Colorado Country Life March 2017 by American MainStreet Publications

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[contents] 4

VIEWPOINT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY EVENTS

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

NEWS CLIPS

INDUSTRY

COVER STORY

RECIPES

GARDENING

OUTDOORS

FUNNY STORIES

DISCOVERIES

MARCH 2017 Volume 48, Number 03

“Frosty Morning” by William Helms of Buena Vista.

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[cover] Karalee Sutterlin of Grand Junction works in the operating room aboard the Africa Mercy ship. Photo courtesy of Mercy Ships.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COLORADO RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Cassi Gloe, Designer; cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland, Ad Rep; advertising@coloradocountrylife.org Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216-1731. Individual subscription rate: $9 per year for Colorado residents or $15 per year for out-of-state residents, taxes and postage included. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. © Copyright 2016, Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. Subscribers: Report change of address to your local cooperative. Do not send change of address to Colorado Country Life. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Advertising Standards: Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual. EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 | mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org | coloradocountrylife.coop | facebook.com/COCountryLife | Twitter. com/COCountryLife | Pinterest.com/COCountryLife | YouTube.com/ COCountryLife1 Advertising: advertising@coloradocountrylife.org | 303-902-7276 National Advertising Representative: National Country Market | 611 S. Congress Street, Suite 504 | Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181

Posted on Colorado Country Life: Our list of art co-ops around Colorado is growing. Check these out and support the local art community: http://buff.ly/2kK8IF1

INSTAGRAM PIC OF THE MONTH

Colorado Country Life posted: We love

seeing where our readers take the magazine! This is Mel and Rosanne F. of Falcon on a Star Trek cruise.

MONTHLY CONTEST

@COCountryLife: Feb 13 — CoBank CEO Tom Halverson presents a check to Kent Singer, executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association.

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Cook up and share Buffalo Chicken Dip as you watch the Final Four during March Madness.

Post a photo on our Facebook page of your favorite spot to enjoy a cup of coffee to enter a drawing for a sample case of Solar Roast Coffee featured in Discoveries. Find complete directions on how to enter under “Contests” at coloradocountrylife.coop.

[viewpoint]

Colorado’s Electric Co-ops: Today’s Laboratories of Technology BY KENT SINGER CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once commented that state governments are the “laboratories of democracy.” He was referring to the fact that each of the 50 states is free to adopt different policies to see how they work without impacting the rest of the country. If an idea is successful, it may be implemented in other states. Similarly, Colorado’s electric co-ops are “laboratories of technology.” Many of our members are trying new approaches to providing electricity and other services, and they are deploying new technology at a dizzying pace. A couple years ago, the Colorado Rural Electric Association produced a video that highlighted some of the innovative projects initiated by electric co-ops across the state. Those projects included community solar arrays, small hydropower projects, coal mine methane, biomass plants and utility-scale wind and solar. Even though that video is just two years old, it’s already out of date in terms of adequately depicting the continuing explosion of electric co-op ingenuity and innovation all over Colorado. In 2017, Colorado’s electric co-ops will continue to push the envelope when it comes to integrating distributed generation resources and developing policies and technologies that benefit their member-owners. In central Colorado, Gunnison County Electric Association is leading the charge (pun intended) when it comes to enabling the use of electric or hybrid electric vehicles. GCEA installed, with the help of a grant from the Colorado Energy Office, electric car battery chargers in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Lake City. Electric car owners can plug into the chargers at no cost and recharge their batteries. For the last several years, GCEA also incorporated electric cars into its fleet and provided its members with an GCEA invites members to drive its Chevrolet opportunity to drive an electric Spark EV so they can experience the benefits of car at its summer driving an electric vehicle firsthand. annual meeting. GCEA is looking ahead to a future where more electric cars are on the road and is doing its part to facilitate these technologies. Another hot topic in the electricity world is energy storage. Every year at its Energy Innovations Summit, CREA presents a panel of experts talking about the latest developments in storage technology and how those technologies will impact utility operations in the future. This year, several electric co-ops have plans to develop pilot projects to examine electricity storage. Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association was awarded a grant from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to test var4

MARCH 2017

ious technologies, including battery Kent Singer storage, as part of a two-year study of energy services that would benefit co-op member-owners. PVREA will examine not only storage, but also energy-efficient lighting technologies, geothermal energy and new solar technology. Of course, the continuing decline in the costs of solar power also affects the decisions of Colorado’s co-ops. In addition to the increasing penetration of customer-sited solar, many larger, utility-scale projects are also being added by co-ops. Intermountain Rural Electric Association recently energized a 13-megawatt utility-scale solar project in its service territory. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the power supplier for 18 of Colorado’s 22 co-ops, also bet big on solar. In addition to a 30-MW project in northern New Mexico, another 30-MW solar farm in Las Animas County is providing electricity to Tri-State members. This year, six electric co-ops (Highline, Y-W, Mountain Parks, K.C., Mountain View and Morgan County) will work with the Rocky Mountain Institute to aggregate their systems in a solar offering to vendors in the 10- to 15-MW range. RMI will issue requests for proposals this spring, and a vendor will be selected later this year. The expectation is that the large solar arrays will be integrated into the co-op distribution systems and online by late 2018. Grand Valley Power was the first co-op in Colorado to build a community solar array specifically intended to help low-income co-op members. Working with a nonprofit called GRID Alternatives, Grand Valley energized its first array back in 2015 and is now helping its members save on their electric bills with carbon-free electricity. Last year, five more Colorado co-ops (Delta-Montrose, Gunnison County, Holy Cross, San Miguel Power and Yampa Valley) also worked with GRID Alternatives to build community solar in their service territories. Electric co-op innovation in Colorado is not limited to energy production. Recognizing a need in many parts of rural Colorado for access to high-speed internet, several co-ops founded telecommunications subsidiaries to meet the needs of their members. Southeast Colorado Power, San Luis Valley, Delta-Montrose and La Plata are all providing broadband services to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Several other co-ops are engaged in feasibility studies to see if they, too, should provide telecom services to their members. Solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, energy efficiency, energy storage, automated meters, broadband: Colorado’s electric co-ops are embracing new technologies and services at an unprecedented rate. We have been leaders in technology and innovation for over 75 years, and we’ll continue to find ways to provide value and service to our members in the years ahead.

Kent Singer, Executive Director coloradocountrylife.coop

[letters]

Barbie Business

I enjoyed your article on Barbie (December ’16). I teach business classes at Front Range Community College and plan to use this article for one of the critical thinking assignments, and as inspiration for my entrepreneurial students. Lori Juszak Front Range Business Department My three sisters and I grew up with Barbie but as many toys go, the dolls eventually were given away for others to enjoy. Even so, my younger sister started collecting intermittent holiday edition Barbies in 1984, and now proudly displays 28 in her home. I mailed her the article, which was a fun read and greatly appreciated. Agnes Eytchison, Durango Our first three children were girls and (remembering my “city” childhood) I bought dolls for them. I soon realized that all they did with dolls was stuff them into toy pickups, trucks and horse trailers and haul them away. These girls are all in their 50s now and probably don’t remember their “doll play”; I do. I had no idea so much fun could be had hauling dolls in toy trucks. Mary McElroy, Kremmling

IS THIS THE PERFECT RANCH HOME?

