OCTOBER 2015
Vol. 29 No. 10
Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.
FREEE IN S ID
MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Attain the summit at any age
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OCTOBER 2015
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OCTOBER 2015
EDITORIAL
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Is retirement the quickest way to die? By Kevin VanGundy
O
livia, my youngest daughter and Central High School senior, brought home an interesting book the other day. It was “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. In it he writes, “Don’t you know the quickest way to die is to retire?” Is that true? Let me know. I do agree with Teddy Roosevelt who said that far too many of us, “…neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight.” With that in mind I’d like to encourage you to read this month’s special insert on retirement planning. There is a wonderful philosophical story on transitioning into retirement and more practical articles about wise investing and making good Medicare choices. I’m particularly fond of this month’s cover story about a local woman who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Wow, I think I’ll have to go against President Teddy’s advice on this one and just enjoy the story. That’s a lot of walking.
70,000-Step Challenge Speaking of walking, you and I are
designed to do more of it than we do. I’ve worn a pedometer for years and it’s a challenge to walk the recommended 10,000 steps per day. Now try doing that seven days in a row. I don’t ever recall reaching that goal, but I’m willing to try. Crossroads Fitness has challenged you, me and all BEACON readers to walk 10,000 steps per day throughout October 12-18. Anyone can participate and you don’t need to be a member of Crossroads Fitness to join in the fun. To register for the challenge, visit either Crossroads Fitness location or register online at cross roadsfitness.com. You will receive a packet that includes a pedometer to track your steps, a 70,000-Step Challenge T-shirt, a fitness pass and helpful tips. Our office will do it. Will you?
Help us honor our veterans In November, we’ll honor our veterans with a special issue that tells their stories. And while we have a few good candidates, we could use your help to find more. Do you know of an unsung hero? Please call us at 243-8829 and give us their name and a way for us to contact them. ■
The
Your guide to aging well in Mesa County
Guide
My favorite ghost story: On Halloween night, a friend was in the hospital for some tests, the last of which had left him with severe diarrhea. After making several false alarm trips to the toilet, he decided to sleep it off but ended up soiling his bed. In a complete loss of his senses he gathered up the dirty bed sheets and threw them out the window. A drunk was staggering below when the sheets landed on him. He started yelling, cursing and swinging his arms violently trying to get free. Finally, he ended up with the soiled sheets in a tangled pile at his feet. As the drunk stood there, a security guard walked up and asked what the hell had happened. The drunk, still staring down at the sheets replied, “I think I just beat the s*** out of a ghost.”
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COVER STORY
How you can climb Kilimanjaro Are you inspired by Jane’s story? Do you wish to take on Kilimanjaro or maybe a similar adventure? Jeff Evans, the guide leading Jane Johnson’s Kilimanjaro trek, has been guiding climbing expeditions and sharing the lessons learned from these adventures for decades now. His expeditions, offered through his company Mountain Vision, range from climbing Kilimanjaro to trekking the base of Mt. Everest to traveling through the heart of the Andes to Machu Picchu.
Here are five things I found appealing about traveling with Mountain Vision. • Not only does Mountain Vision maintain a 94 percent client summit success rate, but they also take “lesser traveled” routes. • Medical preparation, gear purchasing and other pre-trip training and tips are offered prior to your trip. • Porters carry your stuff (some stuff). • A trained chef prepares your mountain meals. • All head guides are fluent in English and go through extensive medical training. Kilimanjaro treks start at $2,400. While the trips are not all inclusive, Mountain Vision takes care of many travel details, making planning your trip a lot easier. Find out more at www. mountain-vision.com/adven tures or call 303-880-1930.
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OCTOBER 2015
Moments make the journey: Jane Johnson summits Kilimanjaro By Melanie Wiseman
A
ccording to Jane Johnson, climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, “is no different than walking the Riverfront Trail.” Wait, really?
Taking on the challenge “I’m not obsessed with exercising, but I like to keep myself in shape so if somebody says ‘Let’s go do this,’ I can do it,” Johnson, 52, said. Johnson enjoys doing little adventures out of her comfort zone. One such challenge was climbing Mt. Hood in Oregon five years ago with her sister-in-law and Stacey Allison, the first American female to summit Mt. Everest. “You get that euphoria when you get to the top of the mountain that you just can’t explain to anyone,” Johnson said. Last fall Johnson attended a presentation by mountaineering guide Jeff Evans at Colorado Mesa University. Evans guided Erik Weihenmayer, the first and only blind person to summit Mt. Everest. He also led a relative of Johnson’s, who is deaf and legally blind, up Kilimanjaro. Johnson con-
nected with Evans after the presentation and he invited her on his August 2015 Kilimanjaro trek. “He only participates in one Kilimanjaro climb each year,” Johnson said. “He’s an ER physician’s assistant in addition to all the other things he does, so he was a good fit if anything went wrong since I’ve never been up that high before. Seventy percent of how your body is going to adjust to the elevation is genetic. Even though I’m fit, there’s that unknown about what my body was going to do.” Ready for the challenge, she accepted the invitation. “What they say is you can’t get acclimatization until a month before, so anything you do prior to that has physical benefit but no acclimatization,” she said. To prepare, Johnson added two big hikes a week over the summer to her exercise routine. A month before the trip, Evans provided a weekend training hike near Breckenridge where they stayed two nights at 10,000 feet. Two weeks later, Johnson did the 80-mile Copper Triangle bike ride over three mountain passes in the same area.
The little city that climbed After several days of travel via train, automobiles and planes, Johnson made her way to Tanzania via Ethiopia to meet the group of people she would be spending the next seven days with on Mt. Kilimanjaro. “Our group was made up of 26 people from all walks of life,” Johnson said. “We had five wounded warriors, including one who was blind, one who was an amputee, one with a closed head injury from Iraq and one with PTSD.” Two fathers climbing with their 16-year-old sons, a retired Navy Seal, single women and couples added to the mix. An orthopedic surgeon in the group came in handy to reset a woman’s shoulder when she dislocated it after a fall before the hike even began. Ages ranged from 16 to 66. Johnson gladly helped veteran
OCTOBER 2015
COVER STORY
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Lonnie Bedwell, who was blinded by a hunting accident 18 years ago, successfully climb and summit. “I took a bear bell which I put on top of my hiking pole for the parts which weren’t so steep so he could just follow the sound,” Johnson said. “On the steeper parts, he would hold on to the strap on the back of my backpack for guidance. I learned so much from him.” In addition to the 26 climbers, the group had 75 porters carrying food, tents, sleeping bags, porta-potties, tables and chairs. “We were like a little city,” she said. Mt. Kilimanjaro is comprised of three dormant volcanic cones rising from 3,340 feet above sea level to its peak at 19,341 feet. The first recorded ascent to the summit was in 1889. The mountain is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and has been the subject of many scientific studies because of its shrinking glaciers. Johnson’s group hiked through rainforests, pinyon pine terrain and open, arid landscapes. “On the top were glacier fields,” she said. “You go through all five ecozones on the way. One day we hiked in total fog. We were right at cloud level.” The group averaged six to seven hours of hiking each day. “Jeff’s philosophy is to go slow and let your body try and acclimatize on it’s own,” Johnson said. “Climbing at a conversational pace allows you to recover each day and start the next day feeling good. It’s easy terrain with sure footing. Local hikes like Liberty Cap in the Monument are much harder than Kilimanjaro.”
Climbers have their choice of seven official trekking routes. “We hiked the Machame route,” Johnson said. “It was 33 miles in length, middle of the road in difficulty, one of the most scenic and one of the best for acclimatizing. We started at one entrance to the national park and exited another.” The lowest temperature at night was right at freezing and days were sunny, in the upper 50s and low 60s. Dressing in layers was key. Food was plentiful and full of carbs. Every trip has its memorable moments. For Johnson, arriving at camp late afternoon and having popcorn and something warm to drink was one. A less pleasant memory was the accidental spilling of the nighttime pee container all over her tent and its contents at the beginning of the trip. “Everyone got out of the trip what they wanted to,” Johnson said. “Some kept more to themselves. I love to meet people and be more present.”
The summit “Groups that go faster on shorter routes have a 50 percent summit rate,” Johnson said. “With Jeff Evans’ groups, the summit rate is 90 percent because he takes it slow.” They summited on day six and 22 out of the 26 in the group made it. “Lonnie (her blind companion) was really steadfast that all the military guys be the first to summit and summit together,” said Johnson.
“Four of the five wounded warriors made it, plus the retired Navy Seal.” Near the summit, the woman who dislocated her shoulder prior to the climb dislocated it a second time. It took Evans six tries before he reset it, but she was not able to continue. The oldest in the group was a 66-year-old woman who had trained for the whole year prior. “Hiking was not her thing and she wasn’t comfortable with the equipment or what to wear,” Johnson said. “She got to the summit and broke down in tears. She said, ‘My family said I couldn’t do this, shouldn’t do this, and I’m on top of the mountain.’ Our guide was crying. It was the most inspirational moment on the whole trip and was caught by pure accident on video so her family was able to see it.” According to Johnson, it was moments like these, more so than the hike itself that truly made the climb up Kilimanjaro an experience of a lifetime. ■
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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Senior Graphic Designer............ Melissa Trottier Graphic Design/Photography....Katherine Lopez Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Office Manager........................... Sherry Harmon Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Account Representative............. Betsy Thatcher Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy DELTA-MONTROSE BUREAU Assistant Editor........................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative...............Virginia Carlile Delivery...............................................JR Milner Delivery...................................... Brandon Carlile
P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta & Montrose counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved
Cover Photo: Jane Johnson and several of her climbing companions pose for a photo at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Twenty-two out of 26 climbers made it to the summit.
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FEATURE STORY
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OCTOBER 2015
STURGIS or bust!
By Jan Weeks
B
ikes, babes, brawls, bare skin and beer: Those are what most people think of when they think of the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota. Each year the event, which began in 1938, draws hundreds of thousands of people. Over one million people showed up this year to commemorate the rally’s 75th anniversary. One of those million-plus people was Betty Teegarden, 89 years of feisty and no bigger’n a minute, to use the vernacular of her native Texas. Going to Sturgis was something she always wanted to do but never thought would happen. So how did she end up on the back of a Harley? Teegarden gets together with friends every Wednesday for coffee, and some of those friends are avid bikers. Vic Smiles was trying to convince some other guys in the group to go this year but they all seemed to have reasons why they couldn’t attend. Finally he said, “Betty, you want to go?” Teegarden, being the adventurer
she is, replied, “Sure. Just get a note from your wife that says it’s okay for you to take a road trip with another woman.” Sure enough, he showed up with a note from his wife, Jamie, giving Teegarden the okay to spend a week with her husband. It’s 644 miles from Grand Junction to Sturgis, and neither one felt up to spending 12 hours on a motorcycle each way, so Smiles hitched up a trailer to his pickup, loaded up his Harley and Teegarden (in the cab), and off they
went. “Friends asked me if I was out of my mind when they found out where I was going,” she said. The rally began in 1938, when Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, the owner of the Indian motorcycle franchise in Sturgis, founded the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club. Originally, the focus of the rally was on racing and stunts. Today there are flat track races, poker runs, stunt shows, bike shows, big-name entertainment, and plenty of parties. The rally has been held every year except for 1942, when gas was rationed during World War II. Lodging within 300 miles of Sturgis is impossible to find
unless you’ve made reservations several years in advance, so Smiles and Teegarden slept in the back of the pickup at a campground in Deadwood, only 12 miles from Sturgis. “I had never been on a motorcycle,” Teegarden said, “so I had to wear Jamie’s leathers. When I put on her helmet, it was so heavy that I couldn’t hold my head up.” So she rode helmetless behind Smiles as they toured Sturgis. Half a million bikes lined the streets, including parking in the middle of the main drag. No cars are allowed downtown during rally week. Teegarden didn’t see any nudity or fist fights during their three visits to Sturgis. “A couple of young women wore pasties,” she said, “and a lot of them wore short shorts and miniskirts. I was impressed with how friendly and kind everyone was. At night we hung
Betty Teegarden and Vic Smiles toured Sturgis, SD and the Black Hills via Harley
OCTOBER 2015
FEATURE STORY
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out at the campground and had most of our meals in Deadwood. I’m sure things got pretty rowdy in Sturgis.” Police from many jurisdictions patrol the rally out of uniform. Since nobody knows who’s a cop and who isn’t, people were cautious about starting trouble, Teegarden said. The highlight of the trip was her 170-mile ride from Sturgis to the southern end of the Black Hills and back. She found riding behind Smiles to be very comfortable. They visited the Crazy Horse monument as well as Custer State Park. “The buffalo were amazing!” she said. As were The Needles, granite spires that tower over the highway. The single-lane Needles’ Eye and the Iron Creek tunnels are barely wide enough to accommodate tour buses without removing paint, and the sharp curves and narrow road make riding motorcycle more of a carnival thrill ride than a leisurely cruise.
Teegarden, always dressed to the nines and well groomed, had her hair permed before the trip. “Since I couldn’t wear a helmet, by the time we got back to the campground, my hair was standing straight out,” she said. She also met many people who were amazed that a woman her age had come to the rally. “They all wanted pictures with me,” she said. The only souvenir Teegarden brought back was a pin for her denim jacket. “I don’t need more T-shirts or other things.” The best thing about the rally? “The people and the bikes,” she said. “Everyone who gets a chance should go.” Mighty good advice from a mighty bold little lady. ■
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OCTOBER 2015
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies Open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m to 10 p.m.
By Michelle DeLaCerda – www.thecompletesavorist.com
Ingredients: ¼ c. cocoa powder
PUMPKIN
½ t. baking soda
½ c. canned pumpkin
¾ c. melted butter
(non-sweetened)
½ c. warmed International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer
½ c. International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer
1½ c. sugar
¼ t. cinnamon
2 eggs
¼ t. nutmeg
1 t. vanilla
CREAM CHEESE
¼ t. salt
4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1½ c. flour
1/3 c. powdered sugar
Instructions:
2 T. HOT/Boiling water
CREAM CHEESE 1. Place softened cream cheese in a bowl and begin to mix on low speed. 2. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar. After half the sugar has been mixed in, add about ½-1 T of the water. Continue adding the powdered sugar until it is completed mixed in. 3. Slowly add the remainder of the water until the cream cheese has reached desired consistency. Set aside. PUMPKIN 1. Mix the pumpkin, coffee creamer, nutmeg and cinnamon in a bowl until combined; set aside. BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH 1. In a large bowl, sift the cocoa and baking soda together, using either a sifter or a fork. 2. Stir in ½ cup of the melted butter, hot coffee creamer and stir until combined. 3. Add in the remaining butter, eggs,
vanilla and sugar and mix until combined. 4. Sift the flour and salt together, using either a sifter or a fork. 5. Slowly stir in the mixture to the liquid batter, using ¼ cup at a time. 6. Once all the flour has been incorporated, pour into a greased 9x13 pan. ASSEMBLY 1. Once the batter is in the greased pan: ladle spoonfuls of pumpkin on top of the brownie batter. 2. Ladle spoonfuls of cream cheese in the holes between brownie batter and pumpkin. 3. Using a butter knife, swirl or mix up the brownie, cream cheese and pumpkin. 4. Bake in a pre-heated 350° oven for at least 28 minutes, but up to 35. Insert a toothpick to gauge doneness. 5. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting.
