREAM BEGINS!

Corner lot in Eagles Point Sbdv. surrounded by views. Impact and

tap fees paid, walking trails. Battlement Mesa - $45,000

BE READY TO BUILD THIS SPRING

This lot has several building sites and a great location. Walk to shopping and activity center. Battlement Mesa - $39,900

OUTRAGEOUS VIEWS Various size building lots, walking

trails, entry fencing and landscaped common areas.

Battlement Mesa - starting at $71,000

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE Upscale subdivision, covenant

protected, 2200 sq. ft. minimum. Levellot site with super scenery.


USE YOUR IMAGINATIONThe house and site plan for this building site is available. Begin

your life's dream here.Battlement Mesa - $42,900

WIDE OPEN VIEWS AND SPACES

Unimproved 160 acres zoned for agricultural-single family, varied

topography, partial fencing. DeBeque - $215,000

START WITH THE WORKSHOP...

Finished shop on 8.38 acres in acovenant protected rural sbdv. Fantastic

scenery, borders BLM . DeBeque - $215,000

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

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

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangSwanson.com

mohrlang • swansonThe NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…

The Colorado Heritage Group


What you needto know aboutpertussisBy Ann Galloway, NP-C, Grand River Student Health Center

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infec-tion caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is common in the United Statesand the incidence is rising. In 2000, there were 7,867 cases of whooping cough reported in theUS and in 2011, there were 18,719. The year 2010 had the highest incidence rate since 2000 with27,550 reported cases.

In Colorado this year alone, there have been 1,026 cases reported from January throughOctober. These numbers may be low since many pertussis cases are not diagnosed and not report-ed.

Whooping cough is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another personbreathes in the bacteria. Anyone can get whooping cough but it is often a more severe disease ininfants and young children who have not had the pertussis vaccine. Even those who have hadthe recommended doses of the vaccine can get whooping cough because immunity gained fromthe vaccination typically wanes over time.

Symptoms of whooping cough usually appear seven to 10 days after exposure to the bacteriabut can develop four to 21 days after exposure. Cold-like symptoms such as low fever, runny noseand mild cough are the first symptoms noted.The disease is most contagious during this earlystage.

The cough becomes more severe within two weeks and the infected person may develop fitsof coughing episodes that can include vomiting, breathlessness, a change in facial color, and/or awhooping sound upon inspiration after the coughing episode. Coughing may last up to twomonths and coughing fits are more frequent at night.

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics and an infected person is considered contagiousuntil they have completed five days of an appropriate antibiotic. Even though the antibiotics willreduce the contagious period, cough symptoms are not reduced unless the antibiotics are takenin the very early stages of the illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an effective vaccine is availablefor whooping cough. The vaccine is given in combination with the diphtheria and tetanus vac-cine. For infants and children, the vaccine is called DTaP for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Therecommended schedule for vaccination is five doses of DTaP vaccine given at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15to 18 months and between 4 to 6 years old. Tdap is the name of the diphtheria, tetanus and per-tussis vaccine that is given to adolescents and adults. A single dose of Tdap is recommended at11 to 12 years of age.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment expanded its recommendationsin 2010 due to the increased number of reported pertussis cases in Colorado. The expandedguidelines recommend a one-time Tdap vaccination for the following two groups if they live ina household with an infant or if anyone is a care provider for an infant. Adults 65 years of ageand older and children 7 to 10 years of age should receive the vaccine if they are not up-to-dateon their pertussis vaccinations.

Ann Galloway is a certified nurse practitioner who works at the Grand River Student Health Centerin Parachute.

Local program receives Mealson Wheels Association of

America grantBy Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital District

Delivering more than just a meal became a whole lot easierthis winter with a grant from the Meal on Wheels Association ofAmerica. The grant money will be used to purchase a new four-wheel-drive Ford Escape.

Grand River Hospital District has run the Grand River MealsOn Wheels program for more than 35 years out of the hospital’skitchen. The program has grown to delivering more than 10,000meals for the last three out of four years. Volunteers deliver up to90 meals a day, five days a week, to Parachute, Rifle, Silt and NewCastle, ensuring that the area’s homebound seniors, disabled andrecovering get the nutrition and daily contact they need.

