If you know an individual who deserves recognition on "Good Neighbor of the Month" - send a note telling us about them. Highlighting good neighbors is fun! Interested in having a Good Neighbor Forum in your town? |
The Trees Are Alive, With The Sound Of Laughter! |
||
Good Neighbor Law is honored to select Bill and Chuck Jerke as our December Good Neighbors! "Where Christmas Traditions Begin," began almost 25 years ago, when Bill and Chuck planted the first, of what's now grown into a vast field of Scotch Pines. When you step in to this outdoor arena, sounds of giggles, loud chuckles and Santa like "Ho, Ho, Ho's" greet you from every direction. It's a jolly old time of birds chirping, children laughing, people smiling, and the crisp cool air mixed with scent of pine nipping your nose! Families drive in from Nebraska, Wyoming, and far south of Denver to choose and cut their own Christmas Tree at "Christmas Tree Acres." For some, like the Heckman family, this tradition is in its 15th year! So grab your sweethearts all, and drive to LaSalle, Colorado. Take Hwy. 85 to LaSalle, turn right on Main St. and drive 1 mile, and watch for signs...of laughing trees! Have a question? Call them: (970) 284-6061 By giving love and good cheer to their state and community year around, these "Christmas Tree Guys" have a beautiful way of making Christmas "ever green - and ever lasting." Thank you Bill and Chuck Jerke! We're proud to call you "Good Neighbor!" |
||
 |
||
DECEMBER GOOD NEIGHBORS |
||
BILL & CHUCK JERKE |
||
 |
 |
|
| Bill & Chuck Jerke | Baling Christmas Trees | Hide 'n Seek |
 |
 |
 |
| Snowball Fight! | Sisters | Dad got the tree cut down |
 |
 |
|
| Getting the tree to the car | And away we go! | |
| March 2009 GOOD NEIGHBOR |
This letter was written by Delane Griffin, a true cowboy I met in 1988 when filming the most vertical cattle drive (His cattle drive.) in America. I share this because he, along with his brothers and son Quinn is what ignited my passion to protect resource providers. The Escalante, Utah Griffin Cattle Company ran cattle on top of the Kaiparowits (aka Fifty Mile Mountain) bench and canyonlands desert, from the early 1940's until 1996 when President Clinton designated the region, "Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument." Even though Clinton claimed grazing rights would be honored, they were not. The Griffin family was ordered to "get your cattle off the fifty or face impoundment fees." Thus the government began, with help from trained eco-terrorists, to subject the Griffin Cattle Company to ugly, cruel, unjust treatment, eventually forcing them into bankruptcy. Additionally, this vanquished 7 years and over 500 public planning meetings with Andalex (A coal energy company.) and BLM, and an $8,000,000 investment by Andalex. The required NEPA analysis for this Utah Monument designation was never done, and the devastation on that community continues. A year ago, Delane's beloved wife Leah died. Together for over 60 years, they raised one heck of a golden family. As I am Delane's, I was also Leah's errant "dry Morman" daughter. To me, she represented everything that is good in this life. In this day, when everyone is so busy they can't even cut up their own lettuce, it was loudly quieting to receive Delane's carefully thought out and hand written letter; a letter I will frame and cherish forever. Regardless what this gentle 85 year old man has been thrown, he's one of few who can make me laugh out loud; and without cussing. Delane Griffin is the ultimate Good Neighbor. |
 |
|
Delane Griffin |
|
|
