editorials summer 2007

One in five children who uses an Internet chat room is approached by a pedophile, and one in four children who uses the Internet is exposed to unwanted sexual material, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Do you know who or what your child has encountered online?

Parents may be happy to know their children are not wandering the streets after school, but with modern day computer use, is it any safer for children to be inside the home when their time is spent wandering the information highway known as the Internet? The Internet is present within more than 95% of computer owner's homes in the United States , where parents seldom supervise their children's computer use. On the Internet, children become subject to online crimes such as bullying, exposure to inappropriate material, stalking and child luring, with consequences as serious as sexual assault, abduction or death.

On the Internet, many children and adults feel safe to speak and act however they want. In fact, a student assessment by I-Safe America revealed 31% of students find it easier to talk to people online than in person. Because children feel so safe behind a computer screen, they reveal personal information to strangers they would never give face-to-face: names, photographs, telephone numbers, states and hometowns. More than 70% admit to having bullied someone online, three times more than have bullied in person. Do you know what messages your child sends online?

To learn more about Internet dangers, practicing safe Internet use, and monitoring your child’s Internet use, including home software recommendations, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website at www.NCMEC.org, www.NetSmartz.org, www.NetNanny.com, www.I-Safe.org, or your local computer software store. To request online safety training or report any of the above-mentioned internet crimes, contact the Eagle County Sheriff's Office at (970) 328-8500.

Uno en cinco niños que utiliza un cuarto de Chat del Internet es acercado por un depredador, y uno en cuatro niños que utiliza el Internet se expone al material sexual indeseado, según el Centro Nacional para Menores Desaparecidos y Explotados. ¿Usted sabe quién o qué ha encontrado su niño en la Internet? Los padres pueden ser felices sabiendo que sus niños no están vagando las calles después de la escuela, sino con uso moderno de la computadora, ¿es más seguro para los niños que estén dentro del hogar cuando su tiempo es el vagar la carretera de información conocida como el Internet? El Internet está presente dentro más de 95% de los hogares que tengan la computadora en los Estados Unidos, en donde los padres supervisan raramente el uso de sus niños en la computadora. En el Internet, los niños pueden hacer víctimas de crímenes en línea tales como acosar, exposición al material indeseado, acecho y engaño de niños, con las consecuencias tan serias como el asalto sexual, la abducción o la muerte.

En el Internet, muchos niños y adultos se sienten que es seguro decir y actuar como quieran. En hecho, una evaluación del estudiante por I-Safe América informo que el 31% de estudiantes crean el hablar con la gente en línea es mas fácil que en persona. Porque los niños se sienten tan seguros detrás de la pantalla de computadora, revelan informaciones personales a los extraños que nunca verían cara a cara: nombres, fotos, números de teléfono, estados y ciudades donde viven. Más de 70% admiten acosar a alguien en línea, tres veces más que acosar en persona. ¿Usted sabe qué mensajes envía su niño en línea?

By Caramie Schnell

If you’re looking to sign your kids up for golf lessons but are worried about the cost, check out the valley’s First Tee program, sponsored by the Youth Foundation. First Tee is a nationwide program that started in the valley last year and is available to kids ages 6 - 18. Red Sky Ranch, Cotton Ranch, Eagle Ranch, Eagle-Vail and the Vail Golf Club offer the programs, which cost $60 for six sessions of golf.

Alice Plain, the director of golf at Vail Golf Club, brought the First Tee program to Vail Golf Club this year. “(First Tee) provides kids a lot of opportunity to develop life skills through golf.We incorporate teachings of the importance of honesty, integrity, good sportsmanship, and the way we set it up, it’s fun for the kids so they don’t realize exactly what they’re learning.”

For information about First Tee and a summer schedule, check out www.theyouthfoundation.org or call (970) 763-7000.

By J.K. Perry

A saving account is an excellent way to get kids involved

For kids, learning the importance of money and saving is an integral lesson to ensure a bright financial future.

