2011 grand valley echo mid april

Volume #3 Number 7 FREE Mid-April/ Mid-May 2011

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

INSIDE

Naturepage 14

Winningwrestlerspage 15

Terrific Kidspage 19

Chamber banquetpage 7

Our Schoolspage 18-19

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Parachute welcomes thenewest member of thepolice departmentBy Carrie Click, Echo editor

He can outrun any human, and sniff out the slight-est scent. Not only that, but under the appropriate cir-cumstances, he can apprehend a perpetrator with thebest of them.

And although he can’t drive a patrol car or tap outpaperwork on the computer, he can do things no meremortal can. He’s Officer Bady, and he’s here to serve.

Bady is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah),imported from Poland, who’s received extensive trainingwith his handler, Parachute Police Officer DerekWingfield. He officially joined the Parachute PoliceDepartment on March 26.

The Belgian Malinois breed is similar in looks to theGerman shepherd, though the Malinois’ origins are rootedin Belgium. Highly intelligent, agile and obedient, the dogsare increasingly being used for police work in the U.S. sincethey’re naturally inclined towards law enforcement activi-ties.

“Eighty percent of what they do is instinct,” saysOfficer Wingfield, “and 20 percent is learned.”

Finding BadyOfficer Wingfield was the first to approach

ParachutePolice Chief

Cary Parmenter aboutthe town getting a

police dog. Officer Wingfield

attended the policeacademy at Delta-Montrose Technical

College before being hired in Parachute.There, he developed great admirationfor a K-9 handler team: a police dognamed Buddy and his handler, CedaredgePolice Officer Dan Sanders.

Officer Bady: The ‘community’s dog’Officer Bady on-duty

What should you do when you seeOfficer Bady?

• There’s a reason the sign in OfficerBady’s patrol vehicle reads “K-9 CautionStay Back.” When Bady is on-duty, he iscompletely cued into his handler,Officer Derek Wingfield. He is a tool, likea taser or a baton, for the police depart-ment to use and should be regarded assuch when he’s working.

• When the blue and red lightscome on the patrol vehicle, “it’s a badtime” to approach Officer Bady, saysOfficer Wingfield. Give them room todo their jobs.

• If you see Officers Wingfield andBady around town when they’re not ona call, be sure to always check withOfficer Wingfield before ever approach-ing Bady to pet him or interact with himin any way. As sweet as Bady can bewhen he’s not working, he’s completelyobedient to Officer Wingfield, and he’strained to protect and defend him.

• Don’t crowd Bady. Even at pub-lic relations’ events, it’s important tomove slowly around him andapproach him one at a time.

Left, Officers Bady and Derek Wingfield. Below, Bady atattention. Photos by Carrie Click

Continued on page 3

, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

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

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

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $35 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ADVERTISING SALESBARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATIONSTEVE PAVLIN

Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

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

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

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

Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Kris Walker, Rifle Funeral Home, Bill Cornelius, M.E. Denomy, Keith Lammey, Robert Knight, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, Sarah Tahvonen, Maria Marco, Betsy Leonard, Rob Ferguson, John Constine, Mary Anderson, Sean Jeung, Grand Valley Christian Church,Charlie Hornick, J. Steven Randol, Sharon Temple, Barbara Barker, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Don Chance, Jim Klink, Emily Hisel, Jennifer Kelly, Ed Kosmicki, Stefanie Horton, Veronica Duran, Jeanne Miles, Rebecca Ruland, Eryn Paskett, Karsyn Valencia, Sue McEvoy

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8. Product Diversity

9. Support of Local Non-profit Organizations

10.Supports the Health of a Community in All Aspects of Living

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GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-April / Mid-May 2011,

C O V E R S T O R Y

“I was their decoy, their chew toy,” OfficerWingfield says with a smile, of the mock training sce-narios set up at the academy.

Even still, the team impressed the cadet.

“I saw the quality of the dog, and the quality of thework he and Dan could do together,” says OfficerWingfield.

A dog lover since childhood – “I had a 4-H dogwhen I was 8,” he says, and the Winfield family hastwo Labrador retrievers now – he approached ChiefParmenter about adding a four-legged member to theforce.

Chief Parmenter was receptive.“I’m very open to bringing in tools that benefit the

department as a whole,” Chief Parmenter says.

A lot of training, a lot of supportWith Chief Parmenter’s go-ahead, it was up to

Officer Wingfield to lay the groundwork for procuringa K-9 officer. He contacted Bill Delay of RockyMountain Canine Academy in Black Hawk, Colo.Besides decades spent training and certifying policedogs and their handlers, Bill also acts as a kind of bro-ker for finding the most appropriate dogs from allover the world and matching them with handlers’ andpolice departments’ needs. Bady fit the bill.

As Bill Delay and fellow trainer Phil Strebett beganworking with the dog, Chief Parmenter let OfficerWingfield out of his schedule so he could travel toBlack Hawk and Denver to learn alongside Bady. Thetwo began bonding as well.

The cost of procuring and training a K-9 officer, in

addition to outfitting a police vehicle with a kennel,and paying for training aids such as a bite suit, isaround $23,000. It’s not a line item that was in theParachute Police Department’s budget, but no matter.Officer Bady’s costs have been donated separately,entirely through businesses (see box). Even his dogfood is being supplied at cost through Parachute vet-erinarian Lee Smith.

Chief Parmenter and Officer Wingfield estimatethat Bady’s feeding, medical and maintenance costs at$2,000 to $4,000 a year – far less than employing afull-time two-legged police officer.

Officer Wingfield conferred with other police depart-ments and colleagues regarding his new charge, espe-cially Deanie Earthman of the Grand Junction PoliceDepartment, who has been a canine handler for nearly20 years. Even though at first Officer Wingfield was abit apprehensive about taking on a Malinois, OfficerEarthman helped him to see Bady’s special talents.

“I thought Parachute would get a [German] shep-herd,” says Officer Wingfield, “but Deanie told me,‘Bady is the dog,’” says Officer Wingfield. “And shewas right.”

On and offLike any creature with a purpose, Officer Bady

loves his job. But when it’s time to go off the clockand just be a dog, where does he go? Straight to theWingfields’ house.

Because such a strong bond develops between aworking dog and the dog’s handler, police dogs usual-ly stay with their handlers when they’re off duty. Sowhere does Bady sleep?

“In a kennel beside the bed,” says OfficerWingfield.

Officer Wingfield says he needed to get his wholefamily on board when Officer Bady joined the policedepartment. That meant not only his wife Jessica, butthe couple’s two children, Gavin and Logan. At home,Bady does typical dog stuff just like the family’s othertwo dogs.

“He has a dual personality,” says Officer Wingfield.When it’s time to go to work – Bady knows it’s

time for duty when he sees Officer Wingfield dressedin his uniform and badge – the dog naturally goes intoprofessional mode.

For Officer Wingfield, working alongside Bady is adream come true.

“It’s surreal,” he says. “Kudos to Chef. I’m indebt-ed to him.”

But for Chief Parmenter, Officer Wingfield earnedthe right to have such a special partner.

“Officer Wingfield’s drive and passion factored intothe decision for Bady to join us,” Chief Parmentersays.

Dog vs. humanWhat can a K-9 police officer do that a

human officer cannot?• Officer Bady is faster on foot than any

human.• He’s able to burrow into small, cramped

places humans can’t go.• His sense of smell is far superior to ours. A

human officer may not be able to attect nar-cotics or gunpowder, for example. Bady can.

• His ears are acute and sensitive, helping hisawareness in daylight as well as night.

• His prey drive – that is to apprehend whencommanded – is instinctual.

• His desire to please and be loyal to his han-dler is bred into him.

Officer Bady continued from page 1

Left, Parachute Police Officer Derek Wingfield and Bady have developed a strong bond. Right, Officer Derek Wingfield and Chief Cary Parmenter stand next to a specially modified K-9 vehi-cle. Bady is “the community’s dog,” says Chief Parmenter. Photos by Carrie Click

Officer Bady donationsOfficer Bady’s procurement and training was

paid for solely by donations from the following:Blac Frac, Encana, J.C. Excavating, Metcalf

Excavating, Parachute Veterinary Clinic, SolvayChemicals, Town of Parachute, Walmart GrandJunction, and Williams Production.

K-9 officers on patrolThe concept of using dogs for law enforce-

ment work is worldwide, and goes back thou-sands of years to ancient Greece, thoughOfficer Bady is Parachute’s first and only policedog.

It’s a trend in police work that’s only grow-ing. According to Chief Parmenter, GarfieldCounty Sheriff’s Department has five dogs, Riflehas one, and the Glenwood Springs PoliceDepartment has two Colorado Springs andDenver each have 10. St Paul, Minn. has 26;Dade County, 36.


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

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

• April 15: Tax day

• April 15: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at theParachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 15: Town of Parachute irrigation system is on(barring unforseen circumstances).

• April 16: 7-11 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watch FunNight for high school students at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• April 16: 8-11 a.m. Grand River Gallop, 5K and 2Kfamily walk at the Grand River Hospital’s south entrance toraise money for Meals on Wheels. 625-6423.

• April 16: 2 p.m. Grand Valley Historical Society meets atthe Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse and features story-teller Steve Lee portraying Colorado pioneer OttoMears. Admission free to society members; $3 donationrequested of non-members.

• April 19: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ladies who Do Lunch Bunchat the Parachute Branch Library. This month’s selection is“29” by Adena Halpern. Contact Karol at the library, 285-7630.

• April 19: Last day to register for “Spirituality at End ofLife” DVD screening and workshop at Grand River Hospitalfrom 12-4 p.m. in Rifle. Lunch served; no charge. Call SeanJeung, chaplain at Hospice of the Valley, 544-1574.

• April 20: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• April 20: 2:30-4 p.m. Anime Club at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• April 21: 12 p.m. The Parachute/Battlement MesaChamber of Commerce board meeting is at AlpineBank. 285-0388.

• April 22: Parachute Branch Library closed for stafftraining. 285-7630.

• April 22: 12-4 p.m. “Spirituality at the End of Life”DVD screening and workshop at Grand River Hospital inRifle. Lunch served; no charge. Call Sean Jeung, chaplainat Hospice of the Valley, 544-1574.

• April 23: 11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for area children, heldby the Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute, is on thegrounds of the Battlement Mesa Activity Center (inside ifinclement weather). Easter Bunny, gifts, photos, and more.

