2011 Grand Valley Echo Mid May

Volume #3 Number 8 FREE Mid-May/ Mid-June 2011

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

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

Garfield County School District No. 16 recently chose four teachers to receive Teacher of the Year awards. From left, they are Beckey Sirus, first grade teacher from Bea Underwood Elementary;Alissa Branson, sixth grade social studies teacher from Grand Valley Middle School; Kim Whelan, science, health, and P.E. teacher from Grand Valley High; and Lorile Loesch, fifth grade mathand science teacher from St John Elementary. Photo by Sherrie Hoffman

Grand Valley High School Class of 2011 Special Section Pages 19-23

Top TeachersSee story on page 25

Page 2, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-May / Mid-June 2011

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

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

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

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $35 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ADVERTISING SALESBARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATIONSTEVE PAVLIN

Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

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

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

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

Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Ron Bailey, Kay Soderberg, Gene Pickett, Jerry Mohrlang, Mary Moore, Keith Lammey, Dave Devanney, Cam Burns, Home Care and Hospice of the Valley,Sharon Temple, Garfield County Sheriff’sOffice, Sherrie Hoffman, Jolene Gnatek, Emily Hisel, Sarah Tahvonen, Grand Valley High Schooljournalism class, Anne White, Rifle Funeral Home, M.E. Denomy, Bill Cornelius, Kathy Germano, Mitzi Burkhart, Mary Anderson, Barbara Barker, Charlie Hornick, Rebecca Ruland, Jeanne Miles

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

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

An open letter to our graduates

Dear Echo:

Congratulations! You did it! You perseveredthrough four years of class work, homework, extra-curricular activities, and other challenges. Now youare ready to graduate from high school. This is a riteof passage.

But passage into what? For some, that will be col-lege; for others, a full-time job; and for still others thequandary of indecision regarding what to do with therest of their lives. For all, though, high school gradua-tion is a passage into adulthood. Are you ready?

Perhaps, to determine your readiness for entry intopost high school adult life, you might ask yourselfhow many times in the past few months you haveengaged in any of the following activities.

1. Taking out the trash without someone askingyou to.

2. Bringing/sending flowers (picked in the wild orpurchased) for a family member for no special reason.

3. Doing the dishes when it’s not your turn.4. Preparing a meal for your family, including

cleaning up the kitchen when all is done.5. Volunteering your services in the community:

helping out at a convalescent facility, a hospital, or adaycare center; working with children through a localservice club or scouting organization.

6. Engaging in ecological activities: picking up trashalong the roadway, recycling aluminum and paper inyour own household, turning out the lights when youleave a room.

7. Mowing the lawn without someone asking you to.8. Removing snow from your driveway/walkway

without someone asking you to.9. Removing snow from your neighbor’s drive-

way/walkway without someone asking you to.10. Feeding your family’s animals without some-

one asking you to.

11. Asking someone else for their help when youneed it.

12. Paying someone a sincere compliment.13. Going to the library for a non-school related

purpose. 14. Doing research (Internet or otherwise) just to

satisfy your own curiosity. If you have engaged in more than half of these

activities a few times so far this year, you are well onyour way to adulthood with a favorable prognosis forsuccess. If you have not, well, I’ll let you draw yourown conclusions.

In any event, best wishes for a fine future. I thinkPink Floyd was wrong and your teachers were right!

Sincerely,Joe Sluga

Battlement Mesa

Kids Bike Derby volunteers needed

Dear Echo:

Once again it is time to support the Sheriff’sAuxiliary with their annual Kids Bike Derby at BeaUnderwood Elementary (BUE) School.

The derby is being held in BUE’s parking lot onSaturday, May 21. Activities begin at 9 a.m., and vol-unteers should arrive by 8:15 a.m. for setting up.

As in the past, some bicycle group members will bedoing safety inspections on the kids’ bikes. Help willalso be needed with bicycle helmet fitting as well assetting up and monitoring the derby course.

Two brand new bicycles will be given away to alucky boy and girl. Free hot dogs and soda will beserved. The festivities usually last until about noon or so.

Safety inspection volunteers are asked to bring afew bike maintenance tools if you have them. We willhave a compressor and generator there for bike tireinflation.

Also, for any volunteer who would like to bring hisor her bike, there will be a short bike maintenancetutorial right after the derby concludes.

Please let me know if you will be able to help outby e-mailing me at [email protected] or call285-2263. This is a fun event and kids of all ages havea great time.

Hope to see you there.

Dave DevanneyBattlement Mesa

Thank you for National Day of Prayer

Dear Echo:

We want to thank the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute for sponsoring the National Day ofPrayer on the morning of May 5 in front of ParachuteTown Hall.

The prayers offered up to our Heavenly Fatherwere most heartfelt and meaningful. We should allremember to pray daily for our government, military,media, business, educational facilities, churches, med-ical and emergency facilities, and families.

Thank you too to the following pastors: E.J. Rivet,Charlie Hornick, Bob McNew, Bob Toll, Lois Smith,Obdulio Escolero, and Rich Counts. Thanks also toDick Smith for leading us in singing.

After the prayers, everyone was invited to a break-fast inside of the new Parachute library. Thank youOpal Morganthaler and Daylight Donuts for being apart of this wonderful gathering.

We look forward to next year’s National Day ofPrayer.

Sincerely,Darlene and Mike Markle

Parachute

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-May / Mid-June 2011, Page 3

O I L & G A S

Still a 'good piece of scientific work'according to GarCo Public Health

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

On May 2, Garfield County commissioners votedagainst extending a contract to complete a reportassessing the potential health impacts of natural gasdrilling within the Battlement Mesa planned unitdevelopment (PUD).

According to Garfield County officials, theBattlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment (HIA)was initiated following a May 2009 announcementthat Antero Resources planned to drill 200 natural gaswells within the Battlement Mesa PUD. This wasafter commissioners received a petition signed byapproximately 400Battlement Mesa resi-dents asking that anassessment be con-ducted to determinepotential healthimpacts of natural gasdevelopment withinthe community.

“[The assessment] isthe first of its kind inthe country,” said JimRada, Garfield County Environmental Health manag-er, noting that it’s written specifically to addressBattlement Mesa’s issues.

Garfield County officials contracted with theUniversity of Colorado School of Public Health in thefall of 2009 to write the report. The assessment’sauthors include experts in public health, epidemiolo-gy, environmental health, environmental chemistry,exposure assessment, and environmental medicine.

The initial cost of the HIA was $158,000, whichcame out of the county’s general fund and two foun-dation grants. The university released the first draftof the document, at 157 pages, on Sept. 20, 2010,and it became available to the public during a one-month review and comment period. A final versionof the report was initially scheduled for release onNov. 15, 2010.

However, because of the many comments submit-ted, the commissioners granted a contract extensionnot to exceed an additional $100,000. Those fundscame out of the county’s oil and gas mitigation fund,according to Jim Rada. The commissioners alsoauthorized additional comments to be received fol-lowing the submission of the report’s second draft.That deadline was extended, from March 28 to April27 of this year.

‘Comments to the comments’Comments generated from the HIA’s second draft

were actually more prolific than the original report.Antero’s attorneys and representatives alone submit-ted 277 pages.

It was clear the HIA was turning into a ever-grow-ing, back-and-forth document, with numerous opin-ions and angles of concern.

“To continue making comments and then allowingcomments to the comments becomes counter produc-tive,” said Battlement Mesa resident Chuck Hallwho’s been closely following the development of theHIA. Because of this, “I do feel it was prudent to stopthe finalization of the health impact assessment,”

Chuck said.Still, Battlement Mesa resident Dave Devanney

doesn’t agree with terminating the contract to finishthe HIA.

“[The commissioners] had the opportunity toreplace politics and industry dominance with health-based science – and they quit,” Dave said.

For Lynn Shore of Battlement Mesa, however, thatscience wasn’t leading to conclusive answers.

“I read the [second draft] of the HIA when it waspublished,” said Lynn, who has also followed the HIAprocess with interest. “Words such as ‘potential,’‘may,’ ‘could,’ ‘possible’ and ‘can’ are used through-out. There are no definitive conclusions reached.[That’s why] I have no objection or criticism of thatdecision [to terminate the contract].”

Jim Rada said that the inconclusive nature of theHIA is no surprise.

“[The HIA authors]can’t say that certainthings are going to occurto a certain number ofpeople as a result ofAntero operating in thePUD,” Jim said.

Lynn mentioned that aquote from the HIA’s sec-ond draft, in the firstparagraph of Section

5.1.3, page 33, sums it up for him.“‘It is not possible to predict what or how many

health affects will occur as a result of Antero's proj-ect,’” Lynn quoted from the HIA.

Confusion about intentIn addition, Garfield County’s Jim Rada said there

seems to be confusion about the intent of the HIA.Jim says it was never intended to be a written-in-stone document.

“We never meant there to be 100 percent agree-ment [about the HIA],” Jim said. “There are diver-gent perspectives here. There’s the oil and gas indus-try and community activists. Our intent was to pro-duce a scientifically-based, non-biased assessment ofoil and gas development in Battlement Mesa’s resi-dential area.”

Out of that intent, Jim said, came the developmentof 78 potential recommendations from the Universityof Colorado School of Public Health that commission-ers can use when formulating their decision onAntero’s project, finished report or not.

“The primary functions of the HIA have been cov-ered,” noted Chuck Hall. “The ways drilling withinthe PUD could affect Battlement Mesa residents havebeen identified and recommendations were made inthe first revision.”

And not all of the decisions regarding Antero’sdrilling plans rest with GarCo commissioners

“The recommendations have some value for thecommissioners,” noted Lynn Shore. “Some recom-mendations are already mandated by state or federallaw, some required by the Colorado Oil and GasConservation Commission, [and] some just impracti-cal to achieve. However, some should be used as abasis for [Antero’s] special use permit.”

Chuck Hall agreed that many decisions regardingthe welfare of Battlement Mesa citizens rest withother agencies, not just the county commissioners.