OCTOBER 2015
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ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for everything you do with your column. I may be a few years away from 50 (I’m currently 37) but I would also like to say something to other young folks who read your column: Let’s look after our elderly. Take time to get to know the seniors in your community and be available if they ever need help or just need some company. One of the most rewarding things I do is spending time and sharing jokes with them. Their smiles are priceless, so I hope you will take the time to get to know these folks. Thank you again. Keep up the good work. Signed, KS Dear KS: Thank you for your heartfelt letter. You sound as if you work with or volunteer with the elderly. If you are not, I hope you will be. After working in assisted living and skilled nursing, I know that associates like you are greatly valued by the residents and staff. There are some young people who cannot see the value in older folks, like you do. Thank you again for writing. OB Dear Old Bag: My neighbor and I are good friends and talk frequently. The other day we had a discussion about spirituality versus religion. I go to church every Sunday and she does not. She tells me she is a very spiritual person. I say she cannot be very spiritual if she does not go to church. We agreed to a second opinion, and that is you! Signed, MB Dear MB: I can only give you my opinion, which will probably begin an avalanche of letters from those who disagree, but here goes: I believe that a religious person who is a regular churchgoer can also be a spiritual
person. I also believe that a religious churchgoer is not always a spiritual person. I also believe that a person who does not go to church may be a very spiritual person. I believe that spirituality dwells inside a person, and is manifested by how they treat others and how they live their lives. I could go on, but that is the gist of how I view religion and spirituality. Hope this helps. Remember this is only one woman’s opinion. OB Dear Old Bag: I know your philosophy of not interfering in your grown children’s lives, but I don’t know if I can keep my mouth shut much longer. I am living with my son and daughterin-law. I have my own space, but we eat together. The problem is that my daughter-in-law cuts down my son every chance she gets. I can see that he is so browbeaten he just keeps his mouth shut. It’s really hard for me to take. Can’t I just tell him not to let her do that to him? Signed, Fed Up Dear Fed Up: I am sorry. I’m sticking to my guns on this. Please believe me that if you say something, it will backfire and you will wish you had kept your mouth shut. When your son has had enough, he will take his own action. He may be taking it up with her in private for all you know. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. I would like to mention that in my experience, two women in one house creates tension. Perhaps the wife is feeling frustrated, and it is causing her to take it out on her husband. We never know. My advice is for you to lay low. It is an honor and a privilege to stay with them. Stay in your space as much as you can. If she begins cutting him down, disappear. Good luck. OB ■
Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email lagmancreswick@cox.net
ASK THE OLD BAG
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THE HEALTHY GEEZER
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OCTOBER 2015
Is being short of breath just a sign of old age? Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti
T
he likelihood of suffering shortness of breath or dyspnea (dispnee-ah) becomes greater the older we get. As we age our air passages get smaller, chest muscles weaken and our lungs become less flexible. These changes reduce our airflow.
There’s A New Prosthodontist In Town! I’m Jake R. Atwood and although I am new to town, I am not new to Prosthodontics. I served in the United States Air Force where I polished my skills and learned the value of self-sacrifice and service.
Having 4 kids, I know what it’s like to want the best for the ones you love. That’s why it’s not just about teeth. It’s about providing the best care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. So, come on over, get to know us, and leave feeling like one of the family! *Dr. Atwood is the only Prosthodontist in the Western Slope of Colorado.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in older adults. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for as long as 30 seconds at a time. These interruptions can happen hundreds of times a night.
ATWOOD PROSTHODONTICS Jake R. Atwood DMD, MS
241-2430
Dyspnea is associated with major breathing disorders that can develop in seniors, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary thromboembolism and aspiration. COPD involves difficulty in exhaling. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are COPDs. Emphysema makes the small air spaces in the lungs collapse. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways. Most asthma is caused by allergies to airborne particles such as dust and mold. The airways become inflamed, which causes them to spasm. Unlike COPD, asthma is reversible. Diagnosing conditions in seniors can be challenging, because asthma in older people is often difficult to distinguish from emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
As a prosthodontist, I primarily deal with the replacement of missing or worn teeth. Whether it’s just one or all 32 of them, I can help you achieve a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile. And remember, it’s important to get your dentures checked annually!
1317 N 3rd Street
Dyspnea should rarely happen to healthy people but it can be brought on by exhaustive exertion, high altitude and extreme temperatures. Otherwise, it’s commonly a sign of a medical problem so you should get this symptom checked by a doctor immediately.
Grand Junction
In pulmonary fibrosis, the lung’s air sacs become filled with scar tissue, causing permanent damage. It usually begins in your 40s or 50s, but can develop at any age.
Pulmonary thromboembolism is a life-endangering blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot and damages tissue. It’s most common after age 65. Aspiration is inhaling food particles, liquids or bacteria. When something from your mouth goes down “the wrong pipe,” you have aspiration. If the amount of aspirated material exceeds the ability of the immune system to handle it, you can get a serious lung infection. Shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of abnormalities in organs other than the lungs. When the heart fails, it loses its ability to pump blood. This elevates pressure in the blood vessels around the lung. Sometimes fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath. A low red blood cell count causes dyspnea because red cells carry oxygen. In addition, a high thyroid level, shock, systemic infection, kidney or chronic liver problems, stroke, nerve and muscle disorders, and anxiety can bring on dyspnea. Some symptoms that indicate a medical condition include shortness of breath at rest, with exercise, when lying down or upon exposure to allergens. You may have a problem if shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, arm pain, jaw pain, neck pain, swelling in the ankles and feet, fluid weight gain or unintentional weight loss with reduced appetite, unusual fatigue, sweating, yellow/green phlegm, blood in spit, fever, wheezing, persistent cough, blue lips or fingertips, and fainting. ■ Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email fred@healthygeezer.com.
OCTOBER 2015
HEALTH & WELLNESS 11
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CAULIFLOWER: veggie of the year By Wendell Fowler
M
ark Twain said cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with a college education. Kale came, conquered, and found a home in American’s refrigerator crisper drawers. It appears, however, crunchy white cauliflower is gaining ground. We’re warned not to eat white food, but hold on. Responsible nutritionists are referring to processed junk food, sugar, all processed flour, white rice and sausage gravy, but not cauliflower. There’s wonderful health news regarding the predictable veggie tray standard. The large white globe is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, cabbage, watercress, collards and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables hold vitamins, minerals, other nutrients and plant chemicals called glucosinolates that break down into biologically active compounds being studied for possible anti-cancer effects. By the way, the heavy green leaves that surround the head protect the flower buds from sunlight. The lack of sunlight does not allow chlorophyll to develop. Therefore, color is not produced. Cauliflower brims with dietary fiber, crucial for good digestion. When you get enough fiber things, ahem, move smoothly, like a roto-rooter through your temple’s intestines. Cauliflower also contains glucoraphin, which protects your stomach and innards from cancer and ulcers. The omega-3 and vitamin K in cauliflower helps prevent chronic inflammation that leads to arthritis, chronic pain and certain bowel conditions.
The heavy green leaves that surround the head protect the flower buds from sunlight. The lack of sunlight does not allow chlorophyll to develop. Therefore, color is not produced.
In addition to folate, cauliflower is loaded with niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and thiamine. Cauliflower is low in sodium but delivers a good amount of potassium, too. A half-cup of cooked cauliflower contains 27.5 milligrams of ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C, which is nearly 50 percent of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce levels of ugly chemicals accumulating within your body that damage cells within tissues. Cauliflower can be served cooked or raw. Raw has considerably more nutrition. Peel off stem leaves and turn cauliflower upside down. Cut the stem just above where the florets join together. Separate the florets into equal bite-size pieces. Turned off by the sulfur smell? Quickly steaming cauliflower reduces the sulfur smell, preserves crispness and color and reduces the loss of nutrients. When wrapped, cauliflower will keep for up to five days in your crisper drawer. Much of society is reconnecting with the earth. When all men, women and children accept that foods born from the heavenly apothecary, not a chemistry lab, are the best vitamins on earth, disease and suffering will cease. You weren’t born to hate veggies, you were taught. You were created to express perfect health. Reconnect. ■
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OCTOBER 2015
Breast Friends: No one should face cancer alone By Melanie Wiseman “The year 2008 was a scary one for me,” Mary Dunning, 72, said. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer, already had a couple surgeries and was facing more surgery and life-changing decisions.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a good time for a reminder that no one should face cancer alone. “Breast cancer can be overwhelming even when you have the support of your family and friends,” St. Mary’s Cancer Survivorship Program Coordinator Debra Hesse said. “Interacting with other breast cancer patients and survivors can go a long way in alleviating your fears and concerns.” Breast Friends, a free local support group through St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center, fills this need. “Breast Friends is a place where women, who have or have had breast cancer, gather together to share their experiences, learn from local experts and find emotional support through the strength and warmth of embracing friendships,” Hesse said. “Being well is about more than keeping our bodies healthy or undergoing physical treatment for our illnesses. Being well is also about how we feel.” Dunning said attending Breast Friends meetings “was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.” The group is facilitated by Kathy Mowat, an oncology-licensed clinical social worker. “We always welcome new women,” Mowat said. “Doctors are very good with the technical part of the illness, but other women who have been through the same thing really get it. Woman to woman, it’s invaluable to be with other people who can offer tips and advice based on their experiences.” Jan Muyskens reached out to Dunning her first time to the group. “We became fast friends,” Dunning said. “Everybody’s experience is
Mary Dunning, left, and Jan Muyskens, right. different but we’ve all had the same fears. We take things seriously, but we laugh a lot, too.” Muyskens, 80, was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. Even though she is cancer free, she has actively participated in Breast Friends ever since because she believes in its purpose and knows how it helped her personally. “It’s so valuable, especially to newly diagnosed women,” Muyskens said. “They’re devastated, afraid and have so many questions that even a doctor can’t answer, like how you feel after treatments. Breast Friends is open and comfortable, yet confidential.” Meeting topics often include adjusting to a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, reconstructive surgery, coping with daily demands during treatment, radiation, chemo and physical therapies, nutrition and depression. Breast Friends meets from 5 p.m.6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays of each month at the reflection room at St. Mary’s Cancer Center Pavilion. For details, call Hesse at 298-2351. Men can also get breast cancer. St. Mary’s also has a support group for men against cancer called MA-
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HEALTH & WELLNESS 13
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CHO, which meets from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of the month at the Java City Café.
Supporting women with cancer A national nonprofit by the same name but no affiliation with the local group, Breast Friends (www.breastfriends.org) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients and believes every woman in America will be touched by breast cancer or some other cancer in her lifetime. One in eight women will be diagnosed, and the other seven will know the one. Its goal is to reach the seven in order to help the one. If you know someone diagnosed with cancer, here’s how you can help:
Do: • Offer to help with daily tasks. Call before you head to the grocery store and see what she needs, then deliver. Assist with other everyday shopping errands. Be creative and flexible, as needs may change. • Think about the little things your friend enjoys and make life “normal” for them. This could be as
simple as taking a walk, weeding the garden or helping decorate for the holidays. • Drive your friend to an appointment or support group meeting. It may be helpful to have an extra set of ears at doctor’s appointments. • Organize a phone chain or support team to check on your friend regularly. Keeping friends and family updated on their latest status can be taxing. Circulate information to lessen exhausting repetition. • Schedule a night to drop off dinner, or bring takeout and a movie. Keep in mind they may have different tastes or a special diet. • Listen. The most meaningful things can be the smallest things. Even if you don’t know what to say, acknowledge that and just listen. • Remember that everyone’s illness is different. • Continue to offer support after the initial diagnosis. Keep the person in mind throughout the process. • Support caregivers and other family members. People can be so focused on the patients that they forget to
check in with the stressed out caregivers. • Give thoughtful gifts. Consider their interests and hobbies. Some ideas include magazines and audio books, housecleaning services, gift certificates for a massage or spa, note cards or a journal, accessories such as earrings, bracelets or scarves. • Take your cues from your friend. Let them set the tone for what they want to discuss or not. • Friendship makes a big difference. Continuing your friendship after a cancer diagnosis is a great way to further the healing process. After treatment your friend will be trying to find her “new normal” in the next phase and friendships are an important part of that. • If you aren’t sure how to help, ask. Friends and family supporting someone with cancer are often afraid of saying the wrong thing. Here are some common mistakes people make, along with better alternatives.
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Avoid saying: I know just how you feel. I don’t know how you manage. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Don’t worry. I feel helpless. You need to talk about this. How much time do you have? Let me know what I can do. (Instead offer specific ways to help).
Do say: I care about you. If you ever feel like talking, I’m here to listen. I’m thinking about you. I’m sorry this has happened to you. I don’t know what to say. (It is better to be honest than to simply stop calling or visiting.) Cancer is not the person—it’s their illness. The best thing you can do is to try and not let your friend’s condition get in the way of your friendship. As much as possible, listen, be there for support, and value her the same way you always have. ■
14
The Hands that Tell Life’s Stories in Stone
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Halloween is here By Jan Weeks
H
We believe that a memorial should be a reflection of a life lived. This is why Dan Carlson, artist and owner, has been customizing memorials since 1976. Every memorial is designed, engraved and installed by our craftsmen to insure the highest quality from start to completion. It is our commitment to assist you and your family during this difficult time and hope to ease the experience with kind, compassionate professionalism. We are honored to help you select the appropriate memorialization that will last through the ages for someone special. Your memorial will serve as a source of historical record for future generations.