This 1680 sq. ft. home features a tiled, walk-in shower, a baker’s dream kitchen, and a huge utility room. All of our plans, including this one can be customized. How would you make this house your home? 1-800-759-2782 | WWW.HERITAGEHOMESOFNE.COM Morton_COCountryLife_3.17_Layout 1 2/3/17 10:15 AM Page 1

Book Bounty

Thank you for the book donation. The Wray Library appreciated them and the delivery from the Y-W Electric staff. Shara Berghuis, Wray Public Library

BUILT STRONGER. LOOKS BETTER. LASTS LONGER.

History Lesson

As a teacher for almost 30 years, I highly enjoyed and appreciated the article “Yoked With History” (January ’17). It is refreshing to learn of someone preserving an important part of our nation’s past, bringing it into the present and saving it for our future. D. Duane Esarey, Yoder In all my reading about the Old West and the expansion into it, I don’t think I ever saw anything about what breeds were used to pull the wagons. I think it is great that people today recognize the value in preserving this historic breed. Terry Courtright, Elbert

Got something to say? We welcome letters to the editor. Send your letter to Editor Mona Neeley at 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or at mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. coloradocountrylife.coop

#4351

When you build with Morton, you build something that lasts. A Morton stands the test of time—we’ve been at this for more than 110 years after all. What got us here is simple: our materials, our people and a warranty that beats all others.

800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com

MARCH 2017

[community events] [March] Through April 2 Fort Collins “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs” Exhibit Museum of Discovery fcmod.org March 3-25 Lafayette “Blood Privilege” Theater Performance Theater Company of Lafayette 800-838-3006 • tclstage.org March 10-12 Fountain Spencer’s Garden Success Show Spencer’s Produce, Lawn & Garden Centers 719-392-2726 pikespeakrosesociety.org March 10-12 Nederland Frozen Dead Guy Days Various Nederland Locations frozendeadguydays.org March 10-12 San Luis Valley Monte Vista Crane Festival Various San Luis Valley Locations Registration Deadline: March 8 719-852-2731 • mvcranefest.org March 11 Beulah Walk Your Dog Hike Mountain Park Environmental Center 1 pm • 719-485-4444 March 11 Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Downtown Colorado Springs csstpats.com March 11 Denver Introduction to Herbalism Class Denver Botanic Gardens 2-4 pm • botanicgardens.org March 11-12 Durango Children’s Consignment Sale La Plata County Fairgrounds 9 am-5 pm • 970-749-5582 March 15-19 Aspen Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals Aspen Snowmass aspensnowmass.com

MARCH 2017

March 15 Durango “Soup for the Soul” Fundraiser La Plata County Fairgrounds 5:30-8 pm • 970-764-2800 March 17-19 Boulder “The Magic Flute” Theater Performance CU Boulder Macky Auditorium 303-492-8008 • cupresents.org March 17-18 Durango Spring Book Sale Durango Public Library 9:30 am-5 pm • nancypeake@ durango.net March 17 Durango St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Train Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 888-872-4607 • durangotrain.com March 17 Granby Women’s History Month Celebration Granby County Airport 11 am-2 pm • 970-887-2101 March 17-19 Telluride Rock and Roll History Tribute Festival Sheridan Opera House 5:30-10 pm • 888-605-2578 March 18 Colorado Springs “Organic Vegetable Gardening: Tips for Success” Class Bear Creek Nature Center 10 am-12 pm • 719-520-6387 March 18-19 Copper Subaru Winterfest Copper Mountain coppercolorado.com March 18 Dolores Winter Farmers Market Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery 10 am-1 pm fourseasonsgreenhouse.com March 22 Sedalia Cherokee Ranch Castle Tea and Tour Cherokee Ranch Castle 1-3 pm • 303-866-2394

National Alpaca Show

March 17-19 at the National Western Complex, Denver Here’s your chance to meet hundreds of alpacas from across the United States at the National Western Complex. Watch a show ring competition, view alpaca fleece products from dozens of vendors, take a picture in the Alpaca Selfie Booth and talk to breeders to learn more about these beautiful animals. For more information, visit alpacanationals.com. March 23 Cortez “It’s Spring!” Story Time for Kids Cortez Public Library 10:30 am • 970-565-8117 March 24-26 Denver Denver March Powwow Denver Coliseum denvermarchpowwow.org

March 25 Hot Sulphur Springs Women’s History Month Celebration Pioneer Village Museum 11 am-2 pm grandcountyhistory.org

[April]

March 24-26 Durango Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival Strater Hotel 800-247-4431 durangoragtimefestival.com

April 1 Fort Collins Time Travelers Ball Rio Grande Agave Room 970-221-0533 poudrelandmarks.org

March 25 Berthoud “Day of Kindness” Memorial Event Downtown Berthoud 973-452-5127

April 1 Fraser A to Z: Your Grand County History Alphabet Children’s Book Celebration Cozens Ranch Museum 11 am-2 pm grandcountyhistory.org

March 25 Cortez 9Health Fair Cortez Recreation Center 7 am-12 pm • 9healthfair.org March 25 Fort Collins “Extraordinary Women in Agriculture” Presentation Old Town Library 3:30-5 pm • 970-221-6740 March 25 Granby Ski and Fat Bike Spring Festival Snow Mountain Ranch 888-777-9622 visitgrandcounty.com

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[news clips]

METAL THEFTS DOWN, BUT NOT OUT Metal theft appears to be on the decline in the United States, but the problem is far from solved for electric co-ops and others, a new report finds. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of metal theft claims dropped 29 percent from 2013 to 2015, falling from 13,626 to 9,692. A total of 35,961 claims were made during that three-year period, with copper theft accounting for all but 2 percent, said NICB, a nonprofit group that fights insurance fraud and crime.

NICB noted a “statistically significant correlation” when the frequency of copper theft claims is compared to the average monthly price of copper. Figures from Bloomberg show the price of a pound of copper fell from $3.69 on January 4, 2013, to $2.13 on December 31, 2015. During those three years, copper bottomed out at $2.05 on November 27, 2015. “Copper is a vital part of the distribution power system, and one wrong cut can cause a grounded component to become energized at thousands of volts, leading to severe injury and damage to expensive

equipment that the member ultimately pays for,” said Dwight Miller, directory of safety and loss control at the statewide electric co-op association in Ohio. “Yet copper thieves continue to jeopardize the safety of cooperative employees, the public and especially themselves for a few bucks in scrap metal costs,” he added. And some thieves have been electrocuted trying to steal electrical wiring that is most often worth far less than the damage they cause by the theft. The theft is not worth the risk.

