March 2024 - BEACON Senior News - Western Colorado

INGREDIENTS:

1 box Brownie Mix

1 3.4oz. box Instant Vanilla Pudding

1 tub Cool Whip

1 bag Mini Oreo’s (crushed)

1-2 tsp Mint Extract

Green Food Coloring

Green Sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

Cook brownies according to box, adding in the Mint Extract.

Make vanilla pudding according to box directions.

Once the pudding is cooked, add the green food coloring to obtain the color desired.

Crush half the bag of mini Oreo’s with a rolling pin in a Ziploc sandwich baggie.

Once the brownies are cooled, break up into small pieces. I used approximately 3/4 of the brownies.

Assemble the trifle by layering crushed Oreo, with broken up brownies, clouds of pudding and a dollop of Whip Cream.

Repeat laying process until the Trifle cup is filled.

Publisher

Kevin K. VanGundy

Founding Publisher

Susan Capps

Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin

Communications Coordinator

Amber Whisman

Graphic Designers

Michael L. Madsen

B. Bigler

Customer Service Manager

Stacey Splude

Advertising Director

Kevin K. VanGundy

Advertising Executive

Debra Romaniec

Advertising Assistant

Bethany Gill

Delivery

Lauren VanGundy

Brittney Bade

Justin Bowen

P.O. Box 3895

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Phone: 970-243-8829

Website BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email

8 COVER STORY

Breaking Ice: Seniors Rewrite the Rules of Ice Hockey

Learn how seniors of all skill levels are rewriting the rules of ice hockey and forming lasting friendships

Enjoy Your Stuff, But Are You Prepared to Let It Go?

Explore the transient nature of our stuff and learn how to plan for the future of your belongings with these helpful tips. Plus, readers weigh in.

13 Finding Purpose After Placing a Loved One in Professional Care Transitioning a loved one to professional care is a tough decision. However, this shift also opens up opportunities to rediscover your purpose

14 Shoe Shock: How Your Footwear Affects Your Indoor Air

Discover how wearing shoes indoors transforms your home into a breeding ground for contaminants

16

Soothe Your Creaky Joints

Explore the benefits of collagen peptides to alleviate stiffness and discomfort

17 Dog Poop Happens...

Here’s why responsible owners should pick it up!

20 Win Tickets to ABBA Tribute

Share with us your favorite ABBA song and you could win tickets to see ABBAFAB at the Avalon Theatre

22 Growing Greatness

Create an environment for seedling success by providing the five necessary conditions for germination

27 Region 10 RSVP Makes Retirement Meaningful

Learn how the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Montrose and Delta supports local nonprofits and brings high satisfaction to its volunteers

Vote for Volunteer of the Year

The winner will be announced at Grand Junction BeaconFest on Thursday, April 18

32 Best Beaches

Escape the winter chill with a beach vacation! Explore top beach destinations and tips for a relaxing getaway

34 Spring Style Tips for Seniors

Embrace spring in style with our best spring fashion tips for men and women

36 How to Cancel Your Unwanted Subscriptions and Save Big

Discover effective strategies to cancel and prevent unwanted subscriptions from draining your bank account

38 Don’t Fall for Tax Scams!

The Grand Junction Police Department sheds light on prevalent tax scams with tips on how to spot them

58

How to Eradicate the

Adopting the right policies should be at the top of every state’s legislative to-do list

Craving Los Reyes’ stuffed sopapillas?

It’salways a huge bummer when one of your favorite restaurants closes its doors.

Recently, a reader reached out to me in search of the recipe for the stuffed sopapillas from Los Reyes, formerly located on South 7th Street in Grand Junction. She expressed missing the dish and finding that other local restaurants’ sopapillas just didn’t measure up. Despite her efforts to recreate the dish, she was struggling to get the dough’s texture and taste just right.

First of all, hats off to her for trying to replicate her beloved dish! I even tried to track down Los Reyes’ previous owners, Julio and Debbie Reyes, who closed the restaurant after retiring in 2018, but unfortunately, I was unable to reach them.

If you have any information on how to get in touch with the Reyes or the secret to their sopapilla recipe, please consider helping out a fellow reader! You can email me at Cloie@Bea conSeniorNews.com or call 970-243-8829.

VOTE FOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The BEACON has a long-standing tradition of celebrating senior volunteers, both in the magazine and at our events. During my time with the BEACON, I’ve had the privilege of learning about and meeting well over 100 remarkable volunteers.

Each of the volunteers featured in this month’s issue have been nominated by local organizations for going above and beyond to support others, helping to further the missions of the organizations that do so much good in our community.

All nominated volunteers will be honored on stage at our BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair at Grand Junction Convention Center on Thursday, April 18. But only one can be named Vol-

unteer of the Year—so we need your help! Read about each of this year’s nominated volunteers starting on page 29 and follow the instructions on how to vote.

CELEBRATE AGE AT BEACONFEST

Speaking of BeaconFest, we’re getting ready for another fantastic event with exciting entertainment, educational seminars, prize giveaways and more—all for FREE! Get a sneak peek of what’s in store in next month’s issue and at BeaconSeniorNews.com.

This event sells out every year, so reserve your booth today by calling 970-243-8829.

NEW SCAM COLUMN

In today’s digital age, staying informed is your best defense against scams. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Grand Junction Police Department to provide expert advice and empower you with the knowledge to outsmart scammers so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Turn to page 38 for this month’s column on tax scams.

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Discover valuable resources to help you navigate aging in Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties with our 2024 BEACON Guide. Our senior resource directory includes contact information for clubs, retirement planners, physicians, home health providers and more, all organized according to when you might need them.

Pick up your free copy of The 2024 BEACON Guide at doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and other locations. If you missed finding your Mesa County BEACON Guide in last month’s magazine or your Montrose-Delta BEACON Guide in this issue, or if you’d like additional copies, just give us a call at 970-243-8829 and we’ll mail them to you. Find more information about this valuable resource on page 26. ■

I live in Kansas and I receive the BEACON and enjoy it very much! Years ago, my sister lived in Rangely and would send me the jokes.

- Rosalie

D.

Thank you so much for changing the hours for the Grand Mesa Dance Club in Montrose-Delta Clubs! I went from 6 people to 31 students!

- Ron B.

I would like to see an article from your tech columnist explaining what AI is. I know it’s artificial intelligence, but I don’t get it.

- Beverley L.

Cloie: Adam Cochran tackled this topic a few months ago with a three-part series dedicated to demystifying AI. You can read the articles on our website! They’re the first three articles when you search “AI”.

I saw an article in a newspaper (not local) recently: “Chatty robot helps seniors fight loneliness.” That’s terrible! There’s no excuse for not having any friends. Turn off the TV and computer. Go minister to others. Get out of your comfort zone.

- JC

Music with Hart (January)

Your article about Hart music was excellent. We had a wonderful experience with them years ago. After my dad died, someone broke into my brother’s house and stole Dad’s mandolin. We checked with the police, pawn shops and music stores to no avail. Eight years later, my brother went into Hart Music, and Mr. Hart said, “There’s something over there I think you would like.” There was Dad’s mandolin in the original case—like it was untouched. A true miracle! Mr. Hart was called to a home to check out some instruments. He was friends with Dad and he recognized the instrument and held it for my brother. Grand Junction is blessed to have the Hart family and Hart Music. They’re real assets to our community.

- Rita K.

f you visit the River City Sportplex around noon on Tuesdays, you’ll witness a spirited spectacle of hockey in action, with players speeding down the ice, the sounds of skates scraping and hockey sticks colliding as they fiercely compete for a chance to score.

What’s remarkable about these players is their age—many are in their 60s and 70s. The Tuesday drop-in games welcome anyone over 45, drawing players of all skill levels.

Despite hockey’s reputation for being physical and even dangerous, players in this group say it’s an opportunity for them to exercise, hone their skills and make friends.

“Hockey is a sport you can play well into your 70s,” said rink manager Jon Larson, who is 65 and participates in the games himself. “It’s a low-impact sport in that’s not hard on your knees.”

LATE BLOOMERS

While many boast years of experience on the ice, such expertise is by no means a prerequisite for participating.

Leroy Reeder, 72, picked up hockey in 2018. His only previous experience was limited to his youth, when he played on frozen lakes in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana.

Reeder acknowledged that the potential for injury while playing does cross his mind, but the

“HOCKEY IS A SPORT YOU CAN PLAY WELL INTO YOUR 70S. IT’S A LOW-IMPACT SPORT IN THAT’S NOT HARD ON YOUR KNEES.”

thrill of competing outweigh any apprehensions. Plus, he mitigates risk by wearing extra padding.

“I haven’t had any serious injuries since I started playing,” said Reeder.

According to Craig Nichols, 71, safety surrounding the sport has improved since he was a kid.

“I broke my nose twice playing hockey when I was young,” he said. “The equipment now is so much better. The helmets we wore as kids were almost like not wearing a helmet, and there was no face protection whatsoever.”

Jay Krabacher was 57 when he took up the sport, playing at the complex previously known as The Glacier.

“We don’t have checking, so it’s less dangerous than it could be,” said Krabacher, 75, referring to the aggressive physical contact used in an attempt to separate another player from the puck. “I get knocked down two or three times a game, inadvertently. Sometimes we’ll have a fake fight, throw our gloves down and act like kids, but it’s all in good fun.”

Leroy Reeder, Jay Krabacher and Craig Nichols share a light-hearted moment, joking that at these games, you might go to watch a fight and end up seeing a hockey match break out instead. The fights, however, are all in good fun.

NO REFS, NO PROBLEM

While some players participate in the rink’s leagues, in the pick-up games, there are no referees, nobody keeps score and advanced players enjoy helping new players learn the game.

Cassidy Palmer, 44, joined a ladies-only league when she started playing hockey nearly a year ago, and only recently started attending the Tuesday games to fill in as goalie.

“It’s nice to get an extra practice in,” said Palmer, who had no prior hockey experience but grew up figure skating. “My growth has really accelerated because there’s a lot of super good skaters from all the different leagues.”

Krabacher, who also plays goalie, selected this position because goalies play for free, given the scarcity of players willing to take on the position.

“For my first whole season as a goalie, I had the pads on the wrong legs,” said Krabacher.

He added that all the players look out for each other. Even though it’s a competition, the more experienced players are patient with the new players, giving them plenty of room to practice their skills.

Teams are determined when players arrive and don either a light- or dark-colored jersey to

signify their team. Halfway through the game, the players switch sides.

“It’s fun because those who have been frustrated by us—the goalies—are now shooting on us,” said Krabacher. “It mixes things up a little, and we’re always gracious about giving each other praise or recognition.”

Players from both near and far gather at the rink located at 2515 Riverside Pkwy in Grand Junction for ice skating, curling and hockey.

Nichols makes the weekly drive from Montrose to join the games. He played through high school in Colorado Springs but stopped playing for 18 years before returning to the ice.

“I ran into some guys in an over-50 group, and I played in a group called ‘Sticks and Pucks.’ That’s when you just take a stick and a puck and

“WE REALLY HAVE A LOT OF FUN. IT’S NOT JUST GOOD EXERCISE, BUT EVERYONE HELPS EACH OTHER AND WE ALL GET THE CHANCE TO WORK ON OUR SKILLS, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE WE HAVE.”

get on the ice,” he said.

Nichols was instrumental in getting the 45+ games started after speaking with Larson about a year ago. He said the first couple of months were sparsely attended, but word spread and more players started to show up.

“We really have a lot of fun,” said Nichols. “It’s not just good exercise, but everyone helps each other and we all get the chance to work on our skills.”

When Army veteran Michael Roder, 65, retired from teaching and was looking to move away from Las Vegas, he told his wife, “Wherever we end up, make sure they have a VA hospital and a hockey rink. That’s all I ask!”

Games commence at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesdays. The games now draw an average of 20-30 players, with Larson providing food and drinks for the players on the last Tuesday of each month.

Krabacher encourages anyone interested in trying the sport to give it a try, regardless of their age or ability.

Participants have the option to purchase a punch card or pay $18 for each drop-in game. For additional information, email Info@RiverCitySportplex.com or call 970-242-7465. ■

Back row, from left: Jon Larson, Joe Gridley, Brian Kretschman, Michael Roder, Keith Tanner & Scott Nichols.

Middle: Hank Lee, Jay Krabacher, Dave Ash, Kevin Meeker, Brian Thomas, Scott Carmichael & Steve Mueller

Front: Cassidy Palmer

By Cloie Sandlin & Linda Munson Haley

What are your plans for your “stuff” after you’re gone?

Heidi Comstock

“I plan to set aside a day where I dress up for the occasion, pour a glass of wine, position a comfy chair next to a huge pile of stuff, and set a rather large bonfire. I’ll carefully examine each item, photographing ones I want to remember. After blessing each item and all related to it and, with love, I’ll toss it on the fire. I’ll keep a small box nearby for the few things I can’t part with. If something doesn’t fit in the box, on the fire it goes!”

Thomas Deike

“But I love my stuff! I have no kids, so I’d probably donate it to the Salvation Army or Catholic Outreach because I think they’re very helpful for a lot of people.”

John Ragar

“After losing everything in my divorce, I try to avoid accumulating stuff. I still have a lot of tools, but the chances of my kids using them are slim to none. I expect that if I get too old to take care of the house, I’ll have a yard sale and get rid of it all. But with any luck, I’ll be around for another 20 years.”

Shelley Friesen

“I love wearing heels and dresses to work, so I have a closet full of shoes! When I retire in two years, I’ll sell some and donate the rest to Heirlooms for Hospice. As for the rest of my stuff, I intend to donate everything except for what I leave to my husband for him to decide what to do with it.”

Kevin Keppel

“I guess most people would pass their stuff along to their kids, but at my age, they don’t need anything either! There are certain collections that I’d definitely pass on to them, but my hope is to downsize enough so they don’t have a lot to deal with after I’m gone. Sell what you can and donate the rest. Your kids would just as soon have the money anyway.”

Enjoy your stuff, but are you prepared to let it go?

Dr. Glenn Mollette

One of life’s perils is putting too much value on “stuff.”

“Stuff” encompasses a wide range of items, comprising both what we possess and what we lack. Our lives often revolve around our stuff: our homes, cars and belongings within them. Our stuff that’s stored away in garages, storage units or barns.

It’s not difficult to accumulate lots of stuff. And often, it’s way more than what we need.

We paint, stain, groom and polish our stuff. We put some of it in cases, drawers, cabinets and safes. We know how difficult it is to buy and accumulate. Stuff is expensive.

We take pride in our stuff. We admire, adore and feel good about what we have. We remember days when we didn’t have much—how it felt good to get a check and even better to put a few dollars in the bank.

Me, myself and I often became our most significant heroes. We applaud ourselves because we did it— whatever it is. We acknowledge the paths we’ve walked and the potential outcomes— where we could be, what could have been or what even might be—if luck, circumstances and health had been different.

The problem with stuff is that it changes. It fades, erodes, rots, burns, is stolen or loses its value. What was once considered valuable may become worthless.

If you have a lot of stuff, then you have a lot to worry about.

Eventually, all of your stuff will belong to someone else. Your land. Your prized possessions. All that you have worked to collect and preserve will be passed on or gained by someone else.

You can meticulously plan to pass your stuff on to someone who may not truly value it, only to

have it handed over to a complete stranger. Once it’s out of your hands, who knows what will happen to it?

When we die, we’ll take nothing with us. All of our stuff will be left behind, destined to eventually end up in a junkyard or trash heap. Fifty years from now, strangers might be sleeping in your house, provided your house still stands.

There was once a man who amassed so much wealth that he had to build multiple barns to store it all. One day, he was heard speaking to himself, “I have accumulated enough to last for many years. I will take it easy, eat, drink and be merry.”

However, that same day, he passed away. Jesus shared this parable in the Bible, Luke chapter 12, highlighting how easy it is to become consumed by our possessions, just like the man in the story. Enjoy your stuff but be prepared to let it all go. ■

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of 13 books including “Uncommon Sense,” “The Spiritual Chocolate” series, “Grandpa’s Store” and “Minister’s Guidebook.” His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

How to ensure your possessions go where you’d like them to after you pass

• Honest conversations. This might seem like a no-brainer, but just because a possession means a lot to you, that doesn’t mean it will to other family members. See what items hold sentimental value or pique their interests.

• Start a document. Along with the recipient of the item, include any family stories that enhance the meaning of the item. Alternatively, you can affix a label with the recipient’s name on the bottom. Or both!

• Will. The surest way to have a say in where your things—and your money—goes is to draft a will with an attorney. A whopping 68% of Americans do not have a will. In that case, the state decides who gets your prized possessions, which may not be in line with your wishes.

In Colorado, you can settle an estate without a lawyer, but hiring one may be beneficial for complex estates, high-value assets or if the estate has more debts than assets. An estate planning attorney can help you create and amend your will, powers of attorney and many categories of trusts. They can also help resolve disputes among beneficiaries and provide peace of mind that the estate has been properly settled. Want to consult with an estate-planning attorney? Contact Burke, Holguin & Smith at 970-241-2969.

• Know your items’ worth. You can gauge a lot by going on eBay and finding similar items. If nobody wants your antique but it’s valuable, you don’t want it going to Goodwill.

