Grand-Valley-Echo-October-2010

Volume #3 Number 1 FREE Mid-October / Mid-November 2010

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

INSIDE

Graffiti be gonepage 6

Shommy’sOxygen Bar

page 11

Quilt winner,Mary Galterio

page 12

Bowling tipspage 17

Our Schoolspages 24-27

A thorough study: Battlement Mesa’sHealth Impact Assessment (HIA)

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

In May 2009, when Antero Resources announced plans to potential-ly drill 10 well pads and 200 natural gas wells in Battlement Mesa’splanned unit development (PUD), a ground of residents may have beenshocked and concerned, but they didn’t stop there. They got busy.

The group quickly created Battlement Concerned Citizens (BCC),and began asking lots of questions. They researched natural gas indus-try operations, and potential hazards and health risks in the drillingprocess. They attended Garfield County Commissioner meetings, andbegan talking with the Garfield County Public Health Department.They made phone calls and wrote letters, organized meetings, and gotinformed about what they could do and not do about the gas industryoperating within their neighborhoods.

A year ago, the BCC presented the Garfield County Commissionerswith a petition signed by approximately 400 Battlement Mesa resi-dents. The petition requested that the commissioners “defer any per-mitting decision related to natural gas exploration and/or productionwithin the PUD of Battlement Mesa until a through study of publichealth, safety and welfare concerns associated with urban natural gasdevelopment has been completed.”

The result, a year later, is the draft report, “Health ImpactAssessment for Battlement Mesa,” a 157-page document prepared bymore than half a dozen physicians, faculty and staff at the ColoradoSchool of Public Health at the University of Denver in Aurora.

Oil and Gas… What are the impacts?

The HIA: Read and comment Time is running short on submitting comments on

the draft HIA, released Sept. 20. Only written com-ments are accepted. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 20by e-mail or mail.

To read the draft HIA online, go to garfield-county.com, click on “County Departments,” click on“Public Health,” and click on “Health ImpactAssessment Report.”

For information about hard-copy versions of theHIA, contact Jim Rada, Garfield County environmentalhealth manager, at 625-5200.

To submit comments (written only) on the draftHIA, do so by 5 p.m. on Oct. 20 to:

[email protected] Battlement Mesa HIAc/o Roxana WitterColorado School of Public HealthUniversity of Denver13001 E. 17th Pl. B119Aurora, CO 80045

Oil and Gas… What are the impacts?

A 157-page document is available for public review and comment. The report objectively assesses the health impacts of the gas industry on BattlementMesa’s neighborhoods. Photo by Ron Bailey

Continued on page 7

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2010

FROM THE ECHO

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

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

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

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $25 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ADVERTISING SALESBARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATIONSTEVE PAVLIN

Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

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

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

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

Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Charlie Hornick, Heidi Rice, Sarah Tahvonen,

Parachute Branch Library, Barbara Barker, Lori

Sweers, Jean Edmonds, Joline Gnatek, Jory

Sorensen, Ryan Frink, Rebecca Ruland

Vina Klahn, Kathy Germano, Jeanne Miles,

Brian Berg, Betsy Leonard, M.E. Denomy,

Battlement Mesa PEO Chapter IW, Barbara Pavlin,

Michelle Duran, Mary Anderson, Mitzi Burkhart,

Emily Hisel, Julie Lana, Bill Cornelius, Sharon

Temple, Martin Mortuary, Veronica Duran, Lizbet

Gonzalez, Stefanie Horton, Eryn Paskett, Sidney

Drinkhouse, Matt Donello, Liz Favier,

Mary Lee Mohrlang, Bob Knight, Dick Ciprich,

Cary Parmenter, Rob Furguson

Have a story idea?Contact the Echo

[email protected]

The Grand Valley Echo is two years old

The Echo is celebrating its two-year anniversary ofserving the Parachute and Battlement Mesa com-munities.

Since 2008, we’ve been bringing you communitynews every month. Gas and oil issues, organizationand club activities, people stories, school news, cal-endar items – we hope the Echo has been a positivecontribution to the Grand Valley.

We want to thank all of our advertisers who supportthe paper, and all our contributors who provideinformation for our copy. Without you, we couldn’tput the Echo together every month.

Alyssa Ohnmacht Carrie ClickPublisher Editor

ARROWOOD PLUMBING

COME VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM FEATURING:Faucets, Fixtures, Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring, Tile, Plumbing Supplies, and More!

Glass Vessel Sinksstarting at $99!

Services Include:* New Construction/Remodels * Water Heaters/Boilers* Swamp Coolers/Sprinklers* Drain Cleaning * Service Work

243 E. 1st Street - Downtown Parachute -970-270-8869

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2010, Page 3

G R A N D V A L L E Y

Garfield County Search and Rescueand Garfield County Sheriff’sOffice sign agreement


Garfield County Search and Rescue (GSAR) the all-volunteer nonprofit group responsible for locating andcaring for people injured, lost and otherwise incapaci-tated in the backcountry, has a new way of operating.

And it couldn’t happen soon enough. Because of apopular fall hunting season, autumn is one of the busiesttimes in western Colorado for search and rescue teams.

This past summer, GSAR signed an agreementwith the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office that, accord-ing to GSAR President Mike Alsdorf, is similar to onebetween the search and rescue group and sheriff’soffice in Laramer County, Colo.

GSAR started looking at a new way of coordinat-ing efforts in 2010 after Garfield County Sheriff LouVallario stated he would require all search and rescuevolunteers to complete a 38-page application in orderto serve with the agency.

Mike says that GSAR has always required that vol-unteers submit to background checks and driver’slicense checks, But some members were concernedthat the additional lengthy application asked ques-tions beyond what was necessary to ask a volunteeron search and rescue.

“It’s appropriate for a deputy,” Mike says, “butsome of the members had a lot of concern.”

As several members began resigning from GarfieldCounty’s 30-plus search and rescue team, staff fromboth the sheriff’s office and search and rescue startedlooking into how other search and rescue teams coordi-nate efforts with their local law enforcement agencies.

After Larimer County’s sheriff contacted Lou and

the two talked about streamlining efforts, GSAR andthe Garfield County Sheriff’s Office began negotiatinga new contract and a new way of operating. The agree-ment, which verifies that GSAR is its own 501(C)3nonprofit agency, confirms that GSAR operates sepa-rately from the sheriff’s office, yet will continue towork closely with the office, as the sheriff has ultimateresponsibility of search and rescue in the county.

What the new agreement will do is allow searchand rescue team members to continue to do whatthey do best. GSAR does and will provide the actualsearch and rescue services and wilderness safety edu-cation to the county’s residents and visitors. Andwhile background checks and driver’s license checkswill continue to be conducted, the 38-page applicationwill not be required to be filled out.

Each GSAR specialist completes a 60-plus hour tech-nical course plus additional training in land search oper-ations, navigation, basic life support, cardio pulmonaryresuscitation, high/low angle rope rescue, swift waterrescue, boat/raft operations, all terrain vehicle andsnowmobile operations, avalanche rescue and safety,ice rescue, cave rescue, and helicopter rescue and safety.

Last year, GSAR volunteers spent more than 2,700hours in search and rescue operations, often workingdirectly with other SAR teams, local fire and emer-gency medical services departments, law enforce-ment, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of LandManagement, Colorado Division of Wildlife andColorado State Parks personnel. GSAR also conductedmore than 240 hours of public information and train-ing seminars with hunters, hikers, rafters, skiers andothers to ensure all were equipped with the latestsafety information prior to venturing into the great,and sometimes unforgiving, Colorado outdoors.

If you’re big, mid-size or small, thisHalloween as it allSeveral choices for Grand Valleyites

• Grand Valley Pub & Grille’s Halloween Celebrationand Fifth Anniversary

The Grand Valley Pub & Grille instilled a Parachute traditionwhen they opened five years ago with a Halloween party.

They continue their Halloween fun this year. Celebratea day early, on Saturday night, Oct. 30. The party starts at8 p.m., with a live band, prizes for best costumes, andmore. Call 285-9616 for more information.

• Harvest Festival and Masquerade Party Lifetime Grand Valley resident Tina Metcalf is helping

organize a community-wide Harvest Festival andMasquerade Party on Halloween, Oct. 31.

She’s planning two events at different times at theGrand Valley Middle School. A festival during the after-noon is for kids and their families; the evening Halloweenparty is for big kids, i.e. adults.

“The Harvest Festival is a family-oriented event for peo-ple of all ages, and designed for the younger crowd withgames, prizes, candy and food,” Tina says. “The ideabehind this is to give kids a safe, healthy option to beingout on the streets on Halloween night.”

There will be Bump-N-Jumps, photo booths, a black-light course, bobbing for apples, face-painting and VicMurphy, a professional BMX biker.

The Harvest Festival runs from 2-6 p.m. and is free. “The Masquerade Party is a fantastic option for the

older crowd to participate in something elegant, fun and exciting,” says Tina. The party features live music with Everfound, Chamberlynn, and Christina Metcalf, food and fun, and a

$100 cash prize for best mask.And again appearing is Vic Murphy, a professional BMX rider and speaker, who will entertain and educate

the crowd. The Masquerade Party is from 6-10 p.m. at the Grand Valley Middle School. The events are sponsored by Metcalf Excavation, David Furr, and Williams Production, and are put on by

Crown Baptist Church with help from Grace Bible Church. Call 618-7342 for more information.

• Shommy’s Restaurant and BarShommy's Restaurant and Bar, at 28 Cardinal Way behind the Phillips 66 in Parachute, is holding its second

annual Halloween Party on Halloween night, Oct. 31. Shommy’s is having two costume contests. A costume for kids will be judged at 6 p.m. and one for adults

will be judged at 10 p.m. Call 285-9711 for more information.– Carrie Click, Echo editor

Echo BriefHunting season dates

It’s time for rifle season, and that means lotsof hunters will be in and around the backcoun-try, from now through November.

According to Dale Lashnits of the ColoradoDivision of Wildlife (CDOW), hunters canexpect lots of animals and good big-game sea-sons this fall.

Stephanie Duckett, a wildlife biologist withCDOW, says deer and elk are in very goodshape.

“This summer has had good moisture so theforage is plentiful and of good quality, and ani-mals should be in excellent condition,” shesaid.

According to the CDOW, biologists putColorado’s elk population currently at 280,000-plus, making Colorado’s elk herd the largest inNorth America. And Colorado’s deer herds areestimated at more than 466,000.

When hunting, be safe and prepared. Even ifyou’re not hunting but in hunting areas, besure to wear colors.

Oct. 16-20: First season separate limited elk Oct. 23-31: Second season combined

deer/elk Nov. 6-14: Third season combined deer/elk Go to wildlife.state.co.us/hunting for more

information. – Carrie Click, Echo editor

A new way of searching and rescuing

Some Halloween safety tips

By Parachute Police Chief Cary Parmenter

Fall is in the air, and with it brings the start of theholidays.

We will start seeing houses on the block decoratedwith spider webs, jack-o-lanterns, and yard ornaments.

One of the best parts of Halloween is trick or treat-ing for those all-too-yummy treats, but it is also impor-tant that everyone stays safe on Halloween. Here aresome safety tips to remember while your little ones areout trick or treating.

1. Have children wear a costume that fits so theydon't trip over it.

2. Make sure their costume lets them see and hear well;if possible, paint their face instead of wearing a mask.

3. Choose a costume that is light in color or put glow-in-the- dark patches on it so they are easily seen.

4. Give trick or treaters a flashlight or glow sticks tohelp them see – and be seen – in the dark.

5. Remind kids to cross the street at corners andnever cross between parked cars.

6. Have kids go trick or treating with a trustedgrown-up.

7. Have children visit the people you know, such asfriends, family, and neighbors.

8. Check all your children’s treats before they eat them.

Thank you, and have a fun and safe Halloween.

H A L L O W E E N


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.

• Oct. 16-20: Hunting season – First season separatelimited elk, wildlife.state.co.us/hunting.

• Oct. 16: 2-4 p.m. Battlement Mesa’sPhilanthropic Educational Organization (PEO)Chapter IW Fall Fashion Show and Wine Pairing isat the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. $21/in advance;$25/at the door. Light refreshments. 948-1912.

• Oct. 19: 6:30 p.m. Learn how to prepare your gar-den for fall and winter from Patrick McCarty, a cer-tified master gardener and CSU Extension agent, at theParachute Branch Library. Free and open to beginnersand experienced gardeners. 285-9870.

• Oct. 20: 5 p.m. Deadline to submit comments on thedraft Battlement Mesa Health ImpactAssessment. See cover story. Send comments [email protected].

• Oct. 21: 12 p.m. Parachute/BattlementChamber of Commerce board meeting at AlpineBank-Battlement Mesa. 285-0388.

• Oct. 22: 7-8 p.m. Personal Home and PhysicalSafety, presented by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Officeand KSUN, at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse. Sponsoredby Encana Oil & Gas (USA). Tanny, 945-0453.

Oct. 23-31: Hunting season – Second season com-bined deer/elk, wildlife.state.co.us/hunting.

• Oct. 22: 5-6:30 p.m. Grand Valley United MethodistChurch serves its annual Chicken and Biscuit Dinnerwith a variety of homemade pies for dessert with icecream. 132 N. Parachute, Parachute, 285-9892.

• Oct. 23-24: Kiwanians distribute empty food bagsto Parachute and Battlement Mesa homes, to befilled and picked up on Oct. 30.

• Oct. 26: 1 p.m. Village Artists feature Laurel Astorproviding a watercolor demonstration at theParachute Branch Library. Joline, 285-7642.

• Oct. 30: Kiwanians pick up bags of non-perish-able food from Parachute and Battlement Mesahomes for the annual food drive for LIFT UP.Have your bags curbside or on porches by 10 a.m.;pick-ups take place all day.

• Oct. 30: 8 p.m. Get started early with yourHalloween celebrations at the Grand Valley Pub& Grille’s fifth anniversary party. Live band, cos-tume contest, prizes and more. 101 Cardinal Way,Parachute. 285-9616.

Oct. 31: It’s Halloween. As always, look out for trickor treaters out and about in the neighborhoods in theevening. The Harvest Festival runs from 2-6 p.m. atGrand Valley Middle School for the younger set. AMasquerade Party, also at the Grand Valley MiddleSchool is from 6-10 p.m. with prizes for costumes andmore. 618-7342. Shommy’s restaurant is throwing aHalloween party, with a kids’ costume contest at 6 p.m.and an adults’ costume contest at 10 p.m. 285-9711.