“Battlement Mesa Metro District (BMMD) and theGrand Valley Fire Protection District (GVFPD) have

had discussions with Antero to address their respec-tive areas of responsibilities relating to natural gasdrilling within the PUD,” Chuck said.

“When there is drilling for natural gas within thePUD it should be done responsibly and in the shortesttime period possible,” Chuck continued. “Elements ofBattlement Mesa – BMMD, GVFPD, Battlement MesaService Association and Battlement Mesa Partners –must continue to work with Antero to achieve aresponsible outcome.”

As it stands, even though the HIA is in draft form,it is a highly readable document.

“[The commissioners] got what they paid for,” saidJim. “And [the HIA authors] did what was asked ofthem. The commissioners are committed to using it.We have, in my opinion, a usable document. They gota good piece of scientific work.”

The second draft of the Battlement Mesa

Health ImpactAssessment can be

found at the GarfieldCounty website,

garfield-county.com.

Battlement Mesa HIA stops at second draft

“[The assessment] is thefirst of its kind in thecountry.” - Jim Rada

The Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment containsresearch on the potential health impacts of natural gasdrilling within Battlement's PUD. Garfield County commis-sioners voted to terminate funding for the study after theassessment's second draft. Photo by Ron Bailey


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.

• May 17: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free volunteer trainingfor Home Care and Hospice of the Valley beginsat the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Concurrent ses-sions are on May 19, 24 and 25, concluding on May26. Pre-registration required. Call Wendy at 544-1568.

• May 19: 11:30 a.m. Chapter IP PEO luncheon andcard party at All Saints Episcopal Church. $10. SaraOrono, 285-1111; Lee Allen, 285-5628.

• May 21: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids Bike Derby is at the BeaUnderwood Elementary School parking lot. Safety inspec-tions, helmet fitting, derby course, plus two bike give-aways. Presented by the Sheriff’s Auxiliary. Volunteers need-ed. Contact Dave at 285-2263, [email protected].

• May 23: Online registration begins for Read EveryDay, the new summer reading program offered by theParachute Branch Library and Garfield County PublicLibrary District. Program runs from June 6 to July 31.285-9870, gcpld.org.

• May 24: 1 p.m. Village Artists meet at theParachute Branch Library. Joline, [email protected].

• May 25: 9 a.m. Eric Schmela of the Battlement MesaCompany invites you to a Community Coffee Talk,an informal gathering at the Grand Valley Fire Station toshare, connect, and discuss. Let's bring our communitytogether. Free coffee and doughnuts.

• May 25: Last day to purchase tickets for theParachute Valley Senior Center’s BarBQue on MemorialDay, May 30. $5/members; $10/non-members. Call309-9380 or 285-9512.

• May 26: Last day of school for Garfield SchoolDistrict No. 16. 285-5701, garcoschools.org.

• May 26: 1-2 p.m. An information session regardingColorado Mountain College’s new bachelordegrees in business administration and sustainabilitystudies is at the West Garfield Campus in Rifle. 625-1871.

• May 28: 10 a.m. Grand Valley High School grad-uation of the class of 2011 is at the high school. 285-5701, garcoschools.org.

• May 30: Memorial Day. Parachute Branch Library,other government offices and banks closed.

• May 30: Parachute Valley Senior Center’sBarBQue, 540 N. Parachute Ave., Parachute.Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, baked beans, salads,desserts. Purchase tickets by May 25. Call 309-9380,285-9512.

• June 2: 5:30-7 p.m. Learn how to complete a FiveWishes advance directive by attending a workshopwith Sean Jeung of Home Care and Hospice of theValley at the Grand River Medical Center in Rifle. Learnhow to appoint a health care agent and how to directyour own plan of care. Call 544-1574 to register and formore information.

• June 3: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is at theParachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• June 4: 8:30 a.m. (registration starts at 7:30 a.m.)Walk/Run for Wildlife starts at Stoney RidgeBallpark in Silt; fundraiser for Western Colorado Wildlife& Education Center. Tour to follow. $20/walk. CallSandy at 987-3593.

• June 5: 4-6 p.m. TAKE STEPS, a fundraising walk tofind a cure for digestive diseases begins at CentennialPark in Rifle. For information and to register, go tocctakesteps.org/corivervalley or contact Mary Lee andJerry at 285-1167 or Mary at 970-309-8589.

• June 6: The Summer Reading Program, Read EveryDay, begins at the Parachute Branch Library. Stop bythe library and pick up your reading logs and book-marks. 285-9870.

• June 9: 12 p.m. Parachute/Battlement MesaChamber of Commerce’s general membershipmeeting is at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse.

• June 10: 11 a.m. Ready to Read Story Time is atthe Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

• June 11: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Big Yard Sale Day forBattlement Mesa: Increase traffic, maximize exposureand potential sales to your yard sale by participating inthis event. $2/fee to be included in the catalog of yardsales and items for sale. Receive a free catalog of yardsales with a listing of items (no prices), please send arequest via email to [email protected]. A printedcatalog will be available for $2. Catalogs (print oremail) will be available Wednesday, June 8. Forms areavailable at the Activity Center. Questions? Call BMACat 285-9480. The deadline for inclusion in the catalogis Wednesday, June 1.

• June 14: Tech petting zoo for tweens and teensis at the Parachute Branch Library. 285-9870.

ONGOING

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

• 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.

• Grand Valley Sew and Sew Quilters meet on 9:30a.m. the fourth Monday of every month at theBattlement Mesa Schoolhouse. Call Ann Arrington at285- 9757 or Mary Galterio at 285-0243 for more info.

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

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

• Every Tuesday, seniors age 60 and older, or anyonewith a disability, can take The Traveler to Rifle. TheTraveler also goes to Grand Junction the secondTuesday of each month. Call 625-1366 for more info.

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

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

• Anyone who has suffered the loss of a friend or lovedone through suicide is welcome at HEARTBEAT, asupport group for survivors after suicide. thatmeets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood

Springs. The meetings are a safe place to share thisunique pain and provide and obtain mutual support.Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church locatedat 824 Cooper Street. Call Pam Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail [email protected].

• 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.

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

• Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is Toddler Time, and everyFriday at 11 a.m. is Story Time at the Parachute Library.Both open to young children. Call Michelle at 285-9870.

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

• The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3p.m., the Battlement Mesa 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 issues ofconcern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open tothe public. Dave, 285-2263 or Ron, 285-3085.

• Weekly transportation on Thursdays from Parachuteto Glenwood Springs and towns in between is available toseniors and disabled people on The Traveler minibus. Call625-1366, 48 hours in advance for reservations. Service isfor door-to-door pick up and return for a fee of $8 roundtrip. Trips can be for doctor appointments, shopping, vis-iting or personal needs. Please schedule doctor appoint-ments between 10 am and 2 pm.

• 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” hosts interviews with communitymembers on KSUN 103.9 FM.

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

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

UPCOMING

• June 28: 1 p.m. Village Artists features KarenAldridge of Glenwood Springs demonstrating basket-making at the Parachute Branch Library. Joline,[email protected].

• June 30: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Reading Programpresents Folkorico dancers, a family event. For ticketsand information, call 285-9870.


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Car Wash Fleet Card Program

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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

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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

Battlement Mesa World War II vet partof Western Slope Honor Flight to D.C.

Larry Soderberg, a World War II veteran and resident of BattlementMesa since 1993, was accepted to go on the fourth Western Slope HonorFlight from Grand Junction to Washington, DC., May 4 and 5.

According to honorflight.org, the Honor Flight Network is a nationalnonprofit organization that honors America’s veterans for all their sacri-fices. The network transports selected veterans to Washington, D.C. tovisit and reflect at their memorials.

Larry visited the World War II Memorial, as well as other war memori-als. His wife Kay accompanied him as his Guardian.

In 1943, Larry enlisted in the Navy as an Apprentice Seaman at age 17in Casper, Wyo. He was given special training in aeronautical engineeringand was commissioned as an Ensign in 1945. He flew anti-submarine mis-sions in the Atlantic Theater of Operations in 1946 in PBM-5 patrolbombers. He stayed active in the Navy Reserve through the Korean and VietNam Wars, retiring in 1986, as Lieutenant Commander.

Larry's first wife Carolyn and mother of his three daughters died of cancer in 1968. KayBarraclough, formerly of Pueblo, Colo. and Larry met while both were employed at MartinMarietta Corp. in Denver. They married in 1969 in Broomfield, Colo. In 1993, they moved to theirnew home in Battlement Mesa. They have no children of their own but enjoy many scattered grandand great grandkids.

They have been communicants in the Grace Bible Church for many years. Larry has been activein civic affairs and also served as a delegate to the Battlement Mesa Service Association fromMonument Creek.

This space sponsord byYOUR ORGANIZATION

see page 13 for more information

Lt. Commander Larry Soderberg


O B I T U A R I E S

This is the second in a series of informational display ads that will appear once amonth throughout the growing season in the Grand Valley Echo.

These articles are intended to promote public awareness on Garfield County andState of Colorado listed noxious weeds.

Landowners, both public and private, are obligated by state law to manage nox-ious weeds on their property.

Garfield County, in cooperation with the local Conservation Districts, offers cost-share programs that provide financial assistance for the management of listed nox-ious weeds.

Whitetop / Hoary CressCardaria draba

• Perennial growing 10”-18” tall.• Reproduces by seeds and extensive creeping roots.• Roots have been found at a depth of up to 30 feet.• Clusters of white flowers with four petals give the plant a white, flat-topped

appearance, providing it with its name.• Blooms from April to May, setting seed soon after.• Heart shaped seed capsules.• One plant can produce up to 5,000 seeds.• Leaves are oval shaped, clasp the stems, and are blue green in color with many

fine white hairs.• One of the first plants to come up in the spring.

ManagementWhitetop emerges early in the spring, in some parts of Garfield County it will

bloom in late April or early May. It will set seed about a month after blooming. One ofthe problems with Whitetop is that we don’t pay attention to it until it starts flowering.