But just how do parents talk to little Joey or Jill about the value of money? Bankers say the best way is for parents to open and manage a saving account with their kids. The account allows young children to save for small purchases like a weekend movie ticket and eventually embrace far-ranging investments such as college or a car, said Andrea Glass, regional marketing representative for Alpine Bank.

“I think saving is an important first step in financial literacy,” Glass said. “Those who have experience in savings are much more prepared to handle their finances.”

Bankers offer these additional tips to get kids involved in money:
• Talk to kids about the family budget. Show them what it takes to save for vacation or buy a car. “There’s a lot of households where money isn’t even discussed,” Glass said. “Communication is key to teaching kids the value of money.”
• If possible, dole out an allowance when kids complete chores around the house.
• Kids should ask neighbors if they can perform odd jobs to earn an extra buck, or set up a lemonade stand.
• Collect change, deposit it into a saving account, and watch the money grow.
• School is most kids’ job, so Alpine Bank encourages elementary through high school students to earn better grades. The bank gives $10 for A’s and $5 for B’s to a select few kids who submit their report cards to the bank.

Visit www.alpinebank.com for more information.

The locals’ favorite family fun day! Held at the beautiful 4 Eagle Ranch, Wild West Day offers something for everyone: silent auction; games to win gold coins to buy great prizes; craft booths; live music; BBQ lunch; trail, pony and wagon rides; and more!

Wild West Day benefits our 8 Public Elementary Schools: Avon, Brush Creek, Eagle Valley, Edwards, Gypsum, Meadow Mountain, Red Hill and Red Sandstone. Organized and run by Parent volunteers, it is the largest and most inclusive fundraiser in Eagle County, benefiting over 2000 students and their families. In 2006, each school earned just-under $20,000!!!!

Colorado ranks 49th in funding for public education! The money raised at Wild West Day is needed for teacher training, special programs, playground equipment, etc, as determined by each school’s parents and teachers. Never has so much fun been so important to our children.

Cancer is a powerful word. It strikes fear. It changes lives. It knows no social or economic boundaries. It is a word we all hope we will never hear in our doctor’s office. When fighting cancer, there are real advantages to being close to the places and people you love, and there are obvious advantages to having access to the best and brightest cancer specialists and the most advanced treatment technology available.

Combining innovative cancer care with a convenient, serene mountain environment, our Shaw Regional Cancer Center has a strong reputation for excellence. And we’ve enhanced and extended our ability to fight cancer through a clinical and educational partnership with the University of Colorado Cancer Center—the region’s only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Shaw Regional Cancer Center team is experienced in treating breast, head and neck, colon, lung, prostate and other less common forms of cancer with cutting-edge technology. Through our partnership with the University of Colorado Cancer Center, our patients gain access to an additional level and depth of research, clinical trials and consultations—a level of care normally available only through the country’s leading teaching and research hospitals.

Setting a standard of excellence in clinical oncology, the Shaw Regional Cancer Center combines the best physicians with the newest technology in a positive healing environment.We provide the latest cancer treatments while supporting the body, mind and spirit.With a multidimensional treatment approach, patients choose from a menu of complementary and support services such as exercise and physical therapy programs, nutritional support, weekly yoga classes, cancer counseling and support groups—all in the comfort and boundless beauty of the Vail Valley.

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties builds simple, decent homes in partnership with families in need. Since the affiliate opened its doors in 1995 it has been focused on creating low income housing opportunities for working families in Eagle & Lake Counties. Throughout its 11 year existence, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties has completed 14 homes in partnership with 14 families in need and is currently working to complete three more homes at the Bluffs in Eagle. Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity International has built over 200,000 homes providing shelter to over 1 million people in nearly 100 countries since its inception in 1976.

Partner families are selected based on their need for adequate shelter, their ability to pay for a home and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity is not a hand-out, but a hand-up. Families are required to pay a small down payment and a monthly mortgage payment at zero interest and must invest hundreds of “sweat equity” hours into the construction of their home.

