Your Source for Local Business News and Information Friend us on Facebook Visit us online at montrosemirror.com Issue No. 83 May 7 2014 Please Support our Advertisers: The LEADERSHIP Issue FORT TO BECOME A REGIONAL VISITOR CENTER? By Caitlin Switzer DELTA—The Old Spanish Trail no longer serves as the trade route between New Mexico and California, leading venturesome travelers over mountains, de- www.montrosecounty.net serts and canyons in search of the golden West Coast. And yet the trail’s history may play a role in the future of our region, helping us to remember our past. A coalition of historians and government offi- cials hope to honor the legacy of the Old Spanish Trail’s North Branch by repurposing the Fort Un- www.voahealthservices.org compahgre historic site located near Confluence Park (easily accessible from two US highways) as a regional Interpretive and Visitor Center. On Sunday May 18, interested locals can learn more by attending the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado (IAWC)’s reenactment of a day in www.region10.net the life of the historic Fort. According to a news re- lease issued by IAWC, visitors are welcomed to “step back in time with us as we explore the first trading post on the North Branch of the Old Spanish The Visitor Center at Fort Uncompahgre could be repur- Trail and learn about life 160 years ago.” posed as a regional visitor and interpretive center. A team of professional interpreters headed by Courtesy photo. Continued on page 20 www.montrosehospital.com OPENING DOORS TO COMMUNITY, FAITH By Caitlin Switzer MONTROSE--The beautiful building at the corner of South First and Park can definitely hold a good sized crowd. But within the church itself, there is room for all. “It begins with our motto, ‘Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,’” Montrose United Methodist www.alpinebank.com Church Pastor Steve Reinhard said. “The Method- ist Church has more than 11 million members worldwide, and we are known as the church of the open door. People may not come to worship at first—they may find their way in through our pot- lucks, and through our community events—there are a thousand doors.” www.smpa.com Reinhard believes that music is one of the ways that the doors to faith can be opened. He grew up playing guitar in church and still does, and his wife Tracy teaches music at Northside and Cottonwood elementary schools. Among many other instru- ments, Tracy recently took up the drums, he noted. “Music is truly the universal language,” Reinhard www.dmea.com Pastor Steve Reinhard believes in the power of music said. “Our sermons and prayers may reach people to open doors to faith, and in the power of love to open through their minds or their hearts; music touches hearts. Continued on Page 15 in this Region 10 SBDC Liesl talks with Looking forward to Regional News Harps & Hammers issue Helps CASA grow! John Harold! Montrose County Fair Briefs! Studio Opens ! www.montroseact.com The Montrose Mirror | May 6, 2014 Page 2 REGION 10 SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES HELP CASA GROW “I want to emphasize collaboration.” “Carlton was a pleasure to work with,” To that end, Mason has expanded the non Bony said. “He actually listened and was -profit’s board of directors to 10 so as to proactive in the plan development process. include business owners as well as com- Many clients want me to do all the work munity leaders, adding new board mem- for them. Carlton was also able to ask in- bers Valerie Hill (owner of Ridgway’s sightful questions about why I was having Mountain Market), mechanical contractor him do certain things. He realized every- Lance Daniel, and retired dentist Mick thing had a purpose.” Francis, who built his own practice from Region 10 is also leading by example, the ground up. Mason said. “They bring diversity to our board,” Ma- “They are showing us how an organiza- son said, “and strengthen our business tion can evolve to meet the needs of the presence. I think our community is very community,” Mason said. focused on collaboration with small busi- Seeing that businesses and organizations ness, which is something that makes this not only function effectively, but also The Region 10 Enterprise Center is located community special." thrive in their environments is a key com- at 300 North Cascade in Montrose. In addition, he has sought the assistance ponent of the Region 10 mission, said Re- of the Region 10 Small Business Develop- gion 10 Executive Director Michelle By Caitlin Switzer ment Center to create a new business plan Haynes. MONTROSE—Running a non-profit or- for CASA. “The Region 10 Small Business Resource ganization is certainly similar to running a “Susan Bony of the SBDC has been Center and the Small