Co-op Capital Credits Add Up for Members In 2015, capital credits retired (paid) by electric distribution cooperatives across the country topped $1 billion for the first time. Receiving patronage capital credits is one of the benefits of being a member of an electric co-op. Co-ops are not-for-profit utilities that work to establish rates that provide enough capital to cover the costs of providing electricity to the co-op’s member-owners. When the co-op collects more money than is needed, the result is a margin rather than a profit. That margin, which is immediately allocated to the members based on their payments to the co-op, is used to provide funds for system maintenance, upgrades and expansions until the co-op’s financial situation allows the credits to be retired, or paid back, to the members. That is when capital credits are sent to members either in the form of checks or credits on their electric bill. According to a recent report from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, patronage capital retirements have increase about 10 percent annually for the past five years. Nationwide, nearly $14 billion was returned by distributions co-ops to their members since 1988.

Beware of Scams

Several electric co-ops in Colorado were notified that scammers are calling their members and threatening to turn off their electricity unless payment is made over the phone or the member purchases a debit card and sends it in. Your electric co-op would not ask you to pay a past-due bill over the phone or require you to purchase a debit card. Hang up and contact your local co-op immediately if you receive one of these calls.

Ocean Wind Turbine Sets New Record

A world record 215,999.1 kilowatt-hours of electricity was generated by a new 720-foottall wind turbine in 24 hours on December 1, 2016, off the coast of Denmark. That is enough electricity to power an average American household for 20 years. The record-setting offshore turbine features 35-ton blades. It is a 9-megawatt prototype built by Vestas Wind Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Co-ops Applaud Move to Expand Broadband

America’s Electric Cooperatives recently applauded the 71 members of Congress who sent a letter to President Donald Trump calling for him to include investments to bring broadband service to rural America in his infrastructure proposal. The letter was coordinated by the House Rural Broadband Caucus which is led by co-chairs: Reps. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bob Latta (R-OH) Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA). 12

MARCH 2017

“Without access to high-speed internet, rural communities are being left behind in the 21st century economy,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “The Rural Broadband Caucus understands this issue well, and we appreciate their leadership. Expanding broadband access in rural America should be a top economic development priority. We look forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to address this problem.” coloradocountrylife.coop

[industry]

BATTERIES OF THE FUTURE

Changes to how you will receive electricity from your co-op BY PAUL WESSLUND

Batteries will soon be part of a huge change in how you will receive electricity from your electric cooperative. Utilities are currently running into electricity supply challenges, and batteries are stepping up with solutions. Here’s what electric utilities are currently facing: • High-tech equipment can fail during a power interruption of even a few milliseconds. • Interest in renewable energy is increasing, but solar power won’t work when the sun doesn’t shine and wind turbines won’t spin when the wind doesn’t blow. • Consumers want electric service to be restored more effectively after outages. Even if a storm leaves a large number of homes and businesses without power for several days, consumers want plans in place to quickly restore power to essential services, like gas stations and pharmacies. A solution for these dilemmas lies in the emerging technology of battery storage, which could provide additional power when the demand for electricity is high. Currently, these large batteries are extremely expensive. But the demand for better smartphones, laptop computers and electric cars fueled a frantic race for batteries that are lighter, smaller, longer lasting and less expensive. These demands are being met through research into technical improvements and by the economics of mass production. 14

MARCH 2017

The lithium-ion battery breakthrough What’s behind all these developments is the 40-year-old lithiumion battery technology, named for the lightweight metal lithium it’s made of, and ions, which are pieces of atoms that move back and forth inside the battery to produce and store electricity. “One of the breakthroughs has been the adoption of the lithium-ion battery for vehicles as well as consumer products,” says Andrew Cotter, a program manager for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s business and technology strategies group. “A lot more lithium-ion batteries are being produced so there are a lot of companies able to package them much more cheaply. And that has spurred more companies to start investigating and investing in research.” According to a 2016 report titled “Welcome to the Lithium Age” from Germany-based international financing giant Deutsche Bank, “Lithium-ion battery costs are falling rapidly as global battery producers expand manufacturing facilities, unlocking economies of scale.” The next step for the battery industry, says Tom Lovas, a technical liaison and consultant with NRECA, is scaling up for applications in the electric utility industry.

coloradocountrylife.coop

[ industry] Working through the hype curve Right now only a handful of utilities are making significant use of batteries, but one industry research group predicts that number will grow eight times by 2020, for a market value of $2.5 billion. That kind of potential leads to some bold claims as battery companies compete for their share. “There’s a lot of hype out there,” Lovas says, as marketers tout batteries as the linchpin of putting together the smart grid to modernize the flow of electricity. “The technology is available, people are interested but no one knows the flaws yet,” Cotter says. “As utilities gain experience using batteries in routine operations, they will learn the imperfections and start figuring out what are the most conventional uses. Vendors, in turn, will start developing batteries for those specific applications.” For example, one of the most likely of those applications will be to resolve the problem of intermittent power flows created by renewable energy. Since solar and wind power can be generated during times when people don’t need it, batteries could store the excess energy for future use. While beneficial in theory, in practice it is not clear whether there is a broad economic case for this. Each utility will have unique factors that will play into this decision. Another use of batteries could be to smooth out power fluctuations from renewable energy. Solar and wind energy can come

coloradocountrylife.coop

from a variety sources: independent vendors and even homeowners selling power back to the utility from their relatively small sets of solar panels or wind turbines in ways that are hard for the utility to predict. The result can affect the quality of power and even damage equipment as transmission and distribution lines are used in ways they weren’t designed for. But again, the economics of such an application are unique to each utility. In time, utilities will become familiar with the best uses of the technology. Storage applications will become commonplace, and vendors will sell optimized products for them. Until then, NRECA’s business technology and strategies group is using cases that provide methodologies for a storage assessment. Like all things in the energy industry, it is not all economics. Some state governments are getting into the act, passing laws requiring utilities to use batteries in their operations to encourage renewable energy and provide immediate power to essential businesses after storm outages. This new utility world holds great promise and could start taking shape in as soon as one to three years, Cotter says. But first, he says, the utility battery industry needs to mature and show the effectiveness of the products. Paul Wesslund writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

MARCH 2017

[feature]

SERVING ON

A SHIP OF MERCY & MEDICINE By Sharon Sullivan

Retired U.S. Army nurse Karalee Sutterlin fondly remembers watching “M*A*S*H,” the popular 1970s television series about a U.S. mobile army surgical hospital in South Korea during the Korean War. “I was always drawn to surgery. I grew up in a tent, camping,” says Sutterlin, who served as an active duty nurse for 11 years plus nine years in the Army Reserve. “I liked the idea of surgery in a tent. It was right up my alley.” These days Sutterlin practices her nursing skills in another somewhat unconventional workplace: aboard Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy, the world’s largest nongovernmental hospital ship. Sutterlin is a youthful 62-year-old with coppery wire-rimmed glasses, short blondish hair and a hankering for adventure. She leaves her Grand Junction home and retired pharmacist husband Wes for six to eight weeks each year to assist with surgeries on Africa Mercy. 16

