The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado
JUNE 2022
From Makeup
Motocross pro Pat Jacques blazes the trail for women on motorcycles Weed control methods that work without the chemicals
How to travel on a budget: Explore the world without breaking the bank
ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY SUPPORT
More inspired
than retired.
Spirit, vision and insight. I’ll bring it. I’m appreciated as much for the hopes and aspirations I bring to my community as I am for my accomplishments. What will you bring to Cappella of Grand Junction?
ASK ABOUT OUR MOVE-IN SPECIALS! 970.610.0040 A Neighborhood of
CHRISTIAN LIVING COMMUNITIES
628 26½ Rd. | Grand Junction, CO 81506 | cappellagrandjunction.com
World Class Spinal Care
Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki Spine Surgeon
•Highest commitment to excellence in patient care.
•Focuses on surgical motion preservation in both the cervical and lumbar spine. •Considers spinal fusion only as last-resort when motion preservation is not possible.
Get back to living the life you love. Compassionate, Effective Orthopedic Care
100 Pioneers Medical Center Drive | Meeker, CO 81641 | 970.878.9752 www.coloradoadvancedorthopedics.com
COLORADO
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS
SPORTS MEDICINE & SPINE PIONEERS MEDICAL CENTER
t
Meet
Dr. Amy Archer If you are experiencing pain, inflammation, memory loss, post -covid challenges, diabetes, digestive issues, or hair loss, we have products that can help you.
“Most people treat their bodies like a temporary rental unit,” says Dr. Amy Archer, co-owner of Temple Nutrition. “Due to this, they may face many health problems. I’m passionate about getting people to see their body as a temple and treating it as such.” As a family, holistic and prior U.S. Air Force physician , Dr. Amy learned the importance that nutrition plays in supporting the human body when faced with stress. “Even under the best of circumstances aging is quite stressful to your body,” she says. “I review the supplements and products for our store to make sure they are of supreme quality.” Currently, Dr. Amy works for Family Health West in Fruita and the Redlands. She is board certified in: Family Practice Osteopathic Medicine Holistic/Integrative Medicine In July Dr. Amy will start offering personalized holistic and weight loss consultations. Stop by for more information and meet Dr. Amy!
% 20
Talk with our highly trained and supportive customer service staff members and get started on your health and wellness journey.
970-245-1144
OFF
ONE PRODUCT Expires June 30, 2022
2502 US-6 #400 Grand Junction, CO 81505
1TempleNutrition.com
How has D.A. Davidson helped generations of investors over the last 86 years?
One relationship at a time. Financial and Retirement Planning • Portfolio Management Trust Services and Estate Planning Income Investing and Planning Long-term Care Planning
WAITE
INVESTMENT GROUP John Waite, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor Ben Waite, Financial Advisor
SQUIER & MARTINEZ
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP
Advisors with D.A. Davidson & Co. member SIPC
Cheryl Squier, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor Brooke Martinez, Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor Clay Squier, Financial Advisor
360 West Park Dr., Suite 200 | Grand Junction, CO | (970) 822-4570 | (866) 626-3598 | dadavidson.com
MEDICARE INFO TO KNOW A Medicare 101 series brought to you by the local, experienced insurance agents at the Medicare Resource Center of Grand Junction.
Medicare & Medicaid: What’s the Difference? Medicare is a federal health insurance program for anyone age 65 and older and for some individuals under age 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a program that helps pay health care costs for individuals, families, and children with limited income and resources. It’s administered by the state but follows federal requirements and is funded by both states and the federal government. Some individuals may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. They are considered dual eligible. Medicare and Medicaid work together to provide health care coverage. There are special plans available for those who qualify. We can help you learn more.
Medicare
Medicaid
Federal program
Administered by states with federal requirements
For individuals age 65 and older and some younger individuals with certain disabilities or conditions
For individuals, families, and children with limited income and resources
TRANSPARENCY • SIMPLICITY • COURTESY • TRUST Find answers to your Medicare questions from the local agents who live and work on the Western Slope. Call us today or stop in and see us.
Nancy Bartlett
Nat Bertrami
Christine Bogott
970-261-4771
970-683-5455
First Choice Insurance Broker
N I Bertrami Insurance Agency
TTY: 711
TTY: 711
970-210-6759
Martin DeBoer, Sr.
MHB Group
Caprock Insurance Agency
TTY: 711
TTY: 711
970-260-5757
MEDICARE
RESOURCE CENTER . COM
327 North 7th Street • Grand Junction Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Joe Barrows Sales Director
970-250-3264 TTY: 711
MedicareResourceCenter.com is a non-government resource privately owned and operated by Benefits Life, Inc. MedicareResourceCenter.com is not associated with or endorsed by Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency.
I N T HI S I S S U E
The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado June 2022 | Volume 35 | Issue 6
Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executive Debra Romaniec Toni Moersfelder Advertising & Marketing Assistant Kayla Pool Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade
P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Website:
8 COVER STORY
From makeup to mud
After retiring as of a top woman motocross racer, Pat Jacques empowers women while teaching them how to ride motorcycles
10 Remember when flying the skies was actually friendly?
When did airlines start treating customers like living baggage?
12 Recipe: Alaska Cod Tacos
Spice up dinner with these quick and easy (and healthy) fish tacos Clicker training can be used to teach a cat almost any behavior, including tricks like sit, high-five and spin
14 Drinker’s nose has nothing to do with drinking
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects 16 million Americans
15
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON brings hope and help to western Colorado seniors and those who serve them.
© Copyright 2022 • All Rights Reserved
Nutritional consequences of gastric bypass Surgery might be your solution for weight-related woes, but make sure you know the nutritional consequences
Experts believe that empathy can be shaped. By practicing these tips, you can foster your ability to empathize
20 The costs of living with Dad
Pat Jacques blazed the trail for women motocross racers in the U.S. Now, she coaches and empowers women on motorcycles.
28 Mud puddle hunters of Montrose
Being a mudder isn’t about tearing up the roads; it’s about new adventures and respecting the outdoors
32 Plan your bucket list summer right here in Colorado
Colorado has a road trip itinerary for every traveler’s taste
35 6 tips for getting the most out of your camera phone
36 How to travel on a small budget
16 7 ways to develop empathy to its full potential
On the Cover
Weeds aren’t bad. In fact, they can be quite valuable
The features of camera phones are fairly limited, but the availability makes them superior to any camera you’ve ever had
Email:
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 15th of the month. Display advertising rates are available upon request.
Weed control methods that work (without chemicals)
13 Teach your cat new tricks
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month and is distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.
22
It was my dad who taught me the value of a dollar and my mom who taught me that friends in high places are more valuable than money
Don’t let the cost of travel prohibit you from enjoying new experiences
44 MESA COUNTY 44 Calendar 46 Clubs 47 Question of the Month 50 Support Groups 52 MONTROSE & DELTA 52 Calendar 54 Clubs & Support Groups 57 Question of the Month 58 Fun & Games 60 Classifieds 62 Opinion: Rein in profiteering by drug-industry middle men
E L T L S A a R g g n i o v o a d h t e i m r ’ e e! W
Congratulations to Our Life Enrichment Staff! We have the top-rated activities program company-wide! Beth, Tina, Beverly, Roger, Brook, Brandy, and Paul make good times even better! We offer more than 52 activities a week and have the highest attendance records too. Each resident’s interests are tabulated and our calendars change every month with new and exciting things to do in addition to all the favorites! 970-245-1211
|
2501 Little Bookcliff Drive
|
24/7 SKILLED NURSING • REHABILITATION MEMORY CARE • RESPITE & LONG TERM
Grand Junction, CO
|
LaVillaGrandeCareCenter.com
|
I’m so glad I called!
True Story…
Turn Home Equity Into Cash! I first helped Sammi with a reverse mortgage in 2015. Values in Mesa County were modest then and she was able to pay off the loan she had at that time and eliminate her monthly payments. She also had enough cash left over to have a small nest egg.
Shelly Smith
Then, a month or so ago, Sammi called me up and asked if there was any way she could do another reverse as she was down to the last $1,000 in her “nest egg.” I told her we would surely take a look and see if it would make sense and if there would be a chance to pull a little money out. Sure enough, with the increased values we are experiencing now, her house had increased in value enough for Sammi to put another $30,000 in her nest egg! I asked her if there was a special project she wanted to do or a fun place she wanted to go, and she said “No! I just want some money in the bank!” We closed her loan a couple of weeks ago and after signing her last paper, Sammi looked up at me and with a bright, happy face said “Shelly, I’m so glad I called.” I’m so glad she called too. I take a great deal of pleasure in seeing seniors feel a little more at ease as they face the future with a little money in the bank. If you already have a reverse mortgage and aren’t sure if it would be beneficial for you to refinance, give me a call and we will take a look!
Owner & Loan Originator NMLS # 273372 shelly@tcfinance.net
970-858-4752
122 E. Aspen Avenue tcfinance.net | #299128
|
Fruita, CO 81521
EDITOR'S COLUMN
Music is back, baby!
LETTERS
from our readers
tips on how to save money while traveling, including where to find discounts and deals, and other inexpensive ways to explore the world. If you’re not one for long-distance travel, the Colorado Tourism Office has organized nine different itineraries for exploring the state (see page 32). From adventure-themed excursions to trips that immerse travelers in history, wine and roadside attractions, there’s something for everyone.
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH VITAMIN D
F
or nearly two years, not a day went by that I didn’t use the words “pandemic,” “virus” or “COVID.” While COVID will still be present for years to come, it’s a relief that such terms no longer dominate everyday conversations. This time last year, we saw an uptick in events, but even then live music—a big draw for most summer events—still wasn’t what it was pre-COVID. Many acts delayed tours and rescheduled concert dates another year out. Fortunately, we still had local music, but the handful of concerts I attended was a sharp contrast from my normally packed summer schedule. With all the bands that my husband and I had planned to see in 2020, only two pairs of tickets were worth holding onto with the hope that concerts would soon return. One show is in Denver, and the other is in Chicago. Now that live music is back, I’m looking forward to cashing in my tickets and going somewhere new (I’ve never been to Chicago). But with rising gas prices and airfare, it won’t be cheap. If you’re looking to travel this summer, don’t let the costs prohibit you from going somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Turn to page 36 for author Kimberly Blaker’s creative
I was a fair-skinned, freckle-covered red-head as a kid. Unfortunately, many of these features still apply, meaning I know the extent of the sun’s damage all too well. When adventuring this summer, be mindful of your sun exposure, bring a hat and sunblock, and take Vitamin D daily.
GOT GAME? Back for its 21st year, Western Colorado Senior Games is an opportunity for you to have fun in the sun…and some friendly competition. Choose from more than 50 competitive events, ranging from pickleball to golf, and pinochle to bowling. This year’s games are just around the corner: August 22-28. Register next month with the official registration program in the BEACON.
A BIG BEACON THANK YOU!
Last week I was in Grand Junction. I was buying the local newspaper from a box and picked up the BEACON. I noticed that BeaconFest was the next day, so I went. It was hard to describe but useful. I have been to Grand Junction before, but the fest supplied lots more info for an 81-year-old. I want to subscribe. - George H., Michigan Just wanted to say thanks to all involved for such a great BeaconFest, with a turnout of excited and energized participants, and giving us a fun and informative day. - Cathy L., Montrose For Fred Burmeister (who was nominated for Volunteer of the Year): This choice was a slam dunk! We moved here seven years ago from the Front Range. Fred was one of the first people we met. My granddaughters were 2 and 4 then and they fell in love with Fred and Dixie. What a joy he has been to all of us! - Alice Bergstrom & Family I want to thank you for helping OI today. [BeaconFest] was awesome as always. Keep up the great work! - Karon Carley, Operation Interdependence
We had a great time at Grand Junction BeaconFest! Thanks to all who attended, including our show sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, seminar speakers and door prize donors. Because of you, this year’s fair was a smashing success! See if your photo made it into this issue and check out which vendors were chosen for the Senior Choice Awards on page 30.
I enjoy the BEACON. I really like the humor. - Barb
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Cloie: Thanks, Vic! Quality design goes hand in hand with exceptional content! I’m in awe of all the places you’ve traveled to. In addition to highlighting specific destinations, you do such a great job of organizing various locations into interesting features, such as your recent article on UNESCO world heritage sites. Your travel articles are among my favorites!
Father’s Day is June 19. Spend the day with Dad, give him a hug, buy him a beer or take him to a concert (where you can usually do all of the above). ■
Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com
You make me look good—that is, my stories! What dramatic and colorful layouts each issue. A lot of work goes into that—and into the entire magazine—and I’m among the many who appreciate that!. - Victor Block
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Email: Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com Mail: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |
7
From Makeup By Lauren Berg
Pat
Jacques is used to being a trailblazer. As one of the United States’ premier woman motocross racers, she’s placed in hundreds of events in a male-dominated sport. Now, at 62, she’s turned her attention to coaching and empowering others around her…while still riding a motorcycle.
RIDING TO SUCCESS
Pro motocross racer Pat Jacques, 62, helps women build confidence on a motorcycle.
Jacques was just a toddler when she watched her first motocross race at a German World Grand Prix track. “I remember very distinctly there was a ravine, and most of the riders went down into that gully and came up on the other side,” Jacques said. “But there were a couple of riders that jumped all the way across and passed people in the air. And I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do!’” Her family encouraged her interest, buying Jacques a mini bike when she was 8, and her first motorcycle as a reward for making the honor roll a couple years later. Her initial races were against the neighborhood kids in her South Carolina hometown.
“We rode all over; we had a dirt lot next to the house,” she recalled. “And it really was my escape.” Motocross was in its infancy in the U.S. As such, it took some convincing her dad to allow her to race at the local track because it was considered “too rough” for girls. (Motocross is considered one of the most physically taxing sports, as riders wrestle with a 200-pound bike.) But after competing in a girls powder puff race where she lapped her competitors, her dad finally got on board, even proudly painting “It’s a girl” on her chest protector. Jacques raced every weekend from then on, but was one of only a few women to do so. “In my entire motocross racing career—from the time I was 11 until I retired at 34—I only raced against women seven times. The rest of my entire career was racing against men,” she said. Jacques excelled quickly and went pro after 51 trophies, but it came with what she now recognizes as an unhealthy level of competitiveness. “A lot of my success was driven
Left: Pat Jacques, center, sits atop California Pass with some amazing women she’s mentored: Kathy Gallagher, Kris Fant, Kim Caruso and Lisa Taylor. Right: In her post-racing days, Jacques coached a variety of sports and eventually became a life coach, offering advice via private motorcycle lessons. by the fact that I didn’t feel like I was good enough,” she admitted. That competitiveness came to a head at age 16, when she raced in the women’s national championship. Despite feeling like she was the best in the U.S. at that time (and at one point in the race, had a 32-second lead over the eventual winner), she had some bad luck and finished third. She was disappointed about it for a long time. But now, she sees it as one of the greatest gifts she’s ever been given. “Up until that point, my selfworth was tied up into how I performed…It was such a great gift to realize that I am way more than any performance or result,” she said. “At one point in my life, I was the very best, and that’s irrelevant. What was important is who I am.”
AFTER A POWDER PUFF RACE WHERE SHE LAPPED HER COMPETITORS, HER DAD FINALLY GOT ON BOARD, EVEN PROUDLY PAINTING “IT’S A GIRL” ON HER CHEST PROTECTOR.
especially women, are better than they think they are,” said Jacques. “Women develop confidence by learning small bits and pieces and putting them together into a concrete skill, while men tend to build confidence by conquering a COACHING ON A BIKE challenge. Neither is right or wrong, In her post-racing days, Jacques just different.” coached a variety of sports and While the scope of her coacheventually became a life coach, ing isn’t exclusive to women, her utilizing the skills she learned from Colorado-based motorcycle/life the many mentors who helped her coaching business, ADVWoman, overcome her own struggles. specializes in protocols and lessons “I always felt like my place was specific to them. to create space and bring in other “Fundamental to Pat’s instrucpeople to help heal and grow and tion is a belief in empowering womtransfer, and never realized I would en by giving them the training they begin facilitating. I found out that I need to have the confidence to do have that skill,” she said. things they wouldn’t normally do,” But whereas most coaching ses- said Catherine Meade, 57. sions happen sitting down or over Before meeting Jacques, Methe phone, Jacques takes a different ade had done 1,200 km worth of approach via private motorcycle off-road motorcycle riding while lessons. touring Africa, but had never felt “I believe that many riders, comfortable on the gravel and san-
dy roads. After Jacques’ training, however, Meade built up her confidence, even on much more difficult terrain like water crossings. Meade, who started riding later in life, also found inspiration in Jacques’ abilities as an older female motorcyclist. “I might be tired, and I’ve got no excuse. She’s 62!” Meade added. “Pat was such an amazing role model in that regard—to watch her, look at her stamina and endurance. And she’s still doing it.”
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN In July 2021, Meade and Carla Cavanagh were among the group that joined Jacques on her annual week-long, all-women Colorado Backcountry Discovery Tour, which starts and ends in Grand Junction. Since Jacques’ initial trip in 2017, the feedback from her students has been more than positive.