Nov. 1: Deadline for local nonprofits to submitgrant applications to the Mt. Callahan CommunityFund. Requests should not exceed $500. See brief inthis issue of the Echo, or call Barbara at 285-7634.

• Nov. 2: Vote. See page 5 for details.

Nov. 6-14: Hunting season – Third season combineddeer/elk, wildlife.state.co.us/hunting.

• Nov. 10: 7-8 p.m. Community Gang Preventionand Education, presented by the Garfield CountySheriff’s Office and KSUN, at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. Tanny, 945-0453.

Nov. 11: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement Chamberof Commerce membership meeting is at theParachute Branch Library. Guest speaker is Chris Reddinfrom the Business Incubation Center in Grand Junction.

ONGOING• The Village Artists art show remains up at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center through Oct. 29.Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5p.m. Elaine, 285-7197.

• The Battlement Mesa Activity Center has lots ofclasses and activities: swimming, dancing, personaltraining, water aerobics, yoga, kung fu, basketball, andmore. Call 285-9480.

• KSUN Community Radio’s annual membershipdrive is underway. Support local radio by becoming amember. $25/person. 285-2246.

• Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand ValleyUnited Methodist Church serves a free soup lunch atthe church at 132 Parachute Ave.

• Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge isheld at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levelswelcome.

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

• Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club ofGrand Valley/Parachute meets at the ParachuteSenior Center, 540 N. Parachute, in Parachute.Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.

• The second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., theGrand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the MesaVista Assisted Living Residence. Call Paul, 285-7791.

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

• HEARTBEAT, for those who have lost a friendor loved one through suicide, meets the secondTuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First UnitedMethodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the BethelChapel entrance of the church located at 824 CooperStreet.

• The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Parkand Recreation District Board of Directorsmeets at the recreation district office, 259 CardinalWay, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlement-parkandrecreation.org.

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

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

• Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., "Through the Bible inOne Year" Bible Study is at the Grand ValleyChristian Church, 116 W. Second. Contact Pastor LoisSmith, 285-7957.

• The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3p.m., the Battlement Mesa ArchitecturalCommittee meets at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter. Open to the 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 issuesof concern to the Battlement Mesa community. Opento the public. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.

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

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

UPCOMING • Nov. 11: Veterans Day

• Nov. 11: 6 p.m. Veterans Day Dinner at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. Please call 285-9480for more info.

• Nov. 18: 12 p.m. Parachute/BattlementChamber of Commerce board meeting at AlpineBank-Battlement Mesa. 285-0388.

• Nov. 20: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 28th annual Craft Fair atGrand Valley High School. 285-0388.

• Nov. 23: 1 p.m. Village Artists art teacher JaneSeglem from New Castle, discusses art therapy,at the Parachute Library. Joline, 285-7642.

• Dec. 4: 1-4 p.m. Holiday Home Tour benefits thePEO Chapter IP scholarship fund. $10/ticket, availablenow from any PEO Chapter IP member or call Lee at285-5628.

• Dec. 4, KSUN Community Radio Christmas Gala atthe Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Tickets: $22/KSUN members, $25/pre-event, $30/at the door.Questions call 285-0388.

• Dec. 7: 7-8 p.m. Internet Safety and Education,presented by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office andKSUN, at the Parachute Branch Library. Tanny, 945-0453.

• Dec. 14: Village Artists Christmas party. Joline,285-7642.


BRAND NEW–WAITING FOR YOU!

Master bedroom on the mainlevel-finished lower level,

kitchen/dining with breakfast bar,fine finishes, 2,600 plus sq. ftg. Battlement Mesa - $379,900

BEAUTIFUL RANCH STYLE HOME!

Located on quiet cul-de-sac,maintenance-free vinyl siding,

large fenced yard, 18” ceramic tileflooring, heated garage.

Battlement Mesa - $229,900

ENERGY EFFICIENT FEATURES

Radiant floor heat – upgradedinsulation, master with

gigantic closet, oversized garageand vinyl fenced yard.


READY TO MOVE-IN and ENJOY!

Walk to Battlement activity center, townhome with finished

lower level, flex room and master on main level.


EVERYONE LOVES AFACELIFT!

New paint, light fixtures, appliances and water heater.

MF home with lattice coveredpatio and corner garden tub.


LIVING THE LIFE!

Spectacular stucco ranch-stylehome with high-end finishes,metal fencing and miles wide

views from the back patio.Battlement Mesa - $349,900

THERE is a LOT to LOVE!

Exceptional, upscale townhome.Ranch with finished walk-out

lower level, two fireplaces, two living areas.


BUYER AND BUDGET FRIENDLY!

Well kept MF home with great views, open living,

dining, kitchen areas. Fencedyard, care-free vinyl siding,

beautiful!!!Battlement Mesa - $164,900

GREAT AMENITIES MF home, automatic awning over deck, spacious dining,kitchen, living areas, shed, fenced yard, pellet stove.


ENJOY LIFE – LOVELY HOME!

Patio home borders open space,window filled living/dining area,

plush carpet, tiled kitchen counters, transom windows.


GREAT PRICE – GREAT VALUE!

MF home close to elementaryschool, compact plan with all thebasics, beautiful bushes, trees &

flower beds, 2-car garage.Battlement Mesa - $105,000

CIRCLE DRIVE – EXTRA PARKING

Unique and creative floor plan,master suite adjoins screened

porch, beautiful wood floors andtongue & groove ceilings.


WELL BUILT –GREAT CONDITION

Oak hardwood floors, trim, cabi-nets, wall of windows in living

room, lighted deco accents & sky-lights make this wonderful!


SCENIC VIEWS OF FALL COLORS

Fenced RV parking and storagearea, large covered deck with greatviews, hardwood interior doors. Battlement Mesa - $189,900

EXQUISITE TOWNHOMELower level media room and wet bar, lavish master bath, jetted tub, tiled floors, two

fireplaces - wonderful home!Battlement Mesa - $279,900

DESIGN & DECORATORELEGANCE

Granite counters, tile flooring, amazing townhome

in immaculate condition extended deck with great views. Battlement Mesa - $199,900

VACANT LANDPicturesque buildable

lots in Battlement Mesa and surrounding areas.

Prices starting at $69,000.00.

Karen Jones, 970-379-1353Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058

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

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangJones.com

mohrlang • jonesThe NAMES that mean

EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…

The Colorado Heritage Group

G O V E R N M E N T

Election time is here againDecisions to be made on Nov. 2


It’s voting time again, and in Battlement Mesa and Parachute, voters have three ways to casttheir ballots, according to Garfield County Clerk Jean Alberico: early voting in Rifle; mail-in voting;or election day voting at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Early voting begins Oct. 18 and runsthrough Oct. 29. Voters need to go to theGarfield County Human Services buildingacross the street from City Market in Rifle forearly voting.

Voters can vote by mail-in ballot, or onNov. 2, Grand Valley voters can show up at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center to vote inperson. If you do opt to vote in person, bringyour ID to the polls. Voting hours are 7 a.m.-7p.m.

Garfield County’s ballot will have federal,state and county voting decisions.

Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and61, which seek to severely alter funding fortax-supported services, such as roads, fire pro-tection services, schools and town and city services, are getting a lot of attention.

And with the governorship up for grabs, the race is narrowing to Denver Mayor JohnHickenlooper, Evergreen businessman Dan Maes, and former Congressman Tom Tancredo.

Voters in the three of four precincts in the Parachute/Battlement area will need to decidewhether Steve King, Claudette Konola or Gilbert Fuller will become the next State Senate District7 representative. For Precinct 24, the choice comes down to Steve Ivancle, Randy Baumgardner orMike Klein for the State Representative District 57.

Below are Garfield County’s questions on this year’s ballot:Parachute/Battlement MesaPrecincts24 – East of Parachute/Battlement Mesa25 – Parachute proper26 – Battlement Mesa27 – West Battlement MesaThe polling place for Parachute and Battlement Mesa is at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

Garfield County Assessor (Vote for one)John GormanJim Yellico

Garfield County Commissioner – District 1 (Vote for one)Tresi HouptTom Jankovsky

Garfield County Sheriff (Vote for one)Tom DelessandriLou Vallario

The County Clerk and Recorder, County Treasurer and County Coroner are running unop-posed. The County Surveyor’s position is unopposed but includes a write-in option

Garfield County is voting on Proposition 102, which would permit first-time offenders of a non-violent misdemeanor the option to be released, or released to a community services program in lieu

of a cash or property bond. Three other ballot questions also

appear on the Garfield County bal-lot and concern the cultivation, saleand possession of medical marijua-na in unincorporated GarfieldCounty.

For more information on theGeneral Election, call 384-3700,option 2; or go to garfield-county.com; under “Departments,”click on “Clerk and Recorder.”Information is also available atParachute Town Hall and theParachute Branch Library.

Election dates:Oct. 12-26: Last day mail-in ballots sent

to registered voters.Oct. 18-29: Early voting.Oct. 26: Last day to request a mail-in bal-

lot if mailed.Oct. 29: Last day to request a mail-in bal-

lot if picked up at the county clerk’s office.Nov. 2: Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. All bal-

lots must be received at the proper GarfieldCounty facility by 7 p.m.

Grand Valley Fire District ballot question The Grand Valley Fire Protection District has a bal-

lot question for this year’s election, but don’t look forit on your General Election ballot; the fire district ishandling its election separately through a mail-in bal-lot. Ballots were scheduled to be in the mail startingOct. 13.

Essentially, the question asks voters to allow thedistrict to continue to collect, retain and spend fundsas it has in the past, without asking the voters for amill levy tax increase.

Call 285-9119 with questions about the fire dis-trict’s election.


From the Chief

Graffiti be goneBy Parachute Chief of Police Cary Parmenter

Parachute police officers and members of the Parachute Police Explorer Post #250 spent Oct.2 painting the Parachute pedestrian bridge.

In recent years, the bridge has accumulated a lot of gang-type graffiti on the landings andstairs and was an eyesore for the town.

Town of Parachute News

Parachute's getting a ComfortInn, and check out the Wasson-McKay House From Parachute Town Administrator Robert Knight

Summer traffic has slowed but progress continues to be made in Parachute. • The Comfort Inn has broken ground and may be in operation in about eight months. • Blac Frac is refurbishing their lot off County Road 215 with the addition of one new building

and another in the plan review stage. They are also constructing a much-needed commercial waterdispensing fill station. This may be in operation in as early as 45 days.

• Town staff are working diligently toward the completion of the 2011 budget with a proposedbudget being presented to the Parachute Town Trustees for their October meeting. Revenues areexpected to remain tight so this budget has little room for capital projects of any magnitude.

• The Wasson-McKay Park property on Cardinal Way has come a long ways this year. Thefoliage was trimmed, a sprinkler system installed, two lots next door purchased, and buildings onthem torn down. Now the house has been recently painted. It looks like a gingerbread house soyou should take the time to stop by and see the improvements. We are expecting the stones aroundthe windows to be repaired in the next couple of weeks and missing grout in the stone foundationbricks repaired and replaced.

• The variable message boards in town continue to be a great way to get the word out aboutcommunity events, and many groups have taken the opportunity to display their events on them.There is no charge for this service so please contact Parachute Town Hall if you have an event thatneeds to be posted. The boards are not used for any commercial advertising.

• Parachute’s solar project is winding down with the final two installations on town hall andthe water treatment plant expected to be operational before publication of this column. GarfieldNew Energy Communities is researching information kiosks for the various communities involvedin this county-wide effort, and we hope to have one installed at town hall in the near future.

Government Brief

KSUN presents Garfield County Sheriff Office’s community education programs

Instructors from Garfield County Sheriff’s CommunityRelations Department are presenting three educationalprograms during the next few months.

The programs are being presented by Tanny McGinnis,community relations deputy and administrative supervi-sor, and Phil Strouse, community relations assistant. Bothare with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Program information:

• Oct. 22 at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse from 7-8 p.m.Program: Personal Home and Physical SafetySponsor: Encana Oil & Gas (USA)

• Nov. 10 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center from 7-8 p.m.Program: Community Gang Prevention and EducationSponsor: Grand River Hospital District

• Dec. 7 at the Parachute Branch Library from 7-8 p.m.Program: Internet Safety and EducationSponsor: Williams Production

The purpose of these programs is to educate the com-munity to current threats in our neighborhoods, schoolsand communities from Internet scams, home invasions,personal safety and gang-related activities.

The programs include helping citizens better under-stand how to protect themselves, how to avoid threaten-ing situations and how to increase citizen’s awareness ofthese potential threats to their safety and well being.

The sessions are open to the public at no charge, andwill be followed with a question and answer period.

Refreshments will be served by the sponsoring company.

– Mary Lee Mohrlang

G O V E R N M E N T

Top and right, Parachute Officer John Mulligan, Sgt. Kevin Wayman, Chief Cary Parmenter, along with cadetsSierra Berger, Eamon Giboo, Sean Giboo, Lorraine Williams, and advisor Rae M. DeVan volunteered and coveredup the graffiti with paint provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Photo courtesy of Parachute Police


O I L & G A SGovernmentTHE BATTLEMENT MESA SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Vote no on Proposition 101, Amendments 60 and 61By Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association

At this point in the political season, we’ve all seen the politicaladvertisement regarding measures 60, 61 and 101. In fact you may beto the point that you don’t want to hear the same old message “onemore time” about why you should or shouldn’t vote for the threeissues.

Rest assured, it isn’t my intent to ask you to suffer through the samemessage again, but perhaps you’ve wondered what the BattlementMesa Service Association thinks about these issues and, if enacted,what impact it would have on the BMSA and its ability to provide serv-ices to our community.

This is sort of a good news, bad news story. I’ll start with the goodnews.

Even if Colorado’s voters pass all three of these measures –Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 – the Battlement MesaService Association will continue to conduct our business exactly as wehave in the past. No doubt you’ve heard all of the horror stories abouthow other entities including school districts, special districts, cities andtowns, etc. will be severely impacted.

So why is the BMSA immune? The BMSA does not receive any formof tax revenues and we don’t borrow money. Except for some indus-try contributions, our sole revenue source is the assessments paid byour members.

The bad news is that, if these measures pass, Battlement Mesa andthe BMSA will feel the impact. I’ll explain.

