School is off to a fine start for the students and staff of Garfield School District No. 16. The number of students continues to climb, with last count putting total student enrollment at over 935 students. This is a 21-student increase over last year. Last weekend was a busy one for Grand Valley High School. GVHS hosted an eight-team volleyball tournament, and the football team won their season opener against the Glenwood Springs JV team. Remember, senior citizen game passes are available from the school district office. Just go on down to the office, at 251 N. Parachute Ave. in Parachute, and ask for Kim Bowen. She will give you a pass, which provides you admission to all events at Grand Valley High School and St. John Middle School. And this pass is free – we just want you to come and enjoy. Fitness ExpoThe Third Annual fitness Expo at the Activity Center is quickly approaching. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 27. There will be three events for the day: an 800-meter swim, 5K and 2K run or walk, and the expo.Swim event: Sign in from 7-7:45 a.m. Start times are 8 a.m. for adults, 8:40 a.m. for seniors and 9:20 a.m. for children.Walk/run event: Sign in from 7-9:30 a.m. Start time for the 5K & 2K run is 10 a.m.; for the 5K & 2K walk is 10:15 a.m.Even if you do not wish to take part in the sporting events, be sure to stop by and view the exhibits and demonstrations. These are open and free to the public. The exhibits will open at 10 a.m., and demonstrations will start at 11 a.m. Everyone at the Activity Center is extremely excited about this event, and it is shaping up to be a great day.Information and registration: Activity Center, 285-9480. Parachute Branch LibraryIt may be housed in a very small building, but our library is a wealth of opportunity and support in our communities. Located next to Parachute Town Hall, at the base of the mesa, is the Parachute Branch Library. This summer alone, 177 children enjoyed the summer reading program. The library hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.The semiannual Library Book Sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Town Hall. Donations of books, games, puzzles, CDs, etc., are needed and can be made at the library. The preschool story hour will resume from 10:30-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The story time is for children 3, 4 and 5 years old and parents are encouraged to participate. Thanks goes to Holly and her staff for a wonderful library! The next meeting of the Friends of the Parachute Library is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Town Hall.- Mary Moore’s column, “Grand Valley News,” appears every other Thursday. To contact Mary with a news tip, call her at 945-8515, ext. 108, or e-mail to MooreMOMOF7@aol.com.