“You can’t be in [Jacques’] presence and not be positively impacted by her methods and the knowledge she shares with riders of all skill levels and interests,” said Cavanagh, 59. When she’s not coaching private lessons or leading group tours, Jacques is working on her upcoming book, which will include the protocols she’s created for women motorcycle riders and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. And, of course, she continues checking out new trails on her motorcycle. “There’s nothing that fills me with joy, peace and that centers me like riding the motorcycle. Motorcycling is a moving meditation for me…there’s a freedom there and lightness that’s unlike anything else,” she said. According to Jacques, riding a motorcycle is much more than just physical ability; it’s about being in a good head space. Her most common life lesson for women: “You’re enough. Right where you are, you are enough.” To learn more about Jacques’ coaching, visit www.ADVWoman. com or call 970-726-6830. ■
BONUS CONTENT! For a list of Pat’s favorite rides, read this article online at BeaconSeniorNews.com
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
9
Remember when flying the skies was actually
friendly? By Arthur Vidro
O
nce upon a time flying in an airplane was glamorous. People put on their Sunday best to fly. They paid big bucks for the experience, but they were treated like royalty. They could check as many bags as they wanted. No hidden fees lurked. No strip searches. Food and drink were provided. Crying babies and frightened toddlers were a rarity because bringing young ones on a flight was practically unheard of. Then everything changed. Widebody jets that became prevalent circa 1970 needed to be filled to fly at maximum profit. Then the industry deregulated. Finally, the events of September 11, 2001, triggered additional changes that led to the implementation of extra fees right and left. Once the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 kicked in (one of the things deregulated was the setting of prices) flying became a race to the bottom. The airlines that garnered the largest sales increases were those that provided the
10 | JUNE 2022 |
cheapest prices, which they accomplished by doing away with existing services and eliminating “luxuries” such as leg room, elbow room, food and drink. Those competitors who were slower to do away with services and amenities saw the writing on the wall and followed suit. Or folded. It became 100 percent about price and 0 percent about quality—a formula that is also hurting other industries. I flew for the first time when my brother and I were teenagers. This was before the frenzied days of screen addictions, when people on board were not seeking flickering images but calmly thought and spoke like leisurely human beings. My brother requested from a stewardess a deck of cards to play gin rummy. Cards were a common request then. They were normal playing cards on one side, the airline’s logo on the other. Passengers were encouraged to keep the cards. Those logo-emblazoned cards were publicity for the company.
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Next time you fly, ask a stewardess—now they’re called flight attendants—for a deck of cards. They’ll chuckle at your naivety. Back in the 1970s, not long before I first flew, I saw on “The Carol Burnett Show” a sketch making fun of the practice of flying some pas-
sengers in first class while others flew in the then-new “economy” class. A wide-eyed economy passenger walked down the pleasant aisle. But as the economy section began, she stumbled because that’s when the carpet stopped. A stewardess standing in first
PASSENGERS IN FIRST CLASS GOT A PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED HOT MEAL. PASSENGERS IN ECONOMY HAD BAGS OF PEANUTS THROWN AT THEM.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
We believe your mobility should never be limited by your ability class was “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” over a little baby until she saw the parents’ tickets were for the economy section. Then she screamed at the economy-class baby and flung it aside. Passengers in first class got a professionally prepared hot meal. Passengers in economy had bags of peanuts thrown at them. In the comic sketch, there were no seats in economy. You just stood around. For economy fliers, the plane didn’t even land—the passenger got shoved out the door while the plane was flying. Yes, the skit went over the top. But in some ways it was prophetic, and in at least one instance, it didn’t go far enough. Nowadays, hungry fliers would willingly have bags of peanuts thrown at them. If food is even available, you pay the extra fee or you go hungry. During my life I’ve flown about seven round trips. My last flight was nice. The airline, Northwest, even gave all the passengers fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookies during the flight. I truly felt like a guest. In the terminal in Madison, Wisconsin, as I was waiting for a flight
home to the East Coast, one employee, without my saying a word, came over and offered to get me on an earlier flight, at no extra charge. Yes, that airline did great by me. But now they’re gone, merged into Delta, which is just another cookie-cutter (not cookie-dispensing) cost-cutting outfit. That was 2006 and I haven’t flown since. It gradually dawned on me that airlines have stopped treating its customers like valued guests and were treating them instead like undesirable blobs of living baggage. I guess the passengers made unreasonable requests like being allowed off a plane that’s been stuck for hours on the tarmac while no new air is pumped in and restrooms are off-limits. Or being allowed to bring a few large bottles of water onto the plane. (Hey, I was born thirsty.) Available drinking water? Fresh air to breathe? Perish the thought! Or wanting to bring a bag aboard without a fee. Or wanting to check your bags without a fee. I can’t picture myself flying again. I’m too afraid, but not of crashing. Just afraid of being treated like an interloper, a criminal, or cattle. ■
Mobility Driven specializes in customized conversion vans that reflect everything you want and need to fit your individual lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to convert a minivan or a full-size van, we are dedicated to finding a solution that works for you! For more information please visit our website and Facebook pages to see photos and videos of our equipment and how it all works together.
Regain Your Independence with Mobility Driven Serving Western Colorado and Eastern Utah, as well as clients outside that area with specific project needs.
Adaptive Solutions
970-712-1435
Open Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm 832 North Crest Drive, Unit B | Grand Junction, CO 81506 info@mobilitydriven.com
|
www.MobilityDriven.com
|
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
11
RECIPES
Spoons After Dark Experience the Difference! Spoons transforms for dinner with waited tables, an elegant atmosphere and wine from Two Rivers Winery. The menu features Filet Mignon, Chef’s Choice Ravioli, Braised Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Halibut and more! Dinner Served Tuesday - Saturday, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. SpoonsBistroAndBakery.com • (970) 255-7237 3090 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction All proceeds from Spoons support HopeWest, a nonprofit that has been serving our communities since 1993.
The Early Bird
Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos Recipe courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute & Sari Diskin
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients 2 2 1 1 4 1 1/2
cups slaw mix tablespoons mayonnaise teaspoon hot sauce, plus additional for serving lime, divided small flour tortillas avocado, sliced pound Alaska cod salt, to taste pepper, to taste nonstick cooking spray olive oil blackening seasoning, to taste, plus additional, divided sea salt, to taste
Directions:
Gets the BBQ $1 Off All Dinner Entrees from 3:30-5:30pm Just Tell Your Server "RIB CITY LOVES THE BEACON" to receive your discount
Grand Junction | Fruita | Rifle For Full-Service Catering Call 970-255-7330 *Offer valid all summer.
12 | RECIPES | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Preheat oven to 400° F. In bowl, mix slaw with mayonnaise, hot sauce, juice from 1/2 lime and salt and pepper, to taste; set aside. Line baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place Alaska cod on top and coat lightly with olive oil. Generously season with blackening seasoning and sea salt, to taste. Bake 5 minutes, set oven to broil and broil 3-5 minutes. When fish is done (when it flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout), remove from oven and break into small chunks with fork. In flour tortillas, add avocado and slaw. Top with chunks of cod and drizzle with additional hot sauce, squeeze of lime juice from remaining 1/2 lime and additional blackening seasoning. ■
See more recipes at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
PET PAGE
Teach your cat tricks with clicker training
Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one
E
arlier this year, a long-haired, cat was found in a field—dirty, sick and completely blind. After arriving at Roice-Hurst Humane Society (RHHS), the 4-yearold kitty was given the name Oak. Oak quickly became a staff favorite. He craved attention and would perk up when a human approached his cage. The RHHS team decided that Oak would benefit from clicker training to help him navigate the world through sound. Clicker training involves using a small, plastic tool that makes a click noise when pressed. When an animal performs a desired behavior, the button is pressed and a treat is given, linking the sound to a reward and positively reinforcing the behavior. The click helps the cat understand the exact moment they perform a desired behavior. The first step to clicker training is to find a cat’s jackpot reward—a treat that the cat will do anything for. Luckily, Oak went crazy for lickable liquid treat tubes! Because training a cat is much easier when there’s a jackpot treat involved, it makes sense to do training sessions before mealtime when the cat is most hungry. Favorite treats may also include freeze-dried chicken and tuna. Next, charge the clicker (no electricity required)! Charging the clicker is a phrase that means allowing the cat to build an association between the sound of the click and a reward. At first, the click means nothing to a cat, so they must learn that a click equals a reward. To charge the clicker, click it and follow
PET PERSPECTIVE
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care immediately with a treat. Do this repeatedly until it’s clear that the cat expects a treat when they hear a click. Some cats build this association after a few tries, but others may take a few days. After the clicker is charged, decide what behavior you want to train your cat to perform. We wanted Oak to come to the sound of his name, so we let him loose in a room and called him. When he approached after his name was called, Oak heard a click and was given a tasty lick of his treat. After several sessions, Oak learned to respond to the sound of his name! And after more than a month in our care, Oak was adopted into a loving family. Clicker training can be used to teach a cat almost any behavior, including tricks like sit, high-five and spin. It also trains them to get into a carrier or walk on a leash outdoors—which are all things we teach cats at RHHS. Need help clicker training your cat? Reach out to Roice-Hurst Humane Society at 970-434-7337 to learn more. ■
BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN Jenna Kretschman is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator. Contact her at jenna@rhhumanesociety.org
Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Call (970) 241-7798 seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y
O W N E D
A N D
O P E R A T E D
B Y
H I L L T O P
Our goal is to not only find loving homes for pets, but to keep them there through these innovative programs: Pet Pantry Short-Term Crisis Boarding Pet-Friendly Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness Spay/Neuter Assistance Pet Behavior Counseling Animal Resource Center
Contact us to learn more or to access services! 970-434-7337
RHhumanesociety.org/programs
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | PET PAGE |
13
HEALTHY GEEZER
Drinker’s nose has nothing to do with drinking W .C. Fields, the vaudevillian and comedic actor in early films, was known to hoist more than an occasional beer, but he didn’t get his red, bumpy nose from alcohol. Fields had rosacea, a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling in 16 million Americans. It usually affects the face, but it can also strike the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and even eyes, making them appear bloodshot. Commonly known as “drinker’s nose,” research has debunked the old tale that rosacea is caused by heavy drinking. Alcohol aggravates rosacea, but is not the cause. Another myth is that rosacea is adult acne, but this disease has little to do with pimples and blackheads. Rosacea often starts with what looks like a blush, then progresses to red pimples and bumps filled with pus. Tiny blood vessels may
affects people with fair skin. When women with rosacea go through menopause, they may experience additional flushing. Science hasn’t found a cause, nor is there a cure. However, dermatologists can attack the symptoms with oral and topical medication, laser surgery and other treatments if the disease is caught early. It may take two months of treatment before the affected skin looks better. If you have rosacea, here are some tips to avoid flare ups:
become noticeable. The skin on the nose may become thick and red. Symptoms usually begin in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are afflicted more so than men, but men get more severe forms of the disease. The disease also tends to run in families and
I
• Abstain from alcohol or cut down. • Don’t scrub. When you put anything on your face, do so gently. • Avoid spicy foods and hot beverages. • Do not use facial products containing alcohol, acids and fragrances. Wash with mild soap. • Avoid overheating. Exercise in a cool place and avoid taking hot showers or baths. • Don’t get hair spray on your face. ■
• Shield yourself from the sun and extreme cold.
HEALTHY GEEZER
BY FRED CICETTI Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email him at Fred@HealthyGeezer.com
you a question: When was the last time you had your hearing checked?
Invest in your family this Father's Day by getting a
FREE HEARING SCREENING from the experts at AAA Hearing.
(Regularly $75) Offer valid for the entire month of June. Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment!
Brandy Lujuan BC-HIS
Bernadette Mills Au.D., CCC/A
970-243-6440
2532 Patterson Rd., Ste. 12 | Grand Junction | www.AAAHearing.net | Find Us On 14 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Nutritional consequences of gastric bypass
S
hrink your stomach and you will lose weight. This idea is perpetuated in our country, with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and bladder concerns making it seem dire to undergo a drastic procedure such as gastric bypass. Back when it was airing, I watched the reality TV series “My 600-lb Life,” and I’ve empathized with every single person. Gastric bypass may end up being your solution for weight-related woes, but you may not fully grasp the long-term nutritional consequences. While some physicians require mandatory nutritional counseling the first year, after that it’s optional. The extent of their recommendations stops after a multivitamin or multimineral, probably the basic A-to-Z once-daily sort. After the first year, many patients fall off someone’s radar of care. They may experience symptoms of nutrient depletion and will now go on to get heavily medicated. Anemia is a big problem due to B vitamin deficiencies, but it’s fixable. Researchers show that deficiencies in macronutrients—proteins, fats and carbohydrates—and micronutrients—vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients—are common. A 2014 scientific review team looked at studies published on different types of obesity surgeries conducted between January 1980 and March 2014. Major deficits were common, especially the finding of low albumin, a critical protein used to transport hormones including thyroid, electrolytes, fatty acids and more. Deficiencies of vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B12, D, iron, zinc
and others were common, too. These very nutrients are critical for glucose management, energy production, gene signaling and detoxification. Without these nutrients, often the first symptoms are fatigue, anemia, memory loss, cognitive changes and loss of vitality, which many chalk up to stress or aging. When left to progress, you can end up with severe damage leading to gait disturbances, Alzheimer’s and general loss of health and function. Now consider the added layer of complexity when medications are prescribed. The drug mugging effect will necessitate more nutritional supplements. For example, metformin given for blood sugar can deplete B12 and CoQ10. Certain antidepressants can reduce iodine and antimicrobials will further damage your probiotic stores. Literature consistently shows that bariatric surgery patients tend to run out of vitamins B12, B1, folate, C, A, D and K, along with iron, selenium, zinc and copper. Over-the-counter multivitamin and mineral formulas cannot provide adequate amounts of some of these micronutrients. It’s easy to get mistaken for having dementia or some other psychiatric disorder when it’s just a nutrient deficiency related to bariatric surgery. What if you had a gut infection or celiac and didn’t even know? Make sure this surgery is absolutely necessary before doing it. Also, find a nutritionist who can advise which protein supplements, medical foods, greens or vitamins you need. ■
DEAR PHARMACIST
Family is Forever Contact Us Today Family is forever – and we would like you to be a part of our family and your preferred provider for Alzheimer’s special care. Our residents have access to a wide variety of amenities and programming options to keep them active and engaged in daily life. At Aspen Ridge, we keep the emotional needs and feelings of your loved one at the very center of what we do.
Call us at (970) 640–7416 for more information or to schedule a tour!
622 28 1/4 Rd | Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 640-7416 | aspenridgealz.com
Family Health West was built from the ground up by our community – settled with health and prosperity in mind. Today, we look forward to the future, approaching new horizons in healthcare while taking forward that same spirit of dreaming to create a beautiful tomorrow we all believe is possible.
FHW.org/Rose
DEAR PHARMACIST
BY SUZY COHEN For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |
15
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Experience your first breakthrough treatment to eliminate neuropathy symptoms for just
$49
Available For New Patients Only Suffering From Neuropathy (Normally $247)
At Compass Medical Health Center, we’ve helped thousands of patients learn about and treat their Peripheral Neuropathy, restoring their health and quality of life with this revolutionary new treatment. Learn how to eliminate the pain and turn back the clock on your condition without drugs, surgery or downtime!
What’s Included With Your $49 Visit: Your first Pain-Free Neuropathy Treatment (20 mins) In-Depth & Private Consultation Complete Neuropathy Examination Sensory Evaluation Of the Feet/Hands X-Rays If Necessary (additional charge) In-Depth Analysis & Report Of Your Findings
Compass Medical Center is a specialized peripheral neuropathy treatment center. To learn more, call or claim your spot today at GRAND JUNCTION
MONTROSE
970-985-4506
970-252-3360
2478 Patterson Rd., Ste. 17 www.GrandJunctionNeuropathy.site
309 S. Cascade Ave. www.MontroseNeuropathy.site
16 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
7 ways to develop
empathy to its full potential Empathy is hardwired, but few maximize it By Kimberly Blaker
E
mpathy is the ability to put yourself in another’s shoes. It’s similar to sympathy but with an important difference. To sympathize is to care about and understand the suffering experienced by another. When you sympathize with someone, you feel sorry for them. Sympathy gives you the ability to say the right thing to comfort another. But empathy goes a step further. It’s the ability to actually experience or relive the feelings of another. When you empathize, rather than focusing on your own feelings about
the other person’s situation, you’re able to focus on the emotions of that person. When you empathize, the other person can tell you’re really listening to them. Furthermore, empathy increases your ability and likelihood to help the person with whom you empathize. According to neuroscientists, the vast majority of us are born with the brain wiring necessary to empathize. Psychopaths make up about 1 percent of the population and are the exception, according to a 2013 study by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago and
CONSIDER ALL THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN COMMON WITH THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT TO IMPROVE YOUR ABILITY TO EMPATHIZE WITH THEM.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
STILL, AMONG THE 99 PERCENT OF US WHO ARE BORN WITH THIS CAPACITY, MOST DON’T FULLY DEVELOP OR USE IT TO ITS POTENTIAL. the University of New Mexico. Still, among the 99 percent of us who are born with this capacity, most don’t fully develop or use it to its potential.
