By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—More than a century

ago, winter’s howling winds and icy

gusts chilled Colorado settlers to the

bone. Today, those same fierce winds

and frigid temperatures are chilling

even the most devoted history buffs at

Museum of the Mountain West (68169 East Miami Rd.) in Montrose,

thanks to the rising cost of energy.

Museum Founder and Board President

Rich Fike mentioned assistance with

the Museum’s heating bills when asked

about a holiday “wish list” for the pop-

ular museum and historical exhibition.

“It costs us around $400 to $500 to

run the furnaces every month,” Fike

said. “We welcome support, especially

financial. We are also building a two-

story hotel, which takes cash.”

The Museum draws travelers from

across the country and around the

world throughout the year, particularly

for its annual “Tribute to Western Mov-

ies Days,” which

Your Source for local Business News and Information Friend us on Facebook!

Visit us online at www.montrosemirror.com! Also in this issue…

Economic Development Strategies for 2012—a visit

with MEDC, Region 10, Montrose DDA!

MHS Senior tries self employment in tough market!

Out and About at Montrose Marlins Swim Meet!

Montrose ACT to sell Montrose Bucks!

The Montrose Mirror is a Twice-monthly Wednesday

publication focusing on local business news and information. Editor and Publisher:

Caitlin Switzer Editorial Board:

Jim Elder Julianne Messenger

Darcy Johnson Casey Corrigan Photographer Dave Bernier

montrosemirror@gmail.com Please help support our

Advertisers:

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By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—As a PR specialist and

musician with regional clients and gigs

to promote, Yvonne Meek represents the

new breed of professional for whom con-

nectivity is not optional, but essential.

She depends on continuous access to the

Internet, for both personal and profes-

sional reasons.

And yet, like many other local resi-

dents, Meek finds herself using a hodge-

podge of service providers and tools just

to stay online. Although her family has

Internet service through Bresnan, she

must find other ways to stay connected

away from home.

“My phone—I have Verizon—is a 3G

hotspot,” she said. “Sometimes it’s a

little slow with email, but it’s a constant

connection.”

At her office in the Region 10 Enter-

prise Center, Meek uses a portable

Stelera Broadband router, but has found

that its inconsistencies left her without

service on a recent trip to Denver.

“When I travel, I am not always in a

place with a hotspot,” she said. “So I

decided I am going to have wireless, no

matter what.”

Meek’s constant connectivity comes at

a price, however—in addition to paying

for a data package for her smart phone,

she pays for 3G hotspot service as well.

“I wish it were more affordable,” she

said. “I need the Net for everything—I

communicate on Facebook, and I like to

Cont. on Page 2

Issue No. 24

Nov. 16, 2011

HELP LOCAL NON-PROFITS MAKE WISHES

COME TRUE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

www.co.montrose.co.us

www.camelotgardens.com

INTERNET OPTIONS ABOUND, DOWNTOWN

EXPLORES BECOMING WIFI HOTSPOT

www.voa.org

©

No reprints without permission

www.

dmea.

com

www.montrosemirror.com

Continued on page 4

Museum of the Mt. West welcomes financial

and in-kind support, said Museum Founder

and Board President Rich Fike, pictured

above. Photo by Dave Bernier.

Page 2 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

do my own research before I am stuck with

a product. Access to the Internet is a great

thing!”

For some out-of-town Montrose resi-

dents, Internet access has been limited to

Dial-up, with one notable exception.

Stelera Broadband, is an Oklahoma-based

company that received a $35 million Fed-

eral grant in 2008 to provide high-speed

Internet service to clients in rural, under-

served regions. While Stelera does provide

fast broadband Internet service to clients

with no other high-speed option, coverage

can be inconsistent—and the product itself

is viewed as competition for cell phone

customers.

Although Stelera was once available

through most local cell phone retailers,

consumers in Montrose can now only find

the company at computer shops like Deep-

ly Digital (1414 Hawk Parkway) and Com-

puter Business Solutions (523 E. Main

St.), because cell phone providers view the

company (which uses cell phone networks

to provide access) as direct competition.

“There was actually a licensing issue with

ATT,” explained Laura May Pladson of

High Mesa Communications. “From the

day 3G service was fired up in this area in

July, we have had to stop carrying

Stelera.”

Besides, Stelera coverage can be spotty,

noted Leta Seacat of Deeply Digital.

“It works in some areas but not others,”

Seacat said. “We have a demo we lend out

so people can try it out before they de-

cide.”

“They are supposed to get service to peo-

ple who didn’t have it otherwise,” said Sue

Tolvo of Computer Business Solutions.

“When you live out where there is no

Bresnan or Qwest, your choices are pretty

limited—but in town, there are other op-

tions.”

Montrose resident Peter Fagen, a com-

puter tech and Internet marketing special-

ist, said that he uses Comcast (now Opti-

mum) High Speed Internet for speeds up to

30 MBPS.

“I’m in the city limits, so connectivity,

service and speeds are fine,” Fagen said.

“We stream movies all the time, with no

problems, and no limits.”

Fagen said that while he has had very few

service problems, and believes speed and

customer service here are as good as in any

major metro area, there are some changes

he hopes to see in future.

“Faster speeds are always welcome, alt-

hough any more speed probably wouldn’t

be noticeable,” he said. “I’d like to see

more free Wi-Fi around the city, as well as

the use of email by the city for communi-

cations with the community.”

At least one of Fagen’s wishes may soon

become a reality—Downtown Montrose

may itself become a Wi-Fi hotspot in the

near future, according to Downtown De-

velopment Authority Executive Director

Scott Shine.

“That is a definite possibility,” Shine

said. “It is something I have researched—

there is an existing fiber optic line (through

One Track Communications) that rings our

Downtown. It’s all right there—we’ve

talked about becoming a hotspot. We just

need to figure out how to tap into it eco-

nomically.”

INTERNET OPTIONS ABOUND, DOWNTOWN EXPLORES

BECOMING WIFI HOTSPOT…

Continued from page 1

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THANKS FOR READING THE MONTROSE MIRROR! CALL

970-275-5791 FOR AD RATES AND INFORMATION!

Page 3 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—This Holiday season,

wouldn’t it be nice to go shopping some-

place where there’s a sale on cold, hard

cash? Where you spend a little money—

only to get more back? Savvy shoppers in

Montrose will find exactly that, when

Montrose Bucks go on sale through the

Montrose Association of Commerce &

Tourism later this month.

“We’re selling them before the holidays,

so you can use them here,” Montrose ACT

Communications and Member Coordinator

Stacey Ryan said, noting that Montrose

Bucks will be sold Nov. 21-23, Nov. 28,

and Dec. 2. “When you purchase $100

worth, you receive $120 in Montrose

Bucks.”

Each family may purchase up to $1,000

worth of Montrose Bucks, which will kick

$10,000 right back into the local economy,

Ryan said.

Get even more “bank” for your Montrose

Bucks by using your Montrose Act Locals

Card when you shop this season, she add-

ed.

Montrose ACT is currently working with

graphic designer Erica Lewis Kennedy on

an advertising campaign to help get the

word out about the opportunities available

through the locals card.

"The Locals Card provides so many op-

portunities for both shoppers and service

providers that I wanted to create a simple

and striking image so people would want

to know more,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s holiday ad (shown here) is a

strong visual that underscores the impact

of supporting the community by shopping

locally, and registering each locals card,

Ryan said.

“We have close to 1,900 registered cards

in the hands of consumers,” Ryan said.

“The more people who register their cards,

the more benefits we can roll out.

“Everyone is a consumer in this town, so

everyone should have a Locals Card.”

Only Montrose ACT members can offer

Locals Card benefits to consumers, and

take advantage of the opportunity to adver-

tise goods and services through the Locals

Card web site and E-Blast programs.

“Where else can you get free ads for a

year, while helping to support your fellow

members and the local economy?” Ryan

asked. “With this program, you can add

monetary value to the card by making an

offer unique to the card—and once a

month you can be part of the e-blast,

which puts your current offer out there,

reaching more than 1,900 locals.”

Local card holders are the elite, the shop-

pers who want to spend their money in

local establishments, she noted.

“Throw ‘em a great deal and get them in

your store,” Ryan advised. “Make money

you would not have made otherwise—the

card is like a coupon that you can use and

re-use.”

MONTROSE BUCKS ON SALE...MONTROSE ACT TAPS

HOMEGROWN DESIGN PRO FOR AD CAMPAIGN

Advertisement

Page 4 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

featured the cast of the Virginian Televi-

sion show and Country Singer Lynn An-

derson in 2011.

In addition to monetary support, Muse-

um of the Mountain West can use railroad

trucks and the assistance of a grant writer,

Fike said.

“Artifact donations are always accepted

too,” Fike said, “and you can get a tax

write-off!”