• April 24: Easter

• April 25: 9:30 a.m. Grand Valley Sew and SewQuilters meet the fourth Monday of every month at theBattlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Call Ann Arrington at 285-9757 or Mary Galterio at 285-0243 for more info.

• April 26: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at the ParachuteBranch Library.

• April 27: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• April 27: 1-6 p.m. Child Safety Fair at the GarfieldCounty Department of Human Services, 195 W. 14th St.,Rifle. Community presentations, resources, games.

• April 27: 9 a.m. Eric Schmela of the Battlement MesaCompany invites you to a Community Coffee Talk, aninformal gathering at the Grand Valley Fire Station toshare, connect, and discuss. Let's bring our communitytogether. Free coffee and doughnuts.

• April 29: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time at theParachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• April 30: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Spring Shopping Event atBattlement Mesa Activity Center with Thirty-one Gifts,Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Miche, and manymore consultants on hand. Tracy Miller,[email protected] for more info.

• May 1: Last day for Grand Valley High School (GVHS)senior girls to apply for a scholarship from Chapter IP.See the counselor at GVHS.

• May 2: 7-9 p.m. The Alex Project Celebration at theParachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• May 3: 9-10 a.m. Learn Gmail, Part 1, is at theParachute Branch Library. Registration required. 285-7630.

• May 4: 12-5 p.m. Encana Energy Expo is at theGarfield County Fairgrounds, Rifle. More than 80exhibitors, lots of info. Sher Long, 285-2700.

• May 4: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• May 6: 10:15-10:45 a.m. Flip Flap Jack Breakfast, aticketed event, is at the Parachute Branch Library. Story Timeto follow. Free tickets available at the library. 285-7630.

• May 6: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at theParachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• May 7: 7-11 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watch FunNight for high school students at the ParachuteBranch Library. 285-7630.

• May 9: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. AARP Driver Safety Class is atthe Parachute Branch Library. $12/AARP members,$14/non-members. 285-7630.

• May 9-13: Town of Parachute refuse collection.

• May 10: 9-10 a.m. Learn Gmail Part 2 at theParachute Branch Library. Registration required. 285-7630.

• May 10: 7 p.m. Parachute Neighborhood Watchmeeting at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way,Parachute. 285-7630.

• May 11: 12-2 p.m. Learn to share digital photos atthe Parachute Branch Library. Bring your camera andcords. Register at 285-7630.

• May 12: 12 p.m. Networking program presented bythe Glenwood Business Incubator Company is at theParachute Branch Library.

• May 13: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at theParachute Branch Library. 285-7630.

• May 13: 1 p.m. The Grand Valley EducationalFoundation’s annual board meeting is at the GarfieldSchool District No. 16 board room, 251 N. Parachute,Parachute. The meeting is open to the public.

• May 14: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aprons and Appliqué is at theParachute Branch Library. Make a reversible apron, and learnhow to do invisible machine appliqué. $20 includes the pat-tern. Registration required. Lunch provided. 285-7630.

ONGOING• The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots ofclasses and activities: swimming, dancing, personal train-ing, water aerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, and more.Call 285-9480.

• Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church serves a free soup lunch at thechurch at 132 Parachute Ave.

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

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

• Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute meets at the community room of theParachute Branch Library, age 60 and older, or anyonewith a disability, can take The Traveler to Rifle. The Traveleralso goes to Grand Junction the second Tuesday of eachmonth. Call 625-1366 for more info.

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

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

• Anyone who has suffered the loss of a friend or lovedone through suicide is welcome at HEARTBEAT, a sup-port group for survivors after suicide that meetsthe second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at theFirst United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs.The meetings are a safe place to share this unique painand provide and obtain mutual support. Use the BethelChapel entrance of the church located at 824 CooperStreet. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, [email protected].

• The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District Board of Directors meets at therecreation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute,285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.

• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., theBattlement Mesa Service Association meets at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center.

• Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, andevery Friday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the ParachuteLibrary. Both open to young children. Call Michelle at285-9870.

• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute ValleySenior Center hosts a luncheon prepared by the RifleSenior Center. $2.50 for those over 60. Reservations takenMondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.

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

• Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the secondand fourth Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. atthe Battlement Mesa Activity Center to discuss issues ofconcern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open to thepublic. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.

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

• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “CommunityConnections” hosts interviews with community mem-bers on KSUN 103.9 FM.

• Every Saturday at 7 p.m., the Parachute Valley SeniorCenter hosts Bingo Night with cash prizes. Free hot dogsevery third Saturday. 540 N. Parachute Ave., 285-1353.

• A photography exhibit featuring works from AnselAdams, Margaret Bourke-White, Edward Weston andmore, is at CMC’s West Garfield Campus in Rifle, nowthrough Sept. 16 at 3695 Airport Road, Rifle, 8 a.m.-7p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 8a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Alice, 947-8367.

UPCOMING• May 19: 11:30 a.m. Chapter IP PEO luncheon andcard party. $10. Lee Allen, 285-5628.

• May 30: Memorial Day. Parachute Branch Library andother government offices closed.

June 5: 4-6 p.m. Colorado River Valley Walk to find a curefor digestive diseases at Centennial Park in Rifle. For informa-tion, go to cctakesteps.org/corivervalley or 866-768-2232.


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

Mary Moore and Mary Lee Mohrlang“Take Steps” to fight digestive diseases

Rifle fundraising walk takes place June 5

By Kris Walker, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America

Take Steps co-chairs Mary Moore and Mary Lee Mohrlang are inviting area residents to takepart in the first Take Steps Walk to be held on June 5, from 4-6 p.m. at Centennial Park in Rifle.

Like hundreds of thousands of other Americans around the country participating in morethan 100 Take Steps walks, Mary and Mary Lee are helping to raise much-needed aware-ness of and funds for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as IBD. These arechronic, painful and debilitating diseases impacting more than 1.4 million Americans includ-ing 30,000 in the Rocky Mountain region which includes Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Both Mary and Mary Lee are intimately familiar with these diseases as they each havea loved one with IBD. Mary’s 20-year-old daughter Dani Gonzales lives with IBD, and isserving as the event’s Honored Hero. And Jerry Mohrlang, Mary Lee’s husband, has livedwith IBD for many years. Both have been active in prior walks.

“We are excited to have our first walk in Rifle,” says Mary. “We are calling this theColorado River Valley Walk and are inviting the whole Colorado River Valley to join us inhelping to find a cure for these diseases.”

Mary says the fundraiser will be a fun walk, with music, activities, and great food toreward teams for their fundraising efforts. In addition, a new camp for Crohn’s/colitis kidshas opened in Colorado, and money will be raised to help local children attend the camp.

Mary and Mary Lee both recruited teams to assist them in making this walk a success.Call Mary at 285-6901 or Mary Lee at 285-1167.

“Come be a part of this effort,” says Mary. “Only by banding together can we find acure.”

For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps, visitwww.cctakesteps.org/corivervalley or contact Kris Walker at [email protected] or 866-768-2232. For more information about Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, call 800-932-2423 or go to ccfa.org, join CCFA on Facebook at apps.facebook.com/supportccfa, andfollow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at twitter.com/ccfa and twitter.com/takesteps.

Obituary

Musette Lee (Dunn) TardifNov. 1, 1922 – March 20, 2011

Musette Lee Tardif went to joinher husband, Kenneth, on March30. She was 88.

Musette was born Nov. 1, 1922in Columbia, S.C. to Otis LafayetteDunn and Musette Olivia (Cook)Dunn. She graduated from SouthHigh School in Denver in 1940 andwent on to graduate fromColorado Women's College in1942.

On Nov. 21, 1943, she marriedthe love of her life, KennethWarren Tardif, at the City ParkBaptist Church in Denver. Theyhad four children. Kenneth andMusette enjoyed their retirementin Parachute. They loved trips in

the mountains, and traveling to Moab, as well as Alaska.Musette was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her

parents, and her brother, Sydney Dunn.She is survived by her children Kenneth (Norita) Tardif, Jr., Allen

Tardif, Kent (Gwen) Tardif and Susan (Kenneth) Plantell; grandchil-dren Stig (Laura), Tage, Jeremy (Barbara), Jared, Jodie (Troy), Dara(Byron), Amy, Will (Kari), Kayla, and Randy; and great grandchildrenGavin, Hunter, Paiten, Jackson, Nikki, Blake, and another on the way.

A memorial service was held on April 8 at Rifle Funeral Home.Pastor John Jayne officiated. Interment followed on April 9 atFairmount Cemetery in Denver.


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 spaceto express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanks and what-ever 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 reserves the right toedit and proofread letters. Send your words to The Grand Valley Echo, [email protected], or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sureto include your name, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.

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

What is Common Ground?

Dear Echo:

Many of you have seen the new bulletin board near theentrance to Clark’s Market and stickers on cars and businessesand might have questions about what Common Ground is andwho is responsible. Let me explain.

Several months ago, a cross section of Battlement Mesahomeowners and businesses, along with the Battlement MesaService Associaton, gathered to form Common Ground. Ourbelief is that each and every resident, business owner and entityin Battlement Mesa has the responsibility to do their best tomake the community we live in just that, a community. Portionsof each of our individual lives overlap here in Battlement Mesaand that is our Common Ground.

We recognize the unique character of Battlement Mesa andthe extraordinary amenities available to us unlike any foundelsewhere for a community of this size. We also recognize thatnew challenges and opportunities will face our community inthe future and it is critical to work together as a community toprotect and continue to improve our community, our CommonGround.

We understand that there are numerous opinions and pointsof view when our community seeks to address these challenges,but if we as individual residents take it upon ourselves to seekout the facts, then we have taken the first important step towarddetermining a solution by standing on Common Ground withothers in the community. Even though our fact-based opinionsmay differ, we will have done our part to create a hallowed placewhere all of us can stand side by side on Common Ground andwork together to explore sensible, fact-based solutions. Let’s goforward and stand together on our Common Ground for a bet-ter community and a better tomorrow.

Please support the concept of Common Ground by obtaining afree bumper sticker or home window decal at Clark’s Market,Alpine Bank, the Battlement Mesa Company or the BattlementMesa Metropolitan District. If you wish to post an ad on theCommon Ground bulletin board, contact Steve Rippy at 285-9050.

Carol Bevans, Chairman, Common GroundBattlement Mesa

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C H A M B E R N E W S

By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/Battlement MesaChamber of Commerce

Community support and encouragement…thatpretty much sums up the annual Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Banquetand Auction held March 19 at the Battlement MesaActivity Center.

