Colorado Country Life MVEA May 2013

[May 2013]

Reaching Out to

Wounded Warriors

[contents]

May 2013 [cover] Vietnam vet Dave Roever, disabled himself, brings wounded warriors to his Colorado ranch to heal.

4

16

22

4 Viewpoint

16 Healing Wounded Warriors

22 Gardening

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 14 Touchstone Energy Turns 15

20 Recipes

24 Outdoors

The electric co-ops’ EnergyWise Project rewards science fair students

Veteran Dave Roever helps soldiers heal at Westcliffe ranch

Grilling with simple ingredients adds sizzle to barbecue fare

Expand your garden size to boost harvest and eye appeal Hunting licenses for wild turkeys are difficult to get

25 Energy Tips

Follow guidelines when shopping for new windows to increase efficiency

29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries

The brand ID for the nations’ electric co-op rounds a major milestone

29

1998

year of Touchstone Energy® official launch

125

Glenwood Hot Springs celebrates this anniversary this year

12,000 the number of people who visit Chimney Rock every year

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 05

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.]; Tom Compton [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]

Co-ops Support Science, Engineering

EnergyWise Project rewards students exploring electricity options for science fair

BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

C

Colorado Rural Electric Association’s EnergyWise Project got off to a great start as we initiated one of the first programs under the electric co-ops’ new energy efficiency emphasis: presenting awards at the state science fair.

I was lucky enough to Kent Singer be one of the judges for the Special Awards presented by the Colorado EnergyWise Project at the 58th annual Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.

CSEF is an annual event hosted by the College of Natural Sciences & Outreach Center at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and it provides a forum for Colorado students in grades six through 12 to create science projects and submit them to be judged first at regional science fairs and then CSEF. This state science fair has numerous categories for projects, including animal sciences, chemistry, environmental sciences, microbiology, and engineering.

The EnergyWise Project was particularly interested in the transportation and energy category since one of the goals of EnergyWise is to encourage students to think about energy efficiency and the smart use of energy, particularly electricity. With the financial support of CoBank, one of the financial partners of Colorado’s electric co-ops, we established Special Awards for two students each in the junior and senior divisions with projects related to energy efficiency.

At this year’s fair, I was joined by Stuart Travis, a member of the board of directors of Y-W Electric Association, one of our member co-ops headquartered in Akron.

Stuart was a participant in CSEF when he was a student, and his children have also participated in this science fair during

their years in middle school and high school.

Stuart and I spent several hours reviewing the projects and talking to the students about their work. I was amazed at the intellectual rigor that had gone into the students’ thinking and their attention to detail in presenting their results. The students had obviously spent many months learning about complicated subjects. They then developed “abstracts,” which set forth a specific scientific question that they tried to answer in their projects and experiments.

Winners of the 2013 Colorado EnergyWise Special Awards ■ George Liu, Colorado Springs ■ Cristian Granados, Colorado Springs ■ Nurul MohdReza, Greeley ■ Kelsey Lindbloom, Salida During the judging phase I must admit that I thought a lot about that show on television “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” (Ironically, one of the kids used that phrase as the title for his project!)

The clear answer is: No. Here are descriptions of a couple of the projects that were created by the winners that Stuart and I

chose for the EnergyWise awards.

Ninth grader Kelsey Lindbloom created a project called “Fueling the Future Phase 2: An Investigative Look into the Use of Substrates in a Microbial Fuel Cell.” I understand how fuel cells work, but I was not familiar with the whole notion of a “microbial” fuel cell. The point of Kelsey’s work was to find out what kind of substrate would be the most efficient for feeding “Shewanella putrefaciens” to create small amounts of electric power.

Kelsey found that the most efficient substrate was potato starch, contrary to her hypothesis that the best substrate would be maltose.

In another project, Cristian Granados, a sixth grader, tested the hypothesis: “Do I Really Save Energy by Turning Off My Lights?” Cristian tried to answer whether or not it is more energy efficient to turn a lightbulb off and on every 10 seconds or to leave the lightbulb on for 10 seconds.

After running tests with different types of lightbulbs, Cristian concluded that fluorescent bulbs used more electricity when turned on and off frequently, whereas incandescent bulbs used more power when left on for long periods of time.

We were glad to present the recipients of the Special Awards with cash prizes and also with scholarships to CREA’s fourth annual Energy Innovations Summit in October. We know that these budding geniuses will no doubt conquer the tall energy challenges that face Colorado and the United States, and we wish them well in their future education and research endeavors.

Kent Singer, Executive Director

FOLLOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENT SINGER’S BLOG AT COLORADOREABLOG.WORDPRESS.COM. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 May 2013

[letters] Praise for Nuclear

I admire Kent Singer’s position on not investing in wind electricity transmission lines (Viewpoint, February ’13). I traveled through Europe seeing all those ugly wind mills. Since that time European countries just got poorer. We should not copy them.

I came from Europe and I found a more vital economy here up until now. The most effective power plants are nuclear and they are pretty safe. The Navy runs on nuclear in a safe and effective way. Ask former Navy ship members about working with nuclear. That is the energy of the future. We have a choice of going nuclear or going back to the caveman age.

I myself use solar energy, but it is not reliable and not sufficient.

Americus Kalmar, Broomfield

Cost of Energy Efficiency

My biggest barrier to improving home energy efficiency is the waste that is left when you update appliances, lightbulbs, etc. I choose to not update items until they are no longer working, the lightbulb burns out, the appliance breaks down.

For example, we have a 20-year-old water heater but it still works just fine. Our updating is slow.

Otherwise, we turn off lights as much as we can, unplug devices we don’t use regularly and use a programmable thermostat for our heating.

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU …

… When you like a story or dislike a story; when you have an opinion; when you have an idea. Send your letter to the editor to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver CO 80216 or mneeley@coloradocountrylife. org. You must include your name and address, which will not be published.

Letters may be edited. Not all letters will be printed.

Nicolette Ahrens, Boulder County

Thanks for Books

The students and staff of Stratton Elementary, Middle and High School thank you for the wonderful books that were donated to our schools. The variety of fiction, nonfiction and picture books are a welcome addition to our libraries.

Susan Corliss and Mary Anne Kindred District R-4 librarians

On behalf of the Buena Vista Public Library, I would like to thank you for the recent donation of books. The titles will appeal to most of our readers.

Gail Nottingham, library director

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 address, which will not be published. Letters may be edited.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 5

[calendar]

[May] May 8-12 Cortez Ute Mountain/Mesa Verde Birding Festival Cortez Cultural Center 970-565-1151 • info@ cortezculturalcenter.org May 10 Trinidad “American Story” Folk Opera Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre 7 pm • 719-846-4765 May 11-12 Fort Collins Spring Plant Sale Gardens on Spring Creek 970-416-2486 • fcgov.com/ gardens/ May 11 Loveland Plant Sale and Antique & Artisan Market All Saints Episcopal Church 9 am-1 pm • 970-290-4102 May 14 Denver Rare Archaeological Artifacts Workshop History Colorado Center 1-3 pm • historycolorado.org May 16-June 20 Beulah Spring Yoga Second Session Starts Mountain Park Environmental Center 719-485-4444 • hikeand learn.org May 16-19 Kit Carson Kit Carson Mountain Men Rendezvous 24485 County Road J kcmm.us May 17-18 Fruita Mike the Headless Chicken Festival Downtown Fruita 970-858-0360 • mikethehead lesschicken.org

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 May 2013

May 18-19 Estes Park Jazz Fest & Art Walk Performance Park Outdoor Amphitheater estesparkcvb.com