Museum of the Mountain West, which

focuses on the Western U.S. during the

years from 1880 to 1930, is not only a non-

profit, but a designated contribution pro-

ject through the Colorado Enterprise Zone.

Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30

a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Museum was hon-

ored in 2011 as a runner up for Best Muse-

ums in the West by True West Magazine.

To learn more, visit them online at

www.mountainwestmuseum.com.

At the Montrose County Historical Society

Museum (21 N. Rio Grande), Museum

Director Sally Johnson notes that the Mu-

seum’s greatest need is for additional vol-

unteers.

“Other wishes are for dressmaker forms,

sterile (brand name) stackable/lockable

clear containers for storage, and an oblong

folding table for events,” she said. “We

also need sponsors for our newsletter; we

have found that a lot of our older members

do not have computers, so emailed letters

are still being sent out by snail mail.”

Contact the Museum at 970-249-2085, or

visit the web site at

www.montrosehistory.org to learn more.

Across town at Dolphin House Child

Advocacy Center (735 South First St.)

financial support is also welcome, particu-

larly through the “Friends of the Dolphin

House” program, Executive Director Sue

Montgomery said. Dolphin House is a

child-friendly facility that serves the Sev-

enth Judicial District (Montrose, Delta,

Gunnison, Ouray, Hinsdale and San Mi-

guel counties), coordinating the multidisci-

plinary team process for investigation of

child abuse cases while providing a safe

environment for victims of child abuse to

undergo forensic medical exams and tell

their stories.

“For $25 per month, over 12 months, you

can pay for one family,” Montgomery said.

“You can go on our website--

www.dolphinhousecolorado.com--and sign

up for a monthly donation to be made with

a credit card if you prefer. Sometimes that

is easier than writing and mailing a check

every month. If you want to become a

“Friend” and make quarterly donations of

$75 or a one-time yearly donation of $300

that is also great and can be done online

too.

“We have been very blessed with our

fundraising events this year,” she added,

“Our golf tournament went well, and our

yard sale raised $4,600. But our numbers

just keep going up.”

In 2008, Dolphin House saw 88 victims

of child abuse. During the second half of

2009, the numbers shot up, and in 2010

Dolphin House saw 196 victims. In 2011,

Montgomery said she expects that Dolphin

House will have served 230 families.

The Seventh Judicial District has taken a

proactive approach to ending child abuse

in the future, Montgomery noted, with

educational/awareness programs offered

through the local After School Program

and area churches. However, continued

community support is essential.

In addition to financial assistance, Dol-

phin House welcomes in-kind donations

such as juice boxes and peanut butter

crackers for kids.

“If we can get these items donated each

year (which with juice boxes, crackers, etc.

we use about 40 boxes a year), it saves us

a lot of money,” Montgomery said.

“Churches, clubs, schools, subdivisions,

etc. can do “Care Boxes” for abused chil-

dren and bring the items listed on our

sheet.”

Dolphin House will be the beneficiary of

a wine dinner at Stone House Restaurant

(1415 Hawk Parkway) on Nov. 16, and is

seeking silent auctions to be bid on that

evening.

To learn more about ways you can sup-

port the Dolphin House Child Advocacy

Center, visit www.montrose-child-

advocacy.org.

Volunteers of America, a faith-based

non-profit organization that has grown to

be among the nation’s most successful

human service providers, has a strong local

presence throughout Western Colorado.

Volunteers of America Outreach Director

Eva Veitch suggested the following sim-

ple, inexpensive ways that locals can help

support the non-profit’s many local pro-

grams and facilities.

“(We need) used laptop computers for

our Valley Manor, Horizons and Home-

stead residents, as well as Audio books or

large print books—and Headphones,” she

said.

Also needed are Lunch bunch funds, to

allow clients occasional lunches out, and

sponsors for meals on Wheels.

“Consider purchasing one sheet cake a

year for the monthly birthday party at one

of our facilities,” Veitch said, adding,

“There are also endless volunteer opportu-

nities—you can help with special events,

with seasonal decorating, or by visiting

with our residents and helping with activi-

ties.”

Volunteers of America has a number of

HELP LOCAL NON-PROFITS MAKE WISHES COME TRUE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...Continued from page 1

Continued on page 19

Museum of the Mountain West needs funds to

keep the heat on this winter...photo by Dave

Bernier.

Page 5 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—Colorado’s high country

ranching tradition calls for searing live-

stock with a simple, unmistakable brand to

prevent confusion and possible theft. Last

week, Ridgway ad guru and copywriter

Brian Scranton—a Madison Avenue veter-

an who has helped “brand” some of the

world’s most successful companies--

taught a number of local entrepreneurs

how to create their own, unmistakable

“brands.”

“Brand Building with Brian Scranton,”

an afternoon marked with humor, straight

talk and strategic brand building, was

sponsored by the Montrose Mirror, Scran-

ton’s own GrahamSpencer Communica-

tions, Elevation PR and the Region 10

League for Economic Assistance & Plan-

ning on Nov. 8, to give smaller companies

and non-profits in Western Colorado ac-

cess to knowledge and tools generally

available only to much

larger firms.

Scranton incorporated

video and slides, and

encouraged questions

and feedback from the

audience as he

launched into a discus-

sion of how a business

of any size can estab-

lish and own its own

brand.

“Asking the right

questions is really im-

portant,” he acknowl-

edged. “There are 50 or

so different strategies to

choose for your compa-

ny—which is the right

one? The answer lies in

knowledge—knowledge

drives strategy.”

Scranton discussed the

difference between a

company’s vision and

its mission statement,

the importance of prod-

uct and company positioning, and of ana-

lyzing the individual strengths and weak-

nesses of the business.

“Inspiration and innovation set the

stage,” he said. “Your vision is not about

where you are, but about where you want

to be. It should be simple and repeatable…

if it not easily communicated to your em-

ployees, no way will they be passionate

about communicating it to your custom-

ers.”

Your basic values are a key element of

your message, he asserted.

“Values let people know that you care,”

he said. “They are inherently important to

what you do and how you live your life.

Your mission and your vision reside in a

sea of values--everything you do is de-

fined by how you act.”

Finding a “target customer” is extremely

important, allowing a business to speak to

“one person” who can represent many, he

said, and urged listeners to note key attrib-

utes of the customer they hope to reach.

“Look who comes through your doors,

and who spends the most,” he urged. “And

write it down. You may think you know a

little about them already, but writing it

down is really important.”

Also important is the idea of positioning.

“Your customer doesn’t think ten things

about you,” Scranton said. “You can really

only own one thing.

“So what is that one thing?”

Choosing the right name is key to the

success of any brand, he noted, adding that

renaming a brand can also be a way for

some large corporations to escape the em-

barrassments, crimes and failures of the

past.

“Don’t abbreviate a great name,” he said,

noting that a business owner should make

the effort and say the full name of his own

company even if others tend to use acro-

nyms or initials.

“Your name has power.”

Expect competition for customer dollars

not only from within your own region and

industry, but from other industries and

online, he advised.

Scranton turned the workshop into an

exercise in participation, using Montrose’s

Downtown Development Authority as an

example, and breaking participants out

into small groups to analyze the DDA’s

strengths and weaknesses.

Participants, who came from as far away

as Paonia and Telluride to hear Scranton’s

advice, asked numerous questions and

took advantage of the chance to immerse

themselves in the branding process under

the guidance of a proven expert.

And when all was said and done, one

participant summed the afternoon up with

one simple, repeatable message.

“That was incredible,” said Ridgway

graphic designer and artist Kellie Day.

To learn more about Brian Scranton’s

company, GrahamSpencer Communica-

tions, visit them online at

www.grahamspencer.com.

BRANDING EXPERT BRIAN SCRANTON BRINGS

STRATEGIC ADVICE TO MONTROSE AREA BUSINESSES

Brian Scranton of GrahamSpencer Communications (shown

above with Ridgway Realtor Kari Wage) brought his knowledge of

strategic brand building to the Region 10 Enterprise Center in

Montrose on Nov. 8. More than 30 business owners from across

the region attended to hear Scranton, who offered wisdom, humor,

and a hands-on chance to learn as he walked the Montrose DDA

through the strategic branding process.

Continued on page 19

By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—According to statistics

compiled by the Colorado Workforce Cen-

ter, the unemployment rate in Montrose

County was 8.6 percent as of Sept., com-

pared to a rate of 7.6 percent statewide.

Local economic development groups are

looking ahead to 2012 as an opportunity to

reverse that trend however, with a variety

of strategies intended to produce jobs and

build prosperity in this area of the Western

Slope.

Teamwork will be essential, said Mont-

rose Economic Development Council

(MEDC) President and Executive Director

Sandy Head.

“I think all of the entities in Montrose

need to come together, and join forces to

work as a team,” Head said, “as opposed

to all of us trying to do our own thing and

be all things to all people. When we are

looking at budget cuts to every entity, it is

obvious that we need to grow more jobs in

Montrose through both business retention

and attraction.”

