Feed My Sheep cleaning up downtown for spring

Feed My Sheep Ministry would like to give a huge thank-you to our supporters, volunteers and our prayer warriors.

Let’s not forget all those that come to the center with gifts of clothes, shoes, hygiene products, food, healthy snacks and smiles that light the room up.

One of our ways of giving back, and thanking our supporters, is by doing numerous cleanup projects. These are in town, in the local mountains, or along the river.

Helping local caregivers move an elderly person to a nursing home is another way we give back to a community that takes such good care of us.

On Friday, May 3, Feed My Sheep will be doing its annual Glenwood Springs downtown cleanup. At 9 a.m. the sheep will be in front of your businesses, homes or in alleyways and sometimes bushes. Getting our city ready for spring visitors is our goal.

Feed My Sheep

Elks host disabled veterans

Glenwood Springs Elks Lodge 2286 hosted 198 disabled veterans and DAV staff for lunch during four days of the April 2019 Winter Sports Clinic. Thanks go out to the 106 volunteers from the public and the lodge that participated in preparing and serving lunches of wild game meat and side dishes to the vets.   All those that participated said that interacting with these brave veterans was one of the most rewarding activities the lodge undertakes each year. In recognition of his 30 years of being the lead chef for the annual event Phil Long was recognized as Elk of the Month by ER Kathleen Kline.

Honor the memory of Jon Hollinger by supporting Roaring Fork Audubon

Our community lost a special person this spring, long-time resident and nature lover Jon Hollinger. Thank you, Jon, for all that you did for our natural world — your legacy lives on.

Our all-volunteer board thanks the family of Jon Hollinger for requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be given to Roaring Fork Audubon. These donations will help us in our efforts to continue to bring awareness of the wonder of birds and of the natural world by sending young, valley students to naturalist summer camps, by conducting bird walks and hikes, by installing educational signage and by helping conserve the last best places.

If you choose to honor the memory of Jon Hollinger by supporting our work, please visit our website (http://roaringforkaudubon.org/) to donate via PayPal, or send a check to:

Mary Harris, Roaring Fork Audubon

Carbondale

Community supports math competition

Thanks to all who supported another fun day of math competitions and games at the Spring Valley campus of Colorado Mountain College. The event was made special by the generous sponsors who contributed prizes and food. Thanks to Heather Exby, student club Phi Theta Kappa, faculty in the Math and Graphic Arts departments, and various staff members at CMC. In particular, thanks so much to our following community businesses who support our students and mission here at Colorado Mountain College:

Texas Instruments, Safeway, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Whitehouse Pizza, The Grind, Zheng Asian Bistro, Grease Monkey, Starbucks Coffee, Glenwood Hot Springs, Russo’s Pizza, Great Clips and Glenwood Escape Room.

Merne Dragonette

Professor Mathematics, Colorado Mountain College

Vaccines prevent disease and save lives

As providers at Roaring Fork Family Practice in Carbondale, we commend Nicolette Toussaint for her recent column on vaccines. Measles outbreaks have occurred in other Colorado communities. An outbreak in our community is a legitimate concern. In 2017-18 kindergartners in Colorado had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).

Low vaccination rates leave us vulnerable to an outbreak of measles and other diseases. Vaccines prevent disease and save lives. They protect the health of our community, including children too young to be given vaccines or unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons. Vaccine safety and efficacy have been well-studied, and myths regarding vaccines debunked.

If you have questions, a primary care provider can give you accurate up-to-date information.

Roaring Fork Family Practice

Carbondale

John Pettit named Elks Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year award was presented to veteran John Pettit by Tom Regan, the Exalted Ruler of BPOE Elks Lodge 2286 in Glenwood Springs, at a lodge meeting on March 21. Upon presenting the award, Tom remarked, “John is a very deserving recipient of this annual award. He is a great asset to our community.”

Pettit is a Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran who played a leading role in establishing the Western Slope Veterans Coalition, which began as an idea to help veterans in the Roaring Fork Valley after the suicides of veterans Jesse Beckius and Casey Owens. Thanks to Pettit’s efforts, the organization now serves 7,200 veterans in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties. He volunteered for years supporting the annual DAV Winter Sports Clinic that brings disabled veterans to the area to enjoy winter activities. Pettit has helped a number of disabled vets enjoy skiing. He teaches adaptive skiing to young adults with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental problems.