May 29 Colorado Springs Picnic-n-Planes Western Museum of Mining & Industry 9 am-4 pm • 719-488-0880

May 18-19 Grand Junction Llama Show Mesa County Fairgrounds 9 am-3 pm • cajwdj@aol.com

May 31-June 1 Durango Durango Blues Train Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 877-872-4607 • durango bluestrain.com

May 18 Grand Lake Gardeners’ Exchange Grand Lake Community House 12-4 pm • 970-627-3435 May 19 Drake Craft Fair, Bake Sale Big Thompson Canyon Volunteer Fire Department 8 am-2 pm • 970-593-1091

May 31-June 2 Pueblo Bluegrass at the Fair Colorado State Fair Grounds bluegrassatthefair.com

[ June]

May 20 Denver Kundalini Yoga Denver Botanic Gardens 6-7:30 pm • botanicgardens. org

June 1 Grand Lake “Prelude!” Musical Sneak Preview Western Riviera Lakeside Events Center 7 pm • rockymountain rep.com

May 21 Littleton Cave Exploration Course Hudson Gardens 6-8 pm • 303-797-8565 x 306

June 1 Loveland Waltz for the Wolves The Ranch Events Complex 5-10 pm • wolfsanctuary.net

May 24 Durango Community Heritage Awards The Bar-D Chuckwagon 5:30 pm • 970-259-2402

June 1 Trinidad Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet Sebastiani Gym 4:30 pm • 719-846-3695

May 24-27 Durango Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Starting at Buckley Park 970-259-4621 • ironhorse bicycleclassic.com

June 4-July 7 La Veta “Straight Up!” Arts Show Spanish Peaks Arts Council 719-742-3074 June 7-9 Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show Western Museum of Mining & Industry 9 am-5 pm • 719-488-0880 June 7 Littleton Free Admission Day Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield botanicgardens.org June 7-15 Monument Spring Art Show and Sale 18725 Monument Hill Road palmerlakeartgroup.com June 7 Pagosa Springs Night Sky Archaeoastronomy Program Chimney Rock Visitor Cabin 7:30 pm • chimneyrockco.org June 8-9 Beulah Arts and Crafts Show Beulah School Track 10 am • beulahbuzz@socolo. net June 8 Brush Antique Tractor Show AMA Complex brushchamber.org

June 1 West of Trinidad Fishing Tournament Monument Lake Resort 9 am-3 pm • 719-868-2249

June 8-9 Rye American Indian Festival United Methodist Church 799-676-3741

May 26 Limon Opening Day Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park 719-892-0507

June 2 Littleton The Orchestra Concert Hudson Gardens 6:30 pm • hudsongardens.org

June 8 Walsh Harvest of Arts Show Gem Theater 719-324-5477

May 27 Colorado City Memorial Day Service Colorado City Cemetery 9 am • 719-676-2258

SEND CALENDAR ITEMS

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:

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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.

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

President’s Report — 2013 MVEA Annual Meeting

BY JOE MARTIN || PRESIDENT || MVEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

M

in more detail in my presentaMountain View Electric Assotion at the upcoming Annual ciation is preparing for its 72nd Meeting of Members, so please Annual Meeting of Members. This try to be there. year’s meeting will be at Falcon MVEA continues to be in High School on Thursday, June 13, a strong financial position.

2013. The meeting will start with Once again the co-op received registration, dinner and entertaina clean audit from the auditing ment at 5:30 p.m. followed by the firm of Schmidt & Company. business meeting at 7 p.m. We look Joseph D. Martin Jr., President, District 1 MVEA also met or exceeded our forward to having another successmortgage requirements from ful meeting and hope that your Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National schedule allows you to participate.

Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance CorporaI would like to share with you some of the tion (CFC), MVEA’s two lenders. All this was highlights of the year 2012. accomplished while retiring $3.5 million in The area that directors on the MVEA capital credits. MVEA’s management team board spent the most time on in 2012 was our and employees have worked hard to accomwholesale rate that Tri-State Generation and plish this success and they continue to do a Transmission charges us. Effective January great job.

1, 2013, Tri-State completely changed how Operation Round Up® continues to be a it bills us. It used to bill us on two different strong program in helping our members. As components: demand and energy usage. Now you know, Operation Round Up® is a volunit basically bills us on energy only. This was tary contribution program and has leveled a big change that the Tri-State board spent over a year discussing what to do. This caused out at about 62 percent member participation.

Since its inception in 1999, the Operation us to look at the structure of our rates. We Round Up® board has distributed nearly $1.8 made some major changes in our rate design. million in grants to our members and area Because I have limited space for this report I nonprofit organizations. It goes to show that would like to cover the residential rate only, small change each month can add up to a sigespecially because it affects over 90 percent of nificant number, thanks to all of our members our total meters that are billed each month. who participate in the Operation Round Up® In April 2011 the MVEA directors passed program. This program is designed to “round a rate design policy that would help guide us up” your electric bill to the nearest dollar and in making future rate changes; we used this use the additional change to fund the Operapolicy to help design all 2013 rates. One of the tenets of this policy says “move in the direction of collecting fixed costs through fixed charges and recovering energy and demand related costs through appropriate energy and/or demand charges.” This is the part of the policy we used when we made significant changes to the residential rate starting with bills you received after March 1, 2013.

All residential bills after March 1 had a $10 increase in the grid access component of the bill but then received a reduced energy charge for the kilowatt-hours that were used. The bottom line is that for the average user there will be a zero increase. If you use less than our average residential customer uses, which is 888 kWh, you will see an increase. I will spend quite a bit of time explaining this rate

tion Round Up® program. Contributions are tax deductible. If you would like more information on Operation Round Up®, please visit our website, www.mvea.coop.

As I mentioned above, one of the highlights for 2012 was when the MVEA board approved a capital credit retirement totaling $3.5 million. Capital credit refund checks were mailed out in early December. Capital credits are one of the things that distinguish a cooperative from an investor-owned or municipal electric system — MVEA returns our margins (profits) to you, our member-owners.

On a sad note, we will be saying goodbye to long time Mountain View director, Allen Gresham, who is retiring at this year’s Annual Meeting. Allen serves in District 3, which serves Elbert and some of the Monument areas. Allen has decided not to run for reelection this year. Allen first joined the board in May of 1968, which gives him 45 years as a director for our co-op. Congratulations, Allen, on your retirement — you and Beverly will be missed.

On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank all employees of MVEA for their hard work and dedication to your cooperative and its members. The board feels fortunate to have quality employees to serve you.

Once again, we look forward to seeing you in Falcon on Thursday, June 13, 2013, for our 72nd Annual Meeting of Members.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

CEO’s Report to the Members

BY JIM HERRON || CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER || HERRONJC@MVEA.ORG

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Please regard this message as a personal invitation to attend the Annual Meeting of Mountain View Electric Association to be held on June 13, 2013, at the Falcon High School in Falcon.

The purpose of the Annual Report is to update our members on the state of our cooperative. Please take the time to review this report and to contact one of our offices if you have any questions.

The kilowatt-hour sales for 2012 continued the trend of normal averages for each rate class. The total kWh sold for the year was 741,261,796, reflecting an increase of 3,404,317 kWh, or a 0.46 percent increase.

MVEA saw an increase in residential, irrigation and commercial sales. The peak demand of 152,514 kilowatts was 8,124 less than the previous year. Annual revenue from sales was $89,212,753, or a 5.44 percent increase. The year ended with a margin of $6,847,613. The Association met all of the financial obligations set forth in its mortgage. MVEA continues to maintain a strong financial position to meet the future needs of our membership.

