Colorado Country Life MVEA June 2013 by American MainStreet Publications

[June 2013]

Carousel of Happiness

[contents]

June 2013 [cover] A grandson of writer and photographer Dennis Smith smiles as he rides the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland

4 Viewpoint

16 Carousel of Happiness

22 Gardening

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 14 Too Much, Too Fast

20 Recipes

24 Outdoors

Thanks to a coalition of rural, urban partners who fought SB 13-252

Sculptor Scott Harrison creates a whirling merry-go-round of memories

Pack a punch of flavor with berries from the garden

Expand beyond your garden’s boundaries for a bountiful harvest Fly fishing little creeks comes with big rewards

25 Energy Tips

Filling a freezer with water bottles won’t save energy

29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries

Electric co-op sees expensive legislation pushed on rural Colorado

272

is the number of coal reserves in the U.S in tons

Billion

the number of calories in a cup of fresh raspberries

70,000 the number of people in the U.S. who are employed by electric cooperatives

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org • Amy Higgins, Editorial Assistant/Writer; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276, advertising@coloradocountrylife.org; NCM@800-626-1181

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 44, Number 06

OFFICERS: Bob Bledsoe [Tri-State] President; Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] Vice President; Don Kaufman [Sangre de Cristo] Secretary; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bill Patterson [Delta-Montrose]; John Porter [Empire]; Don McClaskey [Grand Valley]; John Vader [Gunnison]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Megan Gilman [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills, Tim Power [K.C.]; Jeff Burman [La Plata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Debbie Rose [San Isabel]; Eleanor Valdez [San Luis Valley]; Dave Alexander, Kevin Ritter [San Miguel]; Randy Phillips [Southeast]; Jim Jaeger, Ron Asche [United Power]; Bill Jordan [White River]; Stuart Travis [Y-W]; Scott McGill [Yampa Valley]; Basin Electric, CoBank, Moon Lake Electric, Wheatland Electric [Associate Members]

EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: facebook.com/COCountryLifw • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 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.

[viewpoint]

Electric Co-ops Fight to Protect Members

SB 13-252 is too much, too soon, with no input from those it affects BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

In the April edition of Colorado Country Life, I wrote that Colorado’s electric co-ops were concerned that a bill increasing the renewable energy standard, or RES, for co-ops might be introduced in the Colorado legislature. I also explained the history of the RES and the role electric co-ops have played Kent Singer in moving us toward more renewable resources in our energy mix. It turned out that our concerns were well-founded. Senate Bill 13-252 was introduced on April 3 and moved through the entire legislative process in four short and busy weeks. The fact that the bill was sponsored by Speaker of the House Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver) and Senate President John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) had a lot to do with its swift passage. SB 13-252 increases the RES for electric co-ops from 10 percent to 20 percent, without increasing the time frame for compliance. The bill specifically requires Tri-State Generation and Transmission, the power supplier for 18 of Colorado’s electric co-ops, to obtain enough “eligible energy resources” (i.e., wind and solar power) to have 20 percent of its power resources from renewable energy by the year 2020. It also imposes the same requirement on Intermountain Rural Electric Association in Sedalia, the only electric co-op with more than 100,000 meters. It was disappointing to us that none of the proponents of SB 13-252 (environmental groups and renewable energy developers) or its legislative sponsors contacted the Colorado Rural Electric Association or anyone in the electric co-op community to discuss the bill prior to its introduction. We are, after all, the ones who are responsible for implementing the new renewable energy requirements and we are in the best position to explain the costs and challenges of these requirements. Nevertheless, the bill was introduced and the CREA board had to decide whether to support or oppose SB 13-252. The board decided to oppose the bill

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 June 2013

for the following reasons: The electric co-ops weren’t consulted about the bill, which means parts of the bill do not work with the co-op business model; the costs of implementation will be significant; the 2 percent retail rate cap is illdefined and likely unworkable; and the addition of a distributed generation requirement for the co-ops will also increase the costs of energy production. At this writing, we don’t know whether Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) will sign or veto SB 13-252. We have asked Gov. Hickenlooper to veto the bill and convene a legitimate stakeholder process to see if we can find common ground on moving ahead with adding more renewables in a more cost-effective and achievable manner. As I have said repeatedly, Colorado’s electric co-ops don’t oppose renewable energy; we supported the current 10 percent standard and are likely to exceed that standard by 2020. There are more electric co-op renewable energy projects on line now than at any time in our history. But we are also responsible for keeping the lights on and providing affordable rates to our member-owners. It’s a challenge to do that with more renewable energy

mandates. We are willing to move the ball forward on renewable energy, but SB 13252 is not the appropriate vehicle for doing so; it is simply too much, too soon. As part of our efforts to defeat SB 13252, we were able to enlist a large coalition of groups that agree with our position on the bill. From agriculture groups to organized labor to business groups, dozens of organizations have joined our coalition to oppose SB 13-252. All of these groups are concerned about the increased costs of electricity that will result from the implementation of SB 13-252. We are grateful to our many partners that joined the coalition to oppose SB 13252. Representatives of these groups testified in legislative committees, contacted legislators, wrote op-ed pieces in local newspapers and did everything within their power to defeat the bill. We would like to thank those groups listed below for their hard work. If you know someone associated with any of these groups, please let them know how much you appreciate their efforts to keep electricity affordable in rural Colorado.

Kent Singer, Executive Director

We are grateful to our many partners that joined the coalition to oppose SB 13-252 and want to thank the following groups. Please let them know how much you appreciate their efforts to keep electricity affordable in rural Colorado. n Action 22

n Douglas County Business Alliance

n Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado

n Economic Development Council of Colorado

n Centura Health

n Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce

n Club 20

n IBEW Local #111

n Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry

n IBEW Local #667

n Colorado Cattlemen

n IBEW Local #969

n Colorado Competitive Council

n IBEW Local #12

n Colorado Concern

n IBEW Local #68

n Colorado Consumer Coalition

n IBEW Local #113

n Colorado Corn Growers Association

n Jefferson County Business Lobby

n Colorado Counties, Inc.

n Metro North Chamber of Commerce

n Colorado Hospital Association

n National Federation of Independent Business

n Colorado Mining Association

n Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance

n Colorado Petroleum Association

n Progressive 15

n Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association

n Pueblo Home Builders Association

n Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association

n Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association

n Colorado Telecommunications Association

n Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

n Craig Moffat Economic Development Partnership

n Union Pacific

n Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

n United Transportation Union

[letters] Renewable Requirements

Regarding Kent Singer’s Viewpoint (April ’13), laws enacted by a government are indeed a force on the co-op. The law that requires a utility to have a certain percentage of its power generation from renewable sources is unjust and will increase the cost of electric power to the public. Look at the limitations this imposes on the utilities: The need to purchase and install equipment that may be obsolete before it has paid for itself; a lack of consideration of equipment life span, and operation and maintenance costs; reliability concerns; return on investment, etc. For myself, I favor the idea of renewable energy. Technology is advancing rapidly as evidenced by improved power storage batteries, more advanced solar collectors, etc. And we are aware that our large generating plants are aging. Why not let the utilities decide these complex matters themselves instead of imposing arbitrary, mindless government restrictions?

WiseSaver Outdoor lights are oftentimes left on for long periods. Using CFLs or LEDs for your outdoor fixtures will save energy and money.

