TELL US  WHO YOUR PV HERO IS!

Who in The Plateau Valley do you applaud, admire, like, respect, and why?
Submit their name and your reasons for wanting to honor and/or recognize.


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PV SpiritPV Spirit Winners - Community Heroes

Thank you, _______

TELL US  WHO YOUR PV HERO IS!

Who in The Plateau Valley do you applaud, admire, like, respect, and why?
Submit their name and your reasons for wanting to honor and/or recognize.

Thank you, Doris Achenbach

Doris Achenbach is the PV Spirit Community Hero for November 2015.  Her service in compiling the newsletter each month for Collbran Congregational Church, The Mustard Seed, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Mary Lou Nichols

Mary Lou Nichols is the PV Spirit Community Hero this month, Sept 2014.
Anyone who has met her knows why! Words cannot express her beautiful spirit.

Thank you, Warren & Betty Bruton

Warren & Betty Bruton are the PV Spirit Community Heroes this month (August 2014).  They raised their family in Mesa, and have "retired" from raising cattle, cooking at the school, and guiding hunters; but, throughout the years, and still, Warren & Betty have been avid volunteers and supporters of several local organizations. 

Those suggesting Warren and Betty as community heroes mentioned they have been "volunteers with the Plateau Valley Fire Department & EMT ambulance service", "help with the Fire Department and Mesa Methodist Community Church", are "Mesa Community Center supporters and volunteers" and that every year they "help package and distribute Christmas baskets throughout Plateau Valley."

Additional comments included that they are enjoying their grandchildren, antique hunting, travelling, and have been generous supporters of the 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale at the Mesa County Fair.

Although Warren has retired from guiding hunters and Betty from feeding them, you can get info about Bruton's Guide Service from their son Eric at 970-268-5835.

Thank you, Jon Linder

Sgt Jon LinderJon Linder is the PV Spirit Community Hero for July 2014.  Nominated by his wife, Melissa, she shared "My husband is my hero.  He is currently getting set for his 3rd deployment.  He is a wonderful Sgt to his team and a wonderful father to our 4 children." 

Wow!  In just a few words, you can feel the love and devotion in this family. 

Thank you Jon and Melissa. 

Melissa's photo also won the PV Rolls "American Spirit" contest.  You can see why.

Many families in the PV share this common thread - "the PV Spirit" of caring for one another, for family, for our team, our community and country... and striving for excellence for the benefit of others.  And several families in the valley and throughout the US have loved ones in the military, who are sacrificing time with their families for all of us.  We thank Jon and Melissa, and all families in this situation for their loyalty and perseverance. 

Thank you, Ruth Shepardson

Ruth Shepardson is the PV Spirit Community Hero for June 2014.  As FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher at Plateau Valley Schools, Ruth has increased interest and participation in these programs, and is dedicated to educating youth and the "general American population" about the benefits of agriculture.  She spends innumerable hours outside of the classroom at events to benefit PV youth.

Just looking at the time she takes to help the with FFA projects, we're sure her summer will be as full as the school year!  The next time you drive by the Plateau Valley School, be sure to look at the garden just East of the football field. 

Our hat is off to ANYONE who can get a bunch of teenagers out to plant, pull weeds, and help harvest!

Thank you, Joyce Chicos

Joyce Chicos is the PV Spirit Community Hero for May 2014.  If you go to the Plateau Valley for Memorial Day Weekend Events or Plateau Valley Heritage Days, you are sure to see Joyce.  She founded the Plateau Valley Cancer Fund to "lend a hand to PV Residents who are effected by cancer."

Joyce works tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds for victims of cancer who live in the Plateau Valley.  Recipients remain anonymous, and the typical gift is $500 to be used however they need.

The PV Cancer Fund is a part of the non-profit organization Plateau Valley Heritage Days.  Contact Joyce at 487-3487 for more information.

Thank you, Beverly Duzenack

Beverly Duzenack, from Mesa, is the PV Spirit Community Hero for March 2014.  "Sweet, faithful, organized, on top of things" were the most common sentiments from community members who recommended Beverly.   She is an active and involved member of Plateau Valley Association and MCC, and served for several years on the Board for the Mesa Community Center.

Utilizing a few of her many talents, Beverly also produced and distributed the Mesa Messenger, which is the monthly newsletter from the Mesa Community Center Board/Club.  She has worked tirelessly and met with several groups all to promote her friends and neighbors in Mesa and the Plateau Valley.

Note that we said "an active and involved member"; Beverly is interested, knowledgeable, and excited about several community projects. She volunteers to serve on committees, investigate and share news and information, and is excellent at follow-through.  She portrays the adage "If you're going to do something, do it well."

