Issuu

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado

MAY 2020

Different strokes

Seniors with COVID-19 can show unusual symptoms Don't forget to honor our nation's fallen heroes on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25

How Medicare covers health needs related to COVID-19

Safer at Home tips for recreating responsibly outdoors

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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We won’t leave you in the dark Even in times of uncertainty, the BEACON will be there to light the way! June’s BEACON will be online and in PRINT! We you the dark Thewon’t Westernleave Slope has beeninfortunate to have a much lower number of COVID-19 cases compared to the rest of the state. Spirits highwhatand fingers crossed, we plan to produce and distribute our June edition IN PRINT. Even though it’s uncertain tomorrow will bring, the BEACON is here to light the way. In the event of a stay-at-home order and without an effective way to get a printed copy of the BEACON to you, we will be publishing the May and June issues solely online.

Like you, we are unsure about how the reopening of our community will unfold. Here’s how we can stay connected. Here’s how we can stay connected.

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Did you know that in addition to our Sign up for our newsletter Read our May and June issues, Receive notifications when the new issue at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com as well as previous issues, at we printed edition, publish the BEACON or email us at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Let’s be social. Follow is us at out, along with exclusive content. digitally every month? While it isn’t www.Facebook.com/Beacon the SeniorNews same as holding it in Sign up for our e-newsletter here, your hand, you’ll find or email us at the same uplifting Beacon@PendantPublishing.com stories and sideWe will never send you unwanted emails or splitting jokes right While the hours we spend in the office are fewer, our phones are open. your information along to a third party. pass Shoot us an email, follow us on Facebook, or give us a call. You can unsubscribe at any time. here every month. We will never send you unwanted emails or pass your information along to a third party. Users can unsubscribe at any time.

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While the hours we spend in the office are fewer, our phones are open. 970-243-8829 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

EDITOR'S COLUMN

May’s BEACON is only online, but June’s will be online and in PRINT!

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication MAY 2020 | Volume 33 | Issue 5

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps

Managing Editor Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers Chrissy Martin B. Bigler Office Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Executives Debra Romaniec Siggie Carpenter Melodie Simon Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Cora Gentry Lauren VanGundy JR Milner

P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Website:

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email:

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 and Montrose counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

hank you for reading this exclusive online edition of the BEACON Senior News. When we sent our April issue to press back in March, there were many uncertainties regarding the impact COVID-19 and a lengthy stay-athome order would have on our communities, and more importantly our readers. Therefore, our staff decided to forego a print edition and make our May and June issues available here on our website. April’s stay-at-home order was rough for many of us, but the Western Slope has been fortunate to have considerably fewer COVID-19 cases than other parts of the state. Spirits high and fingers crossed, we plan to produce and distribute our June edition in PRINT. Like you, we are unsure about how the reopening of our community will unfold. Please know that our work to keep you enlightened, entertained and encouraged won’t stop. This issue still has the same quality stories and information you’re used to finding in our print edition—arguably, even more. If you know of a senior without internet access who would love to read this issue of the BEACON, please consider printing it out for them and delivering it to their doorstep.

If you have digital access, here are additional ways we can stay connected.

Does this mask make my head look big? My mask is boring, so I'd rather see yours! See our cover story on page 6-7 to find out how to submit your face mask selfies to us.

Don’t forget to give your mom a virtual hug on Mother’s Day, May 10, and to honor our nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day, May 25. And, remember to wash your hands and wear a mask in public—it could help save lives. ■

■

Read the BEACON online. Did you know that in addition to our print edition, we publish the BEACON digitally every month? While it’s not the same as holding it in your hand, you'll find uplifting stories and side-splitting jokes right here at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com. (Just a reminder that in light of the pandemic we’ve combined our Mesa County and Montrose-Delta editions into one—at least through June.) Get the BEACON delivered straight to your email. You can sign up right here for notifications when the new issue is out, along with exclusive and interactive content. You can also get your name added to the list by emailing us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Follow us on Facebook. We share stories, local health updates and TONS of jokes! Follow us at www.Facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

BEACONFEST IS AUGUST 19 We can’t wait to see you at Grand Junction BeaconFest on Wednesday, August 19. Re-mark your calendars, invite your friends and we’ll have a blast in August.

Cloie Sandlin, Managing Editor

w Cover Photo:

Grand Junction residents Jim and Marsha Kearns sport stylish face masks, which they wear to help protect their community from the spread of COVID-19.

IN THIS ISSUE...

8 30

Uniforms never die An interpretation of military uniforms through the lenses of classic war-era films. A day just for Mom [COVID edition] Mother's Day gifts she'll treasure.

26 34

Travel while staying home Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and other appeals with these good reads. Health, safety is their priority Read about how local hospitals are going above and beyond in staff and patient safety.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

COVER STORY

Different strokes: Seniors with COVID-19 can show unusual symptoms By Judith Graham

lder adults with COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, have several “atypical” symptoms, complicating efforts to ensure they get timely and appropriate treatment, according to physicians. COVID-19 is typically signaled by three symptoms: a fever, an insistent cough and shortness of breath. But older adults—the age group most at risk of severe complications or death from this condition—may have none of these characteristics. Instead, seniors may seem “off”—not acting like themselves—early on after being infected by the coronavirus. They may sleep more than usual or stop eating. They may seem unusually apathetic or confused, losing orientation to their surroundings. They may become dizzy and fall. Sometimes, seniors stop speaking or collapse. “With a lot of conditions, older adults don’t present in a typical way, and we’re seeing that with COVID-19 as well,” said Dr. Camille Vaughan, section chief of geriatrics and gerontology at Emory University. The reason has to do with how older bodies respond to illness and infection. At advanced ages, “someone’s immune response may be blunted and their ability to regulate temperature may be altered,” said

RECOGNIZING DANGER SIGNS IS IMPORTANT: IF EARLY SIGNS OF COVID-19 ARE MISSED, SENIORS MAY DETERIORATE BEFORE GETTING NEEDED CARE. Dr. Joseph Ouslander, a professor of geriatric medicine at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “Underlying chronic illnesses can mask or interfere with signs of infection. Some older people, whether from age-related changes or previous neurologic issues such as a stroke, may have altered cough reflexes. Others with cognitive impairment may not be able to communicate their symptoms.” Recognizing danger signs is important: If early signs of COVID-19 are missed, seniors may deteriorate before getting needed care. And people may go in and out of their homes without adequate protective measures, risking the spread of infection.

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY Dr. Quratulain Syed, an Atlanta geriatrician, describes a man in his 80s whom she treated in mid-March. Over a period of days, this patient,

6 | COVER STORY | MAY 2020 |

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COVER STORY who had heart disease, diabetes and moderate cognitive impairment, stopped walking and became incontinent and profoundly lethargic. But he didn’t have a fever or a cough. His only respiratory symptom: sneezing off and on. The man’s elderly spouse called 911 twice. Both times, paramedics checked his vital signs and declared he was okay. After another worried call from the overwhelmed spouse, Syed insisted the patient be taken to the hospital, where he tested positive for COVID-19. “I was quite concerned about the paramedics and health aides who’d been in the house and who hadn’t used PPE [personal protective equipment],” Syed said. Dr. Sam Torbati, medical director of the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, described treating seniors who initially appear to be trauma patients but are found to have COVID-19. “They get weak and dehydrated,” he said, “and when they stand to walk, they collapse and injure themselves badly.” Torbati has seen older adults who are profoundly disoriented and unable to speak and who appear at first to have suffered strokes. “When we test them, we discover that what’s producing these changes is a central nervous system effect of coronavirus,” he said. Dr. Laura Perry, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California-San Francisco, saw a patient like this several weeks ago. The woman, in her 80s, had what seemed to be a cold before becoming very confused. In the hospital, she couldn’t identify where she was or stay awake during an examination. Perry diagnosed hypoactive delirium, an altered mental state in which people become inactive and drowsy. The patient tested positive for coronavirus and is still in the ICU. Dr. Anthony Perry, an associate professor of geriatric medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, tells of an 81-year-old woman with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea who tested positive for COVID-19 in the emergency room. After receiving IV fluids, oxygen and medication

ON THE FRONT LINES, PHYSICIANS NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY CAREFULLY ASSESS AN OLDER PATIENT’S SYMPTOMS.

for her intestinal upset, she returned home after two days and is doing well. Another 80-year-old Rush patient with similar symptoms—nausea and vomiting, but no cough, fever or shortness of breath—is in intensive care after getting a positive COVID-19 test and is due to be put on a ventilator. The difference? This patient is frail with “a lot of cardiovascular disease,” Perry said. Other than that, it’s not yet clear why some older patients do well while others do not.

MORE TO CONSIDER So far, reports of cases like these have been anecdotal. But a few physicians are trying to gather more systematic information. In Switzerland, Dr. Sylvain Nguyen, a geriatrician at the University of Lausanne Hospital Center, put together a list of typical and atypical symptoms in older COVID-19 patients. Included on the atypical list are changes in a patient’s usual status, delirium, falls, fatigue, lethargy, low blood pressure, painful swallowing, fainting, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and the loss of smell and taste. Data comes from hospitals and nursing homes in Switzerland, Italy and France.

On the front lines, physicians need to make sure they carefully assess an older patient’s symptoms. “While we have to have a high suspicion of COVID-19 because it’s so dangerous in the older population, there are many other things to consider,” said Dr. Kathleen Unroe, a geriatrician at Indiana University’s School of Medicine. Seniors may also do poorly because their routines have changed. In nursing homes and most assisted living centers, activities have stopped and “residents are going to get weaker and more deconditioned because they’re not walking to and from the dining hall,” she said. At home, isolated seniors may not be getting as much help with medication management or other essential needs from family members who are keeping their distance. Or they may have become apathetic or depressed. “I’d want to know ‘What’s the potential this person has had an exposure [to the coronavirus], especially in the last two weeks?’” said Vaughan. “Do they have home health personnel coming in? Have they gotten together with other family members? Are chronic conditions being controlled? Is there another diagnosis that seems more likely? Someone may be just having a bad day. But if they’re not themselves for a couple of days, absolutely reach out to a primary care doctor or a local health system hotline to see if they meet the threshold for [coronavirus] testing. If you get a ‘no’ the first time and things aren’t improving, call back and ask again.” ■ Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

SEND US YOUR FACE MASK SELFIES! Hand sewn or no sew, store bought or not, show us how you’re helping keep your community safe from the spread of coronavirus. Send us your stylish face mask selfies! Photos may be included in future issues of the BEACON and our promotions. Email them to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com, or post them and tag us on Facebook! @BEACON Senior News

Sharon and Pat Hunt wore their cloth Chris Coolidge made Essential workers Dena White and masks on their grocery store date. her own kitty mask. Sue Wolter sport their masks. WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | COVER STORY |

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Uniforms never die

By Jacqueline T. Lynch

he uniforms are one of the most iconic images we remember from World War II-era films. Especially in the “home front” movies, because unlike battle scenes where all the soldiers are indistinguishable from each other in their fatigues and helmets, the home front movies show us newly-minted servicemen standing out from the civilian crowd. In “Since You Went Away” (1944), Robert Walker plays a young Army recruit visiting his grandfather, who rents a room in the suburban home of Claudette Colbert and her daughters. He begins an ill-fated romance with her older daughter, played by Jennifer Jones. He seems shy and awkward with this typical American family who tries to make him feel welcome. His uniform makes him special. His grandfather, played by the

irascible Monty Woolley, is a retired Army colonel doing wartime government work, yet he is not the “celebrity” that the young man is with the corporal’s stripes and his olive drab coat and pants, his tie neatly tucked into his shirt, and his overseas cap. Like Walker, Joseph Cotten in “I’ll Be Seeing You” (1945), is a soldier on leave with nowhere to go until a family “adopts” him for a few days. Shirley Temple plays the bubbly little Above: Publicity still from "I'll Be Seeing You" (1945) featuring Joseph Cotten and Ginger Rogers. Left: Cinema lobby card for "Since You Went Away" (1944) starring Jennifer Jones and Robert Walker. Right: Publicity still from "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946) sister in both films, but in this one, Ginger Rogers takes the part of the romantic partner for the soldier. Both men seem out of place in civilian life, though they have been in the Army only a short time. It has changed them, and their uniforms have changed them in the eyes of the civilians. In “The Best Years of Our Lives” (1946), Fredric March is the returning middle-aged father who can’t wait to change back to civilian clothes after being away from his family for what seems a lifetime. Dana Andrews plays a dashing Army Air Corps captain who discovers