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alloween—the word raises goose bumps on my arms, and I grin with anticipation. Even though I’m well into my seventh decade, for 24 hours I can convince myself that I’m not really me, that I’m a witch, a fortuneteller, an archedback, spitting familiar. I prayed for clouds to fill October 31 with gloom and dread, a mood to suit the night, but ragged ones that would let the moon shine through. If any witches happened to be taking a broomstick tour, I wanted to see them. As I raced through the neighborhood from one porch light to the next, I breathed in the dead-leaf, burnt-pumpkin autumn air, feeling it pump through my veins as I sprinted down dark streets, surrounded by demons and other night creatures in search of sugar. In the days before Walmart and Target, when stiff fabric half-masks smelled of glue and sweat, kids and moms created costumes instead of shelling out fistfuls of dollars for cheap Chinese-made rayon parodies of pretend. My mother was as enthusiastic about costumes as I was, stitching and fitting and changing me from a humble child into a mysterious stranger. The family album chronicles my make-believe adventures. The photo is black and white, but I see the patterned skirt, the white blouse, the black sash and red vest, and the scarf that the 6-year-old gypsy wears as she sits beside a maniacal jack-olantern on the front steps on Second Street. In a pink-tinged Polaroid from the ’60s, a paper bag-masked scarecrow stands stiff before the camera; straw straggles from under a battered hat and leaks from shirt front and sleeves. The last costume of childhood, the year I gave up trick-ortreating, is nothing more than black
Pitkin Ave South Ave
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OCTOBER 2015
Author Jan Weeks at age 6 dressed up as a gypsy for Halloween. tights and sweater, with store-bought ears and whiskers. The black-stocking tail drapes over my arm as I grin into the lens. In our town, kids had to perform a trick to get a treat. I memorized poems and learned to turn a cartwheel. My reward was peanut butter kisses and popcorn balls, candy corn and homemade fudge. Nothing was hermetically sealed in cellophane except store-bought Snickers and Hershey’s bars, prized above all other treats. Mom spent hours popping corn and cracking nuts to make the treats she passed out in exchange for unending renditions of the alphabet song by tots. For me the year turns from holiday to holiday. January trades wintry resolutions for February’s pink-andwhite love; Easter eggs and new shoes replace Irish green in spring; July’s spangles and sparklers make way for November’s turkeys; December’s pine boughs and candles complement bright packages under the tree and holiday cards set on mantels and window sills. But when black and orange and autumn brown touch the fading year, I tingle. I track the dwindling days with delight. My fingers itch to carve a jagged smile and a winking eye. I rummage for beads and looped gold earrings and fanciful scarves. My time is coming. Halloween is here. ■
OCTOBER 2015
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Stay safe while the trick-or-treaters are out for fun
Safety while passing out treats
By Teresa Ambord
K
ids love Halloween, but adults… maybe not. Seniors who live alone may feel vulnerable opening their doors to strangers. And if you choose not to spend a small fortune on treats, will your house get egged? Then again, some adults like to decorate their front porches and enjoy seeing the costumes and talking to the children. You might even walk the neighborhood with your grandkids. Depending on where you live, Halloween can be scary and stressful for seniors, especially those who live alone. If you have mobility problems, getting up and down to answer the door constantly may be taxing on your body. And while we may not want to say so, some teenagers out on Halloween get caught up in mischief and can be more interested in deliberately scaring people—possibly even vandalizing homes—than they are in candy.
Here are some tips from the nation’s safety experts, including police departments, as you decide what to do this Halloween.
Safety while driving One of the biggest safety concerns on Halloween night is pedestrian/car accidents, according to the National Safety Council. If you have to drive on Halloween night, leave yourself plenty of time so you can take extra care pulling in and out of your driveway. If there are children around, ask an adult to watch them as you back out of your driveway. Kids of all ages get excited and may forget what they’ve learned about safety, so drive with extra caution. Kids (and adults) who are dressed in dark costumes or clothing often don’t realize they can be very hard to see on a dark street. The best policy might be to do your driving while it’s still light out and then stay put if you can.
I enjoy seeing little kids in costumes. I like to tell them how special their costumes are. Of course, with little kids, the parents are almost always close by. But as the evening wanes, however, older kids come out. Most are fine, but every group has its bad apples, and a knock on the door later in the evening can be scary. Sometimes even their costumes are menacing. Here are a few things to remember. • Keep your porch light on, as well as interior lights. Even if you’ve run out of candy or are tired of answering the door, keep the porch light on for safety. • Make sure to keep guests outside. Suppose a group of teenagers comes to the door and one asks if he or she can use your bathroom. It’s probably safer to say, “No, I’m sorry.” • If you’re alone and feel uneasy with someone at the door, don’t hesitate to pretend you’re not alone. Call out to someone in another room, even though there’s no one there.
For example, on Halloween I might say, “Max, I told you we’d run out of candy early!” It doesn’t matter what you say or that nobody is there to answer, just give the impression that you are not alone. • I live in a pretty safe area, but I personally wouldn’t open my door to teenagers even on Halloween unless I had my pepper spray in one hand. But maybe that’s just me. • If your front door is not highly visible to your neighbors or your neighbors are not around, use extra caution. People who are up to no good seek targets where there is low visibility.
Have a friend over If you live alone, why not make it a fun night by inviting a friend or relative you enjoy, and having a casual dinner on the couch? Not only will you have fun yourself, but you’re also less likely to be seen as a target. Or ask a neighbor if you could join them at their house to hand out candy. When it’s time to go home, ask someone to walk with you. Halloween is and should be a fun and family friendly event. Enjoy it more by sharing it with someone else. ■
Tobyn “Frankenstein” Kay and Larry Soderberg Halloween party, 1991
Ander “Baby Chick”
Cloie Sandlin, middle, as a tiger for Halloween, 1994.
Genevra Shal with great-grandson Hayden “Captain America”
Frances Herman poses among the pumpkins at Studt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Grand Junction.
The VanGundys dressed in 1920’s costumes
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LAUGHING MATTERS
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LAUGHING MATTERS Learning to drink Submitted by Kevin Ray
While reading an article last night about fathers and sons, memories came flooding back to the time I took me son out for his first pint. Off we went to our local pub only two blocks from our house. I got him a Guinness. He didn’t like it, so I drank it. Then I got him a Kilkenny’s. He didn’t like that either, so I drank it. Finally, I thought he might like some Harp lager. He didn’t. So I drank it. I thought maybe he’d like whiskey better than beer, so we tried a Jameson’s. Nope! In desperation, I had him try that rare Redbreast, Ireland’s finest. He wouldn’t even smell it. What could I do but drink it?
By the time I realized he just didn’t like to drink, I was so darn drunk I could hardly push his stroller home.
Historic insults Submitted by George Sanchez
• A member of Parliament to Disraeli: “Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease.” “That depends, sir,” said Disraeli, “whether I embrace your policies or your mistress.” • “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” - Winston Churchill • “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.” - Clarence Darrow
• “Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I’ll waste no time reading it.” - Moses Hadas • “I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” - Mark Twain • “He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.” - Oscar Wilde • “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play. Bring a friend, if you have one.” - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill “Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second, if there is one.” Winston Churchill, in response • “He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” - John Bright • “I’ve just learned about his illness. Let’s hope it’s nothing trivial.” - Irvin S. Cobb • “He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others.” - Samuel Johnson
OCTOBER 2015
• “In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily.” – Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. • “He loves nature in spite of what it did to him.” - Forrest Tucker • “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” - Oscar Wilde • “He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts, for support rather than illumination.” - Andrew Lang • “He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.” - Billy Wilder • “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But I’m afraid this wasn’t it.” - Groucho Marx
Mystic English Submitted by Savannah Butler
If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and drycleaners depressed?
OCTOBER 2015
LAUGHING MATTERS 17
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Kids think fast Submitted by Angela Richards
Teacher: Why are you late? Joe: Because of the sign. Teacher: What sign? Joe: The one that says, “School ahead, go slow.” Teacher: Cindy, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? Cindy: You told me to do it without using tables! Teacher: John, how do you spell crocodile? John: K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L Teacher: No, that’s wrong John: Maybe it’s wrong, but you asked me how I spell it! Teacher: What is the chemical formula for water? Sarah: H I J K L M N O!! Teacher: What are you talking about? Sarah: Yesterday you said it’s H to O! Teacher: George, go to the map and find North America. George: Here it is! Teacher: Correct. Now class, who discovered America? Class: George! Teacher: Willie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have 10 years ago. Willie: Me!
Teacher: Tommy, why do you always get so dirty? Tommy: Well, I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are. Teacher: Ellen, give me a sentence starting with “I.” Ellen: I is... Teacher: No, Ellen. Always say, “I am.” Ellen: All right. I am the ninth letter of the alphabet. Teacher: George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn’t punish him? Johnny: Because George still had the ax in his hand. Teacher: Desmond, your composition on “My Dog” is exactly the same as your brother’s. Did you copy his? Desmond: No, teacher, it’s the same dog!
Electronics are banned from all Colorado landfills Televisions Computers Laptops/Tablets Printers/ Scanners Cell Phones Fax Machines Any electronic with a circuit board
We will recycle your old, broken, and unwanted electronics for $.42 per pound For more information 256-9543 Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Thursday- Saturday 8:00am-4:30pm www.mesacounty.us/swm
Come join us for the 4th annual
Teacher: What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested? Pupil: A teacher. Sylvia: Dad, can you write in the dark? Father: I think so. What do you want me to write? Sylvia: Your name on this report card.
■
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18
TRAVEL
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OCTOBER 2015
Colorful Creede, Colorado:
history, theatre and outdoor adventure Story and photos by Melanie Wiseman
N
estled in the heart of the Silver Thread Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway lies the tiny town of Creede, Colorado. With just 400 permanent residents one would think this small village wouldn’t have much to offer, but aside from being rich in history and outdoor adventures, Creede is also a destination for professional repertory theatre. My husband Dan and I camped near Creede a few days during our honeymoon. Fifteen years later, we returned to explore the area for a whole week and we’re already making plans for our next visit. Creede is in Mineral County, located in southwestern Colorado right along the Continental Divide. The lowest elevation is 8,500 feet and tops out above 14,000. The scenic drive from Grand Junction to Creede takes you by Blue Mesa Reservoir, through historical Lake City and it’s towering San Juan fourteeners, over spectacular Slumgullion Pass and along the winding Rio Grande River. North Clear Creek Falls nearby is a must-see. Don’t forget your camera!
History The Ute Indians and their leader Chief Ouray roamed and hunted in Mineral County long before the white men knew of its existence. Hot springs at nearby Wagon Wheel Gap were a favorite stop for the Utes, followed by homesteaders and early tourists. In 1889, a rich vein of silver ore was discovered by Nicholas Creede in the small town of Willow at the foot of Campbell Mountain, where the East and West Willow Creeks meet. The town was renamed Creede and his strike became know as the last big silver boom in Colorado. During the summer of 1890, Creede was growing at a rate of nearly 300 people per day. By 1891, when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad
arrived, Creede changed nearly overnight and the population skyrocketed to 10,000 people. Miners worked day and night. Boarding houses and hotels were filled around the clock. It is said that when one miner left for work, another miner filled his bed. Mine names, including Holy Moses, Last Chance, and Equity echoed the miners’ ambitions. Some of Creed’s more notorious inhabitants were gunfighter Bat Masterson, as well as gamblers and con men Bob Ford and Soapy Smith. The price of silver crashed in 1893 and the boom ended as quickly as it had begun. The population plummeted to less than 900 people. Ninety-six percent of Mineral County is public land. Creede thrives today by preserving and sharing its mining heritage with the thousands of visitors who vacation there annually. Stop by the Creede Chamber of Commerce to pick up a $2 self-guided booklet for the 17-mile historic Bachelor Loop Mine Tour, which starts from downtown Creede. You may also want to enjoy a tour of Creede’s Underground Mining Museum, which is open year-round.
Creede Repertory Theatre Celebrating its 50th season this year, the Creede Repertory Theatre is another reason many make Creede a vacation destination. Founded in 1966 as a means to boost Creede’s economy, the theatre is now a thriving professional organization that reaches 53,000 patrons each year. It has 10 full-time staff and a company of 80 summer seasonal members. It is one of the few remaining true repertory theatres in the country. The repertory format rotates shows, sometimes on a daily basis, allowing patrons to see up to six different shows in a week between the two theaters. Dan and I saw two excellent shows: “Our Town” and a world
OCTOBER 2015
TRAVEL 19
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premier of the comedy “Good On Paper.” Seating is small and intimate for a personal experience. For more information on the Creede Repertory Theatre, visit www.creederep.org or call 719-658-2540.
Headwaters Two of the mighty rivers of the Southwest find their headwaters in the mountains surrounding Creede: the Rio Grande and the San Juan Rivers. Water collected from small streams and rivulets, including Willow Creek, form the Rio Grande as it begins its 1,800-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. On the western side of the Continental Divide, tributaries of the San Juan River take this historic river through New Mexico and Utah, where it joins the Colorado River just north of Lake Powell. Creede is a fly fisherman’s paradise.
Brown trout and a few rainbow and cutthroat call these two rivers and other small streams in the area home. In the Rio Grande alone, trout numbers can reach over 2,000 per mile. The U.S. Forest Service office on Creede’s Main Street is a great fishing access resource.
Outdoor adventures From dark skies for amazing stargazing to spectacular forested trails for wildflower and wildlife viewing, Creede offers endless options of outdoor activities that are sure to take your breath away. We camped next to a serene lake where our only neighbors were many feathered friends and several chipmunks. The variety and bounty of wildflowers was nothing like we had witnessed before. The number of trails for hiking,
horseback riding and ATVing are plentiful, and the scenery never disappointed. Whether you’re crossing creeks, winding through meadows, leading to lakes or climbing through forests, trails of all levels of difficulty are available. Be patient and attentive and you might be rewarded with an opportunity to experience wildlife up close. Moose are one of the most popular wildlife attractions in the area. We were fortunate enough to see a bear on a hike near our campsite. Creede is a bird watcher’s paradise.
You can see yellow warblers, osprey, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, broadtailed and Rufous hummingbirds, American gold finch, Steller’s jay and mountain blue birds. ■
Colorful history, theatre, scenery and adventure make Creede, Colorado a memorable vacation destination. For more information, visit www.creede.com or call the Creede Chamber of Commerce at 719-658-2374. You can also contact the U.S. Forest Service at 719-658-2557.
20 HOME & GARDEN
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OCTOBER 2015
Chrysanthemums: queen of the fall flowers By Lori Pelkowski
C
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(970) 208-1345 • HilltopHomeCareGJ.org
hrysanthemums are the most commercially grown flowers in America. Vast colorful displays of mums line the shelves of nurseries, garden centers and home improvement warehouses in fall. Mums are easy to cultivate, come in a variety of colors, and bloom on schedule. Flower arrangers and gardeners prize them for cut flower arrangements. Their beauty can last for weeks. Mums give us a burst of color before the drab winter. In addition to white, yellow and bronze, you’ll find shades of pink, lavender and maroon. With nearly a dozen flower forms to choose from, you can grow mums that look like pastel daisies, or fluffy quilled zinnias, or refined dahlias, or maybe the large, fancy ones with in-curving petals called “football” mums. The chrysanthemum palette includes every color but blue, and the holding time for blossoms, even in a vase, is measured in weeks rather than days. Mums are the perfect perennials to let into your beds. The most popular flower form is “decorative,” dahlia-like blossoms so packed with long, broad petals that you can hardly see their center eyes, even when the flowers are completely open. One of the advantages of the decorative flower form is that the many layers of petals make the flowers last a long time. As the petals on the back of the blossom fade, new ones from the center give the flower a freshly opened appearance. Chrysanthemums will reward you with beauty year-round. They aren’t picky about exposure, soil or water conditions, but do prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water. Insect and disease problems are rare. Mums provide fresh spring foliage, attractive summer shapes, fall flowers and winter interest to the garden. Mums bloom in fall because the
shortening days of late summer trigger flowering. Some react more quickly than others. Choose from among the variety of bloom times for the perfect combination of mums. Field-grown mums grown in your area will be more likely to survive their first winter in your garden. Blooming mum plants can be planted in the garden in fall with a little extra care. Here’s how to help them survive their first winter in the ground. • Select bushy, well-branched plants with small, leafy stems emerging from the base of the plants, or sprouting around the edge of the pot. The earlier you plant, the longer your mums will have to develop good root systems, a crucial factor in determining winter hardiness. • Choose a well-drained location. More fall-planted mums die from root rot than from the effects of low temperatures. • Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and set each plant in the planting hole one inch deeper than it grew in its nursery pot; spread out the roots. • When the flowers die, trim back tops very slightly, just enough to remove the dead blossoms. Mulch with a layer of shredded dry leaves over the plants’ crowns. Remove the mulch gradually in spring; removing the mulch all at once may cause the tender new growth to die. • When growth resumes in spring (or just after transplanting), work some compost into the soil around each plant. When treated this way, your mums will be more likely to survive their first winter and give you many more years of enjoyment in exchange for minimal care. Start your own beautiful autumn garden with these low-maintenance, high-satisfaction plants. Then sit back and watch them put on their show. ■
OCTOBER 2015
HOME & GARDEN 21
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How will Godzilla El Niño impact western slope gardeners?