Grand River has received smaller grants from the nationalMeals on Wheels program ranging from $100 to $1,500. This year,Grand River was awarded the Small Program, Large Impact Grantfor $20,000, designed specifically for small and rural Meals onWheels programs. The grant is sponsored nationally by Walmart.

The need identified for the Grand River Meals on Wheelsprogram was an emergency delivery, all-weather vehicle that candeliver in the worst of weather conditions. Safe delivery ofmeals can be very difficult during inclement weather and oftenimpossible without a 4WD vehicle. Through rain, sleet andsnow, the new 2013 Ford Escape 4WD vehicle from ColumbineFord will help Grand River Meals on Wheels deliver meals safe-ly, no matter what the weather conditions bring.

Thank you Walmart, Meals on Wheels Association ofAmerica and Columbine Ford for the care you give to the seniorsin our community.

Interested in volunteering to become a Meals on Wheels driv-er in Western Garfield County? Call Kaaren Peck at 625-6423.For more information, go to grhd.org.

103.9 FM

TUNE IN!BROADCASTING 24/7!

Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming

YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS

2012 KSUN christmas GALAKSUN will hold it's 2012 Christmas Gala on Saturday,

December 1st at the Activity Center. Our dinner/dance from 7 to 10 pm promises to be a great night of

entertainment and outstanding food!Tickets are $30 in advance and are available at the

Activity Center, Alpine Bank and Old Mountain Jewelry.

KSUN MEMBERSHIP DRIVE STILL GOING STRONGMany thanks to those that have supported our recent KSUN

membership drive. Your funds are definitely appreciated and needed to keep KSUN on the air. But it is certainly not too late to

join. Membership is only $25. Please call Floyd, our station manager,at 285-2246. You can help us reach our goal of $2,500.

KSUn radio - THE VOICE OF THE GRAND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CARDINALS.

BROADCASTING GAMES LIVE!

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

www.ksunradio.org


Battlement Mesa clinic welcomes Tami Griffith, CRNPH E A L T H

Tami Griffith, CRNP

Cayden Sproles advances to Life ScoutBy Charlie Hornick, Echo contributor

Cayden Sproles has achieved therank of Life Scout. Life Scout is the sec-ond highest rank in scouting next tothe coveted Eagle Scout.

Cayden is 11 years old and hasadvanced quickly through the scoutranks. He is presently the senior patrolleader of Troop 255. He was chosenfor this leadership position by his fel-low Scouts, some of whom are mucholder than Cayden.

Cayden has a total of 53 nights ofcamping, 81 miles of cycling and 60miles of hiking. He has been involvedin 26 service projects and has racked

up 114 hours of community service. Cayden was recently active in the Kiwanis Food Drivefor LIFT UP and assisted in cleaning the pathway on the bridge across the Colorado Riverbetween Battlement Mesa and Parachute.

Cayden, a sixth grader, is also a member of the Polar Bear Club and the Fourteeners’Club, having hiked to the top of different mountains above 14,000 feet. This past year,Cayden became certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Cayden has also excelled in areas outside of scouting. He is a Red Belt in Taekwondoand is in his fourth year of the Truth and Training Club of Awana at Grace Bible Church.Cayden is an animal lover and has a bearded dragon named Dexter. His hobbies includecamping, shooting sports, crossbow, knife and tomahawk throwing, and building justabout anything.

Cayden’s Troop 255 is co-sponsored by the Grand Valley/Parachute Kiwanis and GraceBible Church. The boys meet weekly at Grace Bible Church in Battlement Mesa. Boys ages11 to 17 who are interested in learning more about being involved in scouting can con-tact Scoutmaster, Travis Sproles, at 250-2584. For questions about the Boy Scout Programcan contact Executive Director Jim Graham at 625-9999.

By Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital District

Tami Griffith, CRNP has recently joined thestaff at the Grand River Medical Clinic inBattlement Mesa. Griffith, a family nurse practi-tioner, comes to Grand River from St. Mary’sFamily Residency Clinic in Grand Junction whereshe spent the last two years. Prior to that, she prac-ticed in Grand County at the Granby MedicalCenter.