Clive Lamprell, Golden

Reading the editorial (April ’13), I found this curious statement: “While the cost of renewable energy has come down in recent years, it is still considerably higher than energy from conventional, i.e. coal and natural gas, power plants.” The cost of continuing to produce electricity from coal and gas power plants is far more than the check we send the co-op. If you include the costs of environmental damage from the processes of extraction and burning fossil fuels, increased health care costs associated with respiratory illnesses caused by polluted air and the impact of human-caused climate change, the cost of renewable energy starts to look like a bargain. David Maslowski, Drake

Got a comment? Something to say? Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org. You MUST include your name and full address. The full address will not be published. Letters may be edited for length. ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 5

[calendar]

[June] June 7-8 Colorado Springs Falcon/Peyton Relay for Life Sand Creek High School 719-491-2902 • d49.org June 7-9 Hot Sulphur Springs Hot Sulphur Days Various Hot Sulphur Springs Locations hotsulphurdays.com

June 15 Durango Durango Motor Expo Main Avenue 9 am-3 pm • 970-247-8761 June 15 Pueblo Celebrity Fishing Derby Stem Beach 719-542-0032 • socohospice. org/calendar.html

June 15-16 Sterling High Plains Toy Show & Tractor Pull Logan County Fairgrounds June 8 970-522-5070 • logancounty Akron Motorcycle and Car Poker Run chamber.com Washington County Event June 17 Center Colorado Springs 970-554-0117 • coloradoelks. Colorado Springs org/events.cfm?ID=149 Country Club Community OutReach Center June 12 719-347-2662 • coccenter.org Grand Lake Cowboy Poetry and Songs June 19-22 Grand Lake Community Crested Butte House Taste of CB 7 pm • 970-627-9644 Various Crested Butte Locations June 14-15 970-596-6844 • tasteofcb.com Holyoke Holyoke Celebration and June 21-22 Dandelion Daze Car Show Durango Courthouse Lawn Fun in the Sun Arts 970-854-3517 • holyoke & Crafts Show chamber.org Buckley Park 970-247-2117 • fairandphoto@ June 14 frontier.net Pagosa Springs Enter the World of the June 21-23 Ancients Benefit Dinner Glenwood Springs PLPOA Clubhouse Strawberry Days Fine Art 970-731-7133 • chimney & Craft Show rockco.org Sayre Park 719-488-4046 • ccsshows.com June 14 Red Rocks Park June 22-23 Symphony on the Rocks: Fort Morgan DeVotchKa High Plains Disc Red Rocks Amphitheatre 7:30 pm • coloradosymphony. Golf Challenge Riverside Park org 970-542-3527 June 15 June 22 Castle Rock Loveland Farm and Ranch Day Loveland Garden Tour Lowell Ranch and Art Show thecalf.org Various Loveland Locations on Garfield Avenue June 15 lovelandyouthgardeners.org Cuchara Cuchara Country Music Fest Main Street of Cuchara 1-9 pm • cucharacountry musicfest.com ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 June 2013

June 23 Fruita Wounded Warrior Bus Dedication and Maiden Voyage Victory Life Church 10 am • 970-858-4852 June 28 Mancos Grand Summer Nights Throughout Historic Mancos 970-533-7434 June 29-30 Colorado Springs Parade of Ponds Colorado Springs and Surrounding Area 719-896-0038 • purelyponds. com June 29 Cuchara “Treasures” Giant Garage Sale Cuchara Recreation Center 10 am • 719-742-0241 June 29 Durango Wine and Music Fest Durango Children’s Museum 6:30-9:30 pm • alternative horizons.org

[ July] July 4 Durango Independence Day Train Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad durangotrain.com July 4 Monument Big Pancake Breakfast St. Peter Catholic Church 7-10 am • bruce.kalish@ comcast.net July 4 Trinidad Queen City Jazz Band Performance Famous Performing Arts Center 2:30 pm • scrtheatre.com July 5 Pueblo CanDoRaku First Friday Cup & Bowl Pottery 719-404-3469 • cupandbowl. org

June 29 Hugo Gift of Life Hospital Benefit Lincoln County Fairgrounds 5:30-9 pm • 303-888-8051

July 6 Trinidad “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Performance Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre scrtheatre.com

June 29 Kiowa Kiowa Street Fair Nordman Park 9 am-3 pm townofkiowa.com

July 7 Salida Square Dance Salida Community Center 3-9:30 pm • monarch. mavericks@yahoo.com

June 29-30 Monument Acoustic Gospel Music Festival Church in Woodmoor 10 am • 719-488-3200

July 8-14 Crested Butte Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Created Butte Community School 970-349-2571 • crestebutte wildflowerfestival.com

June 29-30 Pagosa Springs Life at Chimney Rock Festival Chimney Rock National Monument 10 am-4 pm • 970-731-7133

SEND CALENDAR ITEMS

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:

Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303455-2807; or email calendar@coloradocountrylife.org. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Allen Gresham Retires from MVEA Board A thank you for 45 years of service to MVEA membership BY JIM HERRON || CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER || HERRONJC@MVEA.ORG

Since joining Mountain View Electric Association in 1996, I have had the pleasure of working with Board member Allen Gresham. After 45 years of representing District 3 on the MVEA Board of Directors, Allen has decided to hang up his Board manual as of June 13, 2013, and enjoy more time with his Jim Herron family and friends. During his time, Allen has seen an incredible amount of change in our cooperative. Considering he joined the Board in 1968 when computers filled entire rooms and were only used by the government, he has seen technology create an entirely different way for us to run a cooperative and distribute electricity. He has also helped guide MVEA through explosive growth during recent years, changing what was a predominantly rural membership into a more suburban one. During all of these changes, Allen never lost sight of the reason he was elected to the Board of Directors — to serve the members. He was always concerned about the impact of Board decisions on the membership and doing the right thing was foremost on his mind. “With every vote he cast, he always had the member at heart,” Board President Joe Martin remarked. Serving on the Board also demands a large commitment of time to attend meetings, conferences and classes on the electric industry and cooperative business. In 45 years, Allen missed only a couple of meetings due to bad weather. Oftentimes, Board members could not even return home on particularly bad nights. Until his retirement, Allen will fulfill his position as assistant secretary and a member of the executive and education committees. In the past, he has served on the building and facilities, and annual meeting committees. He earned his Board certification from the National

Rural Electric Cooperative Association and completed the Cooperative Credential Program. For over eight years, Allen served on the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Board. Born and raised in the Elbert area, Allen still resides on a farm in that community. He has always been an industrious person, having owned and operated his own insurance business for 24 years; owned and operated a grocery store in Elbert for 14 years; and retired from the Elbert School after 40 years as the transportation director. Allen also served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He is a member and former elder of the Elbert Christian Church. Allen married his lovely wife, Beverly, 55 years ago and they have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Allen and Beverly’s association with MVEA began long before Allen joined the Board of Directors. Both of their families have belonged to the cooperative since Allen and Beverly were children. Beverly’s father, Emil Anderson, was a founding

Board member of MVEA in 1941 and Allen later served with him on the Board for 15 years. Beverly began attending MVEA annual meetings when she was just 6 years old and, with her two sisters, even provided entertainment at three of the meetings. Beverly has only missed three annual meetings in 71 years, which must be a record. We must also thank Beverly for her years of service to the Colorado Women’s Task Force, which works to raise funds for charitable causes in rural Colorado areas. “I am thankful to the members for their support,” Allen said. “It has been a wonderful experience to serve on the Board. I have been proud to represent this part of the country.” When Allen was first elected to the Board, he thought it might only be for one three-year term, but he has always been pleased to be re-elected and his service has definitely benefitted MVEA. We will miss Allen at the Board meetings and cannot thank him enough for his dedication and service to the members of MVEA. It has been an honor to work with Allen, and I look forward to seeing him and Beverly at future MVEA functions. Best wishes to you both.

Beverly and Allen Gresham have served the membership for 45 years. Allen will retire from the MVEA Board of Directors on June 13. We would like to thank Allen and Beverly for their years of service and commitment.

Thank You! ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

2013 MVEA Scholarships Awarded

Mountain View Electric Association is pleased to announce its 2013 scholarship winners. The 12 winners were chosen through a computer-generated lottery system. More than 135 students applied this year. Tri-State Generation and Transmission and Basin Electric Power Cooperative also donated two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to dependents of MVEA members. Congratulations to our winners, and we wish them the best for their future. The following students will each be awarded $1,000 MVEA scholarships: Samantha Brown is a graduate of Mesa Ridge High School and the daughter of Christopher and Amy Brown of Colorado Springs. She plans to attend the University of Wyoming. While in high school, Samantha was a member of the National Honor Society, and active in forensics, the drama program and community theater. She was a teacher’s aide. She has consistently placed on the dean’s list. Samantha also participated in AVID, a postsecondary readiness program focused on preparing students for college. Celia Feng is a graduate of Rampart High School and the daughter of Wei and Baoqin Feng of Colorado Springs. She plans to attend Swarthmore College in the fall and major in biology. She was the French club secretary and received the National Merit Letter of Commendation and Rampart academic awards from 2009 through 2013. She was also active in the community as a Memorial Hospital volunteer, Children’s Literacy Center tutor and Learning Link Career Observation participant. She also was a member of Irises and Oaks at Rampart High School; as a junior she mentored talented eighth-grade students at Mountain Ridge Middle School. She also participated in solo piano from 2000 to 2013.