Business Develop- small business. As lifelong entrepreneur providing these services to CASA,” he ment Center enable businesses and organi- Carlton Mason is learning, however, there said. “Working with Susan helped me ex- zations to attain professional counseling also subtle differences. Mason, who re- pand our scope, and she answered my that they may not have access to,” Haynes cently took over as executive director of questions. She has a very good communi- said, “allowing them to develop in areas CASA of the Seventh Judicial District af- cation style, and she gets right to the beyond the owners and managers exper- ter the departure of longtime director Ka- point.” tise. ren Tuttle, has plenty of experience mak- After the first draft of the plan came back “We are pleased to be able to offer this ing practical decisions and thinking about “marked up,” Mason was able to tighten service to businesses and organizations at the bottom line. Now, he is enjoying the and narrow the focus. low or no cost,” she said, “and happy to chance to work with and lead an organiza- “Susan taught me not to assume any- discuss their needs as well.” tion that is owned not only by himself, but thing,” he said. “This plan will really help Mason noted that the 2014 CASA Ray of by the community. us to know where we are headed and how Hope Fundraising event held in April was “I am used to working 60, 70 hours a to get there; it will be central where we end a success, bringing in around $27,000 to week, and to being in charge,” Mason up. We owe a big thank you to Region 10 fund the non-profit’s operating costs, with said.” Here, there are so many entities and for giving us Susan! reduced overhead. people involved—from the children to “It’s a real vote of confidence, and we And what about the annual dodgeball whom we provide services to our board need buy-in and support from the entire tournament…will it continue? and our volunteers. community.” “Absolutely,” Mason said. HOPEWEST PLANS TIME OF REMEMBRANCE Special to the Mirror MONTROSE--All in the Community are invited to join HopeWest for a Spring Memorial Service on Thursday, May 8, 2014. The service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Cobble Creek Golf Clubhouse, 699 Cobble Drive in Montrose. This is a special ceremony to remember and honor loved ones who have died. A reception with light refreshments will follow. Chil- dren are encouraged to attend. For more information visit www.HopeWestCO.org or call HopeWest at 240-7734. No reprints without permission. Post Office Box 3244 Montrose, CO 81402 Editor: Caitlin Switzer 970-275-5791 The Montrose Mirror is your source for Publisher: Jon Nelson www.montrosemirror.com local business news and information. [email protected] The Montrose Mirror | May 6, 2014 Page 3 DELTA WINCH LAUNCH DEMO MOVES FORWARD DESPITE WEATHER DELAYS By Caitlin Switzer “It’s due to the surface irregularities,” he DELTA--For months, Ouray glider pilot explained, “our mountains and our val- and flight instructor Jim Pilkington of leys.” Ouray prepared and planned for a series of And while most American glider pilots winch launch glider demonstration flights launch their crafts by means of a plane- scheduled to take place April 26 at Delta’s powered aerotow, in which the glider is Blake Field. As the date drew near, how- attached to a powered plane with a tow ever, Pilkington found himself looking rope, Pilkington believes winching can instead to a higher power—the local become a very practical—and far more weather forecast. affordable--alternative here. “Pilots always look at the weather,” said He headed to Delta on Friday, April 25, Pilkington, who acknowledged an almost for a winch launch operator training ses- unbearable level of excitement over the sion, and said he hopes to successfully A winch-launched glider in flight. Courtesy winch launch glider demonstrations. train Pilot Randy Snider, an experienced photo Australia Keep It Soaring Club. “The rain will begin around 6 a.m., and local glider pilot and model glider enthusi- we are expecting up to 6 to 12 inches of ast with hundreds of flight hours behind officer in charge of glider flight for the snow.” him. “He just has not winch-launched,” Civil Air Patrol. Though the planned demonstration was Pilkington said, adding that with hours of Frequently used by European gliding postponed due to conditions, as was a sim- the proper training and Pilkington’s dura- enthusiasts, winch launching employs a ilar demonstration planned for December, ble Schweizer 233 glider, Snider will soon stationary, grounded winch mounted on a Pilkington called the delay “a gift.” be training others on the use of a winch to heavy vehicle, attached to the glider by “Not all hurdles are negative,” he said.