Pettit invites every veteran he meets, whether they served as a Marine, Navy, Army, Air Force or Coast Guard GI, to join other vets every Thursday morning at the Garfield County Veteran Services Office at 803 Colorado Ave. in Glenwood Springs for free donuts and coffee and good conversation.

YouthZone dance team third in competition

The YouthZone Ascent Showcase Dance Team performed the weekend of March 17 at Showstoppers Dance Competition in Denver. The team’s self-choreographed dance piece, “The Village,” earned a platinum, third-place overall score. This routine brings awareness to suicide prevention in teens. The team thanks YouthZone for the continued support.

Valley locals booth applications

Applications are now available and due May 24 for the 2019 Valley Artists’ Booth at the 48th annual Mountain Fair in Carbondale on July 26-28. The booth allows local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork in a cooperative, inexpensive way. Gallery space is limited, and artwork will be juried. Applicants must be current members of Carbondale Arts and reside in an “816” ZIP code area. Submissions must be the artist’s own handmade (not manufactured, not imported) work. Criteria for judging include quality and uniqueness of items. Artists are required to assist with set-up and breakdown, and to work shifts during the fair. Carbondale Arts will provide the tent, pro panels and pedestals. Artists are responsible for their own display. Carbondale Arts will handle the accounting and collect sales tax. Fees due upon acceptance. Questions? Email brian@carbondalearts.com. Applications are available online at www.carbondalearts.com.

Help paying for prescription drugs

Those on Medicare with individual income under $1,550 per month may be eligible for financial help paying for prescription drugs. For a married couple, the joint amount is $2,100. Any who think they might qualify can call High Country RSVP for assistance at 970-384-8744.

Walk MS: Glenwood Springs & 5K Run committee members needed

Walk MS is looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping the National MS Society prepare for the 2019 Walk MS: Glenwood Springs & 5K Run which will take place Saturday, May 11. Duties of the planning committee are to ensure a successful event including: coordinating the pancake breakfast, managing the silent auction by helping with item donations and pre-event set-up (ie. bid sheets), promoting the event within Glenwood Springs and surrounding communities, and anything else that would make Walk MS: Glenwood Springs & 5K Run the favorite community event of the year. Contact Suzie Reel for more information at 970-263-4393 or suzie.reel@nmss.org.

Updated cash-back rebates for energy improvements from CORE

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency is offering new and updated cash-back rebates to incentivize energy efficiency improvements in 2019 to help the Roaring Fork Valley save energy and cut carbon. The annual program includes 19 rebates offering up to $500-2,500 each for energy projects in: electricity, renewables, hot water, heating and cooling, and home envelope. New this year, homeowners and renters can tap into $2,500 for fuel-switching, while businesses can increase their EV charging capacity. Residents from Aspen to Glenwood Springs can access CORE rebates all year long for their home or business. More information, a downloadable rebate brochure and free technical advising are available at www.aspencore.org and 970-925-9775.

Spring Lecture Series: Mexican American Identity in World War II

CU Boulder postdoctoral research associate Natalie Mendoza, Ph.D., will discuss how Mexican-American leaders in the U.S. Southwest used World War II, the Good Neighbor Policy, and historical narrative to broaden the meaning of who is an American. On Wednesday, April 24, at the Glenwood Springs Library, Mendoza will explain how reimagining American identity and civil rights priorities in the midst of the wartime emergency prompted the government to create a federal program focused, for the first time, on the needs of Mexican-Americans. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to all. For more information call the library at 970-945-5958.

Staff work day closure

All six branches of the Garfield County Libraries will be closed Thursday, April 25, for a staff training day. The libraries will resume normal hours on Friday, April 26. Patrons can still browse and request books, movies and more at www.gcpld.org during the closure.

Art journal mini workshop

Create a personalized work of art on a journal-notebook at the art journal mini workshop from 10–11 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the New Castle Community Center. Register online for $15 at newcastlerec.com.

River Bridge’s annual fundraiser

Imagine 7, River Bridge’s annual fundraiser, takes place from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch in Carbondale. Cost is $75 per person and includes complimentary food, drinks and music.

Social Security: Learn from an Insider

Learn about Social Security through a webinar presented by Josh Weller of the Denver Regional Communications Office of Social Security from 4–5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at the Carbondale Library. Specific topics discussed include retirement as well as spousal, ex-spousal, survivor, child and disability benefits. Attendees will have time at the end to ask questions. Free and open to the public. Presented in partnership with Danielle Howard of Wealth by Design. For more information visit www.gcpld.org.