This is a problem, as the best time to control it is before it flowers. So if you havehad whitetop in the past and your preferred method of control is an application ofherbicides, the time to start treating whitetop is now.

As always, keeping a good cover of existing vegetation can prevent weeds fromgetting established.

The best way to manage whitetop is to prevent its encroachment. To preventinvasion, seed dispersal must be limited. Avoid driving vehicles and equipmentthrough infested areas during the seeding period. Livestock should not graze weed-infested areas during flowering or seed set, or else they should be transported to aholding area for 2 weeks after grazing whitetop infested pastures, to allow time topass the seeds.

Follow-up treatments from year to year are essential. Chemical recommendationswill vary depending upon the specific site and surrounding land use. For specific rec-ommendations on Whitetop, please contact Garfield County Vegetation Managementat 625-8601 or [email protected]

Photo courtesy of Rod Cook

Luella Marie (Sobba) PontiusSept. 1, 1920 – April 19, 2011

Luella Marie (Sobba) Pontius passedaway April 19 at Hospice & PalliativeCare in Grand Junction. She was 90.

Luella grew up in Garnett, Kan. Shemarried Maurice A. Pontius Dec. 23,1940 in Garnett. While Mauriceserved in World War II, Luella workedfor Boeing Aircraft in Wichita (a trueRosie the Riveter!). In 1948, the fami-ly moved to Parachute.

Luella was preceded in death byher parents and her husband Maurice; son Franklin DuanePontius; grandson Darold Gene Waite; daughter Linda Waite;sister Bernice Barnaby; and brothers Jim Kueser, Gus Sobba,Orville Sobba and Gene Sobba.

She is survived by brothers Earl (Chris) Sobba of Brooksville,Fla.; sons Herman “Zeke” (Dennie) of Parachute; and Harold“Herk” of Grand Junction; daughter Kay (Mike) James ofCarlsbad, N.M.; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; andnumerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service was held April 22 at the Battlement MesaCemetery.

Wayne "Doc" Edward Thomsen, Ph.D.May 27, 1928 – April 11, 2011

God released Wayne from hisencounter with dementia on April 11; heis now singing and dancing with ourSavior Christ Jesus. He was 82.

Wayne was born May 27, 1928, thesecond son of F. Edward and Grace(Ellison) Thompson in North Platte, Neb.The family moved to Craig, Colo. wherehis father was the dentist from 1930-1938.The family then moved to Denver. Wayneattended Grant and South high schools.

Wayne served in the Marines and the Army on two tours ofduty. He loved football, flying airplanes, and working with thejunior high youth groups at church.

Wayne began his career in computers while in the service anddeveloped his own computer processing service for various busi-nesses and accountants before the development of micro andpersonal computers.

He then took his knowledge and skills into the classroom;which led him back to Colorado State University at age 52 toobtain, in six years, his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate invocational administration and computer science. His love of andbelief in the younger generation blessed many students in hisyears of teaching at vocational high schools in Aurora and in LasVegas, Nev. and at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV).

Wayne and Judy married in 1974; in 1986, her job took themto Las Vegas for 12 years. After they retired from UNLV andCitigroup, they moved back to Colorado to Battlement Mesa.Again Wayne enjoyed teaching computers but this time it wasC4S/Computers for Seniors, sponsored by Kiwanis.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and youngerbrother Paul Thompson.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy; brother C. Roy(Elizabeth) Thompson of Greensburg, Penn.; son RichardThompson; daughters Linda (Bill) Herrin, Kerry (Tim) Fox, Susan(Rab) Herring, Michele Garcia, Shawn Aldredge Egle, Tracy(Victor) Paciocco and Angela (Michael) Paras; 23 grandchildrenand six great grandchildren.

We will celebrate Wayne's life at Crown Peak Church inParachute at 2 p.m. on May 27. We request no flowers and askthat donations be made to Northwestern Colorado Youth forChrist or Hospice of the Valley or the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute Scholarship Fund.


R U N T H E N W A L K

By Gene Pickett, Echo contributorThe fourth annual run and walk

fundraiser for the Pauline S.Schneegas Wildlife Foundation is setfor June 4. The race takes place inSilt, on the hills of the residential areaabove the Stoney Ridge Ballpark.

The wildlife foundation is namedafter Pauline S. Schneegas, the grand-mother of Nanci Limbach, who is thefounder and executive director of thefoundation and the WesternColorado Wildlife Rehabilitation &Education Center located near thetown of Silt. The foundation raisesfunds to support the work of thewildlife center.

The wildlife center, located onCounty Road 346, has been rehabili-tating and releasing animals back into the wild for more than 25 years. The foun-dation has an educational center where programs regarding wildlife are providedfor the public and for school students from the local area.

After the race, Nanci will conduct a tour of the wildlife center. Participants in therace can take the tour for free. Those not participating in the race can take the tourfor $10. The wildlife rehabilitation center has many species of wildlife for viewing.

To get to Stoney Field Ballpark for the race/walk, at the I-70 Silt exit, take theroundabout to Main Street heading west. Turn right on Seventh Street. Go fourblocks; the ballpark is on the right.

By Jerry Mohrlang, Echo contributor

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America(CCFA) is holding its national TAKE STEPS event onJune 5 at Centennial Park in Rifle commencing at 4:30p.m. A catered picnic, games and entertainment willprecede a walk to raise public awareness of inflamma-tory bowel disease (IBD) and to raise funds for themedical research to find a cure for these disabling dis-eases. All individuals and families – even pets – areinvited to attend this festive event.

CCFA Volunteer Co-Chairmen Jerry and Mary LeeMohrlang, and Mary Moore are currently formingTAKE STEPS teams throughout the area by to partici-pate in the festival on June 5.

“Our two families are forming TAKE STEPS teamsin support of CCFA’s national event to raise publicawareness of IBD and to raise money for medicalresearch of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis(UC),” said Mary Lee, whose husband Jerry, hasCrohn’s disease. “Each of our families has been per-sonally touched by family members or friends whoare suffering or have died from IBD.

“Jerry and I will head up TEAM GUTS for the fes-tival on June 5 and are inviting all of our friends to joinus for the walk and/or to make a tax deductible con-tribution to CCFA,” added Mary Lee.

When asked about their unusual team name, Jerrysaid, “I came up with the name for two reasons. OneCCFA, is all about finding a cure for digestive diseasesor ‘guts’ and two, people whom I’ve met who suffer

from Crohn’s disease, particularly children, demon-strate unbelievable ‘guts’ in dealing with the pain,uncertainty and embarrassment of their disease.TEAM GUTS seemed an appropriate name for thosereasons.”

Mary Lee added that any individual who donates$25 or more and participates in the walk will receivea spiffy TEAM GUTS T-shirt.

TEAM DANI is being formed by themother/daughter team of Mary Moore and DaniGonzales. Dani was diagnosed with Crohn’s/UCwhen she was in the eighth grade. Dani has twiceattended CCFA’s summer camp and was one of twoteens selected to be an ambassador for CCFA in NewYork City her freshman year in high school.

“Without the help of CCFA, we would have beenoverwhelmed,” said Mary. “CCFA provided us withmaterial to help Dani cope with her disease and gavepamphlets to Dani’s teachers so that they couldaccommodate Dani’s special needs at school. Myinvolvement in TAKE STEPS is simply a payback forwhat CCFA has done to help Dani and our family.”

Mary and Dani will also have T-shirts at the walk,but theirs will simply have a ; (semi colon) on them –in honor of Dani and her recent surgery.

Fully 83 cents of every dollar collected by CCFA isused to fund medical research and Camp Oasis, a freesummer camp experience for children with IBDwhere they learn to cope with their disease alongsideother afflicted children of the same age. This year, anew Camp Oasis has been built north of Dotsero that

will serve the needs of IBD children throughout theRocky Mountain region.

Area residents wishing to participate in the CCFATAKE STEPS event in Rifle on June 5 or to make a taxdeductible contribution to CCFA should contactTEAM GUTS: Mary Lee or Jerry Mohrlang at 285-1167, or TEAM DANI: Mary Moore 970-309-8589, orsend a check made out to “CCFA” to Mary LeeMohrlang, 326 Lodgepole Circle, Parachute, CO81635.

Fourth annual Walk/Run for Wildlife

Where: Stoney Ridge Ballpark (onSeventh Street north of Main Street inSilt)

Time: Starts at 8:30 a.m. (registrationstarts at 7:30 a.m.)

Cost: Pre-register with Sandy Burns at987-3593 for $20; register at the ball-park on the day of the fundraiser for $25

A tour of the Western ColoradoWildlife & Education Center will be heldfollowing the fundraiser. Tickets for thetour are $10; race participants are free.

The wildlife center’s number is 876-5676 or go to schneegaswildlifefouda-tion.org for more information.

Walk or run for wildlife on June 4

TAKE STEPS walk on June 5 to raise funds to cureintestinal disease

This will be the fourth year for the Run for Wildlife in Silt. Photo courtesy of Gene Pickett

Mary Moore, Jerry Mohrlang and Mary Lee Mohrlang arecoordinating the TAKE STEPS event in Rifle.

Photo courtesy of Mary Moore

This space sponsord by YOUR ORGANIZATIONsee page 13 for more information


Bridge builders listen, hear and communicate

There are several folks in our community who work for the oil and gasindustry. They have been assigned the position of bridge building.

These are the insightful workers that have been titled the community relations or stakeholderrelations coordinators. Their mantra is to listen, hear, communicate, and they are adamant aboutthat order. These folks have been the ones behind the scenes to help create Community Counts(remember that phone number? 866-442-9034) and also the ones in the hard hats and steel-toedshoes doing tours of well sites and oil and gas facilities.

Their toolboxes include degrees in sociology, archaeology, psychology, environmental policyand public relations. We are fortunate in our area to have some companies that have invested inthese invaluable bridge builders.

These folks have been the eyes, ears and faces of the companiesthat they represent. Their companies have benefited greatly fromthe countless hours that these folks have put in relating to the com-munity, the workers, the students, the government officials andthe company bosses.