BENEFITS OF EMPATHY Empathy is beneficial in several ways, according to Katherin Sears, Ph.D., in “Why Empathy Benefits Everyone.” It provides us the ability to act kindly toward others, to forgive family and friends, and to bond with others over their ups and downs. Without the ability to empathize, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to form and maintain friendships. In fact, we’d have difficulty getting along with others at school or work and in society. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, in an interview with CBS Good Morning, revealed another vital benefit of empathy. Without it, he said, “There is no way we could innovate.” This makes a lot of sense. Although some people would still have the desire to innovate for personal gain, innovation would be far more limited. People would lack the motivation to innovate to help others unless it offered a reward for themselves. The field of medicine is a perfect example. Many strides have been made in medicine over the decades, much of which has resulted from human empathy.
HOW TO IMPROVE EMPATHY Experts believe that empathy can be shaped. By practicing the following, you can foster your ability to empathize. Active listening. This is a crucial component of empathy. Practice really listening to each other and
trying to understand the other’s perspective. Active listening includes paying close attention to body language and facial expressions, so you can better understand the other person. It also requires refraining from interrupting. Give back. Think about the experiences, feelings, and needs of those who are less fortunate. Consider various forms of adversity, such as kids with a terminal illness, the homeless, poor families, and those in nursing homes. Then make a plan to help out in some way. Commonalities. Despite the ability to empathize, studies have found people are often less empathetic toward those of other races or who are stereotyped in some way. Consider all the things you have in common with those who are different to improve your ability to empathize with them. Lose yourself in fiction. It’s a great way to experience and understand another, even though the characters are fictitious. This will improve your ability to empathize in real-life situations.
Bringing Health Care Home to You
Practice reading faces. People often don’t share what they’re feeling or experiencing. Yet, it’s often written all over their faces. Pay attention to people’s expressions, and try to understand what they’re feeling. Look for opportunities to care. Every day there are people all around us in need. So, practice empathy regularly. If you know someone who’s ill, quickly put yourself in their shoes. Then offer to help by bringing them a prepared meal or running to the store to pick up a few things they need.
Medicaid/Medicare Certified | Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002
Nursing and Therapy Services Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Personal Safety Devices
Nursing and Therapy Services Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Personal Safety Devices
Share in excitement and joy. Serving g Empathy isn’t only about underServin ld, Mesa, Garfield, e sa, Garfi le e M standing people’s downs.Pitkin, It’s also Eagle and g a E , in Pitk nnison Gunnison the ability to share in their happiand Gu es n Cou ti ness. Regardless of how busyCounties you are, when someone is excited about www.summitwestcare.com something, take a moment to really 970-263-0202 Grand Junction share in their enthusiasm. ■ 970-945-6455 Glenwood Springs Branch
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |
17
DAD JOKE
Submitted by Marv Williams “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” asked a boy. “Let’s not talk about such things at the dinner table, son,” his father replied. After dinner the father inquired, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy said. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”
13 DIAMONDS
Submitted by Bob Breazeale John and Mary recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary. John is rather frugal with his money—a real tightwad, actually. He asked Mary what she wanted as a gift and she replied, “They say dia-
monds are a girl’s best friend, so I’d like something with 13 diamonds.” So John gave her a new deck of playing cards.
NO SPEEDING TICKET
Submitted by Ira Case A police officer pulls a guy over for speeding. Officer: May I see your driver’s license? Driver: I don’t have one. I had it suspended when I got my fifth DUI. Officer: May I see the registration for this vehicle? Driver: It’s not my car. I stole it. Officer: The car is stolen? Driver: That’s right. But come to think of it, I think I saw the owner’s card in the glove box when I was putting my gun in there. Officer: There’s a gun in the
2.25
glove box? Driver: Yes, sir. That’s where I put it after I shot and killed the woman who owns this car and stuffed her in the trunk. Officer: There’s a body in the trunk? Driver: Yes, sir. Hearing this, the officer immediately called his captain. The car was quickly surrounded by police and the captain approached the driver to handle the tense situation. Captain: Sir, can I see your license? Driver: Sure. Here it is. Captain: Whose car is this? Driver: It’s mine, officer. Here’s the registration. Captain: Could you slowly open your glove box so I can see if there’s a gun in it? Driver: Yes, sir, but there’s no gun in it. Captain: Would you mind opening your trunk? I was told you said there’s a body in it. Driver: No problem. The trunk is opened; no body.
Captain: I don’t understand. The officer who stopped you said you told him you didn’t have a license, stole the car, had a gun in the glove box, and that there was a dead body in the trunk. Driver: Yeah, I’ll bet he told you I was speeding, too!
ADVICE FROM MY MOTHER
Submitted by Wilma Kroschel My mother Ruby Beardslee told me: I have been bawled out, balled up, held down, hung up, bulldozed, cheated, squeezed and mooched on. I have been stuck for war tax, dog tax and syntax. I have worked like hell and been worked like hell. I have been cussed, discussed, talked to and talked about, lied to and lied about—and the only reason I am sticking around now is to see what in the hell is next!
KNOCK, KNOCK
Submitted by Michael Madsen Three brothers—age 92, 94 and 96—live together in a house. One night the 96-year-old draws
EARN UP TO
% APY
ON BALANCES UP TO $25,000
WITH BELLCO’S FREE BOOST INTEREST CHECKING
Open an account online in minutes at Bellco.org/BoostChecking. Insured by NCUA. Membership eligibility required. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 5/1/2022. The interest rate and APY may change after the account is opened. 2.25% APY applies to balances up to and including $25,000. For balances in excess of $25,000, the APY may range from 2.25% to 0.25%. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Please speak to a Bellco representative for information about additional conditions and requirements necessary to earn the stated APY.
18 | LAUGHING MATTERS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
LAUGHING MATTERS a bath, puts his foot in and pauses, then yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?” The 94-year-old yells back, “I don’t know, I’ll come up and see.” He starts up the stairs and pauses, then he yells, “Was I going up the stairs or coming down?” The 92-year-old was sitting at the kitchen table having coffee and listening to his brothers. He shakes his head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful,” and knocks on the wooden table for good luck. Then he yells back to his brothers, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door!”
SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S
Submitted by Jay Schmidt What is the first sign of Alzheimer’s? You get a puppy because you forget how much work they are.
WHY MEN ARE PROUD OF THEMSELVES Submitted by Jonathan Kersey We know stuff about tanks.
A five-day trip requires only one suitcase.
something, they can still be our friend. If we are 34 and single, nobody notices. Three pair of shoes are more than enough. Car mechanics tell us the truth. Gray hair and wrinkles only add character. We can drop by and see a friend without having to bring a little gift. If another guy shows up at a party in the same outfit, you just might become lifelong friends. Your pals will never trap you with: “So, notice anything different?” We are not expected to know the names of more than five colors. We are totally unable to see wrinkles in our clothes.
We don’t have to shave below the neck. One wallet, one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons.
We don’t have to learn how to spell a new last name.
We can do our nails with a pocket knife.
We can leave a motel bed unmade.
Wedding dress: $2,000; Tux rental: $100.
If someone forgets to invite us to
foodbankrockies.org/evergreensignup
We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. We don’t care if someone notices our new haircut.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Provides eligible community members who are 60+ with nourishing food each month.
The same hairstyle lasts us for years—maybe decades.
We can kill our own food.
We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
As hunger rises, we can too.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. We don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. ■
HAVE A JOKE THAT’S
Email evergreenbox@foodbankrockies.org, or call 970-464-1138 for more information. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Affordable Self-Care Rejuvenating & Relaxing
Energy Healing Therapies that involve light touch to restore the flow and balance of the energy system promoting pain relief and relaxation.
• Healing Touch • Reiki (ray-key)
send IT TO US AT: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502
Lucia Kay
Holistic Health Specialist Make your appointment today to begin your journey back to restored wellness
MOBILE SERVICE 720-717-9460 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | LAUGHING MATTERS |
19
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
The costs of living with Dad By Jaci Lawson
G
rowing up my siblings and I had the worst allowance of any kids in the neighborhood. If we wanted an increase in our allowance, we had to talk to my dad, who was a subcontracts negotiator for the aerospace industry. The minute we mentioned money, his face changed. He was like a professional poker player before they turn over the last hole card: completely expressionless. We would get a litany of chores and a list of bonuses provided for free by our parents: food, clothing, shelter and the cost of living. It didn’t matter where we were living, the cost of living always went up. Even when we did negotiate an increase, it was a nickel or a dime. Our allowance was so low, we usually didn’t bother asking for it. We’d approach my mom for
money instead—money to go roller skating, to the movies or to buy ice cream. Like any good parent, our mom would tell us to go ask our father. “Daddy, can we go to the movie?” “Sure,” he’d say. We would hug and kiss him, say thank you and then put our hands out. “What?” We would explain that we needed money. “Do I look like I have any money?” he’d say with his poker face. “Yes.” He would pull out the white insides of his front pants pockets— empty. “See? No money. Do you think money grows on trees?” “Come on, Dad....” Nothing. In fact, my father never
BUT IT WAS MY DAD WHO TAUGHT ME THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR AND MY MOM WHO TAUGHT ME THAT FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN MONEY.
th o r u r o 4 0 Anniversary Celebration! f s U n i o J
With An Evening Of
Dinner, Dancing & Silent Auction Helping People with Disabilities Navigate since 1982
Aug. 5th • 5:30pm • Colorado Mesa University Ballroom [ Event Sponsorships Available ]
Visit www.cfigj.org to purchase a tax deductible Sponsorship or to view some of the Silent Auction items on our Event page that will be available Aug. 5th. Contact Katherine at 970-241-0315 to make a silent auction donation.
970-241-0315 • 740 Gunnison Ave., GJ CFI serves 12 western Colorado counties with offices in Grand Junction, Montrose, Glenwood Springs & Salida
20 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
WHEN WE TURNED 10 OR 11, MY DAD WOULD TELL US TO GET A JOB EVERY TIME WE ASKED FOR MONEY. physically handed me money until after I got married. We had to go tell my mother who talked to him and then came back and gave us the money. When we turned 10 or 11, my dad would tell us to get a job every time we asked for money. I thought chores was our job, but apparently my dad thought we should be entrepreneurs. I didn’t even know what the word meant—except maybe poor. We were worse at making money than we were at doing chores. My brother’s paper route lasted approximately as long as my dad’s patience for making him get up early to deliver papers. We tried collecting bottles, mowing lawns, selling lemonade...I finally became an enthusiastic babysitter, but only after I discovered adults with small children keep interesting magazines in the bathroom and lurid romance novels on the coffee table. A 12-year-old should not be reading “Love’s Tender Fury” or “Lust in the Dust,” but
it certainly expanded my vocabulary and my passion for literature—and I got paid a dollar an hour! My first real job was in a yarn store. It was perfect—no children, no chores—just yarn and pattern books, needlepoint, rug hooking and embroidery kits. The owner asked me if I could knit. I gave her my dad’s poker face and said yes. Could I crochet? Yes. Needlepoint? Yes. I don’t think she believed me, but she offered me the job and I went home to teach myself how to knit. Years later, I worked at an ice cream shop and learned that every job has it perks: free ice cream. I worked at a movie theatre: free popcorn. I learned how to count change accurately and quickly. I worked as a waitress and learned that even though women are pickier than men and less likely to leave a big tip, you still have to smile at everyone. But it was my dad who taught me the value of a dollar and my mom who taught me that friends
in high places are more powerful than money. I tried my best to pass those lessons along to my own children, but now I am the grandma. When my grandkids ask me for money, I empty my pockets and my change jar and then I tell them to go ask Pa for money because it pays to know that I am not the only soft touch in this house. ■
In need of temporary relief for
caregiving? Whether you are taking a vacation or need to tend to other responsibilities,
WE CAN HELP! ADRC provides funds to help pay for respite care. The ADRC Respite Program helps to provide a much needed break for the caregiver by assisting to cover respite care costs.
To apply, fill out the ADRC Financial Application found on the Forms tab at
www.mcadrc.org
or call to speak to an Options Counselor at
970-248-2746 (Option 1)
JUN 23 to SEP 08 thursdays 5:30 pm d o w n to w n g ran d j u n ct i o n
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
21
GROW WILD
FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
INSULATE ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
CALL US BEFORE YOU BUY AN EXPENSIVE NEW COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM Jim Schooley, Owner-Operator. Over 35 years of experience. BBB A+ Rating Licensed and Insured. Serving the Grand Valley. Properly installed blown-in attic insulation: • Saves money on annual cooling and heating costs • Eliminates hot and cold areas in your home • Makes living in your home more comfortable year-round
970-640-3908
Weed control methods that work
(without the chemicals) Weeds aren’t all bad. In fact, they can be quite valuable.
W
eeds perform the same functions as cover crops, adding organic matter to the soil, cycling nutrients from the subsoil into the topsoil, encouraging earthworms and beneficial microbes,
Grand Valley Home Insulation grandvalleyinsulation.com
Go ahead and have fun, but don’t forget the
SUNSCREEN! Come see us for ALL of your summer time “must have” essentials. Get Our App Available On: Where Prescriptions Are Our Business, And Your HEALTH Is Our PRIORITY!
| 707 Elberta Ave, Palisade, CO www.PalisadePharmacy.com |
Open Mon-Fri 9-6 / Sat 9-3
755 26 Road | Grand Junction 970.242.7766 www.bookcliffgardens.com 10% off on Senior Wednesdays
Follow us online 22 | HOME & GARDEN | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
breaking up compacted soils and providing nutrients to both humans and animals. Contrariwise, they steal sunshine, suck up water destined for other crops and choke out vegetable growth. They can also make harvesting a real chore. Weeds aren’t bad; they’re happy to grow and be part of our garden’s ecosystem—just not where we want them to be. In her book “The Wild Wisdom
of Weeds,” Katrina Blair documents the usefulness for 13 weeds commonly found in Colorado. Did you know that young lambsquarter can be a substitute for spinach, and it actually tastes way better? Dandelions contain vitamins C and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and protein, and they help with digestive issues, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. I even make a foliar spray from fermented dandelion leaves that stimulates growth in other crops.
HOW TO PREVENT WEEDS Like everything else in gardening, prevention goes a long way. Our biggest responsibility is not to let weeds flower and go to seed— which is difficult when they come in the wind and irrigation water, and from wildlife, animal manure and poorly made compost. Crop-specific irrigation helps prevent weeds from spreading their seeds in your garden. Spray stakes,
GROWING SEASON IS HERE!
MULCH IS A GAME CHANGER FOR BOTH SUPPRESSING WEEDS AND RETAINING MOISTURE IN THE SOIL soaker hoses and drip irrigation supply water only to the plants we choose, whereas sprinklers water crops, weeds, the pavement and everything else in their path. For plant starts, you can seed crops with a known range of germination days, then terminate the weeds just beforehand. For seeds with 7-10 days to germination, spray or flame weed the garden bed on Day 6 so the germinating vegetable seeds can outpace the weeds. Another strategy is to thoroughly weed your garden beds, then transplant starts from 4-inch or 1-gallon pots so that they can stay ahead of the weeds.
MORE MULCH If prevention doesn’t fully work, there are other sustainable ways to control weeds. Mulch is a game changer for both suppressing weeds and retaining moisture in the soil. Overlapping cardboard or newspaper (four sheets minimum thickness), or using straw and leaves can also suppress weeds and add organic matter to the soil. (I prefer straw as opposed to leaves because it stays in place far better.) Plastic mulch has become popular in the vegetable and hemp industries. Black plastic suppresses weed growth and lowers the soil
temperature by shading it from the sun’s rays. White plastic reflects light up under large canopy crops (tomatoes, okra, etc.), red plastic increases tomato yields, blue plastic increases pollination in melons and cucumbers, and silver plastic has been documented to lower thrip populations on crops.
MY PREFERRED METHOD When we weed whack bindweed, wild lettuce and plantain, we are actually pruning it back and forcing the plant to grow two new sprouts for every one we cut down. That’s why weeds come back stronger in just three to five days. My favorite form of weed control is flame weeding. This non-chemical method is actually kind of fun and pretty easy to do, especially if you’re using a backpack propane tank (although any weed burner will work fine). It’s also gratifying to see all the crinkled leaves and brown, dead weeds the next day. Flame weeding cooks the tips of the leaves (which is where the growth hormones are) and destroys the leaf tissue so that a new shoot must form at the roots and push up through the soil to grow back. This can take up to three weeks or more, making it far more effective than weekly weed whacking.
Flame weeding is far more effective than weed whacking, is much easier to do and the results can last much longer. Flaming on low heat doesn’t use much propane, and pacing slowly back and forth usually does the trick. (Although I’ve been known to stand over goat heads and torch them to a glowing red! I’ve had too many bicycle tire repairs in recent years from goat head punctures.) Weeds can be flamed within the rows of the garden, but remember to place a snow shovel as the base of the plant to shield your crops.
VICIOUS VINEGAR Pure vinegar is an excellent alternative to chemical herbicides that is very effective on weeds. Don’t use standard grocery store vinegar as it is only 5 or 6 percent acetic acid.
