Briefly News ... July 3

Busted!

From GJPD reports: Dan Cammack, 19, Garrett Campbell, 19, Calvin Chambers, 20, Cameron Coon, 19, juvenile female, 16, Joseph Eastman, 19, Nick Grant, 19, Kaleb Hughes, 20, Michaela Kahle, 19, Tyler Keith, 20, Melissa Merryman, 18, Jenna Pennington, 20, Aaron Piper, 18, Matthew Reams, 20, Sarah Reed, 20, Charles Ryle, 18, Mackenzie Schmalz, 18, juvenile female, 16, and Mollie Wollmuth, 18 were all arrested and released on a summons for being underage in possession of alcoholic beverages. Nichole MacElhaney, 27, was arrested and released on a summons for supplying the alcohol.

Find your inner poet

Learn techniques for expressing yourself through reading and writing poetry. Two workshops by local, award-winning poet and professor, Dr. Luis Lopez. “How to Read Poetry” is scheduled for July 25 from 10 a.m.–noon; “How to Write Poetry” Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon, MC Central Library. Register: 243-4442.

Colo. is lean & mean

(AP) - Mississippi's still king of cellulite, with Alabama a close second, according to a new report from the Trust for America's Health and some other foundation.

Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. In 31 states, more than one in four adults are obese.

In 1991, no state had more than a 20 percent obesity rate. Today, the only state that doesn't is Colorado, at 18.9 percent.

No sparking up doobs at VAMC campus

The folks at the VAMC want to remind you that although limited use of medicinal marijuana has been legalized in Colo., it is a violation of federal law to bring marijuana onto a federal installation. Violators will be charged; possible fines of up to $500.

In-depth look at Waxman-Markey Bill

Friday (today) 7:30pm edition of “Colorado State of Mind” on Rocky Mountain PBS looks at the closely-watched Waxman-Markey bill that has been called the most ambitious legislation to date to address climate change.

Stuck and need a fresh eye?

Wanting to take your work in a new direction or understand photography better? Bring your photographs and ideas to share and discuss the creative process with photog, Rick Kaylin, July 15, 11am, The Blue Big Gallery, 119 W. 3rd St., Palisade. $15/person. Info: 464-4819.



Smarty pants alert

Daven James Harmeling of Grand Junction graduated cum laude spring 2009 with a bachelor of science in kinesiology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Congrats, you're ready to take on the world.

Colorado PTA is a'comin'

The Colorado Parent Teacher Assoc., the umbrella organization for parents, teachers and administrators, is holding town hall meetings across the state. They'll be here in GJ, Fri., July 10, 6-8pm, Emerson Admin. Bldg., 930 Ute Ave. Info: office@copta.org.

Don't be a victim; help a victim

Volunteer to be a Victim Assistant Program volunteer (VAPs) with the GJPD. If you have compassion, a desire to serve, an appreciation for victim's rights, then this is for you. VAPs provide 24 hour, 7 day-a-week crisis intervention for victims of crime and other traumatic events. Training begins mid-April. Info: Mary, 244-3580.

Gifts for soldiers

Grand Villa Assisted Living, 1501 Patterson Rd., will be accepting items to send over to our troops with the help of OI Colorado. They will be collecting through July, then packing and sending over to the troops. For a list of things, call 241-9706, e-mail lsines@ba.og.

GJ fireworks

Lincoln Park Suplizio Baseball Field, Saturday, July 4. Gates at 7:15 p.m. with entertainment starting 8 p.m. and fireworks 9:45. Entertainment by Acid Rain, Greener Grass, Destinee & the Sheepdogs, & Peggy Malone. Cost is $4/advance, $5/gate; 2 & under are free. Tix: City Market stores, Mesa Mall, and at GJ Parks and Rec. Info: www.gjcity.org.

Fruita fireworks

The city of Fruita will be setting off fireworks at Snooks Bottom Open Space Park. The City recommends people view the show Kokopelli Shopping Center, the Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals parking lot located behind the La Quinta Hotel ($5 for parking), or one of the local parks: Heritage, Triangle, or Reed parks. Fireworks at dusk. Info: www.fruita.org/2009fireworks.html.



Wreaths Across America

The Patriot Guard Riders of the Western Slope and Wreaths Across America are starting their annual 2009 sponsorship drive on wreaths for the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. If you have loved one buried there or would like to sponsor a wreath(s) for a grave this coming Christmas, call Art. Info: 250-1174 or harleyroadk@yahoo.com.