We took advantage of the lower interest rates available this year by refinancing $27.7 million of the Rural Utilities Service loans that were at 5 percent with 4.2 percent loans resulting in a significant savings during the life of the loan.

We continued to experience modest growth of new services throughout our service area. MVEA added 939 new meters to bring the total to 48,219 for a growth rate of 1.99 percent. Service growth is anticipated to remain slow and steady for several years.

MVEA experienced an annual net utility plant growth rate of 2.18 percent. Over $5.5 million in total utility plant was added during the year to build new additions and improvements with a net increase of $791,398 in long-term debt to finance these plant improvements. There was a concentrated effort on improving the quality and reliability of service by adding tie-lines to allow for an alternative option to provide electricity to an area from another source or substation. These projects are designed to improve

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 May 2013

service and reduce outage time.

Many projects consisted of replacing or upgrading the existing facilities. To ensure and improve the integrity of the cooperative’s distribution system, MVEA continues to upgrade existing lines. In addition to Jim Herron building plant, we dedicate resources for the normal plant maintenance, which includes line patrol, line repair, tree trimming and pole inspection. In 2012, the board approved a three-year contract with Novinium to inject an insulating fluid in the aging underground cable. This procedure will extend the life of the existing cable at a considerable savings compared to cable replacement.

In addition, the board approved a $63 million four-year Construction Work Plan that will focus on projects from adding new services to system improvements. These projects will include more tie-lines and line replacement. In addition, we are planning projects for the Limon, Elbert and Anderson substations to increase capacity and upgrade the infrastructure in these areas.

Also, we have begun the process to explore our options for the purchase of a mobile substation.

During 2012, the board and staff completed and ratified the long-term Strategic Plan for MVEA. The final document focuses on five areas: safety, reliability, technology, member communication and financial management. This document is a well-structured tool that will give the staff positive direction. Also, the written document will provide guidance in the future to ensure that the board and management are parallel when setting goals and objectives.

Safety is something we take seriously at MVEA. This past year we continued participation in RESAP (Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program). This is a comprehensive program that strives to promote the highest standards of safety among electric cooperatives. MVEA has been involved in this program for over 45 years. MVEA has met or exceeded these standards since the

inception of the program in 1967.

In 2012, MVEA had an on-site visit and inspection by personnel from the Colorado Rural Electric Association and other cooperatives in the state. We met the guidelines set by the program and will receive our certificate later this year.

The one item that dominated our time and discussion in 2012 was the Tri-State Generation and Transmission rate design. We were officially informed in 2011 that Tri-State adopted a new rate design, and in September of 2012 the Tri-State board approved the final billing components to the rate. This was a rate design that was unlike anything we had experienced in the history of MVEA. Due to this dramatic change at the wholesale level, MVEA was forced to review all of our current retail rate tariffs to determine the full impact of this rate change. We hired a consultant to conduct a Cost-of-Service Study to determine the costs to deliver service to each rate class. With the completed study, the board and staff were better able to design rates to recover the costs and provide a suitable margin. In addition to the new rate design, Tri-State informed us that rates would be increased by 4.9 percent for 2013. With the new rate design, the Tri-State increase impacted the commercial accounts more than the residential class. The new MVEA rates went into effect with all bills calculated after March 1, 2013.

The main objective of each rate is to recover the costs associated with providing service to each particular rate class. During the past few years, the board has focused on recovering the fixed costs associated with a rate class through the fixed charge component of the tariff. At MVEA, we refer to this portion of the fixed charge as the Grid Access. This is not a popular decision, but it is a more equitable process to recover the fixed costs.

In closing, I want to recognize the employees of the association. It is their dedication to customer satisfaction and their professionalism that helps to ensure the

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

MVEA DISTRICT MAP AND MVEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mountain View Electric Association is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. The board establishes the Association policies and monitors the financial position and the management of the cooperative to assure that its plans and programs are keeping with accepted standards of sound business practices. In these matters and other business of the organization, each director represents the interests of the membership.

Milton L. Mathis, Secretary/ Treasurer, District 4

Allen E. Gresham, Assistant Secretary, District 3

Rick L. Gordon District 2

Joseph D. Martin Jr., President, District 1

B.D. “Bud” Paddock, Vice President, District 5

Barry R. Springer District 6

Donna J. AndersenVan Ness, District 7

CEO’s Report to the Members success and stability of your association. The employees continue to work hard to meet the demands throughout our service area. They are all very responsive to the needs of our member-owners. The employees strive to uphold the credo that delivering quality service to the membership is our number one priority.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend your cooperative’s Annual Meeting. I encourage you to take this opportunity to be more involved in your electric association and exercise your rights as a member of MVEA. We welcome your questions and participation.

I look forward to seeing you the evening of June 13 at the Falcon High School in Falcon. Registration and dinner begin at 5:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at MVEA’s Annual Meeting.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

FINANCIAL REPORT (UNAUDITED) Statement of Operations

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Electric Revenue & Patronage Capital

$90,161,538

$85,503,735

$82,691,734

$80,025,488

$76,246,581

Less Operating Deductions of: Cost of Purchased Power Operating Expenses Depreciation Expense Interest & Other Expenses

56,430,045 54,017,575 52,133,686 17,272,588 16,636,040 15,946,638 6,700,587 6,587,001 6,112,785 6,965,285 7,021,913 6,950,565

51,072,082 49,321,155 14,208,944 13,421,175 5,843,805 5,354,462 6,561,062 5,916,329

Electric Operating Margins

2,793,033

1,241,206

1,548,060

2,339,595

Nonelectric Operating Margins and G&T Capital Credit Allocation

4,054,580

4,493,595

4,583,331

6,757,004 7,080,865

Total Margins

$6,847,613

$5,734,801

$6,131,391

$9,096,599

2,233,460

$9,314,325

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 ASSETS

2012 2011

Net Utility Plant $199,136,058 Investments in Associated Organizations 55,576,516 Cash & Temporary Investments 6,001,665 Notes & Accounts Receivable 5,638,614 Inventory & Supplies 2,550,380 Other Current & Accrued Assets 70,513 Deferred Debits Total Assets $268,973,746

LIABILITIES Patronage Capital Long Term Debt Accumulated Operating Provisions Notes & Accounts Payable Consumer Deposits Other Current & Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits Total Liabilities

$197,378,978 53,623,657 4,059,719 5,577,251 2,581,258 55,054 210 $263,276,127

2012

2011

$98,159,238 153,455,105 1,211,973 7,378,902 1,851,025 3,422,378 3,495,125 $268,973,746

$95,061,692 152,663,707 1,059,372 5,918,611 1,717,285 3,150,137 3,705,323 $263,276,127

2012 Summary of Operating Costs Depreciation Expense

Interest & Other Expenses

8%

8%

Purchased Power

64%

Operating Expenses

20%

Purchased Power Operating Expenses Depreciation Expense Interest & Other Expenses TOTAL

$56,430,045 64% 17,272,588 20% 6,700,587 8% 6,965,285 8% $87,368,505 100%

2012 Summary of Revenue Sources Residential

70%

Irrigation

1%

Co-op Facts Counties served: Arapahoe, Crowley, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Lincoln, Pueblo, Washington Year organized: 1941 Power source: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Number of employees: 135 Number of services: 48,219 Miles of energized line: 6,000 Consumers per mile: 8.04 Service territory: 5,000 square miles

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 May 2013

Small Commercial

7%

Large Power

14% Other

8%

Residential Irrigation Small Commercial Large Power Other TOTAL

$62,214,831 70% 894,903 1% 5,656,415 7% 12,559,194 14% 7,344,857 8% $88,670,200 100%

ColoradoCountryLife.coop September 2012 11

[newsclips]

Tri-State G&T Board Elects Executive Officers

A

At Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s recent annual meeting, Ken Anderson, executive vice president and general manager, warned an audience of 400 co-op representatives and industry leaders that Tri-State and other electric utilities face an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape.