October 10
Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. I have heard about the Godzilla
El Niño coming our way in the next few months. What does that mean for western slope gardeners? It sounds like we’re all going to be eaten alive by some giant creature from Japan! National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Pringle said this strong weather pattern usually brings us a wetter-than-normal fall and spring and a milder winter. This is great news for area gardeners for many reasons. We can always use more precipitation but it is especially helpful in the fall after the local irrigation water is turned off. Since fall is one of the best times to plant in our area, the extra water and mild temperatures will help newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials or lawns get established quicker and easier.
Q. I am interested in helping my grandchild’s school start a vege-
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table garden and wondered if there are any grants or organizations available to help with planning and start-up money. What a wonderful idea. According to Dan Sharp with School District 51’s food and nutrition services, there are no school vegetable gardens at this time. He said anyone interested in forming school gardens should work with building officials and school PTOs.
Starts at 9 a.m. at the CSU Extension office at the Mesa County Fairgrounds is 5 p.m. January 8, 2016. Questions? Visit www.kgi.org or call Roger Doiron at 207-956-0606. Another avenue to help children learn about where their food comes from is Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Oliver, a celebrity chef and restaurant owner from England, is a legend when it comes to educating people about growing their own food. He has helped schools in 196 countries develop food education programs to combat diet-related illness and obesity in children. His goal is to put compulsory practical food education on every school curriculum. Learn more at www. foodrevolutionday.com. ■
Sow It Forward, the grants and partnership program of Kitchen Gardeners International, might be able to help with costs associated in starting a community vegetable garden. The grant is for nonprofit causes or organizations (including schools) interested in starting or expanding food garden projects. There are no geographic limitations on what types of food garden projects will be considered. The application deadline
Bring in houseplants that have over summered on your porch or patio when nighttime temperatures go below 40 degrees. Before you bring them in, check for unwanted guests which may have found a home on the plant or in the soil. Also, water deeply and dust off the leaves. When planning your vegetable garden next year, think about adding flowers and herbs among your vegetables to provide a habitat for beneficial insects and organisms. The mix of different colors and scents will also confuse pests looking for a tasty meal of your vegetables. Consider planting flowers that attract pollinators like honeybees. Shred falling leaves and use them as a mulch and soil conditioner. Add extra leaves to your compost pile. Equal parts dried and fresh materials will generate the best nitrogen balance.
PLANT OF THE MONTH—Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) One of the showiest fall perennials is the upright sedum ‘Neon’. This easy-to-grow perennial is a succulent that thrives in alkaline soil, loves the full sun and requires very little maintenance. All upright sedums are deer and rabbit resistant and the bees love them. Sedum is easy to root from stem cuttings and looks best in large clumps. Divide in the spring when the basal rosette appears. For a tidy appearance, cut off stems in late fall or winter.
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OCTOBER 2015
4 ways to prevent falls
By Ben Krug, FirstLight Home Care
O
ne in 3 seniors fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, which also reported that only 50 percent of falls are reported to physicians. In 2013, 2.5 million nonfatal falls were treated in emergency departments and nearly 30 percent were hospitalized, with a direct medical cost of $34 billion. People who are 75 and older are four to five times more likely than those age 65 to 74 to end up in a long-term care facility for a year or longer. Even if they aren’t injured, many people who fall develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling.
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Here are steps that older adults can take to stay independent and reduce their chances of falling. 1) Exercise regularly. Focus on increasing the strength in your legs and improving balance, and increasing intensity over time. 2) Ask a doctor or pharmacist to regularly review your medications, looking for drug side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness. 3) Receive an annual eye exam. 4) Safety check your home to reduce tripping hazards. Add grab bars in your bathroom, add railings on both sides of stairways, improve the lighting in your home, and use the safety features regularly. ■
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If you do fall and are hurt or can’t get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. Consider getting an emergency response device for your personal safety. If you are often alone, such devices can act as a safety net for receiving help much more quickly by giving you the ability to reach out for help by simply pushing a button on the pendant or wrist band units. Phillips Lifeline is one available provider with several units to choose from. There are some that allow you to push a button to call for help and others that will call for help immediately when it detects that you have fallen. FirstLight Home Care is offering free in-home demonstrations and information on Phillips Lifeline services. For more information, call 639-2048 or visit www.FirstLightHomeCare.com.
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OCTOBER 2015
2015 SENIOR GAMES RESULTS 23
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2015 SENIOR GAMES RESULTS
PICKLE BALL EVENT
EVENT
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
3.0 Women's Doubles
Peg Mewes and Myrna Murry
Diane Robertson and Judie Jenkins
Gayle Gerson and Sonya McAfee
3.0 Mixed Doubles
Joan Norris and Terry Norris
Peg Mewes and Herry Beard
Barbara Douchant and Terry Douchant
3.0 Men's Doubles
Bob Clark and Rovert Ross
Richard Barber and Jim Burrell
Heinz Park and Rick Lane
3.5 Men's Doubles
Bill McKee and Jeff Ridale
Rick Kruegar and Dave Grimwood
Richard Garrett and Mike Watkins
3.5 Women's Doubles 3.5 Mixed Doubles 4.0 Women’s Doubles 4.0 Men's Doubles 4.0 Mixed Doubles
EVENT
Brenda Furnance and Lori Miller
Linda Griffiths and Shirley Skinner
Lisa Parker and Shawna Davis
Nikki Schmalz and Bill McKey
Ken Hobbs and Linda Griffith
Jim Pearson and Michelle Dietal
Susan Neely and Kathy Schroder
Nikki Schmalz and Maurine Fitzpatrick
Katrina Stein and DeAnn Nelson
Randy Rottman and Walter Cummings
Mike Cox and Jerry Hayes
Corey Elliott and Dan Oliver
Mike Cox and Sydney Hayes
AGE
Maurine Fitzpatrick and Corey Elliot
FIRST PLACE
Longest Drive MALE
GOLF CHIP FEMALE:
GOLF CHIP MALE:
Dan Oliver and Terry Schaefers
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
5K RUN MALE
5K WALK FEMALE:
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Yong Mueller
80-89
Verna Quintana
50-59
Mike King Jim Eller
Richard Griffis
David Rivera
Richard Franco
Dave Barbee & Warren Kinzel
Daniel Poliak
60-64
Lynette Randleman
Beth Cox
Yong Mueller
65-69
Carolyn Griffs
Barbara Johnson
Bobbie Stacy
70-74
Shirley Losordao
Jeannie Maraschin
Galina Tucker
Barbara Dutton
Joyce Gillooly
75-79
Daphne Blankenship
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Mike King
Kurt McClaskey
60-64
Mike Hill
Richard Sandoval
Frank Estes
65-69
David Rivera
Jim Ellers
Richard Griffs
70-74
Dave Barber
Richard Franco
75-79
Wayne Tucker
Warren Kenzel
Daniel Poliak
Lynette Randleman
Yong Mueller
80-84
Bruce Dutton Beth Cox
Liz Norris
65-69
Barbara Johnson
Bobbie Stacy
Carolun Griffs
Doris Schichter
70-74
Galina Tucker
Jeannie Maraschin
Shirley Losordo
Barbara Dutton
Joyce Gillooly
GOLF PUTT FEMALE:
Carol Erickson Galina Tucker
75-79
Daphne Blankenship
55-59
Kevin Keppel
80-84
Verna Quintana
60-64
Ed Kowalski
Daniel Norris
65-69
Jay Krabacher
Andy Andasola
70-74
Jerry Nolan
Wayne Tucker
GOLF PUTT MALE:
Liz Norris Carolyn Griffis
Evette Lee
70-74
Dorthy Rothwell
75-79
Anita Cavin
60-64
Richard Sandoval
65-69
David Rivera
Jim Erickson
75-79
Richard McPeek
Daniel Poliak
Leota SweetmanMcPeek
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Kurt McClaskey
60-64
Richard Sandoval
Mike Hill
Frank Estes
65-69
David Rivera
Richard Griffs
Jim Eller
70-74
Dave Barber
Richard Franco
Wayne Tucker
75-79
Warren Kinzel
Daniel Poliak
80-84 2 Person Scramble Larry Oliver
60-69
Lynette Randleman
Barbara Johnson
70-79
Jeannie Maraschin
Galina Tucker
Carolyn Griffis
Michael King
Bruce Dutton Lynette Randleman & Dennis Stenger
Richard Franco & Dave Owen
Ron Kupinski & Henry Dicke
CARDS CRIBBAGE
Dave Grimwood
Berta Jameson & Lynette Randleman
Don Opp
PINOCHLE
Don Opp
Gale Waite
Florence Naylor
GOLF Longest Drive FEMALE
THIRD PLACE
70-79
70-74
60-64
SECOND PLACE
60-69
65-69
65-69
5K WALK MALE
FIRST PLACE
60-64
5K 5K RUN FEMALE
AGE
SWIMMING
24 2015 SENIOR GAMES RESULTS EVENT 25 BREAST FEMALE:
25 BREAST MALE:
25 FREE FEMALE
25 FREE MALE
25 BACK FEMALE:
25 BACK MALE:
50 BREAST FEMALE:
50 BREAST MALE:
50 FREE FEMALE:
50 FREE MALE
50 BACK FEMALE
50 BACK MALE:
100 FREE FEMALE:
AGE
FIRST PLACE
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Patricia Leland
70-74
Galina Tucker
70-74
SECOND PLACE
Tony Stroeve
Jerry Nolan
Bob Kline
John Rodwick
55-59
Marci Nolan Carole Jenkins
65-69
Patricia Leland
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
Tony Giandonato
70-74
Tony Stoeve
Jerry Nolan John Rodwick
75-79
Warren Kinzel
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Patricia Leland
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
65-69
Jim Erickson
70-74
Jerry Nolan
75-79
John Rodwick
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
THIRD PLACE
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
75-79
60-64
Bob Kline
Evette Lee
Bob Kline
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
70-74
Antonie Stroeve
Jerry Nolan
75-79
Bob Kline
John Rodwick
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Deb Krabacher
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
65-69
Jim Erickson
70-74
Tony Stroeve
Jerry Nolan
75-79
Warren Kinzel
John Rodwick
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Patricia Leland
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
70-74
Jerry Nolan
75-79
John Rodwick
60-64
Deb Krabacher
EVENT HORSESHOES FEMALE:
Carole Jenkins HORSESHOES MALE:
Tony Giandanato
Bob Kline
AGE
FIRST PLACE
50-59
Marlina Adams
60-69
Debra Menger
80-89
Verna Quintana
90-99
Ellen Roberts
50-59
Mike King
60-69
Rick Kruger
80-89
Glenn Corrigan
BOCCE BALL
Rick Krueger & Janice Koppang
Evette Lee
Joyce Smith
David Grimwood
Robert Adams
Leota Sweetman-McPeak & David Grimwood
Patricia Leland & Richard Sandoval
Bobbie Stacy & Don Opp
Rhonie Herrick & Larry Oliver
8 BALL MALE
Don Opp
Frank Martinez
Keith Durfee
9 BALL MALE
Don Opp
Frank Martinez
Frank Stacy
LINE DANCING
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
LARGE GROUP DANCING
60-64
Kevin Kne-Deloria
Tony Giandonato
Anthem Ranch Wranglerettes
70-74
Tony Stroeve
Jerry Nolan
COUPLES DANCING
Fruita Hula Girls
75-79
John Rodwick
Bob Kline
500 FREE FEMALE:
60-64
Deb Krabacher
500 FREE MALE:
65-69
Jim Erickson
70-74
Tony Stroeve
75-79
John Rodwick HORSESHOES
THIRD PLACE
POOL 9 BALL JACK & JILL
Bob Kline
SECOND PLACE
BOCCE BALL
SMALL GROUP DANCING
100 FREE MALE:
OCTOBE
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Fruita Troupers
Country Chicks
Sweetarts
Boots in Motion
Frank Estes
Richard Sandoval
David Rivera
Debra Mesenger
Corby Sherwood
Anita Cavin
BOWLING MEN'S BOWLING WOMEN'S BOWLING
Jerry Nolan
Dancing Queens
BASKETBALL HOT SHOT FEMALE:
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
Barbara Johnson
ER 2015
2015 SENIOR GAMES RESULTS 25
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com EVENT
AGE
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
75-79
Frank Martinez
Warren Kinzel
Richard McPeek
80-84
Bruce Dutton FIELD
SHOT PUT FEMALE
SHOT PUT MALE:
DISCUS FEMALE:
DISCUS MALE:
EVENT
AGE
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
75-79
Joyce Gillooly
Barbara Dutton
85-89 90+ HOT SHOT MALE:
FREE THROW FEMALE:
FREE THROW MALE:
3 POINT FEMALE:
3 POINT MALE:
55-59
THIRD PLACE SOFTBALL THROW FEMALE:
Verna Quintana Ellen Roberts Michael King
Kevin Keppel
60-64
Michael Hill
Franklin Estes
65-69
Larry Oliver
David Rivera
75-79
Richard McPeek
80-84
Bruce Dutton
65-69
Barbara Johnsom
70-74
Galina Tucker
75-79
Daphne Blankenship
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Kevin Keppel
Michael King
60-64
Michael Hill
Richard Sandoval
65-69
Larry Oliver
David Rivera
75-79
Frank Martinez
Warren Kinzel
80-84
Bruce Dutton
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
75-79
Frank Martinez
Richard Sandoval
Warren Kinzel SOFTBALL SLUG FEST MALE:
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
Joyce Gillooly
Barbara Dutton
SOFTBALL SLUG FEST FEMALE: Franklin Estes
Richard McPeek
Barbara Johnson
50-54
Judy Peters
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
Mary Lee Bowen
55-59
Aiden Yates
Eric Johnson
60-64
Franklin Estes
Richard Sandoval
65-69
Lee Beavers
David Rivera
Steve Hillard
70-74
Richard Barber
75-79
Richard McPeek
Warren Kinzel
Daniel Poliak
80-84
Ron Peters
60-64
Carole Jenkins
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
70-74
Galina Tucker
75-79
Joyce Gillooly
Mary Lee Bowen
80-84
Carina Sander
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Alden Yates
Bret Hughes
60-64
Mike Hill
Richard Sandoval
65-69
David Rivera
Lee Beavers
70-74