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his unfaithful wife was really only attracted to his uniform. Her attitude is shallow, but it does reveal something about what the public perceived as glamour in a dark and frightening time. The Army uniform of the day, referred to as “pinks and greens” is only one identification of The Greatest Generation. For many of us, the uniforms are entwined with personal family memories. My own father wore the Army uniform in his formal portrait that my mother kept on the table all the years he was gone in the jungles of the South Pacific. He wears it in snapshots taken the first exhilarat-

ing days when he returned home, hugging his wife and daughter (who had been still a baby when he left over three years before) while friends and relatives took turns holding the Brownie box camera. Relatives asked my father to wear his uniform on his first rounds of visits to them when he came home, especially the little nephew who wanted to see his uncle soldier. The servicemen were issued their “ruptured duck” pins identifying them as veterans, and were allowed one month before they legally had to return to civilian clothes. Father wore out his uniform pants and shirts while gardening in the

months and years ahead. All that's left of his uniform are the two bands of medal ribbons that had been pinned over the left breast pocket, which I still have, and the Army portrait photo, which sits behind me on my filing cabinet. The U.S. Army has chosen to return to this “Army Greens” uniform for everyday business wear, and the current “Army Blues” uniform will return to being used as a formal dress uniform. According to Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey, published on the site www.military.com, “We wanted a uniform that we could re-identify with the American public

THE SENSE OF PRIDE AND PATRIOTISM THESE UNIFORMS EVOKE MAY JUST SIMPLY BE THE PROFOUND LOVE FOR THOSE AWKWARD, BRAND-NEW EX-CIVILIANS WHO WERE SENT FAR FROM HOME TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM FASCISM.

that was significant in the American public's eye of the sense of pride in their Army. That's why we went back in history and said, ‘What was the last time when there was this sense of pride and true identification…based upon their uniform?' And that's when automatically we both agreed it was pinks and greens during World War II.” The “retro” uniform will begin to be phased in by 2020, mandatory for all soldiers by 2028. The sense of pride and patriotism these uniforms evoke may just simply be the profound love for those awkward, brand-new ex-civilians who were sent far from home to save the world from fascism— The Greatest Generation, aka Dad, as he was depicted, not only in the portrait photo on the coffee table decades ago, but as portrayed on the home front in classic films. ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 |

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Bake 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese and green onion over casserole. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. ■

ASK THE OLD BAG

Musings in quarantine: Reconnect with family? Move in with a new beau? Dear Old Bag: I am writing to respond to a reader in your February column, who wanted advice regarding intimate relations which are now out of the question [due to her husband’s prostate cancer diagnosis]. My response to “Mr. and Mrs.” is: It’s not always about sex in a relationship. Sometimes the best type of intimacy is where you can just lay back, laugh together at stupid things, hold each other and enjoy each other’s company. You never know what tomorrow brings. Signed KR Dear KR: Thank you for writing. I totally agree with you. I might add that some men feel their value in a relationship is performing. It is up to their loving wives to teach them there is a deeper intimacy! OB Dear Old Bag: My mom is in a rehab after falling and breaking a hip. This is after a series of other falls. She insists on going home to her husband, but he is older than she is! I want to protect her from another nasty fall. Her husband feels he can take care of her. I want her in assisted living, but she declares that she will take her life if we put her there. What do we do? Signed, Frustrated Daughter Dear Daughter: I understand your desire to protect your mother. However, I know how your mother feels. I recommend you read Atul Gawande’s book “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.” If your mother wants to spend the homestretch of her life with the one she loves, let her to do that. You will have the peace of mind when she is gone that you let her do it her way! Also, in this pandemic, if she were in assisted living, she would not even be able to have visitors—not even her husband. I respect that you love your mother and want what is best for her, but ask yourself: Is this plan better for my mother or better for us kids? Good luck. OB Dear Old Bag: Since we have been quarantined, I have had such a longing for our family to be close, at least in heart. The trouble is, all but one of my family members is alienated from me. We have not been in touch for years. This is keeping me awake at night. I cannot bring myself to take the first step because it was not my fault. Any ideas? Signed, Too Late Dear Late: It is never too late as long as there is life. Granted, I realize that apologizing for something you did not do is difficult, but I learned a long time ago that holding a grudge is like carrying a sack full of bricks. It fouls up your life, your relationships, your sleep, and your well being. Swallow your resentments and get going on this as fast as you can. OB Dear Old Bag: I had been dating a woman for a couple weeks when this quarantine hit. She says we can’t date because of it. I say we should just move in and quarantine together. She said it is too soon. I said we don’t even know if we will be here when this is over. What do you think? Signed, In a Hurry

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Dear Hurry: I agree with your girl. Moving in with someone you have known for two weeks sounds like a recipe for disaster! You can chat via Facetime or over the phone. By the time this is over, you may know if you are compatible—or not. OB ■

ASK THE OLD BAG

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at lagmancreswick@gmail.com

When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 65 years.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties

The

Guide

COVID-19 and Medicare Submitted by Mesa County RSVP

re you wondering if Medicare covers needs related to COVID-19? Here’s a partial list:

No fluff! No filler! Just the information you need in easy-to-find categories.

• Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-ofpocket costs.

Get your FREE copy!

• Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to stay in the hospital under quarantine when you might have otherwise been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay.

Call 243-8829 Medicare Moment: Monthly tips and

tidbits about Medicare and Medicare fraud

Does Medicare cover emergency room services?

If you have Original Medicare, Part B covers emergency room services anywhere in the U.S. Emergency room services are typically provided when you have a medical condition that requires immediate action, such as an injury or sudden illness. After meeting your deductible, you will be responsible for a 20% coinsurance charge for doctors’ services, as long as your provider accepts assignment. You will also be responsible for copayments for each emergency department visit and hospital service. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Cost Plan, your plan must cover the same services that Original Medicare covers, but can have different costs and restrictions. Remember that your plan cannot require that you receive prior authorization or see an

in-network provider to receive emergency services. Contact your plan to learn more about its costs. Can I receive covered emergency services outside the U.S.? Original Medicare generally does not cover medical care for those traveling outside the U.S. and its territories. There are some exceptions, including if you receive care while traveling from Alaska to another state, or if you are on a cruise ship and receive emergency services while in U.S. territorial waters. Some Medigap policies provide coverage for travel abroad. Check with your policy for coverage rules. Questions? Call RSVP SHIP at

243-9839

422 White Ave., Suite 090 | 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday | www.rsvpgrandjunction.org

12 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | MAY 2020 |

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• There's no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time. However, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). • If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MA), you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many MA plans offer additional telehealth benefits beyond the ones described below. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs. • Scammers may use the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. As always, guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and if someone calls asking for your Medicare number, hang up!

TELEHEALTH SERVICES In response to the current public health emergency, Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services so you can have increased access to more providers from your home. You can use more communication tools than ever before (including smartphones) and interact with a range

of providers such as doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. During this time, you will be able to receive a specific set of services through telehealth including evaluation and management visits (common office visits), mental health counseling and preventive health screenings without a copayment if you have Original Medicare. This will help ensure you are able to visit with your doctor without having to go to a doctor’s office or hospital, which puts you and others at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

OTHER RESOURCES The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) set up a webpage with information for Medicare beneficiaries related to COVID-19. Visit www.medicare.gov/ medicare-coronavirus for the latest information.

YOU SHOULD ALSO VISIT: • Coronavirus.gov for the latest information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms as well as answers to frequently asked questions.  • CDC.gov/coronavirus for the latest public health and safety information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). • USA.gov has the latest information about what the U.S. Government is doing in response to COVID-19. ■

If you have questions

about Medicare, call the temporary RSVP SHIP phone number at 200-4616. SHIP navigators are currently working from home to meet your Medicare needs.

DEAR PHARMACIST

Common foods, medications may have hidden allergens

ymptoms associated with food allergies vary greatly from person to person. Most people know about skin rash, hives, itch, tingly sensation or swelling in the mouth, as well as abdominal cramps or swelling of the throat and/or vocal cords, but these lesser-known symptoms can appear as well: • Flushed or hot skin • Diarrhea • Nausea, or vomiting • Coughing, sneezing or wheezing • Dizziness • Fainting or lightheadedness

Taking Benadryl isn’t the answer for everyone. If you experience any of these symptoms, get help. Some people require emergency medical care, an inhaler, EpiPen and/ or a Medrol Dosepak (or steroid equivalent). You can usually tell pretty easily if you’re reacting negatively to a specific food, but you might not always know what triggered it. Below is a list of food allergens and medications that contain them. Peanuts. Millions of people are highly allergic to peanuts. Medications like Prometrium and Depakene (aka valproic acid—a drug used for seizures and nerve pain) contain peanut oil. Hidden sources of peanuts include marzipan, beer nuts, nougat and, weirdly, artificial nuts! Fortunately, the first peanut antidote type of medication, Palforzia, was FDA approved in January. Eggs. You can avoid eggs for breakfast, but you might also avoid many baked goodies, some canned soups, frosting, mayonnaise, marshmallows, meatloaf and ice cream. The surgical sleep-inducing anesthetic called Propofol contains

egg proteins as well. Fish and shellfish. This type of allergy usually causes breathing difficulties and can be very severe. Hidden sources of fishbased ingredients are found in Worcestershire sauce and Caesar dressing. As for shellfish, think of lobster, crab, prawns, shrimp and crawfish. You will need to avoid glucosamine as well because it is derived from shellfish. Tropomyosin is the most predominant compound in shellfish that people are allergic to and may cause you to feel faint, lightheaded, dizzy or foggy. I don’t mean to ruin your appetite for lobster and crab but tropomyosin is also common in cockroaches! Milk. Allergies to milk are usually due to casein, a protein. Milk alternatives on occasion have dairy-derived whey protein in them. This fools people into thinking they're safe when actually they may be laden with milk-derived proteins. Check the label on your pea, oat, soy, almond, coconut or flax milk to be 100 percent sure it doesn’t contain any milk-derived allergens. Dairy also hides in deli meats, gravy, baked goods and batter-fried foods. Some breathing medications and inhalers such as Advair Diskus, Flovent Diskus, Asmanex and Pulmicort contain lactose monohydrate which contains milk proteins like casein. So be aware of this if you’re treating a milk or dairy allergic reaction with an inhaler that contains trace amounts of it! ■

DEAR PHARMACIST BY SUZY COHEN For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.suzycohen.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Huh? What’d you say? Opt for greater hearing during Better Hearing Month By Elizabeth Van Liere

“B

ring the potatoes, Mom,” my daughter hollered (loud enough for the neighbors to hear). She, along with my grandson, his wife and three kiddies, were at my house for dinner. Everyone was seated, waiting for me. I headed towards the table, carrying a bowl of mashed potatoes, and happened to glance at my 10-year-old great-granddaughter. Her eyes were wide open with shock. I could read her thoughts as though she said them aloud: Gran’ma Jo yelled at Granny B! I stifled a giggle and hurried to the table, sat down beside her and took her hand in mine. “Oh, honey,” I said. “Gran’ma

