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August 2006Eastern Plains Transmission Project Moving Ahead
WAPA is participating in the construction project in exchange for capacity rights on the transmission lines. These rights would provide WAPA with approximately 275 megawatts of system capacity on the proposed transmission system. An environmental impact study and related environmental analysis is currently underway along with route selection and preliminary land work. Engineering design work will commence in 2007. This project will take approximately three years to complete and work will begin in 2008. Counties affected in MVEA's territory will be Arapahoe, Crowley, Elbert, El Paso, Lincoln, Pueblo, and Washington. The new transmission lines will generally run from southeastern Colorado northward through eastern Colorado with a line spur running eastward connecting to facilities in southwestern Kansas. Another transmission line that is being proposed, would run from the Big Sandy Substation north of Limon west to the Peyton and Elbert substations. A route has not been determined at this time; however, the line will be very beneficial to MVEA members. Tri-State is the power supplier for 44 member distribution systems: 18 in Colorado , including MVEA, 12 in New Mexico , 8 in Wyoming and 6 in western Nebraska . Combined, these cooperatives serve more than 1.2 million members in a 250,000 square mile territory. WAPA markets and delivers cost-based hydroelectric power and related services within a 15-state region of central and western U.S. They are one of four power-marketing administrations within the U.S. Department of Energy whose role is to market and transmit electricity from multi-use water projects. WAPA's transmission system carries electricity from 57 power plants operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the International Boundary and Water Commission. Altogether, these plants have an operating capacity of 9,159 megawatts. Tri-State is one of WAPA's customers for hydropower. MVEA and KC Electric has hosted informational meetings so members could keep abreast of the project. Representatives from Tri-State and WAPA presented an overview of the project and were available to answer any questions. WAPA has a series of scoping meetings scheduled in August and September to share information about the proposed project and answer questions. Any comments or questions on the EPTP can be submitted at one of the meetings or to Jim Hartman, Environmental Manager, Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region, P.O. Box 3700, Loveland, CO 80539; fax at 970-461-7213; or email eptp@wapa.gov . Comments must be received by September 30. Miracles in Motion
It has taken a while, but doctors are finally realizing the great benefits this therapy offers to patients. Riders at PPTRC suffer from disabilities such as: Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, speech delays, sensory integration, Downs Syndrome, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, blindness, Fragile X Syndrome and developmental delays. When riding a horse, the movement of the horse simulates the walking motion of a person. This stimulates that area of the brain that has “shut down” from lack of use. The results include improved posture and balance, increased mobility and coordination, whole brain integration and strengthening of muscles.
One of the success stories at PPTRC is about Shannon . At 16, this basketball player and high school honor student was paralyzed from the chest down by a car accident. Confined to a wheel chair with pain in her hips, her therapist recommended therapeutic riding. Although hesitant, Shannon agreed to give it a try. In just one year, she has become an independent rider with just one spotter. Her balance has improved and her torso strengthened. The riding is also helping her to walk with braces, strengthen her quads and to sit up longer. She hopes to walk again one day, get her GED and eventually teach kindergarten or first grade. Another success is Manny, an 8-year-old “ball of fire.” He came to the program with complications from Spina Bifida. He had very little lower body strength and became easily fatigued. Sitting upright in his wheelchair was a struggle. Since that time, Manny has made tremendous progress in Hippotherapy. His strength has improved, and keeps improving with every session, and he can stay fully upright with his hands resting lightly on his knees. His self confidence has soared and his father says he is a “star among stars.” But these “miracles” involve more than just a rider and horse. PPTRC has a crew of dedicated staff, board of directors, instructors and volunteers to make great things happen. Executive director, Christy Stettler, has helped PPTRC become one of the premier therapeutic riding programs in the state. The program has nine instructors, seven certified therapists and a group of essential volunteers that make the program work. Volunteers can be involved with the joy of a child who is merely delighted at being on a horse, not knowing how thrilled their parents are at seeing the child's transformation, or witnessing the emotions of an adult who has been bound to a wheelchair and able to simulate that feeling of walking again. 