The assessments paid by our members pay for the basic services thatthe BMSA provides. These services include things like landscaping, irri-gation, fence maintenance and replacement, maintenance of the trailsystem, etc. and the BMSA will still be able to provide these services.

The problem is that several services that are critical to our commu-nity are not funded nor provided by the BMSA and the funding forthose services will be severely impacted if 60, 61 and 101 pass.

Two prime examples are our road system and the Battlement MesaActivity Center. Battlement Parkway, Stone Quarry Road, Spencer,Sipprelle and all of the streets in Battlement Creek, The Reserve, WillowCreek, Stone Ridge, Monument Creek, Tamarisk Village and TamariskMeadows are county roads. The county pays for all of the mainte-nance, including snowplowing, for these streets. If Garfield County’srevenues are cut, it is almost certain that the county will reduce thelevel of services that they provide, including the maintenance andplowing of our streets.

And then there is the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The activitycenter is owned and operated by the Battlement Mesa MetropolitanDistrict. The metro district is a special district and these measures, ifpassed, will substantially reduce their funding.

Sure, reduced funding will make it more difficult for the metro dis-trict to provide our water and sewer needs, but not to the point whereno water or sewer services can be provided.

In contrast, based upon my understanding of these issues, and ofthe metro district’s funding sources, I believe that the Battlement MesaActivity Center WOULD CLOSE! Within the last year, the hours andsome services had to be reduced in order to balance the activity cen-ter’s budget and it has had a noticeable impact on our community. Justimagine what it would be like to not have our activity center!

So, even though the BMSA’s funding would not be directly impactedby the passage of these three measures, on Sept. 28, the BMSA board ofdirectors voted to adopt a resolution against the three measures.

Please, don’t hurt our community! Please don’t hurt Colorado!Please vote against Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101!

The opinions expressed by Battlement Mesa Service AssociationPresident Keith Lammey are his, and not necessarily those of all BattlementMesa governing entities or this newspaper.

The Garfield County Health Department initiated the assessment on behalf of the BCC.Diverse groups such as the Battlement Mesa Service Association, Battlement MesaCompany, Antero Resources, Grand Valley Citizens Alliance, and the Colorado Oil andGas Conservation Commission participated in the process.

Released on Sept. 20, the draft Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is available to the pub-lic for review. Comments in writing are being accepted regarding the HIA until 5 p.m. onOct. 20 (see breakout box on the cover regarding accessing the HIA, and email and mail-ing addresses to submit comments).

The draft report is divided into multiple sections, which outline the Parachute and theBattlement Mesa communities, Antero’s drilling plans, and the community’s concerns.Objective assessments on air and soil quality, transportation and traffic, noise and light pol-lution, community wellness, and health impacts due to gas industry exposure are alldetailed in the report.

According to the Garfield County Public Health Department, when the public commentperiod has closed on Oct. 20, the researchers who produced the HIA will collect the formal

public comments. They’lldevelop responses to eachcomment and include theresponses in the HIA’s finalversion, which will be submit-ted to the Garfield Countycommissioners and releasedon Nov. 15.

Although there is no guar-antee that public commentswill warrant change to theHIA document, the final ver-sion will include an appendixwith each formal comment,the name of the person whosubmitted the comment, anyorganizational affiliations anda response from the publichealth researchers at theColorado School of PublicHealth.

Following the final release ofthe HIA on Nov. 15, the publichealth research team will holdanother public meeting, accord-ing to the Garfield CountyPublic Health Department.

The HIA is being fundedby Garfield County, andgrants from the Robert WoodJohnson Foundation and thePew Charitable Trust.

The HIA reports on the impacts drilling has on human health, such as air and soil quality, and noiseand light pollution. Photo courtesy of Jim Rada

Health Impact Assessment from page 1



O I L & G A S

Down the tubes

Ever wonder how the natural gas gets from our wells in Parachute to heat homesacross the nation? This is done by sending the gas through many, many pipelines that have been placed under-ground from our backyard to many parts of the nation. These underground pipelines can be spotted by locat-ing the cleared areas in our landscape.

The first set of pipelines that the gas travels through starts at the well site and are called gathering lines.Normally, these gathering lines are small in diameter and do not carry more than the gas that is produced atone well site. These gathering lines are connected to another transmission pipeline that takes gas from multi-ple well locations to a sight “upstream” from the well sites, normally to a location that processes the gas to beput into a bigger pipeline to take the gas “over the mountain.” The gas from our area can pass through multi-ple transportation pipelines before the gas finally gets sold to customers for use.

Some of our gas travels north and west to California or the Pacific Northwest. Other amounts of our gas cango south to Southern California or Nevada. Another bunch of our gas goes east as far as Chicago and evenbeyond.

At each of these connections to another pipeline, it is necessary for the gas to be at a pressure that is high-er than the pressure of the line to which it is being transferred. If the pressure is not raised, the gas will not beable to “force” its way into the next pipeline. To raise the pressure of the traveling gas, the gas needs to be com-pressed. If you have ever seen the large fans located on the north side of I-70 between Parachute and Rifle, youhave witnessed the process of compression.

Lately, the safety of underground pipelines has come to the forefront. There have been broken pipelines inMichigan, Illinois and an explosion in California. There are a number of safety precautions that are necessaryto prevent accidents from happening. There are valves that can be turned off, insulation to protect corrosionand standards about pipeline placement that are some of the precautions that are in place to protect pipelines.

Well, as they used to say in the ‘60s, “Tubular, man.”

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and an Accredited Petroleum Accountant She has beennationally recognized as an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate past president of the RockyMountain Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her at the naro-us.orgwebsite or through The Grand Valley Echo.

Across from Family Dollaron Cardinal Way in Parachute.

Homemade daily specials & soupBest Food in Town • FREE shuttle Fri. & Sat.

LIVE music on weekendsNOW OFFERING A 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT.Delivering Food to Go Fri. & Sat. 5-10 pm

PRIME RIB every 3rd FridayPrepared by Chef John Cox

Hours: Breakfast & Lunch 8 am - 2 pm DailyDinner 5-10 pm Daily

Celebrate Halloween& our 5th Anniversary

Sat, Oct 30th 8 pm Costume contest,prizes & LIVE band

285-9616

WANT MORE NEWS?We have more news and contributions

that we’d like to share each month, but not enough room in the paper...

Please help by advertising your business!(The number of pages we can run is based on

the amount of paid advertising we have.)

Ad deadline is the first of each month.

Contact Barbara Pavlin for advertising information

[email protected]

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


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

$100000

Factory rebate on all Best Bath walk-in tubs with air or water jets.

Expires November 30, 2010. With this coupon only.

• Walk-in tubs installed in Battlement Mesa available to view.

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

Two votes for Trési and Claudette

Dear Editor:

I would like to recommend two candidates whoare up for election on Nov. 2.

Battlement Mesa and Garfield County need to re-elect Trési Houpt. She stood up for us when our airand water quality was threatened. If we don't supportTrési, we deserve what we get.

Without Trési as a commissioner, all of the countycommissioners will be Republican and pro-gas/oil. Ifshe is not re-elected, Antero will be given free rein bythe county in their permits to drill in BattlementMesa. As the only Democratic county commissioner,her presence has kept the oil companies from runningroughshod over us. Even if you support gas drilling,you should want commissioners from mixed politicalbackgrounds to prevent excesses.

And Claudette Kanola is the clear choice for theColorado Senate District 7 race. She is an outsider tostate government. Claudette held a management jobin private industry for more than 30 years. This gaveher real-world experience in producing results andgetting the job done. We need real world experiencein solving Colorado’s tough economic problems.

Her concern for the community is shown by her

second career: managing nonprofit lenders. Thesecommunity lenders include the Mesa CountyRevolving Loan Fund, and the CommunityReinvestment Fund. The Community ReinvestmentFund is responsible for producing and saving morethan 40,000 jobs since 1988. In this tough economy,we clearly need someone who can produce jobs.

Claudette is also a nationally recognized expert onNew Market Tax Credits, having lectured on thattopic at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. She is list-ed in “Who’s Who in Finance and Business” and“Who’s Who in America.”

Clearly, Claudette is the best choice for represent-ing District 7 in the Colorado State Senate.

Thomas HallBattlement Mesa

Vote for Trési Houpt

Dear Editor:

I am writing to urge all my neighbors to vote forTrési Houpt for Garfield County Commissioner.There are good reasons to vote for Trési, no matterwhat your party affiliation happens to be.

Trési has done a great job over the last eight yearsrepresenting everybody who lives here. Whetheryou’re a retiree like me, a family with children in thelocal schools, or an employee working for one of theenergy companies, Trési has worked to see yourinterests are considered by the county commission-ers.

For instance, Trési has voted to approve around 95percent of all the energy development applicationsthat have come before her. But at the same time, shehas taken concrete steps to protect our health andsafety. The Health Impact Assessment for Antero’splan to drill in Battlement Mesa would not have beenpossible without Trési's leadership. We are better offbecause of her willingness to advocate for our healthand the community’s overall interests, even if itmeans slowing down a drilling project for a fewmonths.

Trési is great at balancing all the various interestsand needs of our community because she listens to allsides before she makes a decision. She gives voice toa lot of people who live here. We can’t afford to losethat. It’s what makes her a great county commission-er and is why she deserves your vote.

Lori SweersBattlement Mesa


B U S I N E S S

Shommy’s: Enjoy a meal, a beverage – and some oxygen, tooParachute’s first-ever oxygen bar is here

By Heidi RiceSpecial to The Grand Valley Echo

Shommy’s Restaurant and Bar, tucked right off Interstate 70 in Parachute, has an extensive menuand a full bar, but it also has something entirely unique to the Grand Valley: an oxygen bar.

Both children and adults can enjoy Shommy’s Airhead Oxygen Bar that sits in a corner of therestaurant.

Oxygen bars have become popular and have been around in the U.S. since the late 1990s. "Some people say it gives them a boost of energy," says Shawna Nolan, Shommy’s owner. "And

kids can even enjoy this. It's very safe." A customer puts on a disposable cannula tube, which fits into the nostrils and wraps around the

ears. The cannula is then inserted into an aromatherapy bottle in the flavor of his or her choice andthe scent is added to the oxygen.

At Shommy's, aromatherapy flavors include eucalyptus (energizer), lemongrass (therapeutic),spearmint (focus), tangerine (cheering), lavender (stress relief), and wintergreen (revitalizing).

Customers can use the oxygen bar for a minimum of five minutes and up to 20 minutes. Costof the cannula is $5, which can be kept for another time. The oxygen bar costs $1 per minute.

Named after ShawnaShommy's is named after its owner, Shawna Nolan."My mom called me 'Shommy' since I was little," Shawna said with a smile. "My kids call me

'Shomma-Mama.'" Shawna, a Colorado native who has lived on the Western Slope all her life, has lived in DeBeque

for the past 16 years. She opened Shommy’s in July 2009 after constructing the building with thehelp of her husband, Lou, and her family.

Shawna has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 12 years old, but this is the firstrestaurant she has owned.

"For the most part, I love it, although it can have its ups and downs like anything else," she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

– Owners, Bonnie & Bobby Hancock“We will treat your vehicle like it’s our own –

with your safety in mind.”

970-285-2420

Full ThrottleTire & AutoWe do brakes,exhaust, struts,

shocks, front end & rear end work.

We offer fleetmanagement.

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 am to 6 pm

Sat. by appointment

250 West 1st St. • Parachute • 5 blocks down from Napa Auto Parts

Bring this coupon in and get

10% off a brake job!

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

Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store

BOOKCLIFF CAR WASH1st & West Ave • Rifle

Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store

SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

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

Available at the following Phillips 66 Stations

Left, Shawna Nolanowns and operatesShommy's Restaurantand Bar in Parachutewith the help of herhusband, Lou. Lowerleft, Eva Rodriguez ofGrand Junction is one of10 employees atShommy's and has beenwith the restaurant sinceit opened in July 2009.Lower right, Shawna"Shommy" Nolan, offersan Airhead Oxygen Barwith several different"flavors" of oxygen thatrun from eucalyptus tolavender. Photos by Heidi Rice


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

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

Thanks from the library

Dear Echo:The staff of the Parachute Branch Library wishes to thank the

Garfield County taxpayers and our faithful patrons for supporting usthrough all the challenges we faced in creating our “new library.”

As with any building/moving project, we have many people tothank. The first on the list are our patrons. Reading for many of usis an addiction and we certainly understand frustration when the lat-est materials were not readily available. We thank you for being sopatient.

A special thanks to Garfield County School District No. 16 fortheir cooperation in giving us a temporary home at the Grand ValleyCenter for Family Learning as we consumed, at times, their parkingspaces. Key volunteers who helped us reassemble all our parts andpieces were Michelle Foster, Margaret Wierenga and Julie Lana.

While a library appears to be books, magazines and movies it real-ly is all about people. We are thrilled to serve you in our new facility!

Karol Saccaand the staff of the Parachute Branch Library

Parachute

Thanks to soccer coaches from park and rec

Dear Echo: Youth Fall Soccer ended on Sept. 30. Thank you to coaches Leah

Frink, David Pennington, Bruce Hoggan and Amelia, Mindy Whiting,Penny Magana, and Lori Metcalf.

Older soccer teams are still playing. Thank you to coaches BurkWynkoop and Mindy Preble; Eric and Nicole Chenoweth; and BillCornelius and Adam Lambrecht.

Mary Anderson Executive director

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation

GVHS students thank staff and community

Dear Echo: Grand Valley High School (GVHS) students would like to thank

the GVHS staff and community members for helping to make ourhomecoming week so successful.

It is because of them and our awesome student body that ourschool is so grand!

Liz Favier GVHS student

Parachute

The big news from the chamber is a thank-you for Oktoberfest

Dear Echo: The big news from the Parachute Battlement Mesa Chamber of

Commerce this month is a simple thank-you to all the individualsand businesses that helped make the Oktoberfest celebration a greatcommunity event again this year. The weather was wonderful andthe fun was contagious.

The chamber’s board of directors wants to especially thank thefollowing people for their support of the chamber and the commu-nity at the Oktoberfest: BNS Services, Encana, Williams, StallionOilfield Services, Clark’s Market, Wells Fargo, Alpine Bank, Antero,Town of Parachute, The Guzzler, Dependable Waste, Radio Shack,and Parachute Auto Parts.