“Tri-State and other electric utilities that value coal for the production of electricity continue to deal with uncertainty in regulations aimed at eliminating this affordable resource from the generation mix,” he said. Anderson stressed that Tri-State will continue to take the necessary steps to best address regulatory challenges while supporting educational outreach efforts about affordable electricity.

The annual meeting, April 3 and 4, was the 61st for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the power supplier for 18 of Colorado’s rural electric co-ops. Based in suburban Westminster, Tri-State also serves 12 co-ops in New Mexico, eight in Wyoming and six in Nebraska. Those 44 co-ops in turn provide electricity to more than 610,000 meters serving about 1.5 million people.

After the general meeting, Tri-State’s board of directors, consisting of one representative from each co-op served, met and elected the coming year’s executive board. This year’s officers are: n R ick Gordon of Mountain View Electric Association (Limon), re-elected chairman for a fourth consecutive term

ony Casados of T Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative (Chama, New Mexico), re-elected vice chairman for a fourth term n Jim Soehner of Y-W Electric Association (Akron), re-elected secretary n Stuart Morgan of Wheat Belt Public Power District (Sidney, Nebraska), re-elected treasurer n Bill Bird of Otero County Electric Cooperative (Cloudcroft, New Mexico), re-elected as one of two assistant secretaries n Matt Brown of High Plains Power (Riverton, Wyoming), elected to the second assistant secretary position for his first term n Marshall Collins of Delta-Montrose Electric Association (Montrose), re-elected as an at-large officer n J ack Finnerty of Wheatland Rural Electric Association (Wheatland, Wyoming), re-elected as an at-large officer n Joe Wheeling of La Plata Electric Association(Durango), newly elected as an at-large officer.

Stepping down from the executive board is Wayne Child, from High West Energy (Pine Bluffs, Wyoming), after serving for 30 years. n

In 2012, Tri-State delivered a record 15.7 million megawatt-hours of electricity to its members. It also recorded an all-time high member peak demand of 2,798 megawatts in July. Combined with off-system energy sales, Tri-State sold 18.7 million megawatt-hours for the year and posted year-end revenues of $1.3 billion and assets of $4.3 billion.

CREA Promotes Efficiency in Co-ops’ EnergyWise Project

E

Energy efficiency is the focus of the new Colorado EnergyWise Project announced by the Colorado Rural Electric Association during its February annual meeting. Through this program, CREA is helping its member co-ops help their residential, business, governmental and industrial members with energy efficiency projects.

The program, which is being developed and deployed over the next two years, includes member education, partnerships with several other organizations, low-cost loans for energy efficiency remodeling, the sponsorship of a science fair scholarship promoting energy efficiency and more. Some parts of the project are already under way, such as the science fair sponsorship. Others, such as a website offering information on efficiency and links to products and resources, are being developed.

Partnering with CREA on this project are Tri-State Generation and Transmission, CoBank, the Independent Bankers of Colorado, Mountain West Credit Union Association and all of its member electric cooperatives.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 May 2013

A Question for Readers If Colorado had $2 billion to spend in Colorado, where would you like to see that money spent? Pick one of these and tell us why.

• Kindergarten through 12 grade education • State university system • Roads and bridges • Health care for those without insurance • Mental health care • Replacing coal-fired power plants with wind and solar power • Forest and beetle kill mitigation Email your response to info@colorado countrylife.org.

[newsclips] ELECTRIC SUPPLIER OFFERS TRAINING FOR TEACHERS Teachers wanting to update their energy background and be ready to offer students the latest information on the science of energy, the sources of energy, electricity, efficiency and more are invited to attend Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s annual teacher training conference.

Teachers who live in an electric co-op service territory, or who teach at a school in a co-op area, qualify for the three-day June conference in Denver. The class fee, lodging, travel expenses and most meals will be covered by Tri-State. Teachers will also receive a classroom teaching kit valued at $300.

Register at regonline.com/need tristate2013 or contact Gigi Dennis at 303254-3620 for more information.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 13

[industry]

15

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives Turns The “brand ID” for the nation’s electric co-ops rounds a major milestone this spring

BY REED KARAIM

I

In marking its 15th birthday in April, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the branding program for the nation’s electric cooperatives, can point to a host of accomplishments. The brand program now encompasses more than 50 programs that help electric cooperatives bolster operations and better serve their members. But perhaps its greatest achievement can be summed up in three words: increased member engagement.

“We want to bring power to the doorstep of every electric cooperative by offering them the tools they need to cement bonds with their members,” says Jim Bausell, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives chief operating officer. “At the end of the day, co-op consumers must trust that the brand stands for real value.”

There’s solid evidence that Touchstone Energy Cooperatives member co-ops are earning that trust. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which regularly surveys consumer attitudes toward some 200 companies, recorded an all-time high rating of 85 for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. That’s nine points higher than investor-owned electric utilities and among the highest scores recorded by any industry group. Twenty co-ops scored a 90 or above, which is usually achieved only by high-end car brands and large household appliance manufacturers.

To reach this level, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives has fashioned a toolbox that includes services such as: • The Co-op Connections® Card, which provides co-op consumers with discounts at participating local and national retailers and pharmacies.

• Energy education programs, such as Super Energy Saver, aimed at teaching elementary-school children about electricity, electrical safety and energy savings, as well as “Get Charged! Electricity and You” curriculum kits targeted toward instructing middle school students about electric cooperatives and electricity in general.

• Branded hot-air and cold-air balloons.

• SitesAcrossAmerica.com, a web-based clearinghouse of commercial and industrial properties available in electric cooperative service territories.

• Ongoing national advertising and energy efficiency promotional campaigns.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 May 2013

Services galore

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ early forays centered on building awareness of four values electric co-ops share: innovation, accountability, integrity and commitment to community.

“Initially, we zeroed in on what makes co-ops different from other power suppliers,” recalls Nelle Hotchkiss, of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, who took part in the brand’s formation.

“Now, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is reviewing new ways to aid co-ops in reinforcing their message while raising member engagement.”

Arguably the most successful Touchstone Energy Cooperatives offering has been the Co-op Connections Card. There

The Touchstone Energy six-horse hitch is always a hit at the National Western Stock Show in January.

Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives sponsor the Jr. Livestock Sale at the Colorado State Fair.

are 38 million of these free cards and key fobs in circulation, each customized with the name and logo of 446 participating electric co-ops in 46 states. The Co-op Connections Card allows consumers of those systems access to more than 25,000 discounts brokered nationally by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives or from individual electric co-ops with arrangements with local merchants.

In addition, co-op consumers nationwide have saved approximately $60 million at more than 60,000 pharmacies since Co-op Connections began in May 2007. What’s more, the cards can also be used for trips to the dentist, optometrist, audiologist or even taking pets to the veterinarian.

“No co-op on its own could achieve that volume of discounts for members,” says Kent Singer, Colorado Rural Electric Association executive director. “But through Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, we can deliver those opportunities for savings” he notes.