Jo wasn’t being mean. She has to holler at me because I cannot hear well, even with my hearing aids.” Hearing aids aren’t what they’re cooked up to be, that’s for sure. The treatment that is provided at cover varie The most common method your Compass Medical Center son and ca doctor will recommend to treat Or maybe it’s my hearing getting has four main goals: after a deta your neuropathy is with preworse. vascular ev scription drugs that may tempo1) Increase blood flow you have rarily reduce your symptoms. 2) Stimulate small fiber nerves But without these aids, I’dThese be drugs have generic names 85% nerve 3) Decrease brain-based pain condition c such as Gabapentin, Amitripty4) Stabilize the nerve cells worse off…I think. line, or Lyrica and are primarily The experi antidepressant or anti-seizure I was deep into a book one day The treatment to increase blood Compass drugs. These drugs may cause flow utilizes a specialized lowdo a n youto to feel uncomfortable and when my daughter stood next level light therapy (not to be examinatio have a variety of harmful side confused with laser therapy) usextent of me and asked, “What’s youreffects. cell get my cell phone. I shrugged my good ing light emitting diodeshoulder, technolThis ne ogy. This technology was origiphone number?” I took it to my daughter. pickednally up the phone which I hadn’texaminatio developed by NASA to detailed Figure 2: When these very small assistto in my increasing Who in the world knows their “Already got it,”blood shevessels said,become still diseased on they returned purseblood yet,flow. and physical begin to shrivel up and the nerves diagnostic begin to degenerate. The low level light therapy is cell phone number? I never call it… the phone. looked. detailed an like watering a plant. The light of your neu to “die” they cause “I don’t But she was in the middle of A few minutesnerves later begin she broke SSthenumber,” therapysee willmy allow blood ves- I you to have balance problems, sels to grow back around the peour of switching internet companies and into my reading again. said. “You asked cellthem phoneCall pain, numbness, tingling, burnripheral nervesfor and my provide appointmen ing, and many additional sympwith the proper nutrients to heal neuropathy evidently needed it, so I pulled “Why do you have number.” toms. your Soand repair. It’s like adding water to a Social plant and seeing theshe rootsmutmyself out of my chair, grabbed my cial Security number on your cell “I said Security,” The main problem is that your grow deeper and deeper. doctor has told you to just live cane and hobbled to my room to phone?” she asked. tered. with the problem or try the drugs Figure 1: Notice the very small blood vessels surrounding each nerve.

which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Snowflake that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (see the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article)

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully re-

Peripheral Neuropathy WARNING Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the thedon’t hands drugsnerves whichinyou likeand feet which causes the nerves to begin taking because they make you to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow. feel uncomfortable. There is

1300 S Snowf

(928

Pain, Numbness & Tingling In The Hands/Feet

blood flow to utilizes a specialized blood flow to the nerves in the In order effectively treat your neuropathy factors must be low-level lightthree therapy (not to be hands and feet which causes the determined. confused with laser therapy) using nerves to begin to degenerate 1) What is the underlying cause? now a isfacility right here invaries fromlight diode technology. due to lack of nutrient flow. 2) emitting How Much Nerve Damage The treatment thatAs provided cover to peryou can atsee in Figure 2, as person The that originally is provided at The most common method your Hastreatment Been Sustained? Compass Grand Medical Center son andsurround can onlyThis be determined Junction that offers you technology was the blood vessels that Compass Medical Center doctor will recommend to treat As you can see in Figure has four main goals: after a detailed neurological and NOTE: Once you have sustained nerves taking becomevascular diseased they developed without those bymain NASA to assist in fouras goals: your neuropathy is with hope pre- the evaluation. Ashas long 85% nerve loss, there is nothing 2, as the blood vessels that 1) Increase blood flow shrivel up which causes the scription drugs that may tempoyou have not sustained at least endless drugs with serious side increasing blood flow. that we can do for you. 1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate small fiber nerves nerves to not get the to surround the nerves become rarily reduce your symptoms. 85%nutrients nerve damage yourmuchsmall 3)then How treatment will 2) Stimulate fiber nerves 3) Decrease brain-based effects. (see pain thetospecial neuropathy continue survive. Whencan these These drugsup have generic names condition been treated. level light therapypain is your condition require? diseased they shrivel which 3) Decrease brain-based 4) Stabilize the nerve cells severity examination at the end of The low such as Gabapentin, Amitripty4) Stabilize the nerve cells like watering The light causes the nerves not get the The experienced providers at the a plant. line, or to Lyrica and primarily thistoarticle) Theare treatment increase blood Compass Medical Center will can allow the blood or anti-seizure therapy nutrients toantidepressant continue to survive. flow utilizes a specialized lowThe treatment to increase blood do a neuropathy severity These drugs may level light cause therapy to be flow a specialized In order(not to effectively treat your to vessels to utilizes grow back around lowWhen thesedrugs. nerves begin to “die” examination determine the you to feel uncomfortable confused withand laser therapy) uslevel light therapy (not to be extent of the nerve damage. neuropathy three the peripheral nerves and havetoa have variety of harmful side they cause you balance ing light emitting diode technol- factors must confused with laser therapy) usThis neuropathy severity effects. ogy. This technology was origibe determined. them with the proper problems, pain, numbness, ing light diode technolexamination willprovide consist of a emitting nally developed by NASA to ogy. This technology was origidetailed sensory evaluation, Figure 2: When burning, these very small 1) What is the underlying cause? nutrients to heal and repair. It’s tingling, and many assist in increasing blood flow. blood vessels become diseased they nally developed by NASA to physical examination, Figure 2: When these very small like adding water to a plant and 2) How much nerve damage has beginadditional to shrivel up and the nerves symptoms. diagnostic testing, assist and inaincreasing blood flow. blood vessels begin to degenerate. The low level light therapy is become diseased they analysis of the findings been sustained? seeing the roots grow deeper The treatment that is provided at detailed varies from person to perThe most common method your begin to shrivel up cover and the nerves like watering a plant. The light your neuropathy. begin to of degenerate. Compass Medical Center son and can only be determined The low level light therapy is doctor will recommend to nerves treat begin to “die” they cause therapy will allow the blood vesNOTE: Once you have sustained and deeper. has four main goals: after a detailed neurological and your neuropathy is with you pre- to have balance problems, like watering a plant. The light sels to grow back around the pevascular evaluation. 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It’sHow likebrain-based adding condition can been treated. such as Gabapentin, Amitripty3) much treatment will 4) Stabilize the nerve cells ing, and many additional sympwithrecover the proper nutrients to a plant and seeing the roots line, or Lyrica and are primarily to fully varies fromto heal toms. your condition require? The main problem is that your and repair. It’s like adding water grow deeper and deeper. The experienced providers at the antidepressant or anti-seizure The treatment to increase blood person person canthe only doctor has told you to just live to atoplant seeing roots Compass Medical Center can andand drugs. These drugs may cause flow utilizes a specialized The main lowproblem your do is athat neuropathy severity you to feel uncomfortablewith and the problem or try the drugs grow deeper after and deeper. is provided be determined a detailed level The light treatment therapy (notthat to be Figure 1: Notice the very small blood examination to determine the have a variety of harmful which side you don’t like taking bedoctor has ustold you to just live The amount of with treatment needed confused laser therapy) vessels surrounding at Compass Medical Center extent ofdrugs theneurological nerve damage.and vascular effects. each nerve. cause they make you feel unto allow to fully rewith thetechnolproblem or try has the ing the lightnerves emitting diode 1300 South Main Street This taking neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a smallThis blood comfortable. There Figure is now1:aNotice fa- the very ogy. which you don’t like befour main goals: Theseverity amount of treatment needed evaluation. As long as you have technology was origiexamination will of a Snowflake, AZ 85937 vessels surrounding each nerve. here in Snowflake cause theyflow make you feel un- consist nally 1) developed byblood NASA to result of damage toisthe nerves cility rightFigure to allow the to fully rePeripheral neuropathy a result Increase detailed sensory evaluation, 2: When these very small not sustained at nerves least 85% nerve that offers you hope without takassist in increasing blood flow. There (928) 536-5525 comfortable. is now a faof damage to the nerves often blood vessels become diseased they physical examination, often causing weakness, pain, ing those begin endless drugs with se2) Stimulate damageand thena your condition to shrivel up and the nerves cilitysmall right fiber here nerves in Snowflake causing weakness, pain, numbdiagnostic testing, Peripheral neuropathy The is a low result the spebegin(see to degenerate. level light therapyyou is hope without taknumbness, and dethe rious side effects. that brain-based offers ness, tingling,tingling, and the most detailed of been the findings 3) Decrease pain analysiscan treated. of damage to the nerves often like watering a plant. The light cial neuropathy severity bilitating balance problems. This ing those endless of drugs seyour with neuropathy. The main problem is that your most debilitating balance nerves to “die” they cause causing pain, numbtherapy allow the blood ves- cells examination atbegin the end of weakness, this 4) will Stabilize the nerve damage is commonly caused by rious side effects. (see the speyou tohas have balance problems, to grow ness, tingling, and thesels most de- back around the peprovider’s at article) doctor told you to just live problems. This damage Call ourseverity office The today experienced to make an a lack of blood flow to is the cialprovideneuropathy pain, numbness, tingling, burn-problems. ripheralThis nerves and them bilitating balance appointment to the determine if your Medical Center nerves in the hands by and feet of commonly caused a lack Compass The treatment to increase with the problem or try the examination at the end of this ing, and many additional sympwith the proper nutrients to heal damage is commonly caused by In order to effectively treat your

The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your neuropathy is with prescription drugs that The most common method your may reduce doctortemporarily will recommend to treat your symptoms. neuropathy isThese with drugs preyour scription drugs that may tempohave such as rarily generic reduce names your symptoms. These drugs have generic names Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, such as Gabapentin, Amitriptyor Lyrica andand areare primarily line, or Lyrica primarily antidepressant oror anti-seizure antidepressant anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and you uncomfortable haveto a feel variety of harmful sideand effects. have a variety of harmful side effects.

which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

neuropathy can be treated:

toms. article) and repair. adding water neuropathy three factors mustofbeblood flow a lack to theIt’s like to a plant and seeing the roots determined. nerves isin that theyour hands grow anddeeper feet and deeper. The main problem In order to effectively treat your 1) What doctor is the underlying cause? which causes nerves to begin has told you to justthe live neuropathy three factors must be 2)| How Much Nerve Damage to| degenerate due to lack of nuwith the problem or try the drugs As you can see & in WELLNESS Figure 2, as | HEALTH MAY 2020 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM determined. Has Been Sustained? Figure 1: Notice the very small blood which you don’t taking betrient like flow. The amount of treatment needed the blood vessels that surround vessels surrounding each nerve. 1) What is the NOTE: Once sustained cause you theyhave make you feel unto allow the nerves to fully re- underlying cause? the nerves become diseased they 1300 South Main Street 2) How Much Nerve Damage 85% nerve loss, thereThere is nothing comfortable. is now a fa-

cover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as Figure 3: The blood vessels will grow you have not sustained at least back around nerves much 85% nerve the damage then like youra plant’s roots grow when watered. condition can been treated.

can do a neuropathy severity The experienced providers at the examination to determine the Compass Medical Center can do aof the neuropathy severity extent nerve damage. examination to determine the This neuropathy severity examextent of the nerve damage. ination consist of aseverity detailed This will neuropathy examination will consist of a sensory evaluation, physical detailed sensory evaluation, examination, diagnostic testing, physical examination, and a detailedtesting, analysisand of thea diagnostic detailed of analysis of the findings findings your neuropathy. of your neuropathy.

Call our office today to make Call our office today to make an an appointment to determine appointment to determine if your if neuropathy can be can treated: your neuropathy be treated:

SouthRoad Main#17 Street 24781300 Patterson Snowflake, Grand Junction, AZ CO 85937 81505

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HEALTH & WELLNESS “It sure sounded like cell phone to me.” I better see the audiologist again. “My right ear seems to be getting worse,” I told him. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s see what we’ve got.” A bunch of tests followed. Soft, then loud creepy beeps echoed in my ears. Some were high-pitched. Finally, he said, “Your right ear has become deafer since your last visit.” “Well, yeah.” Do you suppose he needs hearing aids? “Take them out for me,” he said. I took out the little gray thinga-ma-jigs and handed them to him as he peered into my ears with a miniature telescope. “Ears look okay,” he said. Why wouldn’t they look okay? He monkeyed around with the aids while monitoring his TV screen where zig zag lines ran up and down. “All right,” he said. “Let’s see you put them back in.”