MARCH 2017

The seed was planted in 1989, toward the beginning of Sutterlin’s 20-year military career, during a reserve weekend in California when she visited a humanitarian hospital ship for the first time. “Someday I’m going to work on that ship,” she remembers thinking. Two decades later, after she retired from the military, Sutterlin revisited the idea. She was attending a church service in Grand Junction when she heard about an upcoming medical hospital ship mission. “I hadn’t thought about it in 20 years because I was tied to the military. I didn’t have the freedom. So it was amazing. I was free, I was available,” Sutterlin recalls. She applied. Sutterlin’s first Mercy Ships trip in 2008, to Liberia in West Africa, was challenging. Every significant building was destroyed, as a result of the civil war, Sutterlin says. “The country was in shambles; schools were shut down.” Nor was she accustomed to communal

life. On any given day, 400 volunteers live and work on the ship. Sutterlin found herself sharing a room and a bathroom with six other women. Sutterlin also remembers working long hours without a break and not being able to simply walk off the ship whenever she wanted. “There are rules and regulations for safety,” Sutterlin says. You must have a buddy, or be in a group, before you can leave the ship. “All of a sudden I had jumped into this allnew world,” she recalls. “I learned a lot about myself. I needed to redefine my purpose. It’s not about me; it’s about service. You find out what you’re made up of.” Eight years and six countries later — including stints in Sierra Leone, Benin, Guinea, Congo and twice to Madagascar — Sutterlin says she learned to spot “first-timers” and give support and encouragement when needed. Mercy Ships was founded back in 1978 by Don Stephens, who grew up in Olathe, coloradocountrylife.coop

[ feature]

Above: Retired nurse Karalee Sutterlin helps with a surgery aboard Mercy Ships’ floating hospital. Photos courtesy of Mercy Ships.

Left: The crew on the Africa Mercy ship becomes like family, all working together to benefit people in West Africa.

Colorado, and his wife, Deyon, from Grand Junction. Their dream was to help people around the world where medical care is dismal, or nonexistent. Since then, Mercy Ships, using up to three ships at a time, has provided free medical care for people in 56 nations, including Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa and Togo. Former Mercy hospital ships were sold or retired, leaving Africa Mercy as the sole ship focusing on serving people of West Africa. The hospital ship remains in the country for 10 months, long enough to do follow-up care and train local health care providers, Deyon Stephens says.

LIFE-CHANGING SURGERIES

Sutterlin assists with all kinds of lifechanging procedures, including cataract surgery, which is a fairly straightforward operation that restores vision in patients who were blinded by the disease. Most of coloradocountrylife.coop

the patients have never been in a hospital before and are often scared, Sutterlin says. She remembers a terrified 14-year-old girl whom she comforted before and during surgery. Sutterlin rejoiced with the girl and her mother at the postoperative visit a week later when the child’s bandages were removed and she could see again. She recalls another patient who lost his vision 27 years earlier, and was able to return to his truck-driving job after healing from his surgery. When Africa Mercy docks at a major port city, thousands of cars line the highways leading to the floating hospital. Desperate individuals suffering from huge, disfiguring facial tumors and parents with children who have cleft palates or severe bowlegs come seeking treatment for

debilitating conditions that are often easily fixable where there is medical care. For example, repairing a child’s cleft palate is a quick, simple surgery that allows the patient to speak and eat properly, Sutterlin says. “We do a lot of plastic surgeries for people with burn scars,” she added. Both children and adults often fall into open cooking fires, Sutterlin says. Particularly heart wrenching for Sutterlin are the women who seek relief from uncontrollable bladders. Tissue injuries caused by sexual assaults that occurred during war, or from pregnancies that occurred at too young an age cause women great pain and discomfort, as well as emotional distress. “They smell so bad because they can’t control their bladder,” Sutterlin says. “Their clothes are tarnished; no one [continued on page 18] MARCH 2017

[continued from page 17] wants them around. Their husbands throw them out. They live outside or in shacks.” After the restorative surgery, a woman is given a new dress and headdress. “For these women it’s a total miracle,” Sutterlin says. “They’re given a whole new life. “That’s what keeps you going back: the smiles on the faces, the gratitude,” says Sutterlin, who worked as a civilian nurse for seven years. “It’s not the same satisfaction in a U.S. hospital where you don’t know the back story or see the follow-up. You don’t necessarily see how you really made a difference.” Sutterlin assisted with many maxillofacial tumor surgeries aboard Africa Mercy. Surgeons remove humongous facial tumors that cause unrelenting pain and discomfort for victims, as well as severe emotional trauma. Those afflicted with the disfiguring tumors are often considered cursed and are shunned, hidden away or abandoned.

surgery to remove Sambany’s tumor in 2015. He lost more than twice his body’s volume of blood during the successful 12-hour surgery. (The blood was replaced by the medical team, and now the blood of 17 people from six nations runs through Sambany’s veins.) Although the tumors removed aboard Africa Mercy are benign, they eventually obstruct a person’s ability to breathe and eat. Huge, disfiguring tumors like these are not seen in the United States where lumps are typically removed before they grow so large. Mercy Ships does not treat cancerous tumors because there are no means of following up over the long term, Sutterlin says. “We cannot do everything that’s out there. It’s like a triage: We do what we can.” Mercy Ships performed 82,000 lifechanging operations, including orthopedic procedures, plastic surgeries, straightening

“ That’s what keeps you going back, the smiles on the faces, the gratitude. It’s not the same satisfaction in a U.S. hospital where you don’t know the backstory or see the follow up. You don’t necessarily see how you really made a difference.” A Madagascar man named Sambany had a facial tumor weighing more than 16 pounds, which is equivalent to the size of two heads. His tumor was so heavy he was forced to support the abnormal growth with his hands when he walked. At night, he couldn’t sleep. While listening to the radio one day (the radio being his constant companion), Sambany heard about a hospital ship offering free medical care. Family members sold a rice field to pay for travel expenses to bring Sambany to Africa Mercy. Five people took turns carrying him on their backs for two days. Sutterlin’s roommate assisted with the

crossed eyes, maxillofacial reconstruction, and vaginal fistula repair. Additionally, more than 390,000 dental procedures were performed on 147,000 patients.