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties relies on cash donations, volunteer labor and donated construction materials to build affordable homes. We also operate the Habitat Home Outlet in Gypsum. The Outlet takes donations of furniture, appliances and building materials and sells them. The proceeds from sales of items at the Outlet go towards funding a home.

If you would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity and make a direct impact on substandard housing in our community please call us at 970-748-6718 or visit us on the web at: www.habitateaglelake.org.

By J.K. Perry

The short road trip to Leadville and beyond offers breathtaking views, picturesque moments and history worthwhile to kids and parents.

The 94-mile trip begins in Minturn, a rustic railroad town along an oldfashioned main street.Turn right off U.S. Highway 24 onto Railroad Avenue for a unique breakfast at the Turntable Restaurant. Minturn holds an outdoor market each Saturday during the summer, with plenty of activities, exhibits and knick knacks.

A short distance south on Highway 24 is Gilman, where men once drew zinc from the Eagle Mine below. The ghost town is off limits to the public, but there are several spots alongside the road to view the town’s vacant, yet colorful homes.Take the curvaceous road beyond to a stunning arch bridge and Red Cliff, a quaint mining town on the upswing.

The next stop is Camp Hale, where the Army’s 10th Mountain Division lived and prepared for World War II combat. The historic site offers camping, hiking and several roadside signs which tell the division’s story. Just down the road — at the Entrance to Ski Cooper — stands a memorial to the nearly 1,000 division soldiers who died during the war.

Next up, Leadville — the state’s highest town and a former mining hub.The Dexter Cabin, Healy House State Monument and Heritage Museum present the story of Leadville, where silver, gold and other metals were extracted from the ground. Enjoy the views at nearby Twin Lakes Reservoir in the shadow of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.

Continue north on Highway 91, which climbs Fremont Pass and offers glimpses of Climax Mine.The mine mass-produced the steelstrengthening element molybdenum during World War I and throughout much of the 20th century.

Copper Mountain is the final destination, where horseback riding, go-carts and climbing walls await visitors. But the rustic road ends here, so jump on Interstate 70 and head west back to Eagle County.

By Caramie Schnell

Women’s golf is prospering in the Vail Valley

The women’s golf scene in the valley is burgeoning, said Alice Plain, director of golf at the Vail Golf Club. Plain has been involved in the valley’s golf scene for 18 years and said women in general are becoming more interested in getting in some time on the greens. “There a lot more professionals living in the valley and more women are interested in learning the game.”

The problem Plain has seen in the past is women who get really excited about the game, take a few lessons and then disappear. She’s trying to put together a women’s program that will combat that problem, she said, including a women’s league that plays every Wednesday morning and women’s clinics every other Friday starting in early June. The clinics, which will cover full swing, short game, on course instruction and rules and etiquette, will last an hour and a half and cost $20.

Vail Golf Club also features the nationwide program called Link Up to Golf. Each five-day session of classes includes eight hours of instruction, on course play, etiquette, rules, equipment evaluation and use of rental equipment for $129.

Eagle-Vail golf club will offer free monthly golf clinics (call the course for the schedule). Ben Welsh, head golf pro for the club, said that with few overly long holes, or forced long shots that carry over the river or lakes and three sets of tees the Eagle-Vail Golf course is very playable and friendly for all skill levels. The reasonable rates the club boasts helps to make it accessible for more people as well, Welsh said.

A few miles west on I-70 brings you to the town of Eagle, home to Eagle Ranch Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature course.Throughout the summer the challenging 18-hole course will hold women’s only full swing and short game clinics for $35 and an 18-hole ladies league on Thursday afternoons for $55.The course also features the five-day Link Up to Golf classes for $139.

by Caramie Schnell

There is a full line-up on tap for Independence Day

Fireworks, parades, concerts, oh my. People flock to the Vail Valley every year to celebrate the fourth of July, and for good reason. Each town hosts their own celebrations on different days so you can “hop” from town to town until you get your fill of fireworks and fun. Here are the details you need to celebrate Independence Day in the Vail Valley.