CONGRATULATIONS! ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 June 2013

Maggie Geolat is a graduate of Palmer Ridge High School and the daughter of Thomas and Debra Geolat of Monument. She plans to attend Colorado State University in Pueblo in the fall and major in business. Maggie was active as a member of the women’s varsity golf team and she earned Colorado Springs metro league first team status three times. She was also active in DECA and placed sixth in the DECA Invitational; as a member of Girl Scouts, she received the Girl Scout silver award. She was a member of the key club and was the district accountability representative. Mercedes Hope is a graduate of Limon High School and the daughter of Timothy Patton and Aimee Bailey of Genoa. Mercedes plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado in the fall and major in Spanish education. She was active in high school as a member of cheerleading, the speech team and choir and she made honor choir. She participated in the Knowledge Bowl and Friends of Rachel and was the ninth-grade class representative. She was also active in the Eastern Plains Players Theatre. Samantha Jones is a graduate of Flagler Senior High School and the daughter of Andrew and Josie Jones of Arriba. She plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado in the fall and major in nursing. Samantha was student council president and vice president, and class president for three years. She was a member of FFA and placed silver at the National FFA agronomy career development event. She was also a member of FBLA and was part of the National FBLA parliamentary procedure team. She participated in the school play for three years and state track in 2011.

Talyn King is a graduate of Mesa Ridge High School and the daughter of Alan and Tammy King of Colorado Springs. She plans to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins in the fall and major in zoology. While in high school she was active as a vice president of DECA and as a member of the FOR Club, and she participated in the Community of Caring. She also volunteered at the humane society and worked as a legal assistant. Jacqueline Lloyd is a graduate of Falcon High School and the daughter of Clay and Anne Lloyd of Falcon. She plans to attend Fort Lewis College in the fall and major in athletic training. While in high school she was active in Girl Scouts and received the gold, silver and bronze awards. She also received an academic letter and an athletic letter for eight seasons. Dan Nguyen is a graduate of Pine Creek High School and the son of Quan and Hang Nguyen of Monument. In the fall, Dan plans to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and major in computer science. While in high school he played tennis on the varsity team all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society, Creek in the Community and Serteens Service Club. He made the principal’s honor roll eight semesters. He was a DECA district champion. Outside of school activities he was a vocational Bible school camp counselor and food service waiter for Mitchell Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Steven Murphy is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and the son of Dennis and Julia Murphy of Colorado Springs. He plans to attend the Colo-

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

rado School of Mines in the fall and major in engineering. In high school, Steven was active in forensics, the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and was vice president of the Youth Philanthropy club. He also attended the HOBY leadership conference and Rocky Mountain Youth leadership conference. Katelyn Turner is a graduate of Limon High School and the daughter of Charles Turner and Jill Coonts of Limon. In the fall, Katelyn plans to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and major in English. In high school she was active in the National Honor Society and was the vice president, in the junior-senior play, a member of the band and honor band and volleyball team; and she received academic letters. She was active in peer counseling, mentoring and tutoring. She was also a member of the Friends of Rachel club, which motivates, educates and brings positive change to many young people. The $1,000 MVEA vocational and technical scholarship winner is Luke Linnebur. He is a graduate of Limon High School and the son of Joe and Christain Linnebur of Limon. He plans to attend Northwest Kansas Tech in the fall and major in diesel mechanics. Luke was active in high school. He played football and basketball all four years and baseball for three years. He was a member of FFA for three years and served as an officer each year. The $1,000 recipient of the Tri-State Generation and Transmission scholarship is Nolan Dyke, a graduate of Falcon High School and the son of Dennis and Connie Dyke of Falcon. In the fall, he plans to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and major in biology. In high school he was active in both

marching and jazz bands, the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, and the All-City Band. The $1,000 Basin Electric Power Cooperative scholarship winner is Emily Edson, a graduate of Discovery Canyon Campus High School. She is the daughter of Jeffery and Melinda Edson of Colorado Springs. In the fall Emily plans to attend school in Oklahoma and major in youth ministry. In high school she was active in the National Honor Society, IB Diploma Programme, and academic honor roll. She was on the JV softball team. She also participated

in dance — tap, jazz, ballet and lyrical. She was a volunteer through her church for several nonprofits and participated in a Guatemala missions trip. The $1,000 E.A. “Mick” Geesen Memorial Scholarship winner is Torin Tostanoski. He is a graduate of Lewis-Palmer High School and the son of Mary and William Tostanoski. In the fall, he plans to attend the University of Wyoming and major in chemical engineering. In high school he was active in the key club and varsity soccer, varsity track and field and cross-country teams.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Capturing Our Cooperative —

2014 Photo Calendar Contest

One more month to participate in MVEA’s photo calendar contest. This is the 10th year and the calendar has just gotten better and better. Last year’s photos were incredible and the new layout allowed for more winners. MVEA invites “Where did Mommy go?” by Cara Kolczynski you to send in your photos taken within MVEA’s territory and reflecting the seasons and the people, lifestyle or landscape of the area. The winners will be included in the 2014 calendar. Please read the following guidelines carefully. The deadline for entry is July 1, 2013. If you have questions, please call Sarah Schaefer at 719-494-2670. 1. Only MVEA members, directors, employees and their family members are eligible. 2. Photos will not be accepted without a completed entry form. Cut out the form below and submit with entry or go online to www.mvea.coop, click on “Community” and then “Photo Calendar Contest.” Duplicate form if necessary. 3. Only two photos per person will be accepted. Submit a separate entry form for EACH photograph. You may submit both entries on one disk. 4. DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THE PHOTOGRAPH. 5. Digital format of the photo is preferred. CDs or disks will be accepted. It is not necessary to send enlargements. See note to digital camera users. 6. Photos must have horizontal/landscape orientation. 7. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS. PHOTOS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF MVEA AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. NO EXCEPTIONS. 8. Deadline: July 1, 2013. Mail to: Mountain View Electric Association, Attn: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. Or send by email to schaefer-s@mvea.org. Note to digital camera users: Resolution of digital photos printed on home printers is too low for commercial printing. Resolution needs to be 300 dpi.

2013 MVEA Photo Calendar Contest Entry Form Name:_________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Home Phone:___________________________________________ Work Phone:____________________________________________ MVEA Account #:________________________________________ Email Address:___________________________________________ Please title your entry. This will appear with your photo if selected:_ ______________________________________________________ Limit 2 entries per person. Deadline is July 1, 2013. Send a completed form with each entry. Photocopy form for additional entries. Mail to: MVEA, Attn: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831 or email schaefer-s@mvea.org ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 June 2013

Limon’s Heritage Museum Opens for Summer June 1

Limon’s highly acclaimed Heritage Museum and Railroad Park opened for its 22nd season with a reception at the 103-year-old Limon Depot Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m. The beautifully restored depot is on the National Register of Historic Structures and is located an easy A new bronze “Young Visions” by well-known drive away in the heart of downtown Colorado sculptor Brenda Limon. The museum is open Monday Daniher through Saturday, 1-8 p.m. through Labor Day. This year’s exhibits capture the life and legends of the plains with challenging stories and stunning photos of trains, gas stations and pioneer life. Featured exhibits are the revealing “I-70: A Turning Point,” extensive Native American artifacts and selections from the newly acquired B.R. Dew Rock Island Railroad Collection. There is fun for all ages in the working N-scale model rail yard, vintage machinery, five rail cars, gardens, windmills and playground. Plan ahead for the great annual Heritage Festival on Saturday, August 3, starting at 9 a.m. with music, barbecue lunch, lost arts demonstrations, tractors, a Sons of Norway show, petting farm and the famous homemade pie sale in the rail dining car. Don’t miss this fascinating small museum that is free. For information or to arrange special tours, call 719-892-0507.

[Country Kitchen] Warmer weather is here in Colorado and Peggy Haynes of Colorado Springs shares her recipe for a refreshing Banana-Pineapple Drink, inspired by a recent 10-day trip she took to Honduras. “We ziplined through the forest and explored the ancient Mayan ruins of Copan, among other things,” she said. “We were told Honduras has two climates: hot and hotter! Below is my rendition of a cool and refreshing banana-pineapple drink I enjoyed while there.” If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it to MVEA, Attn.: Member Services/Country Kitchen, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. You will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill the month your recipe appears in Colorado Country Life magazine.