2005 Volunteer of the Year Catherine Buckley shares her thoughts on volunteering: “I look upon PPTRC as my personal therapy. After a week of stress and interacting with people, often at their worst, I retreat to the sanctuary of the barn.” Through the horses at PPTRC, I have learned how to trust again. Busying myself with watering the arena, or preparing the horses, I remember what is important. Then the riders arrive. There is something liberating about watching riders mount their horses and witnessing the transformation beyond physical limitations to fully enjoying their abilities. There is inspiration in seeing them challenge their boundaries, creating new realities. It is a spark of magic.” Many riders need as many as three volunteers. Although the rider's payment is $27-$35 per lesson, the average cost is actually about $70. PPTRC currently owns 13 horses. As a non-profit organization, PPTRC relies on donations and their once a year fundraiser to supplement the expenses of this program. This year's event, the Miracles in Motion Gala , will be at the beautiful new Norris-Penrose Event Center on September 23. The fundraising event includes a fabulous dinner, as well as live and silent auctions. Guests will observe a therapeutic riding demonstration and have the opportunity to meet some very special horses. This is the sixth year for this event with proceeds helping to ensure that children and adults have the opportunity to receive this beneficial therapy. If you are interested in attending the gala or volunteering at PPTRC, please call 719-495-3908 or go to www.pptrc.org for more information. The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Shutter Bug Winners ~~
Derek Holden, Kiowa Dennis Rundlett, Black Forest Deborah Skillicorn, Peyton Keith Lanegan, Calhan Robert Newhouse, Kiowa Dan Aquino, Colorado Springs Ray Kinder, Monument Keith Lanegan, Calhan Kathleen Stewart, Monument Karen Phlieger, Colorado Springs Kevin Holbrook, Colorado Springs Julie Olson, Black Forest Jennifer Glass, Calhan 16th Annual Hub City Classic Car Show
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2006 News Archive |
In August of 2005, the board
Imagine going to physical therapy and having fun! That is the case of approximately 200 people with varying disabilities that come to the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center located in the Black Forest. PPTRC offers therapeutic riding classes and Hippotherapy to riders with a variety of disabilities. 
PPTRC was the first riding program to offer Hippotherapy in southern Colorado . Theraputic riding and Hippotherapy have similar benefits, but different goals. Both require a certified instructor, but Hippotherapy also involves a physical or occupational therapist. The goal of therapeutic riding is to become an independent rider as much as possible, whereas in Hippotherapy, goals vary depending on the treatment plan. The horse is used as a tool to elicit specific responses from the rider. Theraputic riding is usually in a group and Hippotherapy is a one-on-one session. 
The grumbling of MVEA employees is the easiest way to judge how successful the Calendar Photo contest is each year. The better the photographs, the more difficult the decision, the more moans from employees judging the pictures. MVEA employees from both offices judged the anonymous photos for the 13 that would be included in the 2007 calendar. The top photo will be on the cover of next year's edition. Congratulations to the following winners in order of votes: 
Cruise on out to Limon for the 16th Annual Hub City Classic Car Show on September 16. Not only will there be roadsters, coupes, antiques and street rods for you to oogle at and vote on, the day will also be filled with activities for the whole family. Entertainment during the day includes the Kicker Cruisin' Dancers, music with Tom and Sue Anderson, Karaoke contest, poker run, and horseshoe tournament. There's a rumor that Elvis is coming back for one more show and the traditional beer garden will have lots of food and music during the day. A swap meet and vendors will keep the bargain hunters happy and there are plenty of activities going on for the kids, too. For those who wish to enter a car, registration is from 8 – 10 a.m. at Frosteez on Highway 24. Car parade into downtown starts at 10 a.m. For more information, please go to the Limon Chamber of Commerce website at