Taking pride in our museum
Dear Editor,
Last week the museum was visited by a high-spirited group of 40 from Water Education Colorado. The group had given us basic information, and a head count. It soon became evident that this might not be just a little visit.
Even though I hear really good things about the museum on a daily basis, this visit was significant because of its potential impact on what we do. It was also a good reminder that water played a huge role in what happened in 1879 and continues to play a role in the economic health of our community today. The museum has been here for so long It is easy to take it for granted. Seeing the museum through the eyes of our visitors changes the whole perspective. About a month ago someone referred to the museum as just a building full of old things, so it was great to get that different view.
We started our presentation in the Garrison with a brief discussion about the Meeker Incident, as that is when it all began. Most of those in attendance had no idea what had happened here and how it influenced other historical events or how it was influenced by politicians across the mountain. From the moment of that discussion, the group was interested and fascinated with everything here. We shared as many stories and answered as many questions as we could. There were hundreds of questions, comments and accolades which included statements like …
“This museum is better than [any one of many large metro museums]. “
“What an amazing collection!”
“Why didn’t we know about this before now?”
“This is so much more than I would have ever expected.”
“We will be back.”
The words, “magical,” “treasure,” “gem,” “amazing” and “wonderful” were free-flowing.
Working here and caring for the museum is a fun adventure. We are so grateful that our forefathers and mothers had the insight to begin collecting artifacts and stories and for the lifetimes of contributions made since toward the development of this treasure. We also thank our county, town and community members for their continued support.
If you live in Meeker, are from Meeker, or have family from here, we encourage you to stand tall and take pride in one the largest curio museums in the nation, right here in our little town.
Just for the record, the group included five senators, one representative, legislative council staff, journalists, numerous water conservation districts. a few educators and an engineer or two. I hope we made a positive and lasting impact.
Teresia R Ruckman-Reed, Executive Director
White River Museum
Healthy, effective mosquito control
Dear Editor,
It’s mosquito season. There’s a healthy debate going on in Rangely about the best way to control mosquitos. Some say go with the bio-controls, bacteria that target mosquito larvae and kill them for almost two months, and is non-toxic to other living things including fish, birds and livestock. Others say go for the pesticide Permethrin that targets the adult mosquitos, kills all insects, both in land and water, and is broadcast by airplane and not easy to control due to drift.
The EPA notes Permethrin, an insecticide that is sprayed and targets adult mosquitos, is highly toxic to fish and invertebrates, a likely carcinogen when ingested by humans, and a recent study connected it to an increase in autism with children. (https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/permethrin-mosquito-killing-pesticide-used-widely-in-miami-linked-to-childhood-autism-9413444)
Thanks to the Lower White Pest District, which provides the mosquito dunks for area residents, we have used these biological controls at our ranch targeting the larvae with strong success. And we’ve noticed when we need to ride off the ranch where no dunks have been used, a marked increase in mosquito population.
We like this approach because the traditional Permethrin approach only works for a few days as it does not affect the larvae, whereas the biological BTI dunk approach is long term and does not harm all the beneficial insects that help build up healthy soil, keep our rivers clean of algae, and pollinate our plants.
In our reach of the White River, leafy spurge and tamarisk are a significant nuisance in addition to mosquitos from flood irrigation, and the BTI dunks do not harm the beneficial insects that reduce invasive plants like tamarisk and leafy spurge which are taking over so much pastureland and riparian areas. We let the bugs do the work, and using the BTI dunks makes sure we don’t kill them with adult pesticides.
Huge thanks and kudos to our three County Commissioners, Ty Gates, Doug Overton and Jennifer O’Hearon, who have made these BTI dunks available (at the Health Department at both ends of the county) to all residents who would like to try or use this much healthier and more effective approach.
I urge anyone with mosquito concerns to visit the health department and pick up some free BTI dunks, put them in your standing water, livestock tanks, ponds, puddles, birdbaths, and see the impact for yourself.
Deirdre Macnab
4M Ranch
Rio Blanco County
Meal program for seniors
Dear Editor,
Summer is just around the corner and exciting things are happening at the White River Roundup. We are currently accepting applications for our meal program in both Meeker and Rangely. To qualify, a person must be 60 years of age or older, and apply.
What is the senior meal program? It is a nutritious meal served at noon in both Meeker and Rangely for those who qualify. These meals are homemade and each location has an inviting atmosphere. There is also BINGO two days a week in both Meeker and Rangely.
Are you being released from the hospital and/or unable to attend our sit-down meals? You may qualify for the In-Home Delivery program. The meal can be delivered to your location until you are able to attend our welcoming dining locations.
Our donation program accepts $2.50 a day for participants and $10.25 a day for guests. No person shall be turned away for their inability to pay.
Do you have any questions? If so, please contact our office at 970-878-9638 or email Jan Reece, Senior Program Manager, at [email protected]. Rio Blanco County honors our seniors and thanks our program volunteers.
Respectfully,
Jan Reece
Senior Program Manager
White River Roundup
Rio Blanco County
Thoughts expressed on opinion pages are exclusively those of the writer and do not reflect those of the Herald Times. letters to the editor are printed in alphabetical order by last name. Submit signed letters on matters of local interest to [email protected], mail to PO Box 720, Meeker, CO 81641 or drop off at 304 4th St., Meeker. DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS, we request SUBMISSIONS OF 500 words or less. WE DO not accept letters that are duplicated, reprinted, copied, or otherwise reproduced. We RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT SUBMISSIONS FOR ANY REASON.
Re: “Taking Pride in Our Museum” It truly IS a wonderful museum and very important in helping preserve the history of Rio Blanco County and surrounding areas. Sadly, most of the people who “knew somebody who knew somebody” are now gone, making it all the more crucial to support and enjoy the treasures at the White River Museum. I am very proud to be the granddaughter of Dorothy B. Herring, who as museum curator from 1966 to 1978 was key in helping gather and preserve many of the treasures there. As written in her obituary (Meeker Herald, Jan. 4,1979), “Her knowledge of the pioneer people and Rio Blanco County landmarks and places, along with her enthusiasm for preserving the past, contributed much to the reputation of the museum as one of the outstanding pioneer museums in the state.” It seems the recent Water Colorado visitors would agree.