The holiday kicks off with Minturn’s celebration on Sunday, July 2.The event starts at 6 p.m. with a parade featuring Smokey Bear, fire trucks, classic cars, decorated children’s bicycles, and Washington Prep High School band. Following the parade, enjoy the Gallegos family BBQ picnic, and free live music by Minturn’s own Pena brothers and the band Suave. Kids love the old-fashioned contests, like sunflower seed spitting and ice cream eating and the potato race. A free petting zoo and face painting will also be available to help keep the little ones entertained. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Check out www.minturn.org or call (970) 827-5645.

When loads of cars start pulling over along I-70 near Avon, it’s a sure sign the town’s famous fireworks display is about to take flight. Nearly 20,000 visitors and locals flock to Avon each summer for the town’s Independence Day celebration, called Salute to the USA. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, July 3. Over 10,000 shells explode above Nottingham Lake, making it the largest display choreographed to music in the state (fireworks are usually set off between 9:30 and 10 p.m.). Children’s activities — including a Family Zone geared toward younger children with inflatable toys, balloon sculptors, clowns and carnival games — and live music begin at 5 pm. Arrive early to stake your spot around the lake. Free parking is available in Beaver Creek’s East and West lots. Close-in parking (for a fee) is available in the First Bank of Avon lot and near the Avon Center. Visit www.avon.org.

The fun moves east on Tuesday, July 4 for Vail American Days. Festivities take place all day, beginning with the annual parade, which begins at 10 am in Golden Peak, winds its way through the village and ends in Lionshead. Many parade attendees’ head towards the Ford Amphitheater later in the afternoon for the patriotic concert. Lawn seating is free and on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for the pavilion seating will go on sale on July 1 at 11 am (visit www.vailmusicfestival.org. Fireworks will be held at 9:45 p.m. over Golden Peak. Parking is available at both parking structures. (Check out www.vail.snow.com).

Beaver Creek Village will host its own concert and fireworks display on July 4. The Glenn Miller band will play a free concert on the lawn next to the Centennial Express Chair lift. The opening band (TBD) is set to start at 6 p.m. and Glenn Miller will follow at 7:30 pm. Call the BC Info Center at (970)845-9090.

Eagle and Gypsum will also host a fireworks display above the Eagle County Fairgrounds on July 4. Check out www.eaglevalley.org for more information.

As the end of the school year draws near, you may be thinking about gifts to children and grandchildren.* Aside from the personal satisfaction you receive from making these gifts, there are also valuable tax and financial benefits. First, gifts to children and grandchildren reduce the size of your estate for estate-tax purposes — and, yes, the estate tax is still with us until 2010 — when it disappears for only one year, unless Congress acts to make the repeal permanent. In addition, you may save income taxes, because some or all of the income on the transferred property may be shifted to the child or grandchild. The way a gift is structured can make a big difference in both the tax consequences and the amount of control a child or grandchild has over the property and its income. Let’s look at some alternatives.

Outright Gifts
The simplest way to make a gift is to transfer stock, mutual fund shares, cash, or other property outright. But, here’s the rub — if your child or grandchild is a minor, he or she won’t be able to transact any financial business with the gift (such as selling and buying stock or other property) without a court-appointed guardian. Chances are, there will also be restrictions on what the guardian can do with the property on the minor’s behalf. For example, the guardian may not even be able to use the property to pay for college if the parents have adequate resources. When the child or grandchild reaches the age of majority (18 to 25, depending on the state), the guardianship lapses and the child has complete control over the property. That raises another concern. Many parents and grandparents are reluctant to grant their young adult offspring the ability to spend large sums of money without restriction. Think about it — how ready for such responsibility were you at age 20? One benefit of an outright gift is that it clearly qualifies for the annual gifttax exclusion ($11,000 in 2005, $22,000 if your spouse also gives). If the child or grandchild is under age 14, income on the gift is subject to the “kiddie” tax: the first $800 in unearned investment income is not taxed. The next $800 is subject to the child’s tax rate, but any investment income above $1,600 is taxed at the parents’ rate. For minors 14 or older, investment income is taxed at their marginal rate, which is usually lower than the parents’ rate.