Tami received her BSN from McNeese StateUniversity in Louisiana, and her master’s in familynurse practitioner from the University of South

Alabama in 2002.Tami is originally from Fairhope, Ala., a town of

about 8,000 people.“Rural health is what I love,” she said,

explaining why Grand River is such a good fitfor her. “Working in smaller communities, youhave the opportunity to build strong connec-tions with your patients and their families.That’s so much more difficult to do in largerareas and cities.”

Tami and her husband Jeff currently live inGrand Junction. They plan to relocate toBattlement Mesa this coming summer.

Diabetes: It is time totake action againstthis deadly diseaseBy Dr. Laurie Marbas

Diabetes is a growing trend in America and many of us havefamily members or friends with this potentially debilitating anddeadly disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control,more than 25 million American adults have diabetes and 79 mil-lion have prediabetes.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America andcosts us over $174 billion annually. The personal and financialburden of diabetes is not going to improve until Americans takeresponsibility for our own health starting with education.

There are three types of diabetes including type one, whichoccurs after there is damage to the pancreatic beta-islet cells thatproduce insulin. Type one diabetes accounts for up to 10 percentof all diabetics and usually occurs through an autoimmuneprocess in childhood although some adults can present with typeone as well. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination,rapid weight loss, blurry vision and fatigue. Type one diabetesrequires insulin treatment immediately.

Type two diabetes is the most common; more than 80 per-cent of cases, and will manifest when the pancreas cannot pro-duce enough insulin to keep pace with increasing glucose (bloodsugar) in the blood. The majority of patients are obese adults andthe their cells are also insulin resistant, meaning they do notrespond to insulin as well as normal cells.

Insulin is the key that brings glucose into a cell to be used forenergy, but insulin resistant cells have been exposed to such highlevels of insulin for years that they soon require more insulinthan an individual’s body can produce.Type two diabetics usual-ly also have hypertension and elevated cholesterol.

More children are also being diagnosed with type two dia-betes, because of obesity. Symptoms are similar to those in typeone but are usually milder.Treatment often starts with oral med-ications but unless lifestyle modifications, including weight lossand healthy diet occur, many will require insulin. Serious com-plications such as blindness, amputation, heart disease andstroke are frequent when blood sugars remain uncontrolled.

Gestational diabetes is the third type. It occurs during preg-nancy and is the least common type. Treatment requires dietarymodification and usually insulin because it is essential to controlblood sugars to prevent fetal complications. Women whoreceive prenatal care are routinely tested for diabetes. Womenwho had gestational diabetes are 35 to 60 percent more likely todevelop diabetes within 10 years.

What can you do to prevent diabetes or find out if you areone of the seven million Americans un-diagnosed with diabetes?First, if you are overweight, have hypertension or elevated cho-lesterol, a family history of diabetes, or a previously abnormalblood sugar test you are at risk. Prevention and early detection iskey to stopping the evolution of diabetes. See your primary careprovider and ask to be tested, engage in daily exercise, andremove junk food and processed food from your diet, and eatmore fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts.


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

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

As I See ItThanksgiving, after the electionBy Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church

Giving thanks after an election is easy. We can find lotsof reasons for gratitude. The political ads on TV haveceased. Our phones have finally stopped ringing withsomeone on the other end asking us to take a survey. Theamount of daily mail is back to normal. But, our reasonsfor thanksgiving have to go deeper than a sigh of reliefthat the annoyances of an election are finally over.

In the scriptures, the apostle Paul instructs us to givea priority to praying and giving thanks for all people,specifically mentioning that we do so regarding kingsand for all who are in authority. The reason he gives isthat we might lead peaceful and quiet lives that aregodly and dignified. I suspect we all could use somemore peace and quiet.

I need to mention, before I go on, that I am writingthis before the election. Therefore, I do not know whothe winning candidates will be for the various offices. Iam not sure who will be our president for the next fouryears. The admonition to give thanks for all in authorityremains the same regardless of who is in office. If who Ithink is the best man wins or loses does not change theinstruction to be thankful. So, I have to be. Wait, rather,I can be. Or should I say, I should be thankful.