They have been labeled the conscience and often act as theangel on the shoulder of the other people who work at the compa-ny. These coordinators can be found strolling through the landdepartment, the legal department, the operations department oftheir companies and then, flipping burgers at the local communitybarbecue. Talk about versatility.

Personally, I like to look at the community/stakeholder relationscoordinators as the Yenta (Yentl), or matchmakers, for the compa-ny. When approached with a task, these folks know just who tomatch you with to find a solution. Sometimes, they are even askedfor their suggestions, which is a wise thing for their companies todo.

After all, there is more than 50 years of combined experienceamongst the coordinators in our area. Their push has helped createthe Operator’s Group here in the region, which is something thatis not prevalent in other areas of the country. The Operator’sGroup helps identify solutions more comprehensively to help get‘er done right. So, if you need a good oil and gas Yenta, call thatnumber: 866-442-9034.

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

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A R O U N D T H E V A L L E YGovernment

THE BATTLEMENT MESA SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Parks, Open Space and Trails Committee: Tales of more trailsBy Keith Lammey, president, Battlement Mesa Service Association

Historically, the Battlement Mesa Service Association(BMSA) has played the primary role in maintaining theBattlement Mesa Trail System. During the winter, we hirea contractor to remove snow from our trails so residentscan walk safely through our neighborhoods. In the sum-mer months, we mow the weeds and grass that grow upalongside these trails and, periodically, the BMSA con-ducts crackseal and sealcoat maintenance on the asphalttrail surfaces.

In addition to maintaining the actual trails, the BMSAmaintains the benches that are strategically located alongsome of the trails. We understand that our trails areimportant to our active citizens.

You may know that the BMSA’s Trails Committee hasan expanded role and is now called the Parks, OpenSpace and Trails (POST) Committee. Although the com-mittee’s name has changed and their focus has broad-ened, the committee certainly hasn’t forgotten the trailsystem and its importance to our community.

Perhaps you’ve seen the evidence of this continuedcommitment to the trail system. Have you seen the con-struction crews working near the river bridge and alongCounty Road 300? Have you been delayed by the alter-nating single lane of traffic near the river bridge? If so,you’ve seen the beginning of the Library Trail.

The Library Trail, which has been in various planningstages for the past few years, is finally under construction.When it’s completed, the Library Trail will connect to ourtrail that runs along West Battlement Parkway and theBattlement Mesa Golf Course and will provide a safe andconvenient connection to the Parachute Branch Library.From the existing Parkway/Golf Course Trail, the LibraryTrail will cross the Parkway and continue westboundalong the north boundary of the Lyons’ property, thenfollow the old 300 road and connect to the walkway onthe south side of the river bridge.

The portion of the Library Trail that is currently underconstruction is being funded by Garfield County and isthe lower section, known as Phase 1. The upper section ofthe trail, Phase 2, will be funded by the BMSA. Currentlyconstruction on Phase 2 has been delayed due to someland right-of-way issues. Despite this delay, we believethat construction on Phase 2 will be completed by fall.

In addition to the Library Trail, the BMSA’s POSTCommittee is in the early planning stages of an“improved” but not initially paved trail that will run alongthe west side of Spencer Parkway between First EaglesPoint and North Battlement Parkway. Although someplanning has been done on this trail, more planning isneeded before the BMSA’s board of directors can make adecision about if and when the proposed trail would becompleted.

As I reported last month, the Library Trail is one ofBMSA’s 2011 goals, thus I am pleased to report that realprogress has been made toward achieving this goal. It isimportant, however, to note that our other committeesare also hard at work and that progress is being made onseveral other 2011 goals. Stay tuned!

Cleaning up now that winter's over

A few hardy volunteers from Battlement Mesa and Parachute braved the elements on April 30to take part in the annual Colorado River bridge and pedestrian path cleanup.

Shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows and trash bags were used to remove the dirt, gravel and debristhat accumulated during the winter months.

This location is slated to be the Parachute end of the upcoming Library Trail, which will ulti-mately connect with the Battlement Mesa Trail at the golf course.

Construction of Phase 1 of the trail began April 26 and should be completed by mid-June.Garfield County is managing and funding this work.

The second phase will cross the Lyons family’s property and will be funded and maintained bythe Battlement Mesa Service Association (see column, left).

– Dave Devanney

From left, C.E. Lear, Sandy Getter, John Sargent, Judi Hayward, Elaine Bussone, Dave Devanney and Dick Getterall lent a hand at the April 30 cleanup. Photos courtesy of Dave Devanney

The Library Trail is currently under construction. It will ultimately connect to existing Battlement Mesa trails.

Birth? Graduation? Engagement? Wedding? Anniversary? Obituary?

All of life’s passages are free to publish in the Echo. Contact us at 963-2373, [email protected] or

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


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Upcoming event

June 9: - General membership meeting at noon at the Battlement MesaFirehouse

Businesses of the Month

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A great place to stop for picnic supplies before going golfing, to Rifle Falls StatePark, or out to Colorado's Wine Country near Grand Junction. Come check it out!Open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Stallion Oil Field Services, Stephen Cyphers 16605 Highway 6/P.O. Box471, Rifle 81650, 625-4016; fax: 625-8898; cell: 713-483-4799, e-mail:[email protected]

Corrections/Clarifications

A "boat" ramp, not a "boot" ramp In the mid-April Echo, we published a typo in one of

our headlines, calling a new boat ramp a “boot” ramp.Whoops. To clarify, the Town of Parachute is pleased to letresidents know that the boat ramp by Cottonwood Parkhas been completed. The ramp was built by the ColoradoDivision of Wildlife.

Wrong numbersThe Echo also published the wrong numbers for the

Parachute Branch Library and Parachute Town Hall in themid-April issue. For the record, the library’s number is285-9870; town hall’s number is 285-7630.

We apologize for any confusion these mistakes mayhave caused.

Echo Briefs


This space sponsord by YOUR ORGANIZATIONsee page 13 for more information

Garfield County Riding Arena goes solar

Horses and riders, from 4-Hers to barrel racers, are using renewable solarpower at the indoor riding arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle,thanks to the installation of 440 solar panels. The newly-powered arena offi-cially opened on April 21.

“Basically five jobs were created when this was being built. We like that—we like job creation in Garfield County,” said Garfield County CommissionerMike Samson. “And of course, the savings—I’ve heard it’ll be close to$300,000 over 20 years. I like that. And lastly, how much did the countypay for the installation of this? Nothing, because of the power purchaseagreement. And that’s a good deal, too.”

Garfield County was able to build such a large system by taking advan-tage of a power purchase agreement. The agreement allowed the countyto dramatically leverage its $82,500 grant for a renewable energy projectfrom the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative (G-NECI), which orig-inated as energy impact funds from the Colorado Department of LocalAffairs (DOLA).

The installation is the last component of Clean Energy Economy for theRegion’s (CLEER) original DOLA grant which gave each community that ispart of this larger Garfield Clean Energy effort $87,500 for a solar renewabledemo project.

The installation represents the last onsite renewable energy systemincluded in the G-NECI. To date, 16 installations, adding up to more than370 kilowatts, have been installed on community and government facilitiesthroughout the region.

The Parachute solar flowers at the rest area, as well as the solar arrays onParachute Town Hall, Parachute Branch Library, and at the town’s watertreatment facility, were part of this overall regional energy project.

– Cam Burns, Garfield Clean Energy

P.E.O. members plan elegant luncheon

Chapter IP Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) members areonce again planning their annual “Elegant Luncheon and Card Party.”

The party is being held on May 19, at All Saints Episcopal Church begin-ning at 11:30 a.m. This luncheon has proven to be a gourmet treat and anenjoyable afternoon.

Tickets are $10. Please call Sara Orono at 285-1111 or Lee Allen at 285-5628 for more information.

– Sharon Temple

Village Artists meet on May 24

Last month at our April meeting, the Village Artists were entertained byLou Roess of Battlement Mesa who gave us a demonstration in workingwith clay. We were told about various types of clay, constructing a piece,and firing and glazing it. We were shown some finished pieces also.

This month, the Village Artists will meet at the Parachute Branch Library,May 24 at 1 p.m. The program will be presented by several of the memberswith types of art they have participated in. They will include folk art, ceram-ics, pottery, stained glass, sculpture, etc. Everyone is invited to attend themeeting.

Karen Aldridge of Glenwood Springs will be demonstrating basket-mak-ing at our June 28 meeting at the library.

Our annual art show opens Oct. 3 at the Battlement Mesa ActivityCenter, Set-up is Oct. 1. Our show will close Oct. 28 with take-down onOct. 29. Remember, our October show is important as Christmas will becoming soon after.

– Joline Gnatek, Village Artists

Free hospice volunteer training at BMAC

Wendy Steckler, the volunteer coordinator for Home Care and Hospiceof the Valley, is hosting a free volunteer training at the Battlement MesaActivity Center during five evenings in May.

“Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community?,”says Wendy. “If so, please consider becoming a volunteer with Home Careand Hospice of the Valley.”

The training is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on May 17, May 19, May 24, May25 and concluding May 26. Pre-registration is required.

If interested, please contact Wendy at 544-1568.

– Home Care and Hospice of the Valley

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office lawsuit dismissed

A Colorado District Court judge has dismissed a class action lawsuit filedagainst the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

The lawsuit began in 2006 when four Garfield County Jail inmatesclaimed the their constitutional rights were violated after they flooded theirjail cells, costing the county thousands in repair bills. The suit, filed by theAmerican Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), challenged the Garfield County Jail’smental health program and use of force and restraint practices.

No judge during the five years of litigation ever found Garfield CountyJail’s actions or practices unconstitutional or inadequate. The settlementrequired the jail to make minor changes to its internal reporting forms andto affirm certain jail practices that it had voluntarily implemented prior tothe settlement. Garfield County reimbursed the ACLU for its litigation coststotaling $69,200

Sheriff Lou Vallario said that the settlement is an affirmation that hisadministration is running the Garfield County Jail efficiently while meetingthe constitutional standards for inmate care.

