Tribute To Fallen Storm King Firefighters in Colorado ReleasedWritten by Scott Jeffries
Rifle, CO; September 29, 2003--On July 6, 1994, 14 firefighters, including Smoke Jumpers from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Colorado and other western states died when fierce winds fanned towering flames up Storm King Mountain (just west of Glenwood Springs, CO). They had been spending better part of day clearing brush and digging trenches to slow spreading fires, when high winds forced them to run for cover. With nowhere to run, outpacing fast moving flames was impossible on steep slopes. Forced to take cover inside their protective shelters as flames whipped over them, 14 never made it through firestorm. In September 1998, Colorado musician and JavaMusiK recording artist Jeff Van Devender sat at piano in music room of school he just started teaching at. The window of his new room happened to have a perfect view of Storm King Mountain. Van Devender had witnessed terrible tragedy in '94, not knowing until he got home that evening how awful it really was. "The smoke created a mushroom type cloud which glowed as it hung over mountain," he remembered. "As we headed home (Gypsum at time), walls of Glenwood Canyon revealed a reddish-orange color which was eerily quite beautiful." Upon turning on TV however, scope of tragedy began to unfold as continuous news updates blanketed airwaves reporting passing of so many heroes. As Van Devender sat in his new workplace, in shadow of Storm King, melody began to flow. He remembered images he had witnessed, flames cresting over mountain ridges, glowing smoke hovering in mid-day sunlight, emergency personnel working to restore order and, most of all, brave souls who came from other parts of country and sacrificed their lives while trying to save material possessions and beautiful environment surrounding a resort community. "The powerful story just took over & before I knew it, everything was in place," he remembers.
| | 3 Proven Ways to Make Your Party Make You the Talk of the Town EverydayWritten by Mrs. Party... Gail Leino
You may or may not already have experience giving parties, if you do, this article will help you to have a more successful party - no matter how big or small it is! 1. Money a Lot or a Little? 2. Lists, Lists and More Lists 3. Lasting Memory Let's look at how you do each of those three ideas. 1. Money a Lot or a Little? Now, everyone knows that it is nice to have a lot of money, but is it really necessary to have a fun party? No, there are many easy ways to make party a success without spending money. Just having background music adds to festivities. I always make a homemade cake from a box mix and I always get compliments. With everyone so busy, my guests' appreciate homemade touch. Just because you spent mega bucks on character does not mean kids had more fun. We had a pool party and kids did not want to get out and participate with character. Think in terms of your audience. What do they think is fun? 2. Lists, Lists and More Lists Let's face it, organization is key to success in many ways in your day to day living. This trait will save you time and money in most anything you do. Write that party list, review it, and use it. Include a: Guest list, Menu, Supplies and Decorations Needed, RSVP/Thank You Note list, create a Shopping List from menu and supplies needed lists, and Order of Activities with time line.
|