Richard Barber
75-79
Warren Kinzel
Daniel Poliak
Liz Norris
80-84
Bruce Dutton
60-64
Joan Norris
Debra Manger
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
Lary Lee Bowen
70-74
Bonnie Clark
Galina Tucker
75-79
Daphne Blankenship
Barbara Dutton
Joyce Gillooly
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Mike King
Kevin Keppel
Aiden Yates
60-64
Franklin Estes
Richard Sandoval
65-69
Lee Beavers
David Rivera
Martin Clark
Daniel Poliak
Warren Kinzel
75-79
Richard McPeek
80-84
Bruce Dutton
60-64
Joan Norris
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
Mary Lee Bowen
70-74
Galina Tucker
Bonnie Clark Daphnie Blankenship
75-79
Joyce Gillooly
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts Liz Norris
Debra Menger
Joyce Gillooly
65-69
Leota Sweetman-McPeek
Mary Lee Bowen
80-84
Verna Quintana
70-74
Galina Tucker
90-94
Ellen Roberts
85-89
Verna Quintana
55-59
Kevin Keppel
Michael King
90+
Ellen Roberts
60-64
Richard Sandoval
Michael Hill
65-69
Larry Oliver
David Rivera
Franklin Estes
S. LONG JUMP MALE:
Mike King
Richard McPeek
60-64
S. LONG JUMP FEMALE:
Mike King
55-59
Alden Yates
Eric Johnson
60-64
Richard Sandoval
Franklin Estes
Carole Jenkins
Mike King
26 2015 SENIOR GAMES RESULTS EVENT
FOOTBALL THROW MALE:
AGE
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
65-69
Lee Beavers
David Rivera
Larry Oliver
70-74
Richard Barber
75-79
Richard McPeek
80-84
Bruce Dutton
400 METER DASH MALE: Warren Kinzel
55-59
Jerry Wiseman
Eric Johnson
60-64
Richard Sandoval
Franklin Estes
65-69
David Rivera
Lee Beavers
70-74
Richard Barber
Kevin Keppel
50 METER DASH MALE:
100 METER DASH FEMALE:
100 METER DASH MALE:
200 METER DASH FEMALE:
200 METER DASH MALE:
400 METER DASH FEMALE:
AGE
FIRST PLACE
70-74
Galina Tucker
60-64
Dan Norris
65-69
David Rivera
80-84
Rick Colgan Debra Menger Mary Lee Bowen
70-74
Galina Tucker
75-79
Joyce Gillooly
85-89
Verna Quintana
90+
Ellen Roberts
Bruce Dutton
50-54
Judy Peters
60-64
Yong Mueller
70-74
Evette Lee
70-74
Jerry Nolan
80-84
Galina Tucker
75-79
Warren Kinzel
85-89
Verna Quintana
80-84
Bruce Dutton
90+
Ellen Roberts
55-59
Rick Matthew
60-64
Richard Sandoval
Franklin Estes
65-69
Lee Beavers
David Rivera
70-74
Richard Barber
75-79
Warren Kinzel
60-64
Yong Mueller
65-69
Evette Lee
Joan Norris
800 METER WALK FEMALE:
Joan Norris
70-74
Galina Tucker Kevin Keppel
60-64
Franklin Estes
Daniel Norris
65-69
Lee Beavers
David Rivera
70-74
Richard Barber Warren Kinzel
60-64
Yong Mueller
65-69
Evette Lee
70-74
Galina Tucker
55-59
Kevin Keppel
60-64
Richard Sandoval
65-69
David Rivera
80-84
Rcik Colgan
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Yong Mueller
Martin Clark
Daniel Poliak
Liz Norris
Yong Mueller Mary Lee Bowen
Dan Norris
70-74
Galina Tucker
William Burns
75-79
Anita Cavin
Liz Norris
Carol Jenkins
quicktemps@hotmail.com
Eric Johnson Martin Clark
75-79
Warren Kinzel
80-84
Bruce Dutton
55-59
Marci Nolan
60-64
Liz Norris
70-74
Bonnie Clark
55-59
Kevin Keppel
65-69
Jay Krabacher
1600 METER WALK FEMALE:
60-64
Liz Norris
65-69
Mary Lee Bowen
70-74
Dorothy Rothwell
55-59
Eric Johnson
Franklin Estes
Liz Norris
55-59 65-69
800 METER RUN MALE:
1600 METER WALK MALE:
Temporary and Permanent Employment Services
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65-69
Evette Lee
Quick Temps, LLC 817 North 1st Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 Phone: 970-241-6007
Eric Johnson Richard Sandoval
65-69
800 METER RUN FEMALE:
Liz Norris
55-59 60-64
60-64
800 METER WALK MALE:
55-59
75-79
Liz Norris
Carole Jenkins
Liz Norris Evette Lee
Warren Kinzel
400 METER WALK MALE:
THIRD PLACE
65-69
75-79
Daniel Poliak
SECOND PLACE
60-64
80-84
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Fax: 970-241-6163
400 METER WALK FEMALE
Martin Clark
TRACK 50 METER DASH FEMALE:
EVENT
OCTOBER 2015
65-69
Martin Clark
75-79
Warren Kinzel
80-84
Ron Peters
1600 METER RUN MALE:
65-69
Jay Krabaher
1600 METER RUN FEMALE:
60-64
Yong Mueller
Save the date for 2016 Senior Games!
August 20-27, 2016 See you next year!
Daniel Poliak
Debra Menger
Galina Tucker
Liz Norris
Debra Menger
OCTOBER 2015
FUN AFTER 50 27
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FUN AFTER 50
Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408
Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS OCTOBER 17 Pumpkins at Dark at Canyon View Park Join us for this free family friendly Halloween celebration from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Canyon View Park.
HEALTH
OCTOBER 23 Facts and Tracks: Eating out? No problem Eating out healthy can feel like an impossible task. Be an informed diner and make this task possible. Then spend the next 30 minutes outside OCTOBER 21 walking on the Riverfront Trail. Class Garden Talk: is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Western Prepare for success next year Colorado Botanical Gardens. Cost is $5. What you do in the fall makes a difference next spring. Learn what steps TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS to take to ensure a successful garden Gentle Active Yoga from a master gardener. Class takes This class is designed for an active place at noon at the Western Colorado beginner and above. Students must be Botanical Gardens. Cost is $5. able to get up and down from the floor unassisted. Class is 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at OCTOBER 22 Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in Deuces and Donuts or $50 for a 10-punch pass. Here’s your chance to win gift cards to local businesses and restaurants. Wake AQUA AEROBICS up Lady Luck at 9 a.m. at the Senior These aerobic classes are for novice to Recreation Center and play blackjack, intermediate individuals. Class is 8:15 poker or spin the wheel. Cost is $5. a.m.-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. OCTOBER 28 Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Trick, Track and Treat Mesa Pool. Cost is $4.25 to drop in or Come join the fun at this track meet for $44 for a 12-punch pass. ghouls of all ages at 5:30 p.m. at Stocker Stadium. Cost is $5. Pay at the gate.
DANCE THURSDAYS Senior dances with live music Dance from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3. MONDAYS Intermediate Line Dance Enjoy the benefits of dance and improve your skills by learning new dances with a little more difficulty. Class is from 1-2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $32 for a 10-punch pass or $4 to drop in.
ART Free public exhibits hosted by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture City Hall: Featuring the young artists from Independence Academy and the City of Grand Junction employees Tiara Rado: Featuring “The Need for Speed” exhibit by local artists at The Rock Clubhouse Two Rivers Convention Center: Aerospace and history exhibit featuring local artists
The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8:00 am–4:00 pm Annual membership is $10.
Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm
Cribbage Cards Computer Classes Gray Gourmet Lunch Card Bingo & Dominoes Singles Pinochle (1st & 3rd Monday)
TUESDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Ladies’ Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta
THURSDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Dominoes 10:00 am Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) 10:30 am Membership Meeting 12:00 pm Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 pm Dance FRIDAY 9:00 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm
Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch Bible Study Bridge Canasta
SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo
To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. $3.50
28 FAITH MOVES
Experience God's love in a traditional setting.
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OCTOBER 2015
Take care of earthly end-of-life issues and start life anew By Jim Witt, First Baptist Church
A
s Christians, we are part of God’s awesome plan that created us, maintains, sustains and entertains us, and promises us eternity in His presence. We work hard to try to follow His plan on a daily basis, communicating with Him through prayer and endeavoring to discern his responses, studying the scriptures, gathering with our sisters and brothers in Christ and following His teachings each and every day. To do this, we need to have our spiritual house in order. Are we taking care of our end-of-life issues appropriately? Hopefully we have been good role models and our family will have also made the decision to become a part of the family of God so that when we leave this earthly life, they will be sad for our absence from their lives, but also glad that we are home. How can we make their grief journey easier for them? My wife Julie and I have both dealt with our parents going home and the many things that have to be done to finish the business of living this earthly life. We have learned a lot along the way and want to make it easier on our children, other family members, loved ones and friends. Even if you have taken care of your soul, you still need to do
other things to finalize your earthly life. You need to decide if you want to be cremated or buried, or if you want to be an organ donor. Have you chosen and paid for your funeral or cremation? Do you have all your legal issues settled? It’s helpful to give your survivors an idea of what you want your service to be like. Do you want a memorial or funeral? Maybe you don’t want anything at all. Do you have favorite scriptures or songs? You need to plan how your earthly possessions are passed on. Do you have a will or some other plan? Have you chosen someone to handle it all? Do you have a power of attorney named? The best way to do these things is to choose a competent attorney familiar with elder law and have them help you. Have you discussed these things with your children? For you who are children, have you talked with your parents? When we leave this earth, we will be smiling, singing, dancing, praising, adoring and worshipping our Creator in His presence. We’ll join those who have gone on before us, but will end up leaving our loved ones and friends behind. By taking care of end-of-life issues and preparing for our own death, we can make their grief journey easier. ■
OCTOBER 2015
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Spellbinders By Jan Weeks
“Once upon a time….” With those four words listeners are transported to a world of magic, mystery and adventure, even in today’s high-tech world. First through fifth graders, as well as some preschoolers and special needs children, in area schools gather around members of Spellbinders as they spin tales of heroes and homespun folks, princes and everyday people. Spellbinders is a national organization dedicated to restoring the art of oral storytelling to connect elders to youth, weaving together the wisdom of diverse cultures throughout time and to foster humanity, community and literacy. For 25 years, members have volunteered to spin stories to anyone willing to listen, but particularly to children. The local chapter was founded in 2004 after Jim Widdows was introduced to the founder at another volunteer meeting. Now there are resident tellers in 15 of the 24 elementary schools in the area. “If you like children and stories Spellbinders may be a good fit for you,” said Ruthmary Allison, a volunteer storyteller since September 2003. “We don’t read the stories but put the book down and just tell it. It is the traditional way of passing on information and a tried and true way of engaging the imagination.” She emphasizes that stories aren’t memorized but “put into memory” so they flow freely and may be told slightly differently each time. Allison loves to watch the magic of story descend on the audience. Some of her favorite stories to tell to kindergarten students are “The Gunniwolf,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” First graders listen to “Thomas’ Snowsuit” and “Nail Soup,” while third graders come under Uncle Remus’s spell when listening to “Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby.” Anderson’s “The Tinderbox”
fascinates fifth graders. Constance Holland, another volunteer spinner of stories, has worked with little kids and middle school kids. “When I go into a classroom, the kids get excited. ‘It’s the story lady!’ they say,” she said. “The eighth graders were pretty blasé at first, but soon they too were saying, ‘It’s the story lady!’” Allison said telling stories is a bit like being the favorite aunt, uncle or grandparent. “We get to have the fun and leave the work to someone else,” she said. “We hope that the youth see value in seniors. I like to be part of something that increases the experience for kids.” She recalled the time a kindergartener stroked her hand as she told a story. “‘You’re old!’ he exclaimed. ‘Yes, I am old!’ I replied.” She hopes that children will learn that it’s okay to be old and that older people are fun to be around. Volunteers are required to have 12 hours of training and a background check. A fee of $65 covers the background check. Members are encouraged to attend monthly workshops to improve skills and celebrate with other tellers the successes they enjoy. Members are encouraged to tell folk tales, fairy tales, myths and legends, and each Spellbinder is sure to have a favorite to share with a new generation. If you’re interested in volunteering with Spellbinders, contact Allison at 243-7303 or Holland at 644-5770. You can also visit www. spellbinders.org. ■
Join Spellbinders for Goofy Golf, Silly Stories & Tall Tales October 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $25 at Banana’s Fun Park RSVP to 462-7067
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For a private consultation to compare what is being advertised by others, please call us at (970) 243-2450, or visit us at 2515 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505 Please visit www.Callahan-Edfast.com to view obituaries, leave messages of condolences and order flowers.