Local agencies like MEDC, Montrose

Association of Commerce & Tourism

(Montrose ACT), the Downtown Develop-

ment Authority (DDA) and the Region 10

League for Economic Assistance & Plan-

ning all have roles to play, and should

complement one another rather than over-

lapping and offering duplicate services,

she said, adding that simply asking local

businesses to increase hiring levels is not

realistic, or fair.

“Economic development can take many

forms,” Head said. “We need each other,

and we need to find new ways to get

things done, with fewer expenditures. We

need to do more with less.”

MEDC recently hosted a roundtable for

community leaders, to allow conversation,

networking and relationship building.

Bringing in new businesses and industries,

and helping entrepreneurs with promising

new ideas to grow are key elements of a

local jobs creation strategy, Head noted.

“We also plan to continue pushing for

higher education expansion,” she said.

“And we need to shop locally; I have al-

ways believed in buying in Montrose,

even if I have to pay a little more.

“We need to help our businesses sur-

vive.”

The Region 10 League for Economic

Assistance and Planning has established a

series of concrete economic development

goals for Fiscal Year 2012, according to

Region 10 Executive Director Paul Gray.

Goals are broken out into priorities for the

Region 10 Business Loan Fund, Colorado

Enterprise Zone, Transportation and

Transit, the Gunnison Valley Transporta-

tion Region, and specifically for economic

development activities, which are funded

through a combination of Federal funds

and member assessments.

Some of Region 10’s top Business Loan

Fund priorities for 2012 are to fund

$250,000 in Community Development

Block Grant (CDBG) loans, for economic

development, job creation, the public good

and to improve the local tax base; and to

fund $100,000 in Small Business Admin-

istration (SBA) Micro Loans for existing

and/or new businesses in need of a loan of

less than $50,000. Region 10’s top eco-

nomic development priorities include the

completion of a Comprehensive Economic

Development Strategy for the six-county

region served by Region 10, to include

detailed economic profiles of each county.

At the Downtown Development Authority

(DDA), the focus is on enhancing the eco-

nomic viability of Downtown Montrose.

“Downtown is the heart of our local

economy, with independent and locally-

owned businesses,” DDA Executive Di-

rector Scott Shine said. “We feel strongly

about supporting them, as well as our

Downtown professional service providers.

The money spent stays in our community.

“There is such a big emphasis on jobs,

building the local economy and on small

business,” he said.

“And that is exactly what we have

Downtown. Local businesses mean local

jobs, and we have the power as a commu-

nity to support them.”

Bringing the Montrose community togeth-

er through key events that also attract out-

side dollars is another priority for the

Downtown Development Authority.

“Building a strong local economy starts

by building relationships,” Shine said.

“We have seen 15 new businesses open

Downtown, and our coordinated promo-

tions have been very successful.

“It feels like there has been a shift in mo-

rale,” he said.

Page 6 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A HOT TOPIC FOR

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN 2012

THANKS FOR READING THE MONTROSE MIRROR...We welcome your

letters, news releases and courtesy photos. Please send news items to

montrosemirror@gmail.com. For a paper copy of the Mirror, stop by the

office (300 N. Cascade, Suite G-2) at least one day after publication.

(We love trees, so copies are limited.)

Page 7 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

OUT AND ABOUT IN MONTROSE... WITH SWINGIN’ JAZZ BY MHS

Above, Oren Logan, Kelly O’Meara, Brian Bond,

Lauren Livermore, and Jordan Will of the Red Shoe

Jazz Band.

At right, some of the best hoofers around show up to

shine and share their skills whenever the MHS jazz

bands take the stage…

MHS Jazz One pianist (and Montrose Mirror

Intern) Claire Clemens working the keys at the

MHS Band Boosters benefit.

Above, MHS Jazz One guitarist Bryce Howe plays at the

MHS Jazz Band fundraiser at the Montrose Holiday Inn

Nov. 10.

Above, bass player Alex Krull and trumpet player Joe Vigil

proved that some like it hot, even during the winter holidays.

Page 8 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

I spent my early childhood in a very small

farming and ranching community. Besides

school events and church, there wasn’t a

whole lot to do. Then, like now, the famil-

iar ritual associated with “Friday Night

Lights” was regularly and enthusiastically

embraced. Sports were a community

event.

Friday night was game night, and pretty

much the entire town turned out to crowd

into bleachers alongside other intrepid

fans and parents to encourage the home

team. The cheerleaders were fresh-faced

and wholesome. Everyone crossed their

hearts and stood solemnly, young and old

singing along while the band played the

school song and the national anthem.

Together we celebrated the successes and

mourned the losses. Saturday morning

conversation at the coffee shop often cen-

tered on the previous night’s performance

and its final outcome.

When I was 14, my boyfriend sent me

my first school “mum.” It arrived from the

local florist embellished with tiny golden

cowbells and thick with glitter and ribbons

in my school colors.

It somehow represented to me a turning

point, one of those small pivotal moments

when you become aware that you’re grow-

ing up. Its rustling and dried remains hung

on the bulletin board above my bed for

years, until one night it crumbled in a

shower of wispy flakes onto my pillow

while I was sleeping.

That small town of my childhood has

changed. It’s more of a bedroom commu-

nity and no longer as rural and isolated,

but its local “Booster Club” remains a core

organization that has no trouble raising

funds in support of team endeavors. Its

members know the player numbers, their

history on the field, and most often, their

families.

It’s not unusual that long after the young-

est graduates, the boosters continue to

diligently don their colors and take their

place in the stands to support the home

team, cheering for the newcomers as if

they were cheering for their very own.

So here’s to Friday night sports and to

the future success of our young people.

Here’s to kids that keep up their grades

and endure endless practices in order to

play, not for the big bucks but for the love

of the game and the joy of good team-

work—and yes, for the thrill of winning.

Here’s to the band and halftime displays.

Here’s to those that turn out again and

again to show their support, because

somewhere in that mash of bodies and

tumble of opposing colors is a young per-

son, someone to whom it matters that

you’re there.

Here’s to those who understand that as

the twig is bent, so grows the tree. Here’s

to community.

THE MONTROSE MIRROR WELCOMES OUR

NEWEST REPORTER DEB BARR...

Editors Note: In December, local writer

(and gifted singer and musician!) Deb

Barr will begin writing regular features

on the Olathe business community. Share

your thoughts with Deb at

olathemirror@gmail.com.

ALONG THE DITCH by Deb Barr Small Town – Bright Lights

Deb Barr

BEGINNING IN DECEMBER, THE MONTROSE MIRROR WILL EXPAND

COVERAGE TO OLATHE WITH REGULAR FEATURES AND UPDATES.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH US AT OLATHEMIRROR@GMAIL.COM! IF YOU

OR YOUR BUSINESS WOULD LIKE TO BE AN OLATHE UNDERWRITER,

CALL CAITLIN AT 970-275-5791!

Page 9 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

I am thinking about purchasing a pellet

stove for my home. If I do so, would I

receive any type of tax credit this year?

Considering a Purchase in Paonia Dear Considering,

Any stove you buy must have a thermal

efficiency rating of at least 75 percent, as

measured using a lower heating value. To

make your shopping experience easier,

vendors have labeled which of their prod-

ucts qualify.

FYI, the 2011 tax credit has reverted

to 2005-2008 levels. Anyone who previ-

ously took advantage of the program can-

not apply for incentives that exceed

$500. So, If you claimed $500 between

2005 and 2008 on a previous energy effi-

ciency project, or took at least a $500 tax

credit between 2009 and 2010, you are

ineligible for the 2011 energy efficiency

tax credit. If you used say $100 of the

$500 energy efficiency tax credit from

2005 to 2008, and did not use the

2009/2010 energy efficiency tax credit,

you would still have a $400 credit availa-

ble. Other Efficiency Measures that would

provide you with a 2011 tax credit include

Energy Efficiency stoves, heaters and ap-

pliances. These also make perfect gifts, so

take advantage of the tax credit before the

year is over!

More credits to note—take 10 percent

off up to $500 for insulation, roofs and

doors. Windows are capped at $200, and

must be ENERGY STAR, Furnace and

boilers are capped at $150 All furnaces

and boilers must meet 95 AFUE (Annual

Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Take $50 for

advanced main air circulating fans, and

$300 for air conditioners, air source heat

pumps, water heaters, and biomass stoves.

P.S. A pellet stove might make the perfect

gift this Holiday Season!

Best Regards,

Abbie Brewer

Executive Director,

FORE Alliance

970-240-1272

www.forealliance.org

Advertisement

FORE Alliance: Developing community-based resources;

Facilitating regional collaboration; Promoting the cost-effective use of

energy and natural resources.