You can find pure vinegar that is 30 percent acetic acid from most local hardware stores or garden centers. Acetic acid is also the main ingredient in naturally derived herbicide products like AllDown and Phydura, both which I’ve used effectively. It's best to take down a majority of the weed biomass with a weed whacker or mower, then spray the vinegar on the remaining plant leaves and crown. Do this in the heat of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Wear gloves when pouring vinegar into a sprayer, as it can cause a rash on sensitive skin. And watch the wind so you don’t accidentally harm the plants you want to keep happy! ■
GROW WILD
BY BRYAN REED Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu
Real Service, Real Results
SPECIALIZING IN
Serving Seniors Residential Buy and Sale New Construction First Time Home Buyer
Discover The Stellar Difference! StellarRealtyGJ.com
Angela Ingle
Mark Shaw
Lori Dearth
970-640-4882 970-261-6099 970-250-2961 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | HOME & GARDEN |
23
BEACON SENIOR NEWS INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
Happiness is not just a warm puppy By Happy Cappy Hall Rearick
H
appiness is senior discounts, early bird specials and handicap parking.
Happiness is grandchildren who call even when it’s not your birthday. Happiness is a warm fire and a new book yet to read. Happiness is a paid-off mortgage. Happiness is hearing the word “benign.” Happiness is programming a new smartphone.
Trust is earned Western Colorado has turned to Hilltop for compassionate care for over 70 years. Our award-winning senior living communities offer: n Luxurious apartments with views, spacious floorplans, and paid utilities n Restaurant-style dining n Beautiful outdoor spaces and walking trails n Social activities and trips
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!”
Happiness is enjoying seven days of weekends. Happiness is an affordable haircut. Happiness is still having hair. Happiness is a Social Security check. Happiness is sleeping in your own bed after a long journey.
Happiness is a good mattress that lets you sleep through the night. Happiness is an unexpected visit with a friend. Happiness is having friends. Happiness is seeing a movie you don’t remember seeing the first time. Happiness is free coffee at McDonald’s. Happiness is knowing all the questions on Jeopardy! Happiness is finding the lowest gas price in town. Happiness is a full tank. Happiness is the last car payment. Happiness is bringing a smile to someone. Happiness is a purring cat. Happiness is seeing clearly again after cataract surgery.
The Commons (970) 243-3333 The Fountains (970) 243-8800 625 27 1/2 Road • TheCommonsGJ.org
3203 N. 15th Street • TheFountainsGJ.org
Ride an Electric Mining Tram See LIVE Drilling, Mucking & more…
May 21 - October 2, 2022 Tours Depart Hourly 10am to 4pm
When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.
24 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
FREE Gold Panning with Tour Purchase No Reservations Needed 721 County Road 4A | Silverton, Colorado | 1-800-872-3009 | www.MineTour.com
BEACON SENIOR NEWS Happiness is Bingo. Happiness is winning at Bingo.
Happiness (for a Southerner) is fried chicken.
Happiness is duplicate bridge.
Happiness is a good physical checkup after eating fried chicken.
Happiness is accumulating master points at duplicate bridge. Happiness is classic movies on television. Happiness is a warm, fluffy bathrobe on cold mornings. Happiness is bumping into an old friend and remembering their name.
Artisan Bakery & Café
Happiness (for a Southerner) is sweet tea. Happiness is Medicare. Happiness is old photos. Happiness is being computer literate.
6th & Main 970-241-2740
Happiness is receiving email but not too much of it.
Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sat 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Happiness is getting snail mail from someone you thought was dead.
gjmainstreetbagels.com
Happiness is not needing Google to remember something.
where great food, great coffee & great people meet!
Happiness is finding something you lost. Happiness is remembering why you walked into a room. Happiness is the early morning smell of fresh coffee. Happiness is losing that last five pounds and fitting into slim jeans.
Happiness is soaking in a big bathtub.
Happiness is laughing so hard you can’t stop.
Happiness is loving someone and feeling loved in return.
Happiness is homemade soup, summer tomatoes and corn muffins.
Happiness is being married to your best friend. ■
Find the BEACON closest to you! www.beaconseniornews.com/pages/beacon-locations
Relocating or retiring soon? Let us help you find answers to all of your real estate questions
As senior broker associates, we understand the importance of respect, honesty, and integrity throughout the entire buying or selling process.
We will:
Customize a marketing plan to sell your property.
Assist in navigating the Western Slope real estate market to purchase a new home.
Call The Boren Teamy! Toda
Darrell Boren
GO that extra mile to help you accomplish your real estate goals from the beginning to the very end!
Julia Boren
970-768-3399 970-380-3783
1425 Hawk Parkway, Ste. 5 | Montrose, CO 81401 | ColoradoWesternSlopeRealty.com |
Darrell & Julia
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
25
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?
When you retire, don’t lose health coverage Retire right with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan that fits your life Your local, licensed Humana sales agent can help you explore your options and see if you’re eligible to enroll in one of Humana’s affordable Medicare Advantage plans upon retirement. Get the benefits you want and need so you can focus on making your retirement what you want it to be—enjoying the things you love. From helping you find a doctor to assisting with unexpected barriers, Humana goes above and beyond to help you get the healthcare you need. That’s called human care.
Call a licensed Humana sales agent
Patti Zapf
970-301-8752 (TTY: 711)
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. pzapf@humana.com
A more human way to healthcare™ Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以 免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。
Y0040_GHHJWWVEN22_AD_M
26 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Cannabis labels don’t adequately reflect chemical makeup, new study shows Special to the BEACON from CU Boulder
L
abels like indica, sativa and hybrid—commonly used to distinguish one category of cannabis from another—tell consumers little about what’s in their product and could be confusing or misleading, suggests a new study of nearly 90,000 samples across six states. Published May 19 in the journal PLOS One, the research constitutes the largest analysis to date of the chemical composition of marijuana products. It finds that commercial labels “do not consistently align with the observed chemical diversity” of the product. The authors are now calling for a weed labeling system akin to the Food and Drug Administration’s “nutrition facts panel” for food. “Our findings suggest that the prevailing labeling system is not an effective or safe way to provide information about these products,” said co-author Brian Keegan, an
assistant professor of Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. 2022 marks the 10-year anniversary of the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington, the first two U.S. states to permit adult use. The industry has grown into a multibillion dollar one, in which sativa strains are generally associated with an energetic high while indica strains are associated with a relaxing effect. Yet no standardized labeling system exists. Commercial strain names like Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream give consumers the impression that if you buy it in one place, you’ll get the same product or effect if you buy it elsewhere. While marketers generally must disclose dosage of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) on the label, they are not obliged to include information about other compounds, including
BEACON SENIOR NEWS terpenes, which can influence not only the smell but also—via a hypothesized synergistic effect called the entourage effect—the way a product makes you feel. They are also free to name their product what they want. To get a sense of how similar same-named products are, Keegan teamed up with Nick Jikomes, director of science and innovation for the e-commerce cannabis marketplace Leafly.com. They applied data science tools to a massive database of chemical analyses Leafly has compiled from cannabis testing centers.
products with the same commercial names? That depends on the strain, the study found. Some strains, such as one called White Tahoe Cookies, were surprisingly consistent from product to product, while others, such as one called Durbin Poison, were “consistently inconsistent.” As consumers increasingly use cannabis for specific purposes, including health purposes, precision in labeling will become even more critical, Keegan said. He envisions a day when products are categorized based on a
AS CONSUMERS INCREASINGLY USE CANNABIS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES, INCLUDING HEALTH, PRECISION IN LABELING WILL BECOME EVEN MORE CRITICAL. After sorting about 90,000 samples from six states according to their cannabinoid and terpene make-up, the researchers found products do tend to fall into three distinct categories: Those high in the terpenes caryophyllene and limonene; those high in myrcene and pinene; and those high in terpinolene and myrcene. But those categories do not neatly correspond to the indica, sativa and hybrid labeling scheme. “It is likely that a sample with the label indica will have an indistinguishable terpene composition as samples labelled sativa or hybrid,” they wrote. How biochemically similar are
more comprehensive understanding of their chemical make-up and labeled with details on not only their THC and CBD, but other compounds. “It’s like if your cereal box only showed calories and fat and nothing else,” said Keegan. “We as consumers need to be pushing for more information. If we do that, the industry will respond.” ■
Come experience the
Eagle Ridge • Post Physical,
• • • • •
Occupational, and Speech Therapies Life Enrichment Programs Seven Days A Week Short and Long Term Care 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care Hospice Care Respite Care
OPENINGS NOW AVAILABLE! Call today and talk with one of our Professional Care Experts!
970-243-3381
2425 Teller Avenue | Grand Junction, CO 81501
www.vivage.com/eagleridge
Grand Junction 2536 Rimrock Ave, Suite 300 Grand Junction, CO 81505 (970) 773-9400 www.NothingBundtCakes.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
27
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Seniors and Retirees have Different Real Estate Needs We help buyers and sellers transition into their next home.
Leslie Gore
Senior Real Estate Specialist
(970) 275-3195
lesliegorerealtor@gmail.com
Michelle Klippert
Senior Real Estate Specialist
(970) 275-3016
michelleklippertrealtor@gmail.com
The
Real Estate Store
970-249-7653 500 E. Main St. Montrose, CO 81401 www.the-res.com
Serving Montrose Valley for over 35 Years! Wheel Alignment Service Brake Repair Oil Changes Transmission Service A/C Repair Shock and Strut Replacement Timing Belt Replacement
Diamond G Auto Repair Breaks the Mold in Providing Excellence in Auto Service
By Siggie Carpenter
O
ur beautiful community of Montrose sits at an elevation of 5,794 feet and is nestled within easy reach of endless adventures. Being relatively new to Western Slope living, I was reluctant to venture into the outdoors alone, but when some of my girlfriends invited me to go on a scenic Jeep ride, I half-heartedly obliged. As I climbed into the back seat of the open Jeep, the blue sky and incredible views of the Uncompahgre Valley helped to ease my anxieties. Before I knew it, our driver Tanya said, “Ladies, there’s a puddle up ahead. Can I take it?” “Take the puddle? What is she talking about?” I asked my other friends Karen and Vicki. My dumbfounded look must have been priceless, but I was relieved when one of them quickly responded, “No, we don’t want to get dirty.” Tanya looked disappointed, but we continued on the path and pointed out breathtaking sites and points of interest along the way. On our way home, we watched a silver truck descend a hill and gingerly maneuver around a large mud puddle. Once again, Tanya asked for permission to take it. Not wanting to rob her of her fun, we wrestled up the courage
and yelled unanimously, “Floor it!” As we headed down the hill, screams of fear and giggles erupted. When that mud came pouring down on us, the fun-loving child inside each of us surfaced once again. Too often we forget that part of us that wants to play, get dirty and forget about our responsibilities. Especially at this point in our lives, very rarely do we seek and take part in new engaging experiences. After the year we’ve had, I think it’s important that we start! On that warm summer day, the four of us mature women—mothers, grandmothers, professionals and trailblazers in our own right— became brave and daring mud puddle hunters! Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to set aside our responsibilities, venture out and have some fun. Stop saying “I’ll think about it” and take action! It’s easy to say no to yourself, but it’s time to start saying yes. ■
Author’s note: Being a mudder isn’t about tearing up the roads or getting stuck. It’s about pushing forward in new adventures with friends while respecting the road and laws of outdoor recreation. Western Slope 4 Wheelers is a group of off-road enthusiasts who work to protect four-wheeling rights on our public lands. For more information, visit www.ws4w.com or call 970-209-5326.
Call Us Today!
970-249-6856 65790 Racine Road Montrose, CO 81403
www.DiamondGRepair.com 28 | JUNE 2022 |
Mud puddle hunters of Montrose
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Grumpy
Call Us Today For A
new man!
FREE ASSESSMENT!
By Dick Wolfsie
I
’m going to be 75 years old soon, and as hard as I try to be grumpy, I can’t seem to attain this lofty goal. I have always wanted to be a grumpy old man. Over the years, I thought I’d made a lot of headway—especially in the getting older part. I also found myself getting progressively grumpier as well. Or so I thought. My father was a grumpy old man by the time he was 60. I wanted to do it even sooner. I first tried to be a grumpy old man when I was in my 40s. Sadly, people mistook my crankiness for wittiness. I complained to the grocery store manager that their entrance and exit doors were on the wrong side. “I’ll never shop here again,” I told him. “I don’t know if I’m coming or going.” That’s pure old man stuff, don’t you think? But all he did was burst out laughing. I once protested to a couple of Girl Scouts who came to the door selling cookies that their product was too high in fat and eating s’mores would shoot my lipids through the roof. Their mothers called and thanked me, saying this was a good health lesson for the girls. Maybe I shouldn’t have bought three boxes. I did everything I could to acquire the label “grumpy old man” before my time. Nothing worked. I don’t know how Dad did it with such ease. Last year, I complained to some neighbors about their unkempt lawns. I fussed at others who were putting their garbage out at the curb two days early, and I put my foot down about kids making a ruckus outside on Sunday mornings when I was trying to sleep. This had “codger” written all over it. They
WE SPECIALIZE IN MAKING
made me president of the homeowner’s association. I was starting to get worried. When does one officially become a grumpy old man? I combed all my AARP magazines for a few hints, but their publication seemed more interested in readers avoiding this label than celebrating it. I called the editors to grumble about their lack of coverage on this and complained to one in the most crotchety way I knew how. “We welcome your feedback,” she told me. “Please call again.” The problem here is most people won’t call you a grumpy old man to your face. They just think it. “Did you get my birthday e-card, Dick?” my friend David asked me a few days after my 74th birthday. “Yes, I did. I find email greeting cards rude. They lack the personal touch, and it’s annoying when I have to wait forever while they download.” “Why, you…” “Go on David, say it. Say it, please.” “Okay, you…you probably have a good point. I should have taken the time to go to the store and buy you a nice Hallmark card, instead.” Even my best friends won’t cooperate. Maybe part of the problem here is I don’t have the right “look.” I’m going to stop dyeing my hair and start hoisting my pants up to my ribcage. That might help. ■
ANY SPACE SAFER & MORE ACCESSIBLE! Does your home need a wheelchair ramp? Commonly asked questions about ramps. Q: I have stairs at my front entry way and know I’ll need a ramp. What is a good rule of thumb to go by? A: The first thing to consider is the height of the stairs leading up to the front entry threshold. In order to achieve the ideal rampslope, the formula is critical. 1:12 is standard for measuring for a ramp. Example: 24 inches of stair rise (from the ground to the entry threshold) equals the need for a 24-foot ramp in length. Q: What ramp materials are offered through SafeSpace Builders? A: Wood, Concrete, Aluminum or Trex®. Q: What are the general pros and cons of each material selection? A: Wood: Esthetically pleasing; Annual maintenance required; Easy to remove; Higher end expense. Aluminum: Easy to assemble; High shipping expenses; Resalable; Commercial appearance. Concrete: Inexpensive; Little maintenance; Difficult to remove. Trex®: Esthetically pleasing; Highest end expense; Long lifespan and minimal maintenance. Q: I’m worried a ramp will lesson curb appeal and resale value of my home. Are there any other options? A: Absolutely! We also offer Vertical Platform Lifts as an alternative option to a ramp system.
Serving the Community is Our Top Priority!
970-462-9472 SafeSpaceBuilders.co
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
29
GRAND JUNCTION
A
t this year’s Grand Junction BeaconFest, more than 2,000 people walked through the doors of Grand Junction Convention Center, excited to immerse themselves in a day full of entertainment, resources and prize giveaways. Peggy Malone kicked off the show’s main stage entertainment, followed by Javier de los Santos’ Latin guitar melodies, King ’n Trio’s swinging hits and Donny Morales’ soulful vocals. The dapper men of Canyon Grand and the ladies of Steppin’ Up Quartet lit up the foyer with their sweet barbershop harmonies, along with Mike Gazdak’s accordion and the peaceful sounds of Robin Freed’s harps in between. Newcomer Billy Bonner wrapped up the show with covers of many classic hits and a few original songs. Each seminar room hosted a spread of educational presentations on Medicare, financial planning, fraud prevention, breakthrough medical treatments and a chair yoga class in an environment crafted especially for seniors. BEACON readers selected Carolyn DeBusk, a volunteer with Meals
2022 SENIOR CHOICE WINNERS 30 | TRAVEL | JUNE 2022 |
E N T E RTA I N M E N T
on Wheels Mesa County, for this year’s Volunteer of the Year award. She and 14 other marvelous volunteers were honored at the stage for their altruistic volunteer work with local nonprofits. As if the seminars, live entertainment and vendor booths weren’t enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30
Best Overall Booth Bellco Credit Union
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
FOOD • INFO
minutes. We gave away gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, several rounds of golf, free oil changes, bowling and movie passes, cash and more! One lucky attendee won travel packages to South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and a couple others won swim passes and soaks at the Glenwood Hot Springs and
Booth with the Friendliest People Meals on Wheels Mesa County
Iron Mountain Hot Springs. We want to thank all of the businesses who donated these wonderful gifts that made these drawings so exciting. Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of the community. As is true every year, this year’s BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of the more than 100 vendors who set up booths, and notably, our main sponsors: Medicare Resource Center, Hilltop Community Resources, Humana, Bellco Credit Union, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Sports Medicine & Spine and KREX News Channel 5. To our volunteers, entertainers and most importantly, you, our guests, thank you for coming to BeaconFest and for reading the BEACON! We’ll see you at the Montrose Pavilion for Montrose-Delta BeaconFest on Thursday, September 15! For more information, visit www.BeaconFest.BeaconSenior
Booth with the Best Giveaways Nothing Bundt Cakes
Volunteer of the Year
Carolyn DeBusk
Nominated by Adrienne Carlo, Meals on Wheels Carolyn DeBusk (pictured right) has volunteered with Meals on Wheels of Mesa County for over 11 years. In addition to driving twice a week, she happily fills in on other routes as needed and goes the extra mile for every Meals on Wheels customer. For Christmas, she worked with her quilting group to create hundreds of placemats for Meals on Wheels customers. On holidays, she brings extra goodies for the people on her routes and enjoys spending time with clients and listening to their stories. In her nomination for DeBusk, Home Delivery Program Coordinator Adrienne Carlo (pictured left) said, “We are blessed to have someone volunteer for us who truly cares deeply for others in her community.”