He watched me struggle for a few moments, then sighed. “Hold it. You’re putting the left one in your right ear. Remember, I told you the one with the red base on the post should go into the right ear.” Maybe he did and maybe he didn’t, but I switched them anyway. “Yuck! Always feels like something doesn’t belong there.” “I know,” he said. What does he know? He isn’t wearing them. Just wait, doc, your turn is coming. “You’ll get used to it,” he said. “Here. Do it like this.” He pushed the aid into the right ear—all the way where it sat like a blob of gum. He tested the sounds with the TV again. “That should do it,” he said with a huge smile. I guess he was pleased to have one more hard of hearing person leave—me especially. “See you next time, Miss Betty.” ■

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"Week" moments from self-quarantine

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line to get their money. Not funny? his is tougher than I thought That’s also what Gary said. it would be. I love you, Wednesday: I posted this question but being in the same living space on Facebook: While being sheltered together for so long makes me a inside, tell me something new about little nervous that we can make this yourself that you have discovered. Find out how Bank of Colorado Investment Services work for much longer.” My favorite answer came from can help with your financial plan. That’s what my wife, Mary Ellen, • Retirement Planning my friend Johnny: “I discovered we told me on our honeymoon 40 • Investment Strategies have a cat.” • Estate Planning years ago…and we’re still together. Thursday: Mary Ellen and I had an Meet Kent Shettler. He’s here to help you reach your Now, because of COVID-19, we honest conversation about how we financial independence and will be happy to speak really are cooped up in the same with you in person. would deal with the stress of the space, sheltering at home. Some next few months. KENT SHETTLER GRAND JUNCTION 200 Grand Ave. • 2903 Patterson Rd. sociologists claim that in nine Financial Advisor “What would you do, Dick, if our 970.245.1600 • bankofcolorado.com months many couples will either Internet and cable went out while have a new baby or a divorce. I’m we were here together and the relatively sure neither of those will Investment Services weather was terrible so we couldn’t Meet Kent He’sI here happenShettler. to us. Actually, am 100to help you reach your financial go outside?” sheinasked. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/ ndependence bewon’t. happy to even speak with you person. percent sureand one will of them dealer, and are: NOT Deposits. NOT Insured by FDIC or any other government agency. NOT GUARANTEED by “I would hide all our sharp instruthe bank Subject to risk and may lose value. Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or (When Mary Ellen read that last the investment center. Bank of Colorado and Bank of Colorado Investment Services are not registered broker/ ments.” dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment Advisory services offered through part, she said, “That’s so sweet.” I Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Friday: I decided to catch up with think she missed the point.) old friends. Herbie was my college Here are some highlights for us roommate. With a little online defrom each day last week: 4/25/18 tective work I found his number. 18_BC51_BOCIS_BEACON_SENIOR_MAG_AD.indd 1 Monday: I made a haircut appoint“Herbie, it’s Dick Wolfsie, your ment because I knew there was roommate at George Washington U.” going to be a rush when this night“Geesh, Dick, I haven’t talked to mare is over. you in 40 years. Actually, 43 years “Buddy, it’s Dick. Do you have if you count when we were living anything available around 2:30 on together.” (CLICK) May 18?” Saturday: For retired people, keep“Sorry, Dick. I’m booked at that ing track of the days of the week is time already. Could we make it a tough enough, but it’s worse when little later?” you are sequestered inside. “How about 4:30?” “Dick, it doesn’t feel like a Friday, “How about September 4?” coupon must be present it feels like a Sunday,” said my wife. Tuesday: I thought of a funny idea · General Range Fee: · Rental Nerf Gun: “Funny, it feels like a Tuesday to $15/session $25 (or bring your own) for a cartoon. I can’t draw, so I me. Let’s ask Siri, to be sure. Siri, sent the concept to my friend Gary · Rental Guns: Semi-auto: · Archery: what day is it?” $20 each $10/session or $100/day Varvel, political cartoonist extraor“Feels like Wednesday to me, but dinaire. Here was the notion: Just · Full auto: $25 each · Lounge: $25/hr during business I have no clue. I’ve been cooped up hours or $50/hr after hours like there is a gun buyback program · Shoothouse: here all week, like you. How about in some cities, I envisioned a mask $35/hr or $250/day · Classroom: $15/hr or $125/day the weather? I can do that for you… (or rent two for $20/day or buyback program where the govern· Rental Air Soft Pistol: $30/5k not that you are going anywhere.” $150/day) ment encourages people to return rounds, plus $15 each air can their masks for cash, so doctors and Sunday: We made Sunday a day nurses can use them. In the cartoon, of rest, just like we did Monday through Saturday. ■ we see bank robbers waiting in

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LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS SELF-ISOLATION DIARY Submitted by Jan Weeks Day 1: I can do this! Got enough food and wine to last a month! Day 2: Opening my eighth bottle of wine. I fear wine supplies might not last! Day 3: So, some strawberries have 210 seeds and others some have 235 seeds. Who knew? Day 4: 8 p.m. Removed my day pajamas and put on my night pajamas. Day 5: Today, I tried to make hand sanitizer. It came out as Jell-O shots. Day 6: I get to take the garbage out. I'm so excited. I can't decide what to wear. Day 7: Laughing way too much at my own jokes! Day 8: Went to a new restaurant called The Kitchen. You have to gather all the ingredients and make

your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business. Day 9: I put liquor bottles in every room. Tonight, I'm getting all dressed up and going bar hopping. Day 10: Struck up a conversation with a spider today. Seems nice. He's a web designer. Day 11: Isolation is hard. I swear my fridge just said, “What the hell do you want now?” Day 12: I realized why dogs get so excited about something moving outside, going for walks or car rides. I think I just barked at a squirrel. Day 13: TIP: If you keep a glass of wine in each hand, you can't accidently touch your face. Day 14: Watched the birds fight over a worm. The Cardinals lead the Blue Jays 3–1. Day 15: Anybody else feel like

18 | LAUGHING MATTERS | MAY 2020 |

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they've cooked dinner about 395 times this month?

IF YOU AREN’T ON FACEBOOK, YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED… Submitted by Jan Weeks

So, after this quarantine, will the producers of “My 600 Pound Life” just find me or do I find them? My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet.

Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem (or both!)

I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to Puerto Backyarda. I'm getting tired of Los Livingroom.

I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.

Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

I don't think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks, we'd go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone.

I’M GOING CRAZY

This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house and told my dog. We laughed a lot.

Submitted by Jan Weeks Be careful because people are going crazy from being in lockdown! Actually, I've just been talking about this with the microwave and toaster while drinking coffee and all of us agreed that things are getting heated. I didn't mention anything

LAUGHING MATTERS to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything. Certainly not to the fridge as he is acting cold and distant. In the end, the iron calmed me down as said everything will be fine—no situation is too pressing. The vacuum was very unsympathetic...it told me to just suck it up—but the fan was more optimistic and hoped it would all soon blow over! The toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and didn’t say anything, but the doorknob told me to get a grip. The front door said I was unhinged and so the curtains told me to—yes, you guessed it... pull myself together.

MATURE WISDOM Submitted by Ethel Hartley I’m watching a 3-year-old pull up apps on a cell phone. Me, I just figured out how to turn mine off without taking the battery out. If by “crunches” you mean the sound potato chips make when you chew them, then yes—I do crunches. I thought the dryer made my clothes shrink. Turns out it was my refrigerator.

SAW MY DOCTOR TODAY Submitted by Esther Stafford I just had a physical. My doctor said, “Don’t eat anything fatty.” I said, “Like bacon and burgers?” He said, “No, fatty. Don’t eat anything!”

WORLD’S GREATEST DAUGHTER

Finally, Hassle-free...

Submitted by Caroline Smit Daughter: Mom, what’s it like to have the greatest daughter in the world? Mum: I don’t know, dear, you’d have to ask Grandma.

Home Ownership so you can get more out of life!

A GIRL LIKE MOM Submitted by Bailey Combs Fred is 32 years old and he is still single. One day a friend asked, “Why aren’t you married? Can’t you find a woman who will be a good wife?” Fred replied, “Actually, I’ve found many women I wanted to marry, but when I bring them home to meet my parents, my mother doesn’t like them.” His friend thinks for a moment and says, “I’ve got the perfect solution, just find a girl who’s just like your mother.” A few months later they meet again and his friend says, “Did you find the perfect girl? Did your mother like her?” With a frown on his face, Fred answers, “Yes, I found the perfect girl. She was just like my mother. You were right, my mother liked her very much.” The friend said, “Then what’s the problem?” Fred replied, “My father doesn’t like her.” ■

s U e k a M

Laugh !

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Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

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BOOMER BEAT

Hanging by a hair

Is your LARGE home tying you DOWN?

How to cope with unwanted fuzz By Melanie Wiseman

ears ago, I had a hair-raising experience. After cross-country skiing in a blizzard, my husband, Dan, and I stopped to warm up at a public establishment. Quite a while later, I passed a mirror only to see a monster staring back at me—wild snakes of mascara streaked down both sides of my face clear to my neck. No doubt that Dan (and everyone else) had noticed, but I guess since he loves me—flaws and all— he was willing to overlook the mess. At least that’s what I told myself. Even though I urged him to point these things out in the future, when he informed me of a long hair growing out of my chin some years later, I said, “That’s not possible!”. There must be something wrong with me. Only men have coarse facial hair! Women have faint “peach fuzz.” Was I a freak of nature or were other women silently going through this same experience? I was in my early 50s then. Now, 10 years later, I watch for those sneaky chin hairs to pop up before Dan has a chance to point them out. One of the main causes of facial hair in women is hormones—particularly male hormones. Since male hormones surge in us during puberty and menopause, these are the times when hair growth can take on a life of its own. Men also get wild hairs as they age. Some look like chia pet plants with long hair protruding from ears and noses. While the fine, downy

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ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSES OF FACIAL HAIR IN WOMEN IS HORMONES— PARTICULARLY MALE HORMONES. hair in our ears and noses serve as filters from dust particles, long hairs are a sign of later-life changing hormones. You can accept that explanation, or this one: As men lose hair on their head, it’s looking for another escape route. I frequently notice women gesturing to their male partners about food caught in the corner of their mouth or mustache, and picking lint from their sweater. It baffles me that we don’t extend the same kind gesture to bushy, wayward nose and ear hair. Or maybe we do, and men feel it’s new masculine hair replacing what once was on top, or a new crop of hair they don’t have to shave every day like their face. I don’t want to insult, but I’ll just put it out there: Electric trimmers are inexpensive, simple to use and an easy solution. (Just sayin’) As for ears and noses appearing to get bigger as we age, that’s actually just a trick of gravity. Isn’t aging fun? Denial is one road to take as we age, but keeping our sense of humor and rolling with the surprises life hands our bodies is a lot more fun. ■

Call me today to start your way to an easier lifestyle. I will help you navigate the way whether you are buying, selling, transitioning or investing.

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ALIVE & DIGGING

NOW IS THE TIME TO PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES Mesa Feed Mart has 126 varieties of vegetable seed available in quantities as little as 1/2 ounce and larger quantities that can be special ordered. Below are some great planting ideas for summer. Late Spring/ Summer planting: Beans, beets and peas These fast-growing and warm weather veggies are great for June or July planting. The “Cs”: cabbage, carrots, corn and cucumbers - These vegetables will produce in abundance, and they need to be planted after the last frost in warm soil. You can plant them as late as July.

Herbs - Annual herbs such as basil, dill, oregano and thyme love the heat. It’s best to plant them in June. Melons and squash - Great for long, hot summers, melons and squash are a staple for picnics and family fun. Radishes - With only 20 days to maturity, radishes are vegetables that keep giving all summer long. Come by Mesa Feed Mart and check out all our varieties. Watch for next month’s column: “It’s Not Too Late to Plant Summer Flowers.”

Mesa Feed Mart

242-7762 • 520 S. 9th St., Grand Junction www.mesafeedmart.com

How to create backyard systems inspired by nature

icture endless rows of corn—as in, you can’t see anything but corn and machines. Now picture a forest—ferns collecting speckles of sunlight beneath aspen and evergreen trees, a thick layer of leaves beneath your feet. Everything in the garden exists somewhere between these extremes. As home gardeners, we can draw insight from both ends of the spectrum to create backyard systems we truly love.