Bill Cornelius Parachute Battlement Chamber of Commerce

Thanks to Metcalf Excavation for Block Party

Dear Echo:Garfield County School District No. 16 would like to thank Metcalf Excavation for their

great generosity and coordination of the annual community Block Party last month. Through Metcalf Excavation ’s efforts, the Block Party raised more than $2,700, which Metcalf

Excavation matched, for a grand total of more than $5,500 donated to go toward library books forBea Underwood Elementary, St John Elementary, and Grand Valley Middle School.

Garfield School District No. 16 Administration } Parachute

Thank you for thebleachers

Dear Echo: Grand Valley Middle School

and Garfield County SchoolDistrict No. 16 schools would liketo thank the WSDC Foundation,Steve and Sherry Keinath, andTara Olson for generously donat-ing the portable bleacher set.

Already these bleachers havebeen used for football games andthe high school’s homecoming bonfire. The bleachers are sure to provide our community withyears and years of quality athletic/event watching.

Jory SorensenPrincipal

Grand Valley Middle School

Grand Valley Quilt Show: Thanks, and who won?

Dear Echo: We would like to thank all the people who attended the Grand Valley Quilt Show and the

merchants who provided prizes. The Best of Show (first place) went to Mary

Galterio with her Mariners Compass. TheQuilters Corner of Grand Junction providedthe prize.

Second place went to Marge Sheppelmanwith Split Squares. Hi Fashion Fabric of GrandJunction provided the prize.

Third place went to Jean Proud with ElmCreek Christmas. Headlines Salon West ofBattlement Mesa provided the prize.

Fourth place went to Ann Arrington withChocolate for Dessert. The Flower Shop pro-vided the prize.

Ann ArringtonSecretary

Battlement Mesa Sew & SewsBattlement Mesa

From left, Mike Metcalf, JasonMetcalf, and Nancy Hunter ofMetcalf Excavation; RebeccaRuland, principal of Grand ValleyCenter for Family Learning; BrianBerg, principal of Bea UnderwoodElementary and St JohnElementary; Jory Sorensen, princi-pal of Grand Valley Middle School;and Ken Haptonstall, superintend-ent of Garfield District No. 16schools.

Photo courtesy of Garfield School District No. 16

Mary Galterio won first place at the Grand ValleyQuild Show. Photo courtesy of Ann Arrington

Echo Briefs


O B I T U A R I E SHildred Landrum

Oct. 27, 1914–June 26, 2010

Hildred (Cutright) Landrum died June 26 at MesaVista Assisted Living Residence in Battlement Mesa.She was 95.

Hildred was predeceased exactly two years to theday by her husband of 72 years, Lewis Landrum.

She was born in Birch River, W.V. to Blanche andDick Cutright.

Hildred graduated from Southeastern High Schoolin Richmond Dale, Ohio in 1932 and ChillicotheBusiness School in 1933.

She was the claims supervisor for what is now theOhio Department of Job & Family Services whereshe worked for 27 years. Hildred was an active mem-ber of the Richmond Dale United Methodist Church.

Survivors include son Jim Landrum of Parachute,and daughters Kay Wells of Summerville, S.C., andCharlene Forbes of Steamboat Springs. Hildred hadsix grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to theRichmond Dale United Methodist Church, 238Market St., Richmond Dale, OH 45673.

Frank R. GnatekMarch 9, 1933 – Sept. 26, 2010

Frank R. Gnatek died Sept. 26 at St. Mary’sHospital from complications associated with his bat-tle against lymphoma.His beloved wifeJoline was by his side.He was 77.

Frank is a native ofHadley, Mass. andstudied at theMaryland Institute ofArt. Locally, he was amember of the VillageArtists of Parachuteand the GlenwoodSprings Art Guild.

Noted for his drawings, Frank’s media includedwatercolors, dry point etchings and some oils. Hislifetime passion of illustrating art while travelling theUnited States with wife Joline, resulted in his receiv-ing numerous awards. His art can be found in privatecollections in the U.S. as well as Europe, Canada andJapan.

Frank served his country proudly in the armedforces. He loved the outdoors and was devoted to hisfamily and grandchildren. He enjoyed entertainingfamily and friends whenever possible.

Frank is survived by his wife Joline, sons Markand Dirk, and siblings Kathy, Mary Ann, Leonard,John and William as well as grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.

A celebration of Frank’s life with family andfriends is at the Grand Valley United MethodistChurch on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers,please make a donation to The American CancerSociety in the name of Frank Gnatek or in the nameof someone you love who has lost their life to can-cer.

Cremation arrangements are under the care anddirection of Martin Mortuary. Condolences to thefamily may be left at martinmortuary.com.

Kiwanis’ 22nd annual food driveis Oct. 30

Members of the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute and friends of LIFT UP are hold-ing the 22nd annual food drive in BattlementMesa and Parachute on Oct. 30.

Food collected is used to stock the LIFT UP foodbank in Parachute, which serves local families inneed. Last year, the drive collected nearly fourtons of food. Utilization of the food bank hasrecently increased more than 100 percent.

Food bags will be distributed to residents’homes in Battlement Mesa and Parachute on Oct.23-24. Residents are asked to fill the sacks withnon-perishable food. Beginning promptly 10 a.m.on Oct. 30, volunteers will collect the food itemsin nearly every neighborhood.

Organizers of the event are asking that filledbags be on the curb for collection by 10 a.m. onOct. 30, when volunteers will begin fanning out tocollect filled grocery sacks. Apartment dwellerscan leave donations on their front porches.

Residents who miss the morning pick-up onOct. 30 can take their contributions to Clark’sMarket in Battlement Mesa later in the day andthrough Nov. 1.

– Sarah Tahvonen

Mt. Callahan Community Fundextends deadline

The deadline has been extended until Nov. 1for local nonprofit organizations to submit grantapplications to the Mt. Callahan Community Fund(MCCF) for projects and activities benefittingParachute and Battlement Mesa.

In an effort to provide funding to as many proj-ects as possible,MTCCF suggests that the propos-al amount not exceed $500.

In addition to the name, address, contact infor-mation, and verification of the organization's501(C)3 status, proposals must include a descrip-tion of the project and how it will benefit the com-munity, the total budget for the project, and howthe Mt. Callahan Community Fund can make adifference.

MTCCF suggests that applicants use theColorado Common Grant application, availableonline at coloradocommongrantforms.org/non-profits in preparing proposals.

Proposals should be mailed to: The Mt.Callahan Community Fund, P.O. Box 104,Parachute 81635. Grant requests must be receivedby Nov. 1.

For additional information, contact BarbaraPavlin at 285-7634.

– Barbara Pavlin, Mt. Callahan Community Fund

Parachute Senior Center plansfundraising dinner on Oct. 20

The Parachute Senior Center is hosting aspaghetti dinner fundraiser on Oct. 20 from 5-7p.m.

Tickets for the dinner of spaghetti, salad, pieand beverage are $6 for adults and $2 for children12 and under.

The center, at 540 N. Parachute Ave., will useproceeds from the dinner for its operating expens-

es. This community event will be a time to enjoy adelicious meal, meet friends and learn about activ-ities at the Parachute Senior Center.

– Mitzi Burkhart

PEO Chapter IW hosts fashionshow and wine tasting

Battlement Mesa’s Philanthropic EducationalOrganization (PEO) Chapter IW Fall Fashion Showand Wine Pairing is being held Oct. 16 from 2-4p.m.

The fundraiser is at the Battlement MesaActivity Center. Ticket prices are $21 in advanceand $25 at the door.

Light refreshments and wine tastings are beingfeatured along with the latest fall fashions. Call948-1912 for more information.

– Battlement Mesa PEO Chapter IW

Tickets available for PEO ChapterIP’s holiday home tour

Four Battlement Mesa homes decorated forthe holidays will be featured on Dec. 4 for thePhilanthropic Educational Organization (PEO)Chapter IP’s annual scholarship fundraising proj-ect.

Homes are located in four different areas –Battlement Creek Village, Stone Ridge, MonumentCreek Village and Tamarisk Meadows.

The tour is from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $10/per-son and may be purchased from any PEO ChapterIP member or by calling Lee Allen at 285-5628.

– Sharon Temple, Battlement Mesa PEO Chapter IP

Village Artists art show continuesthrough Oct. 29

The Village Artists of Parachute and BattlementMesa are continuing their art show at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center until Oct. 29.

The show is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There is noadmission to view the show.

Many types of art are being displayed and arefor sale at reasonable prices.

Fliers are currently circulating featuring a paint-ing by Village Artists’ Helen Brezina in many storewindows and sandwich boards reminding every-one to stop and enjoy the work of local artists.

Village Artists’ next meeting is Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.at the Parachute Branch Library. Laurel Astor isproviding a watercolor demonstration at thismeeting.

The program for our Nov. 23 meeting featuresJane Seglem discussing art therapy. Members andthe public are always invited to Village Artists’meetings.

The Village Artists’ Christmas party is on Dec.14and features an art exchange and an election fornew officers. For more information, call ElaineWarehime at 285-7197.

– Jean Edmonds and Joline Gnatek



SSAAVE $1,000’VE $1,000’ssLEAVING YOUR HOME AND ESTATE TO YOUR FAMILY!!

Colorado Expedited Estate Distribution Costs Only $49.95 AndYour Home And Other Assets Can Go Directly To Your Family In

One Day With No Probate, Legal Fees, Costly Will Or Living Trust.

A FREE 30 minute class will be held at the Battle Mesa Activity Center at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday,October 23rd to show you how Expedited Estate Distribution works. If Expedited EstateDistribution can’t save you at least $2,000 over leaving your home and estate in a Will, the$49.95 packet to use Colorado Expedited Estate Distribution is FREE. Please VisitNoHomeProbate.com for more details on using Expedited Estate Distribution in Colorado.

We are open 5:30 am daily, 6 am Sundays until 9 pm daily315 E First Street • Parachute, Co. 81635970-285-1917 • catering 970-285-7091

TRY OUR DAILY SPECIALSunder $10!

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERESee Every Game Every Sunday!

EARLY PLANNING – Make reservations now

for your company’sChristmas party!

Grand Valley FireProtection DistrictOctober is Fire Prevention Month

By Grand Valley Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide areaof residential, commercial and some very remote areaswith fire suppression, emergency medical services, fireprevention, public education and training in cardiac pul-monary resuscitation (CPR). The district covers roughly321 square miles. This is I-70 from mile marker 66.4 tomile marker 82.5, then all the way north to Rio BlancoCounty and south to Mesa County, including three-quar-ters of a square mile of Mesa County.

October is Fire Prevention Month. Remember to testyour smoke detectors. Make sure you have a meetingpoint for you and your family in case of any fires in thehome. Please watch out for children as they are out trickor treating as well. Children should have a flashlight orglow stick so they can be better seen in the dark whilethey are out trick or treating.

If you should have any questions, comments or con-cerns, please feel free to contact Deputy Fire Chief RobFerguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at [email protected].

For the month of September 2010, the fire districtresponded to 58 calls for service:

11 fire incidents2 structure fires3 fire alarms 5 brush fires 1 vehicle fires 30 emergency medical calls 6 vehicle crashes 7 public assists 4 gas leaks/HAZMAT assignments

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

Training hours per crew:Green Crew: 7 hrs Black crew: 88 hrs Red Crew: 81.25 hrs

In-house training was conducted this month for thethree new emergency medical stair chairs that help withremoving patients from their homes when the stretchercannot get close enough to the patient or when they arelocated upstairs. This chair makes it safer for firefighter-medics, as well as the patient.

New thermal imagining cameras training was con-ducted, which will aid firefighters in finding victims instructure fires, HAZMAT incidents and medical calls.

Two fire extinguisher trainings were completed.Fire district staff attended two public education/events:

Grand Valley High School’s homecoming bonfire, as wellas their varsity football games for EMS standby.

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

Arts & Entertainment Brief CMC’s arts outreach has new name

Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) Center for Excellence in the Arts is now ColoradoMountain College ArtShare.

Alice Beauchamp, former director of the CMC Center for Excellence in the Arts and nowdirector of ArtShare, says the new name better expresses CMC’s growing partnerships witharts organizations and artists.

“ArtShare says, ‘We want to join with you to make the arts vibrant and thriving wherewe live,’ ” says Alice.

Grand Valley residents can continue to enjoy the Jim Calaway Honors Series, a touringconcert series to honor philanthropists, at the college’s West Garfield Campus in Rifle.ArtShare will continue to develop and display visual art exhibits at the college’s campusesand at the CMC Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs.

For more information about CMC ArtShare, contact Alice in Glenwood Springs at 947-8367 or [email protected].


Nature at Home and Afieldby Betsy Leonard

We have big footprints It is likely that human life first appeared on earth some three million

years ago. Since that time, humans have interacted with their natural envi-ronment.

It is the unique power of humankind to manipulate things and trans-form nature by overcoming barriers such as temperature, aridity, space, seas, and mountains – factorsthat otherwise isolate wildlife populations and plants.

In Battlement Mesa, we have had many stressors on the environment that have resulted in significantchanges. These include oil and gas exploration, ranching, farming, and residential and community devel-opment.

Our primary air pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, most oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide,for example, are emitted into the air from industrial sources. Other particulate pollutants of very smallsolid, or liquid suspended droplets, such as dust and smoke, can be harmful to human lung tissue. Airpollutants can have a damaging effect on plants, such as deforestation, over-grazing, fire, and all typesof pollution.

In addition, most agricultural improvements have resulted in disappearing habitat that directly affectsplant and animal species. When humans colonize an area, both plants and animals are affected, result-ing in a change of habitats. The pumping of saline waters back into rivers and irrigation canals from tubewells and other sources, leads to an accumulation of dissolved salts. This has caused an increase in thesalinity of the Colorado River. When plants come into contact with water carrying these salts, the planteventually dies.

Humans can also change soils’ stability and ability to erode by being compacted with agriculturaland ranching machinery, or by recreational vehicles. Soil compaction tends to increase resistance of soilto penetration by roots and seedlings, and limits oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Often, the soilmoisture status is altered and surface runoff and soil erosion is accelerated as in a parking lot or homeconstruction. An added risk of fire is a concern with stepped- up industrial activities in Battlement Mesa.

Human beings will continue to change their environment, whether from smoke and haze, changes inground water conditions, accelerated sedimentation, and in the increase of carbon dioxide and othergases such as methane. All of this can result from industrial and residential processes.

It is difficult to quantify all the ways humans impact their environment. However, as populationsincrease, and the need for natural resources grows, humankind must make a decision about how muchchange they are willing to accept.