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | TRAVEL |
31
TRAVEL
Plan your r e m m u b cket list s From the Colorado Tourism Office
S
ummer is for road tripping, and what better place to turn up the tunes, take in the unparalleled views and explore than right here in Colorado? From active adventure-themed road trips to trips that immerse travelers in history, wine and roadside attractions, Colorado has a trip itinerary for every traveler’s taste. Below is a sampling of unique itineraries that will take travelers to various regions of the state to immerse themselves in the culture of the communities.
ITINERARY #1 SPLASH THROUGH NORTHERN COLORADO In Steamboat Springs, fly fish, tube or paddle the Yampa River, the most free-flowing river in the entire Colorado River system. Visit Fish Creek Falls and explore seven natural mineral springs on a self-guided walking tour. After these adventures, travel southeast on Highway 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass and head toward Walden. Stop at State Forest State Park for camping and fishing in the park’s alpine lakes and rivers. Watch for the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, a managed waterfowl nesting area and lush wetlands complete with meandering streams, just outside of Walden. Continue into Poudre Canyon, a Colorado Scenic Byway, and stop and see the 100-year-old Mishawaka, a bucket-list music venue offering “classic eats and river beats.” Head to Fort Collins and cool off at the Poudre River Whitewater Park located in the up-and-coming River District neighborhood or Horsetooth Reservoir for boating fun.
ITINERARY #2 NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE A road trip around southwest Colorado leads travelers through the history of the ancestral Puebloan, Ute and Navajo people. Start at the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, where tribal members interpret pictographs, surface ruins and artifacts. From there, head to the Cortez area and visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, an archaeological museum and headquarters for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, containing the highest known archaeological site density in the U.S. Attend free dances and cultural programs at the Cortez Cultural Center in the evening. Overnight at the Canyons of the Ancients Guest Ranch and enjoy a traditional Navajo dinner. Just east of Cortez, visit the spectacular cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages in Mesa Verde National Park. The park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. From there, drive east to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in Ignacio and learn about the origin, culture, language and history of the
32 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Ute people. End the trip by visiting Chimney Rock National Monument, once home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo people, and travel on to Pagosa Springs to soak in the hot mineral springs.
ITINERARY #3 EXPERIENCE SUMMER IN SKI RESORTS Summit and Eagle Counties are home to some of the best-known ski areas in the world which transform into summer playgrounds Start at Arapahoe Basin to experience the highest via ferrata climbing route in North America. Head to Keystone’s bike park with progression-focused terrain for riders of all abilities or hit the greens and enjoy a round of golf at one of Keystone’s two 18-hole golf courses. Drive over Swan Mountain to the historic mining town of Breckenridge that offers endless hiking and mountain biking adventures set against the backdrop of the ski area's five massive peaks. From Breckenridge, head to Copper Mountain and experience Woodward Copper’s on-snow, skiing and riding summer camps. Keep heading west on I-70 to Vail Mountain, where you can take a gondola ride with gorgeous mountain views. Then hit up Epic Discovery featuring the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing hill, climbing wall, zip lining and more. Just 10 miles down the road, Beaver Creek sits above the town of Avon. Hike, bike, horseback ride or 4x4 to Beano’s Cabin high up on the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain to devour delectable cuisine.
ITINERARY #4 WINES OF WESTERN COLORADO Western Colorado boasts two federally designated American Viticultural Areas along the Colorado River between Palisade and Grand Junction, and along the North Fork of the Gunnison River between Paonia and Hotchkiss. Together, these regions produce 90 percent of the wine grapes grown in Colorado. Start a wine-inspired road trip in Paonia, stopping in Azura Cellars & Gallery and Alfred Eames Cellars. Head to Hotchkiss to taste wines at The Storm Cellar and Mesa Winds Farm and Winery and indulge in their farm-to-table small plates. Stopover at Big B’s Delicious Orchards for farm-fresh produce, live music, hard cider and camping in their orchard. In Palisade, enjoy wine from 30+ wineries and taste the flavors of the area alongside Colorado wine at Peche and overnight at the Wine Country Inn. In Grand Junction, experience Carlson Vineyards tasting room on Main Street. End the wine tour at Two Rivers Winery and Chateau near the Colorado National Monument.
C o h l o g u r a o r d h t o p i r t d roa ITINERARY #5 CANYONS AND PLAINS Southeast Colorado is shaped by its rich heritage of Hispanic and Native American culture. It’s a special place to enrich perspective, meander country roads and experience fascinating moments in the nation’s history firsthand. Frontiersman Kit Carson, folk hero “Wild” Bill Hickok and explorer Zebulon Pike also followed this path on their fortune-seeking quests, leaving their mark on locations with important historic ties such as Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and Boggsville Historic Site. And though they’re a tragic reminder of some of the darker sides of history, Amache National Historic Site and the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site also present an opportunity to learn from the past. Travel even further back in time to Picketwire Canyon, where a guided auto tour shows travelers the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America. To the northeast, Vogel Canyon offers four hiking trails and is the site of rock art left behind by Native Americans 300-800 years ago. Both are found within the Comanche National Grassland, a haven for nearly 400 bird species. Thanks to an extended growing season, the region is also known for its agriculture. Rocky Ford in particular is famed for its cantaloupe and watermelon. Stop by a roadside farm stand or farmers’ market for a true taste of summer.
ITINERARY #6 MYSTIC SAN LUIS VALLEY San Luis Valley features quirky roadside attractions (UFO Watchtower, Colorado Gators Reptile Park and Stations of the Cross), incredible scenery and outdoor adventures, wildlife viewing and the tallest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Opening this summer, the historic Frontier Drive-In is a 1940s-era drivein movie theater that has been reimagined with nightly film screenings on a fully restored movie screen, overnight accommodations in steelmaster sheds converted to luxury hotel suites and glamping yurts, and one-of-a-kind spas located inside signature 3D-printed adobe structures open to the sky. Zapata Ranch, owned by the Nature Conservancy, is offering a slew of exciting summer workshops. These new offerings come on the heels of the recent expansion of the hip Mellow Moon Lodge and bike shop in Del Norte, and the purpose-built singletrack mountain bike trails emerging on the west side of the valley.
ITINERARY #7 PIONEER THROUGH THE PLAINS After the Louisiana Purchase, pioneers flocked to Colorado by the thousands, finding the plains a place to farm. Start this trip near Orchard for camping
near one of the best beaches in Colorado at Jackson Lake State Park. From there, search for mule deer, coyote and pronghorns (antelope) near the twin 300-foot-tall Pawnee Buttes in Pawnee National Grassland. Head to Sterling to learn about the pioneers at the Overland Trail Museum, once the most traveled road in America, and drive across tracks laid by early railroad pioneers. Drive south to the Yuma Irrigation Research Farm, where travelers can learn about government-tested methods of soil conservation. Head east to hunt deer, quail and turkeys near Wray. From there, drive south to Burlington to ride wooden horses, giraffes and lions while whirling to the music on the 1905 Kit Carson County Carousel. End the trip with some birding at Mountain Plover Festival in Karval, or in Limon’s wetlands.
ITINERARY #8 ROCKIES SCENIC BYWAY For breathtaking views, plan your trip along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Drive east of Aspen on Highway 82 over Independence Pass to the historic town of Twin Lakes. Pick up a walking tour map at the Twin Lakes Visitor Center. Head to Leadville, the highest elevated city in North America, and take a tour of the historic Tabor Opera House, learn about mining at the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame and ride back in time on the Leadville Railroad. Head over Tennessee Pass past the Camp Hale National Historic Site (where the U.S. Army trained during World War II) and Holy Cross Wilderness Area. Pass through Red Cliff and end in the charming town of Minturn where the Minturn Market and Blue Starlight Drive-In are summer highlights.
ITINERARY #9 BIKE THROUGH THE ROARING FORK VALLEY Take a bike excursion through the Roaring Fork Valley—home to Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The 40-mile stretch of highway links all five towns via Highway 82 from I-70 to the base of Independence Pass. Together, the region makes up the first Gold-Level International Mountain Biking Association Ride Center™ in Colorado. With more than 300 miles of high-quality singletrack to explore, the Roaring Fork Valley provides an incredible breadth of experiences for mountain bike enthusiasts seeking beauty and exhilaration. Guests can choose to drive and explore the trail systems within each town and ride the trails between each destination. ■
Which bucket list itinerary appeals most to you?
Let us know at: WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
33
FAITH
COME GROW WITH US IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP! We are…
By Barbara Ward
Family-oriented Inspirational Relational Sacred space The place for you
United Methodist Church
God doesn’t make junk!
9:00 am Contemporary Praise Service 11:00 am Traditional Service with Choir
Live stream services at fumcgj.org First United Methodist Church | 5th St. & White Ave. (downtown) | 970-242-4850 | www.fumcgj.org
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (1 John 4:7-8)
M
ost humans talk to themselves regularly. According to WebService Times Service Times MD, talking to oneself out loud is Celebration Celebration Service Service less common but one study reportam Sunday 10:00 am10:00 Sunday ed that 96 percent of adults say Family Night they have an internal dialogue. Family Night Regardless of whether we talk 6:30 pm Wednesday 6:30 pm Wednesday to ourselves silently or aloud, the things we say can positively or negatively affect our wellbeing. People with a negative self-image tend to 515 S. Dr. Hillcrest focus Dr. on their faults and weakness515 S. Hillcrest Montrose, Montrose, CO 81401CO 81401 es while those who see themselves Where Passion for God and 970-249-4319in a positive light recognize their ere Passion for God and 970-249-4319 for People meet…. mpassion Compassion for People meet…. assets and potential, which leads to a higher sense of self-worth. During her husband’s presidency, First Lady Louisa Adams was scrutinized for being a foreigner, Sunday study: 9:00 a.m. aristocrat and advocate for womSunday worship: 10:15 a.m. en’s rights. But in spite of all that was said about her, Louisa knew First Baptist Church her worth. of Grand Junction Thinking of women like her, she wrote, “Under all circumstances we 720 Grand Avenue must never desert ourselves.” 970-242-5645 Believing in our inherent worth makes it easier to see the worth in Visit our website: fbcgj.org others. As Christians, we have the responsibility to learn to love ourselves so that we can follow Jesus’ directive in Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” S Townsend Ave BAPTIST CHURCH Fortunately, the Bible has quite E Niagara Rd a bit to say about self-love and selfTurning Montrose Around talk. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us: RosemontBaptist.org
Experience God's loveloveinina atraditional setting. Experience God's traditional setting.
Experience God's love in a traditional setting.
Rosemont
FAMILY
FELLOWSHIP
Bible Study (all ages) 9:30 9:15 am Worship Service 10:45 am Worship Service
Sunday
34 | FAITH | JUNE 2022 |
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” These scriptures remind us of our worth: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) God sent Jesus to die for us because He loves us. If we’re precious in God’s eyes, then why can’t we also see it? “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27) My grandson has a T-shirt that reads, “God doesn’t make junk!” “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) We have the power to change the way we feel about ourselves and build confidence through prayer, positive self-talk and reading the Bible. Here’s another reminder that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. God has a plan for you that is uniquely yours. ■
COMMUNITY 1598 E Niagara Rd Montrose, CO 81401 Office: 970.249.4887
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Do you have words of faith? Is there someone who inspires you spiritually? Send us your articles: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
TALKING DIGITAL
6 tips for getting the most out of your camera phone
M
y grandpa was an unofficial photographer in the Army during World War II. Although he was officially a stenographer, he took a lot of pictures of the airfield and the places he was stationed. Standard fashion in my family has always included a camera hung on a strap around the neck. My mom and dad were both photographers for their high school student newspaper. My grandpa took a lot of photos of parked airplanes and scenery, but also chronicled every family moment with a formal group photo. Birthdays, Christmases, vacations and anywhere else that could be remotely defined as memorable always included a ceremony where we stood for Grandpa as he took five to 10 pictures. Then, he would announce, “Now a few more with my slide film.” And a second camera would come up to his face for a second round. When he finally bought a video camera, it added a third rite to this ceremony. One of my favorite family gatherings as a kid was going over to Grandpa’s for a slideshow of recent events as well as really old photos from the late 1950s and early 1960s when my mom was my age. When I watched these slide shows, I no-
ticed that I always loved the candid pictures he took far more than the posed pictures. There weren’t many of them, but the candid pictures always had stories in addition to people and places. When I was old enough to get my own camera, I fell in love with candid photography. I loved how it captured moments that would never happen again and gave me the ability to remember entire days with a single image. Like most people, I scoffed at the idea of a camera phone when they first came out. I had barely acquired enough faith in digital photography to sell my film camera. But, like everyone else, I quickly adapted and realized that my phone camera was just perfect. When photographers are asked, “What’s the best camera?” The standard answer is, “The one you have with you.” The features of camera phones are fairly limited, but the ubiquitous availability makes them superior to the Polaroid, Kodak Brownie or that 110 camera with the cube flash you had in 1982. The versatility and constant access to a camera phone also means that you can use it differently than any previous type of camera. Here are a few tips on how to get the
Is your non-profit looking for a way to raise funds? We have some sessions available that can help you raise money!
Call or email us today!
970-242-1369 Bingo@GJBingo.com
511 28 1/4 Rd., Grand Junction, CO GJBingo.com
most out of your camera phone. 1. Shoot horizontally for horizontal subjects. This is especially true of video, but your picture will be far more spectacular and the composition will be better if you learn to shoot horizontal photos. Your computer screen is horizontal, so photos that need to fill the screen should be shot that way, too. 2. Apply filters later. Many apps allow you to shoot pictures in black and white or apply cool special effects filters. Most programs also allow you to apply the filters to existing photos. If you apply the filter after you take the photo, you will have both the altered and unaltered photo in your archive. 3. Only zoom as much as your optical zoom can handle. If your camera has two lenses, then you can probably zoom in 2x. If your camera only has one lens, then you actually can’t zoom in at all. When you pinch to zoom, it doesn’t actually zoom the subject closer than 2x, it just makes the pixels in the image larger and more distorted. You will get better results if you take the photo using the highest lens magnification and then crop and enlarge the photo afterwards. 4. Take stills while shooting video. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether you want to film a video or take still images of a once-in-a-lifetime memory. If you shoot a video, you don’t have to choose between the two. All camera phones that shoot video have a button that allows you to take still photos while
filming. On less expensive phones, this is sometimes just a single frame from the video, but most higher-end phones actually take the still photo at higher resolution. HD video is only 2 megapixels, so getting the full 10+ megapixels can only happen with a still image. 5. Back up your photos. Amazon Prime subscribers get free unlimited photo backup. If you are a Prime subscriber, make sure to download the Amazon Photos app. Every time you open it, all of your photos will be backed up to your Amazon account. 6. Use your camera as a tool. The best piece of advice I can give you is to remember that your camera can act as a photographic memory. When you can’t read a label, use your camera phone and zoom in on the small text. If you buy an item from the store and the tag is missing, take a picture of the sign with the item number. If you need to remember where you parked, take pictures of the surroundings, signs and landmarks to help you find your way back. You have one of the greatest inventions of all time on your person every waking hour of the day. Always try to get the most out of it. Smartphones can be frustrating and difficult to figure out, but the more you use your phone for activities that enrich your life, the sooner you will learn how to use it efficiently. ■
TALKING DIGITAL BY ADAM COCHRAN
Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | TALKING DIGITAL |
35
MONEY & SCAMS
I will help you AVOID the
MEDICARE
How to travel on a small budget By Kimberly Blaker
T
MAZE
raveling is a great way to enjoy new experiences, learn about the world and take a break from the monotony of daily living. But the cost of travel can be prohibitive. So many of us don't get away as frequently as we'd like or miss out on places we've dreamed of visiting. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to travel and explore the world without breaking the bank.
Earning trust…one client at a time.
Scott Peak Insurance, LLC
719-358-8370 Colorado Springs, CO Email: scottpeak@ffig.com ScottPeakInsurance.com
Do you suffer from pain? Have you been told surgery is your only option? There’s a better alternative…
NON-SURGICAL REGENERATION Our specialists at QC Kinetix are dedicated to providing highquality treatments that ease pain and help patients return to their regular, daily life activities quickly and safely. Using non-surgical regenerative procedures, our specialists can treat various conditions, such as joint pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, and much more. For more information about treatments at QC Kinetix or to setup your FREE CONSULTATION give us a call at
970-747-5868 or visit our website at
QCKinetix.com/grand-junction 36 | MONEY & SCAMS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
VISIT FAMILY OR FRIENDS When thinking about where to travel on a small budget, visiting places near family or friends can help keep the costs down. Depending on the situation, it could reduce or eliminate the need for a hotel, rental car or eating out for every meal. Traveling to an area near family or friends can also reduce your entertainment cost since spending time visiting and catching up will serve as part of your entertainment. It's also an excellent opportunity to have your own local tour guide since your family or friends there will know all the hot spots, attractions and notto-be-missed sights to see.
good deal that turns out to be a bad experience. Different travel comparison sites focus on particular parts of traveling. Some of the most popular include Booking.com, Priceline.com, Expedia.com, Kayak. com and Trivago.com.