“We have made changes and improved upon the jail operations eachyear while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers,” he said. “Theway our deputies and staff delivered services withstood the scrutiny of thesmall army of lawyers and experts that the ACLU recruited to find fault withthe jail.”

– Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Workshop on advance directives on June 2 at Grand River

On June 2, from 5:30-7 p.m. in Grand River Medical Center’s Rifle CreekRoom, Home Care and Hospice of the Valley is presenting a 90-minuteworkshop on the benefits and importance of completing an advanceddirective.

The Five Wishes document is a comprehensive advance directive pub-lished by Aging With Dignity, a nonprofit organization. It is a legal docu-ment in Colorado, allowing people to appoint a health care agent and todetermine, in as much detail as desired, what they want and don't want fortheir plan of care in cases of terminal illness, stroke, severe brain damage,etc.

Sean Jeung from Home Care and Hospice of the Valley will facilitate dis-cussion following a brief video on using this document to its full advantage.

Please call 544-1574 for more information and to register.

– Hospice of the Valley


S E N I O R S

Mesa Vista NewsBirthdays, Memorial Day observance, and picnics planned

By Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director, and Marilyn Jenkins, resident

So April showers do bring May flowers. Our tulips are in full bloom and the peonies have bro-ken ground.

We attended the Community BBQ on May 1 at the Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse. We celebrat-ed Cinco de Mayo on May 5 with traditional Mexican appetizers and margaritas for all. On May6, we had a Kentucky Derby party with a racehorse game, mint juleps and festive hats for theladies.

Our feature celebration was on May 7 to honor our resident mothers. We had a tea party withchina tea service provided by one of our resident’s daughters, Dianne Dayhoff. Flowers, corsages,cookies and tea were the fare.

We are celebrating May birthdays for Barbara Ehrman on May 18 and Mabel Seidlitz on May26.

We are planning our first picnic and fishing trip of the year on May 26 at Lions Pond in Rifle.And to wrap up the month of May, we will honor our fallen servicemen and women on MemorialDay, May 30, at our flagpole donated to us by the VFW. Our resident, Marilyn Jenkins, will be shar-ing some words in memory of the valiant servicemen and women who have given their lives forour freedoms.

In June, we will plan picnics at Rifle Falls and Rifle Gap. We are also planning to participate in atour at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course. We also hope to have a giant yard sale to raise funds forour summer activities.

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

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Senior Center News

Parachute Valley Senior Center hosts BBQ onMemorial DayBy Mitzi Burkhart, Echo contributor

Don't miss the bountiful, indoor BarBQue on Memorial Day at the Parachute Valley SeniorCenter. The crew will be grilling hamburgers, hot dogs and brats on May 30.

The noon feast for everyone in the community will include baked beans, salads and desserts.(These seniors are great cooks.)

Tickets must be purchased in advance either at the center’s Wednesday lunches or by phonefrom Jeanette at 309-9380 or 285-9512. The deadline for ticket purchases is May 25.

The price for Parachute Valley Senior Center members is $5; non-members’ price is $10. The all-you-can-eat meal will be held indoors away from bad weather and bugs at the Parachute

Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave., in Parachute.

.


Individualsponsorship$10/month

I read it in theECHO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride the Railswith the Echo

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

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

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

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Treating Adults & Children*Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist

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970-243-6455225 Callahan AvenueParachute, Colorado

Parachute library now able toaccess millions of resourcesNew catalog system offers 30 million books, DVDs, CDs and more

By Emily Hisel, Garfield County Public Library District

Now, it’s possible to access millions of additional materials with your library card.Your Garfield County libraries are bigger than you think! The library district’s patrons now have access to

30 million books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials. On May 2, the Garfield County Public Library District joined Prospector, a unified catalog of academic,

public, and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Last September, the Marmot Library Network, repre-senting the Garfield County libraries and 19 other libraries and library districts in Colorado, received $226,000from the Colorado Department of Education to bring the colleges and public libraries of Marmot intoProspector. Prospector now has over 10 million unique titles, and 30 million copies all available to you.

With your Garfield County library card in hand, you can request materials from other Prospector librariesand have those materials delivered directly to your local Garfield County library for pick up.

“By participating in Prospector, everyone will see faster delivery of materials from other Colorado libraries,”said Janine Rose, the library district’s assistant director of public service.

The new service works through the library district’s current online catalog. Visit gcpld.org to search for aparticular book, author, or subject in which you are interested. You will be taken to the catalog and shownrelevant items.

If the Garfield County libraries do not have what you are looking for, you can go to the dropdown menuat the top left corner of the page. Here you can choose to search the Marmot libraries (to widen your searchto the 20 total Marmot libraries and library districts on the Western Slope), or you can search for items locat-ed in Prospector (the widest search now available to you in Colorado and Wyoming).

If an item in Prospector matches your interest, you will need to click “Request It” and select GarfieldCounty Public Library District from the dropdown menu as the library with which you are affiliated. Nextyou will type in your name, Garfield County library card number, and desired pickup location – just like youdo to request an item from the Garfield County libraries. The item will then be delivered to your local libraryand you will be notified when it arrives.

The Garfield County Public Library District is thrilled to offer this new service, as the addition ofProspector will bring a whole new world of information and entertainment to the people of Garfield County.We hope this relatively seamless integration will make it quick and easy to find exactly what you want.

Library briefGet ready to Read Every Day

This year, the Garfield County Libraries would liketo be a part of your entire family’s summer plans withRead Every Day, a summer reading program for chil-dren, teens, and adults.

We are hoping to transform the way everyonethinks of our summer reading program by making itsimple, enjoyable, and something you can do aloneor as a family.

With Read Every Day, the libraries will be encour-aging you to read at least 20 minutes each day inJune and July. Children 11 and under will get readinglogs and fun stickers to track the days they read,while teens 12 to 18 and adults will get bookmarksfor the same purpose.

Once children read for seven days they can bringin their reading log and pick a prize off our prizeboard. Prizes include books and coupons generouslyprovided by local businesses. Once teens and adultsread for seven days, they can bring in their complet-ed bookmarks for entry into prize drawings.

In addition to drawings throughout the summerfor teens and adults, we will also have an end-of-the-summer drawing at each library where we will giveaway a Nook (the Barnes and Noble eReader) to onelucky adult and one lucky teen at each branch. Themore you read, the greater your chances of winning.

As in past years, we will continue to have excitingprograms for children and teens throughout GarfieldCounty. These free events are a great venue toexplore creatively, learn, and laugh with friends. A fullcalendar can be found on our website, gcpld.org.

The program runs from June 6 to July 31. Onlineregistration begins on May 23.

L I B R A R Y


Sponsored byParachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

IF YOU ENJOY READING THIS PAPER, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

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

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Take a HintHousehold How-to Hints

by Barbara Barker

Whip up store-bought frosting with your mixer

• To open a sealed envelope, place it in the freezer for anhour or two and it will open easily.• That hair conditioner you tried but didn’t like it on yourhair – use it to shave your legs. It is cheaper than shavingcream and leaves your legs really smooth.• Before pouring a sticky substance into a measuring cup,fill it first with hot water, dump the water out, but don’tdry the cup. Now add the sticky ingredient (honey, peanutbutter, etc) and watch how easily it slides out of the cup.• To clean heat registers or under an appliance, add anempty paper towel or gift wrap cardboard roll to the vac-uum cleaner. The cardboard can be bent to slide into andunder narrow spaces.• Place wet newspapers around plants and cover the paperwith mulch. Weeds will not grow through wet newspapers.• To warm biscuits, pancakes, muffins, bread, etc., thatwere refrigerated, place them in the microwave with acup of water. The increased moisture will keep the foodmoist and help it reheat faster.• When using a container of store-bought cake frosting,whip it with the mixer for a few minutes. It will double insize and you can frost more cake with the same amount.Also, there will be less sugar and calories per serving.• Heat leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove;set heat to medium-low and heat until warm. This keepsthe pizza crust crispy, not soggy like microwave pizza.• For rich scrambled eggs, add a couple of spoonfuls of sourcream, cream cheese or heavy cream and beat the eggs.• Add one teaspoonful of water when frying ground beef;it will help pull grease away from the meat while cooking.• To keep fruit from turning brown after cutting (if youdon’t like the taste of lemon juice), use lemon-lime sodainstead. Just pour a little soda over the cut fruit and tossto coat it. This keeps the fruit looking fresh and impartsonly a light flavor.• To remove ink stamps on lemons, rub the ink with apaper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol and then rinse thelemon well. It will now be ink free.• Garlic can be frozen. Just skin the cloves and freeze inairtight containers. The color and flavor of frozen cloves isthe same as fresh.• To keep asparagus fresh for several days, cut off the endsand stand the unwashed spears upright in a container, addan inch of cold water, cover the spears with a plastic bagand place in the refrigerator. Refresh the water as needed.• To easily stuff bell peppers and keep them upright dur-ing baking, place them in a Bundt, tube, angel food, ormuffin pan, and coat the pan with nonstick spray. Thepeppers stay upright, freeing your hands for assembly.• Remove capers from a narrow bottle by inserting a veg-etable peeler into the jar. The capers come out on thepeelers blade while the brine drains away through the slit.

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

Sponsored by:Mac & Sara

McCurdy

Sponsored by:Alyssa

Sponsored by:Carrie

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

Softball, baseball seasons areon their wayBy Mary Anderson, Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District executive director

Current programsYouth Wrestling: K-sixth grade, March through May annually. This program is held at the high

school auxiliary gymnasium. Spring Soccer: Games are being held on Saturdays.Youth Baseball and Softball: For 8-15-year-old boys and girls, this program starts at the end of

May and continues through July. These teams travel as well as play at home. $55/fee, and$35/refundable uniform fee. Marilyn Bulger, A.J. Buffington and Bill Parkhurst are coaching. As ofpress time, we have seven teams signed up.