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


Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association News

The tennis associationwants you By Vina Klahn, Battlement Mesa Activity Center Tennis Association

Participants in the tennis association's Oktoberfest round robintournament enjoyed Indian summer weather the afternoon of Oct. 2.Once again, Joy Kemper was in charge of scheduling and coordinatingthe event. Since local association sign-up was low, Sue deWinterenlisted the help of friends and teammates from Grand Junction andGlenwood. Thanks to Sherry Beattie, Pam Groves, Carrie Thornton,Sharon Reiner, and Barb Price for coming on short notice.

Pete and Hope Perrine hosted an evening social with meat andbeverages supplied by the club. Members furnished potluck dishes.The meal was served on the Perrine's deck, which affords a great viewof the valley. It was also premium seating to enjoy the spectacularcommunity fireworks display.

As long as the weather cooperates, ladies play will continue onMonday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. The alternate days arereserved for the gentlemen, leaving Sunday open for anyone wishingto organize mixed doubles play.

No tournaments are scheduled for the remainder of the year, butwe will have our annual Christmas party. Members will be notifiedwhen plans are finalized.

The tennis association would love to increase its membership.Players of all levels are welcome. Annual dues are $18/couples and$10/singles and cover social events as well as tennis events.

Contact Joy Kemper at 462-3608 or Vina Klahn at 285-6718 forinformation.

Your equipment is chapter one, page one

Welcome to a new season of columns on bowling. In the coming months, we will take a goodlook at all the fundamentals of the game. I’ll answer many of your questions and each issue willinclude TODAY’S TIP. I hope you will enjoy them.

This is my favorite time of the year. As a fresh new bowling season nears, many bowlers'thoughts turn to getting in some practice games. Fine tuning our basic game is a necessity…evenfor the top pros.

In this month’s column, we will go over equipment. Bowling should NOT hurt. Most pro shopswill analyze your grip and span for free. Should you need changes, the ball can be plugged and re-drilled very inexpensively. If you have gained or lost weight, surprisingly one of the first places itshows up is in the fingers. Have the holes sandedopen or re-drilled if they are too tight or just plug andre-drill if the hole is too big

Attention to these details is especially importantto senior bowlers. Holes that are too large cause abowler to squeeze the ball to hold on to it. Thismakes the muscles in the upper arm and shouldertense up. When this happens, your ability to have along smooth swing is impaired and will force you topull the ball.

In the case of junior bowlers, the growth factorcomes into play. Balls need to be refitted every year!The weight of the ball also needs to be changed. Abasic rule for juniors is one pound for each year. Forexample, a 10 year old probably should use a 10-pound ball. Their hands are changing and causing thespan (the distance between the thumb and fingers) tobecome too short. This could be painful and will eliminate any chance for improvement and fun.

Ball weight is also important for seniors. The old rule states that the heavier the ball, the morepins you knock down. This is 2010. Let's get with it! The balls made today deliver more hittingpower than those relic rubber balls. Probably 75 percent of my pals on the PBA Senior Tour areusing 15 pounds or less. PBA champion Dave Davis of Florida won two Senior Masters titles usinga 14-1/2 pound ball. If a ball is too heavy, you have to work to bowl. Check with your local bowl-ing center. Burning Mountain Bowl in New Castle is the closest to our area. All of them have ballsof various weights. Test them and see which weight feels comfortable to you. Bowling then willbe more fun.

The proper shoes are the next item to address. Shoes are different for right and left handers. Aright hander will have a leather sole on the left shoe. Left handers will have the leather on the rightsole. The leather allows you to slide. Having the wrong shoes can be dangerous. Rubber soles donot slide. Rental shoes at all centers have leather soles and can be used by either type of bowlers.

TODAY'S TIP: Equipment probably is chapter one, page one for all bowlers. It is the easiestthing to acquire and maintain. Have yours checked out today and LET’S GO BOWLING!

Next Issue: The Approach

Battlement Mesa resident Dick Ciprich is a longtime professional bowler and has won numerous titleson local, state, national and international levels. He has 29 – 300 games and 12 – 800 series and is amember of the Buffalo Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame, and The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall ofFame. He is a freelance consultant to the bowling industry and a private instructor. He can be reached [email protected].

THIS COLUMN SPONSORED BY:

A Great Place to Bowl!BURNING MOUNTAIN BOWL

880 Castle Valley Blvd. New Castle CO.970-984-2739

Let’s Go BowlingBy Dick Ciprich

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

SPORTS & RECREATION

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

Do you have your adult co-edvolleyball team organized yet?By Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District executive director

Fall Soccer: Youth Fall Soccer ended on Sept. 30.Games are being held in Parachute at the Callahan Ball Field

for the older soccer teams on Oct. 16, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30. Theolder teams also travel out of town.

Adult Coed Volleyball: The first games are scheduled forOct. 19 at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Games are onTuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. If you areinterested in playing or have a team sponsor, please call the parkand rec office at 285-0388 and register.

Tiny Tot Basketball: Boys and girls ages kindergartenthrough second grade learn the basics of childhood at the BeaUnderwood Elementary School gym beginning in mid-Novemberthrough mid-December. Cost is $40/child. Coaches needed.

Boys Basketball: Third through sixth graders start the first ofJanuary. A developmental league is for third through sixth gradersand a more competitive recreation league is for fourth throughsixth graders. Pre-register by Dec. 1. Cost is $55 /boy with a $35refundable uniform deposit. Games are in Rifle but practices are inParachute at the St John Elementary School gym. Coaches needed.

Park and Rec’s 28th Annual Craft Fair is on Nov. 20,2010 at Grand Valley High School from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For moreinformation, call 285-0388.

The Parachute/Battlement Park and Recreation Board ofDirectors: Jason Fletcher, Adam Lambrecht, Denise Gallegos,Ronald Palmer, Michael Richards

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation is at 259 CardinalWay, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

In this month’scolumn,

we will go overequipment.

Bowling shouldNOT hurt.


Health Brief

Grand River offers two local flu vaccine clinics in Battlement

Grand River Hospital District is offering two local flu shot clinics. During these times,Grand River patients can come in without an appointment and get the seasonal flu vacci-nation. Cost is only $25.

Oct. 15 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Oct. 20 • 1-5 p.m.

Both clinics are at the Grand River Medical Clinic in Battlement Mesa.Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated.

Flu vaccines are updated every year to protect against new strains and this year’s vaccineincludes protection against H1N1.

An estimated 25 to 50 million cases of the flu are reported every year and the single bestway to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. It’s also important to remem-ber to wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with those who are sick, cough andsneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and take good care of yourself by eating healthy andexercising.

For more information about the flu vaccine clinics, call 285-7046.

– Sarah TahvonenGrand River Hospital District

Early detection iskey in the fightagainst breast cancerBy Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pro-moting awareness and education about breast cancer.According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is thesecond leading cancer in women, and women have a one ineight chance of developing the disease at some point in theirlives.

An estimated 261,000 new cases of breast cancer will bediagnosed in American women during 2010. The chance ofdeath among those women is one in 35.

Although the statistics are scary, there is hope. At this time,there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the UnitedStates. Prevention and early detection is key in the fight againstbreast cancer.

Women over the age of 20 should be doing a monthly breastself exam, women between the ages of 20-39 should be gettingclinical breast exams every three years by their physicians, andwomen over 40 should have, in addition to a clinical breastexam, a mammogram every year. This simple test can findbreast cancers early, when they are smaller, easier to treat, andchances of survival are higher.

If you are over 40 and have not had a breast exam in the pastyear, don’t hesitate to schedule one today. A mammogram takesonly about 15 minutes and can potentially save your life.

Grand River Hospital and Medical Center takes pride in hon-oring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women whocome in for their mammograms during the month of Octoberreceive a gift in celebration of taking control of their health.

Mammography coordinator, Lindsay Jacox, sets up a boothat local grocers to further educate women about the importanceof taking care of their breast health.

“I believe that I can make a difference in someone's life withmammography,” says Lindsay. “A mammogram is a simple wayto protect a woman’s health and potentially save her life againstbreast cancer. I think we all have been affected by this diseasein some way or another and know how far a little bit of com-passion can go and how every minute makes a difference to thepeople involved.”

Grand River offers state-of-the-art equipment, including adigital mammography machine. They also provide breast ultra-sound, breast MRI, breast biopsies, sentinel node mapping, andmolecular breast imaging, depending on the needs of thepatient.

If patients are uninsured or underinsured, Grand River offersoptions to help with the cost of these life-saving procedures andscreenings.

Women who are eligible may be able to enroll in Women’sWellness Connection through Grand River Hospital District.This program, funded by the Colorado Department of PublicHealth and Environment, provides uninsured and underinsuredwomen with breast and cervical screenings and diagnosticexams, as well as Medicaid treatment coverage for diagnosedcancer patients under the program if qualifications are met.

Grand River also participates in the Aspen Affiliated KomenFoundation, which provides screening and diagnostic breastexams to uninsured or underserved women over the age of 40.

This October, take control of your health. Make an appoint-ment for your yearly mammogram and remind the women inyour life to do the same.

To make an appointment with Grand River Radiology for amammogram or to learn more about the Komen program, call625-6442. For more information about Women’s WellnessConnection at Grand River, call Leticia at 625-6205.

S E N I O R S

Mesa Vista News“Living Life” at Mesa Vista with outings, canning, and the library

By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director

It has been a very active summer and we are now planning our fall activities. The resi-dents enjoyed a wonderful outing and picnic at Rifle Falls with the weather being “pictureperfect.”

We had a wonderful outing to Mesa Lake Resort on the Grand Mesa for lunch and wereable to view the spectacular color change Colorado has to offer. The residents will beplanting flower bulbs in the garden for our springtime pleasure.

We enjoyed the new library’s grand opening celebration and look forward to making alibrary visit at least once a month. It is certainly a beautiful addition to our community.

We celebrated National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 12–18. The theme this year is“Living Life.” We certainly do that at Mesa Vista! We went to the quilt show this monthand many thanks to the ladies for allowing us to attend before the opening.

We will be having entertainment again, thanks to the generous musicians who donatetheir time and talents. Thanks to So Many Tunes and So Little Time and Andy Russell, theukulele player and singer. The residents really enjoy the shows. Now that school is in fullswing, we hope to get some of our local choirs to perform.

We canned salsa last month and canned plum jelly with Charlotte White. Our volun-teers are so essential and appreciated. We couldn’t do all we do without them.

We look forward to a beautiful and busy fall and of course a very spooky Halloween.

Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence in Parachute/Battlement Mesa is home to 45 residents, andis part of the Senior Housing Options network of residences and apartments providing housing forolder adults in Colorado.

H E A L T H


H E A L T H

Helping kids be healthyA great way to keep school-aged children eating healthy is to

pack their lunches. Although schools are making great stridesmaking lunches healthy, you cannot always choose what yourkids decide to put in their mouths when you aren’t around.Packing a lunch is an easy, inexpensive, healthy way to keeptheir stomachs from growling.

Grand River Hospital District’s dietician, Mickie Hosack, RD,CDE, has several pack lunch ideas:

• Try to pack foods from each food group for a well-roundedlunch. For breads, include bread, mini-bagels, tortillas,whole grain crackers, dinner rolls, or plain tortilla chips. Forprotein, pack low fat lunchmeat and cheese sticks, hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, or nuts. To include fruit, try 100percent fruit juice, water or juice-packed canned fruit, orfresh fruit. Great veggies to include are salads, baby carrots,celery sticks, snap peas, and salsa. To pack calcium, try lowfat flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, or sugar-free puddingmade with low fat milk.

• Make sure the packed lunch stays safe until noontime. Useice packs and an insulated lunch box. Use frozen bread forsandwiches so the meat stays colder. Fill a pint plastic freez-er jar with water, freeze, and then top off with water in themorning so your child has something to drink at lunch; theice keeps the lunch box cold. In the winter, use insulatedcontainers for soup and casseroles.

Below are some sample lunches for you and your child to try.All of them include the five food groups:

• Personal pizza: English muffin (grain), low fat pepperoni orCanadian bacon (protein), 100 percent juice (fruit), pizzasauce/snap pea pods (vegetable), mozzarella cheese (calcium)

• Wrap: tortilla (grain), chicken breast strips (protein), appleslices (fruit), leaf lettuce and sliced tomatoes (vegetable),sliced cheese (calcium)

• Sandwich: bread (grain), low fat turkey (protein), freshpeach (fruit), celery/peanut butter (vegetable), low fat milk(calcium)

• Chef salad: whole grain crackers (grain), ham and turkey(protein), 100 percent juice (fruit), salad mix (vegetable),diced cheese (calcium)

• Taco salad: tortilla chips (grain), refried beans (protein),grapes (fruit), shredded lettuce and salsa (vegetable), shred-ded cheese (calcium)

Sarah Tahvonen writes about health issues for the Echo from Rifle. Ifyou have any comments or suggestions for a health-related topic you’dlike to see covered, e-mail [email protected].

H-Dentistry opens full-time,full-care dental office in ParachuteDr. Bruce Hoggan ready to provide dental services

By Heidi RiceSpecial to the Echo

He was told he shouldn't paint the walls of hisbusiness red. So he did. And while most everyoneelse in his profession wears a shirt and tie towork, he insists on jeans and a T-shirt.

But that's just the philosophy of Bruce W.Hoggan, D.D.S., who owns the new full-servicedental office at 225 Callahan Ave. in Parachute.

H-Dentistry had a grand opening on Oct. 5 atthe new clinic. The dentist had the building con-structed, on a Parachute lot he purchased sightunseen, while he was stationed in Germany serv-ing in the U.S. Army.

Bruce, 33, who grew up in Arvada, hadn'talways planned on being a dentist. In fact, headmits he doesn't really like going to the dentisthimself – but it was a calling for him to help otherpeople.

"When I was young, I knew I wanted to helpother people," Bruce says. "At one time, I wantedto be a gymnastics coach because I love teach-ing."

But his sister suggested that perhaps he getinto dentistry because it was a lucrative field.

So Bruce went back to college for another fouryears and graduated from dental school in gener-al family dentistry from the University of Colorado in 2006 with a degree in health science.

He then served four years in the military as anArmy dentist – one year in residency and three yearsin Germany.

Having grown up as one of 13 children and amember of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints, Bruce says he was presented with severaloptions after serving in the Army: buying a businessin Delta, taking a corporate job with a dental com-pany in Pueblo, or purchasing land from a friend inParachute.

