On Sept. 5, Special Olympics honored Dan Niedbalski as the Western Colorado Outstanding Volunteer for 2003. Niedbalski has been involved with Special Olympics in our area for the past 11 years. He has been a member of the evaluation team for the summer games in Fort Collins and the winter games held at Copper Mountain. Niedbalski has volunteered in both the downhill and cross-country skiing events in the winter challenge held at Ski Sunlight. He serves on the games organizing committee for the Summer Games Challenge, held in the past in Glenwood Springs. In July 2004 the Summer Games Challenge will be held at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.Niedbalski becomes very animated when discussing Special Olympics, and it is quite evident that this is a real passion for him. When asked what motivates him to volunteer so much of himself to this cause he responded, “I am inspired by the Special Olympics oath, which is, `Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'” Niedbalski said listening to the athletes recite this oath always brings tears to his eyes. His only frustration is the lack of athletes from the Parachute/Battlement Mesa area. He so totally believes in Special Olympics that he hates to think of athletes not participating and enjoying the competition and camaraderie. If you would like to get your athlete involved in the Special Olympics, just call Niedbalski at 625-7273, his direct line at Alpine Bank, and he can get you started. He is also looking for volunteers to help, especially with the Summer Challenge in July. If your athlete would like to become involved soon, there is a bowling tournament at the Fireside Lanes in Rifle on Oct. 4. Call Julie Fite at 945-0395 for more information.Niedbalski not only volunteers for the Special Olympics, he is president of the Grand Valley Booster Club, a board member on the Parachute-Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Grand Valley Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. In his spare time, he manages the Alpine Bank on Battlement Mesa and referees volleyball games. He is a real asset to our communities. Next time you see Dan, tell him thanks and congrats on the award.Odds and ends-The Village Artists will be showing their works at the Activity Center from Oct. 1-20. Some of these pieces will be on sale, and they make great gifts. The public is invited to vote for their choice for best of show.-Grand Valley High School homecoming events are scheduled for Oct. 3. Volleyball games will begin at 4 p.m., and the football game kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The Booster Club will be hosting the traditional tailgate party starting at 5 p.m. Mark your calendars for Oct. 4 and come to the high school to share these events with your neighbors.-From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, there will be a model train show at the Activity Center. There will be layouts and displays of running trains. This will be a super show for kids of all ages. Get your ticket from the “conductor” at the Activity Center for $1.- 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.