Folks from across the community attended thebanquet to show each other support and encourage-ment. More than 100 guests at the event perused the100-plus items donated by area folks for the silentauction, which were widely varied. “Mardi GrasMadness“ was in full swing as attendees bid on itemsranging from jewelry, gift baskets, dental checkups,and sports memorabilia, to gift certificates from areabusinesses, and many more wonderful gifts.

Music for the evening was provided by AnneHuber and drinks offered by Ken Siedel. CreekbendBistro catered the wonderful meal.

Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knightreminded us all of what community means as weencourage each other in good times and not so goodtimes with a community toast.

One of the highlights of the evening of was thechamber awards presentation:

Spot Light Award – Metcalf ExcavatingShining Star Award – Wayne and Nancy ClarkSmall Business of the Year – Dependable Waste,

Gerald CookLarge Business of the Year – Stallion Oil Field

Services, Stephen CyphersVolunteer of the Year – Judith HaywardPerson of the Year – Lynn Shore

After the awards, auctioneer Jack Pretti fromKeller-Williams Real Estate auctioned off items. Thesupport given to this community was shown also inthe bid amounts offered up for the auction items.Some Grand Valley High School wrestlers with CoachRich Gallegos were willing to work for the day for thehigh bidder. Susan Alvillar of Williams Production ranthe bidding up until she won with a bid of $3,000!The event cleared more than $8,500 to be used by thechamber for scholarships, community events and pro-motion of our community. The theme of communitysupport and encouragement echoed through out theevening.

Upcoming EventsApril 21 – Chamber board meeting, Alpine Bank,

12 p.m.May 12 – Networking program presented by the

Glenwood Springs Business Incubator Company,Parachute Branch Library, 12 p.m.

Businesses of the Month

H–Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Hogan, 225 CallahanAve., Parachute, 285-7748. H-Dentistry believes ingiving great service and keeping the smiles ofParachute and Battlement Mesa healthy and happy.

Their treatments range from braces to wisdom teeth,from dentures to sealants for all your family dentalneeds. Schedule an appointment by phone at 285-7748, by e-mail at [email protected], or by walk-ing into 225 Callahan Ave. in Parachute. To contactthe doctor directly, e-mail him at [email protected] H-Dentistry’s honor, they will use their Heads,Hands and Hearts to improve your Health. They alsohave a blog site at hdentistry.blogspot.com

Farmers Insurance, Robert "Clark" Loter, 1850Enterprise Ct., ,#D, Rifle, 625-8800. With Farmers®,you get a professional, local agent who can help youwith your auto, home, life and small business insur-ance needs, helping you simplify your life and whocan offer you a broad array of coverage discounts.Farmers doesn’t just protect your assets, they can alsohelp you build them. Farmers Financial Solutions, LLCoffers mutual funds, variable universal life insurance,and variable annuities. Your Farmers Insurance andFinancial Services Agent can help you with a financialstrategy that fits your needs and objectives. Sowhether it's saving for retirement, college, or protect-ing your family, Farmers can help you toward yourfinancial goals and dreams.

As always, the chamber is looking for businesses thatwould like to support our communities by becoming amember of the Parachute/Battlement Chamber ofCommerce. For more information, contact one of theboard of directors or call 285-0388.

Chamber event brings community together

Top row, Best Costume winner - Margie Mackey; Danny Locker accepting the Shining Star award from Mary Lee Mohrlang for Wayne and Nancy Clark; Dependable Waste, Gerald Cook -Small Business of the Year; Judith Hayward accepting the Volunteer of the Year award from Michelle Foster. Bottom row, Michelle Foster, Lynn Shor (Person of the Year), and Ted Anderson;Robert Knight making the Community Toast; Stallion Oil Field Services, Stephen Cyphers – Large Business of the Year.

Photos courtesy of the Parachute/Battlement Chamber of Commerce


Land ho: The job of the landman

I thought that it’s time to start describing some of the types of people whowork in the oil and gas industry, so I'll introduce you to a new one each month.

This month, I would like to talk a little about the “landman” and what kind of skills and responsibil-ities that this title brings.

A landman can be employed directly by an oil and gas company, but is often an independent contrac-tor who provides a service to an oil and gas company. His or her primary duties include identifying, nego-tiating, acquiring, retaining, or disposing of oil and gas leases and managing the company’s land depart-ment. You will often see a landman doing research at the county clerk and recorder’s office. A landmanworks to determine who owns the minerals in an area that the oil and gas company wants to drill.

Even though this hardworking person is called a landman, frequently women fill these roles. He orshe is concerned with the minerals underground and not necessarily the land above the minerals.

If you own minerals in our county, your first contact with an oiland gas company will usually be an offer made through a landman tolease your minerals. The landman will offer a “bonus” to sign thelease, which is usually so much per acre of minerals that you own.Then the landman will negotiate with you on the percentage of roy-alties that they will be willing to give you. For each dollar that the oiland gas company makes, you will get a certain percentage, such as 15or 18 cents, for every dollar made.

So, the next time you see a landman, please thank them for beingthe “Yenta” that matches the mineral owner with a producer thatallows us all to keep warm in the winter.

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and anAccredited Petroleum Accountant She has been nationally recognizedas an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate pastpresident of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Associationof Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the naro-us.org website or through The Grand Valley Echo.

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

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NEWS FROM COMMUNITY COUNTS INDUSTRY MEMBERS…

Encana Join us for the 9th annual Encana Energy Expo! Encana and your community's energy industry inviteyou to join us Wednesday, May 4, 12 - 5 pm, Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle for another hands-on learningexperience. Over 80 exhibitors will be on hand covering topics that include mineral and surface owners rights;geology; drilling and well completion; natural gas production; oil shale technology; reclamation; environmen-tal initiatives; alternative energy; and education and training: We hope to see you at our Community Countsbooth! (Contact: Sher Long or Sandy Kent, 285.2700.) Encana currently has 9 rigs drilling in the Piceance Basin.Present locations include 4 rigs north of I70 in our North Parachute Ranch area. We have 5 rigs south of I70 thatoperate in the Mamm Creek, Battlement/High Mesa, Wallace Creek and Plateau Valley areas. Great news thismonth is the opening of CNG fast-fill pumps in Rifle and Grand Junction. This officially ends the "missing miles" ofCNG fueling stations along Interstate 70 on the Western Slope between Denver and Utah. The Rifle pump is locat-ed at the Shell station at Highway 6 and Railroad Avenue. The CNG fueling station in Grand Junction is at the city'smunicipal services campus, 2553 riverside Parkway. Contact: Sher Long 970.618.8443 or Sandy Kent 970.319.9026.

Noble has made its second $75,000 contribution to the Battlement Mesa Reservoir Project as part of its WildlifeMitigation Plan with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. They have also committed $1,000 to the Garfield CountySchool District in support of their efforts to expand the kindergarten program to full day. Noble will completingits drilling program at the end of the month and has no plans to be drilling in the area for the remainder of 2011.

Williams development of the Parachute T&T pad just off the Interstate interchange is proceeding well. The rigis expected on location mid-May and will be there until September drilling 15 wells. Completion of the wellswill continue about 4-6 weeks after the rig leaves. Hopefully reclamation can be done before the snow fliesnext winter. If you have any questions about any of William’s activity, please call Susan Alvillar at 970.216.3878.

Community Counts member meetings were held March 9 at the Parachute Town Hall and March 23 inCollbran at the Collbran Fire Station. In-depth discussions included operator activity, ideas for communicat-ing factual information about drilling impacts and benefits, and information concerning changes andimprovements to the Community Counts organization. For information on future meetings and membershipopportunities, contact Judy Landrum, 1.970.412.4525, [email protected],or visit our website and lookunder the “calendar” tab.

Our website is back online!

www.communitycountscolorado.comThe Community Counts Hotline

1.866.442.9034


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The Battlement Mesa Service Association

Are we on the right track?By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association

School administrators tell me that pupil enrollments are down andRealtors tell me that more properties are on the market than a few yearsago. Business people tell me their sales volumes have declined.

Like most of the country, Battlement Mesa has been challenged bythe economic events of the last two or three years. Nevertheless, some-times residents tell me that they think Battlement Mesa is “on the righttrack.”

Of course, I am always glad to hear that, but after I think about it,I start to worry because even if you are on the right track you’ll get runover if you just sit there. In other words, being on the right track is justthe beginning. To be really successful you have to keep moving forwardfaster than your competition. We know that we still have work to do.

We began our work in early 2010 when the Battlement MesaService Association (BMSA) restructured by adopting formal chartersfor each of our committees and recruiting additional committee volun-teers. Once we finalized the restructuring, the BMSA established 12,2010 goals.

As I have previously reported, although we didn’t achieve every2010 goal, we believe that we came close. It was a start.

This year, the BMSA was more ambitious than last year and setthese 24 goals:

1. Develop and implement a website redesign for battlementmesacolorado.com.

2. Reestablish procedures and acquire the equipment to use ComcastPublic Access Channel 50.

3. In conjunction with the five northwestern Colorado counties, citiesand towns, develop a visitor rack card for BattlementMesa/Parachute.

4. Identify, develop and implement a strategy to enhance the benefitto and increase the community attendance at the December BMSACommunity Meeting.

5. Identify desirable landscape improvements to the medians.6. Identify community landscape enhancement and beautification

improvements.7. Monitor and, as needed, recommend actions to be taken on com-

munity maintenance items.8. Review and monitor the water portions of the Health Impact

Assessment.9. Evaluate the possible economies of scale of the possible conflicting

service contracts for the BMSA community.10. Evaluate the practicality and cost implications of the creation of a

special district in lieu of the current organization.11. Update architectural design guidelines and policies, and review

potential updates to covenant documents.12. Continue to timely handle architectural approval requests that are

submitted to the BMSA.13. As required, cooperate with Garfield County staff in order to assure

the satisfactory completion of phase 1 of the Library Trail.14. Work with Garfield County, the BMSA and the Lyons family to

assure the satisfactory completion of phase 2 of the Library Trail.15. Continue the development of the Trails Master Plan.16. Develop an inventory of the BMSA trails, parks and open space and

define same.17. Plan and, to the extent possible given available resources, make

improvements to trails, parks and open space within theBattlement Mesa PUD.

18. Develop and, as necessary, refine a Battlement Mesa “All CommonGround: All Together for a Better Community” program and cam-paign.

19. Analyze and compare the cost of doing business in BattlementMesa compared to Parachute, Rifle and other nearby communities.