"I talked and prayed about it with my wife," Bruce says. "I had learned from earlier choices in lifethat it is not worth making decisions based on money. The next day, I called my friend from Littleton– Dr. Brian Secrist – who owned the [Parachute] lot and told him we were a 100 percent go.”

And Parachute it was.During construc-

tion of the building, hewent with the uncon-ventional use of red onthe interior walls –something that's nottypically used in themedical profession.

"I have had severaltell me to avoid thecolor red because itwill supposedly causepotential patients tothink of blood andthey will be scaredaway," Bruce says."Well, anyone whogets to know me willsoon discover I love agood challenge! I'm astubborn guy and hate

continued on page 21

"The people hereare fabulous.

The countryside isbeautiful…”

H-Dentistry, a new full-service dental clinic, had a grand opening party on Oct. 5, attheir new location at 225 Callahan Ave. in Parachute. Photo by Heidi Rice

Dr. Bruce W. Hoggan examines a patient at his newfull-service dental clinic, H-Dentistry is now open forbusiness and accepting patients.

Photo by Heidi Rice

Carrie ClickWriter + Proofer + Editor

Help for any writing project

[email protected]

L I B R A R Y N E W SPage 20, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-October / Mid-November 2010

Have a story idea? Contact the

[email protected]

“Zak the Yak” helpscelebrate Room toRead’s 10-yearanniversaryInternational education nonprofit haslocal ties to former Battlement residents

By Mitzi Burkhart, Echo contributor

In 1998, John Wood, the son of former Battlement Mesa resi-dents Carolyn and Woody Wood, went on a trek in Nepal. Whilethere, John met the headmaster of a school who showed him anempty library and 400 students eager to learn to read.

Inspired to improve educational opportunities in Nepal, Johnquit his senior executive position at Microsoft, and one yearlater, returned with thousands of donated books and a plan toestablish Room to Read, an international nonprofit organizationthat builds libraries and schools, and supports education, litera-cy and gender equality in developing countries.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Room to Readprogram that he founded, John wrote and published “Zak theYak,” a book in rhyme with colorful cartoon illustrations. Thebook tells the story of a talking yak who brings books to remotetowns in the Himalayas.

Accompanied by a Nepali brother and sister as his specialassistants, Zak’s story helps children in the developed worldlearn about the challenges faced by students in resource-deprived countries like Nepal. Readers learn not only to valuetheir own education, but also the importance of taking action.

When John’s parents, Carolyn and Woody Wood, lived inBattlement Mesa, they stored local donations of books at theirhome here. John and Woody later delivered those first books andmany more in Nepal by yak.

Carolyn and Woody traveled to Nepal this year for Room toRead’s 10-year anniversary celebration and visited the organiza-tion’s first school, which John dedicated to them.

The Room to Read program has distributed more than sevenmillion books, built 10,000 libraries and more than 1,000schools, and has brought education to more than four millionchildren in nine countries in Africa and Asia.

“Zak the Yak” is on display and is available for checkout atthe Parachute Branch Library. It may be purchased for $10 plusshipping from Carolyn Wood, 574 Radiant Dr., Loveland, CO80538, or by e-mailing [email protected]. All proceeds frombook sales go to the Room to Read Foundation. Additional infor-mation on Room to Read is at roomtoread.org.

Library Briefs

The good, the bad and the gross Warning: This event is downright disgusting! In fact, if it’s mushy, squishy or just plain revolting, you’ll find it at the Parachute Branch

Library on Oct. 28. Come create deliciously deceptive snacks that will fool your friends and family. Be sure

to bring your library card to grab our good gross books where you can learn how to makefake puke, snot, scabs and even scars!

Everyone in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades is welcome. Just call 285-9870 or stop bythe library to make a required reservation. The gross-fest begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m.

– Parachute Branch Library

Putting your garden to bed for winterCertified Master Gardener and CSU Extension Agent Patrick McCarty is going to be at

the Parachute Branch Library on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Patrick is going to discuss how to prepare your garden for the impending freezing tem-

peratures of fall and what to do during the winter months to keep your garden healthy forthe next growing season.

The program is free and open to both beginners and experienced gardeners. For moreinformation, call 285-9870.

Parachute Library Storytimes help parents grow readers

I am the youth services librarian at Parachute Branch Library, and I’d like Parachute par-ents of young children to know about a second opportunity for your children to enjoysongs, stories, friends, and finger plays.

Starting Oct. 6, Wednesday mornings at the library are Toddler Time. This second story timeis geared toward toddlers and held at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Parachute LibraryCommunity Room. Toddler Time is in addition to the Friday Storytime at 11 a.m., which isgeared for the preschool set. Both times are open to any and all ages, but each will be struc-tured just a bit differently to specially accommodate the skills and needs of the different groups.

All Storytimes in Parachute are designed to enhance early literacy, using guidelines setby the Colorado Department of Education. Early Literacy Storytimes show parents and care-givers ways they can help a child develop the Six Early Literacy Skills. Key elements that youwill find in those story Times are:

• The Storytime leader incorporates activities that build early literacy skills.• Books and activities selected promote the use of early literacy skills.• Parents and caregivers attend the Storytimes with their children.• Information is given to parents and caregivers either verbally, through a handout, or

both about ways they can build early literacy skills with their child or children at home.• At least one of the Six Early Literacy Skills is highlighted during each Storytime.The Six Early Literacy Skills include vocabulary, letter knowledge, print awareness, print

motivation, phonological awareness, and narrative skills. Experts tell us that children needto hear a thousand stories read aloud before they begin to read for themselves.

Let us help you get started or continue to expose your young ones to all the books theyneed to succeed. Come join us for fun and reading on Wednesdays at 10 and Fridays at 11.

– Michelle Duran, Parachute Branch Library

Friends of the Parachute Library active againIn the past year, the library has undergone some major changes. The Friends of the

Parachute Library (FOPL) is excited to be a part of these changes.The FOPL is a nonprofit organization committed to creating public support and awareness

of the library and its programs. In the past, FOPL has held annual book sales and most recentlydonated money to buy the blue bear that appeared at the library’s summer reading program.

A general meeting for all FOPL members and interested community members was heldon Oct. 9 in the library’s new community room. Please check the library bulletin board forupcoming events.

The library is in need of volunteers. FOPL and community members are encouraged todonate their time at the library. There are a variety of activities volunteers can do to help.Volunteer hours and schedules are flexible. If you are interested in volunteering your time,no matter how long or short, stop by or call the library at 285-9870 for details.

Yearly Friends of the Parachute Library memberships are available and are $10 for indi-viduals and $25 for businesses. Call 210-7119 for more information.

– Julie Lana, Friends of the Parachute Library


HEADLINES SALON

83 TAMARISK TRAILBATTLEMENT MESA, CO 81635

970.285.9279970.285.0395

WELCOME FALL!!! Do the changing colors of nature inspire you tochange your colors too? Call Headlines Salon West and let usgive you a new look! Come in and shop all our beautiful falljewelry and handbags to revive your fall wardrobe, or maybeyou know someone who needs a GREAT GIFT! Headlines Salon Westalso carries a great variety of professional hair care products,always at great prices! You deserve professional, quality hair care so call Headlines Salon West today!!!!!In salon special: $10.00 off of any perm or color service,offer good 10-15-10 to 11-15-10

when people say I can't do something. So I went with lots of redsimply because the dental world around me said I shouldn't."

And the result?"Everyone I've spoken with so far absolutely loves it," Bruce

says. "They feel as I do, that it looks 'classy.'”That individual philosophy also transcends to Bruce's choice

of casual work apparel underneath the traditional white coat. "I own several suits and ties, but I am most comfortable in

jeans and a T-shirt," Bruce confesses. "I believe people performbetter and enjoy life more when they are comfortable. One ofthe benefits of being my own boss now is that I can choose whatI wear to work. I absolutely love it.”

And his longish hair mirrors that philosophy, he says."I think it's looking a little sloppy, but I'm doing my best to

keep it looking decent,” Bruce says. “Although, I would likelyreceive a verbal and written reprimand for my long hair if I werestill in active duty in the Army.”

When Bruce’s hair gets to be a foot long, the dentist says heintends to donate it to the Locks of Love program, which makeswigs for people with hair loss.

For now, Bruce, along with his wife, Amelia and the couple’sthree boys, are happy to be in Parachute.

"I honestly say that I couldn't be happier than I am rightnow," Bruce says. "The people here are fabulous. The country-side is beautiful, the sunrises and sunsets are often breathtaking.It's quiet and the stars are visible. To add to that list, the staff Iselected is supreme and the clinic Dr. Secrist helped design isgorgeous...for a dental facility, anyway!"

H-Dentistry offers a wide range of dental procedures includ-ing cleaning, exams, children’s dentistry, cancer screenings, headand neck pain treatment, root canals, extractions, fillings,crowns, preventative care, dentures and more. The clinic is openfrom 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make anappointment, call 285-7748.

H-Dentistry from page 19

Parachute/BattlementMesa chamber mem-bers help celebrate H-Dentistry’s opening withDr. Bruce Hoggan (inblack T-shirt), wife,Amelia (far right) andthe couple’s three chil-dren, front.

Photo courtesy ofMary Anderson


C H A M B E R N E W S

NEWS FROM COMMUNITY COUNTS INDUSTRY MEMBERS…

BILL BARRETT CORPORATION continues to operate 2 drilling rigs south of Silt. Constructioncontinues on a 3.9-mile gas pipeline from BBC's Bailey Compressor Station (east of DryHollow Road) to BBC's Mamm Creek Compressor Station (west of Mamm Creek Road)and should be completed in November.

ENCANA is walking the talk with the upcoming addition of several more natural gas vehi-cles to our Piceance Basin operations. Assuming no delays are incurred with conversionkits, we will have a total of 12 nat gas fleet vehicles by Thanksgiving. Also just added toour drilling program is our new natural gas drilling rig, the Ensign 119. This brings our totalrig count to 8: 4 north of Parachute that are accessed via CR 215 (Parachute Creek); 3south and west of Parachute (south of I70); and 1 rig in our Mamm Creek field south of Silt.

MARATHON OIL currently has no drilling rigs running. We are nearing the end of our 2010completion program, adding roughly 35 producing wells. Marathon recently con-tributed $50,000 to the CDOW for area research projects per our commitment within theWildlife Mitigation Plan.

NOBLE ENERGY has contributed $30,000 to the Colorado Mule Deer Association as partof its commitment to CDOW for its Wildlife Mitigation Plan. It will help support habitatrestoration efforts on the western slope. Noble still has 1 rig running and is finishing asmall pipeline and pad construction project.

WILLIAMS currently has 12 rigs operating in the Piceance Basin-ten in Garfield Countyand two in Rio Blanco County. The Garfield County rigs include one west of Parachute,two north of Parachute, three east of Parachute, two in the Porcupine Creek area, andone on our Kokopelli lease south of New Castle. At this time, Williams operates 3,250wells producing 840 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Please note the Community Counts website is temporarily offline forupgrades so that we can better serve you and the communities wherewe operate. To reach operators in your area immediately, please callthe hotline. Garfield County and Mesa County dispatch offices are alsoavailable by dialing this number. (Contact: Sher Long, 970.618.8443)

1.866.442.9034The Community Counts Hotline

www.communitycountscolorado.com

Stallion Oilfield Services andPark and Rec are Businesses ofthe Month

By Bill Cornelius, Parachute/BattlementMesa Chamber of Commerce

THANK-YOU! Please turn to Grand ValleyGratitude on page 12 to see theParachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber ofCommerce’s letter of thanks to the many peopleand businesses that participated in this year’sOktoberfest. Thank you all for helping to makeOktoberfest a great community event this year.

Upcoming chamber events (see calendaron page 4 as well)

Oct. 21- Board Meeting, Alpine BankNov. 11 - Membership Meeting, at Parachute

Branch Library, with Chris Reddin of theBusiness Incubation Center

Nov. 18 - Board Meeting, Alpine BankAll meetings are at 12 p.m.

Businesses of the Month

Stallion Oilfield Services Ltd. provideswell site support services, and production andlogistics services to the oilfield with more than1,700 employees in 65 locations. As the largestprovider of quality auxiliary rentals and servicesfor oil and gas operations in the domesticUnited States, Stallion has been providing reli-able housing, water and sewer systems, wastemanagement, satellite systems, solids control,

well site construction and oilfield heavy haulingto the oil patch for many years. Stallion is com-mitted to providing the services essential to thisfast-paced industry. All product offerings pro-vide value to Stallion’s customers throughgreater productivity at the well site.

Stallion’s equipment and housing are manu-factured for the oilfield environment. From solidscontrol technology to auxiliary surface rentalequipment to site construction, Stallion offersdetailed services that provide our customers a"one-stop" source for their cross-section of needs.Whether before, during or after drilling andthroughout the production life cycle of the wellsite, Stallion is the one to call for "Everything butthe Rig"™. For information on Stallion Oil FiledService, contact Manager Stephen Cyphers, P.O.Box 471, Rifle, CO, 625-4016.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District is a Colorado RevisedStatute, Title 32 Special District that was formedin 1984 by a vote of the people. The people electa five-person board of directors on a bi-annualbasis. With the motto of “Where the Fun Begins,”the district's main focus is to provide recreationopportunities for the citizens of Parachute andBattlement Mesa and the surrounding areas.Amenities include the Callahan Ball FieldComplex, 27 acres on Battlement, Mesa, and theSkateboard Complex. For more information onthe many different programs available for youand your family, contact Director Mary Andersonat 285-0388, P.O. Box 299, 259 Cardinal Way(stone house) Parachute, CO 81635.

103.9 FM

TUNE IN!BROADCASTING 24/7!

Syndicated Radio Programs • Local Programming

YOUR SOURCE FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER AND AMBER ALERTS

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

Broadcasting Games LIVE!

Accepting public service announcements for local organizations

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

JOIN US! We are a member supportednon-profit organization. Donations

are tax deductible.

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

www.ksunradio.org


Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints by Barbara Barker

Wrap small gifts in toilet paper tubes

• Never put your fingers down the garbage disposal. In case it jams, use a wooden spoon handleto turn the blades counterclockwise until the clog works itself free.

• Paper towels and paper plates may be used in the microwave, but not if they are made from recy-cled materials, which may contain pieces of metal.