I used to gag at the thought of giving thanks for somepeople. Especially during campaigns, before an election,if we believed half of what we heard from the politicalads, we are sure to believe that that the country is goingdown the tubes if the wrong candidate wins. However, Ihave discovered that giving thanks for people in publicoffice has done something for me. It has changed myperspective in many ways.

First, when I take the time to give thanks, it somehowopens my eyes to the fact that none, or at least almost none,of the political jobs is easy. Even getting elected involves awhole series of obstacles and, in a lot of cases, attacks. Then,there are the pressures of the office. Last time I checked, Iknow of no politician who pleases all of the people all of thetime. Sometimes our leaders encounter people with harshand unjust (as well as just plain stupid) criticisms.

Adlai Stevenson quipped, “In America any boy can growup to be president, but that is a risk he has to be willing totake.” He said that many years ago. Hopefully, now we cansay that any boy or girl could grow up to be president.Anyone who does needs to be respected for what it takes toget there and what is involved after they arrive. My belief inGod assures me that anyone who gets there does so becauseGod has some special purpose for him or her and for us.

Many of our elected officials work very hard, spendinglong hours in meetings, on the phone, public speakingand going over mountains of reading material. The high-er the office, the more horrendous the decisions and thecostlier the mistakes.

I have focused on the president on the first part of thisarticle, but I think that our giving thanks should be for allwho are in public office. I am finding that there are numer-ous times giving thanks in our local area has come naturally.

I attended the grand opening of the west Parachuteinterchange on Oct. 31. It is obvious that many workedhard to make this multi-million dollar project a reality.Literally decades of dreaming, planning, discussing,debating, calling, writing, working, etc. went into thisproject. We owe many a debt of gratitude.

Recently, I was at the scene of a fire where I witnessedmany of our public officials, fire department, policedepartment, local businesses, local churches, charitiesand neighbors responding to assist families in a crisis.

Living here is a blessing. By here I mean in Americaand in this community. We are truly blessed.

F A I T H

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

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

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

Sunday Eucharist: 11:00 a.m.Choir: 9:30 a.m.Children's Sunday School: 11-11:30

WOW: Worship On WednesdayEucharist: 6 p.m.Repast 6:30 p.m.Study: 7 p.m.

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship

Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship

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

• • •

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

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

Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m.

WednesdayBible Study: 7 p.m.

Grace Bible Church0755 Spencer ParkwayP.O. Box 6248Battlement Mesa, CO 81636285-9862

Charlie Hornick, PastorJed Johnston, Family Life PastorChasity McGillivray, GBC Child CareDirectorJonathan & Bethany Koehn, Ministryin SpanishStephen & Amanda Chapman,Church Planting

SundayBlessing Up for Church Broadcast

8:00am 103.9 FMSunday School: 9:30-10:15amMorning Worship: 10:30amYouth / Children’s Activities

Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri.

Boy Scouts – Call for days/timeAwana: Wednesdays 6:30pm

(Sept. – April)Middle & High School Youth

(Call for times)Boy Scout Troop # 255 –

Mondays at 6:00pm

*Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places)Email: [email protected]: www.grace-bible-church.com24-Hour Prayer Line: 256-4693

• • •

Grand Valley Christian ChurchSecond Street & Parachute AvenueParachute

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

Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

• • •

Grand Valley United Methodist Church132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co. 81635970-285-9892grandvalleyumc.qwestnetoffice.comgrandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net

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

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

We Invite you to Attend our SpecialServices on Thanksgiving, ChristmasEve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday,Good Friday Tenebrae Service, EasterSunrise Service and Breakfast.

We offer many volunteer opportuni-ties to support community agencies.We host a free luncheon everyMonday open to all.We offer a community garden that isfree to all.Meditation and Spiritual Growth

Group twice a month at 7:00 p.m.