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30 FINANCE
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OCTOBER 2015
Trick or treats over the years By Michael Murphy
R
elying on an IRA today that is invested in stocks is like trickor-treating when we were kids. Just when we had walked up and down dimly lit streets until our recycled grocery bag was nearly full of candy, some big bully with chocolate dribbling down his chin would come up from behind, grab the bag, and empty its contents into his already bulging sack. Then he would run off laughing, leaving us fighting back tears and holding the bag. It’s the same way with the stock market. Things are looking good, then overnight some bully like China or Greece decides to pull some financial shenanigans, sending their economy into a tailspin, causing hyper-investors to pull back, leaving seniors like ourselves holding the bag. Almost makes one pine for those good old days, candy bag bullies or not. At least then one could recover his losses quickly with a little extra legwork. Yet, even if there was still time to head back out and hit as many homes as possible before the porch lights all went out, a guy’s candy still wasn’t safe after returning home where my brothers and I would anxiously dump out our bags’ contents to get a better look at the night’s bounty. Next step was to split up the candy into different piles based on quality. Anything the least bit healthy looking was relegated to the “do not eat” group, whereas full-sized candy bars were neatly stacked in a place of honor. Of course, due to the fact that our mother lode of sugar was now fully exposed and vulnerable to attack, constant vigilance was necessary to protect the goods from devious brothers who could lock onto the location of a Hershey’s almond bar
with a radar-like natural instinct. Just turning one’s head for a second could result in an attempted candy coup and major outbreak of a battle royal. I eventually had to grow out of the trick-or-treating age, become an adult, get married and start handing out candy myself. They say it’s better to give than to receive, but in this case I’m not so sure. Once we had children of our own, the Halloween “fun” resumed. We made a classic mistake with our first child of allowing him to overindulge and eat way too much candy before we made him turn in for the night. He was so wound up that we feared his bed would bounce out the door and down the street like some moonlit phantom. When our three boys got old enough, we would sometimes host a Halloween party for their friends. One advantage to having three messy little boys was that we could provide a scary looking house of horrors without changing a thing. It was the normal state. In fact, our oldest boy’s room was such a mess that even when his pet hamster’s door was accidentally left open and it could escape if it so desired, it chose to stay in the safety of its cage. At the parties, the kids played the usual Halloween games, although one year I goofed and had the kids bobbing for watermelons, which led to some near disastrous results. All the boys are grown and on their own now, so my wife and I stay home and give treats to neighborhood kids. Again, like the stock market, we’ve discovered that if we invest big in candy bars, the bigger the dividends returned in smiles even masks can’t hide. ■
OCTOBER 2015
What to do if someone files a false tax return in your name By Jason Alderman
I
SENIOR SCAMS 31
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dentity theft is one of the fastest-growing fraud issues at the IRS. Online thieves have been capturing Social Security numbers and other tax filing data to file fraudulent returns to steal refunds. Just this past tax season, TurboTax had to stop transmitting state tax returns and introduce new safeguards after a run of suspicious returns. The U.S. Treasury Department reported slightly over 2.9 million incidents of tax-related identity theft in 2013. As to dollar loss, in January, the General Accounting Office said the IRS had prevented an estimated $24.2 billion in fraudulent identity theft tax refunds in 2013, but actually paid $5.8 billion in refunds later determined to be fraudulent. In terms of damage, tax identity theft is really no different than any other form of identity theft. Thieves illegally obtain your Social Security number through online or other resources and then go to work on your finances and reputation. The first you’ll see of it will be on your credit report in the form of unfamiliar and likely unpaid accounts or unusual credit inquiries from employers or agencies you’ve never contacted. Hearing about a false tax return might take time. Many taxpayers find out they’ve been hacked via a physical letter from the U.S. Postal Service (the IRS never sends taxpayer-specific correspondence via email) indicating that a duplicate return has been filed in the taxpayer’s name. That means a significant amount of time might have passed between the hack and the taxpayer learning about the problem. Electronic filers might find out sooner because their return might bounce if a fraudulent one was successfully filed earlier.
Recent reports quote the IRS as saying it tries to settle such cases within four to six months, but news reports have indicated wait times might be longer. This is why anyone dealing with identity theft needs to move fast and be actively involved in containing the damage. Advertised services that say they can handle everything probably won’t. You’ll need to investigate and clean up your own records.If you’ve been hit, first go to the identity theft action pages on both the Federal Trade Commission and the IRS websites. Start with the following steps: • Order your current credit reports and set a fraud alert on each at the three major consumer credit rating agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Follow up to make sure those alerts are active. • Set up a file where you can organize, date and file all contacts, communications and paperwork associated with your case and keep track of any fraudulent transactions. • Create an identity theft report with the FTC and your local police department. • Make a call list for all creditors, banks, investment companies, utilities and your employer to let them know about the breach. If you work with qualified financial and tax experts, inform them, too. If you’ve spotted fraudulent accounts, contact those entities to freeze them. If you’ve never experienced this type of identity theft, don’t take your luck for granted. Even if you file your taxes by regular mail, make sure you set up your own personal IRS e-services account, because reports have surfaced that identity thieves are opening false accounts with stolen taxpayer data. Finally, schedule receipt throughout the year of your three credit reports, which you can receive free once a year. ■
Worry Less & Live More Identity theft is the fastest growing crime. Come to a FREE SEMINAR and learn how you can help protect yourself from being a victim. Your local Legal Shield representative will be having three, free seminars this month at:
October 17th - 9:00 AM
(Free Coffee & Donuts) Call Kathy Sheagley to RSVP at 216-6922 2474 Patterson Road
32 ANTIQUES
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st or y From your store to our
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to Heirlooms today. Heirlooms welcomes home furnishings, clothing, shoes, jewelry, antiques and kitchen accessories. We honor the generosity of our donors – your treasures become our Heirlooms.
635 Main Street, Grand Junction • (970) 254-8556 435 E. Main Street, Montrose • (970) 252-3648 521 Main Street, Delta • (970) 874-5251 Monday – Saturday • 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. HeirloomsforHospice.com
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OCTOBER 2015
5 tips for buying collectibles Antiques, By Terri Benson By Terri Benson ave you been bit by the collecting bug? Want to add to a small collection of figurines you were given years ago? Did you see something that triggers a happy memory? If you want to start collecting and don’t want to waste your money, here are a few things you need to consider.
H
1) Buy from reputable sellers, as there are a lot of reproductions out there. Research the value of the collectibles. Price guides, such as “Kovels,” are available at the library and bookstores. You can also reference websites such as collectibles.about.com, crawforddirect. com, antiques.lovetoknow.com and ebay.com/gds to determine the value of an antique. If you don’t do your research, you might pay more for an item than it’s worth, or you may end up with a reproduction of little value. 2) Get up close and personal. There are many online businesses selling collectibles, but it might be good to check out local sellers. Rita London operates Treasures From the Past, located at 2923 North Ave., and leases space to nine vendors. London sells her own inventory at the store as well, occupying about 50 percent of the space. For the best experience, London said, “Look for stores that are neat and clean and have nice, wide aisles.” She recommends that if you see something you like, but don’t like the price, ask if there is room to negotiate. You won’t find anything newer than 1976 at London’s store unless it’s unique. She doesn’t take items on consignment. 3) Go to estate auctions, such as those put on by Great American Estate Sales, which founder Becky Brown recently turned over to her daughter, Amy Carlton. They conduct on-site auctions all over Colorado and as far west as Moab. Referrals to the business come mainly
from lawyers, bankers, realtors and senior services. They have a reputation for honesty and integrity, which they’ve earned by returning $26,000 they found in a shoebox at one estate, and a huge diamond stuffed in a shoe at another one. They don’t allow any early sales, know real collectibles from reproductions, and restrict staff from buying. Brown’s best piece of advice to sellers is no regrets. “Don’t sell anything you might wish you had back later,” she said. Customers range from a couple in their 70s who just bought a pair of Harleys to travel, a woman whose will said to call Brown when the time came, and collectors she’s worked with for years who eventually liquidate their collection so their children don’t have to deal with it. Brown says today’s buyers are frequently people looking for items to decorate their houses, not dealers. HGTV has created new buyers, but they’re more likely to paint an antique sideboard country blue than to keep it in its original condition. 4) There’s always the tried and true garage sale. If you like the thrill of finding something of value for next to nothing, this might be your best bet. Read the newspaper ads, then plan a route to the ones that appeal to you. Or play it by ear and stop whenever you see a sign. If you buy on impulse, you might end up with a reproduction, which might be okay—as long as you like it. If you want to get a true collectible, do research in advance or carry reference materials with you. 5) Cash talks…loudly. If you have cold, hard cash in hand and are ready to purchase an item, you’re more likely to make a deal. ■
OCTOBER 2015
White cane: a symbol for the blind, visually impaired By Jan Weeks
T
33
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he fear of being blind troubles many people, yet those who are blind or partially sighted don’t pity themselves and they don’t want the pity of others. National White Cane Day, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and celebrated on October 15, commemorates the independence, achievements and positive contributions of vision impaired and blind people. It is meant to increase awareness of the white cane and what it signifies for those individuals who use them. For millennia, canes, or staffs, were used by visually impaired people to detect obstacles in their way as they traveled. It was not until the 20th century, between World War I and II, that the cane became a marker to alert sighted people to those who had lost their sight. In 1921, artist James Biggs of Bristol, England lost his vision. The increase in motor vehicle traffic made him feel unsafe so he decided to paint his cane white to make himself more visible to motorists. In 1931, Guilly d’Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France, and that movement was quickly taken up by Great Britain. In May 1931, the BBC suggested over the airwaves that white canes be distributed to blind folks and be recognized as a symbol of blindness. The Lions Club International was instrumental in bringing the use of the white cane to the attention of Americans. Lorraine Hutcheson, a teacher of the visually impaired and certified orientation and mobility instructor, works for the Department of Human Service’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Grand Junction. “The white cane is an important tool for the visually impaired user,”
she said. “It indicates low vision but not necessarily total blindness.” She stressed that drivers and pedestrians alike be vigilant to those using the cane when crossing a road, whether the cane is used for guidance or support. Canes aren’t the only aid for low-vision people. Guide dogs are common; less common are GPS and maps that talk to guide the blind person. Researchers in Mexico have developed glasses that combine ultrasound, GPS, two frame-mounted cameras, and artificial intelligence to help the visually impaired navigate their environment. The glasses work in tandem with a tablet device that talks to the user. Expected to be available next year, they will cost well over $1,000. Hutcheson works with people from age 18 to those in their 80s. Some have been blind since birth; others have lost sight due to macular degeneration or other diseases. Those clients who seek out Vocational Rehabilitation are generally eager to learn new skills to assist them in living full lives. “Services may include travel skills instruction, independent homemaking skills, training, career and job planning, educational opportunities, and equipment,” Hutcheson said. She also emphasized that when dealing with the visually impaired, “One needs to remember person first, disability second.” Don’t assume that because someone is blind and using a white cane that he or she is lost or confused. Ask if you may help before jumping in to assist. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is located at 222 S. Sixth St., Suite 215, in Grand Junction. For more information contact Hutcheson at 248-7103. ■
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HOME Need
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The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program could help YOU stay in YOUR HOME longer. Call to see how we can help you age in place. Eligible homeowners now have access to low interest-rate loans. Payments are customized for the homeowner through the non-profit, Housing Resources, and are based upon the clients ability to pay. • Our staff secures the bids.
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The program is designed to finance essential repairs to improve health, safety, energy conservation, structural deficiencies, and modifications such as:
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OCTOBER 2015
Guys’ Giving Club: SERVICE LIKE IT OUGHT TO BE!
Specializing in light weight, small trailers.
men making a difference By Melanie Wiseman
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Museums of Western Colorado
Friday, October 16
9:00 am Shotgun Start Adobe Creek National Golf Course Cost per Old Fossil: $100 Team of 4: $400 Hole Sponsorship: $120
Major Support Provided By:
For information and to register, contact: Family Health West - 970.858.2112 or Museums of Western Colorado - 970.250.0081 Register online... www.museumofwesternco.org the Museums of Western Colorado Thank you for your support!
Media Sponsor: Additional Support Provided By: Delta Disaster Services of Western Colorado HopeWest Mesa West Real Estate Contest Sponsors: Cerner Corporation and Grand Junction Subaru
www.museumofwesternco.org • 970.242.0971
FALL DAY on the FARM Saturday, October 24 9 am – 3 pm
Cross Orchards Historic Site 3073 F Road, Grand Junction
$5/Adults; $4/Seniors; $3.50/Kids (3-12); $15/Family groups Free to members
xciting news is out on the street. Men from all walks of life in Mesa County are giving away lots of money. Thousands of dollars are going to local nonprofits from the philanthropic and networking group called the Guys’ Giving Club. Following the inaugural August 2014 meeting of the women-only organization called the Giving Club, the passion and rapid growth that followed left men in the valley enamored with the idea and wanting to know how they could lend their support. “Illene Roggensack, who founded the Giving Club, suggested the guys start their own group,” Mike Baker, 62, said. “Some of the men are real competitive and want to have more members than the ladies.” The men have a lot of catching up to do, as the original women’s club has about 160 members to date. “It’s a great idea, easy enough to put together and we want them to be successful,” Roggensack said. “The women’s group has grown quickly, and if we’re going to be
the lead dog they’re chasing, that’s great.” In their first year, the women’s Giving Club presented four nonprofits with more than $45,000. The Guys’ Giving Club held their first meeting on August 4 with 28 members present. Eight more men joined after the meeting. “I’d like to see 50 at our November 4 meeting, then 100 in February,” Todd Young, 49, said. “We’re talking some significant dollars. We want to emulate the success of the women.” The premise is simple yet intriguing. Once each quarter, men meet at the Springhill Suites in downtown Grand Junction from 5:15 p.m.-7 p.m. for networking, beverages and food. The highlight of the evening is when members nominate local nonprofits to potentially receive that meeting’s total pledges—which is $100 per member. The names of three organizations are randomly drawn and each organization’s respective nominator gives an enthusiastic endorsement. Members vote and one charitable group is given the donation pot.
OCTOBER 2015
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The 28 members that attended August’s meeting awarded the Grand Mesa Nordic Council with $2,800. More club members equates to larger donations. No administration costs means that 100 percent of the donation pledges go to the nonprofits. An annual $100 hospitality fee covers food, beverages and banking services. Fred Jones, 64, said the Guys’ Giving Club is great for people who want to get involved in the community but have limited time. “I like the ease of the whole thing and being able to nominate nonprofits close to your heart,” Jones said. Young, who gives to United Way, said the club allows him to give to four additional deserving nonprofits each year. “I was excited to write a check to the Nordic Council, even though I’m not a cross-country skier,” he said. “In my opinion, the Guys’ Giving Club gives everyone the opportunity to give just a little, knowing that combined with others it makes a big impact. My idea is for this to
focus on people
our residents
their lives
their families
Guys’ Giving Club member Kevin VanGundy presents the club’s donation to Clint Roberts with the Grand Mesa Nordic Council. Back, from left: Lew Kirkegaard and daughter, Fred Jones, Susie Kiger, Mike Baker, Tom Ella and Chuck Bodie.
be open to all, as I believe most everyone in the Grand Valley can afford to help us make a difference.” All men are invited to the next meeting from 5:15 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 4 at the Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. in Grand Junction. No formal invitation is needed. Pledges are tax deductible. ■ To get involved or to learn more about the Guys’ Giving Club, call Kevin VanGundy at 243-8829 or email GuysGivingClub@gmail.com.
CALL FOR A 75-DAY TRIAL 970.464.3062 Dr. Ryan Crawford
Grand Junction
120 W Park Dr, Ste 111 We Help People Hear Better
www.HearingRehabCenter.com
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OCTOBER 2015
Bird watching vs.
football watching By Don Rizzo
I
remember last year, as another football season approached, I happily prepared to settle in front of the TV. I was relishing countless hours watching superhuman behemoths violently collide amidst the exquisite ballet of a perfect spiral sailing 40 yards and coming gently to rest precisely on the fingertips of a sprinting speed demon. But unfortunately, in the middle of all this ecstasy, a depressing thought seeped into my head. The thought was: If you do the same things over and over year after year, no longer learning and
growing, you might as well be dead. Was I really prepared to spend the next several months in a state of semi-consciousness as one game blended into the next? Don’t get me wrong; I love football. It’s a harmless way to channel destructive testosterone surges into an outlet slightly less controversial than punching people who disagree with you. But enough is enough. From 5-year-olds decked out in so much protective armor they can hardly move to 45-year-olds on the disabled list that still make $30 million a year, there’s enough football in this country to send the Ameri-
can Orthopedic Association into a state of permanent ecstasy. So once that nasty thought was implanted, I knew there’d be no football for me that season. I needed to grow and find something intellectually stimulating. I pondered my dilemma and kept coming up empty. Take a course? Too old. Run a marathon? Too lazy. Play an instrument? Too talentless. Then I happened to glance out the window. There, sitting on a shrub, was a bird. I had no idea what kind of bird it was, but it was obviously a messenger. I could see the contemptuous look in its eyes.