• Garbage disposals aren’t for everything. Onion skins, celery stalks, and flower stems and leavesshould not go in the disposal as they can cause the blades to jam.

• Place a knife or other rusty utensil inside an onion and leave for a little while. Then move itaround inside the onion and you will remove a rust-free utensil.

• Leftover pieces of vinyl flooring make sturdy liners for kitchen shelves and drawers. It is easy tocut to fit, can be removed quickly to clean, and lasts longer than paper.

• If you have a display cabinet for your glassware, try lining the bottom and backs of the shelveswith mirrors. The reflected light will make your stemware sparkle.

• If your plastic-coated playing cards are bent out of shape, a quick microwave zap should straight-en them out

• Put small gifts inside toilet paper tubes and stuff in some tissue paper to keep the gift from slid-ing around. Then wrap it, twisting the ends and tying with ribbon to look like a piece of candy.This is great for disguising small gifts like jewelry.

• Tired of fighting with your roll of plastic wrap? Freeze it and it will unroll and tear more easily,and it won’t stick to itself until it thaws out. If you have trouble getting it to stick to your bowl,try moistening the outer edge of the dish before you wrap it.

• Hull strawberries after you wash them. If you hull them first, they will absorb too much waterand become mushy.

• If you store yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream upside down in the refrigerator, they will stayfresh longer. Make sure the lids are on tight. Transfer these diary foods to smaller containerswhen the supply gets low and they won’t go bad as quickly.

• Do you keep hitting your fingers when trying to hammer a nail? Try slipping the nail betweenthe teeth of a comb. It will hold the nail in place while you hit it; no more smashed thumbs.

• Keep a magnet on your workbench. It will be handy for a quick pickup if you spill a jar of smallitems like nails, tacks, or washers.

• Amaryllis bulbs can be forced into bloom anytime; start now for Christmas blooms.

• Take a bit of quince preserves to restore health, ease sore throats, or cool hot flashes.

• Divide rhubarb now, including a bud with each section. Plant in good rich soil with a generousdressing of manure.

• Store candles in the refrigerator; they will burn longer, drip less, and smoke less.

• With scraps cut from an old satin pillowcase and the needles from your Christmas tree, you canmake small, aromatic pillows. Put them in drawers, closets, or trunks to spread that sweet ever-green smell to clothes and musty places.

• Those stiff branches and sharp needles from your Christmas tree can be helpful to your garden.A few well-placed branches can help defend your shrubs against winter freezes. And comespringtime, those prickly needles make a great mulch that slugs will refuse to crawl over.

Anyone can give advice – the trouble comes in finding someone interested in using it.

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


O U R S C H O O L S

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

Grand Valley Center for Family LearningInvolving Parents and Children

The 30 million word gap by age 3By Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

During the 1960s, Betty Hart and Todd Risley were among many researchers who looked at the effects ofpoverty on the academic growth of young children, and possible interventions during the early childhood years.

One of the most significant variables they found among children living in poverty and those who were notwas the size of their vocabulary, i.e. the sheer number of words they possessed when entering school. Here isa summary of what they found:

For some young children, an achievement gap exists before they enter the schoolhouse door. In particular,the language and cognition skills of young children living in poverty are often significantly lower than theirpeers from higher-income families.

What is most thought provoking about this information to me is that changing these facts does not requirea high level of income. Instead, it requires information and the will to use it.

Preschool teachers at our school dedicate much of their classroom day to developing language and pre-lit-eracy skills with children.

And Raising a Reader, a program of the Early Learning Fund, sponsors book bags for each preschool-agedchild to take home each week to read with their parents. This is another wonderful way to build receptive andexpressive language skills each and every day.

Kindergarten teachers typically know on the first day of school which of their new students has been spokenwith and read to on a regular basis. They know this because those children possess a rich vocabulary full of inter-esting words that allow them to express their many interesting thoughts.

The number of words they possess is absolutely linked to the ease of their ability to read and write. Their abil-ity to read and write is absolutely related to their success and enjoyment of school. Their success and enjoymentof school can be absolutely related to their success in life….. and so on and so on.

You can assure that your child begins their first school experience on a level footing with their peers by talk-ing and reading with your child each day. Having a rich, diverse and expansive vocabulary is like having a bou-quet of fragrant flowers that allows your child to express his or her thoughts in beautiful colors.

Bea Underwood/St John From the Principal

Lunch with the Principal starts in October

By Brian Berg

The month of October is one of myfavorite times at school. The students are inthe routine of learning, parent teacher con-ferences take place, and Lunch with thePrincipal starts.

Each Friday, for the rest of the schoolyear, I have lunch with 12 students at BeaUnderwood and they share with me thelearning they are most proud of from theirclass. Some students bring writer’s note-books, others bring math sheets, and somebring their favorite book. Each student getsto pick out a free book for participating andthey get to keep this for their home library.I am hoping that by the end of the year,more than 250 students participate.

We appreciate your support of studentlearning by reading at home every night for20 minutes or more. Way to go!

Flu season is here and we will be provid-ing hand sanitizer to all students in thecafeteria and in classrooms. If you do notwant your child to use hand sanitizer,please call the school and notify yourchild’s teacher or call Jeanne in the frontoffice. The school’s number is 285-5703. Bykeeping our hands cleaner, we can keepstudents and staff much healthier as wemove into the fall season.

Thanks again for raising such wonderfulchildren and keep reading.

By Jory Sorensen, Grand Valley Middle Schoolprincipal, and Ryan Frink, Grand Valley HighSchool principal

What is Grand Valley Givers? Grand Valley Giversis a newly formed charitable organization meant forthe support and well-being of Garfield 16 studentsand families.

What does Grand Valley Givers do? It providesfinancial assistance for dental/medical, clothing, basicneeds, school supplies, and school activity expensesfor those students who need it. The Givers also willprovide needy families with food with the WeekendBackpack Program, as well as coordinate the AngelTree, now called the Grand Valley Giving Tree duringthe holidays. Part of the Givers mission is to involveand teach the youth of Garfield 16 the idea of servant

leadership and helping others simply for the benefit ofour community.

How can I get involved or give to the Grand ValleyGivers? You can make monetary donations to theGivers by contacting the Grand Valley Middle Schooloffice. If you would like to get involved in any othercapacity, contact one of the school administrators.There will also be Grand Valley Givers donation jarslocated around the community. This is a chance foryou to help those students and families in our owncommunity. Become a Giver today!

What is the Grand Valley Giving Tree? The GrandValley Giving Tree is replacing what was once calledthe Angel Tree in our community. Our local LIFT-UPis turning their focus to providing food for the com-munity, therefore Grand Valley Givers will be taking

over this program. This is a program to provide chil-dren of struggling families with Christmas gifts duringthe holidays. You will soon see Giving Trees uparound the community and in our schools. If youknow of a child/family that needs to be part of theGiving Tree program, contact one of the school headsecretaries for sign-up, not LIFT-UP.

We look forward to bringing this organization toour community. We feel it will serve multiple purpos-es: providing much needed services and items for ourneedy students while promoting servant leadershipand giving among our youth. Please join us in pro-moting the Grand Valley Givers and make a differencefor a child.

Introducing Grand Valley Givers


O U R S C H O O L S

Grand Valley MiddleSchoolFrom the Principal

Get ready for parent-teacher conferences Oct. 21-22

By Jory Sorensen

With the first quarter over, everything at Grand ValleyMiddle School is going great! Our staff and teachers areworking hard to provide an educational experience thatmeets the needs of all our kids while preparing them fortheir next step. Our students are also working hard andmost are becoming active participants in their education.

We’d like to thank all our parents for communicatingwith our school and instilling the belief in our studentsthat education is important.

The staff and I talk daily and at Fun Friday Assembliesabout the importance of students bringing a great atti-tude and giving a great effort while at school. We tell stu-dents that everything they do and accomplish is relatedto the attitude they choose and the effort they choose toput into what they are doing. Please use these samephrases as you talk with your child about the choices theyare making and their future.

Parent-teacher conferences are Oct. 21-22. Parents,please plan to attend our drop-in conference time onOct. 21 from 4-8 p.m. or call our main office to set up anappointment on Oct. 22. The conferences are a greatopportunity for you to sit with your child’s teacher andwork together toward the best education possible.

Schools BriefGarfield No. 16 principals take on new schools

This past summer, a few school leadership roleschanged at three area schools.

Scott Pankow, the former principal at Grand ValleyMiddle School, accepted a principal position in Ouray,leaving the middle school principal position vacant.

Principal Jory Sorensen moved from St JohnElementary School to become the principal at GrandValley Middle School.

Brian Berg, the principal at Bea Underwood, alsobecame the principal at St John, heading both schools.

– Carrie Click, Echo editor

Terrific KidsTerrific Kids for September 2010

The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elementaryschools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is anacronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolSeptember’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representa-tive), Brianna Baeza, Tyler Miller, Brian Berg (principal); second row, Angela Espinoza, Fiona Craine, Emma Jewel,Natalia Chavez, Carlos Ortiz; third row, Sebastian Willms, Logan Wingfield, Tabitha Call, Rodrigo Vargas, ChloePreble.

St John Elementary SchoolSeptember’s Terrific Kids from St John are, from left, first row, Montane Whiteley, Dakota Bond, Kendra Hock,Anthony Serna, Jacob Shaver; second row, Brian Berg (principal), Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representative),Estrella Reza, Tye Wedhorn, Morgan Grice, Kathy Keeling (assistant principal).

Congratulations to all of September’s Terrific Kids!

Support the Our Schools section of The Grand Valley Echo…

become a sponsor of one of the pages.For more information:

gve@cr ystalvalleyecho.com


O U R S C H O O L S

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

GVHS Boys Soccer soaring through newobstaclesBy Lizbet Gonzalez, GVHS

For the first time at Grand Valley High School(GVHS), there’s a boys varsity soccer team. In the 2009-10 school year, it was their first year as a JV team. Theyare coached by Spanish teacher Juan Rivera (head coach),technology teacher Rob Martin (assistant coach), Mr. Z(training coach) who works at Metcalf Excavation, andMrs. Hilgenbrink, who works with the goalie and is alsohead coach for the girls soccer team.

The boys work hard at every single one of theirgames, but unfortunately, they’ve only won one gamesince they started the soccer team. They went to theLake County Invite in Leadville, and won a game 5-2.The boys ended up in second place at the tournament, a huge improvement for the team.

Even though these dedicated boys have not won many games, they keep their heads held up high waiting forthat sweet victory.

“Soccer is going good because I am a starter and play every game for the full time,” said junior Miguel Mancinas.“I have also been in the paper a few times, so that’s always nice.”

For their Homecoming game, the boys played Vail Mountain. After a hard battle for a win, the boys lost 5-1.Senior Carlos Franco made the goal for the team.

Overall the GVHS boys soccer team is a team full of hardworking players who want to have fun and get as manyvictories as possible. They are also players with a lot of heart and passion for the game. With determination, theywill conquer their biggest goals.

The start of something newBy Sidney Drinkhouse, GVHS

This new season for the Grand Valley HighSchool (GVHS) softball girls is slightly differentfrom last year. The returning team is now varsity,and it’s only their second year at GVHS.

In that time, these girls have shown greatachievement. They have played games in Denverand they have returning players and new players.

A few of their returning senior players areShawnee Young, Taylor Conrad, Kendra Hill,Sidney Drinkhouse, Brooke Ward, and AshleyWilliford.

New players include freshman AshlynnSpeakman and junior Emily Marbas. This team isgrowing exponentially and hopefully will contin-ue to grow and be better with the coming years.

“I love my team,” says teammate ShawneeYoung. “We play great together. I hope we can pullit together and go to state. If we can make it, thisis the year to do it.”

These girls will have to work hard because goingto state is not going to be easy as they have seenwith the past games they have played. When GrandValley faced off against Gunnison, the second seed inthe league, the girls never looked better. With agrand slam from Brooke Ward, great catches fromAshlynn Speakman and Alexa Chenoweth, this wasa spark that kept the team on top.

“If we can play that way every game we will beunstoppable,” says head coach Brooke Whitman.“In order for us to advance to the next level, it’simperative that we play like that for the remainderof our season.”

The Cards have faced a lot of tough losses, andare hoping to go into districts and come out ontop. If so, they will be headed to the state tourna-ment. Good luck girls and we hope you meet yourgoals.

A spotlight on ‘unspotlight kids’By Eryn Paskett, GVHS

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) is back insession. Many students are recognized for theiramazing abilities, such as the varsity quarter-back, the lead role in the play, or the math whiz.But what about everyone else?

We want everyone to have their moment toshine, so we decided to interview some kidswho may not get recognized as often.

Shawn Knox, a junior at GVHS, thinks of hisjunior year just as every other year, but likes thetitle of upperclassman. His favorite thing aboutGVHS is the small size of the student body, buthis not-so-favorite thing about it is some of theteachers… enough said about that.

Knox’s favorite class is weight training, andhis favorite breakfast entrée is biscuits and gravy,but he also loves white gravy with sausage.Shawn Knox is an outstanding individual, andwe thank him for letting us get to know him.

Another outstanding individual is BryannaEmmons, a senior at GVHS who enjoys cheerleading, and “April 25th, because it’s not too hot and not too cold. Allyou need is a light jacket!” (Movie title? Ten points!) Just kidding, but she is enjoying her senior year so far, and issure it will only get better.

Bryanna’s favorite thing about GVHS is the “awesome people here.” On the other hand, her not-so-favorite thingis the Standards Based Grading System, which has been put into action for the 2010-11 school year.

Bryanna’s favorite class is drama, and she plans on going to the University of Northern Colorado to major inperforming arts. Bryanna Emmons is a fun-loving girl. Bryanna, we are so glad you are you. Good luck with thedrama and we can’t wait to see you hit the red carpet. Kiss Bieber for us!

The softball team gathers to cheer on their team in hopesof another victory.

Photo courtesy of Sidney Drinkhouse

Shawn Knox enjoys his delicious chicken salad while he waits for hisfriends to accompany him for lunch. Photo courtesy of Eryn Paskett

Grand Valley High School

Soccer teammates sophomore Luis Mancinas (#2), junior SergioFranco (#16) junior Pancho Caraveo (#11), and junior MiguelMancinas (#17) on their way to lunch.