Abbie’s Energy Answers

Dear Abbie:

www.rechargecolorado.org

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 10

OUT AND ABOUT IN MONTROSE... At the Montrose Marlins Swim Meet Nov. 5-6

Spectators packed the swimming pool at the Montrose Rec Center

for the Montrose Marlins Swim meet Nov. 5-6. Photo by Dave Ber-

nier.

Carroll Bee swims for the Montrose Marlins Saturday Morning. Pho-

to by Dave Bernier.

The race is on... Photo by Dave Bernier.

Swimmers on the boys’ teams await the starting signal….photo by

Dave Bernier.

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 11

By Claire Clemens

Montrose Mirror Intern

MONTROSE--Marissa Isgreen, 18, was

introduced to Mary Kay Cosmetics at a

student-run fashion show, where she found

business cards on a table for a free facial.

Isgreen got in contact with Shannon Trujil-

lo, an independent consultant, who ex-

plained about Mary Kay. Then Isgreen

attended a class. A couple months later,

she decided she really enjoyed Mary Kay.

Many factors led up to Isgreen’s decision

to become an independent consultant.

“One summer,” she said, “I filled out 13

job applications and didn’t receive one call

back.”

Isgreen continued applying for jobs and

made money by giving horseback-riding

lessons, but lessons could only be given

under certain conditions, and without a

steady job she was not making much.

As a senior in high school, Isgreen knew

that she would soon be heading toward

college and would need money to pay for

it. So far, self-employment had presented

itself as the best solution for her, so be-

coming a Mary Kay consultant seemed like

a great option.

Isgreen is beginning her business by

learning. She goes to facials with Trujillo

to learn what to do. As a new consultant,

she also has a “30 Faces in 30 Days” chal-

lenge, in which she must try to make over

30 faces in 30 days. This challenge is de-

signed to help new consultants like Isgreen

gain experience and confidence.

Isgreen’s favorite part of Mary Kay is the

wide variety of colors, but she also likes

the 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. This

guarantees that a customer can buy a prod-

uct and use it, and if not completely satis-

fied, the customer may send the product

back for a full refund. “My face is really

dark, so it’s hard to find foundation that

works,” she says. “I’ve used the 100 per-

cent satisfaction guarantee for that.”

One idea Isgreen would like to remind

potential customers of is that there is no

obligation to buy products when booking a

facial. “A lot of customers are hesitant

about facials because they feel like they

have to buy – they don’t,” she says. She

also wants to mention that Mary Kay is a

relationship-based company. A customer’s

relationship with her consultant is more

than just “you buy to me and I sell to you.”

By working for Mary Kay, Isgreen hopes

to earn savings that she can put toward

paying for college. The flexible schedule

also works well for her, because she will

be able to continue work even if she goes

to college or receives another part-time

job. To book your facial with Marissa Is-

green, call or text her at 970-765-4782, or

email her at misgreen@marykay.com.

Click here to catch Montrose Realtor Valerie Meyers weekly

Monday Real Estate Market Report...from the road!

Weekly real estate report

http://youtu.be/Ymq0EGmfqGg Valerie Meyers, Realtor, GRI

Coldwell Banker Bailey & Co

2023 S. Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401

970-209-1378 Cell

970-257-6748 Direct

Real Estate Market Report

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

MHS SENIOR CHOOSES SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN TOUGH JOB MARKET

Mary Kay Consultants Marissa Isgreen,

above left, and her mentor Shannon Trujillo

give a product presentation last weekend.

Courtesy photo.

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 13

Advertisement

Volunteers of America…

Will you help us accomplish our mission? By Eva Veitch

Did you know that Volunteers of America is a 115-year-old, faith based non profit serving those in need all

over the United States? In western Colorado we operate healthcare, senior nutrition and low income housing

programs in 21 locations.

Did you know that Volunteers of America employs more than 500 people in Montrose and Delta Counties?

Those employees are serving the needs of over 1,500 of our most vulnerable residents every month. We need

your help to meet those needs. Can you and your family spare one hour a week to make a difference in the

lives of others?

Volunteerism is a great family activity; the only requirement is a willingness to give of your time to help oth-

ers. In as little as one hour twice a month you can help give an elderly person a reason to get up every day. If

you want an opportunity to teach your children what is really important in life get them involved in volunteer-

ing at Volunteers of America or any of the wonderful non profit organizations in our community. Here are

some ideas:

Our nursing home and assisted living residents love to be pampered, can your teenage daughter spend an hour

a week after school giving manicures?

Would your family be willing to watch a football game with our residents at The Homestead once in awhile?

We will provide the snacks.

Would you be able to rake leaves for an elderly person or make sure their walks are shoveled in the winter?

Can you stop by Valley Manor or Horizons Care Center once in awhile and have coffee with a resident, or

bring your kids to play cards or bingo on the weekend?

Would you send birthday cards to our nursing home residents or help with our parties?

Whatever your interests are we will match you up with someone in our community who really needs some

extra TLC.

Call us to find out how you can make a difference.

Eva Veitch-Director of Outreach 970-240-0139

Going where we are needed and doing what comes to hand.

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 14

By Abby Altshuler

NORWOOD--An article in the new issue

of American Paint Contractor describes

the biggest color trends expected for 2012

from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality

Institute. New trend colors are chosen each

year and set the standard for everything

from plastic dishes to clothing, furniture to

wall color.

As in 2011, the predominant colors re-

flect the landscape; sea and sky blues, for-

est and prairie greens, some mountain vio-

let, along with an increased interest in

painted patterns such as delicate lace de-

signs or strong blocks of color.

Patterned paint can be used either as a

bold accent wall, a striking piece of furni-

ture, an entryway floorcloth (canvas rug)

or as a subtle print used throughout a

space. Painted "wallpaper" was discussed

in a previous article here in Montrose Mir-

ror and represents an excellent example.

Additional samples of both color and pat-

tern are seen here, and can be applied with

either paint or decorative plaster, in two or

three dimensional effects.

As holidays approach you may be look-

ing at your home or workspace and con-

sidering inexpensive ways to freshen the

look.

Painting one wall with colors from the

upcoming trends can do the trick. Restore

some tired furniture with painted effects or

add a floorcloth and removable, reusable

custom painted window or wall decora-

tions for the holiday welcome.

AbbyArts can assist you with all your

decorative painting wishes, including cus-

tom painted gift glassware and candles.

Happy Holidays to all, Abby

PAINT COLORS FOR 2012 INCLUDE LANDSCAPE TONES, PATTERNED PAINTS

FYI...Abby has office space for rent in the Milestone Building on

South Townsend ...perfect studio or professional space, call or

email to schedule viewing!

Contact Abby

Altshuler at

abbyarts@gmail.com

970-327-4464.

DESIGN TRENDS

Page 14 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

Arts & Culture Roundup

Special to the Mirror

OURAY--Weehawken Creative Arts is

really putting down some roots at its busy

new Ouray location. Volunteers have been

working hard all fall to create a children’s

garden on the south end of the old BIOTA

building where Weehawken Ouray is head-

quartered.

“We can hardly wait for spring!” ex-

claimed Weehawken dance instructor Judy

Yeo as snowflakes fell on the freshly

planted garden last week. Yeo, her hus-

band Bill, and WCA founder Susie Opdahl

are the dreamers and worker bees who

have come together to make the vision a

reality.

The finished project will include such

whimsical elements as a fairy garden, bird-

house forest, lollipop garden, a maze, and

a “river of rocks” with a Japanese-style

footbridge crossing over it, that together

will create an enchanting play-land for pint

-sized Weehawken participants.

“Granted, there’s still a lot we need to

do,” said Opdahl, who has used her consid-

erable powers of persuasion over the past

two months to score donated trees, shrubs

and flowering perennials from both Park

Nursery in Ridgway and

Camelot Gardens in Mont-

rose.

Opdahl has been amazed by

the nurseries’ generosity.

“They gave us so much!” she

said. Everything from fruit

trees and aspens to delicate

spirea bushes that will be

perfect for the fairy garden.

It’s been a big job getting it

all planted into the rocky soil

of the Uncompahgre valley

floor, where the best garden-

ing tools have turned out to

be a pick and a pry bar.

“I’d look out the window

and see Susie driving up with another

truckload of trees and groan ‘Here we go

again!’” joked Yeo, who lives across the

street from Weehawken Ouray where she

can really keep an eye on the garden’s pro-

gress. “We were kind of glad to see the

snow, actually, and know that our work is

done for now.”

Community members have become in-

spired by the project and have donated

plants and flowers from their own gardens,

too. More donations will be welcomed,

come spring. Especially in the form of

helping hands! Meanwhile, as the garden

lies dormant through the winter season,

Weehawken will invite local families to

design and create bird houses and giant

lollipops to be “planted” in the garden

when it emerges from the snow next year.

“We’re open to other ideas, as well,”

Opdahl added. “This is definitely not a one

-year project.”