Banana-Pineapple Drink 6-ounce can Dole pineapple juice, chilled 1 ripe banana, peeled 1 teaspoon powdered sugar 1 cup milk ½ cup ice Blend all ingredients in blender on high. Garnish with pineapple slices on rim of glass.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop September 2012 11

[newsclips]

Sangre de Cristo Electric board member Don Kaufman (right) explains co-op issues to staff members for Sens. Bennet and Udall in Washington, D.C.

Board Members, Managers Rep Co-ops in D.C. BY MONA NEELEY || EDITOR

Colorado’s electric co-op board members and managers were doing double duty earlier this spring, lobbying legislators at the state capitol in Denver while also working on federal issues in Washington, D.C. A group of more than 50 co-op representatives met in D.C. April 28-May 1 for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. This conference brings together co-op representatives from across the country to review national legislation and its effect on electric co-ops and their members. The Colorado Rural Electric Association also used this time in D.C. to bring East Coast speakers before its board members. This year, there were four areas of focus in D.C.: support for the Rural Utilities Service; making sure that coal ash is treated as nonhazardous under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations; getting an exemption from the electric water heater standards; and opposing more requirements for co-op pole attachments. Colorado’s senators were asked to sign on to the letter supporting a $4 billion RUS loan level. (All seven of Colorado’s congressional representatives have signed a similar letter in the U.S. House.) This program does not cost taxpayers; instead it is projected to earn more than $130 million for the federal government in interest. Staff members for the Colorado congressional delegation were also asked to cosponsor the bipartisan Coal Ash Recycling and Oversight Act of 2013. This would allow coal ash to be treated as nonhazardous under EPA rules and allow it to continue to be recycled in concrete, drywall and other products. The need for electric co-ops to get a waiver from the new, stringent U.S. Department of Energy efficiency standards for large water heaters was also explained. These rules would eliminate water heaters that co-ops use as part of their demand response program to lower system peaks, store wind and hydropower energy during the night and enhance grid efficiency.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 June 2013

Left: Dr. Scott Wing of the Smithsonian Institute explains global climate warming about 55 million years ago. Below: Dr. Wing holds a photo showing what the poles looked like during the Paleocene Eocene period.

And, finally, co-op representatives explained why co-ops need their representatives and senators to help maintain the federal pole attachment exemption for electric co-ops. Colorado’s nonprofit co-ops have installed these poles and maintain them; it is not right for for-profit companies to improve their bottom line by raising costs for co-op members. Those attending the conference from Colorado also heard a speaker discuss the problems with the country’s rail system and how that affects coal trains; listened to a scientist from the Smithsonian talk about climate change — 55 million years ago — and how that connects to climate change today; and met with experts on cybersecurity and the Keystone pipeline.

[newsclips]

Co-op Power Supplier Adds Wind

Colorado’s newest renewable energy facility is already growing. The current 67-megawatt Colorado Highlands Wind project in northeastern Colorado from which Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association receives 100 percent of the power is expanding to 91 megawatts with construction beginning in July. Tri-State has a 20-year power purchase agreement to receive all the electricity and environmental attributes from the facility. The wind farm was constructed in 2012 and became operational in December. It is located on 6,640 acres in Logan County, in the service territory of Tri-State member co-op Highline Electric Association. Colorado Highlands Wind is currently one of three utility-scale renewable energy facilities from which Tri-State receives all of the electrical output and renewable energy credits. In 2010 the wholesale power supplier began purchasing the electricity generated at the 51-megawatt Kit Carson Windpower Project in eastern Colorado as well as the 30-megawatt Cimarron Solar Facility in northeastern New Mexico. In addition, Tri-State’s member co-ops have another 45 megawatts of local, community-based renewable and distributed generation projects in operation or scheduled to be operational later this year.

A Question for Readers

How much are you willing to pay per month so your neighbors can get a rebate when they install solar panels or a wind turbine?

q $0

q $1-$5

q $6-$10

q $11-$25

q $26+

Send your answer to: info@coloradocountrylife.org.

Readers Support Roadwork Last month we asked where readers would like to see the money spent, if Colorado had $2 billion to spend on projects in the state. Colorado Country Life readers said they would like to see that money spent on roads and bridges. Coming in a close second was renewable energy, although some readers accused the magazine of asking a trick question. Other options were K-12 education, the state university system, health care, mental health and beetle kill mitigation.

[ [

From 1970 to 2011, emissions of major pollutants from coalfueled power plants have been reduced by nearly 90% per unit of electricity generated.

1970

2011

According to Energy Information Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data, emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter per kilowatt-hour from coal-fueled electricity generation have been reduced by nearly 90 percent over the period 1970-2011. ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 13

[industry]

Board members and managers of Colorado’s electric cooperatives gather in a Senate hearing room to tell the Senate committee how Senate Bill 13-252 will hurt their members.

TOO MUCH, TOO FAST, WITH NO INPUT

Electric co-ops see special interests push expensive legislation on rural Colorado BY MONA NEELEY || PUBLISHER/EDITOR

When the 2013 Colorado legislature convened in January, doors with no co-op input. It was introduced in the Senate on Colorado’s electric co-ops believed legislation was coming that Wednesday, April 3, passed out of committee the next Monday would require co-ops to increase the amount of renewable and was on the Senate floor a week later. resources in their power supply mix. Senate Bill 13-252, which was “We kept hearing rumblings that awaiting Gov. John Hickenlooper’s a bill would be introduced,” said signature at press deadline, would Geoff Hier, the Colorado Rural double the current percentage of Electric Association’s director of electricity that rural electric coopgovernment relations. “Way back in eratives must derive from renewMay (of 2012) CREA told the enviable energy sources by the year ronmental groups that we wanted 2020 — raising the requirement to meet with them to talk about from 10 percent to 20 percent. “In pursuit of a narrow political possible approaches to renewable “Such a steep increase in such a agenda serving special interests, energy that we might all consider short time frame is neither reasona group of largely urban lawmakers reasonable and doable.” able nor warranted,” said Kent The state’s 22 electric co-ops, Singer, executive director of the are foisting these costly mandates which serve more than 1.2 million Colorado Rural Electric Association, on some of the state’s most fragile Coloradans, have been supportive of the trade association for the co-ops. local economies with some of the renewable energy. They supported “Rural electric co-ops already moving the co-ops to a 10-percenthave been working responsibly for most hard-pressed households by-2020 requirement in 2007 and several years to meet the current and small businesses.” are on track to meet that goal. The renewable-energy standard,” noted — Kent Singer, CREA co-ops and Tri-State Generation Ken Anderson, executive vice and Transmission Association, the president and general manager of power supplier for 18 of the co-ops, Tri-State. “It’s a big challenge, but have been steadily boosting their use of renewable energy to Tri-State and its member co-ops are committed to the efmeet the 2020 deadline. fort, and have constructed both utility- and community-scale But no one, not the legislative leadership nor the environrenewable energy projects. mental groups, would talk to the electric co-op representa“However, the proposed changes to the standard go too far, tives. Instead, Senate Bill 13-252 was crafted behind closed too fast,” Anderson continued. “The short time frame for mak-

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 June 2013

TOO MUCH, TOO FAST, WITH NO INPUT ing such a big leap is unrealistic and to build more renewables more expensive renewables in co-op territory than in Denver in Colorado requires costly and lengthy development of new where Xcel has more like 35 members per mile of line and transmission lines and backup natural gas generation units. much shorter distances to deal with. The measure doesn’t even allow rural co“Rural regions of Colorado simply aren’t “Rural regions of Colorado ops the flexibility of meeting some of the profitable to serve so the large, investorsimply aren’t as profitable to new standard by counting their significant owned utilities aren’t interested,” Singer serve and the large, investorsupplies of renewable hydropower.” added. “That also means that co-ops, which owned utilities aren’t interested. In 2012, 12 percent of the energy Tritake no profits and plow earnings back into State supplied to its members’ electric helping their member-ratepayers, focus ... That also means that co-ops, co-ops came from hydropower resources. on operating at cost. Co-ops set their rates which take no profits and plow “These costly, onerous renewablestrictly to cover the cost of doing business.” earnings back into helping their energy mandates that were passed in this “With SB 252, the co-ops will be forced member-ratepayers, focus on last legislative session simply make no to pass on the extra costs to consumoperating at cost.” sense,” said Singer. “In pursuit of a narrow ers just to meet the political demands of political agenda serving special interests, vocal environmental groups and to serve a group of largely urban lawmakers are foisting these costly the economic interests of some heavily subsidized renewablemandates on some of the state’s most fragile rural economies energy businesses,” Anderson said. with some of the most hard-pressed households and small The co-ops were not alone in fighting SB 13-252. A coalition businesses.” of rural agriculture and urban business groups joined in askHe noted that legislators often look to what Xcel Energy, ing Gov. Hickenlooper to veto SB 13-252. The electric co-ops an investor-owned utility serving mostly urban areas, is able asked the governor to insist that any legislative proposal affectto do and fail to grasp that electric co-ops must serve where ing co-ops be developed in an inclusive process that protects there are sometimes fewer than two members per mile of line. rural communities from higher electricity costs. “There are far fewer members to bear the additional cost of