Photo courtesy of Lizbet Gonzalez


O U R S C H O O L S

No competing with GVHS'shomecoming traditionsBy Liz Favier, GVHS

When you think of homecoming what do you think of? Football, volleyball,dances and maybe even a bonfire and car smash? Well here at Grand Valley, wehonor all of those traditions. The first thing that happened was the volleyball teamfought for a win in the gym against the Aspen Skiers. Then after volleyball, every-one headed out to the field to watch the football players. As everyone knows,football plays under the Friday night lights. With the cardinals wearing their allblack uniforms, they went and put up a great fight against the Aspen Skiers.

Other than the games as a tradition, there are extracurricular activities that goon during the week before the games. One of the traditions that most schoolshave is the bonfire and car smash. During the bonfire all the fall sports teams wereintroduced to get them fired up for their upcoming home games. The football, vol-leyball, softball, cheer leaders, boy’s golf, boy’s soccer and cross country teams gotup and pumped up the crowd and got everyone excited for the games. During thefootball introduction senior Chris Chartier gave a speech about how he was a oneman wolf pack and his pack grew by 54 when he joined the football team. Therally was just one of the many memorable nights that the week had to offer.

Another well known activity that happens during homecoming is the powder-puff and stud man. Powder-puff is where girls go on the football field and play flagfootball and the teams are freshman and seniors against the sophomores and jun-iors. Then there is stud man which is where the boy’s play the game of volleyball.Each of the classes competed to try to claim a victory, but in the end the seniorsdominated the floor, even beating out the staff team for GVHS! The crowd wasgoing and everyone was screaming for their class. Both events were incredible andhelped students at GVHS work on their team building and leadership skills.

Another tradition that only Grand Valley can have is Mrs. GV. A pair of boysfrom each class got to walk on their feminine side, by dressing up and trying towin pageant competition. The winner for this year was senior Brody Hayes. Everyyear he came in second place and finally he won and got to wear his crown. Thistradition proved to be a blast with the roar of the crowds approval for the theirwinner Brody Hayes.

Although many schools have similar Homecoming traditions, none can com-pete with the memories that are continuously made here at GVHS.

Dress-Up Week at GVHSBy Stefanie Horton, GVHS

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) has continued many traditions throughoutthe years. One of those traditions is dressing up for the week of homecoming.

During Dress-Up Week, leadership students mark down each kid who dress-es up as they walk out of the lunchroom. At the end of the week, the studentscalculate the percentages of kids who dressed up for each class: seniors, juniors,sophomores, and freshmen. The Dress-up Days fill students with school spiritinto Saturday night’s homecoming dance.

Every year, to determine what the Dress-up Days will be, the leadership stu-dents vote on a theme for the homecoming dance. This year, the overall themewas the Survivors. After they decide the themes, they choose what the days willbe.

Monday was “Fake an Injury Day.” Students showed up to school in injurybraces, wheelchairs, and on crutches and were excited to be "hurt" for a day.

Tuesday was “Camouflage Day.” Students were allowed to come to schooldecked out in any and everything camo if they chose to, and they did.

Wednesday was “Tropical Day.” Some students dressed up in hula skirts andcoconut bras, while others wore bright colors and leis.

Thursday was “Class Color Day.” The seniors were to wear anything limegreen, the juniors wore blue, the sophomores wore yellow, and the freshmanwore orange.

Friday was “School Spirit Day.” Almost everyone was full of school pride,wearing the red, black, and white.

I asked two students at GVHS to give me their opinions on the long-lastingDress-Up Days’ tradition.

“Dress-up Days are a blast!,” said senior Sonora Hornick. “They make home-coming week more enjoyable, and give us all something to look forward to.”Sonora Hornick.

“I really enjoy the Dress-up Days because they make my week incredible!”said sophomore Kaeli Spanicek.

Both Sonora and Kaeli, as well as many students at GVHS, agree that Dress-Up Days are amazing and a good way to get all students involved. After all, “WeAre Survivors!”

Just Dance! By Matt Donello, GVHS

What makes homecoming so exciting? For some, it could be playing under the Friday nightlights. To others, it could be the excitement of the volleyball girls giving it their all in The Nest.

But for the select few, it’s the feeling of dressing up and taking that special one on the dancefloor to show your dance moves off. For some underclassmen, it is definitely a huge piece of thepuzzle.

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) freshman Kelsie Mcguirk, recently new to the area, tells meshe was extremely excited for the occasion.

“Getting to dress up and experience what goes on in high school is what I liked the most,”Kelsie said.

Even though she went without a date, she enjoyed herself and made the best of it, and unlikemost freshman, she danced the whole night away!

Wesley Wood, a GVHS sophomore, is happy that this year’s homecoming was better thanlast.

“There were different people and a new committee so it made it better,” Wood said. When asked why he went, he said, “there is nothing better to do.” Like Kelsie, Wesley danced the whole night away with his date! So as you may see, the sport-

ing event and other events involved with homecoming week may be important, but the dance iswhere it’s at!

Grand Valley High School students got their groove on at 2010’s homecom-ing dance. Photo courtesy of Matt Donello


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

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

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

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

Episcopal Theology: 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small groups meet throughout the week ...Visit our website for more information.

Come -- Experience God's Power for life & livingKnow -- Christ through a loving family for fellowshipGrow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleshipGo -- With Christ in a ministry of service with a focus for evangel-ism

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: 384-7999

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 Friday 9:30 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]

Shepherd of the Mesa Lutheran Church (WELS)Bill Cornelius, Pastor 987-3093Adam Lambrecht, Staff Minister 987-1992Sarah Lambrecht, Music Coordinator, 285-7255

Worship:Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Monday at 7:00 p.m.

Family Bible Study:Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.Location:Historical Society School House on County Rd 300

Women’s Bible Study Group:Monday at 9:30 a.m. Location: 12 Rosewood WayBabysitting available

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

“Come to me, all you who are weary and bur-dened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley High School Cafeteria

800 Cardinal WayParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.Youth and Children’s Sunday 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 to help offset the cost of producing this page.

GRAND VALLEY SPELLBINDERSis looking for volunteers.

Call 285-7175 for more information.


Faith BriefChicken and biscuits on Oct. 22

The Grand Valley United Methodist Church is serving their famous annual chicken andbiscuit dinner on Oct. 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. for a modest price at the church.

As always, dessert includes a variety of fresh homemade pies to choose from and icecream to top it off.

So put the date, Oct. 22 on your calendar and come by for good food and good fellow-ship. The church is at 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call 285-9892 for more information.

– Lori Sweers

IF YOU ENJOY READING THIS PAPER, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

The Echo is available at many valley locations for free pick up (see box on classified ad page)…

AND IS DELIVERED TO THE HOMES IN THE BATTLEMENT MESA AND PARACHUTE AREA FREE OF CHARGE

You can help support the paper by becoming a paid subscriber.Mailed paid subscriptions are available for readers outside our area.

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ___________Please complete this form & submit $35 per year to:

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623

We appreciate your support!

F A I T H

As I See ItProgress at “breakneck speeds”By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church

Recently I came across an interesting letter supposedly datedJan. 31, 1829, and supposedly written by then governor of NewYork and later our eighth president, the extinguished Martin VanBuren.

To President Jackson:The canal system of this country is being threatened by the

spread of a new form of transportation known as “railroads.” Thefederal government must preserve the canals for the following rea-sons:

1) If canal boats are supplanted by “railroads,” serious unem-ployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmenand lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not tomention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay forthe horses.

2) Boat builders would suffer and towline, whip and harnessmakers would be left destitute.

3) Canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of theUnited States. In the event of the expected trouble with England,the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could evermove the supplies so vital to waging modern war.

As you may well know, Mr. President, “railroad” carriages arepulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by “engines”which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roarand snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops,scaring the livestock and frightening our women and children. TheAlmighty certainly never intended that people should travel atsuch breakneck speed.

- Martin Van BurenGovernor of New York

I hope this letter gave you a chuckle. But I must tell you that itis a forgery. There is no proof of its authenticity and it is historical-ly inaccurate. For instance, Jackson did not become president untilMarch of that year and the date was a little too early for a threatby the railroad. According to snopes.com, a research and fact-checking website, the letter appeared in an ad in The WashingtonPost on Sept. 27,1983 by the Martin Agency, Inc. to influencemembers of the House of Representatives to vote for a particularpiece of legislation. Many have through the years believed it to betrue regardless of its fabrication.

Had this letter been authentic, it would have packed more of apunch for my purpose in using it. However, I would say we have allmet people who could have written such a letter. That may be whymany, including politicians, fell for it. There truly are people who arefearful of progress, though the world would never move forward if leftup to them.

While some resist progress, others seem clueless that it is hap-pening. I want to be among those, however, who applaud it andare appreciative of those who are making a difference for the bet-ter. The Scriptures tell us to give honor where honor is due.

We are witnessing some exciting advances in technology in ourarea. On Aug. 27, I attended the grand opening celebration ofParachute’s new solar electric arrays, which provide efficient ener-gy and save us taxpayers money. It was exciting to see the role ofour small town in paving the way for others to follow in what maywell become a wave of the future.

If you want to see progress at work, check out what is happen-ing in our own community at the Parachute Town Hall, the reststop, the new fire station, the remodeled library, our schools, andthe Grand River Medical Center. While you’re there, be sure tothank those who are present-day pioneers who are seeking tomake a difference – that is, if you really do think the Almightyintended us to exceed the “breakneck speed” of 15 miles per hour.

Shommy’s from page 11

Open seven days a weekShawna puts at least 40 hours a week into the business, which is open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.,

seven days a week The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner that includes everything from steak and eggs for

$7.99 to sandwiches and burgers and steak, pork, chicken and seafood dinners from $11.99 to$16.99.

There is also Far East fare, along with appetizers and homemade desserts, and soft-serve icecream that includes butterscotch, and Kahlua and raspberry, along with the traditional vanilla,chocolate and strawberry.

The entire menu is available all day long. "And if someone is on a special diet or there is something they want that is not on the menu, if

we have the ingredients, we'll make it," Shawna said. Menu specials include a free pie slice on Mondays with the purchase of any entree; Southwest

Night on Tuesdays; Italian Night on Wednesdays; Chef's Choice on Thursdays; and Prime Rib fortwo for $25.99 on Fridays. A cheeseburger combo with endless hand-cut fries for $7.99 is offeredevery day and seniors can buy one entree and get the second one half price from 2 p.m. to close.

There is also a call-ahead drive-up service for those who don't want to get out of their cars.

Kids are welcomeMost of Shommy's customers are regulars and kids are more than welcome. "We have all kinds of board games and they can draw with markers on the menus. We try to

make it so people have fun when they're here," Shawna said. Shommy's will be holding its second annual Halloween Party on Oct. 31, with two costume

contests – one for kids that will be judged at 6 p.m. and one for adults, judged at 10 p.m. Otherevents are also posted on Shommy's Facebook page.

Shommy's is at 28 Cardinal Way, behind the Phillip's 66 station. Call 285-9711 for more infor-mation.


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 TOURSFri., Sat., Sun., & Mon. 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’s six-year old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and is the monthly newspaper forthe Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get toknow your sister: Come visit.

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

Leaves may be falling, but thereare still Haunted HayridesBy Carrie Click, Echo editor

The fall foliage in the Crystal River Valley may have peaked by the time you read this paper,but there are still plenty of good reasons to take a trip up to Redstone.

One of those reasons is what’s becoming a Halloween tradition in Redstone: horse-drawnHaunted Hayrides.

Redstonians seem to enjoy Halloween, and for good reason. The little village is filled with cen-tury-old cottages, and the big historic Redstone Inn…well, if walls could talk, the inn would haveplenty to say, if you catch my drift.

Get ready for you and your family to get spooked. From Oct. 28-31, hayrides set off from theRedstone Inn in the heart of Redstone at 6 and 7 p.m. and clip-clop off to – who knows where?And though this is a family event, the rides are not recommended for children 5 and under.

Haunted Hayrides are $20/adults and $5/children 6-10 years old, and come complete withwarm beverages at ride’s end. Call the inn for tickets at 963-2526…if you dare.

Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience as you leave busy highways and cruise alongthe West Elk Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. This two-lane road winds along the CrystalRiver and is soon surrounded by towering cliffs of red sandstone that give the town its name.

Redstone is located on Highway 133, just 18 miles south of Carbondale. Take I-70 to GlenwoodSprings and Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 at Carbondale. Or, take the scenic bywayacross the Grand Mesa on Highway 65 to the junction of Highway 92 near Hotchkiss and contin-ue past Paonia on Highway 133 over McClure Pass into the beautiful Crystal River Valley. Hopeto see you in Redstone!

SUMMER MUSIC ON THE PATIO EVERY SUNDAY 3-5PM STARTING IN JUNE

Redstone’s leaves may be past their prime, but there’s plenty in store forthose who dare to go on the Haunted Hayrides. Photo by Carrie Click


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

NOW SERVICINGPARACHUTE

AND BATTLEMENT MESA• Commercial dumpsters,

full time service

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

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISPOSAL947-0990

• 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 Echo274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623

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

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHO IS AVAILABLE FORFREE PICK UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

RACKS OUTSIDE: Outlaw Ribbs • Wendy’s • Clark’s Market •Southgate Plaza/Grand Valley Pub

INSIDE AT: Kum & Go Stations • The Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter and at MANY local businesses!

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDSFOR RENT:FOR RENT: PARACHUTE - Newer Townhome, oppo-site park. 3 BD/2.5 BA, 1-car garage, fenced patio,W/D plus all appliances. N/S. $800/month. 970-618-4930

ROR RENT: BATTLEMENT MESA – 3 BD/2 BA condo-minium with deck, mountain view, 1-car garage.Extra storage areas. W/D plus all appliances. N/S.$800/month. 970-618-4930

HELP WANTED:Marketing rep wanted for fast growing health &wellness co. Commissions + bonuses + profit shar-ing. Full or part time. Contact Barbara 309-1354 or285-7634.

ONLY $10:The Echo Classified Ads - an inexpensive way toadvertise... Do you have something for sale, a homefor rent or services you offer... let your neighborsknow with a classified ad in the Echo. Only $10 forup to 40 words - a bargain that can’t be [email protected]

Even your classified ad helps the Echo have more pages to share the news!

Place your ad today!

[email protected]

• Septic Tank Pumping

• Experienced Operators

• Senior Discounts!

• Specials!• Best Prices!• Guaranteed!

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

970-216-7576www.peakseptic.com

SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY


Documents

Grand-Valley-Echo-October-2010