Battlement Mesa Metro District Election

Battlement Mesa: Much more than a 'retirement community'

If you've lived here very long you've probably heard Battlement Mesa referred to as a 'retirement community.'  The truth is that Battlement Mesa has a lot of qualities, though being an exclusive retirees-only community is not one of them.

Mary Lee Mohrlang, a Battlement Mesa Realtor and an active community volunteer, recently stated that, "For a community development to receive a 'retirement community' designation, certain legal age restrictions and community offerings must be in place and Battlement Mesa has never met those requirements, nor did it intend to.  According to Mohrlang, and many others, the Battlement Mesa Company promoted Battlement Mesa as a "great place to retire," but the area has always been promoted as a great place to raise a family, too.   

In fact, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, out of 4,440 residents, only 17 percent of the population is 62 and older - less of a percentage than nearby Grand Junction's older demographic.  The average age of a Battlement Mesa resident is 35...not exactly "the average retirement age!"

Each Battlement Mesa Village is represented by an elected Delegate that serves on the Battlement Mesa Service Association Board of Directors.  Delegates are elected to a three year term.  Since there are no term limits for Delegates, frequently Delegates serve multiple terms.

This month, we are introducing Laurel Koning, Battlement Creek's Delegate.

Laurel moved to Battlement Mesa from the Chicago area in 2006.  She and her husband, John live in Battlement Creek.  Laurel, who spent 30 years as a professional choreographer and retired following 19 years with Crowe Horwath, the 8th largest accounting firm in the U.S., is an active volunteer.  In fact, she was recently selected as Volunteer of the Year by the Parachute - Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to serving on the BMSA board of directors, Laurel is a member of the KSUN board of directors, teaches ballroom dance at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center, volunteers at a soup kitchen and still finds time to organize the summer Movies Under The Stars.  In her spare time (?) she skis, golfs and plays bridge.

When asked "Why Battlement Mesa?" she said, "because of the beautiful views, the golf course and (especially compared to Chicago) the low property taxes.  When asked "Why serve on the BMSA board?" she said, "I am proud to represent our Village, and will always be reactive to the concerns of those that live in Battlement Creek Village.  It's my job!"  Laurel said, "we love our house, love our friends and we have found this community to be very gracious to us."

The BMSA Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.  All of the BMSA meetings are open to the public.

Movies Under the Stars is Returning  for another season...with more movies.

Although the planning isn't yet complete, Movies Under the Stars is returning for another season.  Laurel Koning, one of the organizers, reported that the FREE movie series has grown to four movies this year.  The 2012 movie nights are:

• June 8, 2012
• June 29, 2012
• July 20, 2012
• August 10, 2012

If you can help with the set up or wish to sponsor one of the Movie Nights, call 970.285.1258.  And if your group is interested in managing the popcorn and pop stand, as a fund raiser for your group, please contact Laurel.

The 2011 Movies Under the Stars at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center was well attended in its inaugural year and was great fun for the those who attended.  Watch the website www.BattlementMesaColorado.com and future newsletters for the movie names of this year's summer movies.  

Join the FREE fun in a perfect setting!  Movies begin at dusk.  Popcorn and sodas will be available for purchase.