EDUCATION IN COLORADO Otero Junior College Law Academy Relocates

The Otero Junior College Law Enforcement Training Academy has settled into its new location, a vacant elementary school in La Junta, and student training is under way. At OJC, students learn defense and arrest techniques through hands-on practices, how to work cooperatively with fellow cadets and how to advance their shooting abilities. The new academy location allows for permanent mounting of the Ti Decisional Training Computer. The TDTC projects a training scenario onto the wall and the student uses a weapon apparatus with a laser attached. When the trigger is pulled, it projects a spot onto the screen, allowing students to visualize the target. Training at OJC’s LETA is intense and led by a variety of instructors from a pool of 11 agencies, allowing students to learn a wide range of skills. “Training is the most important tool the peace officer carries and that tool will become ineffective if not continually maintained and upgraded,” said Miner Blackford, the academy’s director. The new site provides a single location for most of the academy’s training. The only exceptions are for driving training, which is completed at the La Junta airport, and live-weapons training, which is completed at the firing range.

For more information about the OJC Law Academy, contact M. Blackford at 719-384-6867. ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 15

Carousel restorer and creator Scott Harrison carves one of the animals for his carousel.

t seems highly unlikely, if not profoundly inconceivable, that something so tragic,

chaotic and unimaginably horrifying as an all-out war could ultimately manifest itself in a life-changing creation that would bring untold joy, peals of laughter, peace and comfort to thousands of people from all walks of life. Yet, there it sits in the little Front Range mountain town of Nederland: a whimsical amusement park ride that seems possessed of magical surprises and contagious, laughout-loud happiness.

Carousel of Happiness BY DENNIS SMITH

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 June 2013

As a battle-plagued U.S. Marine fighting in the jungles of Vietnam, Scott Harrison would try to soothe himself between firefights by holding a tiny music box to his ear, listening to the music of Chopin and imagining himself in a mountain meadow watching a carousel turn. The Marine’s mind trick became a dream, the dream became a vision, the vision became a quest and the quest became a real-life carousel turning in a mountain meadow — just as he had imagined. But what Scott couldn’t have imagined was the decades-long journey his dream would take him on, the talented and generous people he would meet along the way, the fascinating gifts and historical treasures that would find their way into his carousel and the number of lives that would be touched by the carousel’s infectious joyful spirit. It is a most remarkable story.

Carousel Ups and Downs The original configuration of Nederland’s Carousel of Happiness was built in 1910 by Charles Looff, the young Danish immigrant who also created the first carousel on New York’s famous Coney Island in 1876. It was delivered to Saltair, an amusement park built entirely on piers in the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It boasted four rows of animals, mirrored-glass rounding boards and a unique geardriven mechanism invented and patented by German immigrant Wilhelm F. Mangels. Mangels’ design created the revolutionary up-and-down “galloping” motion of the animals. The Saltair carousel’s existence seemed alternatively cursed and blessed. It managed to survive three devastating fires — one of which destroyed the Saltair amusement park entirely. Miraculously, though, the carousel survived, thanks in large part to the firemen who focused their efforts on saving it from the flames. But then, after the park was reconstructed, the roller coaster collapsed during a powerful windstorm, smashing into the carousel and causing extensive damage. The thing seemed plagued by disaster. It was subsequently rebuilt, but with only two rows of animals instead of the original four. Alas, Saltair then went bankrupt in 1958, and the carousel was dismantled and stored in a warehouse before being given to the Utah State Training School for the Developmentally Disabled by the governor. Unfortunately, while there, it was struck by lightning, and its wooden superstructure charred by the resulting fire. Again, it was rescued, only to be stripped of its valuable animals by a well-known carousel animal collector who then retired the frame and mechanism to be sold or abandoned to the scrap heap. Reduced to a cannibalized frame of charred and rotting wood, its drive gears, motor and steel suspension system seemingly fated to rust and corrode in the wind, it seemed certain the beleaguered carousel would finally fade into the ages. But the young Marine’s vision from long ago and far away was waiting patiently in the wings. It would take many, many more years before it was completely real-

The Carousel of Happiness, Nederland

ized, but the crumbling old carousel was destined to undergo yet another unlikely rescue and amazing transformation. The Circle Continues In September of 1986, Scott attended a National Carousel Association convention in Michigan with his 7-year-old daughter. There, he met a fellow whose job it was to transport carousels and wooden animals for buyers, collectors and amusement parks. Scott told him of his dream to find and restore an old carousel frame and mechanism, explaining he wanted to carve the animals himself. A month later the man called to say he had just removed all the animals from a carousel mechanism in the town of

American Fork, Utah, and that the frame was likely headed for the scrap yard. He put Scott in touch with the owner who agreed to sell him what was left of the original Saltair 1910 Looff carousel for $2,000. With the frame and mechanism in his possession, Scott began the arduous task of restoring and transforming the old amusement park ride. By any standards it was a monumental undertaking. The plywood flooring, overhead wooden-beamed sweepers and spreaders, inside and outside rounding boards, huge electric motor, drive gears, steel crank-shafts and crank arms, pinions, bearings, bushings, journals and related hardware were either missing, rotted or in various states of disrepair. Some could be repaired, but much would have to be replaced or completely rebuilt from scratch. To make matters even more difficult, no blueprints, plans or documents came with the purchase, and spare parts were rare to non-existent. Scott would have to figure things out on his own. He began by carefully dismantling the old carousel, taking photos and making copious notes along the way, meticulously documenting each operation step by step. He read everything he could find, located other existing Looff carousels across the country and traveled to San Francisco, Santa Fe and Spokane to study them. He crawled around their workings, took photos and talked to the operators. During his travels he was able to [continued on page 18] ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 17

Scott Harrison stands beside the 100,000th rider on The Carousel of Happiness.

Music from a restored 1913 Wurlitzer Military Band Organ plays as the carousel spins.

[continued from page 17]

procure some unused and extremely valuable bearings for his own rig. Scott learned of Mike Alvernaz, the machinist in charge of construction of the community-built Missoula, Montana, carousel. He traveled to Missoula to work and study with Mike several times, then brought him to Nederland once to help with his project. Mike’s expertise was, and remains, invaluable. “He helped me the most during the first 20 years of carving and restoration work,” Scott says. Several years into the project, Scott located the original 1905 Mangels patent application for the drive mechanism in the online archives of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This proved to be extremely helpful when he began reassembling and balancing the mechanism and frame. As restoration progressed, he replaced the old plywood floor with beautiful, old growth southern yellow pine that was originally harvested in the 1890s and used as shelving for whiskey barrels at the Seagram’s distillery in Peoria, Illinois. When the plant was dismantled 100 years later, the shelving went up for sale on the national used-wood market. Scott found it and fashioned it into 18 circular panels of hand-laid, honey, gold and ochre flooring that make up the 39-foot diameter platform for his animals and kids to ride on. He decorated the carousel’s plywood panels with rounding board paintings created for another 1910 carousel by August Wolfinger, an artist who was known in his time as the “Michelangelo of the Midway.” Scott reframed the paintings to fit his carousel and enlisted the skills of Denver-based fine art restorer Eugene Friedman to repair and restore the 100-year-old, oil-ontin masterpieces. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 June 2013