• Recycle. The goal isn’t to make more landfill waste, but to give anything that isn’t broken and still has life a new home. Clothing, kitchen items and furniture can go to thrift stores, books to used bookstores, unexpired food to food banks and so forth.

• Pets. Leave your furry friend (with some money for food and care) to someone responsible. You can work with your estate attorney to create a pet trust for the care of your animal.

• Car. Consider donating your vehicle to an area nonprofit, gifting it or leaving instructions on how it should be sold.

• Planned Giving. Consider leaving a legacy gift to support a cause, charity, or ministry you’re passionate about. Contact the Western Colorado Community Foundation at 970-243-3767 or Montrose Community Foundation at 970-249-3900 for expert assistance in making a lasting impact.

BREAKFAST SPECIALS ~ $5

00

~ Served Monday thru Friday 7am to 11am ~

The Bull’s Eye

One egg cooked to order, one slice of bacon or sausage patty & choice of pancake, toast or homemade biscuit and a bottomless cup of coffee.

Biscuits and Gravy

One large fluffy homemade biscuit cut in half and smothered in delicious country gravy and a bottomless cup of coffee.

LUNCH SPECIALS ~ $10

00

~ Served Monday thru Friday 11am to 4pm ~

Hamburger, Fries & Soda

DINE-IN ONLY DINE-IN ONLY

Our juicy 1/3 burger grilled fresh to order served on a grilled Tuscan bun. Lettuce, tomato, onions & pickle. Choose iced tea or a soda drink too!

Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad & Soda

Our delicious Ceasar salad made with Romain lettuce and topped with tender grilled chicken breast. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and housemade croutons.

Open Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm / Sunday 8am - 2pm

456 Kokopelli Boulevard ~ Fruita, co

For reservations call: 970-858-1525 or visit us online at: strayhorngrill.com

Grilled Apple Portobello “Burgers”

Recipe courtesy of EnvyApple.com

Ingredients:

1 Envy Apple

2 portobello mushrooms

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup herbed goat cheese

2 brioche buns

2 parge pieces butter lettuce

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

Heat grill to medium heat.

Slice apples horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork.

Remove portobello stems.

In small bowl, combine 1/8 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt.

Using basting brush, coat portobellos on both sides with olive oil mixture. Grill stem sides down 2 minutes, then flip. Add goat cheese to portobellos and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from grill.

Use remaining olive oil to coat apple rounds. Grill apple rounds 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.

Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise. ■

Guilt, grief and growth

How to find purpose after placing a loved one in professional care

Dear Laird: I feel like an utter failure. Out of profound love and respect for my dear husband, who is now in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, I made a heartfelt pledge to care for him until the very end. However, as his condition deteriorated, the weight of this responsibility became unbearable. Even our kids thought it best to place him in professional care—which we’ve now done. But I am a guilty wreck for going back on my promise. Signed, Broken Promise

Dear Broken: For many, the decision to place a loved one in professional care is one of the most devastating decisions of caregiving. We want to care for them at home, but the harsh reality is that the demands of caregiving can surpass our capacity to meet them. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by guilt, but it’s entirely misplaced.

Making this decision can indeed feel like a personal failure. We may struggle to find our footing, as our routine is disrupted and our busy home now quiet. It may feel like we’ve lost our purpose as caregivers.

But, we haven’t.

Even though the primary responsibility of care now rests on someone else’s shoulders, you remain your husband’s primary caregiver.

While your daily responsibilities may have evolved, your role has shifted to that of an advocate—you remain in charge of ensuring your husband’s safety, comfort and joy. While others may assist with keeping him safe and comfortable, no one can create moments of joy for him as well as you can.

To discover ways you can support your husband as an advocate, head to BeaconSeniorNews.com and search “Advocacy Tips for Family Caregivers.”

It’s crucial to prioritize rebuilding the life you put on hold as a caregiver. You’ve likely heard the advice to “take care of yourself” countless times before, and perhaps you even resisted or felt irritated by it. Frankly, I’ve been there myself. When you’re carrying the weight of caregiving responsibilities, it’s natural to feel exhausted. However, now that circumstances have shifted, it’s time to prioritize your own well-being without guilt.

To begin, make a commitment to reclaim the sleep and rest that you’ve missed. Dedicate an hour before bedtime to unwind with a book or your favorite TV show. Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day to help retrain your body’s internal clock. Ensure your sleep environment is conducive to

rest by keeping the room as dark and quiet as possible or by using a sleep mask to block out light. After the upheaval of transitioning your loved one to professional care, experiencing the first good night of sleep will lift your spirits. Additionally, start reconnecting with friends and incorporating exercise into your routine. Start with short walks, and seek out friends who uplift and support you, focusing on conversations and activities that bring joy rather than dwelling on your husband’s situation or top -

ics that evoke sadness.

The day I placed my wife in professional care, my gaze landed on a sorry-looking artificial flower arrangement that had adorned our home for decades. Without thinking, I picked it up and tossed it in the trash. In that moment, I was surprised by my own actions, but I couldn’t help but smile. It may sound disrespectful to some, but amid the stress and pain of caregiving, it made me feel a little bit more in control of my life. ■

To discover ways you can support your husband as an advocate, head to BeaconSeniorNews.com and search “Advocacy Tips for Family Caregivers.”

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

BY LAIRD LANDON, PH.D.

Send your questions to Laird in care of the BEACON, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org

“May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.”

Colorow is a skilled nursing facility that believes in healthy living and non-traditional approaches in meeting everyday needs.

SPRING INSPIRATION 3 SEASONAL WELLNESS TIPS

The longer, warmer days of spring offer inspiration, encouraging us to engage in activities that rejuvenate our spirits. There are numerous ways to embrace the joys of spring and integrate the season’s bounty in meaningful ways. Here are three of our favorites:

1. Taking a stroll outdoors is an excellent mood booster. Research indicates numerous benefits to spending time outdoors, including enhanced cognitive function, improved cardiovascular health and reduced levels of depression, anxiety and stress. It’s also a great way to make social connections!

2. Gardening and caring for indoor or outdoor plants is highly rewarding, and indoor plants can improve the air quality in your living space too! Making contact with soil builds mindfulness, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and provides antioxidant effects.

3. Staying hydrated is important year-round, but with more time in the sun, it’s even more important to stay hydrated in the spring. If you struggle to drink enough water, try eating more water-dense foods such as cucumber, watermelon or tomato. In PartnerSHIP with RSVP, a senior volunteer agency, SHIP would like to remind our aging friends and neighbors that Medicare provides a wellness visit to your primary care provider once a year. Spring is an excellent time of year to take advantage of this benefit!

If you have any questions about Medicare coverage or benefits, call us at 970-2439839 x1

Spring Begins March 20th

Shoe shock

How your footwear affects your indoor air

By Nancy J. Schaaf, RN Mention air pollution,

and most people think only of outdoor air quality. We rarely question the quality of air in our homes, but we should. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of air pollutants in our homes can be two to five times higher than what is typically found outdoors.

Have you thought about your home’s indoor microbiome? It’s a complex community comprised of all the living microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other single-celled organisms. All living things—people, pets, pests, air, water and areas of active microbial growth indoors—impact air quality.

What contaminants are in our homes and how did they get there?

The matter includes not just dust and dirt from people and pets shedding hair and skin. About a third is from outside, either blown in or tracked in on the soles of our shoes.

THE INSIDE STORY

When outdoors, many unsanitary things attach to the bottom of our shoes. Consider how much visible dirt is on the soles of our shoes,

SCIENTISTS HAVE DISCOVERED THAT WHATEVER MICROBE IS ON THE SOLES OF OUR SHOES TRANSFERS TO OUR FLOOR 90% OF THE TIME.

such as mud, sand, gravel, debris from outdoor parks, and residue from all the other unclean places we walk on in a day. Not to mention city sidewalls covered in spit, gum and bird droppings, and public restroom floors covered in contaminants.

Numerous studies have shown that bacteria, fungus and viruses on the bottom of shoes do not wear off the more we walk. These contaminants cling to shoe soles and eventually end up on our home’s tile, wood and carpet floors. Scientists have discovered that whatever microbe is on the soles of our shoes transfers to our floor 90% of the time. And if we have carpet, that number rises to 99%.

When we wear shoes indoors, we spread all those icky substances throughout our home, contaminat-

ing indoor air and exposing us to harmful germs. Therefore, it’s important to clean more frequently.

The decision to wear or not wear street shoes in our homes carries significant weight. It’s customary in many cultures to remove shoes before entering a home. This tradition not only keeps the space cleaner, it also protects the health of everyone inside. Another obvious benefit is that by leaving our shoes at the door, we prevent dirt and contaminants from tainting our floors, ultimately reducing the time and effort spent on cleaning and vacuuming.

FOOTWEAR MATTERS

of our home. To make this easier, design experts suggest creating a welcoming entryway space. This can include a bench for sitting while putting on or removing shoes, as well as shoe storage shelves or baskets to safely store footwear and keep them out of the way.

For guests, one way to help enforce the shoeless rule is to hang a sign inside the door or on a wel-

However, walking barefoot indoors does come with its own set of health risks. Being shoeless or wearing smooth-sole slippers indoors can increase the likelihood of accidents. Shockingly, more than half of falls among older adults occur when they are barefoot or wearing only socks or slippers.

To minimize the risk of falls, older adults should consider wearing sneakers or other sturdy shoes that are for indoor use only. Leaving outdoor footwear at the door and slipping into something more comfortable yet sturdy, with good traction, can help maintain stability.

It’s important to create a habit of removing shoes at the entrance

come mat with a message such as “Leave your worries and your shoes at the door.”

Providing indoor slippers, maintaining visibly clean floors and offering shoe covers for those not ready for a barefoot environment can all help guests feel more comfortable.

An old African proverb beautifully illustrates this concept: “When you leave your shoes at the doorstep, you leave your troubles behind.” Removing shoes before entering a home is not only a courteous gesture but also a simple yet effective way to keep floors free of bacteria, chemicals and other harmful substances often found on shoe soles. ■

Soothe your creaky joints

Collagen peptides and four ingredients for relief

At59, I’ve started noticing a bit more stiffness in my movements, particularly before my dance class, where it takes me longer to loosen up.

The importance of joint health becomes more evident as we get older. Amidst the numerous supplements claiming to alleviate joint discomfort, collagen peptides stand out for their proven effectiveness and versatility.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It helps maintain the integrity of our cartilage—the rubber-like tissue that protects our joints. As we get older, our body’s production of collagen diminishes, leading to reduced joint flexibility and the onset of degenerative joint conditions.

Research indicates that collagen peptides can provide relief over a span of six to nine months.

Apart from collagen, the four key ingredients to prioritize in a high-quality joint supplement are:

1. MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to provide a natural form of sulfur to the joints. (MSM is different from “sulfa,” a medication to which many are allergic.)

2. Ginger contains “gingerols,” compounds that have been extensively studied and revered for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If you’re not a fan of its zesty flavor, you don’t have to consume it directly. However, incorporating ginger into your diet through capsule supplements, herbal tea or even powdered spice can significantly contribute to reducing joint discomfort and stiffness, if only temporarily.

Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Breakthrough Treatment For Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people every year.

If you’re one of the many individuals struggling with chronic pain, you may have tried various treatments without success. However, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

SCS is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of a small device, called a spinal cord stimulator, near the spinal cord. The device sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.

SCS is typically recommended for individuals who have tried other treatments for their chronic pain, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, without success. It’s a safe and effective option for treating chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, nerve pain (often shooting or burning sensations), failed back surgery syndrome, and inflammation of the spine.

One of the major benefits of SCS is its ability to provide pain relief with few side effects. Unlike traditional pain management treatments, such as medication, SCS does not cause addiction or interfere with the patient’s daily activities. In fact, many patients report an improvement in their

3. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is derived from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. This herbal extract boasts a long history of use in traditional medicine for addressing numerous chronic inflammatory ailments. In the context of joint health, it holds significant value for its ability to alleviate pain and improve mobility in individuals suffering with joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is highly regarded for its numerous health benefits. When combined with collagen peptides,

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

curcumin amplifies its joint-protection effects. I like the proprietary brand of C3® curcuminoids because it offers not just one, but three distinct biologically active forms of curcumin.

I’m presenting this article as a promising array of natural alternatives for individuals seeking relief from joint discomfort. However, do not use this list as a substitute for seeking medical advice. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, for mild discomfort or those hoping to improve flexibility, promoting collagen synthesis and exploring holistic approaches can be beneficial! Just make sure that any collagen supplement you select is Type II, as it is tailored specifically for joint health. ■

For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at SuzyCohen.com

quality of life after undergoing the procedure.

The placement of the spinal cord stimulator is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few hours. After the device is implanted, the patient will undergo a trial period to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. If the patient experiences significant pain relief, the device will be permanently implanted.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation may be the solution you need to find relief. To learn more about this breakthrough treatment and determine if it’s right for you,

schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist at Family Health West Pain Specialists.

At Family Health West Pain Specialists, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief from chronic pain. Our team of experienced pain management specialists is here to help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards living a pain-free life. Visit fhwcare.org/pain or call 970.858.2239.

970.858.2239.

Dog poop happens

Here’s why responsible owners should pick it up

By Marti Benson

Dogs relieve themselves daily. It’s often not at a convenient time or place, but cleaning it up is a must. Here’s why it’s important to pick up your dogs’ waste:

• Dogs don’t have opposable thumbs. They can’t pick it up themselves.

• It doesn’t break down instantly. Decomposition can take 12 months.

• Parasites, viruses and bacteria abound in dog piles.

• Rainwater carries their excrement into stormwater drains. It isn’t treated and empties directly into our local waterways. It’s called pollution.

• One gram of it (about the size of a small paperclip) contains 23 million coliform bacteria, which can be responsible for upset stomachs, diarrhea or flu-like symptoms in humans. For people with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be more severe—even fatal.

• It’s a tempting and tasty treat for other dogs. Not, of course, for your Stella, but for other people’s dogs.

• Contrary to what you’ve been told, it isn’t good fertilizer. Our dogs’ diets are generally high in protein, which makes their waste

acidic and may be toxic to many plants.

• It also isn’t safe in compost that will be used for consumable vegetation. It may contain E. coli, salmonella, ringworms and tapeworms… blech!

• The look and smell can ruin a summer cookout.

HOW TO PICK UP YOUR DOG’S DOO-DOO

There is no such thing as the Poop Fairy. You must take care of this yourself or arrange for someone else to handle it.

• If you walk your dog, plan ahead and bring a plastic bag. (If you’re concerned about the environment, purchase eco-friendly waste bags.)

• After your dog does his business, simply bend at the waist and scoop the poop into the bag. Hold onto the bag until you find a trash bin.

• Toss the bag into the garbage. Leaving those lumpy little bundles along the sidewalk or trails is not helpful. Invest in a reusable container. I am a huge fan of the Doo Doo Tube, which is available on Amazon for about $13. It’s lightweight, sturdy and roomy… if you catch my drift. I’ve seen many other types of portable receptacles at pet supply stores and discount stores. Simply empty the contraption into the garbage at the end of your walk.

• If you are unable to clean the dog waste in your own yard, there are plenty of companies that will do the deed for you. Give one of them a call. You—and your neighbors—will be glad you did.

• Dog poop happens. Just clean it up. ■

Carefree inspired living.

Our award-winning communities are redefining senior living with luxuriously designed apartments and public spaces that inspire. Creative cusine served in an elegant restaurant style setting, engaging social activities that bring neighbors together, beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces with walking trails and compassionate care from Hilltop; trusted by Western Colorado for over 70 years.

When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.

The Fountains of Hilltop

The Commons of Hilltop

GONE FOR GOOD

Submitted by David Frese

The wives of two rednecks are talking over coffee.

Mary: “John and I had a really big fight. I think he has left me for good this time,”

Jane: “Don’t say that. You’ve had fights before.”

Mary: “Yes, but this time he took his bowling ball with him.”

BACHELORS

Submitted by Chris Carol

Two bachelors named Larry and Frank went out to dinner. The conversation drifted from office to sports and then to cooking.

“I got a cookbook once,” Larry said, “but I couldn’t do anything.”

“Too much fancy stuff in it,

huh?” Frank said.

Larry nodded. “Every one of those recipes started off the same way: Take a clean plate.”

SUCCESS IS...

Submitted by Teresa Kane

At age 4 success is not piddling in your pants.

At age 12 success is having friends.

At age 17 success is having a driver’s license.

At age 35 success is saving money.

At age 50 success is having money.

At age 70 success is having a driver’s license.

At age 75 success is having friends.

At age 80 success is not piddling in your pants.

TRUTH HURTS

Submitted by Jeremy Splude

Great truths that little children have learned:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats.

2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

9) Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

10) The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandma’s lap.

Great truths that adults have learned:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.

2) Wrinkles don’t hurt.

3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

4) Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.

5) Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

Great truths about growing old:

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.

4) You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

5) It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

6) Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician.

7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

FINGERPRINTS

Submitted by Bill Johnson

Gunny sergeant Wagner’s new Marine recruits have just finished another session on the rifle range and are getting into formation to march back to camp.