In 2009, the brand unveiled an aggressive energy efficiency promotional campaign, “Together We Save,” centered around the TogetherWeSave.com website. This year, the website will add a self-directed energy audit instrument that will let users tailor energy efficiency action plans for their residences.

“The tool is perfect for those who’ve already taken the home tour on the website and learned about simple energysavings steps,” explains Alan Shedd of Touchstone Energy.

“It will let them make wiser choices about whether to invest in more significant energy-efficient upgrades, such as new windows or appliances. It will even guide someone through deciding if they can do an energy efficiency improvement project on their own, or if hiring a contractor may be a better idea.”

The next 10 years

Over its first 15 years, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives has worked to boost public recognition of the co-op difference

Campers learn about Touchstone Energy Cooperatives at Energy Camp each summer.

and assist member co-ops in instituting a series of best operational standards, practices and benchmarks. As the brand drives forward, Martin Lowery, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association executive vice president of external affairs, sees it lending expertise even more directly to co-op member engagement.

“Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is studying how to help cooperatives enhance local outreach activities and really be viewed as integral parts of the regions they serve,” he points out. “The brand could end up creating resource libraries on topics such as infrastructure development, water quality and other areas critical to supporting consumer-driven qualityof-life improvement efforts. This kind of undertaking goes well beyond electric service and focuses on the real purpose of cooperatives.”

Back in 1998, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives came into being with a sole television ad. Since then, Bausell has witnessed the emergence of “a true brand that encompasses every element of our identity as cooperatives.”

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 15

“

Dave Roever inspires soldiers at a motor pool in Fort Hood, Texas.

BY JENNIFER DEMPSEY

HEALING

Wounded Warriors ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 May 2013

Dave Roever (center) connects with soldiers and their families during rehabilitation therapy.

When wounded war veterans arrive at Eagles Summit Ranch in Westcliffe to attend programs on healing and reintegration, Dave Roever understands their skepticism.

“T

“These men and women are beat up pretty badly and aren’t buying into anything until I walk in,” said the 65-year-old Vietnam veteran. “Then they see all the disfigurement, all the damage I’ve been through and there is an instantaneous bond. They see I’ve been Gateway to Eagles Summit down the road before them and they trust me. My bigRanch in Westcliffe. gest advantage is my scars; they scream authenticity.”

Roever is considered 240 percent disabled by the Veterans Administration and 240 percent disabled by the American military bases, businesses and television talk shows.

Medical Board. The loss of hand, ear, nose, mouth, eyelash — Traveling 300 days a year, Roever provides professional and each has its own percentage. “Add them all up and you get way business development, military values training and family counover 100 percent,” he explained. seling for wounded veterans. He regularly visits wounded vets Roever was burned beyond recognition while serving on at hospitals in the United States, Europe and Iraq. In 1993, he river patrol in Vietnam. The phosphorous hand grenade he was established Mission Vietnam, a nongovernmental organization poised to throw exploded unexpectedly, blowing off his face, that establishes charitable initiatives in hospitals, orphanages nose and right ear and blinding his right eye. His body was and churches in Vietnam. In 2003, Roever was awarded a Purple charred black from the waist up. His tongue had swollen to the Heart by the Navy and in 2005 he was granted an honorary point of suffocation, but the phosphorous burned a hole in his doctorate degree from Central Bible College in Springfield, throat allowing him to breathe.

Missouri.

He was hospitalized for 14 months and doctors The Eagles Summit Ranch in had all but given up hope when Roever survived.

Westcliffe is for military leadRecovering in a Japanese hospital, Roever asked the ers, soldiers and those who doctors for a mirror. Seeing his scarred, unrecognizable have been seriously wounded in image, Roever thought he’d Dave (middle) rather die than live with war and in need of emotional and Matt Roever his disfigurement. But a (black T-shirt) missionary friend who had stand among reconstruction. soldiers at Eagles heard of Roever’s injuries Summit Ranch. arrived at the hospital and conducted a bedside prayer vigil. During the vigil, Roever fell asleep and in a dream Father of two, grandfather of four, Roever and his wife, saw himself as a preacher. He woke up with the decision to help Brenda, have been married for over 45 years. others like himself.

In 2007, the Roevers opened Eagles Summit Ranch in WestA few months after his devastating injury and hospital cliffe. The ranch is for military leaders, soldiers “and those who recovery, Roever was on the road sharing his story of physical, have been seriously wounded in war and in need of emotional emotional and spiritual recovery to audiences across the globe. reconstruction,” Roever said.

Part preacher, part stand-up comedian, Roever infuses faith, It is a need that continues today. A study released in February humor and honesty in motivational presentations at schools, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that veteran [continued on page 18] ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 17

The Westcliffe community congratulates Winning with Integrity graduates, providing community support for the program. [continued from page 17]

suicide rates hit an all-time high in 2012. According to the study, “The participants are taught that to overcome the hurt and veteran suicides outnumbered combat deaths, with 349 activewounds, they must talk about it,” Roever said. “They must get it duty military members taking their own lives last year. out. They are taught how to share their stories and do so in the “We must not repeat the mistakes made in the Vietnam era by graduation ceremonies at the end of the week. Progress doesn’t nonintervention,” Roever said. “These warriors come back with happen right away, but I’ve never had a failure in a group. I start tremendous post-traumatic stress, but it’s not a disorder. We out with men and women who are extremely quiet but inquisidon’t use the d-word. It’s not a disorder to come back traumative. Amazing changes happen from day one to the end of the tized by war. We’re human beings. We come back with scars week. Dead eyes become alive with hope as they begin to share from our experiences, but we have the ability to bounce back.” their stories.”

Roever said it was passing by a Vietnam vet begging on the A devout Christian, Roever welcomes veterans of all religions, streets of Fargo, North Dakota, who inspired him to establish espousing a “triangular model of faith” in his training.

Eagles Summit Ranch.

“One side is family, one side is friends and the “There was no reason for him to be begging,” bottom is faith because that’s what you build “We give them he said. “He didn’t have a scar on his body, on,” he explained. “Faith is what you believe, it’s but obviously he had scars on his soul. He had your core values. I happen to believe there is a tools to excel. We God, but if you’re an atheist and believe in no bought into the attitude that some in our nation held toward Vietnam veterans. Seeing that well, that’s a strong form of faith. We have want to get them God, man made me say, ‘Never again.’ I did not want worked with an array of excellent young men the returning veterans of the war on terror women with diverse faiths. We don’t disback on their feet, and today to be treated as those who had returned criminate. The only requirement is that they’ve from Vietnam. I contacted a dear friend of even if they don’t experienced some kind of injury. We give them mine, an Air Force general, and asked how I tools to excel. We want to get them back on their could best aid the wounded veterans coming feet, even if they don’t have legs. have legs.” home. He said, ‘Get the (veterans) out of the “Everything we do here is designed to break institutions and hospitals and into the wilderthem out of the pattern of ‘poor me, help me ness. Break down their preconceived image of Uncle Sam.’ All the whining stops,” he continwho they think they are.’” ued. “Here’s where a lot of them find out they have more than In partnership with Colorado State University-Pueblo and they thought they had. Some may share their stories in the Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Texas, Eagles future only very informally, while others may do public speaking Summit offers both faith- and non-faith based accredited as a career.” courses, with the opportunity to work toward a college degree.

Brian Fleming, a 28-year-old Army veteran, has become a fullLast year more than 70 veterans from Fort Carson participated time writer and motivational speaker since attending an Eagles in the “Winning With Integrity” course, which focused on Summit program in 2007. public speaking and included wilderness therapy.