Oval paintings of endangered species originally created in the mid-1990s for a carousel in Texas by Russian immigrant artist V. Bavhanov were donated to cover 16 of the 18 inside rounding boards, and local fine artist Dorothy Emmerling completed the series with paintings of polar bears and endangered Amur leopards. From the beginning, Scott was deeply engaged in designing, painstakingly carving and painting all the animals by hand the hard way: with gouges, chisels and knives. It took him more than 26 years to create the intricate, intensely colored, kaleidoscopic menagerie of utterly fascinating and jaw-droppingly beautiful creatures that now populate the carousel: lions, tigers, frogs, giraffes, peacocks, swans, monkeys, fish and — well, there are more than 50 of them, so I won’t list them all. Besides which, words cannot begin to describe their astounding brilliance. Many of the animals have internal time capsules holding newspaper articles, poems, stories and period artifacts to be revealed at some point in the future. Scott continues to create and carve even more animals for a new exhibit depicting animals that appear to be on their way to — or from — “Somewhere Else,” which is precisely what the display will be called. It is a work in progress. It doesn’t stop there. Music for the dazzling carousel is provided by a fully restored, glass-enclosed 1913 Wurlitzer Military Band Organ with the amazing capacity to replicate the voices of 101 different band instruments. Powered by compressed air and multiple bellows, the organ plays an astounding repertoire of musical genres, all programmed by scrolls of punched paper much like you might find in the player pianos of old. An upstairs loft houses an observatory, an event room

[continued on page 19]

Writer Dennis Smith’s granddaughter plays in the puppet theater that is upstairs in the carousel building.

[continued from page 18]

available for children’s parties and group gatherings and a fully stocked, working children’s puppet theater made from a creatively converted turn-of-the century band organ cabinet. A library of journals, books and magazines provides decades of fascinating research on carousel history and development. Downstairs in the lobby, a gift shop stocked with miniature carousels, carved animals, books, high-quality toys, curios, fine art and souvenirs greets visitors. Rounding Out Construction Thoughtfully situated at the apex of Colorado’s Peak-to Peak highway, the carousel’s enclosure is a case study in aesthetic design and environmentally friendly stewardship. The elegant natural wood siding is capped by attractive and functional green steel roofing to ward off snow and grids of south-facing solar panels to capture radiant energy from the sun. The Energy Star windows enclosing the carousel and its related exhibits were carefully selected to optimize energy efficiency solar gain and enhance interior lighting. Their low-e coatings pass infrared rays but block ultraviolet rays, effectively providing passive solar heating and nighttime temperature retention, while at the same time protecting the natural wood beams and interior artwork from the fading effects of UV exposure as well as the summer’s heat. The resulting high transmission of visible light decreases the need for higher cost conventional electrical lighting. And, in fact, where electrical lighting is called for on the carousel, all bulbs — 396 of them — are supercool, energy-efficient LEDs. Surrounding exterior bi-fold doors can be opened or closed to further regulate interior temperatures and airflow in accordance with the weather. Scott will be the first to tell you that while the idea for the project owes its inspiration to the little music box he listened to all those years ago on the battlefields of Vietnam, the phenomenon known today as The Carousel of Happiness would not have been possible without the kindness, generosity and outright

benevolence of countless others who helped along the way. Scott purchased the original frame and mechanism and paid for all the associated materials used in the construction of the project from his own pocket, but is grateful to the countless others who helped with the research and donated time, invaluable expertise and mechanical skills, as well as some of the rare artwork and historic fixtures that make this carousel unique. In 2010, he formed a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, had all the parts, animals and building appraised and donated the entire project to the organization. Today the carousel is fully staffed and operated by volunteers and sustained by sponsorships, donations and funds generated by sales from rides, gift shop purchases and party room events. A typical weekend may see upward of 500 to 1,000 visitors, and even more during the

The carousel sits just off Highway 119 in Nederland.

summer. The premier opening was dedicated to the memory of two of Scott’s wartime comrades, and a plaque honoring their sacrifice graces the entry to the carousel. If the old saying that “what goes around, comes around” is true, then the little merry-go-round in Colorado known as The Carousel of Happiness will be bringing joy and happiness around for a long, long time to come. Dennis Smith is a freelance outdoor writer, photographer and columnist from Loveland, who writes the outdoor column for Colorado Country Life. His work also appears in other national and regional publications.

It is called, quite aptly, The Carousel of Happiness. ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 19

[recipes]

Roll in the Raspberry Recipes

Pack a punch of flavor with berries fresh from the garden BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Berry Clean If it is necessary to clean the raspberries, wash them just before using. Gently rinse with cold water, using as little water as possible. Drain and carefully spread berries out on a dry paper towel.

Marvelous Munchies Raspberries make for a delicious, healthy snack.

Raspberries are flourishing in Colorado gardens. These divine berries burst with flavor, which is why they’re ideal ingredients for recipes of all types. Here are two different uses for these succulent berries: a salsa and muffins. Find more delicious raspberry recipes at coloradocountrylife.coop

Raspberry Cilantro Salsa 3 packages (6 ounces each) raspberries 1/2 cup finely diced red onion 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño pepper 4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon mashed garlic 1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted (toasting is optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar Combine raspberries, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, garlic, cumin and pepper in a large bowl. Mash gently with a whisk or potato masher to release berry juices, leaving large pieces of raspberry in the salsa. Add sugar to taste. Chill 1 hour for flavors to blend. Adjust salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Serve with chips or over fish or poultry.

To thaw frozen raspberries but retain their shape and fresh flavor, place them in the microwave for 45 seconds. Mix raspberries with apples, rhubarb or other berries when making pies and cobblers for a more complex flavor.

Photo courtesy Driscoll’s

How to Thaw

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 June 2013

Raspberry-Orange Muffin 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2/3 cup sour cream or low-fat plain yogurt 1/3 cup canola oil 2 to 3 teaspoons grated orange zest (from about 1 orange) 1/3 cup orange juice 1 large egg 1 package (6 ounces) raspberries Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners or coat with cooking spray. Stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl, breaking up any lumps of sugar. Combine sour cream, oil, zest, juice and egg in a large bowl. Stir in flour mixture until partially moistened. Add raspberries and stir gently until evenly mixed. Batter will be thick; do not over stir. Divide batter evenly amoung muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 3 minutes. Serve warm or remove to wire rack to cool completely.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop April 2013 21

[gardening]

Expand Beyond Your Garden’s Boundaries Set the stage for a productive growing season and bountiful harvest

BY EVA ROSE MONTANE || ABUNDANTEARTHGARDENS.COM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

What comes out of your garden hinges on what you put into your garden. Careful thought, planning and preparation of your garden will produce much more gratifying results. Prior to sowing seeds, put some muscle into preparing the space and soil. Before you know it, delicious fruits and vegetables and eye-popping posies will be sprouting before your eyes.

Bed size and shape

When planning a new garden bed it can be difficult to visualize the space it will occupy. Try getting out a garden hose and placing it around the perimeter of the proposed bed to see how it looks. Move it around until you get it just where you want it. Once you do, use spray paint to keep track of your design plan. Curves can add a more organic rhythm to the space, but avoid making them too wiggly; broader sweeping curves result in a more pleasing aesthetic. Foundation plantings are not recommended because they can cause damage to your home’s foundation. Make at least enough room to comfortably walk between your walls or fence once your plantings are mature, and have your beds extend far enough into the yard that you can admire them through the windowing from inside the house.

Preparing the soil

Whether you are growing a perennial flower bed with shrubs and trees or annual vegetables, you’ll want to start by double digging the bed. First though, make sure your soil is not too ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 June 2013

wet. Saturated soil fills in air pockets and that is hard on roots. Robert Nold, author of High and Dry, encourages the doubledigging method particularly in our climate, given our native soils. It entails removing the soil about a shovel deep throughout the whole bed and then loosening the soil beneath that to the same approximate depth; roughly one foot deep for each layer. Loosen the soil from one end to the other using a short-handled four-tined soil fork. This will aerate the soil and allow the roots to move through it more easily, grow healthily and establish nicely. Replace the top foot of soil you previously removed, taking care to tread on it as little as possible. Of course this is nearly impossible to achieve with a large bed, but do your best. To help protect it from compaction, lay a board across the area where you need to stand to work the bed. This is especially important with vegetable beds, because the roots of annual vegetable plants tend to be finer and more delicate. The diversity typical with a perennial garden includes plants with roots that reach to varying depths and, as a result, help to knit the soil together and prevent erosion. Consider the color and texture of the plants you plan to grow, because what you choose will add to the aesthetic beauty you aim to achieve. Eva Rose Montane hosts a cutting-edge series on gardening in Colorado. Read more gardening advice at coloradocountrylife. coop. Click on Living in Colorado and then Gardening.