The gunny turns to his corporal and says, “That private Smith is a very good marksman. Where is he from?”

The corporal replies, “From a very rough area of Chicago.”

Gunny Wagner replies, “That explains why he wipes his fingerprints off the rifle after every session.”

CURED!

Submitted by Susan Capps

An old geezer became very bored in retirement and decided to open a medical clinic. He put a sign up outside that said: “Dr. Geezer’s clinic. Get your treatment for $500. If not cured, get back $1,000.”

Dr. Young, who was positive the old geezer didn’t know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1,000. So he went to Dr. Geezer’s clinic.

Dr. Young: Dr. Geezer, I have lost all taste in my mouth. Can you please help me?

Dr. Geezer: Nurse, please bring medicine from Box 22 and put three drops in Dr. Young’s mouth.

Dr. Young: Aaagh! This is gasoline!

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations! You’ve got your taste back. That will be $500.

Dr. Young was annoyed and went

back after a couple of days, figuring he’d recover his money.

Dr. Young: I’ve lost my memory. I can’t remember anything.

Dr. Geezer: Nurse, please bring medicine from Box 22 and put three drops in the patient’s mouth.

Dr. Young: Oh, no you don’t! That’s gasoline!

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations! You’ve got your memory back. That will be $500.

Dr. Young leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.

Dr. Young: My eyesight has become weak. I can hardly see anything!

Dr. Geezer: Well, I don’t have any medicine for that, so here’s your $1,000 back (gives him a $10 bill).

Dr. Young: But this is only $10!

Dr. Geezer: Congratulations! You got your vision back! That will be $500.

GOLF BALLS

Submitted by Bill Chaplin

A man got on the bus with his front trouser pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful blonde.

The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets.

Finally, after many glances from her, he said, “It’s golf balls.”

The blonde continued to look at him for a very long time, thinking deeply about what he had said.

Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked, “Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?”

PROGRESS, NOT

Submitted by Ralph Schafer

If con is the opposite of pro, do you know what the opposite of progress is?

Do I need to tell you? Congress ■

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley Concert Series

An ABBA-FABulous evening

ABBA tribute comes to the Avalon

ABBAFAB

April 4 • 7:30 p.m.

By Jan Weeks

Attention, Dancing Queens—and kings! Dust off those disco shoes and get ready to dance in the aisles of the Avalon Theatre as ABBAFAB, a tribute band of the Swedish pop group ABBA, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the fifth concert of the Community Concerts of the Grand Valley season.

The band rocks the hall with the best of ABBA with hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Fernando,” “Waterloo” and more.

ABBA, the original band, took its name from the first initials of the two couples

who formed it: Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid. After years of topping the charts, friction among the members led to divorces and eventually the demise of ABBA.

However, the songs have lived on, and for 15 years ABBAFAB has brought that golden era of pop back to life with Julia Davies singing the roles of Agneta, Scotty Pearson as Bjorn, Kelly-Anne Gower as Anni-Frid, and Cullen Law as Benny.

Davies was born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. She is a multi-instrumentalist performing in award-winning jazz bands, concert bands and drum lines. She has performed internationally and worked with artists that include Neil Young, Santana, Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Smith, Brad

Paisley, Florida Georgia Line and many more.

Cullen Law plays piano for the group, and also several other instruments. Originally from Sheridan, Wyoming, Law has performed all over the world on cruise ships, music tours and regional theaters across America. He recently directed the music and performed in “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.” He’s no stranger to Tony Award-winning directors, the London Symphony Orchestra, and well-known performing artists.

Guitarist Scotty Pearson loves to say he was “Bjorn” to be in ABBAFAB. Any opportunity to “put smiles on people’s faces makes my job as a performer fulfilling.” Scotty grew up in Portland, Oregon, and as a teenager began learning, playing and performing music as soon and as often as he could.

Kelly-Anne Gower, originally from Liverpool, England, becomes Anni-Frid the minute she walks on stage. She’s graced London’s West End and international stages, sharing them with stars like Brian May and Hugh Jackman. Credits include lead singer in “Leading Ladies of

Broadway” in Las Vegas, Eponine in the London productions of “Les Misérables” and Scaramouche in “We Will Rock You.” She has even performed for Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle.

Each member has his or her own favorite ABBA song, but as a group, “Mamma Mia” captures all of the things that are so great about the original group. As performers, they also love singing and mastering the choreography required to stage the multimedia performance. Seeing the country and performing for so many different audiences makes traveling to gigs worthwhile, and they all enjoy the journeys together.

Concert-goers will be able to meet the four stars after the performance and purchase memorabilia in the lobby so you can take home the music and memories of this ABBAFABulous evening.

If available, individual concerts tickets are $35 plus fees starting three weeks before the concert. Buy tickets at the Avalon Box Office, 645 Main St., Grand Junction, or by calling 970-263-5757 Thursday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. ■

WIN TICKETS FROM THE BEACON!

Share with us your favorite ABBA song and what makes it special to you.

Favorite Song:

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Send in your answer by Thursday, March 21 to be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see ABBAFAB perform at 7:30 p.m. on April 4 at Grand Junction’s Avalon Theatre.

Email your answer to: Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

Or mail this entry form to:

BEACON Senior News

PO Box 3895

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Growing Greatness Create an environment for seedling success

Planting from seed is gratifying and cost effective. It allows seeds to explore new environments while allowing us to introduce desired species into our gardens.

Professional growers can select crop varieties that are unique to the market, easy to harvest and easy to store. Similarly, home growers can experiment with new varieties or preserve heirloom seeds for future plantings. Most vegetable crops can naturalize over four to seven generations, making it possible for heirloom seeds to acclimate to specific growing conditions such as our clay soils, mineral-rich water and cool nights.

Starting seeds yourself is easy to do providing you ensure the five necessary conditions for germination.

1 GOOD SEEDS

If you buy seeds new, you’ll know you have a living seed that will germinate for you. However, if you’re using saved seeds or seeds from old packets from the bottom of the garden supply box, then a germination test will be beneficial. To perform this test, place 10-20 seeds in a paper towel (be sure to write the variety on the towel) and roll it up. Mist the towel until it’s wet, then place it in a jar or canister

with the lid cracked open to allow airflow. Keep the towel in a warm location and check it after the number of days required for the seed to sprout. For a 7-10 day germination period, you can extend the test to Day 12 to ensure all viable seeds

have sprouted. Count the number of sprouts divided by the number of seeds started to calculate the germination percentage. While 80100% germination is ideal, even a 50% germination rate indicates the need to plant two seeds per hole.

2 OXYGEN

Choose a quality germination soil that allows for adequate airflow. And remember: Don’t compact the soil when planting the seed, as this can hinder airflow and affect germination.

3 MOISTURE

Seeds need 50-75% moisture to germinate. It’s important to avoid overwatering, but don’t let them completely dry out either. Instead, aim for consistent moisture levels by watering or misting daily, or even multiple times a day if necessary.

Indoors, a humidity dome can help maintain soil moisture. Outdoors, we can build a mini hoop structure out of bent electrical conduit, 9 wire or even willow branches covered with plastic to create a mini greenhouse.

For small seeds planted outdoors, flattened cardboard boxes can be used to retain moisture.

Seeds need 50-75% moisture to germinate. It’s important to avoid overwatering, but don’t let them completely dry out either.

After planting the seeds, water the soil, then dampen the cardboard and place it over the seeds, securing it with rocks or bricks.

The corrugated cardboard acts as a sponge, releasing moisture into the soil while shielding the seeds

from sun and wind. Ensure the cardboard remains moist, and once 50% of the seeds have germinated, remove it to allow the remaining seeds to emerge within a day or two.

4 TEMPERATURE

Seeds require specific temperatures to germinate successfully. Cold-season crops typically germinate best between 45-75°F, while warm-season crops prefer temperatures of 60-90°F.

Indoors, using a heat mat under the seedling tray can provide warmth. These mats often come with a thermostat, allowing you to set the temperature to the sweet spot for your seeds. For most cool-season crops, a temperature around 68°F is optimal, while warm-season crops thrive at around 80°F.

Outdoors, it’s important to check the soil temperature before planting. To raise soil temperature, you can lay down a plastic square in the garden and secure it around the edges to retain heat. Within about a week, the soil temperature should become suitable for planting your crops.

Creating a mini greenhouse using six straw bales and a salvaged sliding glass door is a great way to warm the soil and protect seedlings from overnight cold. Once temperatures rise, remove the straw bales and relocate them to another area for planting warm-season crops.

5 SOIL

Seeds require good seed-to-soil contact to germinate. Chunky, gravel, sandy soil types have large air pockets that inhibit the seeds from staying moist.

When seeding indoors, it’s beneficial to use coconut coir, peat

moss, small perlite or a commercial germination mix that contains fine materials. These materials hold water well, ensuring the seed remains in contact with moist media for optimal germination.

Outdoors, we can create a suitable environment for germination by digging a small 1-inch trench and lining it with coconut coir or peat moss. This helps maintain moisture around the seeds for better germination. Clay is a much finer soil particle than silt or sand. It can be lightly broken up on the surface to create finer particles in the top ½ to ¾ inch where seeds are planted.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Ideal Seed Planting Days in March For those following the biodynamic calendar, the ideal days for planting seeds in March are the 1st and 2nd along with the 15th-29th. Rhythm OfNature.net provides calendars for gardening tasks, home chores, health practices and beauty regimes. ■

~

Don’t miss Bryan’s Seed Saving Workshop at Mesa County

Libraries’ Central Branch, 443 N. 6th St., on March 27 at 6 p.m. to learn more about saving seeds.

GROW WILD

BY BRYAN REED

Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of the BEACON, or email him at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu

Coconut coir holds water well.

Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one.

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s

Faith and flower power

By Lynn Gendusa

HILLTOP

My son lives in Denver, the milehigh city, where the cloudless azure sky stretches over the snowcapped Rockies, shimmering in the bright sunlight. Each time I visit, I find myself breathless, unsure if it’s the altitude or the sheer beauty of my surroundings.

On one memorable Easter weekend a few years ago, we traveled to Boulder, home of the University of Colorado. We strolled the brick walk of Peal Street, which was beautified with tulips and manicured landscaping. Street performers filled the air with the sounds of guitars, fiddles and folk songs.

It was a lively scene dominated by young folks sporting a modern hippie vibe. Despite the addition of better restaurants and shops, Boulder had retained its charm as a university town and had changed very little from the late 1960s. The barefooted, long-haired hippies of the ‘60s, had been replaced by individuals sporting sneakers and hair dyed in a variety of colors. Groovy!

The hippies I once knew spread flowers and peace. Some protested, experimented with drugs and listened to rock music splashed with defiance. Our parents’ generation, labeled the “establishment,” often believed the world would

eventually be doomed by these errant Baby Boomers.

“Their music is horrific; they are all druggies and are not true Americans!” the establishment proclaimed as the chants of the hippies grew louder, drowning out adverse reactions to their culture.

Most generations believe that the next will never achieve the same level of success. They declare that America is going “down the tubes,” blaming the irresponsible and wild behavior of the younger generation.

Does anyone else remember when our parents wouldn’t let boys have long hair? Or when they criticized Elvis’s gyrations or the mania of the Beatles? Well, I wore bell bottoms, owned Elvis albums, and who among us Baby Boomers didn’t watch the Beatles on “Ed Sullivan?”

But you know what? Our parents were wrong. We grew up to be productive citizens. That longhaired hippie boy from the ’60s is now CEO of a company, and the flower-child girl at Woodstock is a grandmother, retired from the company she founded in the ’70s.

On Easter Sunday, during our visit to see my son, we attended the Highlands United Methodist Church in Denver. This historic church, standing since 1926, has welcomed

generations of worshippers. The morning air was crisp, the sky a brilliant blue, and frankly, it closely resembled a time forty years earlier when my little boy wore a seersucker suit and carried his Easter basket to church.

Given the decline in church attendance among younger generations, especially outside the Bible Belt where I’m from, I wondered what I would witness that Easter morning. As we settled into the old wooden pews, I noticed children’s storybooks placed among the Bibles and hymnals. Initially, I thought it was a bit odd, but after a few moments, it became clear why they were there.

a child engrossed in a book pulled from the back of the pew.

The young minister, wearing a peach-colored Easter blazer, enthusiastically welcomed everyone. After singing old Easter hymns, he delivered a rip-roaring sermon, brimming with God’s word and celebration for the risen Lord.

The world isn’t doomed because young people listen to rap instead of the Beatles or Guns N’ Roses. America isn’t lost because a new generation of hippies dress in ragged khakis with purple hair and rings in their noses.

AMERICA ISN’T LOST BECAUSE A NEW GENERATION OF HIPPIES DRESS IN RAGGED KHAKIS WITH PURPLE HAIR AND RINGS IN THEIR NOSES.

Children, accompanied by their parents, dashed noisily to their seats, dressed in Easter colors of blue, pink, yellow and purple. Siblings with disheveled hair and infants cradled in their parents’ arms filled every seat in the church.

The sanctuary became alive with songs, babies crying and children chattering happily. The 1960s hippie had become the grandparent, sitting beside the 1980s college student turned parent, who sat next to

I found hope and comfort in witnessing young families returning to worship the Lord. One generation passes on the word of God to the next. As I looked around at the congregation, I imagined the grandmother in front of me once wore a flower in her hair, and the toddler’s father might have followed the Grateful Dead.

No, the world isn’t doomed if we continue to pass our faith forward. This way, the 5-year-old boy in the seersucker suit may one day find hope in a church under the blue Colorado sky. ■

By Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief

Western Colorado, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of local services to help you on your journey to aging well. However, whether you’re exploring options for yourself or helping an aging parent from afar, navigating these resources can be confusing and expensive. Don’t worry—we’ll help you sort them out in our 2024 BEACON Guides, an annual resource directory for local seniors.

The BEACON Guide is available in two editions: one covering Mesa County and another serving the Montrose-Delta area. Each edition provides tailored resources and information to support seniors in these communities.

TRUSTED & RELIABLE

Whether you’re planning your retirement, exploring volunteer opportunities or transitioning to a senior living community, The BEACON Guide steers you through the full spectrum of local care options, complete with informative articles to help you make sense of it all.

The BEACON Guide organizes hundreds of local, state and national resources based on when you might need them. You’ll discover hard-to-find contact information for clubs and government agencies, retirement planners, home contractors, physicians, home health providers, retirement communities, support groups and more.

What sets us apart from other resource guides is our commitment to accuracy. Each phone number undergoes thorough verification, as a dedicated member of our staff personally contacts and verifies every listing.

added yearly to provide the most up-to-date and reliable information to support you as you age

EXPLORE THE GUIDE ONLINE

Visit our website to explore the digital version of the guide. This interactive experience allows you to browse the guide as if you were reading the printed version. Additionally, you can search for keywords and business names, and navigate to advertisers’ websites with a simple click.

Discover local businesses conveniently by using our online business directory at BeaconSeniorNews. com/wc-businesses.

DID WE FORGET YOU?

If we missed an important senior resource, let us know by emailing Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

If you didn’t find your 2024 BEACON Guide inside the magazine or need additional copies, call us at 970-243-8829, and we’ll mail them to you.

As our community grows, so does the guide. New resources are

We distribute The BEACON Guide at doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals, and more throughout Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties. Businesses and organizations are able to call and request them in bulk and we will personally deliver them. ■

Region 10 RSVP

Making retirement meaningful through volunteering

By Leanne Goebel

Retirement. It’s a blessing and a curse. Many people can’t wait to travel and fill their days with their favorite activities. Yet others find themselves lost without the routine of a job and the socialization their career provided. Volunteering is a way to remain active, socialize, help one’s community, and possibly put those lifelong career skills to good use.

Three years ago, Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning implemented the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), an AmeriCorps program that pairs individuals aged 55 and older with organizations making changes in their community.

Today, Region 10’s RSVP program boasts 300 dedicated volunteers who support numerous nonprofits, including Shepherd’s Hand, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Sharing Ministries, All Points Transit, HopeWest and more. Volunteers have the flexibility to choose how, where and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week.

“[Region 10] is involved with helping so many nonprofits. You can sign up to volunteer without having to go to individual organiza -

tions. It’s one-stop shopping,” said RSVP volunteer Beth McCorkle.

RSVP Coordinator Joe Walker is inspired by how many people want to help.

“A lot of people just reach out and want to know if we know where they can volunteer—and we do,” said Walker.

The primary goals of RSVP are to engage individuals in volunteering and eliminate any barriers that might prevent them from doing so. RSVP reimburses eligible seniors for mileage or transportation, provides some meals and covers other expenses related to volunteering.

Kylynn Wilson, RSVP coordinator in Delta, emphasized the challenges of aging and the importance of staying socially active for seniors’ health and well-being.

“[Volunteering] is a great way to make friends and help your community,” said Wilson.

Region 10 volunteers contribute in various areas, such as gardening, handyman tasks, youth mentoring, trail restoration, music and art organizations, museums, office work and other activities. They also provide meals to seniors and others in need, with over 30,000 meals delivered. Volunteers with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) saw more than 400

individuals during Medicare open enrollment.

From January to September 2023, RSVP volunteers logged nearly 23,000 hours of volunteer time.