Custodial Accounts
One way to transfer property to a minor and avoid the hassle of a guardianship is to establish a custodial account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).With this type of transfer, you set up an account for the benefit of a minor and name a custodian. The custodian can be a parent, adult, sibling or other person. The custodian must invest the funds and use them solely for the education, medical care, support and benefit of the minor. A major advantage of a custodial account is simplicity.With a custodial account, there is no trust to prepare, and no separate tax return. In addition, the gift qualifies for the annual gift-tax exclusion. Again with the kiddie tax, investment income in excess of $1,600 is taxed at the parents’ rate, if the minor is under 14. For minors age 14 and older, income is reported on the child’s income-tax return — no separate return for the custodianship is required. One disadvantage of a custodial account is that when the minor who owns custodial assets reaches the age of majority, the parent or grandparent no longer has any control over how the money is spent. That control passes to the child or grandchild. Another disadvantage involves a potential tax trap. If you name yourself as the custodian and die before the child reaches the age of majority, the assets are included in your estate for estate-tax purposes.

Minor’s Trust
Another approach to making gifts to minors is to use a trust. The law authorizes two types of trusts for those who intend to make substantial gifts to minors. If the trust meets the requirements of a “minor’s trust” under Section 2503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, transfers qualify for the annual gift-tax exclusion. Under this trust, the trustee is required to use trust income and principal solely for the minor’s benefit and distribute the assets to the beneficiary when he or she attains age 21. The Section 2503(b) trust should be considered by a donor who does not want the trust assets distributed by age 21. Under this trust, the trustee can distribute trust principal to the beneficiary at whatever dates or times are established by the donor. However, such a trust must provide for a distribution of income to the beneficiary, at least annually. Because establishment of both types of trusts can be expensive and timeconsuming, many donors may find it more convenient to make gifts under UTMA.

There are a variety of ways to make gifts to children and grandchildren. Choosing the best approach for you is not easy. Seek the advice of a qualified professional to help you decide.

* Gifts to grandchildren may be subject to the generation-skipping transfer tax (GST), which is repealed in 2010 (for one year only). If you are considering a trust for the benefit of a grandchild, you should discuss with your tax advisor steps to qualify for the annual GST exclusion in addition to the annual gift-tax exclusion.

Our firm does not render legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult your CPA or attorney on such matters.

The accuracy and completeness of this material are not guaranteed. The opinions expressed are those of Fraser M Horn and are not necessarily those of Berthel Fisher or its affiliates. The material is distributed solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Provided by courtesy of Fraser M Horn, a Investment Advisor representative with Berthel Fisher in Edwards, CO. For more information, please call Fraser M Horn at (970)926-2500.

Registered Representative of and securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (BFCFS). Member NASD/SIPC, 1st & Main Investment Advisors is independent of BFCFS.

Helping non-profits get where they need to go.

Wheels for Eagle, a 501-c-3 nonprofit, was created in late 2006 out of the desire to help Eagle County non-profits with logistical and operational support through transportation. It was decided early on to keep wheels simple and small, thus making it a cost effective organization that helps local non-profits, without duplicating what is already happening in our county.

Wheels executive director, Joe Schmitt, has been involved with local nonprofits for the last 23 years and saw a need for this type of service. “There are many local non-profits that are too small to afford the cost of a vehicle on a year round basis, and some groups just need extra help at busy times during the year. So we formed Wheels to help the area nonprofits achieve their goals by providing safe and affordable transportation.” Says Schmitt. “By providing this service, we’re helping the many fantastic local nonprofits that use us to fulfill their missions with greater ease and one less logistical restriction.”

Through the use of a 15-passenger van and a driver, Wheels helps groups safely get to programs and activities in and out of the valley. The only requirement is that these groups are part of a non-profit organization. Since Wheels is a nonprofit, they always needs help in raising funds to provide their services.