Adult Coed Softball: Coed softball is being offered this summer. We lowered the fee and havethe games scheduled during daylight hours.

NoticesThe 29th Annual Craft Fair benefitting the recreation district is Nov. 19, 2011 at Grand Valley

High School. Application forms are mailed out in June and are due back to the recreation districtoffice by mid-September. Please call and leave your mailing address if you would like to receive anapplication.

Please remember that sportsmanship is encouraged at all recreation district programs. Childrenshould be having fun and learning at the same time. Let us remember that the programs for thechildren are just that – for the children. Spectators who cheer positively for the youngsters areencouraged to do so. However, yelling at the officials or coaches is not encouraged.

• Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday• 103.9 FM Radio update: Listen at 7 a.m. during the morning show for current updates pertain-

ing to Park and Recreation District activities.

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

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


H E A L T H

Summertimedoesn’t have to meansunburnBy Sarah Tahvonen

The sun has started to come out, grills are being fired up forbarbecues, and everyone seems to be ready to get out there inthe sun.

We’ve all heard of the dangers of the sun, from dehydrationto sun damage to skin cancer. For many, sunburn is synonymouswith summer. We know we should avoid it, but inevitably, itwill happen to some of us. So what do you do when your skinturns a suspicious shade of red?

First, it’s important to understand what sunburn is and toknow it’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sunburn isskin damage from the sun’s UV rays. Most of these burns causemild pain and redness and can be treated at home. Some sun-burns, however, can be classified as second-degree burns. Theytend to swell up and blister and are usually more painful andtake longer to heal.

Other problems that can go hand in hand with sunburn caninclude heatstroke, allergic reactions and, in some instances, skincancer.

That’s why you should always, all year long, take protectivemeasures when going out in the sun, and make sure your chil-dren do the same. Wear sunscreen on every exposed area of yourbody, wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, stay in the shadeif you get too hot, and don’t stay in the sun too long.

Your skin type can play a role in how easily you get sunburned.Those with fair or freckled skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyesusually sunburn most easily. Also, the skin of children under 6years and adults older than 60 is more sensitive to sunlight.

If you get sunburned, there are things you can do to help feelbetter. Some home treatments include using cool cloths on thered skin, taking frequent cool showers and baths, and applyingsoothing lotions that contain aloe vera. Make sure to drink plen-ty of water as you may be dehydrated.

If your sunburn is very severe, or if you experience heavyblistering, severe inflammation or pain, fainting, nausea or vom-iting, you should see a doctor immediately.

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

Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District• SERVING THE COMMUNITY •

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

Grand River offers free physicalsto local student athletes

Grand River Hospital District (GRHD) is once again offering free sports physicals to local stu-dent athletes who live in Western Garfield County.The free sports physicals clinic will be held atGrand River Specialty Clinic at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center in Rifle. The boys clinicis May 23 and the girls clinic is on May 25. Both clinics are from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Since there is a limited time period to perform the physicals, students must:• have a completely filled out and signed physical form before they come to the clinic. For

Parachute schools, forms are available from athletic personnel at School District No. 16 offices,online at grhd.org, or at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center.

• come to the clinic wearing shorts and athletic shoes. All physicals are done on a first come, first served basis. The exams at the free sports physical clinic are completely free. Physicals will also be offered

at Grand River Medical Clinic in Battlement Mesa at a date to be determined. Grand River alsooffers sports physicals throughout the regular summer months as a scheduled appointment for $35,which is half the cost of a regularly scheduled office visit.

For more information about the free sports physicals, call 625-1100 or visit grhd.org.

– Sarah Tahvonen, GRHD

Grand River prepares for significant radiology upgradesBy Sarah Tahvonen, Grand River Hospital District

Grand River Hospital District’s Radiology Department is preparing for significant equipmentupgrades over the next couple months. The new machinery will offer the latest in imaging and pro-vide a multitude of benefits.

Grand River was the first in the nation to order 3D breast tomosynthesis equipment, and willbe the first facility in Colorado to offer this service to women.

This system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providingmore patient comfort, and a groundbreaking 3D platform designed to deliver superior screeningand diagnostic performance.

It allows radiologists to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the con-fusion of overlapping tissue, allowing for quicker and more accurate diagnoses. Grand Riverexpects to begin offering the new 3D breast imaging at the beginning of June.

Grand River is also upgrading CT equipment. The new General Electric (GE) machine will givepatients the benefits of up to 40 percent reduction in radiation dose from the previous equipment,a faster procedure, less discomfort, in-depth brain and cardiac techniques, and better images.

CT scans are very common diagnostic tools for routine and emergent care. Grand River expectsto have the new equipment running by the end of May.

The third major upgrade that the Grand River Radiology Department is undertaking is a newPhillips Fluoroscopy machine. Typically used for upper gastro-intestinal tests, the new equipmentoffers up to 80 percent less radiation, superior imaging quality, and has dedicated pediatric proto-cols. The Phillips Fluoroscopy equipment is expected to be operational at the end of June.

Grand River Hospital District operates Grand River Hospital and Medical Center and E DeneMoore Care Center in Rifle, and the Battlement Mesa Medical Clinic, Grand River Student HealthCenter and Grand River Health and Safety Center in Parachute. For more information, please visitgrhd.org.

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!


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

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

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

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

• • •

Crown Peak BaptistChurch101 W. Battlement ParkwayParachute285-7946crownpeakbaptist.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship

Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship

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

• • •

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

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

WednesdayBible Study: 7 p.m.

• • •

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

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

Director

SUNDAYBlessing Up for Church Broadcast

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

Youth / Children’s ActivitiesGrace Bible Church Child Care:

Mon – Fri.Awana: Tuesdays 7:00pm

(Sept. – April)High School Youth: Sundays

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

7:00-8:30 p.m.

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

• • •

Grand Valley Christian ChurchSecond Street & Parachute AvenueParachute

Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080

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

Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

• • •

Grand Valley United Methodist Church

132 N. Parachute Ave.Parachute

Dr. Bob Toll, Pastor

Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m.

Contact Us

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

[email protected]

• • •

The Lighthouse(Assembly of God)1833 S. Battlement ParkwayBattlement Mesa

285-7236 or 379-5947 (Pastor's cell)

Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew

SERVICESSunday school:

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

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

Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon:

Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

• • •

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

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

Lutheran Catechism:Wednesday at 3 p.m.

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

Location: 12 Rosewood Way

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

• • •

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley High SchoolCafeteria

800 Cardinal WayParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.Youth and Children’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.As I See ItDoes prayer make a difference?By Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church

I believe that prayer makes a difference despite the apparent– God does not seem to have paid attention to some of my bestsuggestions.

Several people from various churches who believe thatprayer matters met together for the National Day of Prayerobservance on the morning of May 5 in front of Parachute TownHall. But I would say that most of us who prayed, if not all, havegone through personal struggles with it, even to the point ofwondering if prayer really does work.

The scholar C.S. Lewis made the observation that there is asense in which you cannot prove that prayer works becauseprayer is, by its very nature, making requests to God, notdemands. There is no formula that guarantees you will get all thatyou ask for. God, being God, has the prerogative to grant arequest or to deny it or wait until a better time to grant it. He mayeven answer our prayers in a far different way than we expect.

We have often abused prayer by viewing it as a grocery list wegive God. With the false notion that God sees the world from ourpoint of view, we then judge him on how well he gave us theitems on our list. Desiring him to be a glorified genie to grant ourwishes, we become disillusioned because it appears God doesn’tseem to care about our best answers to life’s problems.

When I was 14, I was sure I had found the girl I would some-day marry and I told God to get her for me. I needed his helpbecause at that point, she did not even seem to notice me.Months of pleading for God to see things my way and grant mewhat was close to the top of my grocery list along with worldpeace seemed pointless. Looking back now, after many yearshave gone by, I am grateful God had better plans for me; hegave me someone to marry worth waiting for. Also, I might addthat his timing was far better than mine. I was not quite readyat 14 to be so set on such a major choice. I needed to change.However, at that time, I almost gave up on prayer.

I am still learning that prayer is not seeking heaven to do mywill on earth. Rather, it is seeking God’s will to be done on earthas it is in heaven. I am still finding out that God often answersprayer by first changing me. I am not alone on this journey.

I am grateful that I was able to work through some toughpersonal issues on prayer. Though many of my best suggestionsto God have not been granted, I have seen God work throughthe prayers of his people in some fantastic ways. I have seen livestransformed, sick bodies healed, addicts delivered, cold heartsmelt, broken hearts and homes mended, and what some wouldcall amazing coincidences.

While many would call them coincidences, I know that themore we pray, the more so-called coincidences occur. Therehave been quite a few I would have to call miracles.

Those who have worked through various issues of faith in theGod who answers prayer banded together on the National Dayof Prayer. People all across the nation met together at variousplaces for prayer – from capitol buildings to houses of worship.Why? First, because God commands that we pray for our lead-ers, each other, and ourselves. Secondly, we need it. Thirdly, ourleaders have asked us to pray for them.

Every president since Washington has asked at one time oranother for our citizens to pray. As one nation under God wehave much to be thankful for and we have much to pray about.Last time I looked, we are far from the will of heaven being doneon earth.

Does it make a difference when we pray? Absolutely. Themost noticeable difference may be the change in those who dothe praying. What better place for the change to start!

F A I T H


C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1

D’KOTA AKERS SADEE ALDRICHVolleyball, Soccer, Manager for

Varsity Girls Basketball, and Key Club

My favorite moment was when the volleyball team almost left us behind

after a game!

ETHAN AYERS TSA, Drama Club, and GVHS Theater

“Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to

time that nothing that is worth knowingcan be taught [only experienced].”