Open mic night: celebrate through poetry

Share prose with others, listen to live performances, cheer on local writers, and celebrate literary expression and National Poetry Month at the library. Alice Bedard-Voorhees will MC these free events, which will include featured poet DJ Hill. The Glenwood Springs Library will host on Wednesday, May 1, and the series will wrap up on Thursday, May 9, at the Carbondale Library. Each event will run from 6-7:30 p.m. and attendees are invited to listen and/or take a turn at the mic. For more information visit www.gcpld.org.

Divide Creek Union Cemetery Annual Board Meeting

The Divide Creek Union Cemetery annual board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the Silt Library meeting room. All family and/or deed owners are invited to attend.

Kids’ crafts for Mother’s Day

Here’s a chance to make something for Mom at the kids crafting session from 10–11 a.m. Friday, May 10, at the New Castle Community Center. Activities are designed for kids ages 5 and older.

Preschool ‘sewing’

Children ages 3-7 can make a needle-laced felt hand puppet from 9-9:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, at the New Castle Community Center on Main Street. Youngsters will use a plastic dull-pointed needle to “sew” a pre-cut, pre-punched puppet. Parents of children under 5 must stay on site. Register for $10 online at newcastlerec.com.

Early literacy make & take workshops

The Rifle Library invites family, friend and neighbor caregivers for fresh ideas to make early literacy and learning fun starting at 2 p.m. Monday, May 20. Gain connections with a support network, all while enjoying food, new ideas, and early literacy activities to make and take home. A storytime, snack and craft activity will be provided for the children in attendance. Free and open to all. For more information call the Rifle Library at 970-625-3471.

Make a mixed-media keepsake-box

Adults and kids ages 9 and older can make a unique mixed-media keepsake-box at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the New Castle Community Center. Mother’s Day is coming up, so this could make a good gift. Register online before May 28 for $20 at newcastlerec.com.

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UNDATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Autism Support Group

This group is for all parents of children with autism or “on the spectrum” kids. Participants meet at the Silt Library and discuss issues that arise, share funny stories, and help with questions the doctors just can’t answer. Call or stop by the library to learn about upcoming dates or schedule a special session. For more information call the library at 970-876-5500.

High Country RSVP Seeks Volunteers for American Red Cross

In light of this summer’s increased wildfire activity, organizations like the American Red Cross of Colorado need additional volunteers in order to serve the community with disaster preparedness and response services. This will ensure that if ever there is an emergency, there will always be trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older to serve with the American Red Cross of Colorado in Garfield County. There are numerous ways to volunteer with the organization, and training will be provided. For more information, contact Mary Moon, RSVP volunteer manager, at 970-947-8462 or mpmoon@coloradomtn.edu.

LIFT-UP needs volunteers

Both English-speaking and bilingual volunteers are needed for a variety of LIFT-UP programs. Volunteer opportunities include:

Extended table: If you are part of a group interesting in serving and helping others or like to cook, this program is for you. LIFT-UP is looking for groups to pick a day to plan, prepare and serve the meal at Extended Table in Glenwood Springs.

Meal monkey: Be a part of the team that provides lunches to school kids on Fridays. Students, 18 and under, are served sack lunches on Fridays (since there is no school in the Re-2 school district on Fridays). Donations of snacks, funding and time are all needed.

Volunteer for veggies: Help UpRoot Colorado reduce food loss and food insecurity by helping harvest and redistribute fresh fruits and vegetables to our local pantries.

For more information, contact Renee Horton at (970) 625-4496 or email officemanager@liftup.org. 


Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) is a support group of parents helping parents that meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday at River Center, 126 N. Fourth St. in New Castle, to offer education and support, at no charge, for parents who are dealing with a son or daughter suffering from addiction. PAL can also help spouses who feel they have to parent their addicted partner. PAL is open to all sober family members and friends who are 18 years and older.

For more information visit www.palgroup.org or call Diane Pfaff at 970-379-5299.

Frontier Museum seeks volunteers

Volunteers make it possible to keep the doors of the Frontier Museum open. Anyone interested in volunteering and learning about Glenwood Spring’s history can pick up a free history book. Those who like to talk with people make wonderful volunteers. For information call 970-945-4448 or email history@rof.net.

High Country RSVP

Want to have more meaning in your life? Do you want to do something that is satisfying and of great service to your community? Would you like to meet new people? Are you 55 or older? High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) needs you. RSVP’s mission is to enrich the lives of men and women, age 55 and older, through meaningful volunteer opportunities that use their skills, abilities, and life experiences in service to their communities. High Country RSVP is a national Senior Corps organization under the Corporation for National and Community Service and was started here in Glenwood Springs in 1973.