To learn how you can help with a personal donation or by volunteering with tasks and events throughout the year contact Wheels at: 970-471-4668 or visit their website at www.wheelsforeagle.org

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District provides water and wastewater services in a manner that respects the natural beauty of the Eagle River valley. The District is committed to water quantity and operates several pristine high elevation reservoirs.Water released from these storage lakes increases stream flows, thus contributing to water quality. Streams are our primary production source for tap water. In addition, the District’s environmentally sound wastewater treatment practices factor into both water quantity and quality.

ERW&SD supports young people through water education programs. District educators visit schools to discuss with students where water comes from, where it goes after it goes down the drain, why water conservation is important and how to use water wisely. Students in 5th – 8th grade get hands on instruction through the “Living Wise” and “Thirsty Lizard” programs. Living Wise provides water saving devices to reduce water use, while Thirsty Lizard integrates more math by measuring daily water use and calculating potential savings.

For a FREE water conservation kit, information on available youth activities, facility tours, or a consultation with our water conservation specialist, contact ERW&SD at 970.476.7480 or www.erwsd.org

The results are in: Eagle County Schools Rock! And to prove it, the ‘best of the best’ ECS Alumni are here to reveal the amazing things they are accomplishing these days. These Alumni earned their bragging rights and have plenty to say about how their experiences and teachers in Eagle County Schools prepared them to be successful in life. Now a teacher herself, an Eagle Valley High School Graduate states, “I wouldn’t have wanted my education in Eagle County Schools to be any different. I loved school as a kid, and I still do, thanks to wonderful teachers who were in the business because they truly cared about kids.” Now the Regional Vice President of Managed Care United Surgical Partners International, this Battle Mountain High School Graduate states, "Many teachers has a positive influence on my life and made me a stronger person because of it. Eagle County Schools prepared me for a better life than I ever could have imagined.” Not only has Eagle County Schools focused on ‘Educating Every Student For Success,’ in the past, they strive to do the same in the future. The proof is in the numbers: Eagle County Schools' English Proficient students made CSAP gains in 2006 over 2004 in over 80% of grade levels and content areas tested. In order to prepare students for post-secondary education, Eagle County high school students have the opportunity to enroll in Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses and earn college credit at the same time they earn high school credit. In addition, over 800 of ECS high school students participate in one or more of the over 40 extra-curricular activities offered. Students are encouraged to spark their imaginations and create clubs that may interest them outside of the current offerings as well. Not to exclude those truly young at heart, over 450 elementary students participate in after school programs in ECS schools hosted by community partners. And, thanks to donations from the Vail Valley Foundation and a matching commitment from the Board of Education, over 95 percent of kindergarteners attend school all day. Dual language programs are now in place at Avon Elementary, Edwards Elementary, and Berry Creek Middle. Eagle County Schools unique offering of rigorous academics, a breadth of extracurricular offerings and a richly diverse learning environment separates them from the rest. For more information, please call 970.328.6321 or visit www.eagleschools.net.

Be sure to look for our Alumni Ads in the ‘Town Talk’ section of the Vail Daily every Wednesday. If you are an ECS Alumnus or know how to get in touch with an ECS Alumnus, please email communications@ eagleschools.net.

Alpine Bank and Colorado Mountain College are partnering together to help students overcome financial barriers. Each time the card is used, Alpine Bank will donate 10 cents per transaction to the CMC Foundation that will benefit general scholarships. If you currently have an Alpine Bank Card, you can easily switch it over to the Loyalty Visa Check Card at any Alpine Bank location or online at ww.alpinebank.com.