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

• • •

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

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

ServicesSunday school:

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

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

Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon:

Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

• • •

Shepherd of the Mesa (WELS)(A member of the WisconsinEvangelical Lutheran Synod)

We worship on the St. JohnCommunity Center Campus (just offof Stone Quarry Road) at 10:00 amon Sunday Mornings and at 7:00 pmon Wednesday Evenings. EveryoneWelcome! Weekly Schedule:Monday9:00 am Ladies Bible Class 9:45 am Kids’ Club, pre-schoolthrough 2nd Grade1:00 pm 8th Grade Catechism2:00 pm 7th Grade Catechism3:00 pm 3rd through 6th GradeBible HistoryTuesday9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Pause to Praise RadioProgram on KSUN 103.9Wednesday9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Soup, Sandwiches andScriptureThursday

9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Leadership Meeting 3rdThursday of the Month Sunday10:00 am Worship 11:00 am SIS (Sisters in Service)meets the 3rd Sunday of the Month3:00 pm Youth Group meets the 2ndSunday of the Month

Pastor Bill CorneliusPastor’s Cell Phone (970)-987-3093E-mail [email protected] site:www.shepherdofthemesa.org

• • •

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley Middle School0364 Sipprelle DriveParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

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

210-5795210-5849

• • •


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

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Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone, and the Redstone General Store

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The Grand Illumination means thestart of the holidays in RedstoneBy Sue McEvoy

With its first blanket of snow, the hol-iday season has arrived in the CrystalValley. Lodges, shops and restaurants aremaking preparations for the festivities.The Redstone Inn is a favoriteThanksgiving dinner tradition for localsand visitors alike.

The quaint village of Redstone is alldecorated with Christmas lighting byresidents and merchants in preparationfor Redstone’s traditional welcome to theholidays – the Grand Illumination cele-bration the day after Thanksgiving onNov. 23. Santa sets up at the RedstoneInn during the afternoon and invokes thespirit of the season.

And for Grand Illumination, a busyafternoon and evening is in store:

1-4 p.m. Santa greets children at the Redstone Inn4-5 p.m. Caroling down the Boulevard4:30 p.m. Bonfire lighting, as well as luminary lighting along the

Boulevard5 p.m. Tree lighting at the Redstone Inn5-8 p.m. Caroling at the bonfireRedstone's shops and restaurants remain open during Grand

Illumination, so it’s a great time to get some early holiday shopping done.Warm cheer and shops full of unique gift items are all part of the sea-

son now. It’s easy to step back in time with a sleigh ride through thequaint historic village on its one street, Redstone Boulevard.

A visit to the Redstone Castle, open for guided tours on Saturdayand Sunday, is a chance to see and hear how one of America’s wealthi-est industrialists, John Cleveland Osgood, built a coal and steel empirehere in Colorado. The castle still features gold-leaf ceilings, Honduranmahogany paneling and Tiffany light fixtures, as well as much ofOsgood’s furniture.

Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience as you leave thebusy highways and cruise along the West Elk Scenic Byway starting inCarbondale. The two-lane road winds along with the Crystal River andis soon surrounded by the towering cliffs of red sandstone that give thetown its name.

Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 miles south of Carbondale.Take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 to the junction ofHighway 133 at Carbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone!

REDSTONE ART CENTERNew owners: Michael and Stephanie Askew

888-963-3790 • REDSTONEART.COM

For the western adventure of a lifetime…

• Hourly or full day trail rides • Carriage or wagon rides

• Pack trips to scenic Avalanche Lake• First-class, fully guided or drop camp hunts for elk, bear,

mule deer, mountain goat or bighorn sheep

UNDER SPECIAL USEPERMIT FROM USFSOUTFITTER # 2463

Book your winter adventureby calling 963-1144 or

(229) 221-4590

Bolling Jones, OwnerRandy Melton, Outfitter

970-963-1144

www.redstonestables.com • [email protected]

Christmas Tree RidesJoin us for a winter sleigh or wagon ride and go home with your Christmas Tree!

$25/pp for sleigh or wagon ride; Ages 6-12 $10, 5 & under, free

$40 for the tree • Hot cocoa includedMake reservations at The Redstone Inn: 963-2526.

PLEASE CALL 24-48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

Winter TrailRides

ChristmasTree Rides

Sleigh Rides

Grand Illumination in RedstoneNov. 23rd • SLEIGH RIDES


TTOO RRUUNN YYOOUURR AADD IINN TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD VVAALLLLEEYY EECCHHOO SSEERRVVIICCEE DDIIRREECCTTOORRYY CCAALLLL 228855--77663344 TTOODDAAYY!!

