We know you have probably been getting bombarded by COVID-19 emails by everyone from your friends/relatives to companies you didn't even know had your contact information. RCVFD doesn't want to add its voice to that crowd, but there are a few things we would like to suggest that may have a bit more relevance to our community.

• If you want general information about the virus, recommendations about staying safe and healthy, and what to do if you get sick, check out our website. It has links to various other agencies as well as some great tips.


• Our local businesses need our help, especially in the Laporte area. Many of them are still open in limited ways such as take-out service, and don't forget how supportive they were to all of us during the High Park Fire. Now is our chance to reciprocate.


• Our neighbors may need our help, too. Do you know someone in a high-risk demographic? Perhaps they are older, or have health issues that make the virus more dangerous for them. Chances are they are significantly more isolated than average in the hopes of avoiding infection. Offer to plow their driveway, split their wood, pick up some groceries for them, or bring them a pizza.


• Some of our neighbors are also businesses. While you may not feel comfortable going to a barber, nail salon, or massage therapist in town, perhaps one of your neighbors is one of these professions. Maybe they are out of work or have lost a large chunk of their customers because of the virus, and they could really use your business.


• Our internet options are limited up here, but many of us have land-line phones. If you haven't already, now is a good time to exchange contact information with your neighbors in case it is needed later.


• Speaking of phones, sign up for Reverse 911 right away. Also known as LETA, this program lets the county's emergency services contact you if there is an urgent need to do so. Like it or not, we will be entering wildland fire season soon, and knowing as early as possible about a threat impacting your safety is vital.

RCVFD is still planning on responding as usual, but be aware that as the situation changes, our response protocols will also change - we may make a more guarded response than normal, for example. We have taken steps to continue training and operational meetings while avoiding doing so face-to-face, so that we can protect ourselves as well as maintain an adequate "responder pool" in case we are needed. Help us keep our community safe by doing your part!

Jeff Elsner, Chief
Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department

Neighbors,

The Book Bees are starting to clean out the old and start collecting the new books for this year's festival. Our biggest problem is we need banana boxes - both top and bottom. There are only a few of us with trucks and we are in need of a large amount to get things going. We would appreciate the community collect some boxes for us. If you have a large amount, I will be glad to meet you at Station 1 and empty your vehicle. There is a place next to the fire station where some could be dropped off. If you are interested in joining us to sort, we do so on Friday mornings at 9:30 to around 11:30. We would love to have you come join us!

Carolyn Stanley
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Colorado Gives day is Tuesday, December 10, 2019! This great tradition is a dramatic way to show how much Coloradoans care, and I would encourage you to remember Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department when you are supporting your favorite non-profits. It's easy: go to the Colorado Gives website enter your donation. As you know, RCVFD is not a tax-based fire department, and we rely on the generosity of our community to provide emergency services to Rist Canyon, Stove Prairie, and Buckhorn Canyon.

Also, just a quick reminder that if you use smile.amazon.com instead of the normal "www" address when you shop at Amazon, you can direct Amazon to donate 0.5% of your purchases to RCVFD. This is a great no-cost way to help out, too!

Thanks & Adios, CJD
Carol Dollard, Chief
Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department
P.O. Box 2
Bellvue, CO 80512
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The RCVFD Book Bees will be selling books and gift baskets at the Stove Prairie School Festival, Saturday, December 7. This is a small sampling of the baskets we have put together. Most of the gift baskets are priced under $20. We have also sorted out our nicest books for some fireside reading or a little gift. As always, our hardbacks are $2, and paperbacks are $1. Look for us outside!

Neighbors,

The book bees found the book box at Station 1 stuffed and we thank you for your donations. The box is now empty and you may drop off your donations.

Also, we need some help getting the stairs enforced and the railing put back on at the upstairs door. Some of the banisters are still there and the railing is leaning against the wall to the left of the steps. We book bees would appreciate this being repaired. The steps are pulling away from the porch on the left side.

Thank you!

Please join your neighbors at the 2019 RCVFD Community Potluck and Annual Meeting at 6:00 pm Saturday, Nov. 2, at Stove Prairie School. All are invited for a community meal, Festival slideshow, and brief reports from the RCVFD President, Fire Chief, and Treasurer. The 2020 Board of Directors will also be elected. Please bring a dish to share (main dish, side, salad, bread or dessert). Also, please note that the 2018 Annual Meeting Minutes are now posted on the website for review.

Leisa Taylor
Secretary, RCVFD

The Nature Conservancy is doing a prescribed burn at the Boy Scout Ranch on Elkhorn today, and the Forest Service is doing a prescribed burn off of CR73C northwest of Redfeather Lakes. Either or both of these burns may cause visible smoke plumes or the smell of smoke in our area.

As always, if you see fire, call 911 immediately.

Thanks & Adios, CJD
Carol Dollard, Chief
Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hot off the presses, the new Ristwatch is available on the RCVFD website!

To the owner of the white pick up whose large blue and white Coleman cooler and black mesh bag of goose decoy heads that flew out of your bed last week 2 houses down from Fire Station 1 on Rist Canyon Rd: I have them. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to retrieve them.

Tim Hollaman

BAKE SALE ITEMS STILL NEEDED!

The Festival is this Saturday Sep 7, and we would LOVE to make this the Best Bake Sale in the history of R.C.V.F.D. We need all the baked goodies you can make! As always Pies are the most requested item and we can never have too many. Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cupcakes, Fudge and Loaves of Bread are always in demand too. Anything you are inspired to bake will be a hit! Please package items in sellable amounts, for example a dozen cookies in a bag. It is very helpful if allergen ingredients are listed, nuts, dairy etc. I will be at the Bake Sale Tent at 7:30 Am the day of the festival. Drop off your baked items any time. If you need to make other arrangements to get your baked items to the festival please give me a call at 970-472-8426. Just leave a message and I will return your call. Thanks to all in advance for helping our INCREDIBLE Fire Department.

See you at the festival!

Lisa Diederich