FREE TIME

It’s not all work and no play for Mercy Ships volunteers. Crew members go into villages to sample the local cuisine or explore the countryside. Sutterlin is known among her shipmates as a “tour adventure planner,” for her interest in planning outings. “I always try and organize something off the ship,” she says. “You have to plan ahead to do major hikes.” In the Congo, she and a few colleagues

traveled four hours inland, following an interpreter-guide into the bush country. “We saw two kids who caught two frogs for lunch for the family. They were proud,” Sutterlin recalls. They observed villagers going about their daily tasks of harvesting fruit and fishing with women walking while balancing baskets of goods on their heads, and men navigating wooden canoes through waterways. Sutterlin has been invited to tribal dances where villagers wear their finest clothing, including elaborate headdresses. In Madagascar, Sutterlin and some friends traveled by boat for three hours to a lemur reserve where, she says, there are men who speak the language of lemurs. There’s also a lot to do on board the ship, like attend live music events, watch movies or participate in one of the many different types of competitions, Sutterlin says. There is a Toastmasters club, Bible study groups, and various classes, such as French lessons, she adds. Computer stations on board allow crew members to check Facebook, email or surf the internet. Volunteers can also call home or browse the huge ship library. Surgeons give weekly presentations about their specialties so crew members know what’s going on in other parts of the ship. The entire crew, including the medical team, cooks, teachers and office workers, pay for their own room and board while on the ship. The hospital ship’s chief medical officer, Gary Parker, has spent 30 years living aboard Mercy Ships. He met his wife on board and they raised their children there. Sutterlin says she made friends from around the world on Africa Mercy, several of whom visited her and Wes in their Grand Junction home. Volunteers often coordinate their schedules with one another so that they’ll be on the ship at the same time. “It’s total family,” Sutterlin says: all on a ship; all serving others; all bringing lifechanging surgeries to the people of West Africa. Freelance writer Sharon Sullivan is based in Grand Junction and enjoys exploring what makes the Grand Valley the special and unique place it is.

For information on the Grand Junction couple who started Mercy Ships, visit coloradocountrylife.coop 18

MARCH 2017

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[recipes]

MARCH MADNESS MUNCHIES Bite-sized foods make Final Four parties easy BY AMY HIGGINS RECIPES@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

No matter your school ties, March Madness college basketball is captivating. These burgeoning young basketball players dribble, pass, shoot and score for decked out, fanatic followers at the arena, and the excitement extends through television sets all across America. While you entertain fellow fans, keep their bellies satisfied with tasty foods that they can pile onto their plates — no utensils required. We found these mouthwatering finger foods to be just the right stuff for March Madness, and your guests will root for more.

TIPS Festive Papa’s Tapas Set Your Schedule

Unlike Super Bowl, March Madness is more than one game. Be sure to let your guests know the start and end time of your party ahead of time, or they could linger all day.

Fill ’Em Up with Finger Food Chances are your party will happen during lunch or dinner time. If all you’re serving is finger foods, be sure some of them are filling so guests don’t feel they missed a meal.

2-4 medium Wisconsin russet or gold potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Heat grill or oven to 400 degrees. Thinly slice potatoes lengthwise to 1/4-inch thick, discarding ends. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on grill or prepared baking sheet in single layer. Cook 10 minutes on each side. Add toppings. Tapas Topping Idea: Bruschetta 2 medium tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil In bowl, mix together all ingredients and spoon on top of potatoes. Source: Family Features

Sweet Chili Meatballs

1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped 3 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 12 ounces Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker on warm. With slow cooker on low to keep meatballs warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat. Source: Frank’s RedHot

New England Maple Apple Dip 1 cup cream cheese 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of salt 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 2 apples, peeled and chopped into 1/4-inch cubes plain pita chips Using food processor, blend cream cheese with maple syrup, cinnamon and salt until smooth. Fold Greek yogurt into cream cheese mixture; mix in apples. Serve with pita chips. Source: Stacy’s

For more finger food recipes and topas topping ideas, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Recipes. 20

MARCH 2017

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[gardening]

GO BIG WITH ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Elevated grasses add oomph and texture to gardens BY VICKI SPENCER MASTER GARDENER GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

People used to think the most beautiful yards were made of groomed Kentucky bluegrass bordered by a perfectly edged flower garden. But times have changed. Today, gardeners search the world over for unique ornamental grasses that will add visual interest to their traditional manicured lawns. In the arid West, native warm season grasses will thrive throughout summer conditions. But with the proper care, you can also grow cool season grasses that flourish in the spring and fall. Furthermore, if you choose native plants, you will have the added benefit of attracting butterflies, birds and bees. Switchgrass is a fountain-like grass that grows in a variety of soils, though it prefers sandy or loamy soil. It is drought tolerant once it is well-established. Feathery panicles emerge 1 to 2 feet above deep green foliage that turns yellowish in the fall. Switchgrass works well as a border plant or massed together in a rock garden. Zebra grass is an easy-to-grow clump grass that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils ranging from sandy to heavy clay. The foliage is famous for its horizontal, zebra-like yellow bands. Silvery plumes grow about 2 feet above the striped

foliage. You should leave the leaves standing in winter to protect the crowns. Then, like most grasses, it should be cut to the ground early in the spring before shoots appear. Sacaton grass is a warm season bunch grass that grows 5 feet tall and about 3 to 4 feet wide. Seed stalks tower above its blue green, arching leaves. It grows vigorously in a variety of soils as long as the soil is welldrained. You can plant it as a border, and it is a popular in Xeriscape grass as it can go as long as a month without watering. One of my favorites is purple fountain grass with its rich purple, finely textured foliage topped by dark red fuzzy flower spikes. It provides a wonderful contrast to the greenleaved grasses. Unfortunately, it is an annual, so it needs to be replanted each year. Japanese blood grass is another colorful favorite. It has deep red leaves and is great for borders since it only grows 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. If you like flowers, I suggest hardy plume grass, which grows upright in clumps about 5 feet in diameter. Its white, plumed flowers blossom in the fall for added interest. Squirrel tail (foxtail) barley is an attractive flowering perennial. The flowers develop silky, silver-colored seed heads about 10 to 30 inches high. It grows best in full sun and

moist soil, but you need to keep an eye on it because it spreads quickly. You may want to plant it in an isolated area to avoid constant thinning. A couple of cool season grasses are Feesey ribbon grass and blue fescue. Feesey has variegated white and green striped leaves. It is less aggressive than other ribbon grasses and is great for brightening dark garden areas as it will tolerate light shade. Most of us are familiar with blue fescue, a cool season clump grass with 4- to 8-inch high foliage. Its blue color complements purple-leaved plants. Pampas grass, which is native to the South American countries of Brazil, Argentina and Chile, became popular in recent years. But you should plant with caution. It grows 8 to 10 feet and its silvery white or pink plumes extend another foot or more in late summer, for a total of up to 11 feet. Even though it is beautiful, it can be overbearing if planted in the wrong spot. Spring is the best time to plant most grasses, so begin exploring your options right away to get a good start on your ornamental grass garden this year.