20. Meet with area energy companies and Battlement Mesa Partners asit relates to the PUD and areas outside of the PUD, if it could affectthe health and welfare of the Battlement Mesa residents.

21. Collect, review and distribute relevant information from energycompanies to BMSA residents and the area media.

22. Provide support to the Health Impact Assessment and health stud-ies relating to Battlement Mesa.

23. Review the Health Impact Assessment and provide comments onsame to the BMSA Board of Directors.

24. In conjunction with the Grand River Hospital and Battlement MesaCompany, identify a suitable location for and develop a medicalevacuation helipad.

Our committees are hard at work and progress is being made. Ifyou have ideas to help the BMSA’s committees achieve these goals,please let us know.

As you can see, the BMSA and its committees have set some diffi-cult goals for 2011 because we absolutely understand that even if youare on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

Town of Parachute News

Clean up, a new boot ramp, street sweepingservice, and a new roof for the Visitors CabinBy Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight

Spring clean-up time is upon us. Now is your opportunity to dispose of your refuse at a nomi-nal charge or for free, depending on the material. This program is strictly for residential customersof the Town of Parachute and is not intended for commercial or business entities.

As usual, the town-supplied dumpster will be placed at the Town Maintenance Facility onGrand Valley Way. We will be offering curbside refuse collection this year from May 9-13. Makesure your curbside refuse is stacked in an orderly manner on your property near the curb to helpour public works crew with this operation.

If you need assistance disposing of your refuse, please contact Parachute Town Hall and we willhelp organize volunteers to assist you. If you are unable to participate because of age or infirmity,please contact town hall and leave us your contact information.

The following list includes items that will not be collected, and fees for items that are specifical-ly charged by the landfill. You will need to make payment arrangements with town hall for chargeditems prior to the collection.

No hazardous wastes!Includes:• Petroleum products• Paints/stains/varnishes/removers• Computers or electronic equipment• Asbestos• Ammunition• Waste water from treatment plants, car washes etc.

The Town of Parachute is also pleased to let residents know that the boat ramp by CottonwoodPark has been completed. We express our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the ColoradoDivision of Wildlife for installing the ramp, cleaning up the debris in the parking area, and for grad-ing the parking area.

The bridge for the Parachute Park Boulevard bypass has now been completed. Work will beginshortly on the improvements where Parachute Park Boulevard and Diamond Avenue intersect withHighway 6.

Barring unforeseen circumstance, water is planned to be turned on for the town irrigation sys-tem on April 15. There may be interruptions in service the first week or so depending on the num-ber of breaks in the line, if any.

A semi truck dumped a load of bagged sawdust on March 31 on County Road 215. Our manythanks to Jay Johnson and his crew from Newpark for the manpower and equipment they used tohelp us remove the many pallets of sawdust off the roadway.

The town street sweeper underwent some significant repairs and is now back in service. We areoperating at a reduced staffing level because of downsizing necessitated by the downturn in theeconomy making it impractical for scheduling street sweeping on regular intervals. Wet roads makeit easier for the sweeper to clean the roadways and our public works crew will get out as often aspossible.

The opening of the Visitors Cabin at the Parachute rest area was delayed a week from its usualopening of April 1 to allow us to replace the wood shingle roofing on the cabin and the restrooms.The shingles were past the point of maintenance and parts of the underlayment were exposed. Weappreciate the patience of the chamber and the volunteers as I know they were excited about get-ting in there and greeting the travelers as they stop in to visit on their way to parts unknown.

Fee scheduleAuto tires - $5Small truck tires (20”) - $13Medium truck tires (22”) - $18Large truck tires (24”) - $25Heavy equipment tires - $40Appliances - non-Freon - $20.00Appliances - Freon - $30


**Not valid on Valentine’s Day

**

G . V . G R A T I T U D EAre you thankful – and you want everybody to know about it? Please try to keep your gratefulness under 500 words and send to Grand Valley Gratitude, 274 Redstone Blvd.,

Redstone, CO 81623, or e-mail [email protected].

Thank you from Grand ValleyGivers

Dear Echo:The Grand Valley Givers would like to thank all of

those individuals, businesses, school groups, andchurches that helped support the Grand Valley GivingTree and our local families in need during the holidayseason. Through your generosity and support, wewere able to supply 183 families with gifts and foodboxes.

In addition, during the 2010 holiday season, wefulfilled our mission of servant leadership. This wasaccomplished by getting the youth of our communityinvolved with the collection of donation jar funds, giftwrapping, and the Giving Tree gift pick-up day.

Specific information regarding Grand Valley Giverdonations:

• Total monetary donations (to date): $ 6,808.83• Total spent on Giving Tree gifts for needy chil-

dren: $ 3,910.62• Total spent on specific items for students as

requested by Garfield No. 16 staff members includingwinter coats, a trumpet, a ski field trip, dental work:$428.99

• Remaining Grand Valley Givers budget:$2,169.22

Grand Valley Givers is in place to support needystudents of our community throughout the entire yearfor basic-need items such as dental/medical expenses,clothing, and school expenses. The remainder of ourbudget will be used to support our kids in these areas.Teachers or other Garfield No. 16 staff members initi-ate this process by first referring the student’s need tothe Grand Valley Givers.

Thank you to the entire Parachute/BattlementMesa community for your support of our kids and theGrand Valley Givers. We look forward to your sup-port and partnership in supporting our communitythroughout the entire year and during the next holi-day season. If you have any questions regarding theGrand Valley Givers please speak with any of GarfieldNo. 16’s school principals.

Jory SorensenGrand Valley Givers

Parachute/Battlement Mesa

Thank you for a successful YouthWrestling Tournament

Dear Echo: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and

Recreation District would like to say thank you to thefollowing people for making the 2011 YouthWrestling Tournament so successful!

Thank you to Tony (head coach) and AngelinaSerna for being the main coordinators of the tourna-ment and hospitality room. Tony Serna and TomRugaard...thank you both for putting the bracketstogether on Friday afternoon and for your work at thetournament. Thank you to all the parents who helpedwith set up, clean up or provided food for the hospi-tality room and/or worked at one of the tables.

Thank you to Justin Busch, Ryan Gallegos, MegPfau, James Drinkhouse and Will Hinkle for officiatingall the games. Your time and talents are very muchappreciated.

Mr. Gregory and crew from the high school pro-vided a good concession stand for all in attendance.Glenwood Springs City Market/Kim Renteria provid-ed the drinks for hospitality room. Thank you VickiHerwick and Buddy Walls for helping with clean ups.Last, but certainly not least, thank you, Ryan Frink,and Garfield District No. 16 for the use of the GrandValley High School.

It takes a lot of effort and dedication from many tohost a youth wrestling tournament. Each and everyperson who helped or contributed is very muchappreciated!

Mary Anderson, Executive Director and

Danny Manzanares, Program Supervisor,Parachute/Battlement Park and Recreation District

Parachute

Thanks from theParachute/Battlement chamber

Dear Echo: The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of

Commerce would like to graciously thank the follow-ing folks for their contributions to the annualChamber Banquet and Auction. Through your effortsyou have shown what community means. Thank-you!

Thank you Alpine Bank, Battlement Mesa,Battlement Mesa Company, Bottle Cap Liquors,Dependable Waste, Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc.,Williams Production, Wells Fargo Bank, Wells FargoHome Mortgage/Denise Gallegos, Saddleback Storage,C and C Transload, R & S Sales & Services, SwallowOil Company, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District, Morhlang/Jones Team from KellerWilliams Real Estate, Old Mountain Gifts andJewelry/Pack and Ship, Grand Valley High SchoolWrestling Team, Rick Gallegos, Valley Car Wash, HDentistry, Chuck Pederson, Becky Warner, Bray RealEstate, Battlement Mesa Activity Center, Mac’sLandscape Services LLC, Star Precast Concrete, GrandValley Historical Society, Anytime Sewer and Drain,Silvertip Printing, Grand River Hospital District,Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church, DaylightDonuts, Wildrose, CP Enterprises, Foot Support Group,Grand Valley Fire Protection District, KSUN/KSBPRadio Station, Micro Plastics, Parachute VeterinaryServices, Battlement Mesa Golf Club, Rifle InsuranceAgency, Mary Anderson, Strands of Time, VJ’s OutlawRibbs, Grand Valley Pub and Grille, Parachute RadioShack, Western Implements, Cook’s Trucking, Clark’sMarket, Full Throttle Tire and Auto, All InclusiveDecorating, Parachute True Value, Grand Junction Pipe& Supply, Signs by Tomorrow, JoeNiki Enterprises,John and Sherry Loschke, The Grand Valley Echonewspaper, Everett McAlary, EZ-IT Computer Tech,Berna B’s Classic Cuisine, Parachute Auto Parts, StallionOil Field Services, Barbara Pavlin, Melaleuca MarketingRifle Truck and Trailer, and The Guzzler.

Bill CorneliusParachute/Battlement Mesa

Chamber of Commerce

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S E N I O R S

Mesa Vista NewsEaster activities and birthdays

By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director

We at Mesa Vista had a wonderful March celebrating Mardi Gras and St.Patrick’s Day.

On April 2 and April 9, Dianne’s Diggin’s hosted a craft day for the residents. They really enjoyher craft ideas. We enjoyed a guitar performance on April 12 by Elliot Leonard. We also hope tovisit the firehouse this month as the weather didn’t cooperate with our plans in March.

The residents are excited for spring and are already thinking of fishing and picnics. We will soon bemeeting in the courtyard to designate garden plots. Keller-Williams Real Estate Group will be visiting ourfacility in May to assist the resident’s in planting our large flower pots, petunias are the flowers of choice.

We are celebrating two residents’ birthdays this month: Carolyn Favre on April 1 and YvonneErickson on April 28. Our resident services director, Kim LaRocque, also celebrated a birthday onApril 11.

We hope to attend the Grand Valley Historical Society’s event on April 16, which features SteveLee as Otto Mears at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Otto Mears built the highway fromSilverton to Ouray, among other accomplishments.

We will be coloring eggs for Easter on April 20 and making Easter baskets for all on April 22. Weare planning to have the library story time kids join us for an egg hunt. The residents always enjoythe little ones.

We are also pleased to be offering a move-in special from April 1 to June 1. New residents dur-ing this time can enjoy $500 off their first month’s rent or their security deposit.

Happy Easter and here’s to sunny days ahead.