SEARCH SMART When searching online for travel deals, there are a few tricks to know in order to get the best deals. Many websites use cookies and can see when you've been searching for specific hotels or flights. There is some evidence that pricing may be based in part on your search history, according to William McGee, aviation advisor for Consumer Reports. An easy fix is to clear the cookies in your browser before visiting the same travel website again, so the site can't track you following specific companies, destinations or deals. There are also many theories about the best time to book your flight, with the most common being on a Tuesday afternoon, six weeks before your trip. While this exact date is subject to debate, it does
DEPENDING ON YOUR AGE AND INTERESTS, SOME COMPANIES HOST TRIPS AND TOURS WITH LODGING, ATTRACTIONS AND TRAVEL COSTS INCLUDED. COMPARE COSTS With so many airlines, hotels and tours to choose from, planning a trip can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites simplify this by allowing you to enter your travel dates and preferences to compare prices from different companies. These websites are particularly helpful for comparing costs in a single place and keeping track of your findings. Many travel comparison sites also show ratings, so you don't waste your money on a seemingly
seem that airline fare sales tend to start on Tuesdays. Your best bet is to start checking fares early and pay attention to any patterns. Some airlines also have better deals if you book at least two weeks before your trip.
ROAD TRIP! If you're traveling as a family or with multiple people, the cost of airline tickets for everyone adds up quickly. Depending on how far you plan to travel, a road trip might be a
MONEY & SCAMS
good option. Your journey can become part of your vacation. Gas for one car which can hold everyone will likely cost much less than airline tickets for multiple people. It can also be better for the planet. If you're feeling extra adventurous, rent an RV to save on both your travel and lodging costs (but do the math for the added fuel costs). You can typically find RV parks along any route for much lower prices than staying in a hotel. It can also be a fun bonding experience for your family or group to travel this way.
DISCOUNTS AND DEALS Websites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com offer significant discounts on specific travel deals. Because they only offer deals to particular places within a range of dates, this is a good option if you want to travel but don't have a specific destination or dates in mind. Depending on your age and interests, some companies host trips and tours with lodging, attractions and travel costs included. Traveling with a tour group can result in deeper discounts than traveling alone. Elderhostel (RoadScholar. com) and Collette Vacations (GoCollette.com) are popular choices for seniors. For all ages, FlashPack. com and AustinAdventures.com are excellent choices. Companies such as Costco or AAA also offer travel packages at discounted prices. By signing up for a free membership on certain
websites, such as Hotels.com, you can earn free hotel-stay nights and get exclusive discounts on hotels. Another way to reduce your travel cost is to save up money for travel with a travel rewards credit card that caters to your travel interests. Many airlines offer credit cards on which you can earn miles to redeem for future travel. Some specific travel destinations, like Disney, also have credit cards you can use to earn rewards toward future vacation costs. Capital One and many other credit card companies also offer similar travel reward credit cards that provide greater travel flexibility.
TRAVEL LOCALLY It's easy to overlook fascinating or exciting attractions, sightseeing and activities that are close to home. If you have the travel bug but lack the time or money for a big trip, do some research to see what opportunities and adventures you can find nearby for a weekend or day trip. This can save you a lot of money on travel and lodging expenses. Plus, it's easier to pack food for a short journey, which can also save you money instead of eating out. You might be surprised at what exciting new things you've been missing out on locally or nearby. Realize that with a little creativity and effort, traveling doesn't need to be out of reach just because of a small budget. If you plan ahead and travel smart, you can find lots of opportunities to explore the world around you. ■
EXCITEMENT SO CLOSE YOU CAN FEEL IT! Be our guest at Sky Ute Casino Resort. With fine dining, Vegas-style gaming, and so much more, the perfect get-away is just steps from your hotel room.
GET IN ON THE ACTION Floor Hours: Sun. - Thur. 9AM-MIDNIGHT Fri. and Sat. 9AM - 2AM
Sky Ute Casino Resort 14324 Hwy 172 North Ignacio, Colorado 81137 970.563.7777 skyutecasino.com
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | MONEY & SCAMS |
37
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
MONTHLY SPECIALS! Small Chicken Fried Steak
w/Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Vegetables
Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
w/Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Vegetables
Cheeseburger
8
w/French Fries and a Soda
$ 25 each!
CLIFTON
WIND
IN CLIFT ON!
GRAND JUNCTION Pufferbelly Station 970-242-1600 337 S. 1st Street
MONTROSE
DELTA
970-249-7787 1320 S. Townsend Avenue
www.Starvin-Arvins.com
DRIVE TH RU
W NOW OO PEN
Your Choice
970-434-0777 3247 F Road
Offers good thru 6/30/2022
FRUITA
970-858-8444 555 Raptor Road
970-874-7288 204 Ute Street
|
crossing the
of trauma, trials and loss New book examines trauma’s effect on seniors Special to the BEACON
W
hoever said “With age comes wisdom” implied that simply getting older or experiencing life makes us wise. Janet Perreault, 78, and Debi Grebenik, 66, believe it takes more than the celebration of birthdays if we are to truly understand how our past impacts our present and, subsequently, how we deal with life’s challenges. What started as two old friends reconnecting led to cowriting, “Crossing the Deep Waters of Trauma, Trials and Loss,” a guidebook where both authors freely share their life losses to encourage others that they, too, can emerge stronger through adversity.
MOVING FORWARD The book warmly invites the reader into a conversation of love, understanding and compassion, regardless of one’s belief system. Though the book is structured as a Bible study (the authors believe that God is always a vital part of the process), the principles and workbook questions can benefit anyone searching for answers to their own unique challenges. Scripture, prayer
38 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
and a leader’s guide assist with Bible study usage. The book is purposely short for busy readers, but the six chapters are rich with information, offering questions for reflection and positive “steppingstones” (courage, hope, possibilities, trust, healing and forgiveness) to help the reader move forward. Though Grebenik and Perreault were thrilled to write a book in their senior years, their greater reward is people reading passages that resonate in their own lives. The authors’ empathetic reach extends beyond the book. Grebenik is a mental health professional and founder of the Trauma Training Institute, which provides training, consultation, therapy and coaching for clients with trauma histories. Perreault has experienced some of life’s most difficult challenges, including domestic violence in an early marriage and the loss of her 14-year-old son to suicide, followed by the suicide of her ex-husband as well.
WHAT TRAUMA MEANS TO SENIORS Grebenik said the book timely topic
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Debi Grebenik (left) and Janet Perreault (right) personalize copies of their book for those interested in learning more about trauma, trials and loss. UNITS AVAILABLE
of trauma is often misunderstood. “Developmental trauma occurs in the context of relationship and wreaks havoc in a child’s development with significant impact throughout the child’s life,” explained Grebenik. “This impact may still be evident in an adult’s life and relationships. Early neglect or abandonment creates challenges in building authentic and trusting relationships.” She sheds light on how our early years imprint the way we “do life” as we grow, build relationships and interact with the world, connecting the dots from our early childhood to our adult lives. For some, particularly seniors, this might be the first time in their life that they have had the time or curiosity to put the fascinating yet sometimes painful pieces of their life together. Even for seniors, understanding the past reaps great rewards. Perreault recalled a time when a dear friend told her that she didn’t even know who she was until her 70s. “I found that astounding—I was in my 40s at the time—but now I know what she meant,” said Perreault. “It takes time, something we don’t always have when we are working and raising our children.”
When she retired over a decade ago, Perreault began to reflect on her life, looking for answers. “I am glad to use my hard-won knowledge and genuine empathy with others experiencing difficulties,” Perreault said. “We are all susceptible to the human condition of suffering.” Grebenik brings her professional expertise to the book, offering practical advice to those in the midst of struggles. This includes the well-meaning person who desires to help others who are hurting. “Until we do the hard work of healing, we would be premature to attempt to help someone else,” Grebenik said. “But when we go through the deep, reflective work of looking at trauma’s impact on our lives, the role grief plays in our relationships and how forgiveness is required to move on, only then can we be there for others in meaningful ways.” Perreault has spent hours with grieving individuals. She acknowledges that she doesn’t possess magic words to remove the pain. She gently offers the simple, honest question, “May I sit with you awhile?” Merely being present helps to share in another’s grief. ■
To order the book online, visit www.facebook.com/Crossing theDeepWatersofTraumaTrialsandLoss, or purchase it directly by contacting Perreault at janlouperr@yahoo.com or 719-339-8991.
1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom Mo-to-Mo Lease Small Pets Allowed Meal Options Housekeeping Options
INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENT HOMES WITH CONVENIENCE SERVICES FOR AGES 55+ At The Homestead at Montrose, we’re a welcoming community – a comfortable, cheerful place you’ll be happy to call home. Located across from the Montrose Pavilion Events Center, the Senior Center and the Montrose Botanical Gardens, The Homestead at Montrose is near all the things you love to do.
CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE A TOUR: 1819 Pavilion Drive Montrose, CO 81401 970-964-3400 homesteadatmontrose.org
Dreaming of a
beautiful garden?
Camelot Gardens expert staff can help you choose the perfect perennials, shrubs and trees to make your dream come alive.
16612 S. Townsend Avenue | Montrose, CO 81401 | 970-249-6109 CamelotGardens.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
39
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Experience Summer Reading at Mesa County Libraries!
All ages welcome! •Read and Learn!
•Earn FREE Books!
•Participate in prize drawings!
•Enjoy creative and engaging activities!
Like Stiles and Murdock on By Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
T Colorow Care Center We are a skilled nursing facility staffed with local compassionate professionals. Our non-traditional person-centered planned care approach helps our residents achieve their desired goals: to live a meaningful and purpose-filled life.
Come See and Feel the Difference
855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425
970.323.5504
www.vivage.com/Colorow
We Accept: • Medicare • Medicaid • RMHMO • Private Pay • PACE • And More
40 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
he year was 1960. I was an aspiring journalist and writer living in Phoenix, Arizona. And two creative television producers came up with a new TV series called “Route 66.” The series was about two good-looking young guys who traveled around the U.S. in a blue Corvette, looking for adventure, romance and jobs, and came closer to telling the story of America in the 1960s than any other television series in history. The characters, blonde-haired Todd Stiles and dark-haired Buz Murdock, were a couple of free-spirited hippies that many viewers felt were loosely based on the characters Jack Kerouac created for his best-selling novel, “On The Road.” The TV series upset Kerouac so much that he actually considered filing a lawsuit against the television producers. The suit was never filed and the successful series produced 116 shows that ended in 1965. The show really hit home for my brother John and me. Both of us followed the episodes which were shot on location around the coun-
try. The plots followed my own life so closely it was almost uncanny. I would move from state to state working on location, while Stiles and Murdock, played by Martin Milner and George Maharis, would find jobs in a California winery, on a Maine shrimp boat, on an offshore oil rig and in small towns that dotted the American landscape. I used to love the plots that the show’s creators Herbert B. Leon-
BEACON SENIOR NEWS ard and Stirling Silliphant crafted. Silliphant wrote nearly all the shows for the series, which usually depicted Maharis or Milner getting involved with a local beauty, or hanging around town until their Corvette could be repaired, or something darkly dangerous trapping them there until they figured their way out of a situation. Silliphant would often throw
young men on the prowl and the local beauties loved it. When we stopped at an A&W root beer stand in one small town, two local girls in shorts came up to our car and asked if we raced it. We told them a wonderful fabricated story I’m sure they didn’t believe. I actually met Martin Milner when he stopped in Phoenix to do some production work. He had
WHEN WE STOPPED AT AN A&W ROOT BEER STAND IN ONE SMALL TOWN, TWO LOCAL GIRLS IN SHORTS CAME UP TO OUR CAR AND ASKED IF WE RACED IT. WE TOLD THEM A WONDERFUL FABRICATED STORY I’M SURE THEY DIDN’T BELIEVE. guest stars into his plot. During its four-year run, the show featured Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, James Caan, Joan Crawford, Ben Johnson, Jack Lord, Lee Marvin, Walter Matthau, Robert Redford, Rod Steiger, Rip Torn and Tuesday Weld. And who could forget the show’s theme song played by Nelson Riddle? It was glorious. It made you want to travel. My brother and I were living in Phoenix when we somehow became owners of a small but racy British sports car. We owned the BMW for about six months and drove it around the Grand Canyon State to places like Show Low, Payson and Tucson. We played the parts of carefree
ended “Route 66” and was starring in “Adam-12”. He was very gracious and talked about the former series with warmth and affection for his co-star Maharis. I asked him the color of the Corvette since the series was filmed in black and white. “We had several different Corvettes that we used, but it was generally light blue,” he said with a laugh. That got me thinking. Maybe I could create a TV series about two poker players who traveled around the country in a sports car—say a red Corvette or a black BMW—and they could be broke in Las Vegas trying to raise enough cash to enter a poker tournament at Binion’s Horseshoe or The Orleans Casino. Yeah, that would work. ■
Discover a tranquil neighborhood all your own. Carefree retirement living. The Cottages let you live independently while giving you the freedom to make the most of your retirement. Our single-level patio homes offer privacy and luxury with open living plans, two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio, and a one-car garage. Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance, and flexible meal options at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms. Plus you and your loved ones get peace of mind with a 24-hour emergency response system.
(970) 434-2111 • TheCottagesGJ.org
When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
41
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Your eyes on home safety The hidden hazard of reading glasses Story and art by Steve Strickland
A
sunny reading room. A comfortable leather sofa. Reading glasses on the coffee table. One would think the only danger in this setting lurks on the pages of a nearby mystery novel, but one could be seriously mistaken! My wife Julie, an avid reader, recently took a break from her book and walked into the kitchen. She turned around to notice our precious lap dog, Trinket, in the process of stealing her place on the couch. Julie also noticed, unbelievably, smoke arising from the front of the couch!
OPEN FOR DINE-IN
We Also Offer: • Carry-Out or Curbside Pickup • Margaritas-To-Go • Gift Cards • VIP Loyalty Program
HALF PRICE MONDAY! Purchase any entrée at full price and receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value at 50% off.
*Must present coupon. Offer good Mondays only. May not be combined with any other offers, discounts or points redemptions. Valid 6/1/2022 to 6/30/2022
3245 I-70 Business Loop | Clifton, CO 81520 | 970-434-5078 | www.Go2Dos.com |
42 | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Closer examination revealed an astonishing situation. Julie’s reading glasses, resting randomly on the coffee table, had managed to focus the afternoon sunlight onto the black leather surface of our couch, burning an area about the size of a Tylenol capsule until it was smoldering. Julie quickly told me about this incident, and we were both still incredulous. Taking a scientific approach, we decided to replicate the incident. It didn’t take especially careful placement of the 1.50-power readers, and it didn’t take long— only about two minutes. Another small spot on the sofa started to burn, shrivel and smoke! I did some quick searches on the internet for “reading glasses causing a fire,” and so on. Fires can be, and indeed have, started due to ordinary, innocuous glass objects capable of magnifying sunlight.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS These items have included glass and crystal doorknobs, jars, fishbowls and reading glasses! It’s called “solar ignition.” It’s the same principle as elementary school science experiments using a magnifying glass on paper or dried leaves until they catch fire. Particles called photons carry light from the sun to the earth. They transmit light and energy in the form of heat. A magnifying glass (like the reading glasses) sets fire by focusing all the photons through the small dot area created by the convex lens. When the sun falls on the magnifying glass and enough time passes, the strength of the photons passes through the lens and creates a small-sized dot on the ignitable material, generating a level of heat strong enough to start a fire. The statistical possibility of such an isolated incident is remote at best. Nevertheless, magnifying reading glasses, or “cheaters,” as tradesmen in my age bracket are likely to call them, are nearly ubiquitous these days. Affordable and useful, many households have a pair in every room where they are likely to come in handy. Julie and I keep thinking about how much worse it could be if someone left their house to run errands while the reflected light did its damage, unnoticed. It doesn’t take a particularly vivid imagination
to envision a sunny home library, an already hot work truck or a tool shed with flammable materials where the magnifying capability of the reading glasses, combined with strong indoor sunshine, could turn hazardous. While the commonly cited Colorado statistic of “300 days of sunshine a year” is a myth started by an overzealous railroad publicist in the 1800s, we do enjoy many sunny days. And, due to our altitude, the sunlight is particularly intense. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the sun’s UV rays intensify by 8-10 percent due to the thinning atmosphere. In Colorado Springs, the UV exposure is 36 percent more intense than at sea level. Consequently, Coloradans may be more likely to encounter this strange phenomenon. Today the “Dangerous Magnifying Reading Glasses Incident” is mostly a novel memory and an amusing anecdote for us. We have incorporated it into our familiar, inside-joke repertoire. Still, as both of us are on the way out of our house, we go over a shopworn checklist: Doors locked? Check. Dogs have water? Check. Lights on or off as needed? Check. Curling iron disconnected? Check. Garage door down? Check. Reading glasses in their cases or otherwise disabled? CHECK! ■
HAPPY
to all the Dads in our lives
To both those who are with us in person, and those who are with us in spirit. Delta 970-874-9988
Hotchkiss 970-872-3151
Cedaredge 970-856-3232
Paonia 970-527-3836
www.taylorfuneralservice.com
Serving Grand Junction We are pleased to now offer our Cardiac and Vascular Services to the Western Colorado Community NEW Cardiology Medical Practice and Outpatient Procedure Lab Advanced Heart and Vein Center serves its patients by providing cardiac and endovascular services. We provide clinic consults, stress testing, echocardiograms, peripheral, renal and carotid ultrasound testing. We also offer same day discharge peripheral angiogram and venogram procedures in our own outpatient procedure lab to better serve the patient with a cost-effective care model.