Alpine Bank’s name adorns the wall above the reception desk at the Vail-Eagle Valley Campus in Edwards for a very good reason. Alpine’s $50,000 pledge to the Higher Education Resources Opportunities (HERO) fund has enabled more students to register than ever before. The Vail-Eagle Valley Campus has over 4,000 students throughout the year attending college classes, personal enrichment classes, or English as Second Language classes. The campus also provides a GED program in English and Spanish. Outdoor education, art, dance, EMT, philosophy, psychology, science, mathematics, communications, and so much more is available to our community of learners. Stop by the campus at 150 Miller Ranch Road in Edwards (Exit 163 off I-70), call 970-569-2900 or go to the web site at www.coloradomtn.edu.

By J.K. Perry

Want to teach your kids the importance of the environment? Take them on a hike. “The first principle is understanding we are not separate from the environment,” said Matt Scherr, executive director for the environmental nonprofit group Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability. “Once you have an appreciation and understanding of the environment, try to get rid of that sense of ‘away’ — when you flush it away or throw it away.”

Processed materials — like plastic — often don’t break down and naturally renenter the environment when thrown away. The waste piles into landfills and other places out of sight. So Scherr recommends parents teach their children to limit waste and make necessary waste useful.

Scherr started his kids early. They recycle and throw easily-degradable trash into an odorless indoor compost — sometimes with worms, sometimes without. The real-time science experiment intrigues children, Scherr said. “They like to watch what happens to stuff,” he said. Once the trash breaks down, the compost turns into soil. Plus, composting garbage means less garbage to haul to the curb, which is always a bonus among children. Here are some tips Scherr and other environmental gurus recommend for parents and children:

• The first principle is to foster a connection to nature and an understanding that trash doesn’t disappear and often doesn’t break down.
• Visit a landfill. Eagle County’s is north of Wolcott. Again, trash isn’t out of sight, out of mind.
• Compost. Lawn clippings, food, paper towels and newspapers all break down.
• Recycle cans, plastic and other materials to be used again. “It helps (kids) understand waste is still a useful product,” Scherr said.
• Start a recycling or energy-saving program at school. It can start simple — making sure computers are turned off at night, for example.

To get involved visit Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability web site at www.eaglevalleyalliance.org

The Vail Veterans Program began four years ago with Cheryl Jensen’s need to reach out to our disabled Veterans. She had previously taught adaptive skiing at Breckenridge when she wanted to give our war Vets a chance at the ski slope. Now, the program offers a four day, all expense paid, including private ski or snowboard instruction, retreat for disabled Veterans and their families. Last summer, the program offered a weekend of camping, rafting and flyfishing that will return again this year.

The program “gets them away from the hospital setting,” said Jensen, who visits Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. about four times a year. It also brings the Veterans together with their families. As the war continues, Jensen said that she’s seeing more and more severe injuries. “The program is so important in aiding in recovery,” said Jensen. It does so much for the disabled Veterans, who come into Vail not knowing what they’re capable of. “They are nervous, tentative, and not comfortable with themselves,” said Jensen. And at the end of the weekend, which is celebrated with a big party at the Vail Firehouse, they come to realize the things they can do, instead of the things they can’t. It’s a transformation that changes lives and has such a huge impact on the Veterans and their www.theparentshandbook.com | summer/fall 2007 families, and the community members involved.

“They are guaranteed to have a positive family experience,” said Major David Rozelle, who has been with the program from the beginning. Major Rozelle brings his family each year, and his parents have even been a part of the program two of the four years. His mom helps hand out hot cocoa and his father is out on the mountain encouraging the guys during instruction. “We all chip in.” Rozelle agrees that bringing family is one of the biggest positives of the program. Last year was a unique year in that one of the Veterans proposed to his girlfriend at the event. “It’s a world class setting, and it’s romantic,” said Rozelle, who treats his wife to a spa day every year in Vail. Some of the Veterans bring their children as well, and Rozelle truly admires a child being able to see his or her father learn something new. “It builds confidence and builds the relationship back,” Rozelle says of the children who have not seen their fathers in a while, nor out of the hospital.

To volunteer or make a donation, please contact the Vail Veterans Foundation, PO Box 6473, Vail, CO 81658 970-476-4906 www.vailveteransprogram.com