McCorkle, a former IT project manager, finds fulfillment in volunteering and prefers an active retirement over watching TV. Lately, she has been dedicating more time to volunteering with All Points Transit.

“It’s the relationships you build with people when you volunteer,” said McCorkle. “I enjoy visiting with the people we pick up. Sometimes, you are the only communication they have. They tell stories about their families and their lives. Often,

you never see them again, but sometimes you do.”

A year-end survey of volunteers revealed that the majority find their volunteer work with Region 10 RSVP enjoyable, feel they are making a positive impact in their community, believe their service is valued by the organization and express overall satisfaction with the RSVP program.

Seniors in Montrose, Delta and other counties Region 10 serves can sign up online at Region10. net/rsvp-region-10-senior-volunteer-program or submit a volunteer application to the Region 10 office, 145 S. Cascade in Montrose. ■

Volunteers at Shepherd’s Hand, from left: Linda Goodwin and Beverly Townsend, Jaquelyn Gury and Laryse Bundvig.

Laugh-In

Looking back at TV’s most influential comedy show

By Randal C. Hill

At one time, it was virtually impossible to get through a day without hearing a few of these silly statements: “Sock it to me!” “Here come de judge!” “You bet your sweet bippy!” “Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!”—all thanks to the astounding success and widespread influence of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.”

The show premiered as a groundbreaking NBC-TV special in September 1967. It proved to be such a surprise ratings hit that NBC added it to their regular weekly schedule staring in January the following year.

Creator George Schlatter reflected, “At the time, nobody was doing pure comedy. All variety shows were the same. I wanted something that reflected my own minimal attention span and love of comedy.”

“Laugh-In” was essentially an hour of modern vaudeville. Viewers were treated to absurd sight gags, irreverent one-liners, off-color sketches, social-issue playlets and satirical newscasts. Performers fell through trap doors, toppled over on tricycles and endured buckets of water and cream pies to the face. Fleeting celebrity cameo appearances featured stars like ukulele maven Tiny Tim, movie icon John Wayne and even straight-arrow politician Richard Nixon (“Sock it to me?”).

The show moved at a breakneck pace, with one critic aptly describing it as “like an Ed Sullivan Show on an LSD trip.”

“Laugh-In” was hosted by the urbane Dan Rowan with the supposedly dim Dick Martin as his foil.

The show portrayed them as hosts often bewildered by the wacky events around them—go-go dancers, a continuous cocktail party and an end-of-the-show joke wall.

The show spawned a line of products including coffee mugs, T-shirts, jogging outfits, fortune cookies, a comic strip, a magazine and even graffitied wallpaper. Baskin-Robbins even created a new flavor inspired by the show—Here Comes the Fudge.

The show also launched the careers of numerous celebrities including Arte Johnson, Ruth Buzzi, Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley, Flip Wilson, Judy Carne, Alan Sues and Gary Owens. Yet, two women stood out among them.

Goldie Hawn became famous for her portrayal of a bumbling, giggling, bikini-clad blonde babe with silly sayings painted on her skin.

Lily Tomlin’s star soared as Ernestine, a sardonic telephone operator with immortal lines like, “Is this the party to whom I am speaking?” Schlatter even instructed her to use her middle finger when dialing the phone as a gentle jab at the world.

Although “Laugh-In” continued until 1973, the show had been on life support since the end of the 1960s. However, NBC would soon return to satire with a new show created by a former “Laugh-In” writer, Lorne Michaels, called “Saturday Night Live.”

When asked about the legacy of “Laugh-In,” Schlatter replied, “Break the rules. Once something becomes a rule, it’s made to be broken.” ■

VOTE FOR OUR 2024

MESA COUNTY

Volunteer of the Year

What age group comprises the majority of our community’s volunteers? Seniors!

That’s why BEACON provides Mesa County organizations with the chance to recognize their exceptional senior volunteers at BeaconFest, Thursday, April 18. While all nominated volunteers will be honored on stage, only one will be named Volunteer of the Year. Readers, we need your help!

Vote online (easiest)

Step 1: Go to BeaconSeniorNews.com/VoteVOY

Step 2: Select your favorite volunteer and enter your name and email address

Step 3: Submit your vote!

Voting closes Friday, April 5 at 4 p.m.

Mail-in your vote!

Fill out the official ballot on page 30 and mail it to:

BEACON Senior News

P.O. Box 3895

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Ballots must be received by Friday, April 5 at 4 p.m.

Mesa County Nominees

All volunteers will be recognized at Grand Junction BeaconFest on Thursday, April 18 at Grand Junction Convention Center. Ceremony starts at 1 p.m.

Barbara Ball

Nominated by HopeWest

Barbara’s smile is a constant presence. Her heart speaks volumes in conversation, quickly revealing her unique ability to brighten any day. Her unwavering dedication to giving back and serving others is evident whether she’s welcoming visitors at the Ferris Care Center or sewing a variety of items for HopeWest patients. Love is her motivation, and it’s especially obvious in her creation of Military Quilts, where every stitch speaks peace, comfort and love over the person her quilt lovingly covers. We are so grateful to know her and work with her every single week! Barbara has volunteered with several local organizations but has found a special place at HopeWest. There, she not only gives love but also receives it, finding healing in volunteering. Since becoming a volunteer at the end of 2022, Barbara has logged over 400 hours supporting the Ferris Care Center, as well as hospice and palliative care patients.

Mike Calabro

Nominated by Museums of Western Colorado

For countless years, Mike Calabro has offered his time and energy to the Museums of Western Colorado’s volunteer docent program. His thoughtful demeanor and knowledge of paleontology helps bring our museum exhibits to life, creating a sense of awe and wonder in visiting students. Whether it be through focusing on the incredible size of a Brachiosaurus femur or by asking open-ended questions on the diet of an Allosaurus, Mike gives children the opportunity to share their own passion for

dinosaurs while teaching them new facts and concepts. We are so grateful to Mike for sharing his time with the museums and our local community!

Carole Chowen

Nominated by Grand Valley Pets Alive

Carole Chowen, president and spay/neuter coordinator for Grand Valley Pets Alive (GVPA), has been a dedicated volunteer since 2013. She has worked tirelessly to fulfill the all-volunteer nonprofit’s mission to reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs in Mesa County. Carole receives dozens of daily requests for help with spay/neuter of cats and dogs, and TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) of feral cats. She created a voucher program that tracks and covers the cost of surgeries for animals at a discounted veterinarian clinic. Carole assists with transporting cats and fosters them when needed. She coordinates with groups outside of Grand Junction to transfer cats so they can be adopted. In 2023, GVPA provided over 665 animals with surgeries, largely thanks to Carole’s efforts. GVPA is fortunate to have her leadership, and our community is fortunate to have her dedicated work for the benefit of animals and those who care for them.

Jose Gallegos

Nominated by Mesa County RSVP & Senior Recreation Center

Jose has volunteered with Mesa County RSVP since October 2018, contributing 11,535 hours of service through January 2024. He currently volunteers as the president of Senior Recreation

Vote for Mesa County Volunteer of the Year!

How to vote:

1 Read about each volunteer’s qualifications

2 Choose your favorite

❒ Barbara Ball

❒ Mike Calabro

❒ Carole Chowen

❒ Jose Gallegos

❒ Cheyanne Gentry

❒ Noleta Golden

❒ Ruth Miller

❒ Charlie & Geri Mishmash

❒ Cindy Neal

❒ Bruce & Monica Peers

❒ Mike Perry

❒ Bill Prescott & Avery

❒ Loretta Roberts

❒ Tim Stafford

3 Cast your vote online at BeaconSeniorNews.com

Or mail this official ballot to: PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

The last day to vote is Friday, April 5.

Online voting closes at 4 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be received by 4 p.m.

All nominees are invited to a special ceremony at Grand Junction BeaconFest, where they will be presented with awards and the Volunteer of the Year will be announced (details below).

Questions? Contact us at 970-243-8829, or email Amber@BeaconSeniorNews.com

Center, donating 250 hours every month. Among our base of 600 volunteers, nobody donates the time that Jose does. His dedication to the seniors at the Senior Rec Center is truly unparalleled.

Cheyanne Gentry

Nominated by Food Bank of the Rockies

Cheyanne has volunteered with Food Bank of the Rockies for 9 years and is the site-coordinator for our Grand Junction High School (GJHS) Mobile Pantry. Cheyanne works with roughly 15 students from GJHS to serve our neighbors twice a month. Currently, the group is serving close to 200 households each month in the Grand Valley. Cheyanne has been instrumental in helping us provide nutritious and familiar food to those facing hunger in our community.

Noleta Golden

Nominated by Community Food Bank

In 2005, Noleta Golden began volunteering with Community Hospital when it was located on North 12th Street. Noleta travels an hour each way to give her time two afternoons a week, greeting visitors, patients and patients’ families, and escorting them to their appointments. Additionally, she works on special projects and is always willing to help. Noleta has touched many lives and inspired many people. Her positive influence extends to the wider community, inspiring others to join in our mission. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, and her 160,000 volunteer hours are not just a numerical achievement but also a testament to her unwavering passion for making a positive difference in our community. Noleta has a huge heart and desire to give. Her outstanding dedication and positive impact have made her an invaluable member of our team.

Ruth Miller

Nominated by Cappella of Grand Junction

Ruth resides at Cappella of Grand Junction Assisted Living and serves as our Resident Ambassador, welcoming newcomers and providing guidance to new residents. She also volunteers in our memory care community, helping with newspaper delivery, visiting others and lending a compassionate ear. Ruth is always joyful, often helping with assembling marketing materials and other concierge tasks. Ruth is a bright light in our community and demonstrates a continued thriving and vibrant life in retirement.

Charlie & Geri Mishmash

Nominated by Meals on Wheels

Charlie and Geri have volunteered for Meals on Wheels since September 2017, delivering over 3,900 meals to seniors in Mesa County. They drive a weekly route and serve as substitute drivers, stepping in last-minute to help when needed. They also

assist in training new volunteers and showing community members how the program operates. Additionally, they spend one morning each week in the office, answering phones, preparing donation statements and getting BEACONs ready for delivery drivers to take with them. Charlie and Geri go above and beyond their regular duties by shopping for customers, visiting them in rehab or hospitals and making extra visits to connect with them. They have given so much to our program, and jump in to help with whatever we ask.

Cindy Neal

Nominated by Hilltop Community Resources

Cindy Neal has been a dedicated volunteer at the Commons for 2.5 years, joining during the height of the pandemic. She donates approximately 10 hours per week, leading Bingo (a bigger task than most realize) and assisting with book club. Cindy goes above and beyond, setting up for activities, helping residents get comfortable, participating in discussions and volunteering extra hours when we’re short-staffed so activities aren’t cancelled for residents. She values the residents’ wisdom and enjoys their company. Cindy’s impact is evident in her commitment and love for those she serves. Colleagues praise her kindness, dependability and willingness to help, noting her positive impact on residents and staff alike. Cindy exemplifies courage, supporting the organization with her medical expertise during the pandemic, and taking on additional roles, including advocating for a resident’s healthcare needs. Her efforts extend to promoting volunteerism. Cindy Neal is a deserving candidate for Mesa County’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bruce & Monica Peers

Nominated by Visit Grand Junction Bruce and Monica have volunteered over 3,436 hours at the Grand Junction Visitor Center, welcoming visitors and new residents with advice on what to do in the area, dining information, Realtors and more. They are always eager and excited to help anyone who walks into the Visitor Center. They also volunteer at the Visitor Center booth during the summer at the Market on Main, handing out popsicles and candy to kids. They make new friends with every person they meet and have an energizing can-do attitude that rubs off on everyone they encounter.

Mike Perry

Nominated by EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum

Mike Perry has been involved in many community organizations, but his involvement with EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum is invaluable. Mike has mentored our travel program for retirees, donating his time to lead Exploration trips and connecting us with other key players in the community. Mike has been instrumental in helping us create a dinosaur bone exhibit and has lectured about scorpions. In 2023, he completed a 2,000+

mile bike journey across the U.S., raising over $88,000 for youth scholarships! This highlights Mike’s passion for supporting youth. He is generous, encouraging, full of ideas and one of the museum’s biggest advocates.

Bill Prescott & Avery

Nominated by Family Health West

Bill and Avery visit Family Health West (FHW) Hospital every other week and on holidays to bring comfort to patients. They also make additional visits, as Bill’s schedule allows, whenever a patient needs some extra puppy love. Together, they participate in parades with the FHW bus and staff. Bill occasionally brings Avery around to the FHW staff for some petting and affection. Avery is so sweet and kind, putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Loretta Roberts

Nominated by Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Loretta is a beacon of light for our residents, brightening each Tuesday with her musical talents. Regardless of their mood, Loretta can effortlessly get the entire crowd singing and laughing. A former program director, she engages our residents with personalized greetings, hugs and a beautiful smile. Loretta talks about the many exciting activities she’s involved in, including helping immigrant families to learn English and get acquainted with living in the U.S., leading a women’s Bible study, tending a beautiful flower garden (and gifting us flowers), and supporting young musicians by playing the piano for them. Her performances feature songs we all sing along to, poems, trivia, uplifting hymns and a loving wish of good health and prosperity. Every week we look forward to her visit!

Tim Stafford

Nominated by Roice-Hurst Humane Society

Since beginning his volunteer work at Roice-Hurst Humane Society in the summer of 2023, Tim Stafford has devoted nearly 300 hours to improving the lives of shelter pets. On a typical day, Tim can be found taking a shelter dog on an enriching hike, cleaning kennels, assisting pets as they wake up from spay/neuter surgeries, or caring for a foster cat at home. Tim is a reliable, flexible and compassionate team member. His remarkable ability to create meaningful connections with each pet (and person) at the shelter makes every day brighter. We are deeply grateful for Tim’s contributions to furthering our mission of promoting bonds between pets and their people! ■

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for your volunteer service!

By Victor Block

stretch of golden sand lies against a backdrop of vibrant Art Deco architecture on the east coast. Further north, people stroll, jog and pedal bicycles along a boardwalk that runs parallel to an oceanfront beach and passes amusement parks, fast-food eateries and gambling casinos.

On the opposite coast, sun worshipers alternate between working on their tan with checking out their surroundings for sightings of seals and sea lions, elk, deer and migrating whales.

When people think of a beach vacation, they often picture relaxing on soft sand, soaking up the sun and cooling off in salty surf. As inviting as these scenes are, they only scratch the surface of what awaits those who would like to exchange the coming winter cold for the welcome warmth of a beach destination.

Consider, for instance, the Art Deco charm of Miami Beach, boasting more than seven miles of palm tree-shaded sand. Alternatively, Atlantic City may offer a somewhat narrower shoreline, but it more than makes up for it with a plethora of entertainment options. When visitors to the northwestern peninsula of Washington State aren’t relaxing on an Olympic National Park beach, they’re often keeping their eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that frequents the area.

Despite their differences, these places share something in common: they are among strands of sand that have been recognized and lauded by the leading expert in beach lore.

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has conducted several decades of research, which includes creation of a “50 criteria evaluation list.” His expertise has earned him the unofficial but fitting nicknames of “Dr. Beach” and “Doctor of Beachology.”

If you’re considering a break from Mother Nature’s winter white snow in favor of the milky froth of waves crashing on a sun-drenched beach, be aware that the choice of inviting alternatives is long, varied and, in some cases, surprising.

TOP U.S. BEACHES

Surprises abound around the country, ready to welcome visitors seeking unique beach experiences. It’s no wonder that half of Dr. Beach’s top choices are located in Florida and Hawaii.

ST. GEORGE BEACH

St. George Island State Park, Florida

Topping the list is St. George Island Park in the Sunshine State, which boasts “some of the whitest, finest sand in the world” and water that is “crystal clear and clean.” The park’s appeal is further enhanced by nature trails, birding opportunities, fishing and boating, along with limited nighttime light pollution that makes it an excellent spot for stargazing.

DUKE KAHANAMOKU BEACH

Oahu, Hawaii

In second place is the tongue-twisting Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, named for a swimmer who popularized the sport of surfing. Despite its namesake’s fame, an offshore coral reef keeps the water calm, and the majestic Diamond Head Volcano rises in the distance, adding to the magnificent setting.

COOPERS BEACH

Southampton, New York

Third on the list is, to some, an unexpected choice. Coopers Beach in Southampton, Long Island, offers shores with white quartz sand backed by large dunes. Overlooking this picturesque setting are imposing mansions that serve as summer retreats for wealthy Manhattanites.

SAND BEACH

Acadia National Park, Maine

Despite its name, about half of the surface of Sand Beach consists of crushed bits of mussel and crab shells, along with parts of other sea creatures. This natural pocket coastline, tucked into a cove in Acadia National Park in Maine and backed by a pristine setting of evergreen trees, has been aptly described as a “saltwater gem.”

CARPINTERIA STATE BEACH

Santa Barbara County, California

Located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, this beach offers gradually sloping sand and gentle swells, making it one of the safest beaches on the West Coast. Tide pools often teem with starfish, crabs and other sea life, while seals, sea lions and an occasional gray whale may be spotted during winter and early spring.

For those who want more action than just lounging in the sun, there is hope. Alongside the best beaches for swimming, walking and sunbathing, sandy enclaves can offer a surprising variety of activities.