FROM BEETLES TO BACTERIA Countless organisms interact with one another in soil. As they break down organic matter (leaves, twigs, dead things), their web of activity enhances the soil, filling it with pockets that store water for plants. Healthy soil captures carbon and recycles the nutrients that feed plants, animals and humans. Above ground, a variety of annuals and perennials, fruits, roots and greens creates a diverse habitat for insects and critters. While it might be tempting to defend our gardens against all the bugs that nibble on the food we’re growing, they, too, contribute to a diverse garden ecosystem. Invite beneficial critters into your garden with small ponds, safe spaces and season-long blooms, and by avoiding toxic fertilizers and chemicals. Finding ways to align biodiversity with your values is fun and beneficial for both you and all living things in your garden. Here are two of my favorites:

HOW TO PLANT TOMATOES INTO A BED OF BUCKWHEAT Last month, we planted a bed of buckwheat to keep our tomato bed nice and cozy. You can cut all the buckwheat back or keep some along the edges of the bed. Cut the buckwheat at its base and

22 | HOME & GARDEN | MAY 2020 |

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use the clippings to mulch around the tomatoes after you’re finished planting. In a row, place three stakes firmly in the ground, each 6 feet apart. Between each stake, plant four tomato plants. Dig deep holes, evenly spaced between stakes. The holes should be almost deep enough to bury the whole tomato plant. Add about 1 teaspoon of Azomite (a natural trace mineral that helps plants absorb calcium) to each hole. Fill the holes with water, then prepare your plant starts by pinching off any suckers that may be starting to pop out from between stems. Pull the plants out of their pots, loosen the roots with your hands, and remove all lower stems. When you bury the stem, roots will emerge from that lower stem, giving your plant more capacity to root itself firmly in the soil. Fill remaining gaps with soil and tamp down on the soil surrounding each plant so that the roots can make good contact with the soil. If you’re using drip lines, now’s the time to set them in place. Tomatoes prefer to be watered from below. Lastly, create a trellis by tying a strong twine to the end stake, just a few inches off the ground. Pull the twine across one side of the plants below the first branching stem.

ALIVE & DIGGING

IF ALL THREE SPROUTS COME UP, THIN MOUNDS SO THAT ONE STRONG PLANT COMES UP FROM EACH MOUND. OPT FOR BUSH BEANS IN PLACE OF SQUASH ANYWHERE YOU’RE LIMITED ON SPACE. Wrap it all the way around the middle stake(s), then continue on towards the other end-stake. Wrap it twice around, then pull the twine back toward the middle stake along the other side of the plants. Wrap it around the middle stake, then pull it towards the stake you started with, again hugging opposite sides of the plants, and secure it tightly. Pull the branching stems over the twine so that the plants’ lowest stems are supported. If your starts are tall, add another line of twine a few inches above this bottom one. Repeat this process as your plants grow taller. Keep caring for your plants as they grow by pinching off suckers, weeding, and cutting back buckwheat if it begins to block the tomatoes’ sunlight.

PLANT THE THREE SISTERS With origins in Mesoamerica, corn, beans and squash have coevolved over thousands of years. Together, they’re called the Three Sisters. Sweet, dent, flint or flour corn is the big sister, providing support for climbing, nitrogen-fixing pole beans, which pull nitrogen from the air into the soil, benefiting all three plants. Squashes’ large leaves are a living mulch that keep the soil cool and moist and suppress weeds. Soak corn seeds in water for a few hours before planting. Consider growing an organic, heirloom variety of sweet corn, popping corn or flour corn. Corn is heavily industrialized, and we gardeners can each do our part to preserve and perpetuate some incredible yet fading varieties.

Everything’s coming up roses at

Use your finger to make 3-4inch holes, 6 inches apart. Leave at least a foot of spacing around the outside of your grid. Once corn sprouts are 4 inches tall, sow a row of pole beans around the perimeter of your grid. Finally, around the edge of your bed, create small mounds of soil 18 inches apart, and sow three squash seeds in each mound. Later, if all three sprouts come up, thin your mounds so that one strong plant comes up from each mound. Squash plants will spread outward and you’ll need room for weeding and harvesting. Opt for bush beans in place of squash anywhere you’re limited on space. Add more sisters like sunflowers,

SHOW US YOUR GARDEN! Share your photos with us on Facebook. Tag @BEACON Senior News nasturtiums, bergamot and marigolds to attract beneficial insects, deter squash bugs, and look pretty.

DON’T FORGET Wait until Mother’s Day to transplant tomatoes, peppers and basil, as they’re especially sensitive to cold. Have a few sheets on hand to cover beds in case of late spring freezes. ■

ALIVE & DIGGING BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Honor your health and our public lands How to recreate responsibly during COVID-19

Photo by Sara Brooker Courtesy of Colorado Canyons Association

ondering what Safer at Home guidelines mean for recreation in our National Conservation Areas (NCAs)? As people begin to cautiously leave their homes, we must continue to make responsible decisions while on our public lands. Check out the following recommendations and guidelines to recreate in the NCAs responsibly.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Although we all love hitting the trails with friends and family, we must continue to practice social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. While this doesn’t mean you have to hike alone, it does mean that you need to maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others while hiking, and 15 feet of distance if running or biking. It’s also recommended to only hike with your immediate household

24 | MAY 2020 |

members and to wear a cloth mask whenever you leave your house. The NCAs and other public lands throughout the Western Slope have seen increased usage during this time. Many trailheads and popular recreation spots have become extremely crowded. If you arrive at a trailhead and it’s full of cars, please go to a less crowded area or return at a later time. Rabbit Valley, Bridgeport and Escalante Canyon are among the areas being overused. Both Mesa County’s and the State of Colorado’s Safer at Home guidelines specify that you should not travel outside of your local community for recreational activities.

AVOID RISK With hospital facilities and health care workers stretched thin, it’s extremely important to avoid risk. Hospital beds and ambulances are extremely limited right now,

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therefore “riskier” activities such as climbing, downhill skiing, and other adventure sports aren’t advised. People should think about how risky activities put unnecessary stress on our emergency service providers and could take away resources from those battling COVID-19. Minimize this impact by avoiding risk and being prepared.

STAY LOCAL We care deeply about the safety of our communities. To help prevent the spread of the virus to others, the governor’s Safer at Home guidelines strictly prohibit unnecessary travel, which includes travel for outdoor recreation. Luckily, on the Western Slope, we have abundant outdoor recreation opportunities right in our own backyard! Please stick to your local trails. Safer at Home emphasizes staying within 10 miles of your home for outdoor recreation.

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ON TRAILS, AS OTHERS MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF GETTING SICK. RESPECT BLM FACILITIES The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing our NCAs. However, as with many other businesses and agencies, the BLM has had to make changes in their current operations. Keep in mind that many facilities, such as toilets, may be closed. Please be respectful of these facilities. When enjoying the outdoors, bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

LEAVE NO TRACE As always, it’s crucial to follow LNT

LET’S STAY STRONG TOGETHER

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

principles. With increased visitation of our many recreation areas, it’s important now more than ever. These principles not only help us protect the land, but each other as well. Here are some key points to remember when following LNT: • Plan and prepare. Make sure the activity/trail you are about to recreate on is a responsible choice during this time. Ask yourself: Can I do this activity safely? Will the trail be too crowded? Pack plenty of water, food and First Aid, just in case. • Walk, camp and drive on durable surfaces. As always, it’s important to stay on designated trails to protect our fragile desert environment. This principle applies to vehicles as well. With trailheads becoming overcrowded, many people are parking in undesignated spots, running over fragile soil and plants. This is incredibly destructive to the habitat. If you can’t find a parking space, go to another trail in the area or come

back at a later time. • Dispose of waste properly. Now more than ever, make sure you pack all of your garbage and waste out. This removes the risk of someone else having to pick up your trash and potentially coming in contact with coronavirus. Since bathrooms may be closed, follow LNT recommendations (In most locations, burying human feces in the correct manner is the most effective method). Land management agencies can advise you of specific rules for the area you plan to visit. Click here for a complete list of LNT principles.

RESPECT OTHER VISITORS Again, please maintain social distancing while on trails, as others may have an increased risk of getting sick. Stop occasionally so other visitors may pass by you at a safe distance. Give out smiles and words of kindness freely—everyone needs positivity in their lives right now! ■

Our office is temporarily closed in respect of social separation, but we choose to be optimistic and focus on the future!

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Giving to those who have served our country offers great returns Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Rifle is the best-kept secret on the Western Slope. Our skilled nursing facility offers a unique experience, bringing camaraderie back into the lives of our nation’s heroes. Each veteran who walks through our doors has a past only few can imagine. Here, they have the opportunity to come together once again, linking arms and sharing stories seldom understood.

We recognize the need for our veterans to share their most intimate stories of patriotism. With caring hearts, we offer comfort and understanding.

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TRAVEL

See the world while staying home 8 books to sustain the travel bug

By Victor Block

op aboard the fabled Orient Express train. Pedal the route of the famous Tour de France Monisha Rajesh bicycle race. Explore the colorful canals and history-rich streets of Venice. So what if you can’t make these inviting journeys right now? You can still take virtual trips that immerse you in the sights, sounds and other appeals

of those and other places, and experiences, by reading about them. The books described below—some new, some old—are rated among the most outstanding travel writing in recent years. Let your eyes do the walking and your imagination can lead you to places you may have visited, and others you’d like to when things return to normal.

Jan Morris' "The World of Venice" captures the city's essence better than any other book.

26 | TRAVEL | MAY 2020 |

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The deserts of Dubai as mentioned in "The Falcon Thief."

TRAVEL 1) “Around the World in 80 Trains” by Monisha Rajesh describes a globe-straddling rail journey through North America, Europe and Asia. It includes a high-altitude ride in Tibet, trans-Canadian journey, and the luxurious Venice Simplon Orient-Express. In addition to descriptions of train trips and destinations, the author brings to life fascinating people she encounters along the way. 2) “French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France" by Tim Moore. Pedal power is the mode of transportation that moves author Tim Moore as he attempts to cover the entire course of the legendary French bike race. Moore is one of the select writers of comic travel-

British airline that operated from 1924 to 1939— with equally intriguing stories by fictionalized narrators. 4) “The World of Venice” by Jan Morris. When it comes to books about destinations seldom, if ever, has the essence of a city been better described than in this. award-winning tome. It's not a guide or history book, but rather one that absorbs the reader into the character and life of that magnificent city. Venice comes alive almost as if the reader were there enjoying its architecture, canals, curiosities and, above all, its people. 5) “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz covers the world in scope. The latest

The luxurious Venice Simplon Orient Express is one of the globe-straddling rail journeys described in Monisha Rajesh's "Around the World in 80 Trains." ogues, and his words make enjoyable reading for everyone from serious bikers to those who have never set foot on a pedal. 3) “The Journey Matters: Twentieth-Century Travel in the True Style” by Jonathan Glancey. Excursions rather than destinations are the focus of this book. The author brings to life the Golden Age of Travel, when getting to a destination was as important and enjoyable as being there. He augments accounts of journeys he took—like crossing the Atlantic on the SS Normandie and flying from England to Singapore with England’s Imperial Airways, a

edition takes almost 500 pages illustrated by some 1,100 photographs to highlight what the author considers to be the Earth’s “must-see” attractions. They cover the gamut from the Cappadocia region of Turkey—a geologically moonscaped area of rock towers—to cheetahs hunting for prey in Kenya to China's rugged Huangshan Mountains.

China's Huangshan Mountains are among the spots mentioned in Patricia Schultz's "1,000 Places to See Before You Die." are highlighted, they live up to the book’s name in terms of both obscurity and appeal. Included are little-known citadels that are reachable only on foot, jungle-blanketed remains of the great Mayan civilization, and underwater ruins buried deep in the Pacific Ocean. 7) “Lonely Planet's Best Travel Destinations.” More accessible sites are previewed in the 2020 edition of this annual collation of hot spots, which ranks the Top 10 countries (number one is Bhutan), cities (Salzburg, Austria) and best value destinations (Indonesia). Other “Best” ratings include new places to stay and new food experiences.