Thank you, Joanne Taylor

Joanne Taylor, owner of The Treasure House in Mesa, is the PV Spirit Community Hero for Jan/Feb 2014. Her compassion and desire to serve and please all who enter her store is evident to anyone who has stopped in. Joanne listens to hear what is needed - from local residents and visitors alike - and the requested items are usually on the shelf soon, at competitive prices!  You'll also find local artists', authors', and craftsmen's work displayed for sale throughout The Treasure House.

Joanne has supported numerous groups and events over the 20+ years that she's been managing her store, and is always ready to help her neighbors.  We admire her ability to feel the pulse of the community and to provide such a wide range of items from cards to grocery items, to gifts, to standard C-Store stock, to jewelry, to bumper stickers, and WAY more.

Note: The Treasure House is now closed, as Joanne has retired.

Thank you, Forrey Towns & LuAnn Wallace

Forrey & Luann were named King & Queen at the 3rd Annual Cowboy Christmas Ball & Festival in Collbran CO (Dec 2013), and were the Grand Marshalls for the Parade.  Both are very generous supporters of many youth activities in the Plateau Valley.  Forrey owns Valley Ranch Supply; and Luann owns Spanky's Dogs.   "Can-do attitudes" and "willingness to work with others for the better of all" are just two of the reasons given by the numerous community members for choosing Luann and Forrey as PV Spirit Winners.  

Luann organizes and runs the three Plateau Valley Gymkhanas held each summer at the Collbran Rodeo Grounds.  These "family-friendly" events have grown to around 90 contestants at each gymkhana, and include local kids and adults, as well as many from throughout the Western Slope of CO.
Note: in 2018, Luann "turned over" the gymkhanas to the PV FFA.

Forrey's involvement with the 4-H and FFA members continues throughout the year(s), helping many with their projects, sponsoring several events, and by buying animals at the Mesa County Fair.

Luann and Forrey are both known for their humor, friendliness, and fairness.  

Thank you, Lita Hill

August-November 2013> Lita Hill

Lita Hill is one of those amazing people who makes everyone around her feel better.  Joyful is the best word we can find - she's just always in a good mood and always seems to know the right thing to say.

Lita has been involved in countless activities and events with numerous organizations.  From being a (past) principal at Plateau Valley Schools, a 4-H parent/grandparent, a Plateau Valley Cattlewoman, a PVA member, to serving on the DeBeque/Plateau Valley Water Conservation Board, Lita's wide range of service centers around promoting family, ranching, and education.  You know - core American values! 
And through it all, she and her husband Allen have consistently raised high-quality Limousin cattle on the peninsula.  You have to see their video "God Created a Rancher"! Call Lita at 970-487-3393 for more info.

Thank you, Tom Rau, Gene Stricklan, Wayne Campbell

June/July 2013> Tom Rau, Gene Stricklan, Wayne Campbell

Tom Rau, Gene Stricklan, Wayne Campbell are this month's Community Heroes.  If you recycle in the Plateau Valley, you've participated in their lives!  These gentlemen have graciously volunteered their time for a long time.

I don't know how long the recycling bins have been available at the Collbran Rodeo Grounds, but in the minutes from the 8/4/2009 Town of Collbran board meeting, "Trustee Satterfield spoke of the Job Corps "Going Green" campaign which coincides with the Plateau Valley Recycle effort and encouraged the Town to assist with keeping recycling available for the community."  We think the Plateau Valley Association may have been instrumental in the foundation of the program as well.

What we do know is that the Town of Collbran owns the bins and the trailer and pays the license fee for the trailer.  The bins are available and open to the public 24/7, and when they start getting full, "miraculously" they're emptied by Plateau Valley Association members...  Specifically, Tom, Gene, and Wayne!   

They volunteer their time as well as cover the cost of driving and pulling the trailer to Grand Junction whenever it's needed.  THANKS!

Thank you, Jerry & Debbie Hamm

May 2013> Jerry & Debbie Hamm

Jerry & Debbie Hamm are this month's Community Hero.  If you ever attend any of the events in the Plateau Valley, you've probably seen them even if you haven't met them!  Active members in the Collbran Lions Club, Jerry & Debbie are involved in organizing and hosting at least a portion of many of the annual events and community traditions.

Whether you've been to an Ice Fishing Tournament at Vega, St. Patrick's Dinner & Dance at the Collbran Auditorium, a chili supper at the Congregational Church, the PV Heritage Days Celebration and parade, or the concession stand at the Collbran Jr. Rodeo in August, more than likely Jerry & Debbie did something for you whether you know it or not!