Weehawken Children’s Garden envisioned in Ouray

The Weehawken Garden Plan. Courtesy graphic.

CHILDREN’S AUTHOR SHARES LATEST WITH BRIGHT BEGINNINGS KINDERGARTEN

Special to the Mirror

MONTROSE--Susan Stoltz, accompanied by Sharkey the Dog, visited

Bright Beginnings Preschool and Childcare Center Friday, Nov. 4, to

share her latest book with the kindergarten students. The Adventures of

Sharkey the Dog is a series of books for children ages 3-7. Written through

the eyes of engaging animal characters, the books help children confront

daily challenges and concerns and find solutions. The latest title in the

series is Sharkey Helps ChooChoo. It tells the story of what happened

when Sharkey and her friend ChooChoo were bullied while playing in a

park, and how they solved the problem. Additional titles in the series in-

clude Sharkey Meets Kittyhead and Sharkey Learns to Swim; they can be

found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. For more information visit

www.sharkeypup.com. Courtesy Photo.

Page 15 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

Special to the Mirror

RIDGWAY--The Ouray County 4-H

Event Center, in Ridgway, will be the

place to find Santa Claus during the

Fourth Annual Ouray County Non-Profit

Holiday Bazaar. The bazaar will be open

from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, Nov.

19, 2011

This is the fourth year for this wonderful

event where Local Non-Profit organiza-

tions from all over Ouray County have

been invited set up a booth at the 4-H

Event Center in Ridgway to sell items to

raise money for their individual organiza-

tions, to raise awareness about their organ-

izations, or to build up memberships in

their respective organizations.

Santa Claus will be there all day from

10am until 4pm to greet and hear Holiday

wishes. Second Chance Humane Society

will be taking Holiday Keepsake Photos

of Santa with your Kid(s), Family, and/or

your Pets (Santa Paws).

Lots of Local Non-Profits from both the

Ridgway area and the Ouray area will be

joining in the fun and offering great gifts

just in time for the holidays. As in past

years, Second Chance Humane Society is

co-sponsoring this great event. Please

come and support all our non-profit organ-

izations. This year they include Second

Chance Humane Society, Columbine

Club, Ouray County Elks, Ridgway Rail-

road Museum, Women’s Club of Ouray,

Mt. Hayden Rebehah Lodge #54, Ouray

County Cattlemen’s Association, Ouray

County Rodeo Association, Ouray County

Arts Association, Ouray County Ranch

History Museum, Ridgway Area Chamber

Commerce, the Ouray County Fair Board,

Ridgway Food Pantry, Neighbor to Neigh-

bor, Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation,

Friends of the Ouray Library, and the VA

Veteran’s … plus many more.

Come by on Nov. 19th, 10am to 4pm and

visit with Santa Claus and have your pic-

ture taken with Santa. And, come support

your local Ouray County Non-Profit or-

ganizations. It promises to be a great day.

For more information, please contact

Susan Long, Manager Ouray County 4-H

Event Center 970-626-3304, or Second

Chance Humane Society 970- 626-2273.

POSE WITH YOUR PET AT FOURTH ANNUAL

OURAY COUNTY HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Support local non-profits Nov. 19 at the

Fourth Annual Ouray County Non-profit

holiday bazaar. Courtesy photo.

This year’s Holiday Bazaar is co-sponsored by

Second Chance Humane Society of Ridgway.

Special to the Mirror

MONTROSE – With the arrival of snow

on the western slope, the Montrose Inter-

agency Fire Management Unit (MIFMU)

will begin conducting pile burns to treat

slash from previous mechanical treatments

designed to reduce wildfire risk and im-

prove wildlife habitat. Pile burning is a

type of maintenance burn whereby

wildland fuels are cut, piled, allowed to

dry, and then burned during the winter.

The pile burn sites are associated with

treatments conducted during the past few

years. These sites are located 2 miles NW

of Paonia on BLM-managed lands; 2 miles

N of Ouray on BLM-managed lands; 18

miles SW of Montrose on National Forest

System lands; on the North Rim of Black

Canyon National Park; and in the Pondero-

sa Campground, located in the Soap Creek

area (Curecanti National Recreation Area).

As with all prescribed burns, each of the

proposed pile burns has gone through an

environmental analysis and has a detailed

burn plan. Each burn plan contains specif-

ic criteria regarding weather conditions

and air quality that must be met to help

ensure control of the burn as well as to

minimize the potential smoke impacts to

local communities. A Smoke Permit,

which identifies atmospheric conditions

which the burn can be implemented under,

has been obtained from the Colorado State

Air Pollution Control Division for each of

these projects. Smoke may be visible to

nearby residents for all projects.

Montrose Interagency Fire Plans

to Conduct Several Pile Burns this Winter

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 16

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

MONTROSE-- Delta-Montrose Electric

Association (DMEA), through its Touch-

stone Energy community budget, recently

donated $928 to the Family Support Group

of the 928th Area Support Medical Com-

pany of the Colorado National Guard, a

unit based in Montrose, Colo. The funds

will be used to purchase and ship phone

cards to those serving in Afghanistan so

that they can be in touch with their family

members over the holidays.

The mission of the 928th is to provide

emergency medical treatment, sick call,

and ground ambulance evacuation of

troops. Its approximately 80 members in-

clude medical professionals, educators,

police officers, construction workers and

college students.

DMEA board members Marshall Collins

(left) and Mike Sramek (right) present a

check for $928 to Sharon and Norine of

the Family Readiness Group that supports

the 928th Area Support Medical Company

of the Colorado National Guard.

“Touchstone Energy cooperatives across

the country are committed both to their

communities at home and to our friends

and family members who are making sac-

rifices for us overseas,” said Dan McClen-

don, DMEA’s general manager. “DMEA

is pleased to help some of the families who

are part of our own co-op be in better

touch with their loved ones now serving in

Afghanistan.”

Other persons or businesses interested in

donating to the Family Support Group of

the 928th Area Support Medical Company

of the Colorado National Guard can call

Norine at (970) 252-7769 or Sharon at

(970) 249-9228. Checks can be made pay-

able to the 928th Family Readiness Group

(FRG). Donations by check or phone cards

can also be mailed to: National Guard

Family Program Office, 928th FRG, 482

28 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

DMEA’s Montrose office, located at

11925 6300 Road, is also one of several

drop-off locations accepting Christmas

toys for kids of those serving in uniform.

Santa, along with the Colorado Army Na-

tional Guard's Family Readiness Programs

Office, is gathering toys for military fami-

lies. By donating a new, unwrapped toy

you'll be helping provide wonderful toys to

give to military families that are struggling

during this time of year. A collection box

is located in the Montrose office lobby;

toys will be accepted thru Dec. 12, 2011.

DMEA/ Touchstone Energy helps Colo. Nat. Guard unit

stay in touch with their families this holiday season

DMEA board members Marshall Collins (left) and Mike Sramek (right) present a check for

$928 to Sharon and Norine of the Family Readiness Group that supports the 928th Area Sup-

port Medical Company of the Colorado National Guard.

THE MONTROSE MIRROR WISHES TO THANK ALL UNITED

STATES VETERANS...PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE...FOR

RISKING YOUR OWN LIVES TO KEEP AMERICA FREE.

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 17

Advertisement

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 18

Every election, we as voters get excited

about casting our votes, some elections

being more interesting than others. This

last one was no exception, although next

year will be much more dramatic than this

past one. Behind the scenes and forced to

comply with unbelievable rules, regula-

tions and state required mandates are the

local County Clerks and their staff. This

past election, the Secretary of State's re-

quirements were changing up until just

weeks before the election itself. The heavi-

est burden falls upon the Clerks from

smaller counties like Montrose, Ouray, San

Miguel and San Juan since they are held to

the same standards and rules of the better-

funded and larger counties like Jefferson

and Douglas.

Long before election day, the Clerks were

enlisting volunteer election judges, contin-

uously updating voter registration like

changes of address and party affiliation,

designing and ordering ballots, outgoing

and return envelopes, and digesting the

ever-changing mandates from the Secre-

tary of State. For mail-in ballots, like this

last election, the returned envelopes are

scanned into the computers, using bar

codes on the outside of the envelope. Sig-

natures are then compared to those on file

to be certain that the addressee signed the

return envelope and was entitled to cast the

vote. While the actual ballots are counted

only once by means of an E-scanner, the

physical ballots and return envelopes are

counted numerous times to be certain that

a myriad of security checks and informa-

tional requirements are being met. The

actual requirements that every Clerk, staff

and volunteer must comply with are in

print a half inch thick. In the midst of this,

there are always unforeseen and unpredict-

able crisis, like vendors putting folds on

the bar codes, necessitating 300 duplicate

ballots to be prepared and cast, unforeseen

supplier problems and unpredictable me-

chanical difficulties.