– Oscar Wilde

DONALD “BUBBY” BEECRAFTVarsity Cross Country, Varsity

Basketball, and two years of Track “Our deepest fear is not that we areinadequate. Our deepest fear is that

we are powerful beyond measure. It isour light, not our darkness that mostfrightens us.” – Marianne Williamson

JESSICA BELL Varsity Volleyball, Varsity

Basketball, NHS, Key Club, FCA, Student Body Vice President, Senior Class Vice President

My favorite memory is all the time spent with friends and family

Congratulations Class of 2011!These Class of 2011 pages are sponsored by the G.V.H.S. journalism class.

ANTHONY BOHLER TSA

My favorite memory is doing front flipsand back flips with my friends. I also

plan on going into the military .

JERROD BUSCH Wrestling, Baseball, Football,

Skills USA

My favorite memory was winning the state wrestling championship

with team Grand Valley.

BRETT CANNON Varsity Football, Outdoor Club,

Homecoming King

High school was the best four years ofmy life, hands down. If I could take it all

back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

VICTOR CASTANEDA Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball,

Varsity Track

If you can’t find something to live for,best find something to die for.

CHRIS CHARTIER NHS, STUCO, Mesa, Skills USA,

Varsity Football, Varsity Golf

I love my mommy and friends.

“Use your health, even to the point

of wearing it out, that is what it is

for. Spend all you have before you

die, do not outlive yourself.”

– George Bernard Shaw

Class of 2011We have watched most of you since

kindergarten. We have watched you grow andchange, we have watched you mature, and yes,

in heartbreak watched you stumble. You arepoised on the edge, ready to take flight and soar

out in this big, wonderful, cold world. We areexcited to see where the winds take you all.

– Tina Metcalf

“You have to push overthe first domino.”

– Beth Moore


MATT DONELLOVarsity Basketball, All-Conference,FCA President, NHS, MESA Club,

26 College Dual Enrollment Credits,Varsity Track

I will be attending University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa studying

pre-med with a minor in Journalism.

TREVOR DOW

I’m excited to get out of high school,start working, and get my life on track.

BRYANNA EMMONSCheerleading, Baseball and Football

Managers, Drama Club

My favorite memory was of my very first high school play.

I will be double major in the performing arts at Northern Colorado.

PABLO ESPINOWelding, Diversity Club,

and Soccer.

Plans after high school: UTI to become an auto technician.

ELIZABETH FAVIERVolleyball, Soccer, Basketball,

Outdoor Club, Key ClubMy favorite memories were when I

joined volleyball and ended being onVarsity, when Emilio set off the fire

sprinklers, getting in my car accident,and the last day of my junior year!

MOISES CHAVEZBasketball, Football, Varsity Soccer,

and President of Diversity Club

My favorite thing about going to Grand Valley is the people in my class!

TAYLOR CONRAD Key Club, Outdoor Club, FCA, Golf,

Varsity Softball

High School was jam packed with memories… can’t wait to see what

college brings!

CODY COVERT GVHS Theatre Company, President Art Club, TSA

My favorite memories were show nights. I could just get up, walk out

to the stage and perform.

KATIE DAVINI Art Club, FCCLA,

Football Manager, FCA

I will be attending CMC in Keystone dur-ing the Fall. I hope to become a Chef andmove to Italy. I will be going to France thissummer so I can learn a lot about Europe.

OSCAR DIAZVarsity Baseball, Varsity Soccer,

Soccer All Conference.

It was fun, and it was real...But it wasn’t real fun

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1

Remember when…


AMANDA JABLONSKYKey Club (Secretary, President,Division 8 Lt. Governor), NHS,

Girls Golf, Band.

After high school I’m going to MesaState College to study music education.

MIKE JONESVarsity Football, Academic All-State

Honorable Mention, Knowledge Bowl3rd Place, 4 Years Principal Honor Roll

My high school experience was greatand I wouldn’t want it any other way.

TYLYN KAUFFMAN MICHAEL KELLEBREWVarsity Baseball, Varsity Football,

Basketball, FCA, GPA-2.9

My favorite memory was hitting my first home run against the number

one pitcher in the state.

RAISTLIN KEMPERArt Club; Enjoys

Parkour and Free Running

My future plans are to keep up the parkour and free running.

I also plan to become a herpetologist.

BRODY HAYESBasketball, Baseball, Golf, Bowling

My favorite high school memory was going to State Golf.

KENDRA HILLNHS, Key Club, Golf, Softball

My favorite memory was going toDenver to play softball and I plan ongoing to Colorado Mesa University to

study geology.

STEFANIE HORTONNHS, Key Club,

Lettered Four Years in Academics

I plan to go to Colorado Mesa University and study criminal

justice and pre-law

AUBREY HUNTER LAKE HURLEYPassed time in high school by skate-

boarding, going to the rec center, stay-ing active and seeing old people.

Sketching, drawing, painting, and read-ing. I am going to Ft. Lewis College to

study art among other things.

KAYLEE FLORESTreasurer for Diversity Club,

Varsity Soccer

Going to college – CMC/Rifle

2009-2010 soccer season was the best!

CARLOS FRANCOVarsity Soccer, Diversity Club

Met a lot of people….learned a lot of new things and the teachers are cool.

SEAN GIBOO Wrestling & Baseball

Future plans: College and go into law enforcement

My favorite memory was just hangingout with friends.

AMBER GREESONVarsity Volleyball, Varsity Soccer,

Prom Mommittee

My favorite memory was sophomoreyear with Liz at prom & the bump and

jumps….that was awesome!

ANDREW HATCHERBaseball and Skills USA

My favorite memory was in Coutler’sadvisory when Brody made Mr. Coultercry because he was laughing so hard at

this video on YouTube.

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1

“Little minds have little worries, big minds have no time to worry.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson


ERYN PASKETTCross Country, Basketball, Soccer,National Honor Society, Key Club

I will miss everyone from high school! College will be

totally tubular though.

LUIS ANDRES PEÑA (ANDY)Football, Wrestling

Andy has received a scholarship toattend WyoTech, a trade school

which offers a number of programs such as automotive, diesel, and

motorcycle technology.

DANIEL PRICEMy favorite moment in high school wasbeing league champions in basketball,

my future plans are to attend college at Eastern Arizona College to

become an engineer.

The early bird gets the worm, but thesecond mouse gets the cheese

EMILIO RUELASFootball, Baseball, Wrestling,

Skills U.S.A.

My favorite memory was finally making Varsity and State

in Wrestling.

LAURA RISLEYMy future plans involve

delicious foods, I want to attend culinary school.

Life is simple, so don't live complex.

CHRISTINA METCALFDrama, FCA, Choir, Art, Track and

Field, Volleyball, Basketball

I plan to go to school for massage therapy and music performance.

CHELSEA NEELYVolleyball, Soccer, Key Club

After I graduate, I plan on attendingColorado Mesa University.

TANNER NEILFootball, Cross Country,

Wrestling, Track and Field, FCA,Key Club, Leadership

I plan to go to college and try to figureout what I’m going to do with my life.

DUSTIN NOBLEDustin is a fantastic artist, in whichhe displays his work throughout the

halls of GVHS.

Dustin’s favorite animal is a dog, which he has his very own at home

named Cocoa.

CHAMBRE ORTIZTrack and Field, GPA-2.7

My favorite memory was when mybrother Esteban got 1st in hurdles.

I was so proud.

BRANDI KRIEGVarsity Volleyball, Varsity Track andField, Varsity Cross Country, VarsityBasketball, Student Body President,

Ranked 1st in class, NHS. That day, for no particular reason, Idecided to go for a little run. And I

figured, since I’d gone this far, I mightas well just keep right on going.

LANETTE LAMANIn Soroco 4H, FFA,

and Student Council, GPA-3.2

My favorite memory was changing oil with Bailey Ann

in Mr. Winn’s shop class.

CALEB LENARDVarsity Football, Varsity Basketball,

NHS, FCA, GPA-3.9

I am going to the University of Redlandsto play football and study religion. After

my 4 years there I plan on attendingseminary to become a pastor.

CLAY MATZABasketball, Baseball, Martial Arts

My favorite memory is hanging out withfriends and family. I am also the masterof friendship for everyone, and I plan ongoing to college in Wyoming and possi-

bly saving the world.

OMAR MELENDREZFootball, Basketball, and Track and Field

After high school I want to major inbusiness and live life by the moment.

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1


SHAWNEE YOUNGAll-State Softball, All Conference 2010-

2011 Basketball and 2010 Softball,Varsity Basketball, Softball and Track.

My favorite memory in high school is whenGrand Valley got a softball team my junior

year, so I could play with friends.

KAIMAN SPANICEKCross Country, Track, Baseball,Knowledge Bowl (Captain),

President of Art Club

“If you ever need anything please don’t hesitate to ask someone else first”

– Kurt Cobain

KARSYN VALENCIAVarsity Volleyball, Academic All-State,and All Conference, Varsity letter andAcademic All-State in Girl’s Golf and

holds the junior record for best score.

Each day is a gift that God has given us,and it’s up to us what we do with it.

DYLAN WALTERSPsalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shallnot be in want. He makes me lie down ingreen pastures, he leads me beside quiet

waters, he restores my soul. He guidesme inpaths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of

the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, foryou are with me; your rod and your staff,

they comfort me. You prepare a tablebefore me in the presence of my enemies.Youanoint my head with oil; my cup over-flows. Surely goodness and love will followme all the days of my life, and I will dwell

in the house of the LORD forever.

AUDRI WATSON4 years of Basketball; 1 year of Cross

Country, Track, and Soccer

My favorite moment is when CoachJohnson crashed the short bus.

“Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude.”

ASHLEY WILLIFORDVarsity Letter in Drama and

Cheerleading, Varsity Softball

My favorite moments of high school were performing in school

plays and musicals.

ALFREDO SALCEDOMy future plans are to attend

college and start with general studies.

"Life is uncertain; always eat dessert first."

NICK SANFERRAREPeer mediation which helped children

and volunteers at the public libraryever week, TSA and the Math Club

My future plans are to become a veterinarian and start college this fall at CMC Spring Valley.

JORDEN SHAW AMELIA SUDICKVarsity Basketball, All-ConferenceBasketball, FCA Vice President,

Involved in Theater, Drama Club

I plan to go to the Denver Institution for Massage Therapy, as well as Denver

Institution for Nutrition.