Our objectives are to meet the critical needs in our communities through volunteer recruitment and management and meet the needs of the growing base of seniors in our communities, enabling them to continue to live independently (age in place).

As our new year begins please consider contacting RSVP’s professional volunteer manager Elisabeth Worrell, 970-947-8460, who will help you determine where your skills, abilities, and interests are and make a connection with one of the 36 volunteer stations we partner with.

Symphony in the Valley

Symphony in the Valley, a volunteer organization comprising local musicians making music for the communities here in the valley, is looking for musicians of all ages who play an orchestra instrument. High school students are welcome with a teacher’s recommendation. Contact Symphony in the Valley via the Contact Us page at sitv.org.

Happy 50th anniversary

Coy and Mary Bretthorst, longtime residents of Glenwood Springs and now New Castle, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Friday. Congratulations!

Helping For the Good

My name is Kate Hardaker, and I am a seventh-grade student at Riverview.

For the Good is a local nonprofit that goes to Kenya and educates people, especially girls, on the importance of education and also provides sanitary supplies.

Prior to her most recent trip out to Kenya, Kayce Anderson, the director of For the Good, received an urgent request to bring underwear for girls at one of the schools they support.

Kayce put me in charge of raising $1,000 quickly. I decided to ask a few of my dad’s friends to donate $100 since he was willing to donate only $99.

In the end we raised just under $1,000. We would like to thank the following who proved they are more generous than my dad: Don Kaufman, attorney at law; Chad Lee (Balcomb and Green); Megan Malone, CPA; Susie Meraz, Bay Equity; Rob Meinert, First Bank; Rich Huttenhower, Home Team Inspections; Ruth and Jim Barnes, Shaklee Independent Distributors; (and my grandparents).

Kate Hardaker

Shout out to Valley View Hospital

I recently needed the emergency services of Valley View Hospital. I have to say my experience there was outstanding. I particularly want to give a shout out to Katie in the ER, Kate, and Nikki in the Acute Card Ward for their friendly and caring service. And to Dr Nichols and staff who gave up their Friday evening to work on me.

Roaring Fork Valley has a real jewel in the Valley View Hospital and their staff.

Jerome Dayton

Carbondale

I live in Littleton. My sister came to visit me from Erie, Pa and on March 1, we decided to take the train to your lovely little town to have a stress free weekend, soaking, shopping, eating etc.

If you can remember, that was the weekend of storms throughout the country that impacted the train schedule significantly

The whole weekend was a comedy of errors. It was raining instead of snowing and the ambience of sitting in the pools wasn’t quite there in the pouring rain. But we enjoyed Iron Mountain and were ultimately very relaxed when we left about 9pm We taxied downtown and it wasn’t until we were seated at Doc Holliday’s that I realized I was missing my phone. The waitress at Doc’s was kind enough to call us a taxi to get back to the Hot Springs, they in turn said they had the phone and would wait even until the pools closed at 10 to hand the phone over to me.

Now, we are on the corner in the pouring rain, waiting for the taxi. It was cold and nasty, and the hot tub buzz was over. We waited over 30 minutes and were told that the taxis were slammed because of the rain.

We were leaving in the am and I really wanted to get my phone. We were pretty bummed.

A police car pulled up while we were waiting and the officer went across the street to take care of business. When he returned 15 minutes later, I approached him. I told Officer Logan our dilemma and without missing a beat, he opened the door and escorted us into the back seat. He drove us to Iron Mountain, waited for me to get my phone and drove us back to the Hotel Colorado.

He was very kind and really saved the day for us! I have been thinking about this ever since and wanted to make sure that I gave a shout out to all the kind people we encountered while we were visiting.

You have a great community, from the restaurant workers to the retail owners to the Police Dept.

Thanks Officer Logan for making our day and supporting this great community!

Ruby Benison,

Littleton

TJX awards $10K grant to Advocate Safehouse Project

The TJX Cos. and the TJX Foundation recently awarded Advocate Safehouse Project with a $10,000 program grant during the grand opening of the new Marshalls store at the Glenwood Meadows in Glenwood Springs on March 14. Krista Russell, Marshalls store manager, and over 20 associates greeted customers while Glenwood Springs Mayor Michael Gamba welcomed Marshalls to the Glenwood Springs area.