We are very fortunate to have Fran Tip-

ton-Long in Montrose County and

Michelle Nauer in Ouray County. They are

hard working dedicated public servants in

the true sense. Appreciate them and all

Colorado County Clerks for their work

during each election. They make our elec-

tive system of government work, although

the same cannot always be said of the offi-

cials that are elected.

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Send news releases and photos to montrosemirror@gmail.com.

Call 970-275-5791 for ad rates and information.

UNSUNG HEROES OF EVERY ELECTION

GUEST EDITORIAL BY JOHN W. NELSON

MONTROSE--Efforts for what would be

Montrose’s first-ever Community Recrea-

tion Center will culminate in the presenta-

tion of the final project plan Wednesday

November 16th at 1pm (at the MRD

Aquatic center, 25 Colorado Ave.) and

6pm (at the MHS Cafeteria, 600 S.

Selig). The task force, appointed by the

Board of Directors in April, will be making

a final recommendation of the MRD Board

of Directors after the meetings. The BOD

will then decide how to proceed during

upcoming board meetings on December 1st

and December 8th.

The possible center is 72490 square feet

and includes an elevated indoor walking

jogging track, a multi-court gymnasium, a

fitness area and weight room, an aerobics

studio, child watch, a warm water indoor

leisure pool with lazy river, zero depth

entry, spa, and slides, a cooler water 8 lane

lap pool, and games room. The center

components meet the highest priority

needs as indicated by the results of the

2011 Community Survey and the Needs

Assessment Survey of 2005 as well as the

results of the public meetings held earlier

in the process. This would make the

Montrose CRC similar in size to Durango

and bigger than the recreation centers in

Delta, Cortez, Gunnison and Fruita.

The plan also includes an idea that came

directly from the Facility Design commit-

tee of the Citizen’s Task Force: renovation

on the existing facility, converting the in-

door pool space to an indoor multi-use turf

sports field.

This would enable sports such as soccer,

lacrosse and volleyball to be played in-

doors, year round regardless of daylight or

temperature.

This facility, with the existing multi-

purpose rooms, lobby and outdoor pool,

would complement the amenities in the

new Community Recreation Center.

REC DISTRICT TO PRESENT FINAL PROJECT PLAN

The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11 Page 19

volunteer opportunities for families as

well. To learn more, visit the web site

www.voa.org.

The staff at Hospice and Palliative Care

of Western Colorado are so accustomed

to thinking of ways they can better serve

the community, that coming up with a Hol-

iday wish list was not easy, noted Director

of Community Relations Nancy Hoganson.

However, there are some specific ways that

local residents can help support Hospice.

Shoppers who prowl the racks and make

purchases at Heirlooms for Hospice (435

East Main St.) support the non-profit’s

vital role in bringing solace and care to

Western Slope residents—and their loved

ones—at life’s end. Donations of furniture

and gently-used items to Heirlooms for

Hospice are also greatly appreciated.

“Families can designate their memorials

to go to Hospice & Palliative Care of

Western Colorado when a loved one dies,

fund Lifelines for patients, or donate to our

Gala silent auction in March,” Hoganson

said.

To learn more about Hospice & Palliative

Care in Western Colorado, visit

www.hospicewco.com.

Perhaps one of the most vital programs in

the Valley is the Kids Aid Backpack pro-

gram, which is overseen in Montrose by

Colleen Geery. Kids Aid makes sure that

no child goes hungry over the weekend

when there is no school meal program.

Perhaps the most beneficial way to support

Kids Aid is with a cash donation, allowing

the program to purchase specific foods that

best meet children’s needs, Geery said.

”It costs about $4.85 per backpack, per

week, per child,” she said. “A person can

sponsor a child for about $20 a month.”

Food donations are appreciated; however,

there are restrictions on the types of food

given to children, and all food must be

easily and safely prepared by a kindergar-

tener.

“I make sure that all cans have pop-tops,

that the foods are convenient/non-

perishable and easily and safely prepared

(need no knives or other sharp objects to

open) etc.,” Geery said. “Currently we put

in the weekly back pack two packages of

macaroni and cheese, one Chef Boyardee

pasta meal, two oatmeal packs, one nut

pack, one vegetable or fruit juice, two

granola bars, one tuna and cracker pack, a

fruit cup and a pudding. We buy all our

food from Sam’s Club, and we do not buy

food with high fructose corn syrup, Splen-

da or aspartame.”

HELP LOCAL NON-PROFITS MAKE WISHES COME TRUE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...Continued from page 4

Piedmont means the foot of the mountain, the valleys below are rich and fertile—and the local wines outstanding. Try our four-course regional meal for $25, pair wine with each course for $15.

From Meatloaf to Trout…

we’re open for dinner.

Come dine with us this week as we visit Piemonte, Italy…

We’re located next to the Simpson Gallery, across from DeVinny Jewelers at 320 East Main Street in Montrose. Open Monday through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Call 970-252-1152 for reservations. www.simmerfoodandwine.com.

Thanks for reading the

Montrose Mirror...your

source for business

news in your community!

Advertisement

Page 20 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

Advertisement

MONTROSE COUNTY UPDATES AND INFORMATION...

MONTROSE--On Wednesday, Nov. 16th the Montrose County Health & Human Services Environ-

mental Department will host a free Radon awareness and prevention class at noon at the Montrose Re-

gional Library located at 320 S. Second Street. A second class will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30th at

5 p.m. at Montrose Health & Human Services located at 1845 S. Townsend Avenue.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Free Radon test kits will be available for those in at-

tendance. These classes are a prelude to January Radon Awareness Month and are appropriate since

houses are closed up in the winter months causing a potential for the odorless, colorless gas to reach

unsafe levels. The presenter will be Richard Thompson, Montrose County’s Environmental Health

Manager. Thompson will provide information about the prevalence of the hazard in Montrose County,

the ease of testing your home, and information on how to prevent it in your home. WHO: Montrose

County Health & Human Services Environmental Health Manager, Richard Thompson

WHAT: Radon Awareness & Prevention Classes

WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, Nov. 16th at noon. at Montrose Regional Library, Wednesday, Nov.

30 at 5 p.m. at Montrose County Health and Human Services Department, Boardroom

DON’T FORGET ONE BUDGET REVIEW MEETING REMAINS!

WHEN AND WHERE--Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.Friendship Hall1001 N. 2nd Street, Mont-

rose, CO 81401

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at 6 p.m. Friendship Hall, 1001 N. 2nd Street, Montrose, CO 81401 The budget

is scheduled to be adopted on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Nucla Town Hall. Per state

statue the final budget must be adopted by Thursday, December 15th and presented to the state by

January 31, 2012.

The public and the media are encouraged to attend these budget meetings.

Montrose County Hosts Radon Awareness

Classes, Budget Meeting

Page 21 The Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

Special to the Mirror

MONTROSE--Talented local dancers from

Ouray County, Montrose, Silverton and

Telluride usher in the holiday season at the

Montrose Pavilion on Dec. 2 and 3, in

Weehawken Dance’s enchanting annual

production of The Nutcracker.

Under the artistic direction of Natasha

Pyeatte, the show has become an eagerly-

anticipated Christmas tradition in the re-

gion over the past five years. It presents

highlights from Tchaikovsky's traditional

Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker Suite,

and features about 125 dancers (ages 2.5

through adult), in a production that is as

lavish as Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, it-

self.

Principal dancers Marialexa Kavanaugh

(partnered by Jesse Weaver), and Natasha

Hill dazzle as the Sugar-Plum Fairy and

Snow Queen, respectively, while Hunter

Clapsadl dons pink satin toe-shoes to re-

prise the roll of Clara, partnered by Nut-

cracker Prince Morgan Wright. Other

lead dancers include Kendall Mueller as

Fritz, Jordan Leo as the Christmas Tree

Angel; Alexandria Ludian as the Colum-

bine Doll, Alyssa Ludian as the Jack in the

Box, Mackenzie Gibbs as Chinese Tea

and Abby Purcell as the Dew Drop Fairy.

Historically, Weehawken Dance has uti-

lized the Wright Opera House in Ouray for

its performances. The decision to shift The

Nutcracker to the Montrose Pavilion this

year was a difficult one, driven by inade-

quate backstage space at the 120-year-old

Wright Opera House, explained Wee-

hawken Creative Arts Executive Director

Ashley King.

“Those who have been involved with

Weehawken Dance since its beginnings in

2007 have seen an evolution of our shows’

cast size from 40 to 120-plus, and the chal-

lenges we’ve faced in finding adequate

storage of students backstage at the Wright

from semester to semester,” King ex-

plained.