WiseSaver Check the seals on your refrigerator door to ensure it is airtight. Close the door over a dollar bill. If you can easily remove the bill with the door closed, you should replace the seals or consider buying a new refrigerator.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 23

[outdoors]

If you’re on Pinterest, we invite you to start following Colorado Country Life. We’ve recently launched our Pinterest page and already have several boards that include gardening, recipes, crafts, decorating, outdoors, etc.

Share your ideas with us at pinterest.com/ coloradocountrylife

Find us on facebook.com/ COCountrylife

Hooked on the Backcountry Fly fishing little creeks comes with big rewards BY DENNIS SMITH

Colorado’s tailwater streams and gold medal fisheries attract thousands of fly fishermen from all over the country, but I know some savvy old-timers who will tell you the finest fly-fishing in the state is really found on the small unknown streams and headwater creeks in the backcountry. I’m inclined to agree with them. Backcountry fly fishing does, in fact, have a lot to offer. Solitude, a rare commodity on most of our trout streams these days, is one of its main attractions, but there are plenty of others, including the stunning alpine scenery and lots of wild, hungry fish. The trout are usually much smaller than their tailwater cousins, but they’re decidedly wilder, a lot prettier and generally more eager to take a fly. After all, they aren’t subjected to hordes of anglers and thousands of fly or lures day after day. And, contrary to popular opinion, you can find some surprisingly big trout in the backcountry if you hunt for them hard enough, or if you’re just plain lucky. It’s entirely possible to whack a 13- or 14-incher in these little creeks, and occasionally you’ll hook one that breaks the 15-inch mark. I’ve seen a few backcountry greenback cutthroats that taped an honest 16 inches, and I suspect there are more than a few hook-jawed leviathans in some high drainages that could make you mess your waders if you were lucky enough to hook one. I’ve been told by a guide who knows from personal experi-

ence that big ones are up there. “Three, and four-pounders,” he said, without batting an eye. I believe him. Now, a threepound trout from the Frying Pan or South Platte wouldn’t raise an eyebrow, but on a little backwater creek it would be a legitimate trophy, the kind of fish you’d consider having mounted if it were legal … and could afford it. The thing is, there are some big fish in the backcountry, and that’s what you hope for, but most small stream anglers are more than happy to catch little fish as long as they’re wild and they can catch them in solitude. Todd Hosman, author of Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park, put it this way: “I’d rather spend an evening casting to little wild brookies in an unknown backcountry creek than hauling in big stocked rainbows on a name brand river with a parking lot next to it.” Of course, if you’re a trophy-minded headhunter, catching eight- to 10-inch trout all day long probably won’t do wonders for your ego, but John Gierach, Colorado’s widely acclaimed fishing writer, handles that issue nicely in his book, Fly Fishing Small Streams, when he says: “Maybe your stature as a fly fisherman isn’t determined by how big a trout you can catch, but by how small a trout you can catch without being disappointed, and of course, without losing the faith that there’s a bigger one in there.” I couldn’t agree more.

Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 June 2013

[energy tips]

FREEZER FABLE

Frozen water bottles not

likely to save energy

Will packing an empty freezer space with filled water bottles reduce energy consumption? Although this is an energy efficiency tip that’s commonly repeated online, it really doesn’t hold water. The thinking behind this idea seems to be that by decreasing the amount of airspace in the freezer, you’ll lose less cold air every time it’s opened, and you’ll save energy as a result. Consider the energy required to cool a single bottle containing 16 fluid ounces of water. To freeze it, you would need to remove about 50 kilojoules (kJ) of energy to cool the water from room temperature down to 32 degrees, and an additional 158 kJ of energy to change its state from a liquid to a solid. In total, around 208 kJ of energy must be removed from the water to freeze it solid from room temperature. In contrast, cooling 16 fluid ounces of air from room temperature to 32 degrees would only require you to remove 0.015 kJ of energy. This is about 14,000 times less energy than is required to freeze the same volume of water to a solid state. An important caveat here is that we’re assuming that room temperature water is being used. If, for example, you were to put some water bottles outside in winter, let them freeze wand then put them into the freezer, they would help to offset the cooling load and thereby save energy. — Cooperative Research Network

“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

For more information on the frozen bottle myth, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Energy Tips.

— Theodor Geisel ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 25

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 June 2013

[marketplace]

Advertise in MarketPlace Call Kris at 303-902-7276 to get your ad in the June issue of Colorado Country Life.

WiseSaver During summer, close your curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day. Your home will be cooler and your electric bill will be lower.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 27

[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

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-09-13)

COMPUTERS COMPUTER REPAIR – CALL ME FIRST! Affordable computer repair for Western Colorado. Joel, 970778-5253, WesternSlopeDigital.com (096-06-13)

EDUCATION ANTIQUES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ANTIQUE ALLEY – In Salida, CO, July 13th & 14th. Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 5 miles west of Salida, just off Hwy 50. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4. Admission $3.50. Glass grinder on duty. Info: Jo Peterson 719-596-1022. (510-06-13)

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided. Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-06-13)

ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-08-13)

PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-14)

CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-13)

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 5’ moose mount, 56” elk mount and giant moose paddles. Showroom open May 15 through October 15 in Granby, CO. 15 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! Designers: We can provide you a single item or a whole houseful. Call ! 970-6273053. (085-09-13)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.) BUSY, FULL SERVICE, AUTO REPAIR WORKSHOP in SW Colorado. Est. 35 yrs. Solid business, dependable staff, 6 bays, paint booth, offices. Financing options. Call Joyce, 970563-4500. (942-06-13)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 June 2013

REALISTIC HOME BUSINESSES – HOW TO SELECT, start, operate. Over 80 businesses detailed from actual owners. www.patsbookshop. com (075-06-13) REDUCED $50,000 -- 14 spacious motel rooms, beauty shop (rented), studio apartment, lovely owners’ quarters. Good Business. Many repeat guests. Completely remodeled. Call Betty 719-263-4773 or cell 719-251-1554 (025-06-13) START YOUR OWN BUSINESS – home/internet. Simply the highest quality candles/beauty/fundraising. Enter free drawing. www.naturesbest.scent-team.com (831-07-13)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 14’ SeaRay W/TRAILER, motor, fishfinder, TrolMotor, poles, gear, lifejackets, $1450 or best offer, 303-913-4547 (106-06-13) 1981 DATSUN 280ZX, T-top, turbo, blue and gray. 52,000 original miles. $12,900. 970-260-2078 (113-06-13) 50 SUBARUS! (1995-2012) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! Warranties available! Dealer: www. MonumentMotors.com 719-4819900 (574-08-13)

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS/ PARENTS: Looking for a different approach? Want something exceptional? Biblical perspective, wilderness adventure, college prep, close Christian community, housing provided. www.emhweb. org (035-07-13)

FOOD BIGGEST LITTLE CORNERSTONE CAFÉ in Eaton, Colorado. Super green chili !! 130 1st Street. (09406-13)

FOR SALE 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON Softail FXSTI, $10,950, low mileage, excellent condition, garaged, fuel injected, 6spd trans (HD conversion), Vance-Hines pipes, red pearl paint, too many extras to mention. Call 719-337-8861 (117-07-13) GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious. Delivery available. Fourth, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-07-13) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-08-13) STORAGE BUILDING/GARAGE, 30x30, easily assembled, meets code. $6,450. Call 970-532-7082. (112-06-13)

FREE FREE BIBLE VERSES against Free-Will theology as 2 Timothy 2:25-26 and God-loves-everybody psychology as John 10:25-29. Dr. Edwin Vrell, Bible Theologian, 2210 Main, #304, Longmont, CO 80501, 303-772-8825 (995-09-13)

FREE

REAL ESTATE

FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-08-13)

ARROWHEAD, CIMARRON, CO. Level, treed lot. ALL utilities in place (underground). 2 sheds, graveled driveway/parking, much more. Community has many amenities. Evenings 512-229-7826 (109-09-13)