8) “The Falcon Thief” by Joshua Hammer. Those who prefer to combine a bit of intrigue with their travel reading are likely to find this book to be a page-turner. The story is a fact-based crime adventure about a wildlife detective seeking to apprehend a globe-trotting smuggler who spent two decades capturing rare birds and their eggs. The story whisks readers from the Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe and the deserts of Dubai to the volcanoes of Patagonia and frigid tundra near the Arctic Circle. This book is available as an eBook through OverDrive for Mesa County Libraries and Montrose Regional Library card holders. ■

This book is available now as an eBook through OverDrive for Mesa County Libraries and Montrose Regional Library card holders. 6) “Hidden Places” by Sarah Baxter. While only 25 destinations

Mayan ruins buried in the jungle are one of 25 must-see destinations in Sarah Baxter's book, "Hidden Places." WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | TRAVEL |

FAITH

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High By Vic Stinemetze

n 1941, while America was deeply involved in World War II, 52 young men from Seadrift, a small town in Texas, went off to war. “All the people in the city was praying for everybody,” said one survivor. Another said, “If somebody wouldn’t have been praying for us, I don’t think a lot of us would make it back.” “We knew God was going to take care of us,” another man said. The pastor of a small church in Seadrift came up with this idea: Members of the church brought in photographs of their sons, which were framed and arranged in a collage that congregation and community members prayed over. One intercessor wrote, “We all began to get a burden for those boys and so we began to meet and pray for their safety. We stood on Psalm 91. It seemed like we read that every time we would meet. We didn’t only pray at the church—we prayed at home also. It seemed like that burden just stayed with us.” When the war was over, all 52 of those young men returned home safely. Psalm 91 says this: Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and

PRAYER FOR TODAY By Nona Kelley Carver

I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you will not even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them; I will reward them with long life and give them my salvation.” Today we face a different kind of war. Our enemy is silent and invisible. But just like Psalms says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my Name. When they call on me, I will answer. I will be with them in trouble.” My wife and I made the choice years ago to come under his covering. It was the best decision we ever made. Storms come and storms go. Scripture says, “In this world, you will have tribulation.” But if you make the Most High your shelter, his faithful promises will be your armor and protection. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved. ■

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28 | FAITH | MAY 2020 |

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Dear Lord, please grant me Courage, And patience for Today. Some grace to meet The challenges That seem to come My way. I need some sense of Humor To lighten up a bit, And perhaps plain old Endurance When I’d really like to Quit! Please let me think Of others As I go along my  Way, And spread a little Happiness To brighten up their Day. And thanks for always Listening To each and every Prayer, And sending down Your blessings, To let us know you Care. ©1997 Nona Kelley Carver

Psalms 5:3b: O Lord, in the morning, I will direct my prayer unto thee.

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT

Compassionate Friends in times of grief

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

“The friendship and understanding provided by those who have walked the same road is the best support one can find.” - Simon Stephens, Compassionate Friends founder By Diana Barnett

osing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. After Alice Monroe lost a teenage son in an automobile accident years ago, she became the lost one. Although she had support from friends and family, it was difficult for her to regain any level of normalcy. Margaret and David Palo lost their son in 1978. Church friends and family were supportive but couldn’t relate to the tragic circumstances to offer the help the Palos needed. The couple had heard of an organization that supported grieving parents but no one seemed to know its name. Two years later, the Palos saw an episode of the Phil Donahue Show featuring an interview with an Illinois chapter of Compassionate Friends. Margaret solicited help from friends and acquaintances who’d lost children and formed a chapter locally. The first meeting was held at her house in the fall of 1980. “The group planned for our first meeting, and took information letters to doctors, ministers and morticians in our community to gather support,” said Margaret. “We were surprised at the turnout.” It was the 200th chapter in the U.S. to be chartered and is currently in its 40th year of supporting families who have lost children.

SILVER LININGS Sometimes positive things come from difficult circumstances. Margaret was able to use her “grief energy” to form the local chapter. “Often, grieving parents may decide to return to college and pursue degrees in counseling to help others in a professional setting,” said Margaret.

After being introduced to Compassionate Friends, Monroe and her husband, Daryl, focused on providing a refuge for other grieving parents. With help from many volunteers, the Monroes built the “Wing and a Prayer” chapel, located near their home in Glade Park. Members of Compassionate Friends convene there every August to honor their loved ones. Members also attend HopeWest’s annual Light Up a Life ceremony in December in both Grand Junction and Montrose. Compassionate Friends supports all who’ve been affected by a child’s death (at any age and from any cause) through peer counseling, education and group meetings. This all-volunteer group exists to provide friendship, understanding and hope. Siblings and parents are usually the first line of grief, but grandparents also grieve and can be affected by their own children’s grief.

FINDING SUPPORT The local chapter meets monthly from 7-8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. in Grand Junction. But, due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, meetings are temporarily canceled. “Sometimes a physical connection means a lot, especially if it’s coming from someone you don’t know who understands the trauma you’re in,” said long-time friend Betty Hancock. “I’ve helped so many people over the years, it breaks my heart that I’m unable to be there in person to give them a hug and help them at this time.” Even though meetings are on hold, you can still reach out for support. Call Alice at 241-6346 or Betty at 434-3822. To learn more, visit www.compassionatefriends.org. ■

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n 24-hour emergency response system n Flexible care options to meet your current and future needs n Temporary assisted stays n Customized wellness program helps you “Stay Fit for Life!”

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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT |

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

A day just for Mom [COVID edition]

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he role of mothers in shaping their children’s lives is unsurpassed. Mothers teach us to love, be strong, confident, persist, live life to its fullest and be the best we can be. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10. Coronavirus aside, give her the gift of your heart and time and make it a special day she’ll treasure. Here are some ideas: Mother’s Day brunch - Serve Mom a scrumptious breakfast or bring her takeout from her favorite local restaurant. For her safety (and yours), consider preparing it at home and enjoying it with her outdoors in the backyard or patio, or even over FaceTime. The following menu will be sure to make her smile: fruit salad, juice, waffles or pancakes with her favorite blueberry or strawberry topping, Canadian bacon or fresh sausage, omelets or eggs benedict, homemade hash browns, and coffee cake or Danishes. Plant spring blooms - If Mom’s a gardener, chances are she’s spending a lot of time these days in the garden. Bring her favorite annuals and perennials. You can even help her plant—just keep your distance. Create a memory book - Give Mom a keepsake that'll be dear to her heart, with which she can pass the time. Create your own memory book. Use a scrapbook or journal and include photos and memories about special times the two of you have had together, important things you remember about her from your childhood, how she’s inspired you, and the times you look forward to in the future.

Family portrait - If your family is like most, you're well overdue for an updated family portrait. Schedule to have your family's picture taken at a studio, or hire a photographer for a photoshoot in the park once this pandemic is over. Many photographers are supplementing their lost income from cancelled events during COVID-19 by offering gift certificates at a discounted rate. Coordinate with family members in advance on the formality and color scheme, so outfits don't clash. Inform Mom how to dress for her special day, but keep the reason a surprise. Poetry - You don't need to be a poet to write a special verse for Mom. In your poem, share what it was like growing up with her, how she influenced your life, or tell her what she means to you. Then print it on stationery, and matte and frame it. A little pampering - Mothers spend years pampering their children and caring for them when they're ill. Give Mom a gift certificate for pampering at the spa where she can enjoy a Swedish massage, hair design, manicure and pedicure, or a soothing facial once it’s safe to do so. You could even compile items such as bath salts/ bombs, facial masks, lotions and candles (and a good book) into a gift basket for her to use at her convenience. Keep it simple - Spend some time together outdoors. Head to a nearby park where you can meander along nature trails reminiscing, walk your dogs, or take a scenic bike ride. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

To be a volunteer, it takes… Generosity; a willingness to give your time to others. Understanding, because their lives might be very different from your own. Empathy; an ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes, and feel what they must feel. Compassion, to truly care about making someone else's life better. Patience, because the process doesn't always go as smoothly as it might. Dedication, to stick with the project and see it through. Volunteer with us! Call the Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion Programs (970)298-9091 www.WesternSlopeSeniorVolunteers.org

Volunteer of the Year voting extended! Deadline July 31 Grand Junction BeaconFest is rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19, and so is our 2020 Volunteer of the Year ceremony. All volunteers will be recognized and the winner will be announced at BeaconFest at Two Rivers Convention Center. Click here to vote.

1) Read about each volunteer 2) Choose your favorite volunteer: ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Laurie Buniger Randy Cook Karen Hughes Jerry Johnson Barb Kremski

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Tricia Powell Cathy Thomas Deborah Thompson Ed Wacker Becky Walker

3) Cast your vote Vote online at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com or mail this ballot to: BEACON Senior News, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 The last day to vote is July 31. Mail-in ballots must be received by Friday, July 31.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 |

FINANCE

The SECURE Act

Boon for seniors’ retirement finances but understand the risks By Karen Telleen-Lawton

C Senior Insurance Broker Specializing in: • Medicare Advantage or Supplement • Medicare and Medicaid Insurance • Term and Whole Life Insurance • Final Expense Insurance • Cancer Insurance • Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance • Dental and Vision Insurance • Legal Shield • Identity Shield

OVID-19 and its far-reaching effects have dominated the news for months. Fears of illness and financial instability are both overwhelming stressors for seniors. A deep concern for many is expressed in a World Economic Forum prediction that the average 65-year-old will outlive his or her savings by a decade or more. The SECURE Act of 2020 was designed to address this prediction. The House version passed back in July 2019 with a phenomenally bipartisan vote of 417 to 3. The Senate acted on a modified bill in the fall, which become law December 2019. The SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) is designed to encourage and strengthen personal retirement accounts. While there are promising provisions, it pays to understand the details of the act. The financial industry spent millions of dollars in lobbying efforts—a strong indicator of who expects to benefit. So, what’s in it for your average seniors? The act’s three main provisions call for: • Helping to reduce small employer set-up costs for retirement plans. • Increasing access to annuities options inside retirement accounts. • Major changes to the rules governing retirement accounts and required minimum distributions.

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PART-TIME BENEFITS For small businesses, SECURE aims to reduce the cost and administrative headaches of setting up employee 401(k) retirement accounts. It offers employers a $500 tax credit for starting such accounts. It also increases the cap from 10 to 15

THE SECURE ACT IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE AND STRENGTHEN PERSONAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. percent of wages under which small businesses can set up automatic “safe harbor” retirement plans. Finally, it allows part-time workers to be included if they work a minimum of 1000 hours or 500 hours for three consecutive years. An increasing number of seniors work part-time hours. This new provision allowing seniors to continue setting aside retirement money is a valuable asset. Depending on your circumstances, you may be better off saving outside of a small company plan, which may have higher costs than large companies can negotiate. But unless you are uber-disciplined to do it on your own, a company retirement plan is a great option. The main advantage is that it reduces your temptation to spend those funds.

THE RISKS OF ANNUITIES Annuities are an even trickier issue. They are sound in theory—you can think of them as a private version of Social Security. You put down a sum of money (or a stream of money from each paycheck) and in return receive a monthly check for the rest of your life (or a specified period of time). The complexity emerges in the details. For retirement account holders, the fees paid can be both steep and obscure. Whether considering a purchase within or outside a retirement account, it’s imperative to understand the fees before you choose to invest in an annuity. Moreover, private annuities aren’t

FINANCE backed by the federal government like Social Security. In the years or decades before a worker begins to collect on an annuity, the insurance company offering the product may go out of business. This can be catastrophic for the retiree as well as a liability for the employer offering the retirement account. The annuities provision in the SECURE Act encourages employers to offer annuities in retirement plans. Before the Act, few companies offered annuities, partially because of the risk in choosing an insurance company that could go out of business in the years or decades before the retired employee begins to the payout. Annuities’ high fees have also made them an unpopular choice for workers even when offered. The Act may increase annuities’ popularity to companies by reducing their liability if the insurer goes bankrupt. On the other hand, that could result in more insurance companies with dubious reputations offering

annuities. The issue of annuities being laden with fees is also not addressed. It remains to be seen whether workers choose this option. Whether or not annuities are part of your IRA package, other provisions of SECURE make it highly relevant for upcoming seniors. The Act brings about significant changes to IRA distribution rules. It allows seniors in the workforce to continue contributing to their IRAs after age 70-1/2 (the previous limit). It also pushes to 72 (from 70 ½) the age at which account owners need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs). Other new provisions involve rules around inherited IRAs. Check with your accountant or tax advisor for details on which provisions apply to you. As with any part of your retirement plan, it pays to understand the details. We all hope to make it to the other side of COVID-19’s reaches. When we do, let’s arrive with our health—and our retirement plans—intact. ■

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Safety is their priority: Local hospitals go

above in patient, staff safety during COVID-19 I n an environment that already featured significant challenges for rural hospitals, our community hospitals have taken on one more important challenge: fighting COVID-19. Hospitals across the nation have opened COVID-specific units to care for both critically ill ventilated patients and those with minimal need for respiratory support, in addition to continuing to care for patients in all other areas of the hospitals. Many hospitals, including those locally, have established multiple protocols to keep patients safe no matter what they’re seeking care for. At Grand Junction’s Community Hospital, additional safety measures include screening everyone who enters the hospital, requiring

Editor’s note: This story is mostly a compilation of resources and reports from press releases we’ve received from St. Mary’s Hospital and Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Delta County Memorial Hospital and Montrose Memorial Hospital (as of 5/1/2020). It’s important for readers to know that while all our hospitals are going the extra mile to ensure patient and staff safety, they likely have differences in policies and procedures. Check with your preferred hospital for their most up-to-date COVID safety news and information.

all staff to wear a mask while at work, regular and rigorous cleaning throughout the facility, and encouraging people to call their provider or emergency department prior to presenting to the health care facility. Montrose Memorial Hospital (MMH) follows guidance from government and public health officials, including establishing nonCOVID Care zones, having social

distancing measures, and applying pre-screenings. Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) staff encourages residents to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home when possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick, wear a mask when leaving the house, and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. A press release from St. Mary’s

Hospital in Grand Junction assures patients that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital’s emergency rooms are prepared and ready for medical emergencies of all kinds. “Emergency medical conditions don’t stop even for a global pandemic,” said St. Mary’s Emergency Department Medical Director William Hilty, MD. “We are seeing patients in the emergency room that are worried to be here, including parents with infants that have high fevers. They visibly relax once we show them that our respiratory patients have a completely separate triage process.” St. Mary’s Hospital is keeping all other patients safe and separated from respiratory patients by having completely separate waiting rooms, exam rooms, and even entrances.