Performances of The Nutcracker are held

Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale

now at www.weehawkenarts.org and many

local outlets. Tickets for general admission

are available in Ouray at Khristopher's

Culinaire, Buckskin Booksellers and

Mouses Chocolates; in Ridgway at Cimar-

ron Books and Coffee and Weehawken

Ridgway; and in Montrose at Montrose

Bank South and at Tiffany Etc. General

Admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10

for seniors (65+) and $8 for children 12

and under. In addition, reserved section

seating is available (rows 1-6, center sec-

tion) through Weehawken Creative Arts in

the price range of $22-$25. Patrons can

access these reserved section seats at

www.weehawkenarts.org or by calling 970

-318-0150.

Friday night, Dec. 2, Weehawken Dance

also hosts a special pre-show party and

fundraiser at The Hampton Inn prior to the

Nutcracker performance. Be a child's Sug-

arplum Fairy! Come join Weehawken at

the Hampton Inn, in Montrose from 4:45-

6:30 p.m. (1980 North Townsend, Mont-

rose) before the show. You'll enjoy hors

d'oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar, while

raising funds for the Weehawken Dance

Scholarship program. Tickets for the spe-

cial event are $15 and do not include a

ticket for the performance. Festivities wrap

up in plenty of time to head to the Pavilion

to enjoy the performance. Tickets for the

special event are available through Wee-

hawken Creative Arts or through Wee-

hawken Company Dance members.

Weehawken Dance’s parent organization,

Weehawken Creative Arts, is a non-profit

501c3 organization based in Ouray County

with dance programs in Montrose and

Ouray County.

The organization was founded in 2004

and offers an impressive array classes and

workshops year-round to adults and chil-

dren in the arts and programs of personal

growth.

Arts & Culture Roundup

WEEHAWKEN DANCE TO PRESENT

THE NUTCRACKER AT PAVILION THIS SEASON

The cast of the 2010 Weehawken production of The Nutcracker. Courtesy photo.

A scene from the 2010 production of The Nut-

cracker by Weehawken Dance. Courtesy photo.

Montrose Mirror 11-2-11 Page 22

Advertisement

MONTROSE--On Monday, Nov. 21st,

Montrose ACT is putting Montrose Bucks,

our community currency, on sale! What

makes this currency exchange different is

that you’ll get more “bang for your buck”.

Montrose ACT is offering pricing that will

infuse the local economy with more cash.

The guidelines have changed, here is what

you can look forward to; the incentive is

20%, the minimum purchase is $100, and

the maximum purchase is $1,000 per fami-

ly. For example, if you purchase $500 you

will receive an additional $100 in “bonus

bucks”. The sale runs through Friday,

December 2nd, OR until we have reached

our ceiling of $50,000 in sales. Montrose

Bucks can be purchased with cash or

check. The Montrose ACT office is open

8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday;

however it will be closed November 23rd

and 24th in observance of Thanksgiving.

Montrose Bucks are an incentive to shop

local and are accepted like cash by most

Montrose businesses. Montrose Bucks

can be purchased by individuals, business-

es and organizations for a variety of uses.

This time of year Montrose Bucks make

fantastic gifts! This is also a great oppor-

tunity to connect our local currency to the

Montrose Local Card. On Friday, No-

vember 25th, we invite the community to

gather at the steps of the Montrose County

Courthouse at 5:30PM for the Community

Tree Lighting. The tree will be truly daz-

zling as it is lit up for the first time with

5,000 new LED lights. Also on tap for the

event are the presentation of colors by the

NJROTC, performances by members of

the MHS Belcanto Choir and Dance

Around, reading of Twas the Night Before

Christmas by Amy McBride, Develop-

ment Officer for the Montrose Regional

Library District, and of course the arrival

of Santa Claus! The children can visit

with Santa at Santa’s Cabin beginning at 7

PM or see the schedule for Santa’s Cabin

and the North Pole at Oxbow Crossing at

www.visitmontrose.com.

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

MONTROSE ACT RINGS IN JOY OF SEASON WITH HOLIDAY EVENTS

MONTROSE—Local authors Charlie and Diane Winger will

hold a book signing at Hastings in Montrose on Saturday,

Dec.3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.., and will sign copies of their

latest release, “Because It’s There—A Photographic Jour-

ney.” All five titles will also be available at the event. Their

books can also be ordered online through their web bookstore

at http://WingerBookstore.com, and through most major

booksellers.

LOCAL AUTHORS TO HOLD BOOK SIGNING

Local authors Charlie and Diane Winger at the Black Canyon.

Courtesy Photo by Alisa Stevens.

Montrose Mirror 11-2-11 Page 23

Advertisement

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Special to the Mirror

MONTROSE--Montrose Memorial

Hospital was chosen from more than

1,700 hospitals nationwide to receive the

2011 T-System Client Excellence

Award. T-System, Inc., the industry lead-

er in clinical, business and IT solutions for

emergency medicine, annually recognizes

hospitals that have most effectively used

its solutions to improve the quality of pa-

tient care, operational processes and finan-

cial results in the emergency department

(ED). “We are thrilled to receive this pres-

tigious award as a result of the hard work

and progress made over the past year to

improve our emergency department and

the work lives of our dedicated emergency

medical professionals,” said Dr. David

Dreitlein, Medical Director of the MMH

Emergency Department . “Using T-

System solutions has helped our physi-

cians, nurses and staff provide efficient

patient care and excellent patient follow-

up communication with other physicians

in our community.”

In recognition of Montrose Memorial

Hospital’s accomplishments, T-System

will make a donation to a hospital founda-

tion or charity in Montrose Memorial Hos-

pital’s name. The hospital will also receive

a commemorative plaque and special

recognition at the 2012 T-System linkED

user conference.

“Congratulations to Montrose Memorial

Hospital for being chosen as a 2011 T-

System Client Excellence Award recipient

in demonstrating superior patient care and

financial improvements in attaining their

goals,” said Sunny Sanyal, T-System chief

executive officer. “Their commitment to

the use of technology to enhance the prac-

tice of emergency medicine is an inspira-

tion to all hospitals. Montrose Memorial

Hospital’s deployment, use of our solu-

tions and outstanding collaboration with T

-System employees is both exemplary and

a best practice in emergency depart-

ments.”

Board Certified Emergency Physician Dr.

Blake Walker doing patient charting with

the T-System. Courtesy photo.

MONTROSE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES

T-SYSTEM CLIENT EXCELLENCE AWARD

Montrose Mirror 11-2-11 Page 24

HONORABLE MENTION…

The Montrose Mirror sends our regards to the following

individuals and organizations:

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

To the City of Montrose, for creating a Youth Leadership Council, and to the young people who are giving their time to make

it happen. Pictured are Youth Council members Sierra Winfrey – Mayor, Zhado Trumbo – Secretary, Mikayla Unruh –

Treasurer, Riley Draper – Historian, Ty Cary, Zhaman Trumbo and Tristen Huser. Courtesy photo.

To the Montrose Walgreens, for raising $5,726 on behalf of Children’s Hospital—more than was

raised by all but five of the state’s 164 Walgreens Pharmacies!

To Brian Scranton of GrahamSpencer Communications for sharing his expertise and sense of humor

at the Brand Building with Brian Scranton Seminar at Region 10 on Nov. 8., to Juli Messenger for

helping organize this fun and educational event, to Colorado Boy Brewing, the Region 10 League for

Economic Assistance & Planning and Great Harvest Bakery, and to everyone who showed up to learn

and take part!

To Montrose Small Business Development Center Counselor Erica Lewis Kennedy, for giving the

Montrose Mirror some industry-specific design guidance and greatly appreciated counsel...call Erica’s

company, Elk Media Services, at 970-596-3580, or visit them online at www.elkmediaservices.com.

To greatly-missed Montrose Radio reporter Janine Mayfield, who sends her regards to friends and

Mirror readers from the wilds of Ohio…

To U.S. Veterans, for making freedom possible.

Montrose Mirror 11-2-11 Page 25

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—Virgil Valencia doesn’t

give much time or thought to local poli-

tics—as a county employee, he is too busy

running heavy equipment, making sure the

plumbing works, and changing out light

bulbs.

Today, Valencia handles maintenance at

the Montrose County Fairgrounds. How-

ever, he has also worked at the Montrose

Airport, at Montrose County Health &

Human Services, and at the Justice Center

over the past 13 years.

“I like it,” Valencia said. “I like the vari-

ety, and the chance to move around. I like

doing whatever needs done.”

With events such as the Montrose Coun-

ty Fair, rodeos, carnivals, the circus, nu-

merous craft shows and two gun shows a

year, keeping Friendship Hall and the

Fairgrounds in top shape is a challenge

that varies from day to day.

Valencia, a lifelong resident of Montrose

and father of three, acquired his extensive

skill set the old-fashioned way—one hour

at a time.

“I have a good boss, Terry Smith,” Va-

lencia said. “He has a lot of patience.”

At the Fairgrounds, Valencia works with

a staff of roughly nine, including fellow

Montrose native John Distel.