#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

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

285-9217

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

THE ECHOCLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT:FOR RENT: Battlement Mesa - 3 bedroom(1 master with large walk-in closet), 2 bathupstairs, end-unit condo. Laundry roomwith washer/dryer, AC, balcony with clos-et, 1 car garage with storage room andcloset. Rec Center dues included.$1,000/mo. rent; security deposit nego-tiable. NS, pets considered. Call 704-0373.FOR SALE: FOR SALE: 10’ Garage Door. White w/smalldecorative windows. In Redstone. You pickup. $300. 970-963-2373WANTED:WANTED: Cash for your records.Buying and selling old records 33s,45s and 78s. Clean out your garageand your storage. Jack's Album Attic285-0215, jacksalbumattic.com, [email protected] [email protected] Helping tokeep the music playing. pd 11-3WANTED: Geezer garage band seekinggeezer bandmates. Are there any ex-garage band rock stars out there interestedin revisiting their misspent youth? If so, let'ssee if there are enough of us around topiece together a group. Nothing serious –just jamming for grins. I'm in my 60s, adrummer/percussionist (R&B, blues, R&Rand jazz) and can host some sessions at myhome in Battlement Mesa. Call Bobby at285-1624.SERVICES:Pictures by Teresa Stevens. Old WestPhoto Studio.Next to the Chop ShopSalon. 424 Minter Ave., DeBeque, CO81630. For an appointment call 589-7196. Bring the family, have somefun and take home some memories. PD O/N

SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY

Sprinkler Winterization • Fall Clean upTrees – Shrubs – Patios

Waterfeatures876-5981

Licensed • Insured

Echo BriefsThe 2012 KSUN Gala is on Dec. 1

Mark your calendar for 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 for a night ofgood food, great entertainment, and celebration withfriends at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Gala details are being finalized with the help of three well-known chefs, Alain Senac, former owner of the Easy Cuisine,Margaret Cooke, former owner of the White Buffalo and JaneChapman, current owner of Bodacious Bites. These folks willwork hard to prepare a wonderful holiday meal. The gala will bea great night for welcoming in the holiday season with friends.

After dinner, Mr. DJ will help everyone kick up their heelswith a great mix of musical selections. Whether you preferOl’ Blue Eyes or the Village People, you will find your feetready to move.

Tickets are $30 in advance and are available at the activ-ity center, Alpine Bank and Old Mountain Gift and Jewelry.

KSUN appreciates your support for its fundraiser. Thisevent helps keep our voice heard.

– KSUN Community Radio

Holiday Cookie and Craft Saleon Dec. 8

Grand Valley United Methodist Church in Parachute willhold its annual Holiday

Cookie and Craft Sale on Dec. 8 in the Fellowship Hall at132 North Ave. from 9 a.m. to noon.

Fill the container of your choice from trays of home-made holiday cookies. Get in the spirit of season with thearoma of freshly baked cookies. Homemade candy andcrafts will also be available.

– Grand Valley United Methodist Church

Salvation Army seeks community’s help

The Salvation Army is asking for the community's help inproviding winter supplies for families and individuals inneed.

Topping the list of needed items are blankets, sleepingbags, tents, winter gear and stuffed animals.

Please drop off donations at the Salvation Army office,918 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs on Mondays,Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call 945-6976.– Roberta McGowan, Salvation Army

Holiday Home Tour takes placeDec. 8

As temperatures begin to fall, four homeowners inBattlement Mesa and Parachute are busy decorating theirhomes for the PEO’s annual Holiday Home Tour.

The Philanthropic Educational Organization’s (PEO)Chapter IP is sponsoring this fundraiser that will be held onDec. 8 from 1-4 p.m. Ticket are $10. The proceeds will beused to provide scholarships to graduating students in thecommunity.

This year’s tour includes homes in Canyon View Village,Monument Creek Village, Stoneridge Circle and Parachute.Cookies and coffee will be provided at the StoneridgeCircle home.

The homeowners are excited to share their Christmascollections and decorating styles with visitors.

To purchase tickets, call 285-5627 or 285-1112. Ticketsare also available for purchase at each of the homes duringthe tour.

– PEO Chapter IP

2012 grand valley echo november

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