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

This space sponsord byYOUR ORGANIZATION

see page 20 for more information

Senior BriefsThe Traveler available to seniors and disabled

Every Tuesday, Battlement Mesa and Parachute area residents 60 years of age and older,and anyone with a disability can ride The Traveler, a mini bus, to Rifle to do errands.

The Traveler is a 16-passenger van, and accommodates wheel chairs. It offers door-to-door, driver-assisted service for medical appointments, grocery and Walmart shopping orfor any need in Rifle.

Departure from Parachute after picking up passengers is 9:30 a.m. and The Traveler returns1:30 p.m. from Rifle. The suggested contribution is $6 for a round trip or $3 for one way.

The Traveler also provides transportation to Grand Junction on the second Thursday ofeach month. The suggested contribution is $10 one way or $20 for a round trip.

When scheduling rides or to inquire about other Traveler service call call at least 24 hoursin advance. Be ready to provide the dispatcher with your name, phone number, address,destination address and appointment time. Cancellations should be made as soon as pos-sible to the same phone number.

The Traveler is run by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and receives its financialsupport through the Garfield County Senior Programs and local municipalities.

Call The Traveler at 625-1366. – Mitzi Burkhart

Driver safety class offered in May

A new four-hour AARP Driver Safety class for drivers 50 and over will be held on May 9from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Parachute Branch Library.

The fee for the workbook and handouts is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-mem-bers, payable to the instructor.

The class is presented by the High Country Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which isa sponsored program of Colorado Mountain College.

– Mitzi Burkhart

NEW LISTING

RESORT LIVING YEAR-ROUNDFull stucco, tile roof, courtyard,

tiled foyer, kitchen and bathrooms.10’ ceilings, quality abounds.Battlement Mesa - $245,000

UPSCALE RANCHETTE LIVING360 degree views-adjoins BLM-

domestic well in place-covenants-8.38 +/- acres-two horses allowed.

Parachute - $249,900

FRESH PAINT-NEAT & CLEANVersatile, informal floor plan, lovely

master, tiled walk-in shower, oversizedpatio, sprinkler system.

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OWN A LITTLE BIT of HEAVENTwo parcels just below Harvey GapReservoir. Borders BLM, privacy,

treed and spectacular views. Silt-20 acres $25,000

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LIVE IN CAREFREE LUXURYView filled windows, awning covereddeck, tiled floors, granite counters,

elegant master suite, Italian tile.Battlement Mesa $199,900

HATE YARD WORK?You will love this fashionable town home.

High ceilings, 2 fireplaces, wet bar, tilegalore, huge lower level family room.


EXPANSIVE COVERED DECKFree standing gas fireplace,

guest bedroom with Murphy bed, lots of scenic filled windows.


BETTER THAN NEW!Custom window coverings,

tasteful accent paint, glass block tileshower, added storage solutions,

come home today!Battlement Mesa - $299,000

SELL MOWER – PLAY GOLF!Bask in the living room views, coveredpatio with exceptional scenery, private

guest bedroom and bath.Battlement Mesa - $156,900

THE ULTIMATE IN MF HOMESExtremely spacious floor plan,

1,700 +/- sq.ft., park like setting, covered porch, living, dining,

den and 3 bedrooms. Battlement Mesa - $139,900

GRACE with QUALITYLarge windows enhance the scenery,

vaulted ceilings and skylights.Manicured landscaping large patio.


IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLEPecan plank and tile flooring, upperdeck and lower patio, open views formiles, two living areas with fireplaces.


AREAS FOR THE DOGS & KIDSSodded yard, sprinkler system, awning

covered deck, shed, dog run, all bedrooms have walk-in closets. Battlement Mesa - $149,900

WOW – AWESOME Stucco ranch-style home with view filledwindows throughout, fine finishes, cher-

ry Pergot floors, jetted tub, more.Battlement Mesa - $334,900

AN AFFORDABLE BEGINNINGTextured walls, new paint, new lightfixtures, new carpet and appliances.Lattice covered patio, fenced yard.


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H E A L T H

Help managingdiabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you are far from alone.More than 23 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but beingdiagnosed does not mean you can’t live a full, active, healthy life.

There is no doubt that being diabetic means changing yourlifestyle. You may have to carefully watch what you eat andmonitor how active you are, as well as manage medicationssuch as insulin.

Having diabetes can seem daunting at first. There are thingsto remember, foods not to eat, and appointments to keep.Having a support system and resources to turn to when youhave trouble can be great help along the way.

For many, taking time to receive diabetes management edu-cation can help tremendously with day-to-day activities andfuture planning. Diabetes management is composed of twoservices: diabetes self management training (DSMT) and med-ical nutrition therapy (MNT).

DSMT includes education on the disease process, healthyeating, blood glucose monitoring, and preventing complications.MNT usually consists of a review of an individual’s food, activ-ity, and self-monitored blood glucose records, and patientplanned interventions. Both services may be provided in an indi-vidual or group setting.

Many people who have diabetes can benefit greatly fromthese programs. A person who is newly diagnosed with type 1or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome,pre-diabetes, or impaired fasting glucose can be referred to andmay want to take part in diabetes management education.

Locally, Grand River Hospital and Medical Center in Rifleoffers diabetes management education within their ChangingLifestyles program. They have a registered nurse and a regis-tered dietitian, who is also a certified diabetes educator, on staffto make sure participants are getting what they need. For moreinformation about their program, call 625-6200. If you thinkreceiving diabetes education would be helpful to you, don’t hes-itate to talk to your healthcare provider.

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

Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District• SERVING THE COMMUNITY •

WATER & WASTE WATER OPERATIONS • BATTLEMENT MESA ACTIVITY CENTERTel: (970) 285-9050 Tel: (970) 285-9480

Health BriefsGrand River to offer breakthrough 3D breast cancer screening equipment

Grand River Hospital and Medical Center in Rifle will be one of the first facilities in thenation to offer a type of innovative 3D equipment for breast cancer screening with aSelenia® Dimensions® digital mammography system.

The Selenia Dimensions system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advancedergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and a groundbreaking 3D platformdesigned to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance.

Grand River expects to begin offering 3D breast screenings to women after installationof the equipment at the end of May.

By offering women the latest technology in mammography, Grand River hopes toincrease the number of area women who will be routinely screened.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded onlyby lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancersometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’schance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.

– Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District

Japan radiation questions answered

Local health departments have been getting a lot of questions about the impacts of radi-ation from Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in mid-March.

A toll-free number, which is being staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. on weekends is available to answer questions, at 877-462-2911.

In addition, information is available at cdphe.state.co.us and at colorado.gov/cohealth.Information may change, either due to a situation update or as messages are coordinat-

ed. Dr. Al Bronstein from Denver's Poison Center is working to get everyone on the samepage with consistent messages.

– Maria Marco, Garfield County Public Health

This space sponsord byYOUR ORGANIZATION

see page 20 for more information


Grand Valley Fire Protection DistrictWhat do we do in the community?By Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

During the past month, we’ve had some questions we would like to answer. One of thequestions presented to the fire district is, “What does the fire district do in the community?”

First off, I would like the community to know we are here for you. We can come to yourhome and do a fire safety walk-through to point out some common fire safety issues thatmost people are just not educated on. We also conduct these same type of inspections forbusinesses.

We also issue burn permits. All burns must have a permit. All you have to do is call thefire station the day you want to burn. We will get your information, advise you of currentweather, and issue you a permit number along with additional information. We can alsoassess your area if you need a controlled burn done by the fire district when possible. Boththe permits and the controlled burns we perform are free.

In addition, we transport emergency patients when we provide advanced life support orbasic life support. The fire district works with the schools to provide fire safety classes tolocal children. So parents, you will probably have your kids coming home with lots of infor-mation from firefighters to do little family projects such as fire drills in your homes, prevent-ing home fires, etc.

So let’s wrap it up; we do:• Emergency medical services• Structure and wild land firefighting• Rope rescue• Hazardous materials• Ice and swift water rescue• Vehicle extrication and extrication from other hazardous equipment • Fire investigation and fire inspections

If at any time you want to see if the fire district can help with fire service issues or if you’rejust not sure, give us a call on our non-emergency phone at 285-9919.

For emergencies, please call 911 as soon as possible!

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

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

With wild land fire,humansaren’t separate fromnature

The Battlement Creek Fire of 1976resulted in some substantial changes in federal wild land fire man-agement. The fire occurred on Morrisania Mesa, and started on July11 from a lighting storm that passed through the area. The Bureauof Land Management in Grand Junction was responsible for sup-pression of that fire.

On July 16, a B-26 air tanker crashed while dropping retar-dant and the pilot was killed. The very next day, three firefight-ers were killed and a fourth severely burned during a burn-overwhile working on the fire. The incident was a catalyst for themandatory use of fire shelters and fire resistant clothing anddemonstrated the need for closer interagency coordinationbetween federal, state, and local wild land fire agencies.

We tend to think of humans as separate from nature. But, in truth,we have always been a part of nature. When we build our homes inthe forest, or in the mountains, we create the urban-wild land inter-face, that is, the edge between development and the forest.

Each kind of natural environment or ecosystem has its ownrhythms with relationship to fire. The gambrel oaks and shrubsin our area will respond differently to fire than a Ponderosa pineor Douglas fir forest. Some species actually depend on fire fortheir development. And the fire-resistant cones of the Lodgepolepine will not open unless seared by a hot fire.

We live in an area of canyons and ridges, so fighting fires inthis kind of terrain often requires specially trained firefighters.Smokejumpers are most often deployed to fires that areextremely remote. A smokejumper is a wild land firefighter whoparachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires. Their dutiescan be hazardous and extremely arduous. They have the reputa-tion of doing exceedingly dangerous work. Smokejumpers wereused to fight the South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain.Steep topography, thick flammable vegetation that limited visi-bility, and increasing early afternoon wind collectively conspiredto cause a firestorm that killed 14 brave firefighters that day.

Developments in science have helped to protect firefighters:clothing made of Nomex, a material that will not burn or melt at 700to 800 degrees; gloves made of flame-resistant leather; and chapsmade of nylon on the outside and Kevlar (a tough material also usedin bulletproof vests) on the inside. This combination protects fire-fighters from both flames and sharp saw blades used to cut brush.

The main firefighting tool is a Pulaski, which has a hatchetblade for chopping on one side, and a hoe for digging up plantsand clearing the ground on the other. Firefighters also wear a hardhat, and they carry a first aid kit, a backpack containing water anda fire shelter, made of aluminum foil bonded onto fiberglass cloth.A firefighter can deploy this low, triangular tent in less than 20seconds. However, sometimes in a fast moving fire, there is noteven time for that, as was the case with the South Canyon Fire.