“We work our butts off every day,” Dis-

tel said, “taking care of the public and

making sure everything works the way it

should . I grew up in 4H and FFA (Future

Farmers of America) myself, and as far as

I am concerned they are two of the best

programs out there for our youth.”

Both Distel and Valencia agree that be-

ing appreciated by the community is what

makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Valencia said he has no plans to leave

Montrose, because there is no place better.

“I can fish, I can hunt,” he said, “pretty

much everything I need is right here, in

these mountains.”

MONTROSE COUNTY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

FACILITIES TECHNICIAN VIRGIL VALENCIA

By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—Sure, it has all the trap-

pings of a gorgeous Holiday party—

beautiful, decorated Christmas trees, deli-

cious refreshments, silent auction items,

and the chance to enjoy festivities with

neighbors and friends.

And yet, when Altrusa hosts its Annual

Holiday Festival and Gifts Fundraiser on

Nov. 18, it will be more than just another

sparkling soiree.

Money raised at the Holiday Festival will

go toward the various programs that Altru-

sa supports on behalf of the community.

“I believe this is an opportunity,” said

Altrusan Karen Connor, “for Montrose to

support the various local projects, scholar-

ships, and programs that Altrusa helps

fund.”

"We are excited to have another oppor-

tunity to raise funds to give back through

our local service programs, scholarships

and International Foundation Projects,”

said Bobbi Brown, 2011 Altrusa Holiday

Festival and Gifts Chair.

“I invite everyone (age 21 or older) to

join us next Friday evening for this festive

event!"

This year’s Holiday Festival will take

place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Wells Far-

go Bank (400 Main St.) in Montrose, and

will be open to guests 21 and over to enjoy

catered appetizers, wine, beer and non-

alcoholic beverages.

Those unable to attend the event can still

bid on a Christmas tree-- advance public

viewing and bidding is available Nov. 14--

18 during Wells Fargo lobby hours.

A $20 per person donation is requested at

the door the evening of the festival.

New for this year, decorated trees have

been placed at several other locations in

town for viewing and silent auction.

Locations include Alpine Bank (1400

East Main), Bank of the West (401 East

Main), Timberline Bank (1561 Oxbow

Dr.), Vectra Bank (1200 South Townsend),

Montrose Memorial Hospital.

Montrose County Facilities

Technician Virgil Valencia

ALTRUSA TO HOST ANNUAL HOLIDAY

FESTIVAL AND GIFTS FUNDRAISER

Stop by the Altrusa Annual Holiday Festival

& Gifts Fundraiser Nov. 18 for that perfect,

one-of-a-kind gift you’ve been searching for.

Photo by Claire Clemens.

Page 26 Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Advertisement

Special to the Mirror

WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Scott Tip-

ton’s (R-CO) bill (H.R. 2621) to elevate

the historic and culturally significant

Chimney Rock to National Monument

status received a hearing in the House

Natural Resources Subcommittee on Na-

tional Parks, Forest and Public Lands to-

day.

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), who

has introduced similar legislation in the

Senate, testified at the legislative hearing,

as did former Crow Canyon Archeological

Center President and CEO Ricky Light-

foot. The next step for the bill will be a

House Natural Resources Committee

markup. “Chimney Rock is considered by

the historic preservation community and

the archeological community to be one of

the most significant archeological sites in

the Western United States, however, many

Coloradans may have never heard of the

historic treasure right in our own back-

yard,” Tipton told the Subcommittee.

“This designation will increase attention

and interest and create new tourism oppor-

tunities for the Four Corners area, poten-

tially generating badly needed revenue and

expand potential for new jobs in the

Southwest Colorado region ravaged by

double-digit unemployment.” “Chimney

Rock has incredible historical and cultural

significance. Yet the site lacks a designa-

tion equal to that stature,” Bennet said in

his testimony. “This legislation will pro-

vide much-needed protection, and much-

deserved recognition, for the site. Passage

of this bill will also provide increased

tourism and economic development in

southwest Colorado.

“Put simply, a National Monument des-

ignation is warranted for Chimney Rock

and that new designation will drive eco-

nomic development and job creation

throughout the region.”

TIPTON, BENNET TESTIFY FOR DESIGNATION OF

CHIMNEY ROCK AS NATIONAL MUNUMENT

Page 27 Montrose Mirror 11-16-11

OUT AND ABOUT IN MONTROSE…

Artful Friends members Larry Sudduth and Sharon Marolf

(above) enjoy painting at Camelot Gardens on Sarurday

afternoon. Camelot Gardens hosted its Annual Holiday

Open House (at right) Nov. 12-13. Photos by Dave Bernier.

Montrose Mirror Photographer Dave Bernier captured this buck in a corn field

near Spring Creek Road.

John Lindh and Claudia Bishop at the grand opening

of the Blue Table (1135 East Main St.) on Nov. 3. Pho-

to by Claire Clemens.

Advertisement

Email Us!

montrosemirror@gmail.com

Region 10 Enterprise Center

300 North Cascade

Suite G-2

Montrose, CO 81401

970-275-5791

www.montrosemirror.com

Stay in touch with commerce in your

community...read the Montrose Mirror!

Hold the Date! Upcoming Business & Cultural Events Ongoing—

Thursdays, SMART Recovery meets at 7 pm., at the Center for Mental Health, 605 E. Miami Drive, in Montrose.

Nov. 16—Wine dinner to benefit Dolphin House, Stone House Restaurant. Call 970-240-8899.

Nov. 16—Community Rec Center Public Meetings, 1 p.m. at Montrose Aquatic Center (25 Colorado Ave.), 6 p.m. at Montrose High

School Cafeteria (600 South Selig).

Nov. 16—Eat Like A Pilgrim (Or a Wampanoag)--Mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce weren't on the first Thanksgiving menu.

Come taste what was...4-5:30 p.m. at the Montrose Library.

Nov. 17—MCF Non-profit Before Hours/Montrose ACT Good Morning Montrose, Montrose ACT (1519 E. Main St.), 7 to 8:30

a.m..

Nov. 18—Altrusa’s Annual Holiday Festival & Gifts, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank (400 Main St.)

Nov. 19—Fourth Annual Ouray County Non-profit Holiday Bazaar, Ouray County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 19—Dreamcatcher Therapy Denim and Diamonds Fundraiser, 6 to 10:30 p.m. Montrose Pavilion (1800 Pavilion Dr.). Admis-

sion is $20.

Nov. 19-20—Art on Trout Road (68408 Trout Road), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 970-249-4293 for more information.

Nov. 21—Panel presentation on the history of SB 126, proposed Colorado legislation that would allow all of Colorado’s high school

graduates to attend Colorado colleges at the in-state tuition rate, regardless of their legal status. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friendship Hall.

Nov. 24—17th Annual Thanksgiving Friends Celebration, Friendship Hall. For meal delivery call 970-249-8298 (between 9am and

2pm) to get your name on the list prior to Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 25—Tree Lighting Ceremony, County Building Steps, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 25-26—Basement Boutique Craft Show & Sale, Montrose Pavilion (1800 Pavilion Dr.), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4

p.m. Saturday.

Nov. 25-26—First Annual Christmas Stroll Down Main Street. Meet your friends Downtown for festive shopping events at partici-

pating stores while enjoying hot drinks and treats. Most stores will be open until 9 p.m!

Dec. 1—Montrose County Budget Review Meeting, Friendship Hall, 6 p.m.

Dec. 2-3—Weehawken Dance presents The Nutcracker at the Montrose Pavilion. Www.weehawkenarts.org. for tickets and info.

Dec. 3—Merriment on Main Street, Downtown Montrose, 3 to 5 p.m. Enjoy carolers, goodies, discounts, drawings and fun activities

for all ages. Voting for the Gingerbread House & Best Window Display contest will be held at A+Y Gallery (513 E Main St.) The

winners will be announced at the Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 3—San Juan Senior Apartment Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 1650 Church St. San Juan Apts, (behind Mur-

doch’s). Vendors will include: Local Crafters, Avon, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Silpada Jewelry, Thirty One Gifts, Miche Bags, Day-

spring Farm and Tastefully Simple, Cash & Carry products available, orders place will be in before Christmas. Please contact Amy

Rowan for more information 970-252-3431.

Dec. 3—Parade of Lights. Main Street.

Dec. 14—Montrose County to adopt 2012 budget, Nucla Town Hall. 10:30 a.m.

Clockwise from top left, Cody Russell and his dogs

Fenix, left, and Jade, right, get ready for the Mont-

rose Pet Parade to start.

Top, Chandler Maddison, left, and Randilyn Mad-

dison with their dogs Jazzy, and Shadaisy.

Bottom left, the Pet Parade heads Down Main

Street on Saturday, Nov. 5. The Pet Parade was a

creative fundraiser for the Montrose High School

Speech Team and Future Farmers of America

(FFA). Photos by Dave Bernier.