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

ELECTIVE SURGERIES RESUMING With the state transitioning to a more relaxed “safer at home” initiative, hospitals are announcing that some elective surgeries will resume. A press release from DCMH states that elective surgeries will resume April 29 based on physician discretion for conditions that are non-life-threatening. DCMH has been and will continue to perform all urgent and emergent procedures while ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and other hospital resources are maintained in adequate supply to meet the critical care needs of the community. “As a rural hospital, we were not mandated to postpone elective surgeries, however, Delta Hospital chose to delay non-critical and non-emergency procedures to allow our medical system to prepare for new demands as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to conserve our PPE,” said DCMH CEO Matthew Heyn. “As we begin to reintegrate core health care services, all patients will be COVID-19 tested prior to having a procedure performed.” DCMH also recommends patients isolate for up to 10 days prior to elective surgeries and asks that patients wear a mask upon entering the hospital. Protocols such as verbal screenings for all persons prior to entering the hospital and clinics will also remain in place as well as pre-operation testing on all patients and certain visitor restrictions with exceptions. MMH and Black Canyon Surgical Center restored elective procedures beginning Monday, April 27 with strong adherence to extra precautions. MMH also announced that they would re-open diagnostic testing, imaging and physical therapy services in a limited capacity. “Our top priority is to offer elective surgeries to our community in the safest way possible,” said MMH CEO James Kiser. “We are working closely with our surgeons to ensure this goal is met. We will be taking

extra precautions to ensure our patients, staff and providers have a safe environment for everyone involved.”

TELEHEALTH AND TESTING Community Hospital is among the hospitals that are expanding telemedicine services to allow patients to meet with their provider remotely during COVID-19. “Telemedicine is something that we have offered for many years both in our clinical settings and at the hospital but COVID-19 has certainly underscored the importance of this additional health care resource for our patients,” said Community Hospital President and CEO Chris Thomas. DCMH will continue to prioritize COVID-19 testing resources toward hospitalized, critically-ill patients, health care personnel appropriate for testing and those on a case-bycase basis. Patients can be tested when recommend by their primary care provider. COVID-19 tests are now being performed at DCMH primary care clinics. “We are confident that these continued precautionary measures will keep our patients, staff and community safe as we move forward,” said Heyn. “As we move into the Safer-at-Home guidelines in response to COVID-19, we want our community to know that we have been and are prepared to continue adapting to the new phases of the pandemic.”

DON’T PUT OFF EMERGENCY CARE Though these safety measures add an extra layer of precaution in preventing the spread of the virus, health care providers want to reassure people that it is safe to access health care in the hospital setting or physician’s office. Hospitals have seen a significant decline in patient visits during COVID-19 and there is a growing concern that residents are foregoing medical treatment, even in emergency situations, which can

be life threatening. “We have seen a dramatic drop in stroke patients at the ER and that is worrisome,” said St. Mary’s Hospital Stroke Coordinator Kelly Arnold. “We know that the rate of stroke has not slowed, so the conclusion is that these patients are not getting the treatment they need.” Delaying a trip to the emergency

room can have devastating consequences. No matter how serious the situation, St. Mary’s wants people to know that they offer the highest level of ER care in a completely safe environment. Please don’t hesitate to call 911 or get to the ER right away. Emergencies don’t stop for COVID-19 and neither do our medical teams. ■

CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED HOSPITAL FOR MORE INFO: Community Hospital: www.YourCommunityHospital.com Delta County Memorial Hospital: www.DeltaHospital.org Montrose Memorial Hospital: www.MontroseHospital.com St. Mary’s Hospital: www.sclhealth.org/locations/st-marys-medical-center Family Health West: www.fhw.org

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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 |

CALENDAR Editor’s note: This month, we’ve done our best to compile a calendar with upcoming VIRTUAL events. For more up-to-date events, visit our website event calendar.

Mesa County Libraries VIRTUAL events

During the COVID-19 statewide stay at home/safer at home orders, Mesa County Libraries will provide digital adult programming and activities via its social media channels and Google Hangouts. Check out the library’s YouTube Channel or Facebook Page for live videos, pre-recorded content, and activities for you to view and follow along with at home! Download the Google Hangouts app from the Apple Store or Google Play to join from a cell phone or tablet device, or access the Hangout here directly from your desktop.

• May 6 at 6 p.m.

Poetry with Tori Milner

Tori Miner is a local poet who will share original poetry that will uplift our spirits. Tune into the library’s YouTube or Facebook Page. Tori is known for her poetry readings and is a frequent contributor at the Cavalacade in Fruita.

• May 5 & 19 at 2 p.m.

Creative Fiber Arts Club

People of all ages and skill levels can create and converse while working on crochet, knitting or another art project. This club normally meets at the Clifton Branch Library on the third Tuesday of every month, however for now,

36 | CALENDAR | MAY 2020 |

this program will be offered twice monthly online! Click here for the Google Hangouts login info.

• May 7 at 1 p.m.

UFO Crafternoons

Join us virtually with your latest craft project. This is a great time to finish those up or at least get reacquainted with them, and one another, as we're staying safe at home. Click here for the Google Hangouts login info.

• May 12 & 25 at 2 p.m.

Virtual Book Discussion

Join us via Google Hangouts the second and fourth Tuesday of the month to discuss what you've been reading! Click here for the Google Hangouts login info.

• May 14 at 6 p.m.

AARP Avoiding Coronavirus Fraud & Scams

Learn about which scams and instances of fraud are being reported to the Colorado Attorney General’s office and which scams are likely to surface in the coming months. Tune into the library’s YouTube or Facebook Page.

• May 21 at 6:30 p.m.

KIVA Book Club: What are you reading?

Since we cannot get patrons copies of May's title, we'll be meeting to discuss "whatever you are

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

currently reading." Everyone will get an opportunity to talk about what they're reading and whether or not they would recommend it to others. No two people read the same book, hence interesting discussions! Click here for the Google Hangouts login info.

May 4

Personal Protective Equipment: Requirements and Best Practices for Serving Older Adults virtual meeting

Colorado Gerontological Society is dedicated to providing you with tools so you can continue to provide services and support to older adults during this critical time. Join us for a virtual conversation on Protective Personal Equipment at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Click here to register. Feel free to submit questions in advance by emailing maria. madrid@senioranswers.org or you can ask during the conversation.

May 5

Western Colorado Astronomy Club virtual meeting

Club meetings for the near future will all be hosted via Facebook Live from 6-8 p.m. Click here to join the live event. This month, our own tech whiz Robert Madsen will present the World Wide Telescope, an amazing piece of software developed by the American Astronomical Society that allows you to tour the universe from your computer. You can even author your own guided tours to share with family and friends.

May 5

Writer’s Night virtual

workshop: Write What You Don’t Know Join poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer and learn how to let curiosity and uncertainty drive your writing into fresh, resonant new regions. Trommer served as the third Colorado Western Slope Poet Laureate from 2015-2017; and co-directs Telluride’s Talking Gourds Poetry Club. Her poetry has appeared in “O Magazine,” on “A Prairie Home Companion,” and on river rocks. Her most recent collections are “Hush,” winner of the Halcyon Prize for poems of human ecology, and “Naked for Tea,” a finalist for the Able Muse book award. Since 2006, she’s written a poem a day. Workshop participation is limited. Email wcwritersforum@gmail.com with your name and email address to register.

May 11

required. For questions and to set up an appointment, call 298-2555.

Montrose Toastmasters virtual open house

Montrose Toastmasters is hosting a virtual open house at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Toastmasters is designed to help members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Now, with our virtual meetings, you can also learn to be more comfortable speaking to the camera.

May 15

Blood Drive in Delta

During this COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado is experiencing a blood shortage. Save a life and donate blood at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Dr. in Delta, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. As a health precaution to maximize social distancing, donations are by appointment only and masks are

May 17

Low-cost pet vaccine clinic

From 9 a.m. to noon at Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction. All appointments must be scheduled in advance. To schedule an appointment, call 434-7337. All vaccine costs are in addition to a mandatory $16 pet exam fee. Click here for info and pricing.

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voaseniorliving.org | 1-844-862-4968 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | CALENDAR |

BEACON BITS Food Bank of the Rockies distributes food boxes to older adults every third Thursday Food Bank of the Rockies is distributing food boxes for low-income older adults in Fruita and Palisade every third Thursday from 2-4 p.m. at their warehouse, 268 N. River Road in Palisade. Food boxes contains non-perishable items provided through the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) such as canned vegetables and fruits, cereal, juice, milk, protein and grains. The box is available to adults 60 and older who meet income requirements. In addition to the boxes, seniors and others in need who may not qualify for the boxes can receive additional items. For information, call 464-1138. Give cash, not cans to local food pantries Due to the COVID crisis, local food pantries are seeing a huge increase in the demand for food while at the same time having to reorganize their operations to drive-thru and mobile delivery in accordance with social distancing requirements. Many volunteer food pantry workers are not able to volunteer because they are vulnerable. Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is hearing from local food pantries that what they really need is funding rather than donated food. Give today at www.wc-cf.org, or mail a check payable to WCCF,

PO Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO 81502 with “Virtual Canned Food Drive” in memo line. Donations will be distributed in grants to food pantries across Western Colorado to purchase needed food items. For details, call 243-3767. Hilltop launches Parent Support Hotline Hilltop’s Family Resource Center has launched a hotline for parents who may be juggling caring for kids and working from home. Parents can now get help with avoiding stress, parenting tips, no-cost ideas for keeping kids entertained, community referrals, or just hearing a friendly voice. Call 244-0660. Staff will be available to answer calls 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Montrose Emergency Relief Fund grants nearly $50,000 to local nonprofits In just two weeks of its inception, the Montrose Community Foundation (MCF) has given out $49,000 in grants to 13 local nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 protective measures through its newly established Montrose Emergency Relief Fund. The fund was created to quickly and nimbly support local nonprofits that are working with communities disproportionately impacted by the economic consequences of this pandemic. Pending further funding, MCF plans to give up to $25,000 each week through May to area

Comfort Keepers delivers 250 care packages to homebound seniors

When everyone is asked to remain at home, Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction wants to make sure that communities know the importance of companionship, even though it may look a little different. The staff assembled and delivered 250 care packages containing a deck of playing cards, coffee/water cup, disinfecting wipes, snacks and an April edition of the BEACON to homebound seniors. Another way Comfort Keepers continues its long-standing tradition of caring for each other on the Western Slope.

nonprofits as they navigate through these challenges through the fund. An anonymous donor has upped the ante with a $50,000 matching grant. Any new donation made to the Montrose Emergency Relief Fund through May 30, 2020 will be matched 50-cents per dollar donated. This means $100,000 needs to be raised in order to unlock an additional $50,000 matching funds. Contributions to the Montrose Emergency Relief Fund can be made at www.montrosecf.org and by mail. All donations are considered a charitable contribution and Montrose Community Foundation is not collecting administrative fees to manage this fund. All funds received will be distributed directly into the community. Make checks out to Montrose Community Foun-

dation, P.O. Box 3020, Montrose, Colorado 81402. For details, call 249-3900. Community Concerts of the Grand Valley takes musical break Community Concerts of the Grand Valley (CCGV) thanks its patrons and supporters for their help throughout past concert seasons. For the health and safety of its dedicated audience, CCGV will be taking a musical break. The season will return in 2021 better and brighter than ever and in a new location—the historic Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction. Like them on Facebook, and keep an eye out for plans to return with the same world-class concerts next year! For details, visit www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or call 243-1979.