Resource managers of public lands now understand the impor-tance of fire in the cycles of nature. Suppressing fire is no longer thebest solution because it tends to build up dangerous amounts offuel. Land managers have begun to use prescribed burns – fires care-fully planned that bring about desired changes. And, let’s face it. Inwestern forests, disturbance and change are inevitable and neces-sary. We can feel a measure of safety knowing such well equippedand trained firefighters are on call when fire turns disastrous.

Betsy Leonard is an environmental education specialist who livesin Parachute.

Nature at Homeand Afield

by Betsy Leonard

.

Sponsored by:Mac & Sara

McCurdy

Sponsored by:Alyssa

Sponsored by:Carrie


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

Sponsored byParachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

AUTOMATEDPROPRIETARY CHARGE

CARD SYSTEMAvailable 24 hours daily

Car Wash Fleet Card Program

FUEL Up Your FLEET!

PARACHUTE GRUB N SCRUB28 Cardinal Way • Parachute

Car Wash / Dominos / Shommy’s RestaurantShommy’s Restaurant Now Open – Asian/American Cuisine

RED RIVER QUICK MART1-70 at South Rifle • 702 Taghenbaugh Blvd.

Dominos Pizza - 625-0505

THE CORNER STORE & LASER CAR WASH9th & Railroad • Rifle

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SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

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

Available at the following Phillips 66 Stations

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

Sign up for baseball and softballBy Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director

Current and upcoming programs

Youth Wrestling: This program is for kindergarten through sixth graders March through May.Held at Grand Valley High School’s auxiliary gymnasium. Team travels to Meeker on April 16, Rifleon April 23 and Craig on May 7.

Spring Soccer: We have a U10 girls team with coach Mandy Rice, a U12 boys team with BillCornelius as coach, and a U14 girls team coached by Leslie Wood-Smith.

Youth Baseball and Softball: For 8-15-year-old boys and girls. Marilyn Bulger, A.J.Buffington and Bill Parkhurst are coaching. Held the end of May through July. Practices and gamesare held on weekday evenings, and teams travel and play at home. $55/fee plus a $35 refundableuniform fee. Another coach may be needed dependent on the number of participants.

Adult Coed Softball: Coed softball is being offered this summer.28th Annual Craft Fair: The fair is Nov. 19 at Grand Valley High School. Application forms

are mailed out in June and are due back by mid-September. Call to leave your mailing address toreceive an application.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parks and Recreation is at 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388,Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org. Check outthe website; it’s updated frequently.

Top, Champion Teigan Jacobs(holding bracket) and secondplace finisher Jeremy Rugaard atthe March 26 wrestling tourna-ment in Parachute. Both boys arefrom the Parachute GrapplersTeam. Right, there was plenty ofpre-wrestling "action" at theMarch 26 wrestling tournamentheld at Grand Valley High School.About 180 wrestlers competed inthe tournament.

Photos courtesy of Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and

Recreation

Battlement MesaCouples Golf Leaguebegins May 5By John Constine, Battlement Mesa Couples Golf League

Our 2011 couples golf starts on May 5, teeing off with ashotgun start at 4:30 p.m. and will continue throughSeptember. Please check in at the Pro Shop at least 15 minutesbefore our tee time.

Our league consists on nine holes of golf, followed by apotluck at the host's home for that week. Each couple brings adish to share and their own drinks. Once a month we meetafter golf at the Fairway Grill for pizza or whatever we canarrange.

There will be a weekly sign-up sheet in the Pro Shop andwe ask that you sign up no later than Wednesday each week.This gives time to put the foursomes together and print outthe scorecards for the game of the week. You must sign up asa man/woman team. We will play every other week as couplesand the other week as a mixed foursome.

You must have an established handicap from 2010 to carryover for 2011 season, and have paid $30 tp sign up for your2011 handicap. If you do not have an established handicap,you must pay $30 to sign up for your 2011 handicap, and haveplayed and posted your score for five rounds before May 5.

For any new couples who wish to join our couples league,please contact Paul Bussone at 285-1233. Hope to see you onThursday evenings – we have lots of fun.


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

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

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

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

• • •

Crown Peak BaptistChurch101 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 & YouthGroups)

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

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

Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship

Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship

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

• • •

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

SundaySunday School: 9:45 a.m.Morning Worship: 11 a.m.Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m.

WednesdayBible Study: 7 p.m.

• • •

Grace Bible Church755 Spencer Parkway P.O. Box 6248Battlement Mesa285-9862

Charlie Hornick, PastorLance Easterling, Youth PastorJosh Elliott, Pastoral InternPenni Nichols, GBC Child Care

Director

SUNDAYBlessing Up for Church Broadcast

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

Youth / Children’s ActivitiesGrace Bible Church Child Care:

Mon – Fri.Awana: Tuesdays 7:00pm

(Sept. – April)High School Youth: Sundays

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

7:00-8:30 p.m.

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

• • •

Grand Valley Christian ChurchSecond Street & Parachute AvenueParachute

Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080

e-mail: [email protected] Church Office 285-7597

Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

Daily Prayer Tuesday thru Friday9:30 a.m.

• • •

Grand Valley United Methodist Church

132 N. Parachute Ave.Parachute

Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor

Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m.

Contact Us

P.O. Box 125, Parachute, CO 81635285-9892

[email protected]

• • •

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

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

SERVICESSunday school:

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

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

Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon:

Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

• • •

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

WORSHIP:Sunday at 10 a.m.Bible Information Class:Monday at 7 p.m.Family Bible Study:Wednesday at 7 p.m.Location: Historic BattlementMesa Schoolhouse on CountyRoad 300

Lutheran Catechism:Wednesday at 3 p.m.

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

Location: 12 Rosewood Way

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

• • •

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley High SchoolCafeteria

800 Cardinal WayParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

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

210-5795210-5849

• • •

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

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

As I See ItIs death faith’s most teachable moment?By Sean Jeung, chaplain and bereavement coordinator for HomeCare and Hospice of the Valley

Recently, I read the statement…. “death is faith’s most teach-able moment.”

I was reading one of many books I devour as a way to feedmy insatiable hunger for learning everything I can about spiritu-ally companioning the dying. My experiences as a hospice chap-lain support that statement as truth.

One’s spiritual beliefs are often held close to one’s heart. Manypeople find it almost impossible to put into words what they trulybelieve when it comes to spirituality. Most of our lives, there’s lit-tle need to try. However, when someone we love is dying or if weourselves are facing our own mortality, what we believe in issometimes all we have.

There is very little this life offers us in the way of teachablemoments that can compare to losing the physical presence ofanother human being we love. I’ll never forget a woman whis-pering to me hours before she died, “How does anyone do thiswithout God?”

Belief in something we can’t see or prove; something good,something true, something sacred; gives those who are dyingan intimate sense of comfort and helps give those of us beingleft behind the strength we need to survive our grief.

In hospice care, we understand that those facing end of lifeissues navigate the experience much more smoothly when support-ed and assisted by a team of trained, experienced professionals.When spirituality is explored as part of that journey, patients andtheir families are provided a safe and supportive way to express andexplore their beliefs. It’s a beautiful and rich experience when ourquestions, fears, concerns and expectations can be heard.

When my own mom was dying, she used the months shehad between diagnosis and death to prepare her five childrenfor the inevitability that we would walk the earth as motherlessadults. She was our anchor and most ardent fan. None of uscould grasp how we would survive losing her.

She spent weeks massaging thoughts into words and wordsinto what she would eventually call, “Ann’s Legacy.” In that sim-ple but eloquent gift to her children, she was able to express herbeliefs about life and death, God and the universe. She exploredher open heart and poured it out like pints of pretty paint on awhite canvas. She gave her children the hope they desperatelyneeded when she assured us she would never be farther awaythan the nearest breeze. She allowed us to glimpse a dimensionof her life that had always been sacred; her personal relationshipto Spirit. In that act of unselfishness, she placed beneath eachone of us a foundation of loving trust that she would be with usall the days of our lives and she set the course for my life workbecoming what it is today.

At the end of life, spirituality becomes larger than life itself.When we share with loved ones what we believe, what we areunsure of, what we question and what we know in every cell ofour beings to be true, we offer a gift of unprecedented beautyand grandeur. All of us have the power to make that kind of dif-ference in the world.

A workshop and DVD, “Spirituality at End of Life,” is beingoffered from 12-4 p.m. on April 22 in partnership with GrandRiver Hospital, and is something everyone interested in end-of-life issues should consider attending. Open and free of charge tothe general public and all professionals working with peoplenavigating the waters of illness, I invite you and even encourageyou to consider setting aside the day. Lunch will be served.

All participants must pre-register no later than April 19 bycalling 544-1574.

Sean Jeung is the chaplain and bereavement coordinator forHomeCare and Hospice of the Valley. She can be reached [email protected] or by calling 544-1574.

F A I T H


Faith Briefs

Purple Party

Grand Valley Christian Church is hosting a Purple Partyon April 16 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There’ll be a lunch-eon, raffle, inspirational speaker Janet Streed, and musicby Darlene and Marylou, plus lots of fun and Christian fel-lowship.

A limited number of tickets are on sale, so a RSVP isneeded. Tickets are $6.50. Call the church at 285-7597or Kelli at 260-1080.

– Grand Valley Christian Church

Joshua Elliott ordained on April 17

Joshua Elliott, pastoral intern at Grace Bible Church inBattlement Mesa, has accepted a call to become thee pas-tor at Snyder Bible Church in Snyder Colo. and is to beordained on April 17.

Josh’s ordination service will be held during both the9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. hours. Nelson Miles, presidentof Frontier School of the Bible, will give the ordination ser-mon. Josh’s father-in-law, Pastor Tim Goold, will give thecharge to the candidate and Charlie Hornick, pastor ofGrace Bible, will give the charge to the congregation.

Josh became an intern at Grace Bible Church in June,2010 after graduating from Frontier School of the Bibleand marrying his wife, Kathy. Josh has fulfilled all therequirements of his internship and will graduate on May 6.

In February, he received a unanimous call from thechurch in Snyder to be their pastor. Snyder is next toBrush in eastern Colorado. He will begin his duties as pas-tor there the last week of May.