“You pathetic couch potato,” it said. “I fly, I explore and I travel thousands of miles on my own gas. What do you do?” An idea struck like a linebacker in an all-out blitz. I’d find out about the life of that bird. In fact, I’d become a birdwatcher! This seemed like a relatively simple, safe and inexpensive hobby that would get me out of the house and focused on something more intellectually challenging than Denver’s defense. How complicated could this be? Grab a handy pair of binoculars, a bird book and hit the backyard, right? Wrong. Technology has
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rained down a torrent of incomprehensible jargon into the trees. Here’s the introduction to a research paper on state-of-the art birding: “In this paper we develop a mobile scaffolding-aid-based bird-watching system, which aims to construct an outdoor mobility-learning activity using up-to-date wireless technology. The proposed Bird-Watching Learning (BWL) System is designed on the wireless mobile ad-hoc network. In the BWL system, each learner’s device has a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) with Wi-Fi (IEEE 802,1lb) card, with a WLAN environment.” Okay, so I have to keep up with 21st century progress. At least it’s safer than auto racing or rock climbing, right? Wrong. Here are some random catastrophes that have befallen birdwatchers. Phoebe Snetsinger turned bird watching into her passion after being told she had an incurable cancer. She traveled the world and held the record for most bird sightings (8,400) before dying in a road accident in Madagascar. In March 2008, three bird researchers and their pilot died in a plane crash in Florida as they flew low over the Everglades to study wading birds. Noted birdwatcher Ted Parker, known for his unique ability to identify
thousands of species of birds by sound alone, died in a plane crash in Ecuador. Madagascar? Ecuador? I had Canyon View Park in mind as the farthest reaches of my bird-watching quest. So, it ain’t simple and it ain’t safe. I thought it would at least be cheap. But not if you have to travel all over the world! I Googled a birdwatching excursion. Here’s one: 14 days in Quito into the wet forests of northwest Ecuador. $2,490 per person. Per person? I have a wife! Hmmm, over $5,000 bucks? And that’s not including incidentals, such as mass quantities of alcohol to quell the boredom in the rain forest waiting for a bird sighting. And top-of-the-line Zeiss binoculars will run me about $1,950. And if I get serious and want a scope it will be another $1,000 or so. Well, there I was, about to embark on an exciting, inexpensive, simple, safe hobby. Why then was I so depressed? I started looking at the fall football schedule to see what I’d be missing. Turns out there’s quite a few must-sees. As I delved farther into the schedule, fewer dates were open for birdwatching. Think of the money I’d be saving. Oh well, maybe next year. ■
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OCTOBER 2015
Mesa County Calendar OCTOBER 3 Animal Care Fair The Animal Care Fair takes place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway. This event is free and will feature pet adoptions, low-cost vaccinations for dogs ($5, cash only), displays by numerous animal rescue groups, pet services and retailers, educational sessions and more. For more information, call 245-9606. OCTOBER 5 Air quality issues public forum Citizens for Clean Air hosts a free public forum on air quality in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Mesa County from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 563 Ouray Ave. This will be an interactive session with the audience, who will hear speakers present on trash burning in Mesa County; a low-cost, citizen-science air quality monitoring project currently underway; and Deer Creek’s oil and gas wastewater pits. For details, call 201-1069. OCTOBER 5 “Sentimental Journey” bomber plane visits Grand Junction The Commemorative Air Force Airbase is flying the B-17G WWII Bomber “Sen-
timental Journey” into Grand Junction Regional Airport, due to arrive at noon. It will be on display from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from October 6-10 for the public to tour and to talk with volunteers about the unique role the aircraft served for our country. “Sentimental Journey” will also be part of the Grand Junction Air Show. To arrange a flight, call 602-4489415.
OCTOBER 7 Are you new to Medicare? The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) will take you on a journey through the basics of Medicare in a free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon at RSVP’s office in the lower level of the US Bank Building. The seminar is designed to help new Medicare beneficiaries understand health options. Seating is limited. Call 243-9839 to reserve your spot. OCTOBER 10 Amtrak Train Days celebration All aboard Grand Junction to celebrate Amtrak Train Days. The Amtrak Exhibit Train is pulling into the Grand Junction Station and will be there from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Enjoy a free self-guided tour and activities. For details, visit www. amtrak.com/exhibit-train
A MAN WITH NOTHING HAS EVERYTHING TO PROVE.
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OCTOBER 2015
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OCTOBER 10 Empty Bowls fundraiser The Friends of Catholic Outreach’s 20th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, benefiting Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, will be from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 245 S. First St. in Grand Junction. Tickets are $25 and available at City Market. With your ticket, you receive an original artisan pottery bowl, which you can fill with gourmet soups, accompanied by bread, a beverage and dessert. Proceeds go to feed the hungry people who utilize the Soup Kitchen. For more information, call 241-3658. OCTOBER 12-18 70,000 Step Challenge Crossroads Fitness hosts this fun and rewarding challenge to encourage Grand Valley participants to walk 70,000 steps in seven days in hopes of reaching a collective community goal of 25 million steps. Registering is easy and anyone can join. Register at either Crossroads Fitness location or online at www.crossroadsfitness.com. Each participant will receive a packet with a pedometer to track steps, challenge T-shirt, fitness pass, list of walking events and seminars, and helpful tips. Each participant who completes the challenge will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Cost is $10 for Crossroads Fitness members and $20 for nonmembers. OCTOBER 14 Wills, trusts and powers of attorney This free workshop covers the differences between will and trust estate plans as well as in-depth information about how to protect your assets, heirs, special needs children and pets through specialized trusts. Also learn how to incorporate advance directives into your estate plan. Class takes place from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC. Registration is required. Call 243-8250 or visit www. brownandbrownpc.com OCTOBER 14-17 Friends of the Libraries Book Sale The book sale will be at the First
Congregational Church, 1425 N. Fifth St. in Grand Junction. A special early bird sale will be from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. October 14. Cost is $10 at the door for nonmembers of Friends of the Library and free for members. The public sale will be 9 a.m.-7 p.m. October 15 & 16. The clearance sale will be 9 a.m.1 p.m. October 17, where remaining books will be sold for $3 per bag or $7 per box. For details or to volunteer, call 201-0868.
OCTOBER 19 Tribute to Neil Diamond Featuring Denny Diamond and his sons, this performance features the music of Neil Diamond and will also include a few tunes from other vocalists of the era. Show begins at 7:30 p.m at Grand Junction High School auditorium. Adults are $25. Call 243-1979 to purchase tickets. OCTOBER 23 AARP Driver Safety Course The Fruita Community Center will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 324 N. Coulson St. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 549-0440. OCTOBER 31 Canine Spooktacular Dress up your pets in their best Halloween attire and enter them (and yourself) into this costume contest for dogs and their people at the Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave. There will also be food, prizes and a silent auction from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $5 per dog. Humans get in with any donation to CFI. For details, call 241-0315. OCTOBER 31 Community Contra Dance Come with or without a partner to La Puerta Ballroom, 523 1/2 Main St. in Grand Junction (upstairs). All ages welcome. A beginner’s walkthrough is at 7 p.m. and the dance is from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Adults are $8. Enjoy music by Don Paine and Connie Smith. For details, call 260-5852. ■
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OCTOBER 2015 Activity Schedule
“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!” Calling all singles over 55! Come meet new friends and join us at 5 p.m. Fridays at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests. Tuesdays at 9 a.m. – Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details. Wednesdays at 5 p.m. – Dine out at the following locations every week. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details. • October 7 - Blue Moon Bar & Grill • October 14 - Mi Mexico • October 21 - Texas Roadhouse • October 28 - Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Sundays at 12:30 p.m. – Bowling Sunday and card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462. Saturday, October 3 at 5 p.m. – Oktoberfest Potluck. RSVP to Bob at 433-7867. Saturday, October 4 at noon – Enjoy billiards, games of pool and lunch at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Call Mary at 255-7370. Thursday, October 8 at 11:30 a.m. – The Fun Lunch Bunch meets for lunch at Enzo’s, 759 Horizon Drive. RSVP to Penny at 712-2588. Thursday, October 22 at 4:30 p.m. – Tour the KREX News Channel 5 station. RSVP to Penny at 712-2588. Saturday, October 31 at 5 p.m. – Halloween party. RSVP to Judie at 639-2197.
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Mesa County Beacon Bits Sing with the Sweet Adelines Christmas Chorus The Grand Mesa Chorus of Sweet Adelines International invites women who love to sing to take part in its Christmas chorus. Rehearsals begin October 13. Participants will have the opportunity to perform with Grand Mesa Chorus during the holiday season and in the Christmas concert on December 12 at the Colorado Mesa University. Rehearsals are from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. every Tuesday at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way in Grand Junction. For details, call 858-4839 or 523-3464.
Friends of the Libraries seeks donations for October sale The Friends of the Mesa County Libraries are accepting donations of gently read books for their upcoming book sale on October 14-17. All genres of books, as well as CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes, are appreciated. Donations may be placed in the Friends Book Depository located at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N. Fifth St. across from Grand Junction High School. For details or to volunteer at the sale, call 201-0868.
OCTOBER 2015
Explorer’s Bible Study This group of women will meet from 9:30 a.m.-11:15 p.m. every Wednesday at Redlands Community Church, 2327 Broadway in Grand Junction. Explorer’s is open to all women. Childcare is provided. For more information, call 257-7726.
tions go directly toward the purchase of hearing aids for a senior citizen in Colorado, some of whom have been waiting years to hear better. Recipients will be fitted on October 24. For more information or to make a donation visit www.hearingrehab center.com.
Help provide better hearing for a senior Hearing Rehab Center has committed to fitting at least 100 low-income senior citizens with free hearing aids and lifetime follow-up care as part of national Make A Difference Day. Last year, HRC fitted 100 seniors in one day and is looking to meet or beat that number again this year. Dona-
Writing Workshops All classes presented by Jan Weeks and take place at Western Colorado Community College, 2508 Blichmann Ave. in Grand Junction. For details, call 255-6679, or to register call 255-2800 or visit wccc.coloradomesa.edu/cec • October 6: Evil Editor Tells All! Learn what makes editors reject a manuscript and how to avoid those mistakes. Cost is $39. Class is 6 p.m.8 p.m. • October 20: How to Write for Magazines. Learn to craft strong query letters, write to a print or online publication’s specifications, keep records and handle rejection. Cost is $49. Class is 6 p.m.-9 p.m. • October 22: Show, Don’t Tell: How Do They Do That? This interactive session shows you how to create strong settings and characters, write riveting scenes, and create realistic dialogue. Cost is $49. Class is 6 p.m.-9 p.m. • October 31: How to Submit Your Manuscript. Learn how to write and format query letters and synopses and how to format your manuscript. Cost is $39. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See World-Class Entertainment at Regal Cinemas See renowned operas and ballets in HD right here at Regal Cinemas, 648 Market St. in Grand Junction. For more information, visit www.fathom events.com. • October 3 - “Il Trovatore” opera at 10:55 a.m., encore at 6:30 p.m. October 7. Cost is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. • October 11 - “Giselle” ballet at 12:55 p.m. Cost is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors. • October 17 - “Otello” opera at 10:55, encore at 6:30 p.m. October 21. Cost is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors.
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• October 22 - “American Dance” at 7 p.m. Cost is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors. • October 31 - “Tannhauser” opera at 10 a.m., encore at 6:30 p.m. November 4. Cost is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. Fruita Fall Speaker Series Fruita Community Center and Family Health West offers this free speaker series from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays through December 15 at the Fruita Community Center. There will be Q&A opportunities. Preregister by calling 858-0360. • October 6: “Fantastic fermented foods and gut health” by Paula Roelands • October 13: “Reflexology for fun and relaxation” by Carolyn Lampshire • October 20: “Dry needling by physical therapists: How to get relief from neuromuscular conditions” by Ellen Mead Support groups • Mending Hearts Support Group is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Fruita group meets at the Fruita Civic Center. Call 248-8844. • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and for adults who have a mental illness diagnosis. Groups meet at various times in Mesa County. Call 462-3989. The Fruita Group is for family members and meets monthly from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at Family Health West Nursing Home, 228 N. Cherry St. • Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315. • Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The group meets monthly at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Call 434-3822.
• MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 298-2351 for details. • MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly on the third Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Artful Cup. Call 2418975.
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• MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Wednesdays at The Egg & I. Call 2418975. Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839.
Call for information, reservations, and to receive a free newsletter. Payment plans available...call for details Margaret Krabbe
P.O. Box 2142 • Montrose, CO 81402 Specializing in Escorted Local, National & International Senior Group Travel!
• St. Mary’s Foster Grandparents seeks volunteers to work with children in Mesa County and Delta County schools. Volunteers mentor kids in classrooms under supervision of a certified teacher. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a non-taxable hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, annual wellness exam and other great benefits. Call Tanya at 298-9091.
240-3020
Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net
WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER BRANDON S. BERGUIN D.D.S. AND ASSOCIATES 514 28 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81501
• HopeWest seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. Volunteering can be as simple as one hour a month. Call 623-8816 for details. • Operation Interdependence invites you to write notes for deployed troops around the world. They are also in need of Slim Jims, beef jerky, gum, snack bars, Chapstick, toothbrushes, etc. Call 523-4217 for dropoff location.
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• American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to treatment appointments. Call 800-227-2345. • Grand Valley Pets Alive reduces pet overpopulation by funding spay/ neuter of cats and dogs. Members meet monthly at 4:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway. Volunteers welcome. Call 256-1851. ■
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H er e WE G ROW !
(again)
NOVEMBER 2014 •
• 2014 Holiday events you don’t want to miss
page 6 & 12
Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team
Your Guide to a Happy Holiday
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Vol. 28 No. 11
Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 34,020 Readers.
Celebrate the holidays with gift-giving ideas galore from our area’s finest merchants.
Healing with Art The Veterans’ Art Center is a place where veterans can heal their emotional wounds through music and art. Page 6. Elks’ Lodge It was no easy task establishing a lodge in both Delta and Montrose, but perseverance and creativity prevailed. Page 20. Museum honors Ute heritage The Ute Indian Museum helps share the stories and livelihoods of the native Utes. Page 30.