Behzad Molavi MD, FACC, FSCAI
Qaisar Khan
MD, FACC, FSCAI
GRAND JUNCTION OFFICE LOCATION
Rajesh Sharma MD, FACC, FSCAI
360 W Park Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81505 Tel 970-989-2299 | Fax 970-852-4847 HeartAndVeins.com
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 |
43
MeSa County June 3
Mike the Headless Chicken
Celebrate the chicken that lived 18 months with no head at Fruita’s Civic Center Park. The festival includes games, vendors, a 5K race, car show, disc golf tournament and more. 4-10 p.m. Friday / 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday | 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita | Free
June 4
Service Saturday
A Little Help’s Service Saturday event brings generations together to help older adults with seasonal tasks, such as planting, pulling weeds, home organizing and more. Sign up to volunteer, or contact A Little Help for details on receiving services. 9 a.m. | www.alittlehelp.org/ servicesaturdays | 970-404-1923
June 7 & 16 Rhythm 101
Mesa County Libraries’ Artist in Residence Charles Walker provides hands-on instruction of basic rhythms and how to use them in songwriting and time signatures/ swings. This event repeats at 970West Studio at 3:30 p.m. June 16. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. | 324 N. Coulson St., Fruita | Free | www.mesacountylibraries.org
Virtual: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond for Those with Alzheimer’s
June 12
Midsummer Celebration
Swedes of the Grand Valley hosts its Midsummer Celebration at Hawthorne Park. Please RSVP. 4-7 p.m. | 400 Gunnison Ave., Grand Junction | Free | 970-241-2945
Register for this free virtual presentation by Philip Tedeschi, director and founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection. Register online for link. 1-4 p.m. | www.bit.ly/Companion_ JUN08 | Free | khare@alz.org | 800-272-3900 6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | Free | www.western coloradowriters.org
June 8
New to Medicare 101
Learn from a trained and unbiased SHIP counselor about enrolling in Medicare. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave, Suite 090, Grand Junction | Free | www.mesacountyrsvp.org | 970243-9839, ext. 1
Yard Sale Fundraiser
Now that you have written your prose, how well can you pitch it? This workshop will teach you how to pitch your written work in less than 90 seconds using a strong voice and engaging gestures.
be emailed with ticket purchases. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $25 | www.gjso.org | 970-243-6787
June 8
June 9-11
June 8
Writer’s Night
CALENDAR
Find your next household treasure at St. Ann Catholic Church’s yard sale. Peruse furniture, crafts, toys, puzzles, household items and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday & Friday / 8-10 a.m. Saturday | 535 W. First St., Palisade
June 11
Rockestra
Get ready to rock at the Las Colonias Amphitheater! Rockestra showcases
June 14
ZZ TOP Raw Whiskey Tour top rock hits while supporting the next generation of musicians with a symphony-backing, sonic and visual live show extravaganza. 6:45-9:15 p.m. | 925 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $20-$35 | www. theampgj.com | 970-263-5700
June 11
Kiwanis Pancake Day & Fun Fest
Take the family to an all-you-caneat breakfast catered by the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club at Mesa County Fairgrounds. This Jurassic Park-themed event also has games, a silent auction and other entertainment. Kids under 12 eat free. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2785 US-50, Grand Junction | $6 | www.kiwanis-gj.org | 970-260-6822
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues and boogie to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as
June 12 Ralph Dinosaur
Ralph Dinosaur rocks the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens as part of the Garden Groove Concert Series. Proceeds benefit Strive. 7-9 p.m. | 641 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $20+ | www.strivecolorado.org | 970-243-3702
June 11-12
Gardens of Note
Tour eight gardens throughout the Grand Valley, some featuring live entertainment by Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra musicians, artists painting and more! Map will
Thenatural way to heal creams • balms • bath bombs • oils patches roll-ons • sprays • intimates and so much more! FROM BUDGET TO CONNOISSEUR… WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
44 | CALENDAR | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
970-283-8927
kgcolorado.com |
CALENDAR
their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hotrod cars and spinning guitars. 8-10 p.m. | 925 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $52-$92 | www. theampgj.com | 970-263-5700
June 15
How Are Your Tax Dollars Working for You?
Join concerned citizens at Mesa County Libraries for an independent review of the .37% Public Safety Sales Tax passed by voters November 2017. The presentation is approximately 30 minutes with time for questions afterwards. 6 p.m. | 443 N. 6th St., Grand Junction | Free
June 16
Virtual: Denver through the Decades: The 1910s
This series of online presentations provides a pictorial history of Denver from its inception through the end of the 1970s. Register online for link. 6-7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | www. treasureboxtours.com
June 17
Southern Fryed at The Warehouse
Southern Fryed brings high-energy performances with their unique flavor of Rocky Mountain country, deeply rooted in Texas Red Dirt and Southern Rock. Don’t miss their powerful performance with their heart-melting harmonies at The Warehouse. 8:30-11:30 p.m. | 2565 American
Way, Grand Junction | Free | www. warehouse2565.com
Junction | $39 | www.tedxgj.com
June 17-18
Smart Phone Basics
Creativity Retreat for Writers
Retreat from daily life and invest in yourself, your creativity and your writing at the Wine Country Inn. This is a welcoming space for writers of any level or genre. You’ll leave with a refreshed mind percolating with new ideas and fresh perspectives, and a notebook full of inspiration and writings created during our time together. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 777 Grande River Drive, Palisade | $197 | www.melody jonesauthor.com
June 18
Comedian Ron White
Ron White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor, White has established himself as a star in his own right. 8-10 p.m. | 925 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $35-$85 | www. theampgj.com | 970-263-5700
June 18
TEDxGrand Junction
TEDx presentations uncover and condense ideas into brief, compelling talks that spread unforgettable ideas that spark conversations in our community. Come listen to these big ideas first-hand at the Avalon Theatre. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand
June 21
Mesa County Libraries Assistant Ramana will review some basic phone skills and knowledge for beginning smartphone users. There will be time for questions during the presentation. 5-6 p.m. | 590 32 Road #6-F, Clifton | Free | www.mesacountylibraries. org | 970-434-6936
June 22
Music in the Grapevines: Exit 42
June 23 & 30 Market on Main
Summertime’s signature event showcases farm products from the Western Slope and around Colorado every Thursday through September 8. Live music and food trucks will also be present. No pets are allowed per city ordinance. 5:30 p.m. | Main Street, Grand Junction | Free | www.downtowngj.org | 970-245-9697
Settle in for an evening of music by country-rock band Exit 42 on the lawn of Two Rivers Winery. Wine is available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Ticket proceeds benefit The Art Center. 6-9 p.m. | 2087 Broadway,Grand Junction | $15-$20 | www.artcenter guild.org | 970-243-7337
June 23
June 24
Currently the home of Palisade’s many festivals, Riverbend Park has a fascinating history. Check out photos of the inside of the CCC camp barracks in 1938 and learn more about the Migrant Labor Camp at Palisade Historical Society’s monthly history talk at The Ordinary Fellow Winery. 6 p.m. | 202 Peach Ave., Palisade | Free | www.historicpalisade.org | 970-464-2177
Want to learn more about the wonders of the night sky? Celebrate Colorado’s Dark Sky month with expert stargazer Aaron Watson on a hunt in the night sky for constellations, planets and more! Bring a red flashlight and binoculars if you have them. Event is free, but space is limited. 9-11 p.m. | Gunnison Forks Overlook | Free | www.coloradocanyons association.org | 970-263-7902 ■
The History of Riverbend Park
Intro to Stargazing
SEE MORE EVENTS AT: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
Do You Live In an HOA Community? We think residents should know what the HOA manager has and has not been hired to do. We foster a better understanding of the role of board members and residents. • Custom & Handmade • Based on your creative personality • 2 size choices
acuriouscrone.com 970-779-4499
For more information about our proactive full service HOA management please call 970-462-9325
LighthouseMgmt.net
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | CALENDAR |
45
MeSa County University Women meets monthly. 2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970261-2112 Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to First Baptist Church. Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664 Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:45 p.m. | 970-244-9989 Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981. 1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868 Citizens’ Climate Lobby meets via Zoom. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org Clifton Book Club meets to discuss book selections at Clifton Library. 2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | www.mesacountylibraries.org Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. 2nd Monday | 970-250-7402 | www.CAS-GJ.org Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library. 3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-4346936 Cribbage Lite meets at IHOP. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823 Cups Club meets at The Artful Cup. Make friends through cards, games, talk and tea. Wednesdays | 2 p.m. | 970-257-2390
CLUBS
Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly. 970-250-7401
Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center. 3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | www.grandjunctionpmc.com
Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church. 2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2611952
Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. 1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941
Grand Junction Toastmasters meets in the Garden Room at The Commons of Hilltop. Tuesdays | 6:45 a.m. | 970-361-1806
Knitting Club meets at Community of Christ Church. 4th Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-623-1455
Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, meets at Redlands Community Church. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970260-0880
Grand Valley Pets Alive meets at Church of the Nativity. 3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970462-7554
Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. www.mesacountygenealogy.org
Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981. Former, retired and active sea service, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-4340868 Friendship Force, a club that promotes travel and cultural understanding through home stays, meets at New Covenant Baptist Church. 3rd Saturday | 12 p.m. | 214-5362250 | www.ffwcolo.com Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road, Grand Junction. 2nd Thursday at 7 p.m. | 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m. | grandjunction rockclub@gmail.com Grand Junction Brush & Palette Club meets at The Art Center. 3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | www.gjbrushandpalette.org Grand Junction Modeleers meet monthly at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-216-8073 | www.gjmodeleers.comrcclub/ Grand Junction Petroleum &
DON’T BE Electrical problems are not something you can “figure out” on your own.
Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets at Quilters Inspiration. 3rd Monday | 10 a.m.
Newcomers Club meets at Grand Valley Event Center. 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970549-0440 | www.gjnewcomers.org
Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands Methodist Church. 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 6 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 1 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-257-1549
Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment, community and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia. 2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | www.cslgj.org
Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands Methodist Church. 2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817
Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge in Grand Junction. 1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970208-7228
Great Old Broads for Wilderness meets monthly. 970-596-8510 Guitar Club meets weekly at First Christian Church in Grand Junction. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473 Guys’ Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites in Grand Junction. 1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-243-8829 or 970-270-6184 Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at Warehouse 25sixty-five. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664
Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques. 970-256-9580 River City Singles meets at the Grand Junction Moose Lodge. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 970-210-2390 Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club. Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970234-5030 SOS: Singles over 65 is an active, hip social club for single seniors! www.meetup.com/singles-over-65
THIS GUY. Call a professional, we’ve had it “figured out” for a long time.
Residential & Commercial Electric Services Call Today For A
FREE QUOTE! 46 | CLUBS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
970-414-BUZZ | BuzzGJ.com
2
8
9
9
Sunset Slope Quilters meets at Canyon View Vineyards Church’s South Chapel. 2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | www.sunsetslopequilters.com
Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets at First Congregational Church. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-6402751
Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, sings four-part barbershop harmony and rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church. Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-245-1837 | www.grandmesaacappella.com
Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247. 4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2507036
Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets weekly. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-361-1806 Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thunder mountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Junction Masonic Center. Thursdays | 970-261-1670 Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source. Tuesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-2573760 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets at 503 Florence Road in Grand Junction. 1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-7788242 Western Colorado Amateur RadioClub meets at First Christian Church. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www. w0rrz.org Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library. 1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-201-2865 | www.wcacastronomy.org
Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park’s north pond. Saturdays | 10 a.m. | 970-2432957 Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. 970-241-8561 | www.western slopepickleballclub.com Wheels West Car Club meets at Grand Junction Moose Lodge. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www. wheelswestcarclub.org Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a ladies-only meeting for local writers, meets at Main Street Bagels. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com Yoga for Military Members at Western Region One Source offers a free yoga class for military members and their families. Wednesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■
Email your club’s information to
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
Question
OF THE
Month
Compiled by Jan Weeks
If you could vacation with any celebrity, who would it be?
Mary Cooper, Grand Junction “George Strait. I like country music and I like my cowboys. I miss watching rodeos, especially team roping.”
Bob Witt, Grand Junction “I’d vacation with James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, because he’s my favorite cowboy. He also seems like an allaround good person.”
Linda Binkley, Grand Junction “Frank Sinatra. I’ve been in love with him since I was 26. I love his voice and his good looks.”
Lisa Irwin, Grand Junction
Saturday Mornings
“Jesus Christ, for his wisdom and love. I’d learn from him how to perfect my love.”
June 11th – October 29th, 2022 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Reed Park, (250 S Elm St, Fruita, CO 81521) WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | CLUBS |
47
Mesa County AARP Driver Safety Classes
Take the AARP Driver Safety course and you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Plus, the course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. The class takes place in Fruita on June 15 and Grand Junction on June 29. Call 970-243-2531 to register for the Fruita class and 970-314-9843 for Grand Junction.
QC Kinetix, cutting-edge medical clinic, opens in Grand Junction
Native Coloradoan Keith Hopkins brings QC Kinetix, a regenerative medicine clinic, to Grand Junction. QC Kinetix offers cutting-edge, nonsurgical alternatives to pain relief and uses all-natural biologic protocols to stimulate the body to repair or heal its own damaged tissues and joints. For patients seeking relief from pain due to musculoskeletal injury or chronic joint pain, regenerative procedures are the next frontier for treatment. The Grand Junction clinic is open and operating at 2646 Patterson Road, Suite B. For details, visit www.qckinetix.com/grandjunction or call 970-747-5868.
BEACON BITS
Property tax exemption for seniors and disabled veterans application deadline is July 15 The application deadline for the senior citizen exemption is July 15, 2022. For those who qualify, 50 percent of the first $200,000 in actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state pays the exempted portion of the property tax. Applications are available at Mesa County Assessor’s Office, 544 Rood Ave., Grand Junction. The application deadline for disabled veterans is July 1, 2022. Applications available at www.dola.colorado.gov/dpt. For details about the senior citizen exemption, call 970-244-1610. For the disabled veteran exemption, call 303-284-6077.
Community Hospital earns Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation
Community Orthopedic Group, composed of Western Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Western Colorado Spine, has earned the Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation from DNV Healthcare Accreditation Services. The Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation affirms Community Hospital’s excellence in the provision of diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic care. The DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation is obtained by achieving certification in at least three orthopedic service line programs based on requirements set forth by DNV and informed by the guidelines of the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. For more information, visit www.westernorthosports.com or call 970-245-0484.
Senior Softball League
Sign up for this co-ed softball league for active adults—men age 50+ and women 40+. Come out to Columbine Park from 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Saturdays and join the fun! Contact Kris Martin at 970-210-7884 or slowpitchkm13@ gmail.com to sign up.
SummitWest Care celebrates 20th anniversary
As a leading not-for-profit home care agency offering medical and non-medical home care services, SummitWest Care focuses on helping people remain comfortable in their homes while they receive the
care they need. Since 2002, SummitWest Care has provided quality services and remained focused on developing programs that support community members’ essential needs. For more information, visit www.summitwestcare.com or call 970-263-0202.
Experience Summer Reading at Mesa County Libraries
Summer Reading wraps up Saturday, July 16. Kids, teens and adults will have opportunities to pursue their reading goals, win prizes and exercise their creativity in free events throughout the summer. For more information, visit www. mesacountylibraries.org/srp or call 970-243-4442.
Medicare Walk-in Thursdays
Do you have questions about your Medicare bills? Are you having difficulty paying for your Medicare expenses and/or need extra help with your prescription costs? Get free unbiased help from State-Certified Medicare Counselors from 9 a.m.12 p.m. No appointment necessary! Mesa County RSVP is located inside US Bank at 422 White Ave., Suite 090, Grand Junction. For details, call 970-243-9839 or visit www. mesacountyrsvp.org.
April showers bring May flowers... AND A Little Help’s
SPRING SERVICE SATURDAY! EVENT As a past participant in a Service Saturday! event, you know the importance of helping older adults thrive in their own homes by volunteering on a Service Saturday! This special event helps with a few seasonal tasks that bring all generations together. So, gather your crew and join us again to provide a little help with springtime tasks on a Service Saturday! event. To register or for more information on our June 4th Service Saturday Spring Event visit www.alittlehelp.org/servicesaturdays
48 | BEACON BITS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
If you would like to become A LITTLE HELP Volunteer visit our website at www. ALittleHelp.org or call 970-404-1923
BEACON BITS
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Dinosaurs Macabre, summer exhibit at Dinosaur Journey
Featuring all things macabre, this exhibit will show you how dinosaurs lived and died millions of years ago. This exhibit was inspired by research conducted by Stephanie Drumheller-Horton, PhD, in collaboration with Dinosaur Journey’s curator Julia McHugh, PhD, about cannibalism during the Jurassic era. The exhibit will be open through Labor Day. Visit the museum at 550 Jurassic Ct., Fruita, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
Musician Charles Walker is new Artist in Residence at Mesa County Libraries
Musician Charles Walker is the new Mesa County Libraries Artist in Residence. During his residency, which lasts through August 8, Walker will present public programs centered on music, rhythm, vocals and more. Walker, whose nickname is “ChuckJay,” is from San Jose, California. He moved to Grand Junction in 2016 for a fresh start. Walker formed local band Wave 11 in 2017 with Zack Couron. For a list of programs and events, visit mesacountylibraries.org or call 970243-4442.