The most apparent thing you'll notice is that even though they're always busy, the don't look or seem busy!  They always have a smile, a wave, or a few minutes at least to visit with you!  I guess the name of their ranch (Esperanza Ranch) should give us a clue of why!

They know and support the youth in the valley and are always willing and enthusiastic sponsors of their activities. 

And then there's the music circle... we have SO much talent in the Plateau Valley!  Several musicians and bands share a common "secret"...  Jerry has made music with most of them.  Always looking for a place to dance, Jerry is really excited about all of the live music performances in the Plateau Valley...  Most weekends, you'll find local, live bands performing somewhere!

Thank you, Nancy Karlson

December 2012> Nancy Karlson

Nancy Karlson is this month's TPV.com's Community Hero.  Having lived in The Plateau Valley for most of her life, almost anyone who has lived there has benefitted from something Nancy has done, and most likely have met her and been befriended as well. 

Nancy Karlson at KilKenny Castle in KilKenny City Ireland June 2011
Nancy Karlson at KilKenny Castle in KilKenny City Ireland June 2011

Many things that are routine to Nancy are the quiet, behind-the-scenes activities that we all typically take for granted.  More Info coming soon...

Thank you, Glenda Foss, Marsha Encke, Kay Orton, Ruth Shepardson

July 2012>Glenda (Spangler) Foss, Marsha (Spangler) Encke, Ruth (Orton) Shepardson, Kay Orton

What are you doing July 17-21?  Even if you and I don't know all of our plans, anyone who knows these four ladies knows where they will be... at The Mesa County Fair. 

Glenda Foss & Marsha Encke
Glenda Foss & Marsha Encke, PV Livestock Club Leaders and project leaders

Ruth Shepardson & Kay Orton, 4-H leaders and shining examples in The Plateau Valley
Ruth Shepardson, FFA leader & PVHS Ag teacher, 4-H leader
Kay Orton, PV Extremes Club Leader and project leader

Marsha Encke, Glenda Foss, Kay Orton, and Ruth Shepardson are TPV.com's Community Heroes this month. 

As 4-H leaders and club advisors, these ladies tirelessly and cheerfully give and give and give.  Their time, their talents, their wide range of knowledge, their money, their wisdom... 

This year, approximately 65 of the Plateau Valley's youth aged 9-19 will be exhibiting their 4-H and/or FFA projects at the Mesa County Fair, and all have one primary thing in common...  they have chosen the projects that interest them.  And that's where our community heroes come into play.  Through the 4-H program, they teach and coordinate learning opportunities for the kids. In the Plateau Valley, they coordinate with 4-H leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to share their experience and teach not only the skills, but also practical applications.

Now, 65 pre-teen and teen-agers may not seem like that many to you...  But how does 50 out of 75-78 high school students sound?  That's how many HIGH SCHOOL students at Plateau Valley CHOSE to be in the FFA program.  Not all will be exhibiting animals or projects at the Mesa County Fair, but many will.

Thank you, Teddy Walker

PV Spirit> Community Hero June 2012
Teddy Walker

With it being JUCO time, anyone from The Plateau Valley will sadly notice an empty spot in the stands next to George Bevans.  Teddy Walker is cheering from heaven this year, and his smile, friendliness, generosity, and warm heart are missed by all who knew him.

Teddy Walker, JUCO fan and shining example of The Plateau ValleyTeddy Walker was a huge fan and long-time supporter of JUCO, always attending the banquet and sponsoring a table with his Plateau Valley business, Walker Const.  Teddy had retired and sold the business to his nephew Tommy Bieser (it's now Bieser Construction), but he never stopped supporting The Plateau Valley or JUCO. 

Teddy was instrumental in organizing and growing The Plateau Valley Volunteer Fire Dept & establishing EMT services in the valley.  He was always a ready-and steady supporter of the youth in the community, 4-H, rodeo events, extra-curricular school and sports activities, and numerous other events.

While you're attending JUCO this week, whenever you look up at The Grand Mesa, think of Teddy Walker and how he embraced and celebrated life, the desire to excel, and the people around him.

And if you read the rest of this page, you'll notice the name "Pene Jo Walker".  Yes, this is one of Teddy's daughters, keeping the gymkhanas going, along with Luann Wallace, offering three opportunities for fun with the whole family in Collbran Colorado this summer!


PV Spirit> Community Heroes "Nomination Form"
What business or person in the Plateau Valley do you admire, applaud, enjoy? TELL US