MICHEAL SWARTZFootball, Basketball, Baseball

Don’t make someone a priority because to them you’re only an option.

NOT PICTURED:

ASHLY SHARRARFCCLA, Book Club

My favorite moment was hanging out with friends

and getting to know people.

ALEX WYSCAVER HARTSELLGaming, Hiking,

Swimming and such

High school is the best four years of your life, isn’t that depressing?

“Life is a great big can-

vas and you should

throw all the paint you

can on it.”

– Danny Kaye

“Whatever you worship youwill become obsessed with.Whatever you becomeobsessed with, you willimitate. Whatever youimitate, you become. Choosewisely!” – Louie Giglio

GOOD LUCK SENIORS!

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1


Terrific Kids for April 2011The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood and St John elemen-

tary schools’ Terrific Kids. The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TER-RIFIC” is an acronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitiveand Capable.

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolApril’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Kiwanis representative Bill

Coelho, Katherine Stark, Abby Bonuales, Lili Renteria, BUE Principal Brian Berg; second row,Cheryl Wilkie, Bryan Friend, Dillon Hurst; third row, Cierra Vaskin, Jennifer Vicencio, AustinWhite, Canyon Smith-Shope.

St John Elementary SchoolThere are lots of Terrific Kids at St John, though the Echo didn’t receive a submission from the

school this month.

Congratulations to all of April’s

Terrific Kids!

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

O U R S C H O O L SInvolving Parents and ChildrenGrand Valley Center for Family Learning

End of school year istime for thanksBy Rebecca Ruland, principal, Grand Valley Center for Family Learning

The end of the year is upon us, a perfect time to reflect andexpress my appreciation to students, teachers, Grand ValleyCenter for Family Learning (CFL) staff and parents for makingthis an outstanding year.

This is the time when teachers celebrate the progress childrenhave made and are in awe of the physical changes childrenmake as they grow and develop. They all seem much taller andolder than they did in the fall. We celebrate, but feel some sad-ness at the prospect of watching them move on. Each childbrings something unique and genuine to our school.

End of year outcomes for children are being collected thismonth. Kindergarteners will participate in end-of-year assess-ments and preschool teachers are busy completing their springcheckpoints.

We would also like to say thank you to the many supportersof our school. Our parent teacher organization (PTO) hasworked hard on our behalf. The carnival they sponsored in thefall generated enough funds to pay for many items. With thehelp of H and K Trucking and Toby’s Vacuum Truck Service,this year we were able to purchase balls, soccer equipment, a funhoop, swings and two new features for the kindergarten play-ground. All of this has added a great deal of fun to our play-grounds.

The Grand Valley Educational Foundation donated $500 toadd five new learning tubs to our checkout program. The tubshave been in regular circulation this year, in the hands andhomes of many young children.

Garfield County granted us $900 for equipment for our sci-ence room.

Temple Hoyne Buell granted us $10,000 to pay for a teacherto work with the young children of our teen moms.

The Raising a Reader Program provided every preschool-agedchild a book bag with four high quality books in it to take home

Mrs. Jablonsky's class at Grand Valley Center for Family Learning.Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ruland

Continued on next page


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

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

O U R S C H O O L S

By Anne White, Echo contributor

Four teachers received a Golden Apple trophy, acertificate, flowers, $1,000 – and the title Teacher ofthe Year at Garfield County School District No. 16’sspecial awards ceremony for its teachers on April 8 atGrand Valley Middle School.

In addition, Superintendent Ken Haptonstall, Ph.D.received $6,000 to be distributed equally to eachrecipient’s school. The principal and the award win-ner will allocate the funds for special programs.

The Grand Valley Educational Foundation organ-ized and sponsored the evening.

The teachersThree nominees for Teacher of the Year were cho-

sen from each of the following categories:• The primary level (preschool to grade two)

included both Bea Underwood Elementary Schooland Grand Valley Center for Family Learning.

- Finalists: Imelda Jones, Shelly Schuckers, andBeckey Sirus

- Teacher of the Year: First grade teacher BeckeySirus of Bea Underwood Elementary

• The Intermediate level (grades three through five)included Bea Underwood Elementary School and StJohn Elementary School.

- Finalists: Dana Speakman, Lorile Loesch, andAddie Meek

- Teacher of the Year: Fifth grade math and scienceteacher Lorile Loesch of at St John Elementary

• The middle school level (six through eight)included Grand Valley Middle School.

- Finalists: Alissa Branson, Valerie Medina, andMargaret Sgier.

- Teacher of the Year: Sixth grade social studiesteacher Alissa Branson of Grand Valley Middle School

• The high school level (grades nine-12) includedGrand Valley High School.

- Finalists: Mark Jansen, Jaime Mayfield, and KimWhalen

- Teacher of the Year: Science, health, and P.E.teacher Kim Whalen of Grand Valley High School

During the event, students from district schoolsprovided entertainment under the direction of districtmusic teachers Matthew Callaghan, Van Merritt, andBarbara Carroll. The program included the St. JohnElementary School Soaring Raptor Choir, the GrandValley Middle School Glee Club and InstrumentalEnsemble, and music students from Grand ValleyHigh School.

E.J. Rivet, GVEF president, acted as master of cere-

monies at the awards dinner and gave a short summa-ry of the efforts and contributions of the foundationduring the past year.

E.J. also shared the mission of the GVEF, which is“to improve the quality of education by enhancing thelearning opportunities for students and teachers with-in Garfield County School District No. 16 throughincreased community awareness and support.”

A special thank you was given to the donors andother individuals who had assisted in implementingthe goals of the foundation during the past year. E.J.recognized Roy Brubacker, who was unable to attend,for initiating the program several years ago.

Garfield No. 16 Board of Education members SarahOrona, Cheri Witt-Brown, Allison Bell, and Dora Kingwere present. Others from administration whoattended included Rose Belden and Sherrie Hoffman.

School principals in attendance were RebeccaRuland, Kathy Keeling, Jory Sorensen, and Ryan Frink.Brian Berg was unable to attend.

Creekbend Bistro of Rifle catered the event.Rhonda Dillon provided the flower arrangements, andShelly Hoffman was the photographer.

GVEF board members include E. J. Rivet, LindaLevine, Nancy Jay, Susan Hoover, BJ Lindauer, CheriWitt-Brown, and Ann Arrington.

Four Teacher of the Year awards presented at April 8 event

each week. The books were rotated so that by year’send, children will have been read more than 140books by parents or caretakers. The program culmi-nated in a trip to the library where children received ablue book bag to keep and take to the library everyweek to fill with new books.

The Colorado Health Foundation granted GrandRiver Hospital $400,000 during the next four years toopen a school-based health clinic at CFL. The clinicwill be extending their outreach to other schools inour district next fall. So far, the clinic has had morethan 300 visits.

Encana sponsored 40 families whose childrenattended full-day kindergarten. In December, parents

were no longer obligated to pay tuition for theremainder of the school year. This has helped thosechildren be well prepared to succeed in first grade.

The PAWS reading program has visited many timesto bring their trained dogs for children to read to. Thishas been very exciting and motivating for our young-sters, giving them confidence to read and tell stories toan attentive audience.

Garfield County Public Health offered regularimmunization clinics at our school.

Finally, Great Outdoors Colorado, the BoettcherFoundation, Colorado Preschool Program, NorthwindConstruction, Toby’s Anchor Drilling Fluids, and HarryGardner, among others, have donated funds and labor

to begin the construction of our EnvironmentalExperience Sensory Play Area. It is presently under wayand should be completed by early June.

As many of you know, this project is in collabora-tion with the Town of Parachute and has been in theworks for several years. When completed, it will offerour young children and community a very uniqueoutdoor experience as well as hands-on scienceopportunities. Children will be planting seeds in thegarden areas before the school year is out.

Last but not least, thanks to all the teachers and staffwho work with children every day. They are a dedicat-ed, hard-working bunch who spend countless hours try-ing to meet the educational needs of children.

End of school year is time for thanks continued from previous page

Have a good summer!


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!

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

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

(FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

Tickets savailable at Tiffany of Redstone, the Redstone General Store

and Crystal Club Cafe.

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us

redstonecolorado.com

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

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

As of press time, it looks more like Christmas than Memorial Day in Redstone. On May 11, thesnowflakes falling from the sky looked about as big as dinner plates – or at least dessert plates.More than one Redstonian commented on the flakes’ abnormally large size – and in the middle ofMay, no less.

Although we’d like to see the beauty of spring instead of a blanket of snow, all this precipita-tion means that May flowers, budding trees and green mountainsides are right on our heels.Springtime in the Crystal River Valley is glorious, with the rushing river (not too rushing, we hope),flowers blooming and wildlife waking after a long winter.

Now’s the time for a trip to Redstone. Walk Redstone Boulevard, visit the shops and restau-rants that line the main drag, relax along the river at Redstone Park, and take a little hike into thenearby mountain valleys.

During the Memorial Day weekend is a giant yard sale on May 28 (if you’re not going to theGrand Valley High’s graduation) at the Church at Redstone and, if you’re up for traveling a littlefurther up Highway 133, all weekend is the grand opening of The Marble Hub, a new communi-ty cooperative in the middle of the town of Marble.

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

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

Fresh snow on the cliffs above Redstone on May 12.


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

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE!

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

THE GRAND VALLEY ECHOCLASSIFIED ADS

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

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

Name:__ _______________ Phone Number:___________

Ad:

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

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

THE ECHO CLASSIFIEDSFOR RENT:FOR RENT - RIFLE: Three bedroom, two and ahalf bath townhome in family neighborhood.Fenced backyard, storage shed. Washer/dryer,all appliances. No smoking, Pets negotiable.$1,000/mo. plus utilities. Call 618-4930. pd1x

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SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORYGRAND VALLEY

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970-285-7343 • 970-640-3115

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Documents

2011 Grand Valley Echo Mid May