“I wouldn’t be who I am and doing what I do without Dave’s [continued on page 19] ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 April 2013

[continued from page 18]

influence,” he said. “Dave taught me that what was once our greatest curse can become our greatest asset. What happens to you in life isn’t nearly as important as what you choose to do with what happens to you in life.”

In 2006, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to Fleming’s vehicle on a street in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“He was 3 feet away in a car and blew himself and his van into 3,000 pieces,” Fleming said. “It was 120 degrees when I woke up burned and bloody on the side of road in Kandahar. I had second-degree burns on my face and neck and third-degree burns on my hands.”

Fleming was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio when Roever paid him a visit and invited him to the “Winning With Integrity” program at Eagles Summit.

“That program, in two weeks, did for me what the military and doctors couldn’t do in 14 months,” he said. “The program opened a new door in my life. It taught me to use what happened as an asset for my future, not only for myself but also for other people. It taught me how to use what I had from where I was. It gave me a map and tools and that little bit of spark that set off the wildfire in me.”

Six months later, Roever asked Fleming to attend a rally for returning vets.

“I showed up and he put me on stage in front of 3,000 people,” Fleming said. “Afterward this lady came up and said, ‘If you can get through that, I can get through what I am going through.’ When I began speaking I saw that other people’s lives could change for the better and it began to heal me. I didn’t know that was going to happen but Dave knew that. The greatest investment you’ll ever make is the investment in other people.”

Fleming is also an instructor at Eagles Summit, using his personal experiences to mentor other vets through business ventures, marriage and family problems and post traumatic stress issues. His books Redeployed and Never the Same are available on his website blownupguy.com.

Another Eagles Summit attendee, 29-year-old Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez, has built a successful acting and public speaking career following his stay at the ranch.

Burned on over 40 percent of his body, Martinez today divides his time acting on the soap opera “All My Children” and speaking about his war experience to corporations, veterans groups and schools. In 2011, Martinez was the winner on “Dancing with the Stars” and was featured on Dave facilitates a the cover of People magazine. suicide prevention “I liked him immediately,” Roever class for U.S. Forces in Germany. recalled. “He was so eager. He had never ridden a horse in his life, but while staying at Eagles Summit Ranch, he rode 15 miles on the Rainbow Trail. We came off that mountain and he was so lit up you couldn’t get him to shut up.”

Martinez’ life was changed at this Colorado ranch. Hundreds of others have had their lives changed and For more information about the work of Dave their souls healed, thanks to one vet Roever go to roeverfoundation.org. who made a decision to use what had come from his injuries to help others.

To sponsor a veteran or to make a tax-deductible donation to the Eagles Summit Ranch, send a check payable to Roever Foundation to P. O. Box 136130, Fort Worth, TX 76136, designated for Eagles Summit Ranch, Colorado. To donate by credit card call, 817-238-2000. To donate online, go to DaveRoever.org and chose Eagles Summit Ranch, Colorado.

Jennifer Dempsey is a freelance writer and actress based in Salida. She is also founder of the Salida Circus (www. thesalidacircus.com). When she is not acting, writing or stilt-walking she is looking after her two-year old son Henry.

BOOKS FOR THE SOUL The road to recovery was a spiritual awakening for Dave Roever. You can read more about Roever’s story and those he’s affected through the years in the following books:

Nobody’s Ever Cried for Me… Roever travels across America to share his story with the nation’s youth at their schools. “This is their story — the story of those who have more scars on the inside than I have on the outside,” he says.

War & Recovery: A Spiritual Journey This book will touch your heart. Roever writes about his relationship with God and the power of prayer as he recounts the Vietnam War, his injuries and the healing process.

Scarred Although terribly burned and scarred, Roever has a positive outlook about his appearance. In this book, he explains that there is more to people than the exterior and shares what he finds are the important things in life.

MAY CONTEST Enter our May contest for your chance to win one of these amazing books. Visit coloradocountrylife.coop to find out how.

Click on Contests for instructions. The contest deadline is May 15.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 19

[recipes]

Grilling With Gusto and Greatness Simple ingredients add sizzle to barbecue fare

BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Partner Up Tired of making trips to and from the kitchen to the grill? Make your own grill caddy. Buy a plastic caddy and load it with needed spices, marinades, napkins and grilling tools. Now when you fire up the grill, the preassembled caddy can go with you.

Forgo the Fork Use tongs or a spatula to turn meat on the grill.

Using a fork can damage the meat.

Stay Undercover

Y

You’re probably itching to start grilling outdoors. After all, May is National Barbecue Month. So start mixing, marinating and making yourself comfortable in front of your grill while cooking one of our mouthwatering suggestions.

Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri Salsa 4 ribeye steaks Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup green onions, minced 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, minced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced 1/4 cup cilantro, minced 1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper, minced 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/2 lime, juiced 4 cilantro sprigs Season steak with sea salt and black pepper and grill to desired doneness. To make chimichurri salsa, in a small bowl combine green onions, oregano, red bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar and lime juice. Mix well. Top each steak generously with salsa. Garnish each steak with one cilantro sprig. Serves 4.

Cover your grill as much as possible during the grilling process. This helps to lock in the grilled flavor while helping to prevent flareups.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 May 2013

Chipotle Maple Citrus Watermelon Wings

2 cups watermelon puree Juice from 3 fresh lemons 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, or to taste Chicken wings or drumettes 2 cups pineapple juice 1/2 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 3 cloves minced fresh garlic To prepare the watermelon glaze, simmer watermelon puree, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, cinnamon and chipotle pepper together in a heavy saucepan for 20 minutes or until sauce is thick. Makes 2 cups. Keep warm.

To prepare the chicken, place the chicken in a large zipper-lock bag with pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger and garlic and seal tightly. Marinate at least 2 hours or up to 12. Grill until cooked and arrange on a warm platter. Pour the glaze over the chicken and serve immediately.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop April 2013 21

[gardening]

Expand Beyond Your Garden’s Boundaries Increase your garden’s size to boost harvest and eye appeal

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

I

It’s finally time to dig into your garden again. If you are debating about creating additional space for more garden goodies, here are some advantages to trading in lawn or bare earth for garden beds that could convince you to expand: • Most grass lawns are monocultures, meaning only one species of plant is grown. Introducing more diversity is beneficial to wildlife, including pollinating insects that are crucial to life as we know it.

• Most garden plants flower, fruit or offer fall color and textures.

• Your new garden bed can be planted as a lush, floriferous Xeriscape with mulch that will result in much less water use and more durability through the season.

• Your new space could be a vegetable bed used to feed your family and keep the grocery and farmers market bills down.

Location, location, location Think about exposure. Most vegetables want full sun, but spinach, lettuce and other salad greens do best in the cooler spring and fall seasons or with some shade. Tomatoes and their relatives, such as eggplant, peppers and tomatillo, along with cucurbits including summer and winter squash, cucumbers and melons, have a difficult time growing in our climate, especially in the higher elevations. If you are determined to try them, make sure their bed is on a sheltered south-facing exposure, perhaps near a sidewalk or wall that absorbs a lot of heat during the day then releases it at night, keeping your veggies ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 May 2013

warm. If you choose ornamentals, your options are greater since there are perennials that grow happily in the shade, even dry shade, as well as in the sun and somewhere in between.

If you live in an area with deer, think about how you’re going to keep them from eating your delicious new plants. Try using a fence as a barrier or plant your garden bed in an area your pet patrols.