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Valley Symphony Association postpones season In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valley Symphony Association (VSA) Board of Directors announced new information regarding the balance of their 49th season concerts at the Montrose Pavilion. • March 29 spring chorus concert, “Heaven & Bluegrass,” has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. March tickets will be honored, and tickets will also be sold at the door. • April 26 spring orchestra concert, “Salutes & Tributes: From Popular to Patriotic,” that was to be performed with the Valley Youth Orchestras, is canceled. The VSA asks that symphony enthusiasts consider their unused tickets as a donation to the VSA, a nonprofit. The VSA will continue to monitor and follow recommendations from the City of Montrose, Montrose County, State of Colorado and Centers for Disease Control as they evolve regarding the coronavirus and large group gatherings. For developing information, visit www. valleysymphony.net or follow them on Facebook @ValleySymphonyAssociation. Questions and concerns may be directed to 275-8676 or info@valleysymphony.net. Community Hospital donates hundreds of masks for homeless population distribution Earlier this month, Community Hospital donated over 300 masks to the Mesa County Emergency Operations Center for distribution to assist the homeless population in our community during COVID-19. Over the last few weeks, the hospital received over 2,000 donated cloth masks from members of the community originally intended for essential staff working at the hospital and outside clinics.

“Because we have received such a large quantity from people wanting to help, we knew this was our opportunity to pay it forward,” President and CEO Chris Thomas said. Community Hospital has also donated masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to Colorado Mesa University, Nuclear Care Partners, HopeWest and other essential businesses in need. For more information, visit www. yourcommunityhospital.com or call 644-3490. Welcome Home Alliance seeks mask, sanitizing donations before reopening As part of a pre-planning process for reopening the facility, Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans in Montrose is seeking donations of masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Call 765-2210 to arrange drop off or pick up. Western Healthcare Alliance shares stories of local hospitals in “The Rural Voice” During these challenging times, Western Healthcare Alliance (WHA), a rural health network based in Grand Junction, is committed to sharing stories of our rural hospitals and communities coming together. “The Rural Voice” is an e-newsletter sharing those stories told by WHA's Community Care Alliance Executive Director Sharma Vaughn. Her extensive experience as a nurse in a rural hospital in Colorado gives her insight into the plight of these small hospitals working hard to support their communities. To read such stories, visit www.wha1.org/the-rural-voice. Love Local Grand Valley: Fruita Chamber opens online store to support small businesses The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce and Western Slope Communications have partnered with Grand Valley Power to launch an online store for members of the community to purchase gift cards,

All Points Transit provides essential rides and delivery services

Due to COVID-19, All Points Transit (APT) continues to provide service in Delta, Montrose and San Miguel counties with a reduced operating schedule. Until further notice, all rides are doorto-door and must be scheduled through dispatch. Rides are available for scheduled medical appointments, prescription pick-up, food and grocery needs, and rides to essential workplaces. Most trips are limited to one rider per bus, and enhanced cleaning protocols are taking place between rides and at the end of the day. Fares are not being accepted on the vehicles to limit physical contact; however, donations are accepted by mail or online. A new service delivers groceries or care packages to current passengers and others in need in Montrose and Delta counties. This service is free thanks to financial support from the El Pomar Foundation, NextFifty Initiative and Region 10 Area Agency on Aging. APT is also assisting Region 10 with meal delivery in Delta, Hotchkiss, Nucla, Norwood and Paonia for community members who formerly utilized the bus to reach senior meal sites. In Montrose and Delta, catered meals are being delivered to four senior living facilities. For more information, to schedule a ride or delivery, or to make a donation, call 249-0128 or visit www.allpointstransit.com

products and services from local businesses that have been impacted by the recent public health crisis. The online store will be available to customers through Wednesday, May 20. Thanks to Grand Valley Power for helping cover processing fees, 100 percent of proceeds through the website go directly to the participating business. To shop, visit www.fruitachamber.org/lovelocalgrandvalley. Giving Tuesday is May 5 GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Organizers are launching #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity to take place on May 5, as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. One of

the best ways to get involved is in your own community. Use their online directory to find organizations, events, and ways to give back in your own community at www. givingtuesday.org/whats-happening-near-me, and read more articles covering ways you can help. Ageless Authors writing contest focuses on Coping with Crisis Coping With Crisis is the theme of a new spur-of-the-moment contest open to senior writers age 50 and older who can enter any of three categories: creative nonfiction prose, fiction prose and poetry in two age classifications. The organization has broadened the contest from emphasizing just “coronavirus” to examining “crisis” in all its forms. Think about other crises and how they have affected you and

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BEACON BITS others. With age has come experience with all kinds of crises. Prose entries should be no longer than 3,500 words. Poetry can be any length. Cash prizes will be awarded from a pot in excess of $1,500. Each entry will be $20. Ageless Authors will also publish some of the best submissions. The contest runs through July. Put your mind and talents to good use during this difficult time. Entrants and contest judges needed for this contest. To enter, visit www.agelessauthors. com/current-contests. Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club cancels May meeting If you’re interested in future square dance lessons, or to be included on the club’s email list, call Paul at 773-4495 or email: deltawriter47@ gmail.com. Avoid scams at home With more Coloradans staying

home than ever during the global coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to review some the ways that scammers might try and take advantage of isolated, financially strapped or bored people. • Imposter scams - Often posing as a government agency (Social Security) or legitimate business (Amazon) and requesting personal, financial information or website login/password. • Employment scams - Looking for a job? Avoid opportunities that sound in any way out of the normal. Be particularly skeptical of work-from-home opportunities during this time. • Romance scams - Bored or lonely? You don’t have to be on a dating site to be targeted by a romance scam. Many of these scams originate on social media sites and apps. Ignore and report

any request for money, goods or personal information.

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• Charity scams - There are lots of organizations doing great work to help out during this difficult time. Make sure your hard-earned money is going to the intended cause by doing your research before giving. Avoid unsolicited requests and seek out organizations to make a donation to.

Mesa County RSVP rolls out COVID resources on website for volunteers, nonprofits Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to local volunteer positions. The nonprofit has added an updated COVID-19 resources tab on its website for volunteers along with urgent volunteer opportunities. Visit www. rsvpgrandjunction.org.

• Door-to-Door scams - Since many people are home, scammers might go door-to-door posing as a Census worker or health official. Census workers are not scheduled to start to visit the homes of those who have not completed the Census until lateMay (which could still be pushed back). If you have a question or report about a scam or instance of fraud contact an AARP ElderWatch volun-

Colorado wineries partner with Colorado Restaurant Association to aid restaurant employees, hospitality workers Many of Colorado's wineries have partnered with the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) to provide aid to restaurant employees and food and beverage hospitality workers who have been impacted as a result of COVID-19. In

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• Using the #DoingMyPartCO hashtag and encourage your networks to post their activities that support the community while following distancing guidelines, especially as it relates to checking on older adults and other vulnerable populations. • Promoting Western Colorado 2-1-1 as a way for people with needs to find current, local help. Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-888-217-1215) from any phone 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or find resources online anytime at www.wc211.org. light of the crisis, CRA has created a COVID-19 specific hub of support services and providing financial assistance through the Angel Relief Fund for restaurant employees and food and beverage hospitality workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19, have been quarantined under doctor's care, or are unable to obtain other support or government resources such as unemploy-

ment. In an effort to continue raising funds for the program, many of Colorado's wineries are donating $1 per bottle sale towards it. For a list of participating wineries, as well as information about wine shipping and deliveries during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.winecolorado. org/colorado-wine-shipping-anddelivery or call 464-0111. ■

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| MAY 2020 | WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM 44 | MAY CLASSIFIEDS 2020 | WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

KUDOS & KVETCH

The great humbling

Is COVID-19 the universe’s way of making a point? By Robyn Justo

suppose that I can make jokes about finding toilet paper on the black market (or brown market), but it might not be too funny when the shit hits the fan. Living on Maui in prior years, I'd seen this before. Hurricane warnings always prompted Hawaiians to run to Costco and fill up their baskets with toilet paper. I’ve always had an insecurity when it comes to toilet paper so I totally get it. In a matter of days, we were forced into a pause—a society suddenly subdued into compliance. At first, my inbox was inundated with conjecture, conspiracy theories, and apocalyptic speculation but I had my own ideas. Having not scrambled for flu shots over the years (and not getting the flu for 13 of those years), I feared the vaccine more than the virus. Then I started noticing that I had a sore throat and the sniffles. I wondered if fear was the real contagion because the more I read about this thing, the worse I felt. I started observing carefully. I noticed careless people throwing caution to the wind with a lack of concern for others, their actions invisibly reverberating throughout the air. Young people thought it would not affect them. Then like Whack-a-Mole, pow! The warhead aimed at the young. We’re in close quarters with the ones we love and proximity breeds contempt. A friend of mine told me that she was ready to whack her husband. I’m alone here but sometimes even I need to sit outside to get away from myself. Life is indeed imitating art. All of the movies about pandemics are out suddenly, and picturing it in our world. Forced and enforced isolation is the perfect example of

“Divide and conquer.” A war would not make people stay inside and neither would the news of an alien invasion. But the mere thought of dying does a pretty good job. Prisoners are now being released and we are being confined. What is wrong with this picture? Our days are slowing down and getting reprioritized. I was shocked the other day when I received a call from an unknown number. It turned out my hairdresser, without asking my permission, gave a single guy my contact information thinking that "we should all have a little fun" while this is going on. A dear friend and former flame I haven’t seen in 15 years texted me. He wanted a recent picture of me so I sent one. He said I still looked glamorous—which I can tell you is not one of my priorities. I was in a sweatshirt (albeit a cute one), holding a bottle of wine. But makeup doesn’t appeal to me one bit. Neither is having a hot date with a stranger who my hairdresser thinks might give me a thrill. Ew. Scammers are heartlessly trying to sell things to desperate people. Where's that Whack-a-Mole now? Perhaps this whole ordeal is the universe’s way of making a point. We are not in control and we are truly one now. EVERYTHING we do affects the whole. If we choose to travel or party like it’s 2020, we subject ourselves to possible disease and those close to us and beyond to the same. Mother Earth might've had enough. We might end up scooting like dogs on the grass to clean ourselves. This is the great humbling. Each morning I open one eye at a time, hoping that the dream has changed from a nightmare to a world where consciousness and compassion reside and conquer. ■

kudos \ ku • dos • “You guys have a pretty good magazine. There is always something in there I like.” - Joe, Orchard Mesa

• Response to “A home for history: Palisade’s first permanent museum opens as soon as this spring” in March’s BEACON:

“Just saw the online edition! Thank you so much for the nice article on the historical society and our museum!” - Priscilla Walker, Palisade Historical Society

• Response to “Ellen Roberts: Fruits farm girl to show girl!” in

March’s BEACON: “Ellen [Roberts] was wonderful to care for my father, which couldn’t have been easy. I am thrilled to see that she has had many amazing adventures over the years. She deserves the very best!” - Nancy F.

kvetch \ kfetch • “I have to write to you and tell you how disappointed I was in the

BEACON for printing that joke in Laughing Matters about Nancy Pelosi. Really? Politics should have no place in your magazine. That was just rude. I am a regular reader and a big fan of the magazine.” - Kathleen, Palisade

• “Which one of you dim bulbs thought that the joke, ‘The old cow,’ was funny? It’s more pathetic than anything, especially now. You should be ashamed for printing such tripe.” - Tom B.

• “I was disgusted to read the Pelosi 'joke' in the April edition. It is sexist and mean spirited and especially at a time when all our leaders are working to save the country." - LA

• Editor’s response: “Thanks to all of you for being faithful BEACON

readers. All jokes are reader-submitted and prepared months ahead of time. While we don't usually discriminate against political jokes, I agree that this particular joke—and the timing of it—was in poor taste. It has been removed from our digital outlets. Please accept our apologies.”

Answers from page 43

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2020 | KUDOS & KVETCH |

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