More Online Read previous gardening columns at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Gardening. 22

MARCH 2017

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MARCH 2017

MIGRATING MAYHEM

Increase in snow geese population causes concern BY DENNIS SMITH OUTDOORS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

Thanks to television documentaries and movies like “The Lion King,” most of us are aware of the dramatic migrations of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles in Kenya and Tanzania. But one of the largest wildlife migrations in the world is that of the North American lesser snow goose, and it goes virtually unnoticed by all but some waterfowl hunters, wildlife photographers and grain farmers. Approximately 2 million wildebeest combined with roughly 800,000 zebra and antelope gather to form one super African herd, but that number pales in comparison to the mammoth flock of 8 to 10 million snow geese that wing their way seasonally from the Arctic tundra and Hudson Bay salt marshes of northern Canada to winter feeding grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast and other coastal areas in the American south. On their 5,000-mile journey down the Central Flyway, they follow the snow line south, stopping to rest and feed in some of the richest farmland in America. This is not necessarily a good thing. In fact, it’s bad. In 1940, there were fewer than 1 million snow geese on the continent, but, due in part to changes in the agricultural landscape in the Central Flyway, their numbers soared astronomically, and today scientific estimates run to 10 million. Snow geese feed by grubbing for the roots and tubers of arctic plants rather than grazing on exposed grasses and foliage as other waterfowl species do. With the increasing snow goose populations, huge areas of nesting habitat for other bird species are already uprooted, exposing the barren soil to evaporation. As the soil dries, salts migrate to the surface from subterranean layers, choke out the edible plants and render the soil incapable of supporting plant life altogether. The loss of suitable habi-

tat leads to overcrowding during the critical breeding and nesting period; overcrowding provokes the spread of avian diseases and even more habitat destruction. According to wildlife biologists, the resulting die-off of shorebirds and waterfowl because of starvation, avian cholera and other diseases will be staggering if snow goose populations aren’t brought into balance with the habitat. To thin the population and protect breeding ground habitat, liberal regulations on snow goose hunting were implemented in 1999 following passage of the Arctic Tundra Conservancy Act. Electronic calling devices were permitted, the standard three-shell magazine limit was removed, harvest limits were removed completely and the snow goose season extended until the end of April. As of June 2015, the snow goose population is still estimated to be in the tens of millions, far below the 500,000 recommended by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials. Jim Gammonly, avian researcher for Colorado Wildlife and Wildlife, recently said, “Hunting remains the most effective tool we have for controlling these wildlife populations.” The single best hope for averting a monumental ecological and wildlife calamity lies with American sportsmen. Hunting and harvesting excess animal populations is not only defensible and justified, it’s a biological necessity. The monstrous flocks you’ll see on the reservoirs and grain fields east of Sterling this time of year are fascinating, but they’re big trouble.

Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors. coloradocountrylife.coop

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions. by David Waxman Seattle Washington:

Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise. TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU! Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist recommends AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades. Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure. Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know Acemannan has many of other health benefits?...

HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy. RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more. SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population. UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY Studies show that your brain needs the healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slowto-react brain without a lot of room to store information. The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory. Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again. SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel. GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee. “We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal. Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night! Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles with a short note about how you took the pills and followed the simple instructions and the company will send you...Double your money back!

HOW TO GET ALOECURE This is the official nationwide release of the new AloeCure pill in the United States. And SLEEP LIKE A BABY A night without sleep really damages your so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all FREE bottles with their order. sorts of health problems. But what you may not This special give-away is available for readers realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. of this publication only. All you have to do Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A low-intensity is call TOLL-FREE 1-800-808-5114 and provide form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps the operator with the Free Bottle Approval you awake in the background. AloeCure helps Code: JC025. The company will do the rest. digestion so you may find yourself sleeping Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent through the night. media exposure, phone lines are often CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS busy. If you call and do not immediately Certain antacids may greatly reduce your get through, please be patient and call back.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

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March 2017 Colorado Country Life

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Who? Who will know your business? Everyone!

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Advertise in MarketPlace and everyone will know your BUSINESS. Call Kris for information at 303-902-7276

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COLORADO

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LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORY APP

COLORADO

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORY

Presented by

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE S REPRESENTING COLORADO’S

Colorado’s General Assembly Convened January 11

Printed copies of the directory are available for only $1. To get your copy today, email crea@coloradocountrylife.org or call 303-455-4111. coloradocountrylife.coop

ENERGY EFFICIENT TREES? Improve your home’s energy efficiency READ with landscaping ONLINE by incorporating shading in the summer and wind blocking in the winter. Get great shading and wind blocking ideas at ColoradoCountryLife.coop MARCH 2017

[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUE RESTORATION

CHAIR CANING Hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-17)

ANTLERS

ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including 56” elk mount, giant moose paddles, and elk antlers. Showroom now open year ’round in Granby, CO. 18 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! Designers: We can provide you a single item or a whole houseful. Call ! (970) 627-3053. (085-09-17)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

(These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION

www.clockrepairandrestoration. com DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. bob.scott@usa.net Call Robert 970-247-7729. (109-06-17)

ENERGY

SOLAR WATER SYSTEMS – livestock or any remote location. 3-10 gpm. Variable speed. Call Peterson High Reach for free quote. 719-688-0081 (316-05-17)

FOR SALE

BUILDING LEAKS WIPEOUT INSTANTLY – new renovation products – buy factory direct 573-489-9346 azteccollc@ socket.net (330-05-17) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-04-17)

HEALTH FOOD STORE & DELI: 2 turnkey businesses in one. Strong income/customer base. Colorado mountains (970-641-5175), leave name & number. (252-04-17)

Find hidden treasure in the CLASSIFIEDS Read through the ads and FIND the CCL classified explaining how to WIN a $25 gift card. It’s easy. You could WIN. The classified ads February contest winner is Joni Castillo of Kremmling. She correctly counted 30 ads. 28

MARCH 2017

FREE

FREE GIFT CARD Simply count the number of classified ads on this page and email that number to classifieds@coloradocountrylife. org. The subject line MUST say “Classified Count.” We will draw one winner on March 17 from among those who enter. SOON CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT UNITING will suppress “Religious Liberty,” enforcing a “National Sunday Law,” leading to the “Mark of the Beast.” Be informed / Be forewarned! Need mailing address for FREE materials. TBSM, Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo. com 1-888-211-1715. (814-04-17)

GRASS

STOP FEEDING PRAIRIE DOGS. We’ll rent hunting rights from you. Looking for antelope, goose, duck, coyote, & prairie dog habitat. Encourage young sportsmen by providing safe, private access. You make the rules. 303-460-0273 (069-04-17)

HELP WANTED

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided. Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-5794207, www.livetotalwellness. com/livehealthy (932-02-18)