GIFTS PERSONALIZED MEMORIAL CLOTHING for teddy bears. Let us create a huggable memory for you. www.twosistersmemorybears.com (114-06-13)

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS BOOKS, PATTERNS, CLASSES, knitting, felting, crocheting, weaving, spinning. www.tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-09-13)

MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148 www.sawmill exchange.com . (267-09-13)

POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $37.50 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. FREE COLOR CATALOG 417532-4581. Cackle Hatchery — PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com. (876-07-13)

QUILTS AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING Services - Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-08-13)

REAL ESTATE 3500sf CUSTOM LOG HOME on 10 acres of pines, 3br, 3ba, 2 car garage plus workshop $469,000. Linda Crowther, Keller Williams Realty 970-749-2088. (107-06-13)

DURANGO, CO., see all listings, residential and land. Call Linda Crowther, Keller Williams Realty, 970-749-2088. DurangoColorado. com (107-06-13) GRAND JUNCTION HORSE FARM, 3130 A 1/2 Rd, 3550+ sq. ft. home on 14 acres. Newly remodeled, new central air, new boiler, new water heater, new roof, half brick ranch w/new vinyl siding. 5 bdrm, 3 1/2 bath, living room, dining room, large kitchen, large family room. New carpet/tile/wood floors. Full horse barn w/indoor stalls & outside runs. All steel fencing, arenas, loafing sheds on large pastures. Additional fencing around home & inground heated pool. RV building (50x28’), two large ponds, etc. $625,000. Ginny 970-260-9629, Terry 970-261-3001, Gtraudt@ edbozarth.com 3% to 6% to any REALTOR w/buyer (946-06-13) HOWARD, COLORADO. Tree covered residential home site. Year round access. Owner finance. 719276-7294 (050-06-13) PAGOSA SPRINGS – Vacation Home Management, “Need someone you can trust to care for your home while you’re away?” Call Pagosa Home Manager, LLC. A family owned & operated company with over 25 years property management experience. Licensed, bonded, insured. Call Rod Manning 970-946-0626 www.PagosaHome Manager.com (111-11-13) TURN-KEY CATTLE/HORSE RANCH. NM-Colo. border, 5 miles to Navajo Lake. Approx. 110 acres, 80 shares water ponds, springs, home, barns. E-mail for pictures, dbenesch@ earthlink.net (018-08-13) WANTED: PROPERTY TO LEASE for hunting, fishing. We offer landowners numerous benefits. Hunting club also looking for new members. 303-460-0273 (069-08-13)

[funny stories] RELIGION

WANTED TO BUY

BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 W Cactus, B107, Glendale, AZ 85304. http:// www.ordination.org (441-12-13)

NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-08-13)

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. References available. Call Gary at 970-222-2181. (960-08-13)

OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303-757-8553. (889-08-13)

WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-03-14)

TICKETS NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available. Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-6377633) or www.NFR-Rodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-13)

VACATIONS EXPERIENCE CENTRAL EUROPE with us! Private and small groups. www. euroamtravelclub.com or call Frank at 970-749-5824. (115-09-13)

VACATION RENTAL KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-14) KONA, HAWAII, Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views; 3bdr, 2ba specials. (503) 369-2638; www.konacondo. info (116-11-13)

OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-11-13) 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. (519-11-13) OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (870-12-13) SOAP BOX DERBY RACER for a car museum. Call Bud 970-675-8749, c970-629-2941 (105-06-13)

Did you know that you could get a for $9 in-state and $15 out-of-state? Just call the nice people at CCL at 303-455-4111.

Anonymous

WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337 (099-06-13) WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/ gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-14)

Advertise in the classified section. Soon everyone will know your business. Call Kris at

303-902-7276.

A CCL SUBSCRIPTION IS A GREAT GIFT

Colorado Country Life subscription

A minister parked his car in a no parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. He put a note under the windshield that read, “Forgive us our trespasses.” When he returned his note was gone and in its place was a citation from a police officer that read, “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”

Thanks, my sister is in Arizona and always wants the news from home. I’ll get her a subscription for her birthday.

As my husband and I traveled on a long road trip we listened to talk radio. The announcer was taking calls from concerned citizens about the changes that needed to be made in the local area. A caller suggested that a deer crossing sign be moved to a safer location. “Lots of deer are getting hit there,” she said, “so we need to move that sign to a place where it is safer for them to cross.” Eve M. Casto, Buena Vista

As I was talking on the phone with my stepdaughter, Melissa, I could hear my 4-year-old granddaughter, Analese, crying in the background. Melissa asked Analese why she was crying and she told her she hit her nose on the back of her mommy’s chair. Melissa said, “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t know you were back there.” “That’s not true,” Analese said, still sobbing. “You told me you have eyes in the back of your head.” Donna Anderson, Arvada

After seeing the hearse at a recent family funeral, Jessica, our 6-year-old daughter, asked me very innocently, “Is that the car that will drive Uncle Ken to heaven?” Ellouise Beck, Farmington, New Mexico

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2013 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. ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2013 29

[discoveries]

Top Off Dad’s Special Day

N SEND A LETTER

Writing letters by hand has become a thing of the past and sending emails feels impersonal. This Father’s Day, get back that nostalgic feeling of a handwritten letter without breaking out a pen and paper with the Foldagram. Jordan Bundy from Vail is the brains behind the simple yet ingenious Foldagram. Visit thefoldagram.com, write your message, upload a photo and enter Dad’s mailing address. The letter is sent right away and delivered to his mailbox. An added perk: the photo can be stood upright so Dad can show 50% discount on any Father’s it off. No pen. No paper. No stamps. No post office. No problem. Day order. Foldagrams cost $4 each, about the same price as a greeting Promotion code cocountry. card. Visit the foldagram.com to check out the video and to order your Father’s Day Foldagram.

A SPINNING SENSATION

When it comes to shopping for Yo-yo prices Father’s Day gifts, we often think of run the gamut neckties and sweaters. This year, steer from $10 to away from cliché and encourage dad $500. Visit to rediscover a childhood pastime: yoyospin.com yo-yoing. Just don’t opt for the cheap to find out plastic variety that falls apart with the more. slightest bump. Instead, try one of Ed Davidson’s handcrafted yo-yos. Davidson, a professional al lathe artist, carefully crafts his yo-yos in his Colorado Springs studio. Each yo-yo is one piece; the axle and sides are not glued together like your run-of-the-mill yo-yo. And each piece is a true work of art that can perform any yo-yo trick Dad has up his sleeve. Davidson uses natural wood, acrylic or polyester resin to make his yo-yos. Designs range from clean and simple to bright and embellished. Whichever you choose, Dad’s yo-yo is sure to be a head turner.

Father’s Day Contest Enter to win a yo-yo for your father. Father’s Day is June 16 so the deadline for the contest is June 10 — and if you win, the yo-yo will be mailed to your dad in time for Father’s Day. To enter, go to coloradocountrylife.coop and click on “Contest” then follow the guidelines. Good luck! ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 June 2013

Nate Funmaker’s hats are more than mere head warmers. They’re handcrafted works of art constructed with the tools and techniques used by our forefathers. To create his hats, Funmaker first gathers his client’s measurements. Clients then choose the fabric, style and color they desire. Then he uses vintage equipment to mold the shape of the hat to fit the customer’s unique noggin. A Funmaker hat made of rabbit hide starts at around $450 and goes up with add-ons such as bound edge, pencil curl, custom braids and sash. Rabbit-beaver blends start at $625 and 100-percent beaver blends start at $825. Client comments have a common theme: “fine craftsmanship,” “worth every penny,” “fits perfectly.” Visit Funmaker’s shop, Nathaniel’s of Colorado, in downtown Mancos and find out what the hoopla is all about. For more information, go to nateshats. com or call 970-533-9740.

RAISE A GLASS TO DAD

Whether he prefers his drinks frothy, frosty, frozen or hot, you’re sure to find a fantastic chalice from Imperial Crystal for Dad this Father’s Day. Based in Laporte, Colorado, Imperial Crystal can manufacture and personalize mugs and glasses of several varieties. This isn’t your “#1 Dad” mug found at a novelty store (although they’d surely oblige). These are beautiful, handcrafted drinking vessels, most of which can be monogrammed to your liking. Prices start at $29 for a set of four. For more information, call 800-616-6101 or visit imperialcrystal.com.