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OCTOBER 2015
Mesa County Club Activities Compiled by Liesl Greathouse • Thunder Mountain Camera Club will meet from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. October 27 at Western Colorado Community College, Building B, room 171. Visit www.thundermountaincameraclub.org. • Great Old Broads for Wilderness will meet from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. October 26 at the Universal Unitarian Church, 536 Ouray Ave. Call 255-9900. • Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the second Thursday at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org. • Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit www. gjcoinshow.com. • Two River Sams, Good Sam RV Club, meets at noon on October 17. For location, call 523-5625. • Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388. • Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670. • Happy Feet Rounds offers basic choreographed ballroom dancing at 5 p.m. (beginners) and 6:30 p.m. (intermediate) Sundays at the Masonic Center, and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays (phase
3 and 4 dancers). Call 243-5858. • Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. • Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632. • Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B in Grand Junction. Call 243-3598 or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org. • Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312. • Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874. • Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751. • Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome. Call 434-0868. • Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at 7:10 a.m. Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 242-4863. • Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays at the Business Incubator Center. Call 250-3969.
• Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly at the Egg and I for breakfast on the first Thursdays. Call 858-3907 for time and details. • High Desert Diamonds is a plus-level square dance club that dances from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Masonic Center. Call 241-7457. • Cribbage Lite meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at IHOP. Call 270-2433. • Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway hosts a Torsk and Kjottbolle (baked cod and Norwegian meatball) dinner at 2 p.m. October 11 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road. Cost is $8. Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org. • Art Quilt Association meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Grand Junction. Locations vary, but are posted at www. theartquiltassociation.com. • Colorado Archaeological Society will hold a presentation on the archaeology of the Ute Indians and their final years at 7 p.m. October 20 at the Grand Junction City Hall Auditorium, 250 N. Fifth St. For details, email CASGJinfo@gmail.com. • Knitting Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at the central library branch. Yarn, needles, hooks and looms are available if needed. All ages and skill levels welcome. Call 623-1455. • Western Slope Nonsmoking Singles meet several times each month and enjoy a variety of activities. Call 434-3690. ■
OCTOBER 2015
CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43
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Crossword Puzzle
Across 1 Typical reply to “Que pasa?” 5 Tall spars 10 Totalizes 14 Guinness of stage 15 Brass or bronze, e.g. 16 Passion 17 What a contested will might do? 19 Recital of events 20 Shakespearean stage device 21 Drenched in sauce 23 Three, in Milan 25 Per capita 26 James Cameron film 29 Engine parts 31 Mil. branch 34 Affirmative moves 35 Fencing ploy 37 Sergeant or corporal 38 “Jefferson in Paris” star 40 Deep matter? 41 Sacrificial stone 43 ___ as directed 44 Does 65, rather than 55 47 Grown grigs 48 “Mal de ___” 49 Wee ones 50 Legally binding command 52 German border river 54 Lobby or novel ending 55 A cast of ___ 60 Cum laude start 64 Hindquarters 65 Will Rogers? 67 Wheelhouse direction 68 One starting a roast? 69 One of the Muppets 70 It’s in back of your house 71 Blows one’s horn 72 Line of stitches Down 1 Out-of-this-world org.? 2 Yodeler’s range? 3 Hero’s hangout 4 Crucial trial 5 ___-jongg 6 Hearty libations 7 Like a long shot’s chances 8 Matador’s foe 9 Buddy, binary and block 10 Empire conquered by Cort’ 11 One seeking Mr. Right? 12 Earnhart of NASCAR
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VENDORS WANTED *CALL FOR VENDORS* Orchard Mesa Baptist Church Annual CRAFT FAIR! Nov. 14th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ONLY $25 per booth! Call Melissa at 234-9808 to reserve. 2748 B 1/2 Road.
HELP WANTED WENDY’S NOW HIRING! Shift supervisors and crew members. We are looking for smiling faces and positive attitudes. We offer competitive pay, discounts and a great working environment. Full-time and part-time employment available. Please apply at your nearest location in Grand Junction. DENTAL ASSISTANT Chairside assistant, instrument sterilization and tray setup. Part-time position Fruita, CO. Private Practice Dentist. Mature, caring individual to work with senior citizens. Email resume to dentalhome2@gmail.com or FAX to 256-9467. RETIRED/NEED EXTRA INCOME? Part-time medical delivery position available. Shift starts at 2:45 a.m. Good driving record and ability to drive manual transmission. Flexibility and dependability essential. Call for details 254-2897.
sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com
city ........................................................... state ..................zip ............................. telephone number ....................................................................
QUESTIONS? Call us M-TH, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
CLASSES Free Meditation Class Introduction to KRIYA Meditation – Ancient teaching from KRIYA traditions. Tuesday nights. 7 p.m., YOGA West, 1025 Main St. Call 523-5685.
OCTOBER 2015
HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.
Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers. Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs. Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833
www.pascosw.com
HOME SERVICES COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEANING By KayDee the Cleaning Lady. Dependable, Efficient & Insured. Please call for References! KayDee at 970-623-4722 (cell) or 970-2411270 (office). PO Box 394, Grand Junction, CO 81502. HOUSE CLEANING & MORE! Safe and secure small animal pet sitting. Your home – Grand Junction/Clifton area. Call for current openings. References available. Discounts for seniors. Call Benni at 241-2611. SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264. PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE Professional Cleaning Service in Fruita. Licensed, insured and local reference available. Fast, efficient and reliable. $25 an hour. Call Donna at 518-728-7410 at Practical Magic Cleaning. ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Up to two FREE Grab bars with purchase of Walk-in Tub or Showers. Licensed plumber/handyman. Serving Western Colorado since 1989. Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403.
OCTOBER 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 45
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048. RELIABLE ESTATE SALES Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net. TREE SERVICE Get ready for winter. Tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding. FREE hauling, boom truck to 85 feet, FREE estimates. Licensed and insured. Chris 260-0222. SKILLED HANDYMAN SERVICES Fast, reliable handyman services available. No job too big or too small. We are licensed and insured and have over 35 years’ experience. We are ADA (Special Needs), CAPS (Aging in Place) and NHBA (National Home Builders Association) certified to meet your individual needs. All services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and misc. services. Western Interior Builders, LLC. Call 241-2029 for appointment.
WANTED TO BUY CASH PAID FOR OLD STUFF Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff. net. Mark 260-2327. USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, Romance, Mysteries, Suspense, Kids, Young Adult, Inspirational, and many others. Large print. Special orders. 242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**
FOR SALE NEED A MIRACLE EXPECT A MIRACLE Search Carefully www.longevity101.org
HUNTING PHEASANT HUNTING! OPEN NOW! www.BrokenSpokeGameRanch. com. 241-3949.
GENEALOGY
HANDYMAN & FLOORING SERVICES If you and your Honey need aid to get your list of to-do’s done, call for a good job and a fair rate. 25 + years experience, licensed & insured.
Troy De Julio
970-986-9095
ORPHAN TRAIN Were you or do you have an ancestor who was an Orphan Train/Children’s Aid Society child? Can we meet for coffee? I would like to hear your stories. Please call 260-2375 or email me at orphantrainstory@gmail.com.
NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS OCTOBER 2015 AUTO’S WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330 GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today. Any Condition. Call 1-800-864-5796 or www.carbuyguy.com EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train at home to process Medical Billing & Insurance! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at Bryan University! HS Diploma/GED & Computer/Internet needed. 1-888-734-6711 HEALTH **SUMMER SPECIAL** VIAGRA 40x (100 mg) +16 “Double Bonus” PILLS for ONLY $119.00. NO PRESCRIPTION Needed! VISA payment required. 1-888386-8074 www.newhealthyman.com Satisfaction Guaranteed!! HEALTH/MEDICAL ED MEDICATION Only 1.80 Per Pill, And The Best Part, The More You Buy, The Lower The Price! Call Us Pharmacy: 1-800-881-1422 VIAGRA! FREE PILLS! 100mg/20 mg 40 Pills+4/FREE, Only $99.00 Buy The Little Blue Pill! Save $500.00 1-888-796-8870 HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818 MEDICAL VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed. Money back guaranteed! 1-877-743-5419 MISCELLANEOUS/CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS. Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call AIM 888-686-1704 MISCELLANEOUS CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/ Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com
The Easiest Way to Sell a Car HASSLE-FREE
FAIR PRICE
1-800-869-5246
DIRECTV Starting at $19.99/mo. FREE Installation. FREE 3 months of HBO SHOWTIME CINEMAX starz. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included (Select Packages) New Customers Only. CALL 1-800-614-8506 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-4916053 Junk Cars for Cash ($1,000+) All Cars: Any Condition Cash Paid Same Day! Instant Phone Quote! No Title OK! 1-866-835-9249 LEARNING TO READ can be both fun and educational. Learn more about this wholesome farm book, Richard the Donkey and His LOUD, LOUD Voice at www. RichardTheDonkey.com Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 800-9806076 for $750 Off. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800290-8321 to start your application today! MISCELLANEOUS OR WANTED TO BUY Want To Purchase Minerals And Other Oil/Gas Interests. Send Details To: PO Box 13557, Denver CO 80201. MONEY TO LEND/LOANS OR MISCELLANEOUS ACCESS YOUR LAWSUIT CASH! In an Injury Lawsuit? Need Cash Now? Low Rates. No Credit Checks/ Monthly Payments. Call Now 1-800-568-8321. WANTED TO BUY Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS or STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1-855-440-4001 www. TestStripSearch.com
2000-2015 Vehicles Running or Not Cash Paid on the Spot Nationwide Free Towing Licensed — Professional
46 REAL ESTATE
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
senior living in a parklike setting
00 25 off any service over
$
Friendly Affordable Safe Convenient Comfortable
$120.00
OCTOBER 2015
GOT MATU RE LIS TINGS ?
nellie Bechtel senior apartments 245-1712 • 3032 North 15th Street
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REDLANDS
Come tour our
5-star manufactured home community. Peaceful walk paths, beautiful views, community garden and lots of amenities. This land leased community is very affordable and has all you need. Your choice of home sites and various floor plans available or relocate your existing home to our community. Relocation incentives offered. All homes are owner occupied. Families welcome. Homes starting in the $40ks. Pet friendly.
Are you looking to attract senior BUYERS or SELLERS in Mesa County? ADVERTISE YOUR LISTING HERE! Special promotions for Registered Realtors®
342 Redlands Mesa Dr. Modern, glass, decks, award winning! • GJ Gardner Construction & Erik Kraai Design. • Top of the hill location. • Completed Fall 2015!
Call 243-8829.
•
$900,000 Heath & Company Realtors/Metro Brokers
Beacon@pendantpublishing.com www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
Hal Heath 970-250-9515
Did you know the BEACON has a Facebook page?
Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews
PARKWAY Our prices will help youDENTAL smile Single Crown ........................................................ $525
Complete Denture ...................................... (plate) $425
The right community.
(970) 434-8193 435 32 Rd. Grand Junction Open: Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5:00 www.midlandsvillage.com
Complete Dentures ........................................ (set) $850 Implant & Crown .................................. starting at $1500 Implants to Hold Denture .......................... (arch) $1200
Dr. Brian Hanson, DDS 970.208.8046 • www.smilehelper.com • 1300 N. 7th Street #3
OCTOBER 2015
KUDOS & KVETCH 47
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
kudos \ ku·dos
“To keep cats away from your property plant rue. Cats hate the smell and will detour your place. I would like to see some recipes with less than five items for the seniors that are low income. Thank you.” - Sara G., Grand Junction
Hap: I think that I can solve both problems for you. Five-ingredient stir-fry 1. Wok 2. Sesame oil 3. Chinese five-spice 4. Broccoli 5. Cat And it’s heart healthy.
“The Montrose BeaconFest was the best ever. I liked the hamburgers and the seminar on Medicare the best… also the door prizes. Except I didn’t win.”- Carolynn D., Montrose “The wife and I really liked the banjo music at your senior fair in Montrose. Thank you for the day at which we had fun.” - Lowell T., Montrose
kvetch \ kfech
“Well I see that there weren’t enough perverts to keep Hooters in business. That’s good, but now I hear that several young men who were laid off from the gas patch are reopening it as a Booters. A bar where the women wear thongs. Isn’t there a health law against that?” - Dolores T., Grand Junction
Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at:
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.
What the hell happened to Vegas? By Mark Pilarski
A
friend told me that on a recent trip to Las Vegas he sat down and played video poker at a bar-mounted machine, and ordered a beer. He got an $8.50 bill for a 12-oz. beer. He asked why he had to pay if he was gambling and was told drinks are now free only on the casino floor. Once upon a time there was an implied contract between the Las Vegas casino and the player that the casino would offer the gambler free beverages, $3.49 feeding frenzies in the buffet, and 99-cent denizens of the deep for players who were willing to put their hard-earned money in play. That contract in now null and void. One former Las Vegas casino operator, Bob Stupak, warned us years ago when he intoned the realities of casino gambling in “US News and World Report” by stating, “It’s our duty to extract as much money from the customer as we can.” Bravo! At least this past owner came clean on the realities of casino gambling. Today, casinos have raised the hold percentages, cut club benefits/ comps, tightened video poker pay tables, and tried to cram 6/5 Blackjack down our throats all while cutting the perks—a PBR no less— for our play. The casino industry I was weaned from was built on fair gambling, cheap food, free spirits and great customer service. Say goodbye to that! Corporate America now runs gambling, ruled by bean counters whose sole purpose is to control expenses while procuring more profits for the house. This is where guys like my friend come in. His $8.50 drink is a non-gaming amenity that financially complements the casino’s gambling
operation, which their accountants believe provides growth. His cocktail used to be a loss leader, now it is a profitable part of their business. Personally, I believe $8.50 for a Pabst Blue Ribbon while a patron is playing video poker at a casino bar STINKS! I get that food prices won’t retreat to my early years in gaming, but before I get out of this business as I close in on 40 years, wishful thinking on my part hopes that we will see a return to the basics of focusing on honest gambling and excellent customer service. Such as Rule #1: The customer is always right. Followed by Rule #2: If the customer is wrong, see Rule #1. My friend also protested the “resort fee” most casinos are charging. A resort fee is a (usually unadvertised) mandatory fee tacked onto your nightly room rate. In Las Vegas, you will be hard-pressed to find any hotel that does not charge it. In addition to your nightly room rate, you are now being asked to shell out an extra $5 to $30 a night in fees. Furthermore, there are some Vegas hotels happy to charge you a little something extra above the resort fee for a guaranteed room type, early check-in, late check-out, even for double beds—all taxed, mind you, after they are added. All I can recommend here is to make sure you read the fine print before you book your room. Resort fees tend to be omitted from advertised rates. Also, there is no harm in trying to get those resort fees waived, especially if you advise management that you do not intend to use any of the facilities. You will be more successful if you have status with the hotel/casino loyalty program or work directly with a casino host. ■
PARTING
SHOTS
MONTROSE DELTA
These ladies were just a few of the over 6,000 people who attended the 2015 Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade. If you would like to see your photos in the BEACON email them to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
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The Commons
The Fountains
(970) 243-3333
(970) 243-8800
625 27 1/2 Road
3203 N. 15th Street
www.TheCommonsGJ.org
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