LAND

RURAL PARADISE - Two 60acre plots. Trees, ponds. Adjacent to road. Elbert County 303-621-2291 (336-03-17)

PETS

I PAINT BEST FRIENDS--your pets--felines with flair, joyful canines, elegant equines, 4-H ribbon-winners, and more. Julie 719-539-4260 (300-05-17)

PETS

SPAY/NEUTERED/VACCINATED barn/ shop cats ready for a new home and job. You provide fresh food, water, shelter. Northern Colorado 970-663-0012 coloradokittycoalition. org (338-04-17)

POULTRY & GAMEBIRDS

FREE COLOR CATALOG. 193 varieties, Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. 417-532-4581. PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. CackleHatchery.com. (876-08-17)

REAL ESTATE

ALMONT, COLORADO log home --nearly 3000sf-- on 18 acres adjacent to Forest Service land. Three world class fly fishing rivers within walking distance. Easy access to Crested Butte, Gunnison. On Taylor River just off Hwy 135. Clarke Agency Real Estate, 970-641-0511, cathie@clarkeagency.net (337-03-17) FSBO: BRIGHT, PRIVATE, 1600sf, 3/2, .5 acre, fenced, landscaped, gardens. Central HVAC, underground power, septic, deck, $150,000. Gisela, AZ (near Payson) 928-474-9374 (331-04-17) READY TO RETIRE? +-13 acres near Mancos, CO. Trout-stocked canyon lake, commercial greenhouse, gardens, lots of water, passive solar timber frame home. $525,000. Jim, 970-769-1391, for pictures. (282-06-17) SOUTHEAST COLORADO FARM, 80 acres irrigated, 80 acres riverbottom. Nice large home. $190,000. muffinindustries@gmail. com 757-356-9300 (339-06-17) WE BUY LAND and/or mineral rights. CO TX NM KS. 1-800316-5337 (099-03-17)

TICKETS

NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. Call 1-888-NFR-Rodeo (1-888637-7633). www.NFR-rodeo.com A+ rated BBB Member. (912-04-17)

VACATION RENTAL

KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-8220191; mokihana@hawaiian.net; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-17)

WANTED TO BUY

CAST-IRON COOKWARE (Wagner & Griswold). Pyrex. Old toys in good condition. Vintage signs. Anything cowboy and Indian – hats, boots, spurs, rugs, etc. After family gets what they want, we’ll buy the rest. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, glassware, etc. We come to you! 970759-3455 or 970-565-1256. (871-08-17) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-06-17) OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303-757-8553. (889-08-17) OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721. (519-11-17) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209. (870-06-18) WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-03-17) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337 (099-04-17) WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800733-8122 (099-02-18)

MARCH 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day

FEBRUARY CONTEST WINNERS Sue & Scott Schoultz of Wetmore are the winners of the February contest. Sue and Scott won a copy of Colorado Scenic Byways Congratulations! coloradocountrylife.coop

[ funny stories]

One day in our preschool class, the teacher was going over the calendar for the start of a new year. She quickly went over the months January through December. She then pointed to January and said, “This month is January and the next month is February. What do you think the next month is?” A little boy waved his hand and the teacher called on him. He very proudly said, “Marchuary.” Kathy Phelps, Durango Grandpa called his granddaughter Gracie to wish her a happy birthday. “How old are you?” he asked. “I’m 11 years old,” Gracie said. “Boy, you sure are getting old,” Grandpa replied. “I know. I can feel the wrinkles beginning already,” she said. Lane Osborn, Hamilton

READERS PHOTOS

After playing outside with my 2 1/2-yearold grandson Derek we headed back inside. He said, “Can you open the door Mom?” I looked at him and repeated, “Mom?” He paused with a bewildered look and said, “Yeah, for some strange reason Mommy calls you Mom.” Kelly O’Donnell, Masonville When asking our “93 years young” mother how she accounts for her longevity, she replied, “Well, I just haven’t received my invitation yet!” Mary Prouty, Durango Mary Hoffman of Monument enjoys ice fishing at Skaguay Reservoir.

WINNER: Charell Ondrejka from Phippsburg takes a photo of her sister, Michelle, standing in front of Sibelius Monument in Helsinki, Finland.

TAKE YOUR PHOTO WITH YOUR MAGAZINE AND WIN! It’s easy to win with Colorado Country Life. Simply take a photo of someone (or a selfie!) with the magazine and email the photo and your name and address to info@coloradocountrylife.org. We’ll draw one photo to win a $25 gift card each month. The next deadline is Wednesday, March 15. This month’s winner is Charell Ondrejka, a Yampa Valley Electric Association member from Phippsburg. coloradocountrylife.coop

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year we will draw one name from those submitting funny stories and that person will receive $200. Send your 2017 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check.

$15 MARCH 2017

[discoveries]

Soothe Skin and Sore Muscles with Osmia Organics Products

STEP INTO A SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE

We may be biased, but we think Colorado’s mountains take the cake for outdoor adventure, regardless of the season, and snowshoeing is a great way to experience the magnificence of the Rockies. Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoer or a fledgling who’s fascinated with the sport, get your gear locally from Boulder-based Crescent Moon Snowshoes, Poles & Accessories. It was nearly two decades ago that Jake and Tamara Laug, along with two friends, dreamt up Crescent Moon. They built a prototype from parts of an abandoned Volkswagen and, with the help of friends on Vail’s ski patrol and rescue teams, tested the product. Soon the pals were operating their business out of their garage, and the snowshoe company was born. The two friends switched careers, but the Laugs’ passion for the industry lingered, and the business is still going strong today from a comfortable shop near downtown Boulder. The Laugs and their production crew manufacture sturdy snowshoes and bindings that provide abundant maneuverability for men, women and kids. And they look cool. Prices start at $89 (kids) and go up to $289 (men); poles cost $65. Available online and at local retail stores. For more information, call 303-494-5506 or visit crescentmoonsnowshoes.com.

MARCH 2017

After a long day of winter play, pamper yourself with Osmia Organics products. Start by soothing tense muscles in an irresistible hot bath filled with the company’s Recovery Salt Bath ($29), and then lather yourself with its Rosemary Body Mousse ($42), an organic shea butter with a heavenly scent. Did the cold temperatures and wind chill crack your lips? Give Osmia’s Lip Repair ($22) a shot, which the company claims can heal in as little as one day. In 2010, founder Sarah Villafranco, M.D., envisioned a life she didn’t anticipate. She was an emergency medical physician and mother who, after taking

a soap-making class, realized she had a different calling. She experimented with lotions and soaps with failure and success until she finally figured it out. In 2012, Villafranco opened the Osmia Organics retail store in Carbondale and launched her website where she sells all-natural skin care products. Osmia skin care will pamper your skin, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to hit the slopes all over again. For more information, call 970-510-6610 or visit osmiaorganics.com.