Josh and Kathy’s last Sunday at Grace Bible Church willbe May 1. Josh will give the message at the 10:30 a.m.worship service. There will be a reception for them with ameal right after the service in the fellowship hall. Josh’swife, Kathy, has been employed by the Old Mountain Giftand Jewelry Trading Post in Parachute. Both will be great-ly missed.

All are invited to attend the ordination services atGrace Bible Church at 0755 Spencer Pkwy. on April 17 at9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

– Charlie Hornick

Kiwanis National Day of Prayer on May 5

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute is sponsor-ing a National Day of Prayer Observance on May 5 from7:30 a.m. in front of Parachute Town Hall. Various churchgroups and pastors from the Parachute and BattlementMesa area will meet for prayer from 7:30- 8 a.m. for prayerfor our nation, our state, and our community leaders.

Afterwards, around 8 a.m., all are invited to stay for acontinental breakfast goodies at the Parachute BranchLibrary’s community room.

This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is “AMighty Fortress Is Our God.” Joni Eareckson Tada, a quad-riplegic well known as an inspiration to millions, is thisyear’s honorary chairperson. Prayer will be offered foreight major spheres of influence: government, church,military, family, education, media, business, medical andemergency services. All are invited to attend. For moreinformation, call 309-0363.

– Charlie Hornick


O U R S C H O O L S

Involving Parents and Children

Grand Valley Center for Family LearningThe Preschool and Kindergarten Round-Up is being held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on April

20. Children must be 5 years old by Aug. 15 to enroll in kindergarten, and 3 years old byAug. 15 to enroll in preschool. Preschool scholarships may be available for families thatqualify.

Staff will be on hand to help enroll students and answer questions. Call 285-5702 formore information or visit cfl.garcoschools.org/.

– Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning celebrated Grandparents' Day on March 24.More than 50 grandparents came to support their grandchildren at school from as faraway as the Eastern Slope, Meeker and Paonia. See photos below.

GVHS News

As Student of the Month, you do not think outside of the box, you cut tothe chase…you sit in the box! Senior Kendra Hill was voted as theStudent of the Month for March. Photo courtesy of GVHS

And the winner is…By Eryn Paskett, GVHS

Congratulations Senior Kendra Hill! This lucky gal was voted bythe GVHS staff members as Student of the Month for March. Thissuper student is a busy bee as she is active in school, prepares forcollege, and pushes through the long days leading up to graduation.

Along with her outstanding work ethic in school she is anactive member in GVHS athletics and her community. She had avery successful varsity softball season and now is playing hergame on the green as a member of the varsity golf team.

During the cold winter season she enjoys hitting the slopes asshe busts a move on the snowboard. Balancing her busy playschedule and school, she strives to secure the seas of theBattlement Mesa Activity Center pool as a lifeguard.

However, recreation, athletics, and work do not take up allher time; she still devotes her studies in the classroom 110 per-cent. Her devotion and hard work in school earned her the titleof Student of the Month, which is not an easy task in any means.

As her high school career comes to a close, she plans onattending Mesa State College to receive a degree in geology sothat she can begin studying paleontology.

Now that we all know a little more about senior Kendra Hill,one question still remains: What is her favorite thing about beingawarded Student of the Month? Well, as she puts it, “The park-ing spot is really nice.”

Congrats Kendra, keep up the good work!

Attention parents and guardians of the graduating class of 2011By Karsyn Valencia, GVHS

The journalism class at GVHS is preparing a section in The Grand Valley Echo that is devoted tothe class of 2011 for the May edition. Parents and guardians, we encourage you to send us an inspir-ing quote that we can put in the senior section along with a baby or senior picture.

This section of the newspaper is meant for parents to inspire their students with quotes, pic-tures, or anything else you would like to add.

The staff already has some senior and baby pictures, but if you want to add anything elsewe ask that you send it in before April 28. You can contact the journalism advisor, BrookeWhitman, if you have any questions or just submit your information and pictures to her as well.

You can contact Mrs. Whitman by phone, 285-5705 extension 4123 or by e-mail [email protected].

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

Terrific Kids for March 2011The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elementary

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

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolMarch’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Kiwanis representative Opal

Morgenthaler, Emelio Garcia, Niyna Cruz, Slade Einerson, Principal Brian Berg; second row, IsaacLetson, Angel Ruelas, Avery Arrowood, Nautica Rodriguez; third row, Diego Rivera, Eric France,Ryley Sackett, Kiwanis representative Bill Coelho; not pictured: Josue DeLoera.

St John Elementary SchoolMarch’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Eliodoro Castaneda, Alex Espinoza,

Faith Brown, Kathryn Martinez; second row, Kiwanis representatives Bill Coelho, OpalMorgenthaler, Layne Teter, Dusty Sprague, Nick Roberson, Emily France, Principal Kathy Keeling.

Congratulations to all of March’s Terrific Kids!

O U R S C H O O L S

Lauren Paskett, Striver of the Month. Photo courtesy of GVHS

Striving to get to aplace where shewants to beBy Stefanie Horton, GVHS

She searches through mountains and valleys to get to theplace she wants to be. She strives for the best and does not letanything stand in her way. She plays volleyball, basketball, andsoccer too. She is involved in Key Club and helping Grand Valleystand out in the crowd.

School is not the only place she succeeds but in her commu-nity as well. She is the Mimaid president in the Young GirlsOrganization sponsored through her local church. A huge striv-er when it comes to this girl; who you may ask? The one andonly Lauren Paskett.

Lauren Paskett has accounted for many accomplishmentsthroughout her freshmen year and has finally been recognized.Lauren lettered in basketball her very first year of high school;not many can say they have.

Now, Lauren is being recognized for her striving personalityand is Grand Valley’s Striver of the Month for April.

I asked Lauren what she was planning to do in her futureendeavors and she said, “I would like to become a professionalice cream scooper because I love ice cream, and on the side Iwould like to become a registered nurse.”

I asked where she would go to college to pursue her goals andshe said, “It is too early yet, I know I want to go to one of theBYU colleges.”

Well Lauren, I am sure you will succeed even further in thefuture and I know you will still be a striver for years to come.Congratulations Lauren Paskett for being recognized for GrandValley’s Striver of the Month for April, 2011!

GVHS News


This space sponsored by an individualor family - $25/month

Individualsponsorship$10/month

I read it in theECHO

The Grand Valley Echo is your community newspa-per, and we need your help to continue providing youwith a central, monthly source for local information.

As you know, the paper is distributed free through-out Parachute and Battlement Mesa – but it’s not freeto compose, edit, publish, print and distribute. In thepast, newspapers have made their money from displayad sales, but with the changes in the media industryand the economy, that paradigm has changed.

To address new financial challenges, we’re devel-oping our “Ride the Rails” campaign. A rail ad – that

is, a long, support ad that runs across the bottom of apage – gives readers a way to actively support thenewspaper in a new way, rather than through straightdisplay advertising. (See pages 16-17 for examples ofGarfield School District No. 16’s rail ads).

Ideally, rail ads run across the bottom of entirepage, though they can be sectioned into smallerblocks, too, and cost between $10 for a small, blockad to $100 for a full-length ad per issue.

Please consider riding the rails with us. Fun swag,including exclusive “I read it in the Echo” bumper stick-

ers go to all who help support your local newspaper. Join your friends and neighbors and help keep the

community news in The Grand Valley Echo flowingeach month. You can use your space to promote yourbusiness, honor a friend or family member, share yourfavorite quote, etc. We can bill your credit cardmonthly or you can prepay.

Call 963-2373, or [email protected] questions and more information. We look for-ward to your participation, and to bringing you manymore issues of The Grand Valley Echo.

Ride the Railswith the Echo

o Yes! Sign me (us) up! Name (as you’d like to to appear in rail) ______________________________________________________

o $10/month o $25/month o $50/month o $100/month Run our rail in ________________ issues

o Check enclosed o Please bill my credit card each month* ________________________________________________________*Please provide an email address or phone number so we can get our credit card form to you.

KIWANIS KORNER Kiwanis busy planning its golf tourneyon May 14

By J. Steven Randol, Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute planning for our May 14 fundraising golf tourneyis well underway. This is our primary fundraiser and allows us to meet scholarships and other pro-grams we promote. You can sign up at the golf course or contact a Kiwanian.

Garfield No. 16 Superintendent Ken Haptonstall spoke at our April 12 meeting. Matt Spencer theCEO of the Colorado Mountain College Foundation is speaking on April 19; and we’ll host a spir-itual aims program on May 3. Another great program was Carolyn Dahlgren, of the GarfieldCounty Attorney’s Office, and we are hoping to have a program on the effects of radon.

We visited the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on March 29 in Grand Junction, where we allhad the feeling instilled in us that a life of crime is a serious dead end.

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Valley/Parachute meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at the ParachuteBranch Library for coffee with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. All men and womenof good will are welcome to come join us in serving our children and community. Chuck Hall is ourpresident. Please come join us some Tuesday morning.

Chapter IP PEO offering luncheon, scholarships and morePEO luncheon set for May 19

Chapter IP Philanthropic EducationalOrganization (PEO) members in BattlementMesa are once again planning their annual ele-gant luncheon and card party on May 19 at AllSaints Episcopal Church beginning at 11:30 a.m.Tickets are $10. Call Lee Allen at 285-5628 orSara Orono at 285-1111 for more information.

Attention, GVHS senior girlsChapter IP PEO is again offering scholarships

to two graduating senior girls from GrandValley High School. Any Grand Valley seniorgirl wishing to continue her education in anyfield is eligible to apply. The deadline for appli-cations is May 1 and applications are availablefrom the counselor at Grand Valley HighSchool.

Officers installed for Chapter IP PEO Chapter IP PEO officers for the 2011-12 year

were installed in March and will serve untilMarch 2012.

President - Dottie ScottVice President - Sherry JohnsonRecording Secretary - Sarah OliverCorresponding Secretary - Wendy MelloTreasurer - Nancy Leonard,Chaplain - Carolyn StottGuard – Betty Letson.

PEO’s purpose is to promote education forwomen. Scholarships for local girls are just oneof the many charities the chapter supports.

