As the sun was just starting to creep over Rampart Range and most Spring Valley Neighbors were still snug in their beds the Pavilion and Potty Pond were filled with activity.  Like ants on an anthill, volunteers were scurrying about to set-up for the 18th Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby.   A few “early birds” arrived to stake their claim on the best spots to catch “the big one.”   Doughnuts and ice were delivered by Amy Battin, since she just wanted to help out and return the favor to the neighbors that supported her family during their recent house fire.  The sound of hammers and staple guns rang out through the cool morning air as John Schneider, Scott Findlay, Shane Wildeman, Greg Smith and John Fite set-up the various booths and signage.  Meanwhile Sam Mathews and Judy Findlay, along with Scott Coulter and Robin Hubbard, were working their magic to prepare the pavilion for the “out of this world” lunch brought to us by Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.  The rumble of the “Mountain Limo” was heard as Mick and Mary Gunn arrived with their van loaded with all of the raffle prizes.  They proceeded to set up the raffle booth and Mick did his vocal exercises preparing to be on the megaphone all day raffling prizes and making announcements.  The Division of Wildlife Volunteers pulled in with their “Bear Aware” and “Living with Wildlife” educational materials and pelts, to teach us about being good neighbors to the wildlife.  Deb Schneider and Georgia Curie met an enthusiastic mob waving five dollar bills at the registration table.  The gals happily took money, registered kids for the derby and in the Kid’s drawing, passed out goodie bags and reminded parents of the rules.  Rick Skiles of Wild West Taxidermy set up the fish measuring and weighing station and expressed his admiration of the new fish measurer made by Shaun Gordon.

Just before the start of the Derby , Sam Mathews got on the megaphone (despite her stage fright) and thanked all of the volunteers, Amanda “the can lady” Vrtis, Glenn “mow-master” Schwester, and all of the previously mentioned folks that helped so much.  And then the fishing started—you were cheatin’ death walking behind those kids casting out to catch the big one.  There were 72 kids registered for the derby.  Five Golden Trout were caught and prizes awarded. 

The winners for the 2009 Derby are as follows:

Name:                                    Age:                        Length:                  Weight:

Kenton Kenley                    3                              17”                         2 lb 4 oz

Aaron Camacho                  8                              21”                         3 lb, 14oz

Thomas Brady                     15                            16”                         ?

Lacey Chisman                   6                              17.5”                      2 lb 8 oz

Cailyn Hoag                         9                             22.75”                    ?

Samantha Forman              13                            17.5”                      2 lb 9 oz

As the derby wound down, the volunteers continued to step-up: many stayed to break down booths and signage, haul trash, and clean up Potty pond and the pavilion.  It is events like this that make me proud to be member of this community and call this neighborhood home.  Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you did to make this derby possible. See ya next year!

Roni Gordon

This year’s clean up day was a great success.  We had a terrific turnout of volunteers. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the many tasks we had.  From the cooks who worked hard to serve a great pancake breakfast to the folks who picked up trash around our community, as well as those who stained the tables and benches.  A special thanks to those that did all of the above.

Thanks to Shaun and Roni Gordon for buying the materials and providing the tools and muscle to prep all the tables and benches for staining.

Thanks again to all of our residents who took time to help keep Spring Valley beautiful and a great place to live.

Your Improvements Committee Chair
Sam Mathews