Whether you’re looking for sand volleyball, beach biking or parasailing, or if you’re wild about wildlife and wish to wander through wilderness, or perhaps you’re a beachcomber on the lookout for semiprecious minerals or multicolored shells, there are stretches of sand that can cater to your preferences and provide many hours of oceanfront pleasure.

CARIBBEAN CALLING

For many people, the word “beach” conjures up images of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Palmfringed bays, clear water and year-round summer temperatures combine to make this region a sun and sand magnet. While the challenge of choosing where to plop down a blanket can be daunting, it’s almost hard to go wrong.

17-MILE BEACH Barbuda, Caribbean

The 17-Mile Beach on Barbuda is famous for its exceptional, pink-hued sand, which sets off the blue-to-grey-to-green color of the water offshore. This epic stretch of silky-smooth beach separates the ocean from the Condrington Lagoon.

BOCA PRINS BEACH Aruba, Caribbean

In Aruba, the white dunes of Boca Prins Beach contrast with the rocky shoreline of Arikok National Park, which is home to ancient Arawak paintings and plant and animal species that live nowhere else. This compact beach overlooks a bay known for strong currents and high waves, named for a former plantation.

WHEN YOU GO

Dr. Beach can help direct you to your sand and sun utopia. For more information, visit DrBeach.org. ■

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, AKA Dr. Beach

Younger than springtime–we’re not!

Spring style tips for seniors

By Karen White-Walker

Why should spring fashions be any different for seniors than for the younger set? The reason may be that we’re no longer built like Ken and Barbie, or maybe we never were. That puts old-timers right smack dab in the majority, and others will be able to relate now to real people decked out in practical yet stylish fashions.

Older folks curious about the new spring colors need only look to nature’s early bird specials—lavender and purple crocuses, yellow daffodils, buttercup-like eranthis hyemalis and blue, pink and white Glory-of-the-Snow flowers.

Who can go wrong with pastels that usher in the advent of spring? Well, that depends on knowing your skin, hair and eye color. Are you spring, summer, autumn or winter? Is your skin color warm or cool? According to the experts, this is more important than keeping up with trends. Consult the color chart, they say. But is that before or after you’ve taken eye drops for pink eye or put in your colored contact lenses? And is that before you’ve dyed your hair or decided to say the hell with it?

As for one’s skin coloring, doesn’t that change almost daily depending on your high or low blood pressure? On whether you’re feeling frisky because your spouse just looked at you like in the olden days, or you’re stressed because of situations you don’t have any control over?

FASHION FOR WOMEN

We senior women lug around the weight of the many years we’ve lived, so to look fresh for spring, opt for lightweight clothing that can create a slimming effect, especially if it’s all one color. Avoiding ruffles, large patterns or horizontal lines can help avoid drawing attention for the wrong reasons.

If you’re thin, the opposite advice applies, but with the added benefit of being able to layer clothing in lighter, breathable fabrics.

Also avoid tight-fitting turtlenecks if you don’t want to look like your neck is in traction. Go for lightweight, loose-fitting cowl-neck styles. Printed scarves and modestly-sized dangly earrings can add flair to an outfit, but overly long earrings or large hoops might be considered too provocative for those of a certain age. Choose accessories that suit your personal style and comfort level.

When it comes to exposing cleavage, wouldn’t it behoove you to leave more up to men’s imaginations? Especially knowing what their fish eyes don’t suspect—that

without support on the level of a bridge’s reinforced concrete beam, those bread dough-looking, oblong, floppy “loaves” look like they’ve been kneaded too long and too hard.

THE KEY IS TO AVOID A DROOPY APPEARANCE AND FIND CLOTHING THAT ENHANCES YOUR NATURAL SHAPE WITHOUT OVEREMPHASIZING CERTAIN AREAS.

FASHION FOR MEN

Of course there are also suggestions for the men out there who wish they could look like they just stepped out of GQ magazine and not Popular Mechanics.

For skinny men, pleated pants and double-breasted sports coats can create a fuller look. Layering in whites, creams and pastels adds dimension to your outfit.

For overweight men, solid colors and tailored, untucked shirts can be flattering. Pants should be worn around the waist, not below the belly button. Suspenders can be a stylish alternative to belts—they don’t cut your body in half and they provide a more flattering drape. The key is to avoid a droopy ap -

pearance and find clothing that enhances your natural shape without overemphasizing certain areas.

In springtime, it’s ideal for both men and women, regardless of size, to avoid wearing baggy clothes. Spring symbolizes new life, renewal, promise and even romance. Baggy attire can make thin individuals appear malnourished and overweight individuals look like unkempt slobs.

Wearing well-fitted clothing conveys a sharp, stylish appearance. By understanding our color chart and knowing our seasonal color palette, seniors can add to the beauty of their surroundings and contribute positively to their overall appearance.

I don’t know about you older

guys and dolls out there, but it’s refreshing that we’ll be contributing something positive. Not to mention, very soon now we’ll all be far better looking.

Pass the color palette, please. ■

prices today to protect your loved ones tomorrow.

Paying for your final arrangements in advance protects you against rising costs and provides valuable peace of mind.

MORTUARY

MORTUARY

My Diabetic Solutions

AT COMPASS MEDICAL CENTER

Nearly 35 million Americans are living with diabetes and even more who are undiagnosed.

My Diabetic Solutions at Compass Medical Center is the only provider on the Western Slope to offer groundbreaking treatments that can stabilize, and in some cases, even reverse the complications caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Our medical team focuses on metabolic, pre-diabetic and diabetic treatments for patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Some of these cuttingedge therapies and treatments include:

Infusion therapy

Nutrition

Light therapy

Wound care

Specialized orthotic fittings

Physiologic Insulin

Resensitization

About Physiologic Insulin Resensitization

This treatment program has yielded significant results from patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Many patients reported a significant improvement in their neuropathy as well as vast improvements in other complications and a reduction in the overall use of medication.

This method has been used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and helps pre-diabetic patients improve insulin resistance and helps cells convert sugar into energy more readily. It can also help with:

Neuropathy relief

Restored energy

Weight control

Erectile function

Retinopathy relief

Reduced use of medications

Blood sugar control

Mood and sleep improvement

Hair and nail growth

Reduced blood pressure

Reduced symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Accelerated stroke recovery

Reduced fatty liver

Our holistic approach focuses on restoring mobility and creating positive outcomes for every patient rather than suppressing the symptoms so they can live to their fullest health potential.

There are ways to age gracefully with less pain and discomfort and more energy and vitality!

Avoid subscription traps and save big How

to cancel your unwanted services

Tax day is approaching next month, which is a great time to review your bud get and cut out any forgotten or unnec essary expenses.

One of the best ways to cut expenses is to evaluate all your subscription services. From streaming movie and music to online storage, software applications, smartphone apps, gym memberships, magazines and retail discount membership programs, these costs can gradually add up to more than $100 per month without much notice.

services make committing to a subscription as simple as blindly checking a box as you sign up for a different service.

www.CompassMedicalCO.com

Many companies use free trial offers to attract customers, knowing that, statistically, a majority will either decide to keep the service or forget to cancel after the trial ends.

Numerous smartphone and computer apps are free to use, but they hide premium features and add-ons behind subscription paywalls. While some apps charge as little as 99 cents, others, especially those for managing finances or media production, cost hundreds of dollars per year.

As you prepare for tax season, here are a few tips for finding, canceling and preventing unwanted and overlooked subscriptions.

CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR EXPENSES

Check all of your financial accounts, including checking and credit cards, for any unknown fees. Some services, including banks, insurance companies and phone/internet providers, might offer add-on subscriptions that can easily go unnoticed. Although

Many subscriptions, especially those bundled with other services or offered as promotions, don’t begin until after a long trial period. For example, when you subscribe to a new cell phone service, you might receive a year of Apple Music or Netflix for free, only to be charged for service in the second year with little or no advance notice. Some people pay for services for months or years before realizing it.

Any account that is insured by your bank or a major credit card company will work with you on stopping payment or procuring refunds from shady subscription services, but they won’t make it easy. It’s best to try to manually cancel all subscriptions before turning to your bank or credit card company.

In cases of blatant fraud, you should skip contacting the fraudsters and notify your financial institution and credit monitoring companies immediately.

If all of the charges and subscriptions are legitimate, there are still ways to reduce the amount you’re spending on subscription costs:

CHECK FOR PERKS

You may be paying for Netflix, Apple Music, Hulu or other service when it’s available as a free perk with your Walmart+ or cell phone plan.

ROTATE SUBSCRIPTIONS

I keep Amazon Prime year-round, but I rotate through the other services every few months. Once I’ve watched everything I want on Netflix, I cancel and sign-up for MAX (formerly HBO MAX) or Criterion for a new variety of programming.

CANCEL RIGHT AWAY

If you haven't used a subscription service for months, cancel it without remorse. I often sign up for an annual subscription and cancel it the next day to avoid surprises with automatic renewals. Most annual subscriptions continue until the end of the paid period unless you negotiate a refund.

USE A DEDICATED CHECKING ACCOUNT

If you have concerns that a service

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

may be difficult to cancel, consider opening a low-balance checking account just for subscriptions. If a company tries to charge more than the balance, the subscription will be terminated due to lack of funds. You won't be penalized for not having enough money because it's a subscription, not a contract.

SEEK HELP

If you're overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions, contact the institutions that sponsor the account. They are legally obligated to help you assess and resolve unwanted charges. While they won’t do all the work for you, they can assist in tracking down the original vendor or finding the correct website for unsubscribing. ■

Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org

GJPD SCAM WATCH

Don’t fall for tax scams

How to identify and respond to common scams

Tax season is here, which unfortunately means scammers are on the prowl, attempting to steal your money and possibly your identity. Each year, thousands of people fall victim to tax scams, resulting in substantial financial losses and the risk of compromising their identity. In the fiscal year 2022, the IRS launched over 2,550 criminal investigations and uncovered more than $31 billion from tax and financial crimes.

What to do: Never click on any link or call the phone number provided. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails asking for payment or personal information.

Phone calls demanding money:

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Tax scams take on many forms. Here are some of the most common, as reported by the IRS and digital security company Aura:

Phishing emails:

Scammers use this email tactic to trick people into giving them their personal information (scammers are “fishing” for your info).

Scammers send emails pretending to be from the IRS or another legitimate source, often using threatening or urgent subject lines to demand payment. Clicking on the link in the email takes you to a fake IRS website where any information you provide goes straight to the scammer. This could include your Social Security number or credit card numbers, and you could also unknowingly download malware onto your device, allowing scammers to steal your information or let them hack your email without you knowing.

Scammers use bots and robocallers to make thousands of calls at once, often pretending to be from the IRS. They’ll claim you owe taxes, demand immediate payment and may threaten you with arrest if you don’t pay.

What to do: Don’t trust caller ID. These phone scams can appear to be from the official IRS phone number, and the caller may give you a fake badge number or may even have your Social Security Number, which could have been stolen. Don’t provide them with any information. Just HANG UP!

Overdue refund scam:

After receiving a direct deposit refund, you might get a call or text from someone posing as an IRS agent. They’ll claim your refund was too high and ask you to return the extra money, usually via wire transfer or gift cards. The scammer may also demand immediate payment and threaten to audit you or withhold future refunds.

What to do: The IRS will typically send a letter first to any taxpayer

who owes taxes. If you receive a phone call, HANG UP. Ignore any texts and call local law enforcement immediately.

Demanding payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency:

Scammers may demand payment for penalties or overpaid taxes in gift cards (like iTunes or Amazon) or cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) over the phone or through text messages.

What to do: The IRS doesn’t accept gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment. Ignore the threats and do not engage with scammers.

Additional advice to protect you from tax scams:

• Nearly all legitimate IRS communication comes as physical mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service.

• The IRS does not initiate contact through unsolicited emails, text messages or social media.

• Be cautious of payment methods that can’t be reversed.

• Any prerecorded or automated messages claiming to be from the IRS are scams.

• The IRS will never ask for login information for your online or financial accounts.

• The IRS does not make threats regarding arrest, ID revocation or

freezing Social Security numbers.

• Before clicking on any links in emails, check the “From” name for a .gov address to verify its legitimacy.

• Avoid clicking on links that may contain malware, which can steal your information.

• Verify the status of any pending refund on the IRS official website using “Where’s My Refund.”

Visiting the IRS website at IRS.gov can provide more detailed information and suggestions for protecting yourself or reporting fraud.

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a financial scam, report it immediately to your banking institution, then report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at iC3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov ■

The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is committed to raising awareness and providing support to those impacted by financial scams. GJPD plans to host several public safety presentations tailored for area seniors. To learn more about these presentations or to arrange one for your group or organization, call 970-549-5057. These scams are unfortunately prevalent in Montrose and Delta counties too. Report scams to Montrose Police Department at 970-249-9110 and Delta Police Department at 970874-7676.

March 1

Phil Vassar Concert

MeSa County

Experience a night of captivating country hits at the Avalon Theatre by renowned country music star Phil Vassar, who is known for chart-topping hits like “Little Red Rodeo” and “Six-Pack Summer.”

6:30-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $37+ | avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5757

March 1, 8, 15 & 22

Lenten Fish Fries

Join the Knights of Columbus Counsel 13621 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the annual Lenten Fish Fry. Enjoy baked cod and fried pollock, French fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, dessert and more. 4-7 p.m. | 790 26 1/2 Road | $12 | 970-242-6121

March 5

Podcasting for Writers

In this Western Colorado Writers’ Forum workshop at The Art Center, Adi Tilford will outline her podcasting journey and highlight the challenges she’s discovered along the way. Learn about the steps it takes to start your own podcast, gain insights about the art of interviewing and receive a digital guide with links to free and paid resources for creating a podcast of your own.

6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St. | Free | westerncoloradowriters.org | 970-822-7373

March 8

Fifth Reel & Friends Concert

Enjoy the sounds and lore of four centuries of music from the British Isles while experiencing traditional

CALENDAR

songs, haunting melodies and the lively dance music of the Celtic lands in this concert at The Art Center of Western Colorado.

7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St. | $20 | artcenterguild.org | 970-243-7337

March 9

Speakeasy Fundraiser

Join the Museums of Western Colorado for a night honoring Grand Junction’s historic red-light district: the Barbary Coast. Attendees must buy tickets to learn the special knock and passphrase to enter the exhibit hall-turned-1920s speakeasy. Tickets include a range of appetizers and desserts, two tokens to be redeemed for drinks or poker, era-appropriate music and access to the museum’s exhibits.

7-10 p.m. | 462 Ute Ave. | 21+ only | $100+ | mowc.co | 970-242-0971

March 9 & 10

GJSO’s Vivid Strings

Experience an enchanting night with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of “Vivid Strings,” featuring soloists Brian and Amelia Krinke, both from the renowned Juilliard School of Music.

6:30 p.m. Saturday & 6 p.m. Sunday | 645 Main St. | $17-$49.50| avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5757

March 11

Dinosaur Journey Sensory Night

Do you have a sensory processing need that makes museums overwhelming and overstimulating? If so, sensory night is for you! To keep the museum environment from being overwhelming, exhibit lights will be turned down, along with turning off background noise and animatronics.

3-6 p.m. | 550 Jurassic Ct., Fruita | $5 | mowc.co | 970-242-0971

March 12

The Black Jacket Symphony

Get a full rock-and-roll experience as the Black Jacket Symphony recreates Journey’s iconic album “Escape” live in its entirety at the Avalon Theatre. Plus, enjoy a full set of Journey’s greatest hits.

7 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $33+ | avalon theatregj.com | 970-263-5757

March 13

Table Talk: All Things Arthritis

Join Dr. Jessica Mears from the Family Health West Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic to learn about the distinctions between arthritis and osteoarthritis. This presentation, held in the Peach Room at the Fruita Community Center, will explore treatment options and offer advice on self-care as you age. Stick around after the talk for a presentation on common scams in Mesa County.

9-10:30 a.m. | 324 N. Coulson St., Fruita | Free | fhw.org/table-talk | 970-858-2170

March 13

Table Talk: Common Scams

Lieutenant Nick Peck of the Fruita Police Department will host a presentation on prevalent scams. This presentation, held in the Peach Room of the Fruita Community Center, will also outline suspicious behaviors and red flags. This presentation will take place after Dr. Jessica Mears’ talk on arthritis.

9-10:30 a.m. | 324 N Coulson St., Fruita | Free | fhw.org/table-talk | 970-858-2170

March 14

The Suits

Experience a night to remember at the Avalon Theatre with The Suits—a dynamic quartet covering Motown, doo-wop, pop and rock hits from the ’50s through the ’80s. With smooth choreography, tight harmonies and audience interaction, they bring classics like “Oh, What a Night” and “My Girl” to life.

6:30 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $33+ | avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5757

March 14

Mesa Monument Striders Pi Day Run

Get together, run and eat pie! Enjoy a fun 3.14-mile course at the lunch loop trailhead (detailed directions on the website). Bring a round dish or pie to share. Your dish can be fruit pie, pizza pie, chicken pot pie or a similar dish.

6 p.m. | Lunch Loop Trailhead | $20 membership | mesamonu mentstriders.com | 970-773-3124

March 14

Plants for the Low-Water Landscape

Renowned horticulturist Kelly Grummons discusses gardening with cacti and other low-water-use plants at the March meeting of the Chinle Cactus Club. Enthusiasts and professionals will gain insights into testing and introducing innovative new plant varieties for the xeric garden at this event, held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

6:30-8:30 p.m. | 536 Ouray Ave | Free | chinlecactusclub.org

March 16

Knights’ Templar Pancake Breakfast

Support the Knight Templar Eye Foundation and indulge in an allyou-can-eat feast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice at the Grand Junction Masonic Center. 8-11 a.m. | 2400 Consistory Ct. | $10 | ktef.org

March 17

Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic

Is your dog or cat up-to-date on their vaccines? If not, sign up to reserve your spot at Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s low-cost clinic. Appointment slots are limited, and prepayment of the exam fee is required to hold your place.

Various Times | 362 28 Road | $16+ | rhhumanesociety.org/clinic | 970-434-7337

March 21

AARP Smart Driver Course

Become a safer and more confident driver and save money on insurance after taking this course for seniors over 55 at Mesa County RSVP on the lower floor of the US Bank building.

4 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Suite 090 | $20 members, $25 non-members | 970-314-9843

March 21

Orchard Mesa Irrigation District History

Learn about Palisade’s unique history and enjoy a glass of wine during this month’s Palisade history talk at the Ordinary Fellow Winery. Join Jackie Fisher, general manager of the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District (OMID), as she delves into the intriguing history of OMID and its evolution, including the recent replacement of the hydro plant with the Vinelands Power Plant.

6 p.m. | 202 Peach Ave., Palisade | Free | historicpalisade.org | 970-464-2177

March 23

Lirios String Quartet

This quartet, comprised of students under the tutelage of the renowned Takacs Quartet at CU Boulder, presents a captivating program that showcases the brilliance of Beethoven, the charm of Debussy and the mastery of Haydn in the string quartet genre at CMU’s Moss Performing Arts Center.

3 p.m. | 1100 North Ave. | $17 | westernslopeconcertseries.org | 970-234-5661

March 23-24

Maverick Classic Beer Festival

Join the Colorado Mesa University cycling team and local breweries for a weekend of fun! Enjoy unlimited beer and cider samples, food trucks, retail vendors, local merchants and live music. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, so get yours while they last!

11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Downtown Grand Junction | $25-$40 | grandjunction sports.org | 970-248-1378

March 27

Seed Saving Workshop with Bryan Reed

Join Bryan Reed, the Grow Wild columnist for the BEACON, at the Mesa County Library Central Branch for an engaging workshop on seed saving.

6 p.m. | 443 N. 6th St. | Free | mesacountylibraries.org | 970-243-4442

March 29-31

The Sound of Music

Watch a local cast of over 60 adults and as they bring “The Sound of Music” to life at Grand Junction High School. Experience cherished songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-ReMi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the iconic title number, “The Sound of Music,” in this musical by The Theatre Project.

Various times | 1400 N. 5th St. | $15 | theatreprojectgj.com | 970-260-7706 ■

CLUBS MeSa County

American Association of University Women programs advocate for women and girls.

2nd Monday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-241-9684

Art Quilt Association meets at Redlands Community Center.

3rd Saturdays | 9:30-11 a.m. | theartquiltassociation.com

Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave.

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-257-7664

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead.

Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989

Brush & Palette Club meets at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St. 3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | brushand paletteclub.org

Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981, 503 1/2 Florence Road. 1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868

Chinle Cactus Club meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 536 Ouray Ave. See website to confirm meeting dates.

Most 2nd Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | chinlecactusclub.org

Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. Call for location.

4th Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970250-7402

Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522

Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing, honors military aviation at air shows and its museum at 780 Heritage Way, Gate 10.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 970-2560693 | rmwcaf.org

Community Bible Study meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road.

Thursdays | 9:30 a.m. | 303-2634391 | grandjunction.cbsclass.org

Cribbage Lite plays at IHOP near Mesa Mall, 2420 Hwy 6 & 50.

Tuesdays | 2 p.m. | 970-201-7823

Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, promotes historic preservation, education and patriotism. Meets monthly | DAR.org

Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. Call for location.

1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 720-8405502

Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Desert West Chapter, meets at Appleton Christian Church.

1st Tuesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2432230

Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, meets at Redlands Community Church, 2327 S. Broadway. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880

Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981, 503 1/2 Florence Road.

2nd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-4340868

Friendship Force promotes travel and cultural understanding through home stays. Club meets at New Covenant Baptist Church, 3196 F Road. 3rd Saturday | 2 p.m. | 214-5362250

Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road. 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 7 p.m. | grandjunctionrockclub.org

Grand Junction Modeleers flying club meets at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | gjmodeleers. com

Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-986-1502

Grand Junction Symphony Guild meets prior to GJSO performances. Call for details.

720-250-7172 | sherry@brightrowe. com

Grand Junction Toastmasters promotes communication and leadership skills.

Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. | Thursdays at 12 p.m. | 970-241-1900

Grand Mesa Jeep Club meets at Fiesta Guadalajara for dinner.

1st Monday | 6-8 p.m. | 970-773-

8051 | grandmesajeepclub@gmail. com

Grand Slam Bridge Club plays at Redlands Community Center. Beginners welcome.

Mondays | 12:15 p.m. | 970-2168807 | sharon7nt@gmail.com

Grand Valley Kennel Club meets in March, June, September, December.

3rd Monday | 6:30 p.m. | grand valleykennelclub.org | 970-256-1938

Grand Valley Knights Car Club meets at Spoons Bistro & Bakery, 3090 N. 12th St.

Saturdays | 7 a.m. | 970-462-6762

Grand Valley Pets Alive reduces the homeless population of dogs and cats. Meetings are at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway.

3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-462-7554 | grandvalleypets alive.org

Grand Valley Valor Quilters (Quilts of Valor) meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2700804 | valorquilters@gmail.com

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

First four Wednesdays | 1 p.m. | 970245-8817 or 970-257-1549

Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. 2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-856-3632

Great Old Broads for Wilderness inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. 970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com

Guitar Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473

Guys’ Giving Club meets in February, May, August and November at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Tuesday | 5:15 p.m. | 970-3617478 or 970-270-6184

Humanists Doing Good focuses on good deeds and establishing community for the nonreligious. View activities on Facebook or MeetUp.com

meetup.com/humanists-doing-good | jessebond008@gmail.com

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at the Warehouse, 2565 American Way.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664

Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 230 N. 3rd St.

2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-270-6162

Knights of Columbus #13621 meets at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 790 26 1/2 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-640-3263

Masonic Mesa Lodge #55 AF & AM meets at 2400 Consistory Ct.

1st Thursday | 6 p.m. | 970-245-2277 | mesa55@masonicfamilygj.org

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at Koinonia Church. Call to confirm meeting time.

2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 303-5494398 | mesacountygenealogy.org

Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St.

4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | mesafiber artsguild.org

Military Officers Association of America meets quarterly at DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. 970-241-8714

Native American Cultural Program meets at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave.

2nd Wednesdays | 3:30 p.m. | 970-433-4763

Newcomers Club welcomes locals old and new with fun activities at Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 419450-9438 | gjnewcomers@gmail. com

Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road. 2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | cslgj.org

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50. 1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-208-7228

Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center.

3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionpmc.com

Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques.

Meets monthly | 970-256-9580

Red Hat Society: Feeling Good and Having Fun meets for fun activities throughout the month.

970-250-6966 | Lfitch50@gmail.com | westerncoloradoredhatters.com

River City Singles, for adults over 50, meets weekly at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, with additional activities throughout the month. Call for schedule or attend weekly meetings.

Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 970-261-2232

Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road.

Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 503-551-6117

Socially Active Single Seniors is a simple way to make new friends.

Meetup.com/socially-activesingle-seniors-grand-junction

Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets for food at Picture Ranch Clubhouse, 3251 E Road.

3rd Saturdays | 1 p.m. | 970-2605381 | vestafjelllodge.org

Stand for the Constitution meets at Appleton Christian Church, 2510 I-70 Frontage Road.

Mondays | 6 p.m. | acelliott3082@ gmail.com

Sunset Slope Quilters meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Rd.

2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | 612-2373491 | sunsetslopequilters.com

Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

Mondays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2569763 | grandmesaacappella.com

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Valley Events Center, 2400 Consistory Ct.

I bring my gifts, experiences, and passions to build the community I envision for myself and my neighbors. I am Cappella of Grand Junction.

Thursdays | 6 p.m. | 970-261-1670

Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Veterans of Foreign Wars #1247 Auxiliary meets at 1404 Ute Ave. 3rd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 970-242-9940

Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 503 1/2 Florence Road. 1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242

Women’s Giving Club meets in February, May, August and November at at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Monday | 5:15 p.m. | 970-2606140

Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | w0rrz.org

Western Colorado Artists Guild meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. Members

take turns leading art classes.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-6402751

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.

1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-628-1262 | wcacastronomy.org

Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247, 1404 Ute Ave.

4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-640-3765

Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park April through October.

Fridays & Saturdays | 10 a.m. | 303-503-3978

Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Call for details. 970-215-5678 | westernslopepickle ballclub.com ■

MeSa County

BEACON BITS

Family Health West’s Senior Life Solutions receives national award

Family Health West’s Senior Life Solutions Program was honored with the 2023 Community Impact Award by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). This award recognizes outstanding patient care, compliance with regulations and community engagement. In collaboration with PMC, the Senior Life Solutions program offers spe-

File your taxes for free AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax filing services from IRS-certified volunteer preparers. Volunteers accurately prepare and electronically file your 2023 federal and state returns at no cost. Services are available by appointment only, running from February 1 to April 15, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit cotaxaide.org/appt or call 970589-3789. In-person appointments will be held at 422 White Ave. For additional details, visit facebook. com/GJAARPTaxAide or call 970589-3789.

cialized outpatient group therapy for individuals aged 65 and older, focusing on combating depression and addressing the unique challenges of aging. The program assists seniors in coping with life transitions, such as coping with the loss of loved ones and managing age-related health concerns. To learn more about the pro-

Inspire Impact Breakfast celebrates local nonprofits

The annual event celebrates Mesa County nonprofits, businesses and individuals supporting them. Hosted by the Community Impact Council (CIC), the event takes place on March 12 at Colorado Mesa University’s ballroom from 8-9:30 a.m. The theme, “Finding Your True North,” highlights the contributions of nonprofits in the community. Keynote speaker is HopeWest founder and former CEO Christy Whitney. The event will also recognize outstanding nonprofit leadership, volunteers and

Colorado Canyons Association receives landscape stewardship award

Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) has been honored with the 2023 Landscape Stewardship Award from the Public Lands Foundation. This marks the second time CCA has been recognized by the national public lands advocacy organization for their exceptional land stewardship efforts. The award recognizes private citizens and organizations that promote community-based stewardship on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-administered lands. CCA works in collaboration with the BLM to foster stewardship, awareness and education in national conservation areas such as McInnis Canyons, DominguezEscalante and Gunnison Gorge. CCA engages over 1,300 youth

and 600 community members in educational programs, raft trips, hikes and lectures, as well as volunteering over 1,300 hours for river cleanups, trail maintenance and youth education initiatives. For more information about CCA, visit coloradocanyonsassociation. org or call 970-263-7902.

gram, contact 970-200-1946 or visit fhw.org/services/senior-lifesolutions.

philanthropic contributions. Tickets are $25 (tables of eight available) at communityimpactcouncil.org.

Inspire inclusion on International Women’s Day Celebrate International Women’s Day with Grand Junction’s American Association of University Women (AAUW) on March 8. This global day of activism promotes gender equality, and this year’s theme is inspiring inclusion for women of all backgrounds. Show your support by wearing purple, the movement’s official color. To inspire inclusion, consider these actions:

• Lobby government for better legislation, services, facilities or access.

• Reflect upon and celebrate the women in your life, both past and present.

• Coordinate a gathering of colleagues to reflect on much-needed action in the workplace.

• Channel your artistic spirit to build and create something of vibrant meaning.

• Attend an event to feel motivated and empowered by an inspiring speaker.

• Connect with girlfriends over heartwarming food, refreshments and supportive conversation. These actions can help promote inclusion and support for women and girls, contributing to a more gender-equal and inclusive world. For more information about AAUW, visit grandjunction-co.aauw.net.

AARP Driver Safety course in Grand Junction

Become a safe and more confident driver, plus save money on car insurance with the AARP Driver Safety course designed for drivers aged 55 and over. The course will be held at Mesa County RSVP, located on the lower floor of the US Bank building at 422 White Ave., from 12-4 p.m. on March 21. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required. To register, call 970314-9843.

Economic study highlights

Community Hospital and rural hospital local contributions

Community Hospital, along with five other independent hospitals in Western Colorado, participated in an economic impact study conducted by Western Healthcare Alliance in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. The study analyzed their contributions to local expenditures, finding that from 2019 to 2022, these hospitals collectively added $6.8 billion to the local economy and $3.8 billion to Colorado's GDP. Community Hospital contributed $971.4 million during this period, with 93.2% from rural counties. In 2022, the hospital contributed $284.8 million to the state's economy, generating $1.72 for every $1 spent internally. It directly employed 1,209 workers and supported 725 additional jobs, totaling 1,934 jobs. To learn more

From left: Senior Life Solutions Program Director Glenda Hamer-Garlitz, BSN/RN; Office and Patient Coordinator Laura Fogg and Laura Graf, MA/LPC.

about the comprehensive healthcare services offered at Community Hospital, visit yourcommunity hospital.com.

Sip into Spring: A Celebration of Colorado Wine tickets on sale March 2

The fourth annual Sip into Spring will be held on Saturday, May 4, at Palisade’s Orchard River View, 3926 Hwy 6 & 24. This wine-centric festival offers a curated experience featuring wine tastings, winemakerled sessions and the chance to purchase local wines. The event will showcase 12 premier Colorado wineries, allowing guests to get to know the winemakers and learn firsthand about Colorado’s highelevation terroir and what makes these local wines so unique. Musical performances by local artists, vendors and food trucks will also be featured. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, March 2 at sipinto springcolorado.mailchimpsites.com

Tickets are $70 per person for either the afternoon session (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) or the evening session (4 p.m.-8 p.m.). Any remaining tickets on the day of the event will be priced at $80.

ARISE program seeks new employment partnerships

Joint Development Associates International (JDAI) and the Grand Valley Resettlement Program (GVRP) have launched the ARISE program (Afghan Resettlement, Integration, Stabilization and Empowerment) with the goal of aiding the successful resettlement, integration, self-sufficiency, employment, stabilization and empowerment of 70 Afghan newcomers over the next 10 months. The program offers local businesses the opportunity to hire hard-working Afghan individuals and families. Businesses interested in collaborating can contact JDAI at 970-712-5391 or usoffice@jdainternational.org. ■

KAFM Community Radio celebrates 25 years of broadcasting

KAFM Community Radio celebrates 25 years of broadcasting. To mark the occasion, KAFM will host a year-long celebration starting with a Radiothon on March 1, 2024, along with an open house and brunch on Sunday, March 3, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the station’s Radio Room and Kafé. The station, known for its diverse music pro-

gramming and public affairs shows, was founded in 1992 by a group of civic-minded citizens. KAFM also plays a crucial role in the community, providing a platform for nonprofits and civic leaders to share their stories and events. For more information on the Sunday Brunch and Radiothon, visit KAFMcommunityradio.org or

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

When you retire, don’t lose health coverage Retire right with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan that fits your life

Your local, licensed Humana sales agent can help you explore your options and see if you’re eligible to enroll in one of Humana’s affordable Medicare Advantage plans upon retirement. Get the benefits you want and need so you can focus on making your retirement what you want it to be—enjoying the things you love.

From helping you find a doctor to assisting with unexpected barriers, Humana goes above and beyond to help you get the healthcare you need. That’s called human care.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以 免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。

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KAFM’s Board of Directors, from left: Julia Coffey, Marianne Griffin, Linda Callahan, Linda Taylor, LeeAnn Wright and Tami King

Montrose & MeDelta Sa County

Adult Children of Alcoholics meets at New Life Church, 1350 N. 7th St. Leave a message if no answer.

Wednesdays, 10:15-11:30 a.m. |

Sundays, 4:15-5 p.m. | 970-201-2446

Alzheimer’s Association’s in-person support group meets at 2232 N. 7th St., Suite B1.

4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 720-699-9307

Art for the Grieving Heart meets at HopeWest Center for Hope & Healing, 2754 Compass Dr. Registration required, but it is free to attend.

Mondays | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-201-2446

Art of Mindfulness, a meditation group for veterans, meets at Western Region One Source.

Fridays | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-2573760

Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church, 840 N. 11th St.

1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-3615017

Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 281/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Drop-in Grief Group is offered at HopeWest Center for Hope & Healing, 2754 Compass Dr.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-257-2390

Gamblers Anonymous meets at The Meeting Hall.

Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719

Guitars for Vets offers a welcoming space for veterans to play together

SUPPORT GROUPS

at Western Region One Source.

Tuesdays | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave.

2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-7789274 | heartbeatgj.com

Memory Café, for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, meets at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road.

1st Tuesday | 4:30-6 p.m. | 970-822-7070

Mending Hearts, a 10-week group for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one, meets at HopeWest’s Ferris Care Center. Call for next session info.

Mondays | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-2572390

Men’s Grief Support Group meets in room 101 at HopeWest’s Ferris Care Center, 3090 N. 12th St.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-2572390

National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | NAMI WS.org | 970-462-3989

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets in the conference room at Freedom Institute, 930 Main St. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 | tammytway@gmail.com

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

1st Wednesday | 3-4:30 p.m. | 970201-6952

Pet Loss Therapy Group, guided by professionals, meets at HopeWest Center for Hope & Healing, 2754 Compass Dr., Suite 300.

2nd Friday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-2572390

Overeaters Anonymous for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church, 2793 Skyline Ct., Unit C.

Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435

R.A.N.G.E., for vets with traumatic brain injuries/memory issues, meets at Western Region One Source.

Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Reformers Unanimous, a faithbased recovery program, meets at Landmark Baptist Church, 1600 Ute Ave. Transportation may be available.

Fridays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-200-2510

meets at St. Mary’s Hospital. Call for more info.

3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-298-1980

Tai Chi for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source.

Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Thyroid Support Group meets at Grand Valley Wellness, 605 28 1/4 Road

4th Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 970-263-2661

TOPS for weight loss meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 1/4 Road. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241

TOPS 209 for weight loss meets at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road.

Thursdays | 5:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537

TOPS 458 for weight loss meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road.

Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981 or 970-852-5880

Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only meets at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986

Serenity Seekers ACA, a “big red book” study group for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes, meets at the Alano Club, 404 Glenwood Ave.

Sundays | 1:30 p.m. | 970-986-7186

Spousal & Partner Loss Group is offered at HopeWest.

1st Tuesday, 6-7:30 p.m. (2754 Compass Dr.) | 2nd Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m. (3090 N. 12th St.) | 970-257-2390

St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group

Veterans Caregiver Group (virtual) meets virtually through the Alzheimer’s Association. Call for details. 1st Tuesday | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-387-6067

Vets for Vets support group meets at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-2573760 ■

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

Registration is required for all activities.

To register for programs, call 970-858-0360 or visit Fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

SPECIAL EVENT

Easter Egg Scramble

Bring your grandkids (8 and under) for an Easter egg hunt. Two time slots ensure fun for all.

4:15-5 p.m. or 5:15-6 p.m. |

March 28 | Free

MUSIC & ART

Crafts with Carlee

Welcome spring withthis beautiful flower craft.

2 p.m. | March 1 | $15

Jam Sessions with Mike

Bring an instrument and play, listen and learn at the Senior Center. No registration required.

5:30-7:30 p.m. | March 5 & 19 | Free

Crafts with Debbie

Get ready for gardening season with this wonderful seedling craft.

2 p.m. | March 8

Brilliant Brushes

Learn new techniques in this step-by-step painting class.

2-4 p.m. | March 29 | $15

FOOD

Meals on Wheels

Call 970-298-9844 to reserve your meal by 4 p.m. the previous business day.

12 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Senior Potluck

Bring a shareable dish or dine for just $3! RSVP by noon the Monday before so we can ensure there’s enough food.

12 p.m. | March 7 & 28 | $3

Food for Thought

Share your best eggplant recipe or bring a dish.

1 p.m. | March 25 | Free

HIKES & TRIPS

Trips begin at the Fruita Community Center, unless otherwise noted.

Hike: Inner Flume

Canyon

Meet at the Senior Center then follow each other to this 3.5- to 4-mile moderate hike with a short scramble on a rocky surface.

12:30 p.m. | March 12 | $5

CMU Wind Symphony

Experience the rich sound of CMU’s ensemble of wind and percussion students as they perform a collection of beautifully composed pieces.

6:45 p.m. | March 13 | $25

Moab Adventures Slickrock Hummer Safari

Embark on a thrilling twohour 4x4 ride through the breathtaking terrain of Moab, Utah! Before the ride, enjoy lunch at the Moab Diner.

9 a.m. | March 20 | $150

Walk: Las Colonias to Riverside

Meet at the Senior Center for this 3-mile walk on the paved Riverfront Trail to see City of Grand Junction art murals.

9:30 a.m. | March 26

GAMES

Play pinochle, board games and more all month long at the Senior Center. ■

To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit GJParksAndRec.org

GAMES

Bingo

Socialize, win prizes and enjoy some friendly competition at the Grand Junction Senior Center as we mark off those numbers and shout “Bingo!”

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Saturdays | 550 Ouray Ave.

FITNESS

10-punch passes are $60 and interchangeable for Gentle Yoga or Tai Chi

Gentle Yoga

Develop flexibility of mind and body in this gentle yoga class designed tailored for active beginners and above.

8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8

Line Dancing

Learn the steps to popular line dances. Each session unveils step-by-step instruction so you can practice each move at a gradual, slower pace. No partner required. Save money when you register for the whole session (new session starts March 4).

12:15-2 p.m. Mondays | 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $6 drop in, $24 session

Tai Chi

Slow, circular movements, breath control and deep relaxation techniques converge to help reduce stress, anxiety and sleep difficulties.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. Thursdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8

SPLASH Aqua Aerobics

Moderate intensity activities in the water.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays | Orchard Mesa Pool | $5

SPORTS

Indoor Drop-In Pickleball

Discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport among seniors. Stay warm indoors and play at the Bookcliff Activity Center.

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays | 4-7 p.m. Saturdays | 540 29 ¼ Road | $7 drop in, $50 for 10-punch pass ■

Senior Recreation Center activities

550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct. 970-243-7408

Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

MONDAY

9:00 a.m. Cribbage & Games

12:00 p.m. Canasta

1:00 p.m. Card Bingo

TUESDAY

8:00 a.m. Pinochle (DD)

9:00 a.m. Pool Tournament & Games

1:00 p.m. Bingo

WEDNESDAY

9:00 a.m. Games

9:30 a.m. Pool

1:00 p.m. Pinochle Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle

THURSDAY

9:00 a.m. Games

12:00 p.m. Pokeno

1:00 p.m. Rummikub

FRIDAY

9:00 a.m. Pool Tournament & Games

12:00 p.m. Canasta

12:45 p.m. Bridge

SATURDAY

9:00 a.m. Games

1:00 p.m. Bingo

Montrose & Delta

CALENDAR

March 1

Spotlight on Photography

This Montrose Center for the Arts show features a diverse range of photos from local photographers who utilize a wide range of subjects and techniques. During the First Friday event, listen to live music by Mixed Bag Jazz and enjoy food and select libations from Dented Face BBQ. Those who can’t make it to the first Friday show can still catch the exhibition March 1-30 on Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.4 p.m.

4:30-6:30 p.m. | 11 S. Park Ave., Montrose | Free | montrosecen terforarts.com | 970-787-9428

March 2-3

The Little Mermaid Ballet Witness Colorado West Performing Arts Company’s original ballet rendition of this popular story at the Montrose Pavilion. Utilizing various scores and compositions, green screen effects and digital animation, this ballet blends graceful dancing with a tale of humor, adventures and love.

2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $20+ | coloradowestpac.org | 970-314-2226

March 3

Divas3

This concert at the Delta Center for Performing Arts celebrates the biggest hits by the greatest divas in music history! Divas3 features unique three-part arrangements

blended with solid vocals. This vibrant show spans four decades with hits by Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Cher, ABBA, Dolly Parton and more.

6 p.m. | 822 Grand Ave., Delta | $25 | concertassociation.net/DeltaCO | 970-835-4480

March 7

Paint Pouring Art Therapy

Experiment with free-pour acrylics with this fun, messy and stress-relieving activity! Dump paint, dribble, swirl and drip off the edges to get the paint moving. Receive help with examples, demonstration and detailed instructions as you first practice on heavy paper, then create your final piece on canvas. Walkins are welcome, but registration is preferred.

5:30-7:30 p.m. | 21 N. Cascade Ave., Montrose | $50 | kathrynrburke. com | 970-787-2441

March 7

The Cross-Eyed Possum Concert

Watch this nationally touring blues and folk band perform at Healthy Rhythm Gallery, bringing their award-winning music to the stage. With the enchanting sounds of the upright bass, mandolin and harmonious vocals, they promise an unforgettable performance.

7 p.m. | 33 N. Uncompahgre Ave., Montrose | $20-$25 | healthy rhythm.net | 323-270-6284

March 9

Valley Youth Orchestra: Dark Skies & Bright Stars

Hear music from “Star Wars,” “The Planets,” “Moondance” and

March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Tap & Irish Dance for Adults

Exercise your body and strengthen your balance and posture in this fun ongoing class at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center! No prior dance experience is necessary.

5:30-6:30 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $10 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

“Starcraft,” along with original compositions that celebrate the night sky in this Valley Youth Orchestra performance at the Montrose Pavilion. Some numbers will be accompanied by photographs of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison by local artist Vince Farnsworth. Desserts and coffee from local bakeries and restaurants will be served and a silent auction will take place before the show at 3 p.m. 4 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $20 | valleyyouthorchestra.org

March 9 & 23

Enneagram Intensive

Discover your Enneagram type and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center! The Enneagram is a personality typing system that describes nine interconnected personality types, each representing a distinct pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving. Register online to reserve your spot. Price includes both sessions and a code to take the Enneagram test prior to attending 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $80 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

March 15

St. Patrick’s Celtic Harp Concert

Enjoy a family friendly hour of Celtic music on harps, hammer dulcimers and bodhran drum in the Stolte Shed at the Pioneer Village in Cedaredge.

3 p.m. | 388 S. Grand Mesa Dr., Cedaredge | Free | 970-275-8996

March 15-30

Noises Off Play

This three-act comedy at Magic Circle Players explores the hilarious antics of theater folks as a touring theater group navigates a chaotic dress rehearsal, a door-slamming mid-week and a feud-filled closing night. See website for times | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $17+ | magiccircleplayers.com | 970-249-7838

March 15-17

Cabin Fever Quilt Show

This quilt show at the Delta County Fairgrounds will showcase stunning displays of quilts and quilted items, vendors, demonstrations, door prizes and more. Don’t miss the chance to win the 2024 quilt, “Fairy Dust,” designed by Shelly Starr, by purchasing raffle tickets on Saturday. Homemade goodies and refreshments are available at Calico Café.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 403 S. 4th St., Hotchkiss | Free | sandbquilters guild.com

March 16

Fly Fishing Film Tour

The F3T’s 18th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour features top-notch short films to get you excited for the upcoming fishing season. Enjoy food, prizes, brews and more! Stay for giveaways and fun. Get your tickets in advance—the price increases at the door.

5:30 p.m. | 22739 US-550, Ridgway | $25 | 970-626-4460

March 16

St. Patrick’s Day

Brewfest & Parade

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with the Black Canyon Homebrewers Association and Horsefly Brewing at the St. Patrick’s Day Brewfest and Parade! The event begins with a non-motorized parade at Centennial Plaza, winding its way to the festival site on Junction Avenue next to Horsefly Brewery. Enjoy an exciting lineup of local brews, live music and food options (available for purchase)!

1 p.m-4 p.m. | Downtown Montrose | $35 | info@blackcanyon brewers.com

March 21

Beginning Watercolor

Come to Mosaic to receive step-bystep instructions to paint a beautiful watercolor San Juan Mountain scene to take home and frame. No experience needed. All necessary supplies and a beverage are included.

5:30-7:30 p.m. | 21 N. Cascade Ave. | $45 | kathrynrburke.com | 970-787-2441

March 21

Georgia Rae Concert

Watch Georgia Rae perform solo, looping tracks live in front of the audience to build each song with beautiful sounds, grooving bass lines and mystic fiddle solos in this concert at Healthy Rhythm Art Gallery.

7 p.m. | 33 N. Uncompahgre Ave., Montrose | $15-$20 | healthyrhythm.net | 323-270-6284

March 23

Peter Antoniou:

Psychic Magician

Experience an evening filled with interactive thrills and unforgettable moments as Peter Antoniou takes the stage to read minds and deliver jokes live at the Sherbino. Antoniou’s remarkable talents have earned him recognition on America’s Got Talent and have led him to headline shows in Las Vegas.

7:30 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $15-$20 | sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

March 24

Lirios String Quartet

This quartet, comprised of students under the tutelage of the renowned Takacs Quartet at CU Boulder, presents a captivating program that showcases the brilliance of Beethoven, the charm of Debussy and the mastery of Haydn in the string quartet genre at the Montrose Pavilion. 3 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $17 | westernslopeconcertseries. org | 970-234-5661

March 30 & 31

Heaven and Bluegrass: Singing the Sacred Presenting a mix of etheric choral music and bluegrass, the Valley Symphony Association’s spring concert at the Montrose Pavilion is full of feel-good music that explores and combines these two expressions and forms of spirituality.

6:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $25 | valleysymphony.net | 970-275-8676 ■

Montrose & Delta

Alpine Photography Club meets in room 100, Colorado Mesa University in Montrose.

2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at Olathe United Methodist Church.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-2101793

Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center. Cost is $1 per class for bulk wood.

Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meets at the Montrose Public Safety Complex, 434 S. 1st St.

1st Monday | 5 p.m. | 970-765-9095 | chapmanjanet@yahoo.com

Crafternoon members knit and crochet projects at Montrose Regional Library to donate to charities.

Thursdays | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | 970-249-9656

Crafty Chatty members work on craft projects at the Montrose Senior Center. Bring your own materials.

Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 a.m. | 970-249-7198

Columbine Quilters gather monthly at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | millsappscoui@gmail.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

HopeWest Bereavement Book Club members heal through discussions about death and grief from various literary works at Delta Library, 211 W. 6th St.

3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | deltalibraries.org

Caregivers Support Group meets at Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave.

2nd & 4th Mondays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-240-3714 | bucyc222@gmail. com

Caregiver Support Group Montrose meets at US Bank, 1500 E. Oak Grove.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 1 & 3 p.m. | 970-275-2138

Caregiver Support Group Delta

Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club dances in the afternoons. Call or email for details.

1st & 3rd Saturdays | 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@gmail.com

Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library.

Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | deltalibraries.org

Friendship Quilters meets at Montrose County Events Center. 4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842

Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Genealogy Center.

Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755

Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center.

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-2509152 | wcgpaa.org

Golden Circle of Friends socializes over lunch at Montrose Senior Center.

Tuesdays & Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888

Grand Mesa Dance Club offers free dance lessons at Pioneer Town’s Stolte Shed in Cedaredge. Lessons cover various dance styles, including country two-step and swing.

7-9 p.m. | Mondays | 970-708-8333

meets at Delta County Memorial Hospital, meeting room A. 1st & 3rd Fridays | 1 p.m. | 970275-2138

COVID Grief Group meets at Touch of Care, 1100 E. Main St., Montrose.

2nd & Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988

Dementia Caregivers Delta (ASEDD) meets at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way. Thursdays | 1:30 p.m. | 970-5100724

Dementia Caregivers Cedaredge (ASEDD) meets at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 1:30 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Dementia Caregivers Hotchkiss (ASEDD) meets at Hotchkiss Town

Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 17800 6400 Road.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-2090981 | aheadaviation@outlook.com

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center.

3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142

Montrose Family Search Center offers free genealogy help at 1521 Hillcrest Drive.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-249-4739

Montrose Elks #1053 hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Meets monthly | 970-249-4852 | elks1053@mont roseelks.org

Montrose Library Book Club meets in the library meeting room. 1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | 970-2499656 | lmclean@montroselibrary.org

Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970-7650599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com

Montrose Newcomers & Neighbors meets at the Montrose Senior Center, September through May. 1st Wednesday | 10 a.m. | 970-417-

4236 | bethcav25@gmail.com

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion. All ages welcome.

2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | $10 | sanjuandanceclub@ gmail.com

Montrose Woman’s Club organizes events to raise funds for charity and meets September through May at Lions Park Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada.

3rd Mondays | 11:30 a.m. | 970-9018743

Morningstar Therapy Dogs is a non-profit club promoting therapy dog programs and visits in Montrose. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-5969343 | morningstartherapydogs. weebly.com

Rock Wranglers, a rockhounding group, meets at Calvary Baptist Church, 1290 A St. in Delta.

1st Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-2581955

Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada in Montrose.

2nd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-258-1955 | uncompahgretreasureclub.com ■

Hall, 276 Main St. 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:30 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room, 1501 E. 3rd St. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-874-6410

Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Montrose Regional Health, 800 S. 3rd St. 405-205-9397 | catvol2022@curr ently.com

GriefShare is a 13-week grief support group that meets at Rosemont Baptist Church, 1598 E. Niagara Road, Montrose.

Tuesdays | 6-8 p.m. | 970-249-4887

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Montrose Regional Health, 800 S. 3rd St., conference room A.

Last Monday | 1 p.m. | 970-252-2996

Stroke Support Group meets at Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 970765-2210

TOPS for weight loss meets at Calvary Baptist Church, 1290 A St. in Delta.

Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | 303-9154863

Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | whafv.org

Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way.

Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-7562210 | whafv.orgv ■

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit MontroseRec.com

Cindy Marino is retiring!

Join us at the Senior Center to celebrate Cindy and her contributions to the seniors of Montrose. We will bid farewell to Cindy and welcome Liz Gracesun, the new recreation coordinator for active adults.

2 p.m. | Mar. 9

EDUCATION

Call 970-252-4884 to reserve a seat.

How the Stone Empire Crumbled

Alan Todd gives an engaging presentation on the history of Marble, Colorado. Founded on hopes, dreams and a belief that it would survive for generations, the town’s fate was sealed by its remote location, severe winters, scandal, conspiracy and World War I.

1 p.m. | Mar. 11 | Free

The History of Zebulon Pike in Colorado

Todd Weber uncovers the captivating history of Zebulon Pike. In 1806, Pike embarked on an exploration of the southwest portion of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.

1 p.m. | Mar. 14 | Free

TRIPS & TOURS

Most trips meet at the Senior Center. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case another is scheduled.

“Urinetown” at CMU

In a dystopian future, a water shortage leads to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The poor are oppressed under a corrupt monopoly until a revolt is led by a brave young hero. “Urinetown” is a hilarious and irreverent satirical musical in which no one is

safe from scrutiny. Bring money for lunch.

10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | March 3 | $41

Divas3

Three female singers with powerhouse voices sing the biggest hits of music’s greatest divas. Bring money for dinner.

4:15-9:45 p.m. | Mar. 5 | $44

Cerro Summit Snowshoeing

Bring a sack lunch.

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Mar. 7 | $21

Fruit Growers Reservoir & Surface Creek Hike

Look for migrating Sandhill Cranes at the reservoir and then take a 2.5-mi roundtrip hike that follows Surface Creek. Bring money for lunch at Lost Mesa Grill afterward.

7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Mar. 14 | $21

Western Culture Farmstead

On this outing to Paonia, you can participate in feeding adorable baby goats a small sustainable farm dedicated to producing the finest goat cheese. Afterward, visit another surprise location to meet more baby animals. Bring money for lunch.

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Mar. 19 | $26

Pea Green Saturday Night

Listen to live music and see a comedy routine in Pea Green! Bring a snack to share if you’d like. Meet at the Field House.

5:15-9:45 p.m. | Mar. 23 | $30

Roméo et Juliette – Metropolitan Opera Live in HD

Two singers at the height of their powers come together as the star-crossed lovers in Gounod’s sumptuous Shakespeare adaptation. Sung in French with English subtitles.

8:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Mar. 27 | $43

MUSIC & DANCE

Open Line Dancing

Discover the art of line dancing with step-by-step instruction, including counts and formations.

3:30-4:30 p.m. | Mondays | $2

To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf

GAMES

Pinochle

12:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Tuesday Needlers

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays

FITNESS

Movement Medicine

Work your body hard, but in a gentle way! This non-impact classes uses various equipment to improve connective tissue and posture, restore neurological stability and balance, and enhance flexibility, strength and coordination.

6 a.m. | Tuesdays

Tuesdays Dance Fit

Burn energy, shake stress and show off your dance moves! 4:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Pilates

Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.

12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Senior Circuit

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

Move It or Lose It

Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Silver Sneakers Classic

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Body Blitz

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

6 a.m. | Wednesdays

POOL FITNESS

Aqua Movers

Jump start your week with a mid- to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class.

5:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas.

9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Young at Heart

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool.

10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

A full-body workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges.

5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Silver Sneakers Splash

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers.

8:30 a.m. | Wednesdays & Fridays ■

File your taxes for free with Montrose AARP Tax-Aide Services are available for taxpayers over 50 or with low to moderate income. IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and file your 2023 federal and state returns at no cost. Appointments are required and can be scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Senior Center in the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Call 970252-4889 or visit taxaide.aarpfoundation.org for more information. Economic study highlights Montrose Regional Health’s contributions

Montrose Regional Health, along with five other independent hospitals in Western Colorado, participated in an economic impact study conducted by Western Healthcare Alliance in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. The

BEACON BITS

study analyzed their contributions to local expenditures, finding that from 2019 to 2022, these hospitals collectively added $6.8 billion to the local economy and $3.8 billion to Colorado’s GDP. Montrose Regional

Health contributed $724.9 million during this period. The hospital generated $1.90 for every $1 spent internally. It directly employed 622 workers and supported 594 additional jobs, totaling 1,216 jobs. To

Delta Health announces expansion of Behavioral Health Services

Delta Health is expanding its Behavioral Health Department and establishing a temporary Behavioral Health Resource Line to meet the urgent needs of the community following the closure of Integrated Insight Therapy. The expansion includes adding four behavioral health therapists to the primary care clinic team, two peer support specialists for the Emergency Department, and recruiting a psychiatric provider. Delta Health is collaborating with Mind Springs in Grand Junction for crisis support and is exploring additional part-

nerships. The Behavioral Health Resource Line (970-874-2227) offers information on community mental health resources but cannot provide medication refills. Delta Health encourages patients to contact their primary care clinic for any medication refills. Individuals can contact the Delta Health behavioral health resource line Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 970-874-2227 or visit delta healthco.org/behavioral-health for more information

view the full study, visit montrose health.com/study.

Vision Insurance now available to AARP members

VSP Vision™ announced that AARP members will be eligible for their exclusive individual vision and eyewear insurance. The presbyopia that develops in your 40s, along with glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, are part of aging, and early detection can help preserve sight. An eye exam can also reveal more than 270 health conditions. This vision insurance is affordable even on a fixed income, with plans starting at just $15 per month, with year-round enrollment, enhanced coverage for progressive and anti-glare lens options and access to more than 41,000 private practice doctors, 750 Visionworks® locations, and online retail options from Eyeconic®. To learn more, visit aarpvisionplans.com.

Valley Symphony Association’s Heaven & Bluegrass: Singing the Sacred

Valley Symphony Association (VSA) will present “Heaven & Bluegrass: Singing the Sacred” at the Montrose Pavilion on March 30 and 31. The Saturday show will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the Sunday show will be at 3 p.m. This concert combines etheric choral music and bluegrass, exploring spirituality through feel-good music. The VSA, an all-volunteer performing arts organization, unites local musicians of all ages and brings classical music to life. The concert, originally conceived by former VSA chorus conductor Allyson Cotham for March 2020, will include selections from the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” featuring local bluegrass band The Black Canyon Boys and VSA Orchestra violinist Li Gomez. Tickets for this concert and all season 52 concerts are available online and at various locations in Delta and Montrose. For more information, visit valleysymphony.net.

File state taxes to claim $800

TABOR refund

The last time Colorado gave large Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds for individuals, some missed out on the money because many seniors don’t file state income tax forms due to their low incomes and other personal circumstances. To receive the $800 per person

flat income tax refund in Colorado, you must file your state income tax forms on time. Many of those who didn’t receive a refund last time were those for whom the money would have helped most, such as seniors, veterans and immigrants. For additional information, visit tax. colorado.gov/TABOR

Magic Circle Players presents Noises Off Play

Magic Circle Magic Circle Players invites the community to their play “Noises Off” at 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose from March 15-30. “Noises Off” provides a humorous and affectionate glimpse into the chaotic lives of theatre folk, exploring the quirks, egos, memory lapses and passionate affairs that transform each performance into a thrilling rollercoaster ride. The play-within-a-play concept hilariously follows the staging of “Nothing On,” the production of a touring theatre troupe, in three entertaining stages: a

disorderly dress rehearsal, a doorslamming mid-week matinee and a closing night marked by dramatic personal feuds. Tickets can be purchased at magiccircleplayers. com. For more information, call 970-249-7838. ■

CROSSWORD

22. Aviv preceder

24. Sleep like ___

25. ___ barrel

org.

53. Van Gogh had one later in life

56. Irish island group

57. Robt.

16.

59. Actress Oberon

61. Network of nerves

62. Fill to surfeit

63. Slipped

64. Golf pegs, northern English river

65. Grounded fleet

66. Canadian gas brand DOWN

26. Envelope abbr.

27. Duds

28. Nothing, in Nantes

29. Winglike parts

32. Slump

33. Words of denial

34. Simple rhyme scheme

35. Sedaka or Simon

36. Daly of “Judging Amy”

38. Giving no view

39. Supermodel Sastre

42. Child support?

43. Opening word

45. Conical shelters

46. Joplin tune

47. Street show

48. Related on the mother’s side

49. Dressed to the ___

51. Feathered missile

52. Riga resident

53. Goofs

54. Pub pints

55. Decorate anew

58. Vegas opening

60. Before

14. Required

SUDOKU

CLASSES

FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Medical Marijuana Doctor Days in Montrose and Grand Junction. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit healthychoicesunltd.com.

List it. Sell it. Done. Place the items you’re selling in front of the audience that’s buying. 970-243-8829, x102

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses, any condition, any situation. 970-316-2488.

SERVICES

Pat's Hair Salon

Shampoo Sets, Blow Drys,

970-778-8075

KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices. 970-241-4825.

SERVICES

ABSTRACT WINDOWS LLC, 970-3124717 Need your windows cleaned? give us a call or text. Residential and Commercial Window Cleaning. Serving Mesa County. Quality Work. Reasonable Rates. Free Estimates. Licensed and Insured. Senior and Veteran Discounts Available.

ALTA PAINTING. 40+ years’ experience applying interior and exterior coatings to almost any surface! Specializing in existing, private residential and commercial buildings on the Western Slope. Call 970-201-5295 for a free on-site quote.

THE CLEANING LADY, LLC. Spring has Sprung, time to clear out the clutter! Competitive rates on downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning—weekly, biweekly, monthly or just once, Airbnb’s included! Linda K. 720-841-7505 or 970-263-7364.

SERVICES

SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE. $40/hr. Senior consultant (with over 30 years’ experience) will help guide you through frustrating computer and cell phone issues. Call Dave to schedule. 970-902-3768

Do

love

Do you love seniors? If you answered “yes,” the BEACON is looking for you! We need friendly freelance photographers with an eye for detail to capture images (candid and posed) that tell stories. Set your own schedule and get your work published in our award-winning magazine!

ADRC - SOS: Provide rides to homebound seniors. Apply at htop.org/ volunteer or call 970-248-2746.

A Little Help connects neighbors to help older adults thrive. Sign up: alittlehelp.org/volunteering

Ariel Clinical Services: Be a host home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Call 970-245-1616.

Community Hospital: Support the hospital in varying positions. Contact codell@gjhosp.org or 970-644-3541.

Food Bank of the Rockies has volunteer shifts available. Contact foodbankrockies.org/westernslope-volunteer or 970-464-1138.

Grand Junction Visitor Center: Welcome guests to the Grand Junction area. Contact matthewh@gjcity.org or 970-256-4054.

Hilltop’s Senior Life Options: Help enrich the lives of senior residents. Apply at htop.org/volunteer or call 970-244-0659.

HopeWest: Volunteers provide compassionate patient support, administrative assistance or can help at Heirlooms for Hospice. Visit hopewestco. org/volunteer or call 866-310-8900.

Lower Valley Heritage Room: Help preserve Fruita history. Call 970-8583868.

Master Gardeners: Teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension. Apply at tra.extension.colostate.edu or call 970-244-1834.

Meals on Wheels: Deliver lunch to homebound seniors or serve lunch at local dining sites. Call 970-298-9844.

Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies. View available positions and apply at mesacountyrsvp. org or call 970-243-9839.

Operation Interdependence: Hand write notes for deployed U.S. military men and women. Contact carley@ oidelivers.org or 970-523-4217.

Palisade Historical Society: Share Palisade history and work on committees. Call 970-464-2177.

Roice-Hurst Humane Society: Walk dogs, socialize cats, transport pets, help with events and more. Apply at rhhumanesociety.org/volunteer.

Montrose Library: Sort donated books and run book sales. Apply at montroselibrary.org/support-mrld or call 970-249-9656.

Golden Circle Seniors: Help seniors at the Montrose Senior Center. Call 970-252-4888.

Morningstar Therapy Dogs: Registered dog handlers and their pets visit nursing and retirement homes, hospitals and schools. Call 970-5969343 to learn more.

Museum of the Mountain West seeks volunteer tour guides, cleaners, maintenance, light construction and more. Call 970-240-3400.

Region 10 - RSVP connects individuals age 55 and older to volunteer positions in Delta and Montrose counties. Contact jwalker@region10. net or 970-765-3147.

Region 10 - SHIP Help other seniors navigate Medicare. Training provided. Contact jwalker@region10.net or 970-765-3147.

Senior CommUnity Meals: Help sort and deliver meals to homebound seniors. Call 970-874-7661.

Sharing Ministries Food Bank: Greet clients, pick up/drop off food, stock shelves and help in the office and at events. Apply at sharingministries. com/help/volunteer or 970-240-8385.

Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. Apply at timebankofthe rockies.com/membership.html or call 970-209-6886.

Valley Symphony Association: Support local musicians who bring classical music to life. Contact info@ valleysymphony.net or 970-765-8323.

Welcome Home Alliance: Support local veterans. See current needs at whafv.org/volunteer.html or call 970765-2210.

•

•

• Assistance with Dressing, Grooming and Bathing

• Regular Exercise Programs

• Regularly Scheduled Music, Entertainment, Special Events and Outings

• Religious services

• We can customize a program to include the additional assistance necessary to promote and maintain independence

To experience our residence please call us and schedule a complimentary lunch anytime

How to eradicate the homelessness crisis

By Kerry Jackson & Wayne Winegarden

Homelessness is a growing problem in virtually every state. Nowhere is it more pressing than in California, which in the past three years spent more than $13 billion— roughly $30,000 annually—for each homeless person, to address it.

Instead of continuing to throw money at the problem, states should learn from California’s mistakes and embrace reforms that directly address the core issues.

Many homeless suffer from mental illness and substance abuse struggles that require creating a pathway to recovery. The legal precedent of Martin v. City of Boise is creating a “right to live on the streets.” Policy changes, such as California’s voter-approved Proposition 47, have effectively discouraged the enforcement of shoplifting items up to $950, creating a means for the addicted or mentally ill homeless to support their habits.

Instead of enabling homelessness, states should ensure appropriate punishment for those who violate the law. However, interactions with law enforcement should be viewed as opportunities to connect homeless individuals with the help and resources they need.

One approach is homeless courts that “sentence” offenders to treatment, then expunging their records once successfully completed.

To complement these efforts, states should partner with nonprofits that have successfully helped many transition off the streets. Even former president Barack Obama has acknowledged that these “philanthropic sectors are responsible for some of the best thinking, innovation and evidence-based approaches to ending

homelessness.”

Shelters to Shutters represents exactly what he was talking about. The Virginia nonprofit emphasizes job placement and housing based on the mantra that “the solution truly needs to be about both.”

Another strategy initiates contact with the homeless by providing necessities, including bag storage, transportation, internet access and a sitting room. While offering these services, the Crossroads Welcome Center in Tennessee determines each client’s needs and tries to direct them to institutions for further care.

Given the severity of today’s crisis, the homeless need to be relocated with an urgency. San Diego’s use of large tents that serve as transitional housing for about 700 a night and cost roughly $11.3 million shows how this can be done.

Unaffordability problems are also a driver of homelessness. Policymakers should implement regulatory reforms that lessen excessive living costs to alleviate the economic pressures driving too many people into the streets.

States should pursue zoning regulatory reform to simplify multi-layered restrictions, speed up the building-permit process and ease restrictions on building duplexes, triplexes and granny flats in order to expand the stock of affordable housing. Eliminating rent control would also meaningfully expand the supply of housing and reduce costs, particularly in cities where housing is the most expensive.

Sustainably addressing the homelessness crisis is a moral imperative and an economic necessity. Adopting the right policies should be at the top of every state’s legislative to-do list. ■

Jackson and Winegarden are co-authors of “No Way Home: The Crisis of Homelessness and How to Fix It with Intelligence and Humanity.”

The thyroid, a hormone-producing gland located at the front of your neck, plays a pivotal role in regulating your metabolism. Close by, the four parathyroid glands, nestled at the back of the thyroid, are crucial for maintaining the right calcium levels in your bloodstream. However, these glands may occasionally experience issues. Common thyroid conditions include multinodular goiter (enlarged thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), thyroid nodules, and even thyroid cancer. Similarly, the parathyroid glands can suffer from disorders like hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid tumors that can cause osteoporosis and bone fractures. In some cases, these conditions demand surgical intervention for effective treatment. This is where surgeon expertise and experience become vital. Studies have shown that surgeon volume – the number of specific surgeries performed – is closely linked to better outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and lower overall costs.

Expert Care at General Surgeons of Western Colorado

At General Surgeons of Western Colorado, we pride ourselves on being a high-volume practice for both thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Our team specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, ensuring you receive the best care with the least discomfort. We understand the importance of a collaborative approach and will work closely with your existing team of doctors to ensure a seamless and integrated treatment plan. Your health and well-being are our top priority. With our expertise in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, we’re committed to helping you regain your health and vitality.

Take the Next Step Towards Better Health

Don’t let thyroid or parathyroid disorders control your life. Contact General Surgeons of Western Colorado at (970) 243-0900 to schedule your appointment today. Our team is ready to guide you on your journey to better health.

Dr. Anderson

Dr. Van Essen