– Sharon Temple


O

Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints

by Barbara Barker Gently rub a damp paper towel over the cat

• To prevent weeping whipped cream, place the whippedcream in a strainer over a bowl. Any excess liquid will drip out.• Before cutting into cheese-topped baked dishes such aslasagna, first perforate the pieces with a fork. This helps preventthe knife from pulling the layer of cheese off the top.• To store a chunk of Parmesan or Romano cheese, place it in anairtight plastic container along with 2 or 3 sugar cubes, whichwill absorb the moisture and will prevent the cheese from get-ting moldy. Replace the sugar cubes when they get soggy• To dice a lot of hard-boiled eggs for salads, try using a coolingrack with square grids. Peel the eggs, then press them throughthe rack directly into a bowl. It saves time and the eggs comeout perfectly chopped. Cleanup is a breeze, too – especially witha nonstick rack.• Oven and grill racks are simple to clean using this trick. Placethe racks in a plastic garbage bag, then pour in two cups ofammonia. Seal the bag and let it stand outside overnight.Cooked-on grime falls off with a light scrub and a rinse. DONOT use ammonia on copper or aluminum pans.• Make perfectly round pancakes, by putting the batter into aplastic condiment bottle with a wide tip. You can find these athardware or grocery stores. Be sure the batter is thin enough toflow through the tip. Heat the griddle and start squeezing thepancakes. A bottle with a resealable cap is perfect for servinglate-risers or for making only a few pancakes. Just seal the bot-tle and store it in the refrigerator.• Cleaning the gunked-up coffee grinder is easy. Grind up theheel of stale bread. The dry hard bread cleans the coffee groundsfrom the sides and blades, and absorbs a lot of the sticky oils.Then just wipe out the bread crumbs with a dry paper towel.• Don’t throw away that pickle juice. Gardenias love pickle juice.Just pour the juice onto the soil at the base of the gardenia plantand that plant will produce mountains of snowy-white, sweet-smelling blooms.• Liven up weak soil by adding one shot of bourbon, Scotch,vodka or gin and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid per gal-lon of water. Use this in place of ordinary water for pottedperennials and watch the results.• To be sure there are no ticks left in your clothes, put the clothesin the dryer and turn it on for a few minutes; this kills the ticks.• When lighting a lot of birthday candles, use a piece of rawspaghetti as a lighter.• Instead of birthday candles, use fuzzy pipe cleaners. They arecolorful, stiff enough to stand upright, burn brightly due to themetal core, and your cake will be free of candle wax.• Gumdrops make colorful candle holders on a birthday cake.• Bananas are rich in potassium and phosphorus and can give roses,vegetables and houseplants an extra boost. Just air dry the bananapeel until crisp, then crumble them up and store in a sealed envel-op at room temperature and add them to the soil when planting.• Create unusual paint brushes for children by recycling tooth-brushes, sponges, popsickle sticks, broken combs, etc.• Rubber gloves that have too many holes to make them useful,just cut the fingers of the glove crosswise for handy rubber bands.• To reduce cat hair around the house, gently rub a damp papertowel over the cat; it collects hair and dirt.• Add a handful or two of dry oatmeal to the soil mix whenplanting.

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

Linda & Dave Devanney support the Grand Valley Echo

Garfield County Sheriff returns nearly $3 million to county coffers

Sheriff Lou Vallario has returned $2.89million of his 2010 total budget to theGarfield County general fund.

The total 2010 sheriff’s office budgetwas $18.86 million of which the sheriffspent $15.97 million total. Those expen-ditures represent a 3.4% increase overtotal expenditures in 2009.

The sheriff also returned over $2 mil-lion in 2009. The sheriff’s office 2011operations budget decreased from 2010by nearly 7 percent, but the overall budg-et increased slightly by 1.7 percent due toadditional dollars for possible salary andbenefit adjustments, particularly signifi-cant forecasted increases in health care.

As the sheriff has stated, his budget isbased on known fixed costs; forecastingvariable costs based on previous trends;estimating unknown but “anticipated”costs such as a major case investigation orwild land fire; and finally, completelyunanticipated costs such as $77,991 inadditional medical care for one inmate,Philip Michael Amonette.

“We base our budget on what is need-ed, not wanted, and only spend what isnecessary to maintain the safe operation ofthe sheriff’s office and provide the servicesthat are expected by the community,” saysVallario. “If we don’t spend it, we return it,because it belongs to the taxpayers.”

– Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at BMAC April 23

The Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute is holding their annualEaster Egg Hunt for area children on April23 at 11 a.m. on the grounds of theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. In caseof inclement weather, the activity will beheld inside the Activity Center.

The Easter Bunny will be in attendanceto hand out gift s, and to let parents takea keepsake photo of their children.

– Don Chance, Kiwanis of GrandValley/Parachute

Storytelling presentation featured at Grand Valley Historical Society April 16

The spring meeting of the Grand ValleyHistorical Society is featuring a special sto-rytelling presentation when it takes placeat 2 p.m. on April 16 at the historicBattlement Mesa Schoolhouse.

Steve Lee is portraying Otto Mears,who is considered to be one of the mostinfluential men during the pioneering eraof Colorado. Mears was renowned as the

builder of roads and railroads through theRocky Mountains allowing the opening ofColorado’s high country to explorationand development.

Mears also helped design the ColoradoState Capitol building, was a witness atthe Alfred Packer trial and was a power instate politics for more than 50 years. Tothis day, a stained glass likeness of Mearsstill appears in the Senate Chambers ofthe Colorado State Capitol building.

Steve Lee, who bears a close resem-blance to Mears, taught school for 32years, often using his storytelling abilities.Currently, he is an educational programprovider at the Colorado RailroadMuseum in Golden and does historicalpresentations throughout the state.

The historical society encourages allthose with an interest in Colorado historyto attend. The meeting is open to thepublic. Admission is free to society mem-bers, while a donation of $3 is requestedof non-members.

– Jim Klink, Grand Valley Historical Society

Plenty of activities at the Parachute Branch Library

Story Times, Fun Nights, and a Flip FlabJack Breakfast are just some of the activitiescoming up at the Parachute Branch Library.

In addition, classes on digital cameras,appliqué, safe driving, and how to use Gmailare all on the library’s schedule of events.

For more information, go to the Echo’scalendar on page 5, or call the ParachuteBranch Library at 285-7630.

– Emily Hisel

GarCo not accepting online firearms certificates

Garfield County Sheriff's Office will notbe accepting online firearms certificatesfor a concealed weapons permit. Onlineprograms do not verify the true identityof the person online taking the course,nor does it confirm the identity, creden-tials or legality of the instructor.

As defined in the Colorado RevisedStatute 18-12-202.5, a handgun trainingclass means: (a) a law enforcement train-ing firearms safety course; (b) a firearmssafety course offered by a law enforce-ment agency, an institution of highereducation, or a public or private institu-tion or organization or firearms trainingschool, that is open to the general publicand is taught by a certified instructor; or(c) a firearms safety course that is offeredand taught by a certified instructor.

For questions, call Kiyvon Chapman at665-0200.

– Jennifer Kelly, Garfield CountySheriff’s Office

Echo Briefs


The Redstone General StoreWE HAVE SOMETHING

FOR EVERYONE!

Open Daily

963-3126292 Redstone Blvd.

RedstoneAcross from the park

THE HEART OF REDSTONE

WITH A UNIQUE SELECTION OFCENTERPIECES FOR YOUR HOME!

REDSTONE CASTLE TOUR TICKETSAVAILABLE HERE!

OPEN YEAR ROUND • OPEN DAILY970-963-1769

225 Redstone Blvd. • Redstone

i|á|à exwáàÉÇxVtáàÄx‹

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

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

(FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

Tickets savailable at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store

and Crystal Club Cafe.

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us

redstonecolorado.com

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

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Antiques • 12863 Hwy 133 • Redstone, CO [email protected] • www.avalancheranch.com • 1-877-963-9339

Bring your bike for a ride around Redstone – and beyond

By Sue McEvoy and Carrie Click

As winter’s snow pack continues to melt, the hillsides and valleys of the Crystal River Valleyspring into life.

Aspen buds glisten into new-green leaves and deer, elk and bighorn sheep give birth after thefall mating season. Bears emerge from hibernation with their cubs and the rivers start to rise.

The Crystal Valley, too, shows signs of coming back to life, and becomes ideal for both road andmountain biking. Sure signs of spring are the bicyclists gliding up and down Highway 133 and fam-ilies peddling along Redstone Boulevard.

For the serious cyclist, a ride to Redstone and, six miles further, to Marble up the Crystal Valleyon Highway 133 is challenging and exhilarating. If you choose this ride, know that traffic can besomewhat heavy and the road’s shoulders are narrow.

A safer option is the Crystal River Trail that goes from Carbondale (look for Roaring Fork HighSchool on the left) and runs five miles up the Crystal Valley to the BRB Campground Resort. Thisis a new, paved bike and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to Highway 133, and provides a won-derful ride.

Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience, as you leave the busy highways and cruisealong the West Elk Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. The two-lane road winds along theCrystal River and is soon surrounded by the towering cliffs of red sandstone that give the town itsname.

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

Mount Sopris looms over the Crystal River Trail. Photo by Ed Kosmicki


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

#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

OUTSIOUTSIDDEESTORSTORAAGEGE

NEW TO THE PARACHUTE / BATTLEMENT MESA AREA

LOCATED IN PARACHUTE

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

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

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHOCLASSIFIED ADS

PHOTO CLASSIFIED AD–Run an photo and 25words for $15/month*

LISTING CLASSIFIED AD–Run up to 40 words for $10/month**25¢ per word extra. These ads must be prepaid.

Name:__ _______________ Phone Number:___________

Ad:

Submit this form and payment by the 1st of the month to: The Grand Valley Echo 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623

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

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDSSERVICES:SERVICES: Home repair services: Experienced,with references. Swamp cooler start up, yardcleaning, tree trimming, $45/service, treeremoval $350-600 small to large trees. Homepainting, small houses $3,500 interior and exte-rior, $5500 large homes. Mike - 285-9330. pd

FOR RENT:FOR RENT - RIFLE: Three bedroom, two and ahalf bath townhome in family neighborhood.Fenced backyard, storage shed. Washer/dryer,all appliances. No smoking, Pets negotiable.$1,000/mo. plus utilities. Call 618-4930. pdFOR RENT - RIFLE: Furnished Studio Room.Private entrance. Outside smoking. All utilitiesincluded. $500/mo. plus deposit. Close totown. Call 625-4253. pd

• Septic Tank Pumping

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Locally Owned & Operated.DeBeque to Aspen to Vail & Beyond

970-216-7576www.peakseptic.com

SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY

GRAND VALLEY INSURANCE SERVICES

Home-Health-Auto-Life & Commercial Lines

Sherry Loschke

970-285-7343 • 970-640-3115

email: [email protected]

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

2011 grand valley echo mid april

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