Avoid planting your new garden in areas that are difficult to get water to or in a location that is too far away for anyone to appreciate the bounty of your efforts. Additionally, planting your garden up against your house is not recommended; our characteristic clay soils expand and shrink, which means continuous watering of the garden could eventually devastate your house’s foundation.

Use your garden bed and its eventual plantings to screen unsightly views, such as a shed, or frame it with lower plantings if you have nothing to hide. A rise in your bed could help plants. Simply bring in extra soil to create a mound or berm on which you can plant plants. They will appreciate the extra drainage.

Get planting now while you’re inspired and before summer’s heat starts, and focus on your garden with fresh eyes.

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 insulation in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces. To determine the insulation R-values in different parts of your home, visit the Air Leaks and Insulation section of energysavers. gov.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 23

[outdoors]

Let’s Talk Turkey

Licenses are hard to get; and so are the birds

BY DENNIS SMITH

T

The restoration of the wild turkey in North America is considered one of the greatest storybook comebacks in the history of wildlife management. Only a few decades ago they were nearly extinct, virtually wiped out by a century of habitat destruction and commercial slaughter. But thanks to the combined efforts of dedicated hunters, conservation groups and cooperating landowners, wild turkey populations have rebounded dramatically across the country, and huntable populations have been established in almost every state where suitable habitat exists.

Colorado is one of them.

Rough estimates from Colorado Parks and Wildlife terrestrial biologists put Colorado’s current wild turkey population at between 10, 000 and 15,000 birds and growing steadily.

Some estimates range as high as 24,000, but even with those encouraging numbers, bagging a gobbler here is no cakewalk.

In states with five to 10 times that number of turkeys, the big birds are rated by hunters as the most difficult and challenging of all wild game.

Two subspecies of wild turkey are hunted in Colorado. The Merriam’s is primarily a mountain bird, native to the state and found most often in scrub oak and ponderosa pine foothills, though they will sometimes filter into the lowlands and take up residence on the plains. Their tendency to wander makes them extremely difficult to hunt. Good numbers can be found along the Front Range, in the southwest quadrant of the state near Pagosa Springs, in the San Juan River Basin and on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Most, but not all, of these units can be hunted with over-the-counter unlimited licenses. A select few may

require special permits.

The Rio Grande subspecies, originally found in the central and southern plain states, is a recent transplant to Colorado.

They inhabit the woods and brushy river bottoms adjacent to agricultural fields and pastures. The best populations are found along the South Platte, Republican and Arkansas river drainages on Colorado’s borders with Kansas and Nebraska. These are some of the most popular areas to hunt, and they require special limited licenses, which must be applied for in advance.

The Colorado spring turkey season opened on April 13 and runs through mid-May, varying according to region. Naturally, the number of hunters applying for permits exceeds the supply, and you’re not likely to be awarded one until you’ve accumulated anywhere from one to four preference points (a preference point is awarded each time an applicant fails to draw his or her first choice for a permit).

The accepted strategy is to apply for the permit even though your chances of drawing it are slim. If you fail to draw, your money will be refunded and you’ll be awarded a preference point to be used on your next application. In the meantime, while you’re waiting to be awarded a limited license for the Colorado turkey hunt of your dreams, you can buy an over-the-counter unlimited tag granting you hunting access to a tremendous amount of unrestricted public land.

The hunting may be more difficult, but there’s no such thing as an “easy turkey” no matter where you hunt, and your chances of bringing home a gobbler are zero if you don’t get out there and try. A couple of decades ago, you wouldn’t have even had the opportunity, never mind a choice.

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

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 May 2013

[energy tips]

BY MARVIN HASS

Beyond the grove up toward the house grew a lilac bush so fair.

Along in May or early June its fragrance filled the air.

In its branches was the newest where she did new life await.

Four robin eggs of robin blue and cowbird’s surrogate.

First flowers on our tables were lilacs new in bloom.

Ma put ‘em in a Mason jar that graced the dining room.

We wondered how to honor her when Ol’ Snucks got old and died.

Dad dug the grave down by that bush.

We prayed and then I cried.

We always were so very proud to welcome spring time’s glow.

“Where should we have the picnic?”

“Oh, down where the lilacs grow.”

Picnic, wedding, funeral or the home the robin knew, the bush it welcomed one and all with its quiet purple hue.

The neighbor girl that helped my ma lost her mother way last fall.

Was to marry Jake from north of town, so Mama planned it all.

The folks would gather special blooms, on Decoration Day. We’d honor all the family gone, at their graves, a mile away.

“We’ll have it here in early June.

Oh, heavens there’s lots of room.

We’ll have it by our grove of trees when the lilacs are in bloom.”

It’s funny how the heart drifts back, … sixty years, yet it’s all like new.

The joys and sorrows all were there, down where the lilacs grew.

Marvin Hass, known as The Prairie Poet, is a member of Sangre de Cristo Electric.

Read his poems at www.prairiepoet.org.

Guidelines, style, type

BY JAMES DULLEY

W

What are the most important features to look for when shopping for windows?

The proper window selection not only depends on the characteristic of the window, but also on your specific house and family lifestyle. From the standpoint of energy efficiency, the glass type and style of window are more important than the frame material, which has a greater effect on functionality, durability, maintenance and appearance.

Because glass is most of the window, the type you choose is the key to its energy efficiency.

Double paneglass with low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and inert Double-hung windows have gas in the gap behidden latches that allow tween the panes is each sash to be tilted in for easy cleaning. adequate for most climates. Triplepane glass may make sense for severely cold climates.

The location of the low-E coating on the various pane surfaces, often more than one, affects whether the glass is better for winter or summer savings. You may end up selecting different glass options for different windows in your house.

The style of window you choose may depend more on the appearance and features you desire than the energy efficiency characteristics. For example, people often select double-hung windows because they can be tilted in for easy cleaning from indoors. Windows that close on a compression seal, such as casement and awning windows, tend to provide the best long-term airtight seal. Also, casement windows can catch breezes and direct them into the house for natural ventilation.

Source: Weathershield

WHERE THE LILACS GREW

SHOP FOR WINDOWS

For more information on the best windows for your home, visit coloradocountrylife. coop. Click on Energy Tips.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 2013 25

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Color this page; enter our contest.

Child's name: Age: Parent's name: Address: City: ZIP: Phone: (

)

Name of co-op:

Send your entries to: Coloring Contest, Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St. Denver, CO 80216 ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 May 2013

1st and 2nd place winners in each age group.

❏ Ages 3 and under ❏ Ages 4-6 ❏ Ages 7-10 ❏ Ages 8-12 First place winners will win a $15 iTurnes gift card Second place winners will get a $10 Walmart gift card

[marketplace]

WiseSaver Reduce lighting use by studying your family's lighting needs and look for ways to use controls, such as sensors, dimmers or timers.

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

Mother’s Day is May 12

ColoradoCountryLife.coop May 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

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FREE

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. (107-05-13)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS ANTIQUES ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-08-13) BUY, SELL, TRADE, RESTORE antique woodstoves, cookstoves, early gas heaters. Always looking for stoves, parts. Bob 303-902-7709 (049-05-13) CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-13) COLLECTOR’S FAIR – June 7-8, Denver at National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Friday and Saturday, 9-5. Early Bird shopping Friday 9-noon, $10 admission. All other hours $5. Glass grinder at work for you. Free parking. Info: Jo Peterson 719-596-1022. Like me on www.facebook.com/ jspromotions2013 (510-05-13)

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)

APPRAISALS NEED AN APPRAISAL? We specialize in ranches, agricultural lands, and commercial real estate. Located in Central Colorado. Keserich & Co Appraisals. 719-539-3548 (100-05-13) ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 May 2013

BOOKS LET US PUBLISH YOUR BOOK! We can take your manuscript, design a cover, edit and format it, and print it. Check us out. Personalized service is our specialty. 719-7492126. www.peakvistapress.com (933-05-13)

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

14’ SeaRay W/TRAILER, motor, fishfinder, TrolMotor, poles, gear, lifejackets, $1450 or best offer, 303913-4547 (106-06-13) 50 SUBARUS! (1995-2012) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices!

Warranties available! Dealer: www.

MonumentMotors.com 719-4819900 (574-08-13)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION

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)

DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-05-13)

CAMPGROUND – MAIN HOUSE, 4 cabins, 10 RV sites. For sale on 4.81 acres. $359,000. www.nwcolorado. com/realestate/mountain-homesfor-sale/ Barbara 970-482-4004.

(091-05-13)

COMPUTER REPAIR – CALL ME FIRST! Affordable computer repair for Western Colorado. Joel, 907778-5253, WesternSlopeDigital.com (096-05-13)

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)

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)

PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info.

800-497-9793. (158-01-14) REALISTIC HOME BUSINESSES – HOW TO SELECT, start, operate.

Over 80 businesses detailed from actual owners. www.patsbookshop. com (075-06-13)

COMPUTERS

EDUCATION

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

FOR SALE GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious.

Delivery available. Fourth, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-07-13)

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

― Leo Tolstoy in Anna Karenina

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) TRUSTING JESUS CHRIST versus lies of doing duties, laws, rituals, Priestcraft, idolatry. Pastor Edwin Vrell, 303-772-8825 (995-05-13) 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, natural dye extracts, Jacquard and Gaywool dyes. www. tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-05-13)

HOUSEHOLD HELPS LOOKING TO REPLACE AMWAY PRODUCTS? Lose your distributor?

I can ship to your home, no hassle, no salesman. Monika Cary 970-7242912. (982-05-13)

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 417-532-4581. Cackle Hatchery – PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com. (876-07-13)

REAL ESTATE

40 ACRES NE of LaVeta. Greenhorn Mt. views, abundant wildlife. 1900 sf home, barn, fenced. 719-547-0539 (110-05-13) 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) CANON CITY RANCH, 1081 acres, 9000 BLM leased grazing acres, varied terrain, open and treed. Nice Southwest-style home, outbuildings, ranchhand house. Near rafting, fishing, hunting, skiing. Call Diann Tomar, Frontier West Realty, 719-275-7404. (103-05-13) 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)

[funny stories] REAL ESTATE

RELIGION

WANTED TO BUY

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)

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)

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)

SALIDA – 7115 McCoy, quarter acre, buildings, well, Atmos, near hospital, owner finance. 1-602-595-2533, 1-719-276-9797 (108-05-13) SAN LUIS VALLEY HOUSES 12+ acres with two homes on the Rio Grande River outside of Del Norte. One house was built in 1910, the other in 1971, each with domestic wells which can only be found in today’s market on parcels of 35 acres or more. Asking $584,500 for both but can be purchased separately. Call 719-657-2390. (102-05-13) 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)

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)

VACATION RENTAL KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com.

(756-05-13)

WANTED TO BUY

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc.

References available. Call Gary at 970-222-2181. (960-08-13) WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

(402-03-14)

OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-08-13)

WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets.

888-735-5337 (099-06-13)

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. (871-05-13)

WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/ gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-14)

Did you know that you could get a $9 in-state and $15 out-of-state? Just call 303-455-4111.

SOAP BOX DERBY RACER for a car museum. Call Bud 970-675-8749, c970-629-2941 (105-06-13)

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

Colorado Country Life subscription for the nice people at CCL at

OLD POCKET WATCHES — working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watch doctor@hotmail.com. (870-12-13)

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

For quite a few years, our church congregation had been getting older and older. We had few young children, sometimes as few as three or four. Then we started some new programs and our congregation began to grow. Our pastor was delighted and encouraged us to invite our neighbors to church.

One morning, his exuberance got the better of him. Having just toured the newly renovated nursery, he spoke about it from the pulpit, going into great detail about its large size and amenities.

“I’m concerned that it isn’t full,” he said. So what I’d like for all of you to do this afternoon is get together with your neighbors and work on filling the nursery.”

Liz Ackerman, Cheyenne Wells

One day an old German shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he’s lost. Wandering about, he notices a hungry-looking panther heading rapidly in his direction.

The old German shepherd thinks, “Oh, oh! I’m in deep doo-doo now!” Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on them with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German shepherd exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder if there are any more around here?”

Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid strike, a feeling of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.

“Whew!” says the panther. “That was close! That old German shepherd nearly had me!”

Meanwhile, a squirrel that had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes.

The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal with the panther. The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine!”

Soon, the old German shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on its back and thinks, “What am I going to do now?” But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet.

Just when they get close enough to hear, the old German shepherd says, “Where’s that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!”

Anonymous

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 May 2013 29

[discoveries]

Ute Mountain/Mesa Verde Birding Festival

J

Join fellow bird enthusiasts for a five-day birding adventure at the Ute Mountain/ Mesa Verde Birding Festival in Cortez and surrounding areas. Attendees will travel to various birding hotspots in search of several types of bird species, including Lucy’s warbler, wild turkey, black-chinned hummingbird, acorn woodpecker and more.

The festival focuses on birding, but many other activities are planned, including a half-day float trip on the Upper Dolores River, a wine tasting and pizza party.

The $50 registration includes a reception, lectures and Saturday night’s dinner and keynote speaker. Individual tours and activities cost extra. For more information, call 970-565-1151 or visit utemountainmesaverde A mountain blue birdingfestival.com. bird chick

Chimney Rock this Summer

C

Chimney Rock National Monument kicks off its 2013 season on May 15 and several events are on the horizon, including the Life at Chimney Rock Festival. This family-friendly event highlights Puebloan and Native AmeriChimney Rock Great House can crafts and skills through hands-on activities, demonstrations and tours. Guests can make their own clay pot, throw an atlatl (a type of spear), pound yucca leaves to release their fibers, carve a petroglyph and more. The festival is scheduled for June 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other events scheduled for 2013 include a Puebloan pottery workshop, moon viewing programs, solstice and equinox programs and a Native American cultural gathering.

In years past, more than 12,000 people visited Chimney Rock in Pagosa Springs every year. However, since President Obama declared the historic site as a national monument in September 2012, that number is expected to grow.

For more information, call 970-883-5359 or visit chimneyrockco.org. Events, programs and tours are listed on the website with brief descriptions of each.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 May 2013

[Jump In]

Glenwood Hot Springs Celebrates 125 Years

Festivities for Glenwood Hot Springs’ 125th birthday kicked off March 1, but guests can expect to celebrate throughout 2013. The lodge’s representatives have planned all kinds of exciting events and specials for the year, including reduced pool admission prices, historically themed events, the crowning of a queen, music and entertainment. What’s more, guests can receive free pool admission for their birthdays.

The official birthday celebration will take place on May 18. Guests will enjoy watching the “125 Years of the Bathing Suit Fashion Show” featuring swimwear throughout the ages; a rooftop beach ball drop with 1,000 colorful balls; free goody bags for the first 500 families to arrive; poolside music; and an outdoor movie after dark.

Check out historical photos, read or share a story and find out what exciting things will be happening at Glenwood Hot Springs by visiting hotspringspool. com/125th. For more information, call 800-537-7946.