Hot Stuff

A Colorado Company Creates Coffee Using the Sun Fill up your thermos with some hot joe and hit the slopes before ski season ends. Better yet, fill it with a local, certified-organic, solar-roasted coffee: Solar Roast Coffee. The Pueblo-based company sells blends, single-origin and decaf coffee, as well as tea, and it produces them from the power of the sun. Solar Roast Coffee is the brainchild of Mike and David Harktop who, in 2004, created a solar-powered coffee roaster with a satellite dish, 100 plastic mirrors and a broccoli strainer. Dubbed the Helios I, the prototype could roast a pound of coffee at a time. Over the years, the Harktop brothers built the Helios II and III and then the IV, which produced 30 pounds of coffee at a time. In 2012, the Helios V was born and put in production using a grid-tied photovoltaic array that was built atop the Harktop retail coffee shop. Today, the Harktop brothers sell coffee at their coffee shop, online and at grocery stores throughout Colorado and beyond. One-pound bags of coffee start at $13 and tea sells for $12 for an 8-ounce bag. For more information, call 719-544-2008 or visit solarroast.com. coloradocountrylife.coop

N OR TH A MER I CA’S

Intr Advan odu ced cing Air S Mic ystem roS o ot – he!

1 Selling Walk-In Tub N THE U.S.A EI

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The best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe.® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub. Call today and receive exclusive savings of ✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end ✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY ✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime Call Toll-Free 1-800-663-8660 warranty on the entire tub ✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price www.MySafeStep.com You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.

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For your FREE information kit and DVD, and our Senior Discounts, Call Today Toll-Free coloradocountrylife.coop

1-800-663-8660 MARCH 2017

Grass seed can NEVER grow a lawn like this!

SAVE OVER

50%

Watering chores,water bills! Sweating behind a roaring mower! Spraying poison chemicals and digging weeds...

NEW PRE-CUT SUPER PLUGS now available online!

Stays lush and green in summer

Mow your Zoysia lawn once a month – or less! It rewards you with weed-free beauty all summer long.

...you can end such lawn drudgery – here’s how!

8 Ways Our Amazoy Zoysia Lawn

Saves You Time, Work and Money!

CUTS WATER BILLS AND MOWING BY AS MUCH AS 2/3 Would you believe a lawn could look perfect when watered just once? In Iowa, the state’s biggest Men’s Garden club picked a Zoysia lawn as “top lawn – nearly perfect.” Yet, this lawn had been watered only once all summer to August! In PA, Mrs. M.R. Mitter wrote, “I’ve never watered it, only when I put the plugs in...Last summer we had it mowed 2 times...When everybody’s lawns here are brown from drought, ours stays as green as ever.” That’s how Amazoy Zoysia lawns cut water bills and mowing! Now read on! ENDS COSTLY RE-SEEDING AND NEVER NEEDS REPLACEMENT Plug in our Zoysia grass and you’ll never have to spend money on grass seed again! Since you won’t be buying seeds, you won’t need to dig and rake – then hope the seeds take root before birds eat them or the next hard rain washes them away.

IT STAYS GREEN IN SPITE OF HEAT AND DROUGHT “The hotter it gets, the better it grows!” Plug-in Zoysia thrives in blistering heat, yet it won’t winter-kill to 30° below zero. It just goes off its green color after killing frosts, and begins regaining its green color as temperatures in the spring are consistently warm.

NO NEED TO DIG UP OLD GRASS Plant Amazoy your way in an old lawn or new ground. Or set 1” square plugs into holes in the soil 1 foot apart, checkerboard style. Plugs spread to create a lush, thick lawn, driving out weeds and unwanted growth. Easy instructions included.

Plant it from plugs not seed.

Your Assurance of Lawn SUCCESS

Each Order for Amazoy Zoysia is

GUARANTEED

FOR SLOPES, PLAY AREAS, BARE SPOTS AND PARTIAL SHADE You can’t beat Amazoy Zoysia as the low-cost answer for hard-to-cover spots, play-worn areas, places that have partial shade and erosion on slopes.

Guaranteed to grow new green shoots within 45-60 days or we’ll replace it FREE – for up to 1 year – just call us. We ONLY ship you living genuine Amazoy Zoysia grass harvested direct from our farms. Easy planting and watering instructions are included with each order. Reordering assumes success of previous orders, initiating a new one-year guarantee but only for the most recent order.

Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

✂FREESTYLE PLUGS. You decide how big to cut the plugs!

Please send me guaranteed Amazoy Freestyle Plugs (up to 150 per sheet) as marked.

Max Plugs*

FREE Plugs

Grass Sheets*

150

–

Your PRICE

+ Shipping

$14.95

$8.00

500

100

$45.60

$14.00

750

150

$63.50

$18.00

1100

400

$87.50

$24.00

1500

900

$125.00

$30.00

❑ 30” Step-on Plugger $8.95 + $5 shipping

CHOKES OUT CRABGRASS AND WEEDS ALL SUMMER

Your established Amazoy Zoysia lawn grows so thick, it simply stops crabgrass and summer weeds from germinating! ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, NO DANGEROUS AND COSTLY CHEMICALS NEEDED No weeding means no costly chemicals. Since Amazoy Zoysia lawns naturally resist insects, you’ll save money, while helping to protect the environment. You’ll never have to expose your family and pets to the risk of weed killers and pesticide poisons. NOW TWO WAYS TO START YOUR AMAZOY ZOYSIA LAWN! 1) Freestyle plugs come in uncut sheets containing a maximum of 150 - 1” plugs that can be planted up to 1 ft. apart. Freestyle plugs allow you to make each plug bigger and plant further apart – less cutting and planting – you decide. 2) New Super Plugs come precut into individual 3”x3” plugs ready-to-plant (minimum 1 per 4 sq. ft.). They arrive in easy to handle trays of 15 Super Plugs. Save more time and get your new lawn even faster! Order only online at www.zoysiafarms.com/mag or call us at 410-756-2311.

Thrives from partial shade to full sun.

Quantity

SAVINGS –

35% 41% 51% 58%

❑ 4” Amazoy Power Auger for 3/8” drill $14.95 + $5 shipping

❑ 30” Stand-up Amazoy Power Auger for 3/8” drill $19.95 + $5 shipping * Each grass sheet can produce up to 150 - 1” square plugs. See other options online at www.zoysiafarms.com/mag Amazoy is the trademark registered U.S. Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

GET UP TO

900 FREESTYLE PLUGS –

✂

Mail to: ZOYSIA FARM NURSERIES 3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787 Write price of order here

Md. residents add 6% tax

Shipping

ENCLOSED TOTAL Card # Name Address City Zip

Dept. 5917 Payment method (check one) ❑ Check ❑ MO ❑ MasterCard ❑ Visa

Exp. Date

State Phone

We ship all orders the same day plugs are packed at earliest correct planting time in your area.

Order Now! www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag

Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR