Mesa County-February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 The Beacon & Hillt

Vol. 30 No. 2

op Senior Living Com

For Those Age 55 and

TICKETS

going fast! page 28

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

munities Present

Better!

ARY 13 SATURDAY, FEBRU THE COMMONS OF ROOM HILLTOP GAR, DEN GRAND JUNCTION 625 27 1/2 ROAD

7:30 - 10:30 pm

ZERS CASH BAR & APPETI GAULT’S MUSIC BY CLARK RESS SWING CITY EXP

243-8829 FOR TICKETS CALLAT T H E D O O R $ 2 5 P E R P E R S O N / $ 5 0 C O U P L E

$40 COUPLE R PERSON / KETS $20 PE A D VA N C E T I C

Rekindle

Romance

with a change of scenery

Photo courtesy of Spa of the Rockies, Glenwood Hot Springs

FEBRUARY 2016

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

3

Orvis, submarine races, Valentine’s Dance; Romantic

opportunities abound this February

By Kevin VanGundy

F

ebruary is a romantic month. With this being our February issue of the BEACON, we’ve spiced it up with a variety of stories on love and lust.

I haven’t been to Orvis Hot Springs, but as one of our staff members so eloquently put it, “I only go there to read.” If you do go, please send us a photo or two for next month’s issue.

Where did you “park”?

Perhaps more revealing is this—do you still “park”? Take a stroll down memory lane with Priscilla Mangnall as she recalls some of the area’s most well-known places to “spark and woo.” In my day, there was always a great view of the submarine races at the end of Lakeside Court, just off 12th Street.

Area’s best Valentine’s Dance Grand Junction’s best Valentine’s Dance, hosted by the BEACON Senior Newspaper and Hilltop Senior Living Communities, will be February 13 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the Garden Room at the Commons of Hilltop.

Some tickets are still available and at only $20, they’re a steal. (That includes two drinks from the bar.)

Clark Gault’s Swing City Express will be adding another horn player, bringing the band to 12 musicians strong and making it an official “big” band. We’re renting the area’s largest wooden dance floor and decorating

the room in an art deco theme. And Hilltop’s best chefs will be cooking up a delectable assortment of appetizers and decadent chocolate indulgences. Call Genevra at 243-8829 to get your tickets.

Know a worthy volunteer?

I love working at the BEACON. Most of the news that we cover and the people that we profile are of the positive sort. The most positive are the people who give their time and money to others. Do you work alongside a volunteer? Has your life been touched by the efforts of a local volunteer? Are you that volunteer who gives so selflessly? We want to tell your story. Please look for the form in this month’s paper.

Local organizations: You’ll find the nomination form for our Volunteer of the Year Award on page 11 of this month’s BEACON. All nominees will be recognized in the March “Create a Legacy” insert and at this year’s BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair.

BeaconFest 2016 Our annual boomer and senior fair, reader appreciation party and entertainment extravaganza is a whole lot of free fun. This year’s event will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 21, 2016 at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction. For vendor, speaker and sponsor information, email me at kevin@pendantpublishing.com or call 243-8829. ■

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

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COVER STORY

A room of one’s own in Paonia

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FEBRUARY 2016

Away games: Rekindle romance

with a change of scenery

T

he Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast was built in 1902 to house the miners, fruit merchants and other business representatives who visited the town during its heyday as the North Fork Valley’s commercial hub. It’s the only hotel from that time that continues to receive visitors at its original site, 312 Onarga Street.

Renovated in the mid-1990s and added to the National Register of Historic Places last year, the two-and-a-halfstory hotel has 10 guest rooms. Each is furnished with artwork from a specific part of the world to spice up the building’s Late Victorian charm.

Lodgers can relax in the hotel’s intimate, homelike setting when they’re not exploring nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or the West Elk and Raggeds wilderness areas. Room rates include a full breakfast.

From February 6-19, the hotel is offering a Valentine’s special, including a beautiful room, a romantic gift basket and a dinner certificate at one of Paonia’s finest restaurants.

For reservations, call 970-527-6776 or email brosshotel@paonia.com.

To see more details about the Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast, visit www. paonia-inn.com.

Photo courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs

By Sandy Nelson

O

f all the seasons, winter seems the most relentless, the most likely to overstay its welcome.

Even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast eventually retreats to warmer surroundings, and by late February, domestic relations can start to feel like a cage match.

When you and your mate have had enough, it’s time for a complete change of context—as long as it’s change you both embrace. If you desire one-on-one time at a rustic, remote cabin, be sure your partner isn’t turned off by an ambience that’s more suitable for a witness-protection hideaway.

Coming up with a theme for your romantic retreat might help you decide where to go and what to do.

Steamy stuff The Yampah spring keeps things hot in Glenwood Springs, no matter how cold it is outside. This natural water source supplies millions of gallons of mineral water at a scalding 122 degrees Fahrenheit, though the businesses that provide access cool it

down to more manageable temps.

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge has two pools—one at 104 degrees and a gigantic pool that’s maintained at 90 to 93 degrees. If you don’t want to travel far after soaking in the waters that the Utes called “big medicine,” book a room at the lodge (800-5377946), eat at The Grill restaurant and baby yourself at the on-site Spa of the Rockies. The lodge’s special Romance Package includes spa treatments, champagne and a gift card for the nearby Glenwood Canyon Brewpub.

Near the tram base to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs features a large family pool and 16 soaking pools with different temperatures—ranging between 99 and 108 degrees—so your Goldilocks will find one that’s just right. The business enforces a quiet zone around these pools.

The Yampah Hot Springs Vapor Caves are another place to enjoy geothermal therapy, as the Utes did for centuries before white settlers arrived. Gunfighter Doc Holliday frequented the natural saunas in one cave until he died of tuberculosis in

1887—the same year the original Ute cave on the south bank of the Colorado River was sealed to accommodate railroad construction.

The modern facility has three subterranean chambers where you can breathe the natural steam and fantasize about midsummer in 110to 112-degree heat. Rest between sessions in cooling rooms, cold-water tubs or the upstairs solarium, or indulge in a massage, facial or body treatment at the in-house Yampah Spa. Hot water isn’t all that Glenwood Springs offers. Couples can get playful on thrill rides at the adventure park or go underground with a tour of the Iron Mountain caverns. Sunlight Mountain Resort is the place for downhill sports, and history buffs will have lots to talk about after visiting the Frontier Historical Museum or Glenwood Railroad Museum. For more ideas, visit www.visitglenwood. com/things-to-do.

Hot and cold Explore the full spectrum of hot and cold in the mountain town of Ouray, or generate your own heat

FEBRUARY 2016

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

in one of the Grand Mesa’s winter shelters.

Ouray is home to sulphur-free mineral springs that can be enjoyed in public or private settings. The outdoor Ouray Hot Springs Pool holds nearly 1 million gallons of water and is open all winter, while the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings (970-325-4347) is open to outside visitors and guests. Overnight lodgers can soak in relative privacy during their stays at Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs (970-325-4981) and Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs (970-325-4427).

Ouray has dozens of places to eat, whether you prefer pub fare or fine dining. Through mid-March, get a vicarious thrill watching athletes scramble up the frozen falls at the Ouray Ice Park—a man-made ice-climbing hot spot in the Uncompahgre Gorge. If your romantic chemistry needs a reboot, do some research at the Ouray Alchemist Museum and Penthouse.

But nature’s most reliable love potion might be the single-digit temperatures found at the Grand Mesa’s higher elevations.

You don’t have to ski to stay at Powderhorn Resort’s two lodging sites: SlopeSide at Powderhorn is a hotel that’s walking—or skiing—distance from the Flat Top Flyer highspeed ski lift. Even though three’s a crowd, the rooms accommodate four (970-697-2001). Goldenwoods Condominiums at Powderhorn offer one-bedroom lodging; rates fall by $40 from mid-April to mid-November.

Call 970-268-5040. The condos offer kitchens, but the Powderhorn Pizza Pub is a good place to eat if you don’t feel like cooking.

Those on a budget can find more affordable options at Thunder Mountain Lodge, which has 10 cozy cabins. Most have one bedroom, but a few have two. Each has a full kitchen, shower, sink and toilet. You can rent snow sports equipment at the lodge or bring your own.

trip along the 133-mile-long Unaweep/ Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway.

From Grand Junction, your first option for lodging or food is Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa on the byway’s Highway 141 leg, where Unaweep Canyon gives way to the Dolores River’s narrow redrock gorge.

The upscale inn is one of the few places to sleep, eat or participate in organized recreational activities on this scenic stretch. It’s also a base camp for couples who want a quiet place to relax after daily adventures in the Dolores River Canyon and its many offshoots. If you just want to laze around in your PJs, try the spa and swimming pool. Or whet your wanderlust at the Gateway Auto Museum. Ask about local discounts (970-931-2458).

Other accommodations on this remote road include the Norwood Inn (970-327-0307) and the Angler Inn in Placerville (970-728-5580). The Colorado Department of Transportation has more route information at www.codot.gov/ travel/scenic-byways/southwest/unaweep-tabeguache.

If you prefer a picnic along the river and have the energy and time for more traveling,

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Ph ot o cour tesy of Po

wder ho rn Reso rt

catch the San Juan Skyway at Placerville. This 236-mile loop takes at least six hours to complete and snakes through the communities of Telluride, Cortez, Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Ridgway before reconnecting at its point of origin.

Check with CDOT before committing to the entire route, as some mountain passes, such as Red Mountain in the San Juan range, are prone to temporary closures and are especially treacherous in winter.

Pack food, warm clothing and other survival gear (and keep your vehicle amply fueled) if your amorous agenda includes driving where services and settlements are sparse. ■

Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Nancy Ruspil Editor at Large............................... Cloie Sandlin Senior Graphic Designer............ Melissa Trottier Graphic Design/Photography....Katherine Lopez Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Account Representative.............. Robbie Pepper Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy DELTA-MONTROSE BUREAU Writer........................................Liesl Greathouse Delivery...............................................JR Milner Delivery...................................... Brandon Carlile

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta & Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2016 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo:

Redrock road trip If the idea of being cooped up in a cabin, even with a significant other, makes you stir-crazy, consider a road

5

Photo courtesy of Mark Johnson, BoxCanyonBlog.com

You’re as young as you feel!

Rejuvenate together at romantic places like Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs.

6

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Friendship launched through words

By Joyce Elizabeth Corley

A

bout 10 years ago, I enrolled in a class called “Writing Your Life Stories,” offered at Delta Vocational and Technical School. Our class was a diverse group of people, ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically.

We also came from vastly different regions of the country.

Our teacher, Maria Hodkins, gave us one of the best incentives to successful writing: Turn off your internal editor. Once we were able to do this, it was amazing to see what emerged. A great trust developed between us and we ended up writing about things we had never openly shared before.

Following the formal class, three of us—Renee Porter, Holly von Helms and myself—continued to meet weekly to write about mutually agreed topics. Based on our expe-

riences, we each have written on at least 50 topics, ranging from our earliest childhood Best friends, left to right: Joy memories of famce, Renee and Holly ily life, to courtship, marriage, parents, school, social recollections. We produced poignant, life, travel, our hometowns, illnesses, funny and profound stories each deaths and lifestyle challenges. Since week.

It is remarkable how the three of each of us loves books and reading, us have come up with such different we also self-published some of these stories based on the same themes. stories in anthologies.

In writing and sharing these stories, Writing these stories revealed our a phenomenal thing occurred. We personalities. Holly wrote serious discovered all the shared values we pieces that related minute details of have as Americans and as women. her life experiences. Renee wrote Recurring themes emerged about the lyrical, beautiful prose that captured anguish of love, loss and pain, as well emotions and passionate feelings. I as the joy and successes of parenting, was the comedian who wrote about overcoming challenges and finding unbelievably humorous experiences and escapades. Each week we looked true love.

We have become the best of friends forward to meeting and sharing our

More than surviving.

Truly living.

Buddy thought he had a simple sore throat. But a trip to the doctor, a referral to a specialist and a biopsy revealed the last thing he expected—throat and lung cancer. At our Regional Cancer Center, Buddy’s team of board-certified oncologists, radiologists, nurses and pharmacists offered a comprehensive approach to his treatment. Now he’s cancer-free and discovering something else he didn’t expect—international recognition as a winemaker.

Learn more about our personalized approach to cancer care at stmarysmedical.org/oncology.

FEBRUARY 2016

and our relationship continues to grow today, well beyond the writing experience. We are confidantes, comforters and unwavering allies. Our spouses and other family members have been embraced by this unique friendship as well, and they also look forward to hearing the latest stories.

Most of all, we genuinely love each other and spend numerous hours simply sitting together or sharing recent events in our lives, but mostly laughing.

Many people who write their memoirs want to preserve memories because they fear that age and illness will rob them of these precious vignettes. The three of us share these same concerns, of course, but we also write because we want our family members and descendants to know and understand what made us who we are.

Together we have freely shared advice, wisdom and humor. In reality it has been a 10-year therapy session that did not cost us anything—and gave us rich, undying friendships in return. ■

FEBRUARY 2016

Joe and me

By Dan Ryan

I

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

can’t remember not knowing Joe. Like the gaggle of sisters who tormented and protected me, he was, simply, always there. It was a quick run through the sagebrush to his house at the bottom of the hill and even now, nearly five decades later, the sweet smell of sage reminds me of Joe and the idyllic days we spent growing up together in small-town western Colorado.

It was a different time in a beautiful but insulated place. On a good day our black & white TV could pull in two fuzzy stations. We got one radio station by day, one by night. Our telephone was a black rotary-dial model that weighed as much as a bowling ball. Personal computers and the Internet were dreams of the future.

We grew up de-wired, unplugged and connected only to the people who surrounded, nurtured and disciplined us. It was an environment that challenged us to create our own fun and gave us the freedom to do so, and Joe and I took to the challenge with zeal.

During the summer we had one basic rule: Be home for dinner at 6:30.

So off we’d go on our bikes to play baseball, bodysurf the river, swim in the more sedate municipal pool, or hike the surrounding mountains. We did this all without helmets, flotation devices or meaningful adult supervision and somehow survived.

On occasion, Joe and I got into trouble. The day a field of dry grass went up in flames, we didn’t mean to burn the WHOLE field, just a little patch that we would quickly stamp out. Predictably, it got away from us, and in our panic we ran to Joe’s house with the clueless intention of getting a bucket of water to douse a fire that, by now, covered a good acre of ground. Fortunately, no structures, livestock or little boys were consumed in that inferno, though our punishment was severe: No playing together for a week.

Joe was not just a friend, he was part of my family. And I’ll never forget the summer day his older sister came to get him from my house, her face a picture of anguish. We were both too young to comprehend what was happening, but my parents finally got through to me that Joe’s mom had been killed in a car accident. I saw my friend scared and confused, and could do nothing but put my arm around him and let him know I was there. That may have been the only really bad day that Joe and I shared.

Today, Joe lives in Oregon where he and his wife raise lambs and release white doves for special events.

On October 12, 2015, I lost my mom.

It was another really bad day. But on that day, back in Oregon, Joe released the white doves. At the moment the white doves soared, I swear I could smell the sweet fragrance of sage.

And I knew, though a thousand miles away, my friend was there for me. ■

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Raspberry - almond shortbread cookies

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Ingredients: 1 cup butter ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon almond extract 2 ½ cups sugar Raspberry jam

Instructions: 1. Cream butter with salt until soft.

2. Blend in sugar 1/4 cup at a time until mixture is fluffy.

3. Beat in egg, vanilla and almond extract.

4. Stir in flour.

5. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes, roll out and cut out cookies.

6. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between cookies.

7. Bake at 400° for 8-10 min.

You can also use this recipe for thumbprint cookies. If you go that route, you can skip step five. I also use this recipe for cut-out frosted cookies.

FEBRUARY 2016

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: A few months ago I joined an online dating service. I have had about 10 dates for coffee or lunch.

The big turnoff for me is that every one of them kept touching me and talking about cuddling on the first date. Now I am no prude, but I don’t like that kind of touching and talking when I’ve just met a guy. I cuddle with men I feel affection for and that requires getting to know them first. The other turnoff is their neediness. I realize that many are starved for affection, but let’s take this one step at a time. When I explain this to them, they seem hurt or embarrassed and don’t call again. Do you think I am being unreasonable?

Signed, Slow Mover Dear Slow Mover: I don’t think you are being unreasonable. One of the advantages of online dating is that you can be choosy and search for someone who thinks and acts like you want. So keep on trying. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! Good luck.

Dear Old Bag: The other day my friend and I came out of a restaurant and there was a homeless man near our car, which was parked about a halfblock away. I gave him $5, and when we got in the car my friend started laughing at me, saying I had just been taken for a ride. I said, “How do you know?” She said, “Some of those guys make more than you do, or they just want money to buy alcohol or drugs.” I didn’t know what to say. I don’t give to everyone like that, but when they look authentic, and I have the money, I do.

Am I wrong? Signed, Giver

Dear Giver: This seems to be coming up to me more and more. Maybe we have more needy people. In my opinion, it’s not a matter of right or wrong. It’s a matter of conscience— your conscience. Each of us has to behave in ways that are true to ourselves. A few years ago, I kept seeing this man on a ramp to the freeway, where it was not convenient to stop. It was very hot outside, he was shirtless and had a sign. I would see him every few days and he was becoming sunburned. One morning I saw his photo in the paper, and an article that he had been rushed to the hospital where he died. I have never forgotten that man, and I wish I had listened to my heart. OB Dear Old Bag: I live in a retirement community. I love it here, but sometimes these narrow-minded people frustrate me. We have a few gay couples living here and some people look down on them and make jokes about them. I used to think that as people got older, they became more loving and tolerant. That is true about the majority, but these gossipmongers get to me. Anything I can do about them?

Signed, Frustrated Dear Frustrated: Verbalize to them what you said to me. Let them know that acceptance comes with spiritual aging. If they continue, avoid them.

If you have read my column for a while, you may know that I believe you do not change as you grow older.

You become more of what you were as a younger person. OB ■

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email lagmancreswick@cox.net

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The Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus Presents

Singing

The Beacon & Hilltop Senior living Communities

Valentines

Give your

Sweetheart

Singlelcsome We

the Ultimate Valentine!

A rose, Enstrom’s candy, Valentine’s Day card, And 2 love songs, delivered by a Bookcliff Quartet

55+ FEBRUARY 13 7:30.pm.-.10:30.pm

13th, 14th, *15th On February 12th, 13th, *14th

Hors d'oeuvres  Bar clark gault's swing city express

(All of this for only $45)

The Commons of Hilltop Garden Room

*Sunday February February 14th 15th will be afternoon only *Sunday only

Order by phone;

625 27-1/2 ROAD Z GRAND JUNCTION

(Delivery hours 8am-8pm)

ADVANCE TICKETS  $20 PER PERSON  $40 PER COUPLE AT THE DOOR  $25 PER PERSON  $50 PER COUPLE

call 970-257-SONG [7664]

W FOR TICKETS CALL 243-8829 W

FEBRUARY 2016

A Valentine’s Dance for you

By Kevin K. VanGundy

C

ome join us for a special night out this Valentine’s weekend, Saturday, February 13, from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at The Commons of Hilltop’s Garden Room, 625 27-1/2 Road in Grand Junction.

Hilltop’s Senior Living Communities and the BEACON Senior Newspaper are hosting a special Valentine’s Dance for couples and singles age 55 and older, with an emphasis on socializing and companionship. Social directors and dance partners will be on hand to assure that everyone has a good time.

Advance tickets are just $20 per person or $40 per couple and are available by calling the BEACON at 243-8829. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25 per person or $50 per couple.

The evening will be complete with hors d’oeuvres, two free drinks from the bar and live music performed by

Clark Gault’s Swing City Express, a 12-piece big band featuring the talents of some wonderful local musicians.

Dancers can glide across a real wooden dance floor enveloped in an art deco theme that will contribute to the romantic ambience and will help make this night one to remember.

There will be plenty of tables and chairs available for attendees to sit and socialize or enjoy the music.

Single? Don’t think you can dance?

Don’t worry. Singles are welcome, as this event will be a great opportunity to have fun and meet other area seniors.

“I can’t dance, but I’m still going,” said Hap Jordan, a writer for the BEACON. “For $20, I wouldn’t miss it!” ♥ If you can dance we’re needing six men to be dance hosts at our Valentine’s Dance. You’ll have fun, get a free ticket and two free drinks!

Call the BEACON at 243-8829.

Singing Valentines The Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Chorus is offering Singing Valentines again this year! February 12-14, from 8 am to 8 pm, from Palisade to Mack, you can send a quartet dressed in tuxedos to deliver two love songs, a red rose, Enstrom’s candy and a simple card with your words on it, for only $45—a small price to pay for showing your love to someone special!

Call 257-7664 to set it up with Jack.

Valentine’s Party with River City Singles Come join other fun-loving single seniors for a Valentine’s party on February 13 at 1 pm, at Billie’s home, 753 Bliss Drive in Palisade.

RSVP to Billie at 464-0578 or Joan at 778-2057.

Paonia’s historic Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast Surprise YOUR Valentine

with a romantic get-away!

Visit our website to make reservations and find all the amenities for a special Valentine’s Getaway!

970-527-6776

312 Onarga Ave. ---- www.paonia-inn.com Savor Paonia - Stay at the Bross Hotel

FEBRUARY 2016

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Readers to choose Volunteer of the Year

B

eaconFest is just around the corner and so is the voting for this year’s BEACON Volunteer of the Year.

Nominees will be featured in the March issue of the BEACON and our readers will again choose the winner. All nominated volunteers will be presented with awards at BeaconFest and the winner will be announced.

Nominate a volunteer The Volunteer of the Year goes above and beyond his or her usual duties and responsibilities. Do you know such a volunteer? Please complete and return the nomination form on this page to us no later than February 20 to include your volunteer in this event. Only one nomination per agency, please.

How to vote Last year, we received thousands of votes for the Volunteer of the Year.

Obviously our readers really are passionate about local volunteers.

Once you receive your March BEACON, follow the directions below to vote for your favorite volunteer: Step 1: Go to www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Step 2: Click the ad on the home page that says “Click Here to Vote for Volunteer of the Year.”

Step 3: You will be directed to a page with an article about all the nominees. Click the box in the article to proceed.

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2016 NOMINATION FORM We are pleased to give your organization the opportunity to honor your most outstanding volunteer—that individual who has gone above and beyond his or her usual duties and responsibilities.

Nominated volunteers will be featured in the March issue of the BEACON Senior Newspaper.

The winner will be chosen by BEACON readers and announced at BeaconFest.

All nominated volunteers will be called to the stage and presented with awards at BeaconFest on Thursday, April 21, 12:50 p.m., at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., Grand Junction.

(Note: This is NOT a luncheon—the ceremony will last approximately 20 minutes.)

Only one nomination per agency please. Nominated volunteers must be 50 years old or older.

Complete and return this form, and include a head shot of your nominated volunteer (to include in March’s BEACON), no later than February 20, 2016, to: • E-mail (best): nancy@pendantpublishing.com • Fax: 800-536-7516 • Mail: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

WINNE R

will b chosen e by

BEACO

reader N s!

Organization name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Nominated by: ___________________________________________ Your phone #__________________________ Name of volunteer: ________________________________________ Their phone #__________________________ Qualifications (please limit to 250 words, add a sheet if necessary): ____________________________________________

Step 4: Choose the volunteer you would like to vote for from the dropdown menu. Then please fill in the fields for the questions we ask below.

Step 5: Hit Submit!

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You can also MAIL in the published ballot, which will be included in the March BEACON. Mail your ballot to:

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BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 ■

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If you’re interested in advertising in our local guide to giving your time and money in March’s BEACON, or if you’d like a booth at this year’s BeaconFest, please call 243-8829 for more information. Thank you!

12

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

MENTION

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FEBRUARY 2016

What’s the difference between a CAT scan and an MRI?

Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

T

he CAT scan, MRI and others are known as diagnostic imaging tests. Let’s go over the common ones.

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One of the oldest forms of medical imaging, an X-ray examination uses electromagnetic radiation to make pictures.

An X-ray machine passes a beam through your body and records an image digitally or on film. Body tissues produce different results. Tissues show up in shades of gray. Bones look white.

Lungs that contain air appear dark.

Sometimes you take a contrast medium such as barium and iodine to outline an area of your body. The contrast medium appears opaque on X-ray film, providing clear images of structures such as your digestive tract or blood vessels.

CT scan Computed tomography, known as a CT scan or CAT scan, uses X-rays and computers to produce precise images of cross-sections of the body. It is much more revealing than a conventional X-ray.

A CT scan employs a doughnut-shaped machine called a gantry. The patient lies on a table inside the gantry while an X-ray tube rotates around the patient’s body, sending radiation through it. Detectors measure the exiting radiation and convert it into electrical signals.

A computer gathers the electrical signals and assigns them a color based upon signal intensity. The computer then assembles the images and displays them on a computer monitor.

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

uses a magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-rays to create pictures of cross-sections.

Most MRI machines are large cylinders.

Inside the machine, the human body produces very faint signals in response to radio waves. The MRI machine detects these signals. A computer then interprets the signals and produces a three-dimensional representation of your body.

Nuclear imaging Nuclear imaging detects radiation from the body after a radiopharmaceutical agent or tracer is either injected or taken orally. The images are recorded on computer and on film.

While other imaging methods assess how the organs look, nuclear imaging shows how organs work. For example, nuclear imaging can analyze blood flow to and from the heart.

When undergoing a nuclear imaging exam, the patient lies on a table under a special camera that takes a series of pictures. A computer connected to the camera detects the radiation coming from the body organ being examined and makes a series of images.

Ultrasound Ultrasound examination, also called diagnostic medical sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves beyond the range of the human ear to produce precise images of structures within your body.

During an ultrasound, a sonographer presses a hand-held transducer against your skin. The transducer generates and then receives reflected high-frequency sound waves from your body. Information about your body is sent from the transducer to a computer. ■

Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email fred@healthygeezer.com.

FEBRUARY 2016

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Face the facts and protect your life

By Wendell Fowler

W

hile grocery shopping recently, I was recognized and then approached by a woman. Politely grabbing my shirtsleeve, she tugged me to the meat department. “I’ve been feeding my husband red and smoked meats all our lives, but I just learned that modern grocery meats encourage colon cancer.

Please, what’s going on? I’m confused,” she pleaded. “He’s in denial and won’t take colorectal cancer seriously. Doc says he’s showing symptoms, but he demands meat and potatoes. I’m scared.”

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women in America. The American Cancer Society expects nearly 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer this year.

Over 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in people age 50 or older.

Who willingly admits that they abetted their disease? Most trusting folks are confident that FDA systems are in place to protect us (snicker). In reality, no one’s keeping the food industry lap dogs honest. Nevertheless, no one likes being told they’re wrong, even in the presence of the truths that a high consumption of meat can cause colon cancer. A diet high in red meats, processed and cured meats will increase colorectal cancer risk.

Also, frying/grilling meats at high temperatures creates chemicals that fertilize cancer. Convincing folks to change their diet is like asking them to change their religion.

Control is something you lose when you have cancer. You hand

it over to your doctors, but there are lifestyle factors you can govern.

Red meats were once clean, fed their diet of grass (not corn), and pasture-raised—not asphyxiated in growth hormones and antibiotics in a factory farm gulag. Today’s cuts of grocery beef are exposed to carbon monoxide as a freshness/color preservative. Your grandparents would freak out. This simply is not how loving creation planned it.

Ignoring dangers increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Exercising regularly may help reduce risk. Obesity increases the risk of developing the cancer and the obesity link is stronger in men. So, control your weight with healthy food choices and regular, daily exercise.

Long-term smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop

colorectal cancer. Excessive alcohol drinking has been linked to colorectal cancer. Those with Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk in developing colorectal cancer.

Numerous epidemiologic studies indicate that increased calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C lower the risk of colorectal neoplasia. Do not underestimate nourishing vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which may reduce abnormal cell growth.

Colorectal cancer affects seniors more than others. Reduce the stress and mystery of daily living by getting colorectal cancer screenings when you turn 50. Yes, “recon” of your 5-foot colon may seem awkward, but we’re responsible adults now. We live in a world other than what we pictured in our youth.

You’re misleading yourself if you assume that chronic disease is a natural part of aging. D-nile is a beautiful river in Egypt, but it’s no way to help your health. ■

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14

HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

FEBRUARY 2016

A Great Place to Call Home! 14 tips for decluttering

your mind

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By Melanie Wiseman “Declutter” was the buzzword for 2015, as people around the country were putting time and energy into their home to create a space that brings peace and joy versus stress and anxiety.

For 2016, the challenge is to take this life-altering strategy a step further. The most distracting and debilitating cluttered space is in our heads.

A cluttered mind is restless and unfocused. Learning simple techniques for freeing our minds from negative thoughts and non-stop chatter will bring us into the present—connected and peaceful.

If you can’t seem to remember anything, maybe it’s because your mind is cluttered with useless thoughts. Recent research suggests that the more irrelevant information we hold on to, the harder it is to remember the stuff that matters.

“We should start choosing our thoughts like we choose our clothes for the day,” said Farnoosh Brock of Prolific Living, a company and blog for entrepreneur-wannabe spirits.

She suggested clearing your mind of clutter just as you do your home, and choose to make room only for positivity, joy, serenity, optimism and happiness.

Mental clutter pulls us off center, disrupting our balance. It can get so jumbled and disorderly up there that we end up lost.

How does a person begin to clear away clutter you can’t see? Decluttering the mind requires us to become intentional on where we place our attention and how we spend our time and energy.

1. Declutter your physical environment. Physical clutter can lead to mental clutter, bombarding the mind with excessive stimuli, forcing the brain to work overtime. Physical

clutter signals the brain that there is always something that needs to be done, which is mentally exhausting.

Declutter your physical space and you’ll discover your mind is decluttered as well.

2. Let go of the past. Easy to say, not always easy to do. Negative situations and thoughts from our past can stick with us like Velcro. We keep a large cabinet of mental drawers filled with mistakes, missed opportunities, fears, expectations, hurts and worries. It has yet to be proven that worrying and focusing on the past does anything but distract us from the positive, and deplete our energy.

3. Keep a gratitude log. It takes three to seven positives to neutralize a negative. Spend five minutes every day to note at least five things you are grateful for. Gratitude is appreciating what you have and saying that it is enough. Taking time to consider your blessings will help bring balance to your life. Some ideas can be as simple as time with a friend, the smile your pet puts on your face, homemade cookies, a child’s laughter, appreciating a fresh rain, or colors in nature.

4. Write it down. You don’t need to keep everything stored in your brain. Keep paper and pen on your night stand and write thoughts down instead of letting the chatter in your mind keep you awake. Whatever tool you choose, be it an online tool, an app or a simple pad of paper, consider it a storage device for all the pieces of information you need to remember, such as appointments, phone numbers, to-do lists, and so on.

5. Keep a journal. Keeping a journal is similar to the previous point, but more in depth. Journaling is a wonderful release of pent-up thoughts, giving you respite from the chatter

FEBRUARY 2016

HEALTH & WELLNESS 15

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

inside your head. Even though you’re still thinking of these things as you write, it’s like observing the situation from a distance, no longer completely absorbed in it emotionally. A journal allows you to download the inner voices of worries and concerns that constantly interrupt your thought process when you’re trying to get more important things done.

Like therapy, simply letting it out is healing because we’re relieved of the burden of keeping it all inside. Peace will come faster the more often you do it.

6. Breathe. So simple, and yet so effective. Take a few deep breaths, and then for a few minutes, just focus on your breathing. It has a calming effect, especially if you continue to return to concentrating on your breathing when your mind strays.

Some call this meditation. In essence, meditation is learning to focus the mind completely on the present moment. When you learn how to place all of your attention on one thing, such as your breath, all other thoughts disappear.

7. Laugh. Laughter has been proven to be the best medicine for relieving stress. Don’t take yourself so seriously and laugh more often. It lightens your emotional load and frees your mind, bringing balance because laughter is presence. Watch comedies, spend time with funny friends or play with your grandkids or pets.

8. Limit your media intake. Start really paying attention to the “noise” that you let seep into your eyes and ears.

Ask yourself if it is benefitting your life in any way. Too much information can clog up the brain. This includes the information that you take in each day by reading newspapers, watching TV, participating in social media and surfing the web. Decide what information is relevant to you and disregard everything else.

9. Zone out. Take time to rest your mind every day. Let your mind shut down from having to process and interpret information. Taking a walk, connecting with nature or other mini-retreats from stimulus, such as

TV and conversation, will allow you to focus more easily than before.

10. Be decisive and get clear on your priorities. Personal top priorities are a list of your goals, your motivations and those relationships that matter most to you. Evaluate anything that comes between you and your priorities and decide if it’s worth compromising what matters most to you. Keep your mental inbox clear by making decisions on what to do with things as they come in, otherwise your brain will be overflowing as a result.

11. Single-task, do less and slow down. Pick just a few things to get done today and let the rest go away.

Doing less and at a slower pace results in your mind being less harried as well. Multi-tasking, for the most part, is a good way to fill your mind with a lot of activity, without a lot of productivity or happiness as a result.

Focus on one task at a time.

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12. Get creative. The opportunities to get creative are endless. Connect with your inner child by exploring your imagination and let curiosity lead. The point is to get lost in awe and wonder like you did as a carefree 5-year-old.

13. Exercise. Find an activity that inspires you to move, raise your heart rate and get your endorphins going.

Be it dance, walking or martial arts, maintaining some level of frequent activity will serve your physical and mental wellbeing for years to come.

Yoga is often touted as a way to quiet a spinning mind, and a 2014 study found that it might also help improve memory.

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14. Do something kind for another person. Make it a point every day to be kind with your actions, words and especially your thoughts. A simple smile is an act alone that is enough to improve your mood and clear mental blockage.

Life is full of surprises. This year, live your best life by decluttering your mind and finding peace and balance. ■

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16

LAUGHING MATTERS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

LAUGHING MATTERS

The next day, the man and the ostrich came in again and the man said, “A hamburger, fries and a Coke.”

Everything is funny as long as it’s happening to someone else.

Go to heaven for the climate, hell for the company.

-Will Rogers

-Mark Twain

The ostrich said, “I’ll have the same.”

People always ask me, “Were you funny as a child?” Well, no, I was an accountant.

I can resist everything except temptation.

Again the man reached into his pocket and paid with exact change.

-Oscar Wilde

This became routine until the two entered again. “The usual?” asked the waitress.

-Ellen DeGeneres You can lead a man to Congress, but you can’t make him think.

-Milton Berle I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

-Elayne Boosler Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

-Jim Carrey

The Ostrich Submitted by Heidi Bowen

A man walked into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asked them for their orders.

The man said, “A hamburger, fries and a Coke,” then turned to the ostrich.

“What’s yours?”

The ostrich said, “I’ll have the same.”

A short time later, the waitress returned with the order. “That will be $9.40, please.” The man reached into his pocket and pulled out the exact change for payment.

“No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and salad,” said the man.

“Same,” said the ostrich.

Shortly the waitress brought the order and said, “That will be $32.62.” Once again the man pulled the exact change out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

The waitress couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket

FEBRUARY 2016

every time?”

“Well,” said the man, “several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.”

“That’s brilliant!” said the waitress.

“Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”

“That’s right. Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” said the man.

The waitress asked, “What’s with the ostrich?”

The man sighed, paused and answered, “My second wish was for a tall chick with a big ass and long legs who agrees with everything I say.”

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FEBRUARY 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Parachutes

Her and Him

Submitted by Sue Bowen

Submitted by Kevin Ray

An airplane was about to crash, with five passengers on board, but only four parachutes.

For her A husband gets naked and asks his wife, “What turns you on more, my broad shoulders or my handsome face?” His wife looks him up and down and replies, “Your sense of humor!”

The first passenger, Holly Madison, said, “I have my own reality show and I am the smartest and prettiest woman at Playboy, so Americans don’t want me to die.”

She took the first pack and jumped out of the plane.

The second passenger, John McCain, said, “I’m a senator and a decorated war hero from an elite Navy unit from the United States of America.”

So he grabbed the second pack and jumped.

The third passenger, Donald Trump, said, “I am going to be the next President of the United States. I am the smartest man in our country and I will make America great again.”

So he grabbed the pack next to him and jumped out.

The fourth passenger, Billy Graham, said to the fifth passenger, a 10-yearold-schoolgirl, “I have lived a full life and served my God the best I could. I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last parachute.

The little girl said, “That’s okay, Mr. Graham. There’s a parachute left for you. The smartest man in America took my schoolbag.”

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

For him A wife asked her husband how many women he’d slept with. He told her, “Only you. The others kept me awake all night!”

Fence Submitted by Randy Cromwell

An engineer, a physicist and a mathematician have to build a fence around a flock of sheep, using as little material as possible. The engineer forms the flock into a circular shape and constructs a fence around it. The physicist builds a fence with an infinite diameter and pulls it together until it fits around the flock. The mathematician thinks for a while, then builds a fence around himself and defines himself as being outside.

Did you hear...

• A pun, a play on words, and a limerick walk into a bar. No joke.

• The joke wasn’t there because it was busy parking the car. ■

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18

TRAVEL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

FEBRUARY 2016

Safeguard your money when you travel

By Teresa Ambord

N

othing says “easy mark” like an obvious tourist. Thieves know that when you travel, you are focused on fun, relaxation and sightseeing – not expecting to be targeted. Of course this makes you irresistible.

Security experts say protecting your assets while traveling begins before you leave home. Here are tips to enhance your security before and during your trip.

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What to do and not do before you leave home Don’t announce to the world via Facebook (or some other social site) that you are leaving for Cancun for 10 days. Forget the illusion of anonymity when you’re on Facebook. Thieves make full-time work of combing through these sites, piecing together information they can use to crack your passwords, break into your accounts, and drain your assets. Part of what they are looking for is information, like when your house is likely to be vacant.

But it’s not just tech-savvy thieves who are watching. Old-fashioned house burglars are also tuned in, so don’t give your home the appearance of vacancy. Stop your newspaper and have a trusted friend pick up your mail. A bulging mailbox is as good as an invitation to come on in and take whatever they want.

Make copies of your plane tickets, hotel reservations, passport, driver’s license, and credit cards. Leave this packet of information with someone you trust, in case you lose these things and need to call for information.

Pre-travel steps to guard your money • Clean out your wallet and leave most of your credit cards at home.

Take two with you in case you lose one. But whenever possible leave one in the hotel safe so you aren’t at risk of losing both.

• Leave your checks and your debit card at home. Your debit card has the power to throw open your entire bank balance to thieves.

• Definitely don’t carry your Social Security card. If your health card has your Social Security number (SSN) on it, make a copy of it to carry in your wallet, but obliterate or cut out the SSN except for the last four digits.

• While you are cleaning out your wallet, don’t forget to take your driver’s license with you, even if you won’t be driving. You’ll need the ID. • Call your credit card companies and talk to the fraud department to let them know when and where you will be traveling. Having this information on file could stop a thief cold. Ask for a phone number to contact them directly from outside the United States if necessary. I do this before traveling, and it takes only minutes. I’ve found the customer service personnel to be very knowledgeable and efficient, and I was left with an added sense of security.

• Freeze your credit. This prevents thieves from opening credit in your name, but still allows you to use your cards. I use this security measure myself. I set up my credit freezes online and it took only minutes. If you are 65 and older it should cost you a total of $15 (that’s $5 for each of three credit bureaus). If you’re under 65, it should cost a total of $30 (or $10 each).

If you have been a victim of ID theft and you filed a police report, a credit freeze should be free. To set up a freeze, contact each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax (equifax.com, 800-685-1111), Experian (experian.com, 888-397-3742) TransUnion (transunion.com, 877-322-8228).

FEBRUARY 2016

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

• Do you carry a smartphone? Learn the safety settings that will lock your screen with a password. Your wireless carrier can tell you about security apps. While you are checking, ask if there is a service that will erase the data on your phone remotely if you lose it. Consider installing a GPS location-tracking app.

While you are away, beware of…

ATMs that are stand-alone. It’s best to use an ATM at a bank, whether you are at home or away. Stand-alone ATMs can be rigged by thieves to capture your information before you realize it. The more remote the ATM, the better a target it is for thieves.

Even if the machine gives you the cash you request, that doesn’t mean it has not been hijacked.

When you do use an ATM, any ATM, don’t key in your PIN with your fingers. Use a key, a coin, a card, anything but your hands. Even from down the street, a thief can capture your PIN by pointing a device in your direction that reads what you key in using the heat in your fingertips.

Leaving valuables in your room. Don’t think you can outsmart thieves with clever hiding places. If you cannot

lock up your valuables in a hotel safe, take them with you when you are out of the room. If you plan to leave your laptop in your room, check with your computer store before you go. Ask for a device that locks your computer to something in the room, like a heavy piece of furniture. Office supply stores sell several varieties for under $60… however, before you buy one read the customer reviews. Some of these locks have proven to be disappointing.

Wi-Fi. It’s nice to get Wi-Fi when you’re away from home, but be very selective when it comes to entering information on hotel computers or free Wi-fi. Don’t access personal accounts like banks and credit cards on these networks, which are often a feast for thieves. If you really need to check these accounts, use the telephone.

Document thieves. If you are flying, keep your passport and other ID on your body. Thieves are adept at appearing innocent as they rifle through overhead baggage for such items.

[This article was based in part on information from Jim Miller, author of “Savvy Senior.”]. ■

Get a Better Wallet Never underestimate how low thieves will stoop to steal your assets or how clever they are. After all, they make full-time work of taking what isn’t theirs. They can easily buy devices no bigger than a man’s wallet, which collect information off of certain debit or credit cards.

Unlike actual pickpockets, all these thieves have to do is wave the device near your back pocket or your purse, and your financial security could be lost. The credit and debit cards that present this possibility are those which contain an RFID chip (radio frequency identification), and have a symbol on the back that say “pay wave,” “pay pass,” “blink,” or have a symbol resembling a radio wave.

As your cards are replaced over time, it is very likely all of them will include this tiny device.

What can you do? Experts suggest taking one of these actions. Purchase an RFID wallet (about $10 at Walmart) or paper sleeves you can slip your cards into to thwart theft (IDStronghold.com has these and other security products). You can also simply wrap your card in a piece of aluminum foil, which does the same but can be awkward. Or carry more than one such debit or credit card with an RFID chip. This causes your personal information to be jumbled and useless.

TRAVEL 19

20 HOME & GARDEN

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

All about orchids

Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough If you love beautiful flowering houseplants, sooner or later you will find yourself the proud owner of an orchid or two or three or four. Although they have a reputation for being hard to grow, if you can give these lovely plants the right conditions, you will find a few that can thrive in your house.

Orchids are easy to purchase in Western Colorado. In addition to the garden centers and nurseries, most of the big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s carry orchids. Kelly at the 24 Road City Market told me they carry a wide variety of orchids including the ‘Jungle Monarch’ oncidium orchids and the beautiful miltonia pansy orchids.

Here are the five types of orchids recommended for beginners: Cymbidium orchids are best known for their incredibly thick petals that

are hard and waxy. The blossom size and number of flowers vary by variety, ranging from an inch to five inches in diameter, and from a few flowers to more than 20 per flowering stem. Cymbidium orchids perform best in very high light.

Dendrobium or spray orchids are exceptionally easy to care for, but require high light to bloom. The flowers range in color from white to purple, pink and even pale yellows. Blooms are small, a few centimeters in length, and every raceme can produce up to 15 fragrant flowers, lasting two or three months.

Look for the choice Dendrobium kingianum or the Pink Rock Orchid.

Oncidium orchids are becoming very popular for ease of growing and long-lasting sprays of small, distinct flowers that often have unique color combinations and a pleasant fragrance.

They will typically bloom once a year and can be grown in the home, as well as in a sheltered area in the garden.

City Market offers Jungle Monarch.

Paphiopedilums, commonly called lady slipper orchids, are best known for their leaves, which are sometimes mottled or patterned, and unusual, waxy flowers that are striped, spotted or solid in color. Their care is very similar to African violets. Paps don’t need bright light, so an east-facing windowsill will do just fine.

Phalaenopsis are commonly called moth orchids, named for gently arching, flowering stems with flat flowers that resemble moths in flight. Encourage mature plants to form buds by giving them two months of evening temperatures down to 50 degrees in the fall. Low light requirements and fragrant flowers make this an easy orchid to grow in your home. ■

NEW!

FEBRUARY 2016

Thanks to local orchid expert Roger Stone for sharing a few growing tips for orchids: • 50-80% humidity. Increase humidity with a room humidifier or by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Misting foliage also helps.

• Household temperatures should range from 58 degrees at night to 75 degrees during the day.

• Well-drained potting mix. There are commercial orchid potting mixes available. Add crushed oyster shells (available at feed stores) as top dressing and source of slow-release calcium.

• Re-pot every two to three years when new growth begins, generally in spring. Lady slipper orchids need to be re-potted every year.

• Occasional pests include mealy bugs and scale insects. They also are susceptible to viral infections and root rot. Q-tips soaked in alcohol kills scale, and houseplant insecticidal soap helps with mealy bugs.

• Fertilize twice a month in the spring and summer with specialty orchid fertilizer; much less in the fall and winter.

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FEBRUARY 2016

FUN AFTER 50 21

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FUN AFTER 50

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

SPECIAL EVENT

sisted. Drop in for $7 or get a 10-punch pass for $50.

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 14 Senior Prom for ages 50+ A Taste of Heaven Catering 2817 North Avenue 4:00pm – 10:00pm Dinner & Dancing by the GJHS Swing Band. Formal attire recommended.

Photographer will be available. Please register at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray by 2/7/16.

FEBRUARY 13 CPR/First Aid/AED 8 am – 2 pm, Red Cross Building This American Red Cross program helps participants to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first-aid emergencies. Please bring a lunch. Cost is $75.

FEBRUARY 9 Pickleball Clinic for Beginners 1 pm – 3 pm, Lincoln Park Barn These clinics are designed for players with skill levels of 1.0 (brand new) – 2.5 (beginning). Learn basic rules, equipment and basic play strategies. Equipment is provided. Cost is $10.

HEALTH FEBRUARY 12 Facts & Tracks: Serving Size vs Portion Size Noon – 1 pm, Botanical Gardens They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Join CSU Extension Agent Ann Duncan, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, for a focused, 30-minute lecture on various topics that can make positive impacts on your life. Then spend the next 30 minutes walking on the Riverfront Trail. This series is the perfect combination of mind/ body wellness! The February session focuses on the differences between serving sizes vs. portion sizes, and how understanding these concepts can help you make better decisions. Cost is $5.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga 8 am – 9 am, Lincoln Park Barn $7 drop in, $50 for 10 punch pass This class is designed for an active beginner and above, teaching flexibility of mind and body in a fun and supportive environment. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unas-

DAILY Aqua Aerobics Mon/Wed/Fri: 8:15 am – 9:15 am Tues/Thurs: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Orchard Mesa Pool These novice to intermediate aqua aerobic classes are for individuals introducing themselves to water exercise or those who have enjoyed our previous classes. Moderate intensity activities incorporate noodles, hand paddles, water weights, and more. Drop in for $4.50 or pay $46.50 for a 12-punch pass.

DAILY Indoor Pickleball Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 am – 11:30 am Tuesday & Friday: 9 am –12:30 pm, 4 pm – 7 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Play indoor pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn – drop in for $5 or $30 for 10 punches. Schedule subject to change.

SAVE THE DATE Western Colorado Senior Games for Athletes 50+ August 20-26, 2016

DANCE MONDAYS Intermediate Line Dance for Kids 50+ 1 pm – 2 pm, Lincoln Park Barn Build on your line dancing skills and have fun! No partner is needed. Drop in for $5 or purchase a 10-punch pass for $32.

THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music 8 pm – 11 pm, Senior Recreation Center Dance the night away and enjoy your favorite music performed live! Cost is $3.

ART JANUARY THROUGH MARCH City Hall Lynn Pavelka, Joshua Butler, and the Brush and Palette group JANUARY THROUGH JUNE Two Rivers Convention Center Exhibits Hot Air Balloons

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Be a Trail Host! Spend time outside on the Riverfront Trail and have fun volunteering. Get your application in now.

Meetings start in March. Call Lorie at 254-3876.

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–4 pm Annual membership is $15.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

Cribbage Cards Computer Classes Gray Gourmet Lunch Card Bingo & Dominoes Singles Pinochle (1st & 3rd Monday)

TUESDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Ladies Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta

THURSDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Dominoes 10:00 am Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) 10:30 am Membership Meeting 12:00 pm Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 pm Dance FRIDAY 9:00 am

12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm

Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch Bible Study Bridge Canasta

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. $3.50

22 LOCAL LORE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“Baby Boomer” Special

It’s worth the drive!

Oil chAnge SeRvice

Service hours

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Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30

any make or model

gas engine

synthetic oils slightly higher

Saturday 8:00-5:00

54.95 diesel engine No appointment necessary

2728 Railroad Ave • 970-625-1680 • www.columbineford.com

Your locally-owned Nick-N-Willy’s Pizza

683 Horizon Drive Grand Junction

970-245-6425

Pizza

1-Topping Heart Shaped Pizza for $9 Signature Heart-Shaped Pizza for $12 Not valid on Gluten-Free Pizzas. Not valid with any other coupon or in-store special. Not valid with any other offers. Limit ONE coupon per visit please. Valid only at the Grand Junction, CO locations. Customer responsible for applicable sales tax.

Expires 2/15/16

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information. n Safe and secure adult day program for seniors affected by memory loss or who are medically frail. n Providing caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. n Valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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O W N E D

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B Y

H I L L T O P

FEBRUARY 2016

And that’s not the only place we parked . . .

By Priscilla Mangnall

T

hanks to the noble efforts of some fine local businesses and citizens, George Crawford’s magnificent sandstone mausoleum has been restored.

The city’s bronze sculpture of Crawford stands watch over his resting bones in his elaborate casket. It is quite the site, known to most of us as Crawford’s Grave on Reservoir Hill.

Just the mention of this historic Grand Valley landmark opened a floodgate of emotion and memories for many of us. We made out there.

And we probably drank a little beer there, too.

David Bailey of the Museum of Western Colorado parked in the 1970s at another place on Reservoir Hill and called it Four Points. Guess he and his friends were pretty hot in their muscle cars. His was a burnt orange 1968 Ford Mustang with a 302, whatever that was. I didn’t make out much with muscle car guys.

And that’s not the only place we parked. Ask any one of your local contemporaries and they all had a special place to spark and woo. I personally made out all over the valley. And I’m not done yet. I had to take my current husband up to Little Park Road and pull over at that special place with a bottle of wine and a whoopee blanket to convince him to marry me. No ditch bank for that guy. It had to be

the city lights or nothing.

Now, Jim Spehar tells me Reservoir Hill was one of his favorite places, too, but so was a spot above the hospital. I can’t figure where that would be and I’m not about to have him show me. He also thought that Memorial Gardens on North Avenue was romantic and fairly secluded except for an occasional guy on a lawn mower.

Mantey Heights was a special place.

There was a bluff that overlooked the Falls. Joann Mills first went there with Doug Knoch. They had tickets to see the Submarine Races.

For our dearly departed local sage and historian, Pat Gormley, Lovers’ Lane was Mantey Heights as well. He told me that many people in the late 1940s went to Crawford’s Grave and The Duck Pond. The latter seemed awfully public to him, but he said, “Some people wanted to advertise what good lovers they were.” Pat’s father, James Gormley, told his son about his sparking spot at 25 and G Road amongst a stand of long-gone poplars.

The Municipal Cemetery, or Clymer’s Hill as some have called it, was a popular place. One particular evening I’d driven my boyfriend Gus out there in my Daddy’s 1965 black Mustang and we were rolling down the hills, undoubtedly feeling free and easy . . . well, I lost the car keys.

FEBRUARY 2016

LOCAL LORE 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

PREMIUM QUALITY CANNABIS Being a decade or two before the cell phone, we couldn’t call for help. It’s good to have a boyfriend who can hotwire a car.

Ah, the romantic ditch bank.

Sippin’ a beer, havin’ a smoke and watching the moonlight on the canal.

Nice. The ditch riders usually didn’t work at night.

My sister Becky favored the Monument, although it had its pitfalls.

She and her future husband Mike were getting to know one another up by the Serpents Trail and Mike got a ticket from the park ranger. He’s lucky he didn’t get more than that since Becky was only 17 and he was several years older.

Little Miss Sunshine (she knows who she is) told me she liked the cave on the Monument. What an animal she was and probably still is. Miffie B. liked to push the boys to the edge at Cold Shivers Point. Jolynn Garcia-Tillman liked Jacobs Ladder and the Flats, but lying down at the end of the runway at Walker Field brought an extra thrill to the occasion.

A former co-worker named Stacey went to school at Fruita Monument.

She made out at the “Burnt Bridge.”

That’s what they used to call the historic Fruita Bridge that is now being restored. All those maker-outers should pony up to the “Save the

Bridge” campaign so they can show their grandkids where they were once sparks in Granddaddy’s eye.

Stacey’s horror story was getting “locked in” by some farmer’s gate and having to drive through pastures to find a way out.

My daughter’s generation went to The Tree at the end of 7th Street. The tree’s gone, but not the memories.

The desert has always been a favorite.

Another favorite for that generation was behind the Rainbow Roller Rink.

All this making-out business was brought to my mind not only by the Crawford’s Grave restoration, but also by my having come across an old postcard depicting “Lovers’ Lane” in Grand Junction. Further research found a listing in the 1917 City Directory, which identifies Lovers’ Lane as a bona fide street off of First Street.

Guess they advertised that sort of thing back then.

It sure seems to me that we had a wide variety of places to go. Maybe it’s because of our diverse geological features. Maybe we were always an outdoorsy bunch that made recreating so recreational.

This article was originally printed in the Grand Junction Free Press and is now back in the BEACON by popular demand. Contact Priscilla at priscilla.mangnall@gmail. com or 970-260-5226. She doesn’t always name names. ■

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24

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Life’s a dance

“Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.

Sometimes you lead,

The road to Grand Junction

sometimes you follow.

Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know, life’s a dance, you learn as you go” “Life’s a dance.

Take a chance on love.

Life’s a dance. you learn as you go.”

- “Life’s a Dance”

by John Michael Montgomery

FEBRUA

By Melanie Wiseman

R

osalinda Steele didn’t have to change her last name when she married Boyd Steele last December.

“We both love music and how dancing makes us feel,” Boyd said.

“She likes cats and I have three of them. We both have Toyota Highlanders. When I discovered her last name was also Steele, spelled just like mine, I couldn’t believe it.”

It was a crazy coincidence, but it’s one of the many things these two people who are so deeply in love, have in common.

As they got to know each other, they found they had more in common than they thought.

Philippine-born Rosalinda (known to many as Rose or Linda), 69, moved to the U.S. with her three daughters in 1981. She married a wonderful man who worked at the Pentagon and they had one daughter together. When he retired in 1985, they moved to Grand Junction.

Boyd, 78, grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, attended law school and had a career with the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. The year 1993 was a turning point in both their lives. Rose experienced a huge loss when her husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack.

The same year, Boyd’s divorce was final and his retirement started the same week. He traveled the southwest and settled in Grand Junction a year and a half later.

They each remained single until they met—and to this day, they can’t believe they didn’t run into each other sooner.

Finding love at the dance

Boyd went dancing at the Grand Junction Senior Center a few times after moving to Grand Junction, but went less often as he became involved in other local activities.

As the years went on, Boyd found himself lonely and depressed, so he started going back to the Senior Center a year ago.

“I was pretty rusty at dancing at that point,” he said. “I sat with the guys, but asked all the women to dance. Rose seemed unapproachable and intimidating because I found her so attractive. I thought, ‘What chance do I have with her?’”

Little did he know that Rose was having similar thoughts.

“I was also attracted to him, and would watch him walk away after we danced,” Rose said. “We hardly talked at the Senior Center. We made a lot of eye contact, but I was scared. I hadn’t been seriously involved with anyone since my husband.”

Boyd mustered the courage to approach her, and after a memorable night of dancing, she invited him to

ARY 2016

25

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“It makes me cry when I think about our story, because after so many years I found someone.” a potluck and dance at the Moose Lodge. He walked her to her car at the end of the evening, which led to their first official date on April 30.

Their first date was dinner out, and of course, dancing at the Senior Center.

“He told me he wanted to teach me how to ballroom dance,” Rose said.

“I had to remind him not to spin me too fast.”

The evening ended with a quick peck on the lips and a clumsy bumping of noses.

“By this time, I was infatuated with her,” Boyd said.

Travels after their first date separated them for a month, but they talked on the phone every day.

“My daughter said, “What are you doing on the phone all the time?’”

Rose said. “We had a phone romance going on.”

They returned from their travels on June 7 and have spent every day together since.

“For me, I saw something there,” Rose said. “I saw a man with a good heart. Over the last 22 years I dated but never made any commitments.

With him my heart was feeling love.”

One afternoon in June, Boyd told Rose how he felt about her.

“She said, ‘How about a friendship ring?’” Boyd said. “And I’m thinking, ‘No, how about an engagement ring?’”

He then asked Rose if she would marry him and she said yes.

The proposal But that wasn’t the story of the proposal. At the next Senior Center dance, Boyd requested the band pause so he could make an announcement.

“I wanted to make a formal proposal,” Boyd said. “When they stopped the music, I looked around and she was nowhere to be found. She was in the restroom!”

When Rose came out of the restroom, she saw Boyd in the middle of the dance floor, ring in hand.

“I had a whole speech,” said Boyd.

“She said yes, and I put the ring on her.”

Rose’s daughters were delighted to see their mother happy and in love.

“My friends all said, ‘It’s about time, so have a big wedding!’” Rose said with a laugh.

Having no children of his own, being an only

child himself and having had parents who were also only children, Boyd had no family. He is overjoyed that his union with Rose has given him an “instant family,” including four daughters, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

“Everybody was absolutely shocked that I was going to get married again,” Boyd said. “I hadn’t even contemplated or anticipated it, but I’m certainly glad it happened. I think we have a brilliant future together.”

Boyd and Rose married on December 26, 2015, at the Moose Lodge. It was a huge party and you can be sure there was a lot of dancing.

“I told him to take care of my heart,” Rose said. “It’s hard to find someone that you love to replace that missing piece of your heart. After 22 years, when I found him, I felt so much love and let him into my heart.

It makes me cry when I think about our story, because after so many years I found someone.” ■

It’s never too late for

LOVE!

Dancing is a great way to meet people and you might just find that special someone. Brush up on your moves on the dance floor at these upcoming events.

Valentine’s Dance presented by the BEACON and Hilltop

Saturday, February 13 7:30-10:30 p.m.

The Commons of Hilltop’s

Garden Room 625 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction ( See ad on page 48)

Senior Center dances

Thursdays, 7:30-10 p.m.

550 Ouray Avenue Call 243-7408 for details.

Moose Lodge dances Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Fridays, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

567 25-1/2 Road Call 242-4754 for details.

26

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We love going to the Gateway area and staying in the Gateway Canyons Resort.”

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“We love the Ouray area. We are going there for Valentine’s.

Our first hotel that we stayed in was St. Elmo’s.”

FEBRUARY 2016

The

THE BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 27

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Guide

Free tax return preparation in Mesa County

By Marie Walz, AARP Grand Junction

Y

ou don’t have to be an AARP member to get help from the local AARP Tax Aide Program, which provides free tax return preparation. Anyone is eligible to have their taxes done, with the exception of those taxpayers having two businesses, farm, or rental income (due to extra forms and specialized tax rules, which would include depreciation of assets, etc.).

The AARP volunteers will prepare returns for all ages—students to retirees—regardless of income. If you can afford to have your taxes done elsewhere, please do, so those truly in need have the opportunity to use this free service. Our economy has pushed the use of our free services up 10–16 percent annually over the last five years. Last year we assisted 3,612 taxpayers by e-filing their current year returns, we assisted another 1,350 taxpayers with filing amended returns, past year returns, and PTC104 State Rebate forms, and we answered many questions.

FREE – Your guide to aging well in Mesa

The

County – FREE

Guide MESA COUNTY - 2016

The Tax-Aide program is co-sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS. The Tax Aide Program has been in effect for over 40 years.

Locally the program operates out of space donated by two Wells Fargo Banks in Grand Junction, Alpine Bank in Fruita, and US Bank for storage of equipment and use of area for annual tax law classes.

We all need to let our hosts at the above-mentioned banks know how appreciative we are of their cooperation. Without them, there would not be a free tax service in our community.

Returns are prepared by volunteer preparers who are trained in current tax law, then tested and certified through the IRS each year.

Many are returning volunteers with many years of tax preparation experience.

If you would like to have your taxes done, just go to one of the bank locations (address and hours listed below), with all your tax paperwork and be prepared to wait until a volunteer is available. Wait time will vary, with the first few weeks being the busiest. There are no appointments, only walk-in (first come, first served). However, if you have 1099 investment, please wait and come into one of the locations in March, since many investment companies send out amended information to the taxpayer after the original filing

January 31 – we need them to do an amended return.

Please bring in your prior year’s tax return if possible; bring all W-2 forms, 1099 forms (includes unemployment income, Social Security, SSI, interest and other income), any documents that show federal/state tax withheld, and receipts that you think can be itemized. You must bring in Social Security cards and numbers for yourself and for any dependent on your tax return. Bring a valid source of identification (driver license/state ID, etc.) – this is to help prevent ID theft. ■

H er e WE GRO W!

(again)

Mesa County Tax Aide preparation Locations and times of operation: February 1 – April 18, 2016 Alpine Bank 125 N Park Square, Fruita Mondays and Wednesdays 9 am – 1 pm

Wells Fargo Bank Annex Building 359 Main Street, Grand Junction Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 9 am – 3 pm

NOVEMBER 2014 •

• 2014 Holiday events you don’t want to miss

page 6 & 12

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your Guide to a Happy Holiday

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Elks’ Lodge It was no easy task establishing a lodge in both Delta and Montrose, but perseverance and creativity prevailed.

Page 20.

Museum honors Ute heritage The Ute Indian Museum helps share the stories and livelihoods of the native Utes.

Page 30.

For free copies of our 2016 guide to aging well in Mesa County, call us at 243-8829. Or, view it online at BeaconSeniorNews.com

Our annual salute to local veterans

Photo courtesy of Veterans Committee of Photo the Western

by Xxxx Slope Xxxx.

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Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 34,020 Readers.

Celebrate the holidays with gift-giving ideas galore from our area’s finest merchants.

Healing with Art The Veterans’ Art Center is a place where veterans can heal their emotional wounds through music and art. Page 6.

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The Beacon & Hilltop Senior Living Communities Present

For Those Age 55 and Better!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 THE COMMONS OF HILLTOP GARDEN ROOM 625 27 1/2 ROAD, GRAND JUNCTION

7:30 - 10:30 pm

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AT T H E D O O R $ 2 5 P E R P E R S O N / $ 5 0 C O U P L E

FEBRUARY 2016

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Technology Simplified Talking Digital

When they sell with our 55+ discount.

By Adam Cochran

H

ello! My name is Adam and I have been helping people navigate the world of technology for 20 years. I am 41 and I’m frequently told that growing up in the computer age must be the source of my aptitude for technology.

The truth is, we are all digital pioneers.

I was just born further along the trail.

Twenty years ago, I bought my first computer. My wife and I were newlyweds and busy college students. I didn’t know a megabyte from a modem, and I was terrified that I might blow up the $2000 machine in the process of setting it up. So… my wife set it up, assuring me that I had no reason to fear it and encouraging me to think of it as a tool.

I got to know my new machine the same way many people get to know theirs—I bought a copy of “Computers for Dummies.”

I remember two things about the book. First, it began by comforting the user and explaining that there was no keyboard combination that could erase everything or blow it up (my wife swore she had never met the author or read the book).

Second, it came with an even more helpful pocket-sized glossary that explained computer jargon in laymen’s terms. With the author’s affirmation of my wife’s advice, and the simple definitions, I dove headfirst into learning all I could about technology, from the basics of word processing to troubleshooting complex software and hardware problems.

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After I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication (not computer science or nerd studies), I went to work in newspapers, magazines and radio. I enjoyed applying my technology knowledge to be more efficient at my job, to solve problems and to help others.

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As I helped people in this setting, where they were more comfortable asking questions and watching what I was doing, I found that explaining technology in a way that everyone could understand was just as important as fixing the computer itself. I really enjoyed helping people learn how to make technology work for them. In a short time, I was able to cut back on my work in the media and start a fulltime computer business.

Through this technology column, I hope to encourage you to overcome your fears, approach technology with a positive attitude and learn how technology can make life better. I have lived in Grand Junction for over 30 years.

I can confirm that Western Colorado offers some unique challenges for technology users and I am eager to share my technology tips, tricks, and insights with BEACON readers. ■

Mail form with check to: The BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 name address city

zip

phone number credit card exp. date

If you have questions, concerns, or comments about computers or technology, email Adam: questions@talkingdigital.com.

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30 FINANCE

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FEBRUARY 2016

Take a close look at Social Security in 2016

By Nathaniel Sillin

2. Other COLA-related issues. When

elow is a summary of notable changes to Social Security at the start of 2016 and ways to ensure that you’re making the right retirement planning and claiming decision based on what’s ahead. (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/ retirement/before-you-claim/)

there’s no cost-of-living adjustment, there’s no change in the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax, which will stay at $118,500 in 2016. This means earnings above that level aren’t subject to the Social Security portion of the payroll tax or used to calculate retirement payouts. At the same time, the Social Security earnings limit for people who work and claim Social Security payments will stay at $15,720 in 2016 for people ages 65 and younger. Social Security beneficiaries who earn more than this amount will have $1 in benefits temporarily withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit.

B

2016 Social Security payments won’t increase.

In late October, Social Security (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/) announced that there wasn’t enough inflation in 2015 to create a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to monthly benefits this year. Understandably, this announcement shook up recipients who look to Social Security for a significant part of their monthly income. It’s only the third time payments were frozen in the past 40 years since automatic COLA adjustments began, but here’s the rub – all three occasions occurred after 2010. In short, most seniors will have to live with an average monthly payment of $1,341 with married beneficiaries receiving a total of $2,212.

4R

1. Married and divorced individuals may

’s

for Fighting Medicare Scams

You’re the first line of defense 1. Record – Record the dates of doctors’ visits on a calendar. Note your tests and services.

2. Review – Read your “Medicare Summary Notices” (MSNs) to make sure the details are correct.

3. Report – If you identify errors or suspect fraud, call the Senior Medical Patrol.

4. Remember – Protect your Medicare number. Only give it to your doctor or other health care provider.

Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program if you have questions or need any assistance

1-800-503-5190

have to rethink the way they claim benefits. Also last October, Washington settled a federal budget battle in part by closing some notable loopholes in Social Security law that allowed certain married couples to substantially increase their benefits over time and certain divorced individuals to claim benefits from former spouses under certain circumstances. These new restrictions on so-called file-and-suspend and restricted-claim strategies go into effect this coming May. In short, if you’re close to age 62 (the earliest age you can start claiming Social Security benefits) getting qualified advice has never been more important.

3. Some benefits are going down – a little. The highest possible Social Security payment for a 66-year-old worker who signs up for Social Security this year will be $2,639 per month, down $24 from $2,663 in 2015. The reason? Social Security noted that despite no cost-of-living adjustment there was an increase in the national average wage index, one of the statistical guideposts the agency uses to calculate benefits.

4. Service changes. If you haven’t created a My Social Security account, do so for two reasons: First, there have been reports of ID theft related to thieves attempting fraudulent signups for such accounts.

Second, the agency is making more detailed account data available online such as estimates of monthly payments at various claiming ages.

Also, Social Security expanded office hours in some of its field locations in 2015, so if you need face-to-face assistance, check hours of operation at your closest local office (https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/ main.jsp). ■

FEBRUARY 2016

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SENIOR SCAMS 31

Watch out for fake IRS agents

By Teresa Ambord

Y

ou may live in a remote, safe corner of the United States – but thieves who operate on the phone know no geographic boundaries.

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen recently told reporters, “These telephone scams are being seen in every part of the country, and we urge people not to be deceived by these threatening phone calls. We have formal processes in place for people with tax issues. The IRS respects taxpayer rights, and these angry, shake-down calls are not how we do business.”

Tax season is when the scammers heat up, but the truth is, they operate all year long. Taxpayers can be more susceptible during and right after tax season, because they have recently filed returns and aren’t all that surprised to hear from the tax agency. Tax scammers are convincing. They have some details about you, gleaned from various sources, and they may have a fake caller ID that makes it appear the call is coming from the IRS. They have well developed stories, with fake names and fake IRS badge numbers that sound real. They promote a sense of urgency, making you believe you are in trouble and may be arrested or have your driver’s license or business license revoked.

To protect taxpayers, the IRS reminds us how to spot a fake. Below are five things that tax scammers and fake IRS agents do, which the actual IRS will not do.

The IRS will NOT: 1. Call and demand immediate payment, nor will they call to talk about taxes owed without first contacting you by mail. They also will not contact you by e-mail to tell you of a problem.

2. Demand payment of taxes without giving you the chance to question the tax bill, or appeal the amount.

3. Require you to make a payment using a specific form of payment, such as a prepaid debit card.

4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

5. Threaten to have you arrested for non-payment.

As the public becomes more aware of tax identity scams, thieves up their game in an effort to convince the people they target. They provide you with some information about yourself or family members.

They may also provide you with a genuine IRS address and instruct you to mail something to that address (something meaningless, like a copy of the receipt for the prepaid debit card). The point, of course, is to convince even diligent, savvy taxpayers that the call is real.

So what should you do if you get a call from someone who claims to be from the IRS, asking you to pay?

• If you think you may indeed owe taxes, do not give out any information. Hang up immediately and contact the IRS yourself by phone at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for assistance.

• If you have no reason to believe you may owe taxes, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov to report the incident.

• You can also report this online at the Federal Trade Commission.

Go to ftc.gov and click on “File a consumer complaint.” ■ 950 North Avenue, #106, Grand Junction www.valleyvisioncenter.com

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BOOTHS AVAILABLE

FEBRUARY 2016

Field of dreams

By Nancy Ruspil

Y

ou can’t fake anything around a horse. If you’re stressed out, or in pain, or groping through heartache, don’t try to hide your feelings.

The horse will see right through it.

As natural herd animals, horses are keenly attentive and in tune with emotions and body language.

Unlike a human, a horse remains fully present and in the moment.

Horses will mirror our feelings and instinctively seek balance.

That’s the natural magic. As a person develops a trusting relationship with a horse, mental and emotional doors open, walls come down and great things emerge.

The stories are countless. A veteran struggling with PTSD. A child with autism. A woman facing cancer. A teen with a spinal injury.

A grieving parent.

With the help of a horse, people like this begin to heal.

Peaceful and powerful On a quiet farm in Fruita, the Harmony Acres Equestrian Center has

grown into a home for 11 horses, four ponies, two alpacas, two goats and a dozen lucky cats. This peaceful scene includes a small barn, a small covered arena, and healthy living space for the animals.

Harmony Acres is a dedicated nonprofit organization with a simple but profound mission: To help people discover joy, trust and confidence, through connection with horses.

Christy Douglass, executive director of Harmony Acres, is a licensed clinical social worker, as well as an experienced equestrian instructor and mentor. She and colleague Morgan Kareus, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, are tireless advocates for uniting humans and horses.

They offer programs for children, teens and adults—from equine-assisted therapy to riding lessons to equestrian vaulting. The Harmony Acres team also includes a certified equine specialist, a part-time riding instructor and over a dozen devoted volunteers

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While recovering from a stroke, Diane Nugent began our therapeutic riding program with the help of Akea the horse and instructor Morgan Kareus. Diane had ridden horses for many years and is happy to be back in the saddle. Pictured left to right are volunteer Cindy Mettler, Akea (horse), volunteer Deb Crooks and Diane.

FEBRUARY 2016

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Social bonds Douglass points to a strapping black horse grazing under the winter sky. “That’s Doc,” she says. At first glance, this herculean creature looks intimidating, but he’s just the opposite. Veterans love Doc. Kids love Doc. So does everyone else.

“He can hardly wait to see his people and get going again,” Douglass says. During warmer months, Doc happily spends his days doing vaulting and therapeutic riding with all ages.

“Over there is Fable,” says Douglass. Gorgeous and mahogany brown, Fable wanders while she nibbles. This horse loves nothing more than working with children and adults in therapeutic riding sessions. Everyone adores Fable.

Trust from the ground up In equine-assisted therapy, some of the most important work begins on the ground, Douglass explains.

“We teach the person about understanding the horse, communicating with it, and building mutual trust,” she says.

“It’s incredible to see what happens when people develop a relationship with a horse,” says Doug-

lass. “We watch their confidence grow by leaps and bounds. And we see so much joy. A lot of healing happens. It’s really beautiful.”

Nurturing the vision Currently the funding for Harmony Acres covers the property lease, maintenance, horse food and a small amount for staffing, but little more.

To expand their programs and opportunities, Douglass, her staff and the Harmony Acres board are doing everything they can, from seeking grants to organizing fundraising events.

Because managing horses is so expensive, financial support from the greater community is critical for their program growth and for offering affordable services to those in need.

“We keep working hard and pursuing funding, and we trust that we’ll find ways to expand,” says Douglass. “Our goal is to give everyone the chance to experience the joy of connecting with a horse.”

To learn more about Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, visit www.harmonyacresec.org or call 231-7956. ■

Lipizzaner stallion, Romeo.

Dr. Allan Hamilton and Romeo, his

Film and fundraiser to benefit Harmony Acres Saturday, February 27, 2016 Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction “Playing with Magic” Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable film viewing to support the equine-assisted therapy programs at Harmony Acres. This event takes place on Saturday, February 27, with two showings at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.

The first showing of the film is at 1 pm. Tickets are $12 online (www.harmonyacresec.org) or $15 at the door. Call 231-7956 for details.

The second showing is at 4 pm, with dining and events to follow. Tickets are $45 and include catered dining from Two Rivers Convention Center, as well as silent and live auctions following the film.

Based on the book “Zen Mind, Zen Horse” by neurosurgeon Dr. Allan Hamilton, this film explores the scientific, emotional, and spiritual healing that occurs through interaction with horses.

On her 90th birthday, Pat Cress rode a horse again! The session brought back many special memories for her, and she remembered how to ride “just like it was yesterday.”

Pictured left to right are volunteer Chuck Watkins, Akea (horse), Pat, and staff member Trey Stepp.

Produced and directed by renowned filmmaker Wayne Ewing, this fascinating documentary details the life-changing impacts of the horse/human bond, with cancer patients, veterans, autistic children, and typical individuals. Ewing will be available for questions following the film.

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This is why Dan Carlson, artist and owner, has been customizing memorials since 1976. Every memorial is designed, engraved and installed by our craftsmen to insure the highest quality from start to completion.

It is our commitment to assist you and your family during this difficult time and hope to ease the experience with kind, compassionate professionalism.

We are honored to help you select the appropriate memorialization that will last through the ages for someone special. Your memorial will serve as a source of historical record for future generations.

FEBRUARY 2016

Healing the heart of a child

By Joy Thompson

C

hildhood. For most of us, the word brings forth memories of classroom friends, summer days, and the love and safety of home. For others, childhood memories are full of pain, fear and a heavy sense of hopelessness that things will never get better.

For 4-year-old Katie, childhood was a series of broken dreams with no end in sight. Abandoned by her mother and severely abused by her father, Katie went to live with a relative in a strange new home. Without the ability to express her pain and frustration in words, Katie’s feelings began to transform into negative behaviors. Katie’s relative was frightened for the safety of the other children in the home, so it was decided that Katie could no longer stay.

As a social worker came to get Katie, she tightly clutched her only possession – a small and ragged teddy bear. Her lip quivered, but no one would see her cry. Tears didn’t come easily in Katie’s world anymore. Katie went to a new foster home that day, but she wouldn’t be there long. Unprepared for the level of trauma that Katie had endured, the foster home asked that she be removed from their care after one month.

Childhood can mean facing things alone.

Placed in her third new home, Katie’s life began to spiral into sadness and anger. Within two weeks, the foster home contemplated returning Katie to social services. They couldn’t help her and they wondered if Katie was beyond repair.

In childhood, people may give up on you.

Katie didn’t know that help was on the way in the form of a gentle smile and a heart that would never give up. Bearing a long title that Katie couldn’t quite pronounce, her Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) appeared one day, bringing the faintest glimmer of hope. Sensing that Katie’s wounds ran deep, the CASA focused attention on her need for counseling. When told that the wait was too long to get an appointment, the CASA spent six hours in a waiting room with Katie until she could be assessed.

As the child’s voice in court, Katie’s CASA made sure that the judge knew how she was doing and what she needed. Katie no longer had to face life alone, and she began to heal.

Childhood means there are people who will protect you.

Now, at the age of 6, Katie has added a new dream to her memories – adoption. The CASA stood in the courtroom during the adoption; as she watched Katie laugh, she knew her days of broken dreams were in the past. New memories would replace the old.

For Katie, childhood would now mean hope. ■ More than 60 children are waiting for an advocate in Mesa County.

Would you be the voice for a child such as Katie?

To learn more about how you can help abused and neglected children, visit the CASA of Mesa County website at www.casamc.org.

FEBRUARY 2016

35

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The luckiest grandma in the world

By Dani Martin “Her eyes lit up when I asked her, ‘Do you want to go drag Main Street?’”

Bonnie Ball tells amazing stories—some that will make you laugh, others that will make you cry, but each one of them will touch your heart.

When you think of volunteering Bonnie Ball visits with Katherine Bottom at HopeWest—giving your time to provide compassion, as Bonnie As a HopeWest Patient and Family would say—you don’t imagine dragSupport Volunteer, Bonnie’s relaging Main Street, but that’s what tionships with patients she visits makes Bonnie so unique.

“This particular person in the hos- can be as short as a single visit to their home, hospital room or pice program had some dementia, nursing home. Other relationships but I could still connect with her. develop over time when she sees She was born and raised in the valpatients as often as once a week. ley and I knew that driving down Main Street may bring a smile to her Bonnie also donates her time as a Vigil Volunteer with HopeWest, face. It’s what we used to do when where she sits with patients in the we were teens,” Bonnie says. “I final hours of life when no other pointed out the Woolworth’s building and then we drove down North family or friends can be present.

“Those patients,” she says, “were Avenue and reminisced about the someone’s little boy or little girl and old Starlight drive-in theater.” if I can provide human touch and Bonnie exudes charisma and her hold a hand or just be present, I’ve passion for volunteer work can be witnessed within seconds of talking done my job. Compassion and an with her. Her volunteer story began open heart are all you need.”

Often people are reluctant to after her husband passed away. volunteer and nervous to get start“I have the luxury of time. I’m ed. Bonnie says, “Just do it! I was so blessed to do what I do and what scared on my first visit, but I found I get in return is so much bigger than what I give. I hear amazing sto- out the person loved to dance. So we went dancing at the Senior ries and connect with people who Center. I’ll never forget it,” she adds. appreciate very simple things,” she “I tell my great grandkids, I’m the explains.

Bonnie and her family owned Ball luckiest great-grandma in the world.

I’m 84 years old and I am living my Fruit in Palisade and that’s where her knack for connecting with peo- best life. Having the best time. Even as we get older, we are still relevant ple really began. “It’s always been and intelligent. I can still volunteer. my goal to leave people feeling better than when they came,” a trait I can still make a difference.”

To get connected to the that translates to her volunteer role community and make a perfectly. “I get to bring warmth to difference, visit HopeWestCO.org people. No matter what you do, it or call 241-2212. ■ helps and it doesn’t have to be anything big,” she encourages.

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36

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FEBRUARY 2016

Inc Lak Keig (I am you)

A woman walks down the street.

It does not matter her name, the color of her hair, her age, or how she votes. What matters is if you would go help her rise if she falls or is weeping.

Yes, what matters is if you look openly

into her eyes when she is seeking tenderness.

What matters is if you see how she, like you,

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is holding onto something dead and has not quite yet managed to let it go. There are cultures where people greet each other, strangers and lovers, by saying,

I am you, I know this so deeply inside.

What counts is if,

when you see another creature you know something about the magnificent oneness that holds us all.

- Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Western Slope Poet Laureate

February 27th through March 5th Regional artists join together to support KAFM Community Radio through a week-long exhibition that includes MUSIC, FOOD, SPIRITS, and the VISUAL ARTS. This amazing event takes place at the KAFM Community Radio Building located at 1310 Ute Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado.

For a daily schedule check out our website at:

www.kafmradio.org or you can call 970-241-8801

FEBRUARY 2016

MESA COUNTY 37

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Mesa County Club Activities • Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets the fourth Tuesday from 7-9 pm at Western Colorado Community College, 2520 Blichmann Avenue, Building B, Room 171 (double-door entrance from Parking Lot # 4), in Grand Junction. Membership is open to anyone interested in learning more about photography and all skill levels are welcome. Visit www.thundermoun taincameraclub.org.

• Great Old Broads for Wilderness meets the last Monday from 4:30-6 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 536 Ouray. Call 255-9900 for information.

• Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 pm on the second Thursday at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. Call 260-4653 or visit www. thefriendshipforce.org.

• Western Slope Coin Club, meets monthly at 6:30 pm the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 pm. Call 241-1770 or visit www.gjcoinshow.com.

• Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club meets the second Saturday at 11:30 am. For details and location, call 523-5625.

• Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 pm on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 pm on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388.

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6-9 pm Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670.

• Happy Feet Rounds offers basic choreographed ballroom dancing at 5 pm (beginners) and 6:30 pm (intermediate) Sundays at the Masonic Center, and 7-9 pm Mondays for phase 3 and 4 dancers. Call 243-5858 for details.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 pm on the first and third Wednesdays and at 1 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965.

• Grand Valley Woodturners meets the second Tuesday at 7 pm at Redlands United Methodist Church.

Call 245-8817 or 856-3632.

• Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 pm the first Thursday, at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B in Grand Junction.

Call 243-3598 or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org.

• Blue Lodge Masons meets the first Saturday at 10 am at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312.

• Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 pm Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874.

• Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets the second Saturday at 9 am at First Congregational Church.

Call 640-2751.

• Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 pm on the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome.

Call 434-0868.

• Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at 7:10 am Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 242-4863.

• Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays at the Business Incubator Center. Call 250-3969.

• Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly for breakfast on the first Thursday of each month.

Call 858-3907 for time and details.

Come tour our

5-star manufactured home community.

Peaceful walk paths, beautiful views, community garden and lots of amenities. This land leased community is very affordable and has all you need. Your choice of home sites and various floor plans available or relocate your existing home to our community. Relocation incentives offered. All homes are owner occupied. Families welcome.

Homes starting in the $30ks. Pet friendly.

• High Desert Diamonds is a plus-level square dance club that dances from 7-9 pm on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Masonic Center.

Call 241-7457.

• Cribbage Lite meets at 6 pm every Tuesday at International House of Pancakes, 2420 Highway 6 & 50, Mesa Mall. Call 270-2433.

• Vestafjell, Sons of Norway Lodge invites those interested in Scandinavian heritage and culture to join Lodge members at their lunch meeting on Monday February 8 at 1 pm at Starvin’ Arvin’s, 3247 F Road in Clifton. For details, call 245-5649. ■

The right community.

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38 MESA COUNTY

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Mesa County Calendar FEBRUARY 4 – MARCH 10 Speech Craft workshop This fast-paced, six-week workshop is geared for any professional wanting to build confidence or add polish to their communication skills. The Speech Craft workshop offers hands-on experience using the six basic elements of public speaking. Class size is limited to 15 registered participants. Workshop dates are Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 pm, Feb 4 – March 10 in the Crossroads Building, 2754 Compass Dr., Room #340, Grand Junction. Cost is $50. For questions or registration, contact Penny Alleman at 255-6712 or p2p3nce@aol.com.

FEBRUARY 8 Sons of Norway Vestafjell, the only Sons of Norway lodge on the Western Slope, invites those interested in Scandinavian heritage and culture to join lodge members at the lunch meeting at 1 pm at Starvin’ Arvin’s, 3247 F Road, Clifton, CO. For more meeting details, please call Barb at 245-5649 or Annette at 858-6702, or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

FEBRUARY 9 Western Slope Adventurers potluck WSA monthly potluck, with February presentation by Mesa County Search &

Rescue Team. Please bring a dish and beverage to share. 6-8 pm in the Garden Room at Hilltop Commons. Free of charge and open to the public.

FEBRUARY 9-11 Healthy Rivers Conference The Tamarisk Coalition is teaming up with the Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University to host their 13th Annual Conference entitled, “The Road to Riparian Restoration” on February 9, 10 and 11. The conference will bring scientists and land managers to CMU to share the latest discoveries on how to manage invasive plants and to discuss other challenges to healthy streambanks. For complete details or registration, visit www.tamariskcoalition.org or call the Tamarisk Coalition at 256-7400.

FEBRUARY 10 & 23 Estate planning - why there is no such thing as a simple will Discover the basics of will and trust estate plans, and the common issues that arise. In these free educational workshops, you’ll learn how these documents can be used with powers of attorney to ensure that your wishes are followed and your specific goals are accomplished. Grand Junction workshops

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

APRIL 21, 2016 Two Rivers Convention Center Downtown, Grand Junction • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

are held February 10 from 4:30-5:30 pm and February 23 from 5-6 pm, at the Law Office of Brown & Brown, P.C., 1250 E. Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction. Registration is required. Sign up by calling 243-8250 or visit brownandbrownpc.com.

FEBRUARY 11 Music at Mesa Music at Mesa will present guest artist and tenor Derek Chester, in a concert with Arthur Houle, piano, and assisted

by Danielle Greiner, mezzo-soprano.

This program will consist of art songs

by Robert Schumann, W.A. Mozart, Gabriel Fauré, and Benjamin Britten, among others, and will be performed at 7:30 pm in the Moss Performing Arts Center’s Love Recital Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, faculty/ staff and $5 for students. For tickets or information, call 248-1604.

FEBRUARY 11 Make lasting changes to your health Join Devyn Elliott, Grand Junction’s first Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), to learn more about how nutritional therapy can improve your life. Devyn helps clients who want more energy, need help with digestive distress or food allergies, or are looking to balance

FEBRUARY 2016

their weight. This free event takes place at 5:15 pm at Le MedSpa, 2530 N. 8th Street, Suite 203, Wellington, Bldg 4, Grand Junction. RSVP to contact@ lemedspa.com or call 256-SKIN (7546).

FEBRUARY 12 Reception for Help Hospitalized Veterans The Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) Community-Based Arts and Crafts Center (CBC) is kicking off President’s Day weekend with the opening reception of Jerry McClaskey’s display and the presentation of a specially modified 18-speed tricycle to a deserving veteran.

Reception will be 2-4 pm at the Center, 1670 North Avenue, Grand Junction.

The event is open to the public.

FEBRUARY 13 Valentine’s Dance Dance the night away at the area’s best Valentine’s event, hosted by the BEACON and Hilltop Senior Living Communities. Join us on Saturday, February 13, from 7:30–10:30 pm in the Garden Room at the Commons of Hilltop.

Clark Gault’s Swing City Express band will entertain you with amazing music while you dance and enjoy delectable appetizers, sweet treats and drinks.

Whether you come by yourself, with a date, or with a friend, this will be an enchanting night to remember! Tickets are still available, but going fast. Call Genevra at 243-8829.

FEBRUARY 2016

MESA COUNTY 39

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FEBRUARY 15 GriefShare This nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one will begin weekly meetings on Monday 2/15. Meeting times will be set according to participants’ needs. There is no cost. Please contact Vicci at 628-1453.

workshops, a fine art show, and display opportunities. February’s speaker will be Gary Hauschultz, who will focus on art in history and the individual presentation. Meetings begin at 1 pm at the Art Center, 1803 N. 7th Street, and are open to the public. More information is available at gjbrushandpalette.org and on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 16 & 18 Colorado Archaeological Society Lectures, Grand Junction The Grand Junction Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society presents two lectures this month, free and open to the public. On February 16, Dr. Douglas O’Rourke will speak on the Archaeology of Ancient Greece, from 7-9 pm at Colorado Mesa University, Houston Hall Room 138. The talk is free and open to the public. On February 18, David Sucec, founder of the Barrier Canyon Rock Art project, will speak about the Barrier Canyon-style rock art images in Utah, as well as other known sites as close as Glade Park. 7-9 pm at GJ City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N. 5th Street (West side entrance). For more information, call 433-4312.

FEBRUARY 23 – FOURTH TUESDAYS Knitting Club This intergenerational activity is for knitters and crocheters of all ages and skill levels to come together and create knitted or crocheted items, personal projects, or group projects to benefit the community. Yarn, needles, hooks and looms are available if needed. The club meets from 6:30–8 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Community Room of the Mesa County Public Library, 443 North 6th Street, Grand Junction.

FEBRUARY 17 “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” Indie Lens Pop Up, presented by the Independent Television Service (ITVS), Independent Lens, Rocky Mountain PBS and Mesa County Libraries, is excited to offer an advance screening of “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” a film directed, produced and written by Stanley Nelson and produced by Laurens Grant. The documentary will screen Wednesday, February 17 in the Community Room of the Central Library.

FEBRUARY 18 Grand Junction Brush and Palette Club The Grand Junction Brush and Palette Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and appreciation of the visual arts, providing monthly demonstrations, member mini-shows,

FEBRUARY 25 Fourth Thursdays at Heaven Dinner & Music John Bayley is back and will be performing on a regular basis at the fabulous Taste of Heaven catering, 2817 North Avenue, Grand Junction. Enjoy delectable gourmet food and dance to the irresistible beat of John’s music. It’s called “Fourth Thursdays at Heaven” and – every fourth Thursday at A Taste of Heaven. Doors open at 6 pm. Cash bar. $18 per person, $40 per family (2 adults and 2 children).

FEBRUARY 26 “Always, Patsy Cline” benefit for STRIVE STRIVE Colorado invites you to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a unique and inspirational event. Join us at the DoubleTree Hotel for cocktails, an exceptional dinner, and a professional theatrical event that will warm your heart and put a tap in your toes!

We are proud to present, “Always, Patsy Cline,” a fantastic tribute to one of America’s most beloved country singers. All proceeds go toward STRIVE’s

highly successful children’s program.

Cost is $150 per ticket, which includes dinner, drinks and show. Tables for six can be reserved at $1,000 per table.

For reservations, call 244-5506 or visit www.strivecolorado.org.

FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 5 KAFM Radio Gallery 88.1 – Art Interplay Exhibition Regional artists, artisans and musicians are taking over the KAFM Community Radio building in Grand Junction for a week, from February 27-March 5. This

River City Singles

unique exhibition event entitled “Gallery 88.1 – Art Interplay” will involve more than 70 regional artists, artisans and musicians representing the best of Grand Valley art, music, food, wine and spirits. For a complete schedule of artists, musicians and artisans appearing each day, visit the event pages at the KAFM Community Radio website at www.kafmradio.org. Contact Brian Gregor at 241-8801, ext. 0 for more information about the event.

FEBRUARY 2016 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!”

Calling all singles over 55!

Come meet new friends and join us at 5 p.m. Fridays at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests.

February 6

Pool games at special rates, with lunch available. Noon at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. For more information, call Mary 255-7370.

February 11

Fun Lunch Bunch at MX Tapas Bar and Restaurant, 546 Main Street.

RSVP to Penny at 712-2588.

February 13

Valentine’s Party at 1:00 PM at Billie’s, 753 Bliss Drive in Palisade.

RSVP to Billie at 464-0578 or Joan at 778-2057.

February 17

Game Night, MKP’s Place, 727 Birdie Drive.RSVP to Mary 242-0630 or Joan at 778-2057.

February 18

Restaurant ROVE, Nepal Restaurant, 356 Main Street. RSVP to John 241-3171.

February 28

Academy Awards Party, 4:45 pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Drive.

RSVP to Lalee at 523-5510.

Bowling Sundays

Bowling and Card Games, Sundays at 12:30, Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Tuesdays

Early Start Breakfast with RCS members at 9 am, Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Visitors are welcome.

40 MESA COUNTY

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Mesa County Beacon Bits New director for Family Health West Foundation Family Health West announced that Stacey Mascarenas has been named the new director of the Family Health West Eldercare Foundation. In her new role, Mascarenas will raise funding to improve the living conditions of Family Health West’s eldercare facilities. According to Family Health West CEO and President, Mark J. Francis, “Stacey is well-suited for leading this effort and ensuring that our community receives exceptional care for years to come.”

Glaucoma specialist joins Hoffman Eye Care by ICON Team Hoffman Eye Care by ICON is proud to announce the addition of Dr. James A. Fox, a top ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, to their Grand Junction team. With the concerns of an aging glaucoma patient population on his mind, Dr. Fox prides himself on ensuring patients understand their personal disease journey and providing the best treatment possible for each individual case. Dr. Fox specializes in both medical and surgical treatments for patients with

COLORADO

Stamps & Coins Our professional buyer lives & works on the Western Slope and will come to your home or office to evaluate & purchase your collection.

We are A+ with the BBB & have been buying collections for over 15 years.

• U.S. & Foreign Stamps • Coins • Paper Money • Historical Items • Tokens • Old Letters • Stock Certificates • Documents • Antiques & Art • Pocket Watches • Medals • Military Memorabilia ....and much more

glaucoma, cataracts, intraocular lens complications, trauma and those who might benefit from refractive surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fox, please call (970) 256-0400.

Artwork contest for Colorado Lavender Festival The Lavender Association of Western Clorado (LAWC) invites you to submit original artwork for the third annual Colorado Lavender Festival to be held in Palisade this July. Deadline for entries is March 4, 2016. Images should reflect both the lavender plant and our western Colorado area. Submit your entry online to: susan@lcsugarfarm.com by March 4. Winner will receive $500 and winning artwork will represent the Colorado Lavender Festival in poster, advertising and promotional pieces. For more information, visit www.coloradolavender.org.

Calling all artists!

Artists in Mesa County are invited to apply for one of three Artist in Residence spots available during 2016 in the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio. The entry deadline is Feb. 26, and applications may be submitted online at mesacountylibraries.org.

Artists 18 and older who live in Mesa County are eligible to apply. Selected artists will have dedicated space in the 970West Studio building at Fifth Street and Ouray Avenue for the duration of their residency. Artists also must agree to present at least three library programs to the community during their residency. For more information, call Mesa County Libraries at 243-4442 or email 970west@mcpld.org .

Y ALL DA AY D E VE RY

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FEBRUARY 2016

Four concerts for only $40 A limited number of tickets are available for the remaining four concerts offered by the Community Concerts of the Grand Valley (previously Mesa County Concert Association) in our 71st season of offering professional, affordable entertainment. The line-up: John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, “Wonderful Wizard of Song”, The Jive Aces and Salut Salon. Concerts are held at Grand Junction H.S. Auditorium and start at 7:30 pm.

Call (970) 243-1979 or visit www. mesacountyconcertassociation.org to learn more about this special offer.

Photo entries for Monument Calendar The Colorado National Monument Association is accepting photo entries for the 2017 Monument calendar. The entry deadline is 4 pm on February 17. For entry form and details, visit coloradonma.org or call Denise Hight at 858-3617, ext. 308.

MC Libraries Board of Trustees opening Applications are being accepted for an opening on the Mesa County Public LibraryDistrict Board of Trustees.

The seven-member volunteer board adopts and oversees the budget, bylaws, and policies of the district; conducts long-range planning; and hires and evaluates the library director. Board terms are for five years.

Library district trustees are appointed by the Mesa County Board of Commissioners. Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2016. For information and a link to the Volunteer Board Application, please visit

SENIOR SPECIAL

Pulled Pork Sammie Combo

-Includes side & drink

970-644-0561 ANA Life Member #3119629

970-697-1120

1014 N. 5th St, Grand Junction

(corner of Belford Ave. & 5th Street)

We C ate r !

FEBRUARY 2016

MESA COUNTY 41

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Rotary Club Hosts Mountain Film Festival The Banff Centre’s Banff Mountain Film Festival continues to bring the best action, environmental, and adventure films to audiences across the globe. The Grand Junction Rotary Club is hosting their film in Grand Junction on February 20 at the Avalon Theatre. Doors open at 6 pm and the film begins at 7 pm. Proceeds benefit the International Students and Programs Office at Colorado Mesa University and Colorado Canyons Association. Tickets are $20 and can be purchase online at www.supportingcmu.com/banff or at the door.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Mending Hearts Support Group is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction group meets from 2 pm - 3:30 pm. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest.

Fruita group meets at the Fruita Civic Center. Call 248-8844.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and for adults who have a mental illness diagnosis. Groups meet at various times in Mesa County. Call 462-3989.

• The Fruita Group is for family members and meets monthly from 6 pm - 7:30 pm on the first Tuesdays at Family Health West Nursing Home, 228 N. Cherry St. • Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Wednesdays. Call 241-0315.

• Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The group meets monthly at 7 pm - 8:30 pm on the first Tuesday at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Call 434-3822.

• MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5 pm - 6:30 pm on the second Wednesday at St.

Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 298-2351 for details.

• MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly on the third Thursday from 11 am to noon at the Artful Cup. Call 241-8975.

• MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 am on the first Wednesdays at The Egg & I. Call 241-8975.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Colorado National Monument is seeking new volunteers to assist the staff in a variety of ways. Opportunities include visitor services, trail ambassador, environmental education, facility or trail maintenance and many others. For more information, please contact Lindsay Compton (970) 858-3617 ext 364.

Family Health West is looking for volunteers to act as greeters at Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center or to assist with our activities

in our assisted living facilities. To learn more, please contact Nathan Watchman at 970-858-2211 or nwatchman@fhw.org.

Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies.

For more information on the available positions below, call 243-9839 or visit rsvpgrandjunction.org.

• AARP – Safe Driving Instructor • City of Grand Junction Police & Mesa County Sheriff – Victim Advocate • Girl Scouts – Service Unit Leader • Grand Valley Zoological Quest/ Childrens Nature Center in Fruita – Docent • Hilltop Community Service – Crisis Line Support

42 FUN & GAMES1

FUN & GAMES

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FEBRUARY 2016

u.com

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4 1 6 7 6 2 3 4 9 2 1 2 4 9 3 3 2 8 6 6 1 4 5 2 6 8 doku.com

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Your reading lamp was plugged in and your book wasn’t.

Puzzle by websu

What would you like to remember?

Send your request to Beacon@PendantPubllishing.com and I’ll pick one a month to draw a cartoon about.

For the puzzle answers see page 46

FUN & GAMES

FEBRUARY 2016

1 6 4 7 2 9 4 2 1 9 4 2 3 8 3 2 6 6 4 8 2 6 9 2 4 7 1 2

Across 1 Kennedy and Turner 5 Clothed, as a judge 10 Word after ready, self, or man 14 Medicinal plant 15 Call forth 16 Sunday utterance 17 Brocaded fabric 18 Radium ­discoverer 19 Boot ­bottom 20 A Jackson 23 Animal pouch 24 Like old Paree 25 Philippine volcano 28 Fling to the mat 31 Beef eaters 36 Angie Dickinson’s big, bad role 38 Notable times 40 Kind of oil or branch 41 A Jackson 44 Not bogus 45 At the ­summit of 46 Japanese money 47 Rubber ­rubber 49 Meeting with an M.D. 51 Piggery 52 Play to the camera 54 Financial terms abbr.

56 A Jackson 64 “The Forsyte ___” (Galsworthy) 65 Tiger’s favorite color?

FUN & GAMES 43

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focus on people

6 3

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Puzzle by websudoku.com

66 Live shot 67 A Baldwin 68 He saw the new “Star Wars” flick for sure 69 Tell imaginative tales 70 Wall Street ___ 71 Actors want them 72 Noble Italian name Down 1 Soapstone 2 Israeli ­airline 3 Capitol ­feature 4 Nostra­damus and Elijah 5 Used, and used again 6 Being-to-be 7 When repeated, one of the Society Islands 8 Making do 9 Disc ­spinner 10 Father’s concern?

11 Famous cookie man 12 Take out of context?

13 Needle point?

21 You may step on it or burn it 22 Keep an ___ (watch) 25 Good-sized 26 Whittler 27 Alpha to ___ 29 High-pressure ___ 30 Sea ray 32 Auto ­pioneer

33 Sticks 34 Occurrence 35 Informative, informally 37 Used car caveat 39 Traffic sign word 42 List components 43 Assigns 48 Actor Hauer 50 Center X? 53 Pinup great Greta 55 SNL original 56 White as a sheet 57 Double curve 58 Prepare for an overseas vacation 59 Stagger 60 “A ___ f­ormality.”

61 Fuse measurements 62 Give off, as light 63 Like a ­certain wolf or eagle 64 Tool shed item

our residents

their lives

their families

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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To Place a Classified Ad...

4 EASY STEPS!

 Mesa  Montrose/Delta  Choose Issue:  Write your ad: ....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

ASSISTED LIVING VACANCY Monument Assisted Living 2194 McKinley Drive, Beautiful 8-bed home in the Redlands. Now accepting private Medicaid and pay clients. Call Valerie at 618-0636.

FOR SALE Two Burial Plots in the older section of the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. $1,200 each or $2,000 for both. Call 434-7980 before 9 pm.

Looking for unique gifts?

Check out awesome slumped or fused glass at Dragonfly Gift Shoppe, 524 Colorado in Grand Junction. Call 549-1122.

...........................................................................................................................

Start running my ad in the month of .....................................................................

HELP WANTED

Rates: $29 for 30 words or less. Additional words $1 each.

 cash

 check

 credit card # ............................................................... name on card ............................................................... exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

Additional $10 for both publications.

 Send it in:

BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 fax: 1 800 536-7516 email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

name ..................................................................................................................... address................................................................................................................. city ........................................................... state ..................zip ............................. telephone number ....................................................................

QUESTIONS? Call us M-TH, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • FRI, 9 a.m.-Noon 970 243-8829 • www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WORK TO OWN Work to own nationally recognized franchise in Grand Junction. Work part time to learn it. When ready and qualified to move into sales and management, buy the business and I will help finance it for you, then I can retire. Try us out before you commit to anything. Call 255-0525.

HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

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For this many months ......................

 Pay for it:

FEBRUARY 2016

WENDY’S NOW HIRING! Shift supervisors and crew members. We are looking for smiling faces and positive attitudes. We offer competitive pay, discounts and a great working environment. Full-time and part-time employment available. Please apply at your nearest location in Grand Junction.

sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

MAYFIELD SENIOR CARE, LLC. Two openings for private pay clients. Professional and compassionate home care including cooking (from scratch), light housekeeping, laundry, assistance to appointments, shopping, office administration, pet care. Insured and Local References.

683-1414.

Personal Caregiver to do light housecleaning; run errands; cook; and assist with bathing, personal care and laundry.

References available. Contact Shona at 208-5890.

HOME SERVICES

writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

HOUSE CLEANING & MORE! Safe and secure, small-animal pet sitting at your home. Also, the best house cleaning in the valley. Grand Junction/Clifton area ONLY. Call to reserve your space on Thursday afternoons or Friday mornings.

References available. Discounts for seniors. Call Benni at 241-2611.

FEBRUARY 2016

CLASSIFIEDS 45

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

By KayDee the Cleaning Lady.

Dependable, efficient and insured.

Please call for references! KayDee at 623-4722 (cell) or 241-1270 (office). PO Box 394, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

YOU DESERVE A BREAK TODAY! Thoughtful, in-home companionship for you or your loved ones.

Walking, shopping, transportation, recreational activities and fun outings. References available. Call Mary 254-1787. Please leave message.

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home, or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048.

RELIABLE ESTATE SALES Professionally Conducted Estate Sales. Complete Estate Evaluations/ Appraisals. Farm and Ranch Sales.

Our Very Popular Buyout/Cleanout Option. Many References, Insured, ASEL Accredited. The Proven Professionals. www.reliableestatesales. net Mark Bluhm cash2015@charter. net 260-2327.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Up to two FREE grab bars with purchase of walk-in tub or showers.

Licensed plumber/handyman. Serving Western Colorado since 1989.

Free estimates. Compare and save!

985-1403.

WANTED TO BUY USED BOOKS - BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational, and many others. Large print. Special orders.

242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit** CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. Cash2015@charter. net OR www.cash4oldstuff.net.

Mark 260-2327.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

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NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS FEBRUARY 2016 TRAVEL CRUISE DEALS available for a limited time. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Norwegian. Hurry as these offers won’t last! Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM to research.

AUTO’S WANTED Donate Your Car to Children’s Cancer Victims Today!

Help and Support ACCF! Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-258-1429 Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 AUTO’S WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY $500-$1000 Daily Returning Phone Calls! No Selling, No Explaining! Not MLM! Call 1-800-689-0931 EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING NEW YEAR, NEW AIRLINE CAREER. Get FAA approved certification at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Call AIM 888-686-1704 MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train at home to process Medical Billing & Insurance! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at Bryan University!

HS Diploma/GED & Computer/Internet needed.

1-888-734-6711 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-734-6714 drive4stevens.com

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com LEARNING TO READ can be both fun and educational.

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Xarelto users have you had complications due to internal bleeding (after January 2012)? If so, you MAY be due financial compensation. If you don?t have an attorney, CALL Injuryfone today! 1-800-410-0371 HOTELS FOR HEROES – to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

MISCELLANEOUS/TRAVEL THINKING ABOUT A CRUISE? Let us help you match your needs and wants with your budget. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and all major cruise lines. Hurry – great offers available for a limited time!

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Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/ Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960

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The Black Panthers:

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43

9 2 8 7 4 3 6 5 1

3 4 7 1 5 6 9 2 8

5 6 1 2 8 9 7 3 4

8 3 9 6 1 7 5 4 2

1 5 2 9 3 4 8 7 6

6 7 4 8 2 5 1 9 3

7 1 5 4 6 2 3 8 9

4 8 3 5 9 1 2 6 7

2 9 6 3 7 8 4 1 5

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Vanguard of the Revolution I

Wow Only $ 195 per YEAR!*

*Seniors 65 years & older

Bringing Health Care Home to You Nursing and Therapy Services for Infants, Children and Adults Personal Care and Homemaking 24/7 Personal Safety Alert Button

ndie Lens Pop Up, presented by the Independent Television Service (ITVS), Independent Lens, Rocky Mountain PBS and Mesa County Libraries, offers an advance screening of “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” a film written, produced and directed by Stanley Nelson and produced by Laurens Grant. The documentary will screen Wednesday, February 17 in the Community Room of the Central Library.

Change was coming to America and the fault lines could no longer be ignored — cities were burning, Vietnam was exploding, and disputes raged over equality and civil rights. A new revolutionary culture was emerging and it sought to drastically transform the system. The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense would, for a short time, put itself at the vanguard of that change.

“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution” is the first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a

movement derails. Master documentarian Nelson goes straight to the source, weaving a treasure trove of rare archival footage with the voices of the people who were there: police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters and detractors, and Black Panthers who remained loyal to the party and those who left it. Featuring Kathleen Cleaver, Jamal Joseph, and dozens of others, this film is an essential history and a vibrant chronicle of this pivotal movement that gave rise to a new revolutionary culture in America.

“Stanley Nelson is one of our greatest chroniclers of American movements for justice and social change,” said Lois Vossen, Independent Lens executive producer. “He brings these incendiary, game-changing movements to vivid life in a way that combines cleareyed analysis with riveting, edge-ofyour-seat storytelling.”

The screening is free of charge and will begin with wine and appetizers at 6 pm. The film will begin at 6:30 pm and the evening will conclude with a panel discussion.

Visit www.rmpbs.org/cinema for more information. ■

FREE Screening:

The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution

Revisit the turbulent 1960s, when a revolutionary culture emerged with the Black Panther Party at its vanguard.

Wednesday, February 17 at 6pm Mesa County Central Library 5th and Grand, Grand Junction, CO 81501, (970)245-1818 Free food and wine provided by Talon Wine Brands and No Coast Sushi

(970) 263-0202

FEBRUARY 2016

Medicare / Medicaid Certified

FEBRUARY 2016

KUDOS & KVETCH 47

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kudos \ ku·dos

 “My 87-year-old friend tried to contact Medicare about some questions she had. She was on the phone for a couple hours and got no help. I called the BEACON and Nancy was able to refer me to RSVP who administers the SHIP Counseling Program. Thank you.”

–Jane Nancy’s response: Thank you for calling us. We’re always happy to help our readers. Medicare can be difficult to understand. That’s why we referred your friend to the SHIP counselors who are informed, patient and kind. You can find their contact information in our new 2016 BEACON Guide, which is available at our offices or online at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com.

 “I love the Beacon and all of the great stories, but I especially like Laughing Matters. In fact, I like it so much that I make copies and send it to my friends in Hawaii, Wisconsin, Michigan, and well, just all over. Thank you so much for providing this great paper for us and about us!”

–Linda C.  Hello– I am Dan Baer. I have a little computer shop, here in Montrose, and I have been enjoying The Beacon since I moved here ten years ago. I am writing because I found an unusual article, “PBM greed sickens patients and drives up health costs,” in the January 2016 edition of the BEACON. Letter continued under KVETCH Column on this page…

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This campaign season, let’s fight chronic disease

By Larry Hausner The Republican field is obsessed with rolling back Obamacare. One candidate is, at least willing to discuss the real enemy: chronic disease.

“The next president,” said former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee at the last debate, “ought to declare a war on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.”

This is a fight that all candidates—Democrats and Republicans alike—should embrace. Health care is very expensive, and roughly 85 percent of all healthcare spending is dedicated to treating chronic disease.

Thus far, however, the major candidates have ignored this issue.

Consider the Republican field.

The candidates’ positions are virtually indistinguishable and amount to a simple catch phrase: “repeal and replace.” What that replacement would look like, though, remains shrouded in mystery.

On the Democratic side, the pharmaceutical industry is under scrutiny for rising healthcare costs.

Never mind the fact that prescription drugs account for just 10 percent of healthcare spending -- a figure that has been steady for several decades. Or that innovative new medicines tend to lower long-term healthcare costs by keeping people healthy and out of the hospital.

In September, Hillary Clinton came forward with a plan that would reduce intellectual property protections for advanced biologic drugs, intervene in Medicare’s drug benefit, and legalize the importation of drugs from countries with price controls.

These proposals won’t stop healthcare costs from rising, but they could stifle the innovation and research we need to lick chronic diseases once and for all.

Europe has already experimented with similar policies and the results speak for themselves. In the 1970s Europe developed about 54 percent of all new drugs, while U.S. firms created 31 percent.

Then European countries imposed drug price caps. The United States didn’t. Today, U.S. firms develop about 6 of every 10 new drugs created worldwide. Europe produces just a third of all new medicines.

Admittedly, European-style price controls would slow the growth of pharmaceutical spending. But nothing cuts long-term spending like a cure. The hepatitis C drug Sovaldi has made headlines this year for its high cost—$84,000—of a course of treatment. But unlike its predecessors, Sovaldi actually cures Hepatitis C and saves the high costs of complications, including transplants.

We need similar advances in the fight against chronic diseases. And with the average new drug costing some $2.6 billion to bring to market, the investments required for that fight wouldn’t be made if America, like Europe, chooses to artificially set the price of drugs.

The lion’s share of drug innovation will always come from the private sector, and no doubt drug companies are already spending heavily in these areas.

We would hope that the conversation and debate, on both sides of the aisle, be focused more on healthcare in general and chronic disease in specific.

Winning the fight against chronic disease will bring spending under control. But even more importantly, it will improve the lives of millions of Americans.

Larry Hausner is chief patient advocate of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. ■

Kvetch \ kfech  I am writing because I found an unusual article, “PBM greed sickens patients and drives up health costs,” in the January 2016 edition of the BEACON. Not at all like the sort of articles I usually see in the BEACON. Peter J. Pitts (the author) on health care costs: He speaks of “forbidden medicines” but never says what that means. He says that the paycheck for some un-named CEO is what drives up health care costs. He makes several bold statements as though these were things we should all know, but offers nothing to support them. This is all new information to me. So I have to look things up.

Editor’s note: The letter writer goes on to make some good points about what he found on the Internet. (All of which is posted on our website.)

The BEACON has been very good at presenting me with new information and ideas. And it has always seemed to offer a good objective viewpoint. And I do so dearly love a good balanced viewpoint. But this latest article is simply blatant propaganda. We are shown only one side of the issue.

I often get these kind of “intentionally misleading” articles forwarded to me by misguided friends. But a journalist should recognize this for what it is. Are you, now, publishing “with an agenda”?

What happened, here?

Disappointed Dan Kevin’s response: Thank you for taking the time to read, research and then write me. As this is our opinion page we take no official stand on what is published.

We receive many professionally written letters that are merely propaganda pieces. We don’t publish most of them, but made an exception for this one. I even had my doctor read it at my last appointment. Like you, he didn’t agree with it. As publisher of this paper my agenda is to inform our readers, encourage our readers to stay active and to make aging fun!

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