Plateau Valley raises money to repair Pioneer Memorial Plateau Valley Historical Preservation Society is raising money to repair the Pioneer Memorial, now located off I-70 at exit 47 near the truck stop. This memorial was built in 1931 by the Elks Lodge of Grand Junction and commemorates the completion of Highway 6 through DeBeque Canyon. The monument is now over 90 years old and badly in need of repairs. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, email duzenack@acsol.net or call 970-268-5454. ■
Send news and announcements to
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
WE MAKE LIFE BETTER AT
Ariel Clinical Services is looking for host homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. www.arielcpa.org | 970-245-1616 A Little Help volunteers help older adults through service. www.alittlehelp.org | 970-4041923
ORCHARD VALLEY HEALTH
Grand Junction Visitor Center tourism ambassadors welcome visitors to the Grand Valley. www.visitgrandjunction.com | 970-256-4054 Meals on Wheels volunteers always needed. Deliver lunch to homebound seniors or local dining sites. 970-298-9844 Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies. www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 970-243-9839 Community Hospital volunteers support the hospital and community in various positions. codell@gjhosp.org | 970-6443541 Museum of Western Colorado has a variety of opportunities. www.museumofwesternco.com | info@westcomuseum.org Operation Interdependence volunteers hand-write notes sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 970-523-4217 Palisade Historical Society volunteers share Palisade’s history and work on committees. 970-464-2177
REHABILITATION
CENTER
FIVE-STAR QUALITY, FOUR-STAR OVERALL! 100% Family Satisfaction
Colorado Master Gardeners teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension. https://tra.extension.colostate. edu | 970-244-1834 Food Bank of the Rockies volunteers serve in various positions. www.foodbankrockies.org/west ern-slope-volunteer | 970-4641138
AND
Life Engagement Memory Care Respite Care Short-Term Skilled Care Long-term Care In-House Primary Care Provider Hospice Care Rehab-to-Home Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies Private and Semi-private Rooms Telehealth Visits 6 Days-a-Week Most Insurance Accepted | Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial
970-464-7500 151 East 3rd Street | Palisade, CO | OrchardValleyHRC.com M O N DAY - T H U R S DAY 3 - 5 P M
Early Dine 99 $
HAPPY HOUR 4- 6
1111
FOR
k 7 Days A Wee $3.50 nts domestic pi $4.75 nts premium pi
-THE-
LegenD MARGARITA
Grilled BBQ Chicken
CHOOSE FROM
DINNERS 6 oz. Sirloin
Call Ahead Seating
970-243-5700 2870 North Avenue
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | BEACON BITS |
49
SUPPORT GROUPS CALENDAR
MeSa Montrose County & Delta Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia support group meets virtually. Register for Zoom link. 2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella Grand Junction. Call to RSVP. 1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-822-7070 Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge Care Center. 2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416 Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church. 1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822 Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association office. 4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge Care Center. 2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416 Gamblers Anonymous’ 12-step meeting is held at The Meeting Hall. Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719 GriefShare gives support and encouragement on your grief journey at Appleton Christian Church. Wednesdays | 1-2:30 p.m. | May 4-July 27 | 970-242-7380
Grief Group for Pets meets at Roice-Hurst Humane Society. 2nd Wednesday, bi-monthly | 6-7 p.m. | 970-434-7337, ext. 103 Guitars 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source. Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760 Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists (St. Mary’s Hospital). 1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2452400 Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298- 2351 Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence 2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29 HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church. 3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-7789274 Job Searching After 50 meets at Mesa County Workforce Center. 1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-10 a.m. | 970-248-7560 Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-2982351 MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center
50 | SUPPORT GROUPS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
In-Patient Dining Room. 1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-2982351 Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location. Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-2572390 Mens Health Group (veterans) meets at Western Region One Source. 1st Mondays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 970- 257-3760 Moms Group (veterans) meets at Western Region One Source. 1st and 4th Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita. 4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www. NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989 Parents (Family) of Addicted Loved Ones meets at Four Winds. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 St. Mary’s Stroke support group meets virtually and in person. 3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-2981980 Tai Chi for Veterans at Western Region One Source in Grand Junction. Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-2573760 TOPS Club weight-loss support group meets at Grace Point Church. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241
TOPS Colorado 458 weight-loss support group meets at Community of Christ Church. Tuesdays | 5 p.m. | 970-628-4981 Veteran Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source. Wednesdays | 8-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3764 Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only support group meets at Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986 Vets 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760 Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Women Veterans Tai Chi at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-2573760 Yoga For Life meets at St. Mary’s Life Center Aerobics Room. Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | 970-2982351 Yoga for Veterans at Western Region One Source. Thursdays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Center Activities
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Recreation Center activities To register for programs, call the Fruita Community Center at 970-858-0360 or visit www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors
ACTIVITIES Senior Potluck
Main dishes will be country fried steak on June 9 and coconut shrimp on June 23. We’ll also play Bunco and celebrate June birthdays on the 23rd. 12 p.m. | June 9 & 23 | $3 or bring a dish
Food for Thought
This month’s featured food is almonds! 1-2 p.m. | June 13 | Free
Game Night
Play dominoes, Mexican train and many other games at the Senior Center. 5 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
HIKES & TRIPS Flume Creek Canyon
This 3.6-mile easy hike takes us to the canyon edge of the Colorado River for some amazing views! 7 a.m. | June 7 | $5
Ute Indian Museum & Fort Uncompahgre
This day-trip to Delta and Montrose includes tours of these historical museums with lunch. 8 a.m. | June 15 | $75
Hike Miracle Rock
Carpool to the trail head for Miracle Rock on Glade Park with a packed lunch, water, snacks and sunscreen! This easy hike is 1 mile. 7 a.m. | June 29 | $5
CLASSES Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Identify the early signs of Alzheimer’s in this free seminar by Woo Bandel with the Alzheimer’s Association. 1-2 p.m. | June 8 | Free
Scam-Proof Your Life Seminar
AARP ElderWatch presents on how to spot and avoid the latest scammer tactics to protect your money. 1 p.m. | June 20 | Free
Community Conversations
Join the Area Agency on Aging to discuss the future of aging in your community. 1:30 p.m. | June 24 | Free
To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.
Tai Chi/QiGong
1 p.m. | Mondays & Fridays
SilverSneakers Yoga 11:30 a.m. | Mondays & Fridays
SilverSneakers Classic 11:30 a.m. | Tuesdays
SilverSneakers Circuit
11:30 a.m. | Wednesdays & Thursdays
Low Impact Cardio & Strength
10:15 a.m. | Wednesdays
Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
SPECIAL EVENTS Music & Dance at the Senior Center
Dance to live music at the Senior Recreation Center. 10 a.m. | June 2 | 550 Ouray Ave.
Father’s Day at the Senior Center
Call for details. June 16 | 550 Ouray Ave. | 970-243-7408
Take Part in Art Expo
Visit directly with several creative Grand Valley organizations while enjoying live performances and demonstrations! 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | June 18 | Lincoln Park Barn
SPORTS Senior Softball League
Sign up in May for this co-ed softball league for active adults—men age 50+ and women 40+. Contact Kris Martin at 970-210-7884 or email slowpitchkm13@gmail.com. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Saturdays | Columbine Park Fields
FITNESS
FITNESS Visit the Fruita Community Center for more classes!
550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct. 970-243-7408
MONDAY 9:00 am 12:00 p.m. 1:00 pm 6:00 pm
Cribbage & Games Canasta Card Bingo Game Night
TUESDAY 8:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Pinochle (DD) Pool Tournament & Games Darts Bingo
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Games 9:30 am Pool 1:00 pm Pinochle Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle
THURSDAY
Gentle Yoga
Practice flexibility of your mind and body. Punch passes available. 8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $7 drop in, $50 10-punch pass
Line Dancing
This choreographed class is taught to a variety of music. No partner required. 12:15-2 p.m. | Mondays | June 6, 20 & 27 | Lincoln Park | $15 session
CLASSES Container Gardening Class & Plant Sale
Learn the secrets of container gardening in this interactive class. There will also be a plant sale. Online registration required. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m., 2 p.m.3:30 p.m. | June 4 | 641 Struthers Ave. | $20
9:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm
Games Cribbage Pokeno Rummikub Poker (every other week) Bunco
FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
Pool Tournament & Games Bridge Canasta
SATURDAY 9:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Games Tai Chi Darts Bingo
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | FUN AFTER 50 |
51
Montrose & Delta
CALENDAR 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 11 S. Uncompahgre Ave, Montrose | Free | www.valley foodpartnership.org | 970-249-0705
June 3 Boot Stomp
Wear your cowboy boots and stomp on cancer at San Juan Healthcare Foundation’s fundraiser at Storm King Mountain Ranch. Dine on barbecue and dance to live music by Narrow Gauge Country. There will also be a live auction and gift card raffle.
June 4
June 8
Bruce Hayes Live at Sherbino
5:30-10:30 p.m. | 70777 Buckhorn Road, Montrose | $75 | www.boot stompmontrose.com | 970-901-6761 Come to the Sherbino for a wonderful evening of music by David Starr. His new album “Touchstones” was inspired by “Of What Was, Nothing Is Left,” a novel written by Starr’s grandfather in 1972. Courtyard tables are by reservation only with two seatings available. 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $15 | www.sherbino. org | 970-318-0892
Freedom Festival Golf Tournament
This four-person golf scramble presented by Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans benefits local veterans and their families. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. 7:30 a.m. | 2500 Bridges Dr., Montrose | $100 per person | www.whafv.org | 970-765-2210
Outdoor Heritage & Safety Day
Black Canyon Classics Car Show
Come to this colorful car, truck and rod show at Cerise Park presented by Black Canyon Classics. There will be a swap meet, silent auction, food and drink vendors, hourly drawings and more. Proceeds benefit Valley Symphony Association. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shanes Way, Montrose | www.blackcanyonclassics.org
June 3
David Starr Live in the Courtyard
June 10
This family event at Confluence Park in Delta features safety demonstrations along with water activities such as paddleboarding, archery, bow fishing, disc golf and more! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 440 N. Palmer St., Delta | Free | 970-874-0923
June 7, 14, 21 & 28
Montrose Farmers Market
Support local producers and artisans by purchasing locally grown produce and homemade goodies, hand crafted jewelry and more.
June 11
Donny Morales live
See Donny Morales live at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center in Delta. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. 5-8 p.m. | 440 N. Palmer St., Delta | www.fortuncompahgre.org
June 11
Delta Proud
Share your local pride with other Delta residents in this community celebration with vendors, crafts, kids activities and food. 6-9 p.m. | 301 Main St., Delta | www. deltacolorado.org | 970-874-8616
June 10-12 & 15-18
June 4
June 3-4
One-Maniac-Band Bruce Hayes plays a blend of musical styles he refers to as “rhythm and celtgrass.” Once dubbed “the Jimi Hendrix of the mandolin,” Hayes also incorporates guitar, dobro and his latest invention, StratoBassto, into the mix. 6 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $15 | www.sherbino.org | 970-3180892
lost for over two decades. This race starts in Confluence Park and end at G50 Road Bridge. There will be food trucks, live music and a beer tent at Confluence Park. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 440 N. Palmer St., Delta | Free | www.westernslope sup.com
Frozen Jr.
With a cast of beloved characters and a story that’s loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Bring the grandkids to this local youth production at Magic Circle Theatre. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday / 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $10+ | www.magiccircle players.com | 970-249-7838
June 11
Crazy Raft Race
Western Slope SUP and the City of Delta bring back this local tradition
Need a ride?
Gardening Workshops
Montrose Botanic Gardens presents a full day of gardening workshops, where you’ll learn creative designing with succulents, how to choose native plants, the many uses of lavender and more! Pay at the gate or get $5 off a new Montrose Botanic Society membership. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $5 | www.montrose gardens.org
June 11
Unknown Motorcycle Show
Feast your eyes on a large variety of rare and restored motorcycles, including vintage and classic motorcycles, rat bikes and scooters. Check out custom choppers and enjoy cool local vendors, tasty food and Colorado sunshine. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Shanes Way, Montrose | Free | www.westerncovin tage.com
All Points Transit can help! Now Providing Medicaid Rides! Local & Regional Service to Montrose & Grand Junction
Serving communities throughout Montrose, Delta, San Miguel & Ouray Counties Montrose, San Miguel, & Ouray Counties
Delta County
DAV Scheduling
970-249-0128 970-874-7334 970-240-4698 52 | CALENDAR | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
www.AllPointsTransit.org
CALENDAR
June 14
Ignite! at the Sherbino
“Twenty slides, five minutes, one passion.” Individuals have the chance to present on any topics/subjects that they are passionate about in this program intended to inspire innovation, creativity and spark new ideas within the community. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892
gressive rock, classical and more at Upstairs at Precedence. Doors open at 6 p.m. 7 p.m. | 511 E. Main St., Montrose | $15 | www.precedenceproductions. com | 970-209-0298
June 25
Come Home to Crossroads
June 17
Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Dance in the grass of the driving range while listening to Big Head Todd & the Monsters at The Bridges. Bring your own chairs. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 7-10 p.m. | 2500 Bridges Dr., Montrose | $40+ | www.brownpaper tickets.com | 970-249-3900
June 18
Create a Mandala
A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols used in various spiritual traditions. Create your own mandala at Cedaredge Library and learn about their history and use from Edith Johnston. 10:30-11:30 a.m. | 180 SW 6th Ave., Cedaredge | $40+ | www.delta libraries.org | 970-399-7674
June 21
Virtual: Scam-Proof Your Life
Whether it’s on the phone or online, new technologies and spoofing has made it easier than ever for scammers to pretend to be someone they’re not. AARP ElderWatch presents on how to spot and avoid the latest scammer tactics to protect your hard-earned money. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. | www.local.aarp. org/aarp-event/aarp-co-scamproofyour-life-webinar-62122-c6nd2mymmqw.html | coaarp@aarp.org
June 24
El Javi, Flamenco Guitar
North American guitarist El Javi defies music genres with his unbound exploration of instrumental music. The Denver-based artist incorporates elements of flamenco, pro-
Peace of Mind Living
Continuum of Care
Crossroads at Delta’s 8 acre campus sits atop a bluff with a stunning view of the Grand Mesa. Move here at any stage of life 55+, and enjoy our campus as you enter a new chapter of your life. • Independent Living • Assited Living • Memory Care A place to call home.
Retirement the way it should be
Blue Sage Concerts: Nelson Rangell
Sip wine and listen to smooth jazz under the stars as Colorado’s own Nelson Rangell returns to Azura Cellars. With great views, great wine and great music, this night will prove to be one of the area’s best performances of the summer. 7 p.m. | 16764 Farmers Mine Road, Paonia | $20+ | www. bluesage.org | 970-527-7243
crossroadsalc.org | 970.874.1421 Crossroads at Delta | 1380 Aspen Way | Delta, CO 81416
PRODUCTION OF
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee And directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
June 25
Cody Joe Hodges
You’ll hear a hint of Brazos-bottom dirt in the voice that sets the tone for Cody Joe Hodges’ sound. While his sound is more on the traditional side of country, he also has songs like “Rush,” “Hellbent on Loving You,” and a cover of “House of the Rising Sun.” Doors open at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. | 232 E. Main St., Montrose | $15+ | www.healthy rhythm.net n
See more events at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
Music and Lyrics by
Book by
Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Jennifer Lee
Directed By Michelle Terry
JUNE 10, 11 @ 7PM JUNE 15, 16, 17, 18 @ 7PM JUNE 11, 12 & 18 @ 2PM FROZEN JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www. MTIShows.com
COME
Audition WITH US
MagicCirclePlayers.com • 420 S. 12th • Montrose, CO • 970-249-7838 • mcp@montrose.net
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | CALENDAR |
53
Montrose & Delta Alpine Photography Club meets in classroom 100 at Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose campus. 2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part a cappella at Olathe United Methodist Church. Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center. Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860 Book Club meets virtually through Montrose Regional Library. 1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | lmclean@montroselibrary.org Chess Club meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. 5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | 970-8740923 Citizen’s Climate Lobby meets a Montrose Regional Library. May 16 | 5:30 p.m. | 970-765-9095
CLUBS
Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers! 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com Friendship Quilters meet at Montrose County Fairgrounds’ Friendship Hall 4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-417-4842 Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society meets at Montrose Genealogy Center. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755 Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-596-9184 | www.wcgpaa.org Golden Circle of Friends meets for lunch at Montrose Senior Center. Bring lunch and socialize. Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888
Crafternoon meets in Montrose Library’s meeting room. Members knit and crochet projects to donate to charities. Supplies provided. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays | 2:30- 4:30 p.m. | 970-249-9656
Kiwanis Club of Delta meets at Daveto’s for lunch. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 12 p.m. | 970-985-8413
Crafty Chatty members socialize and work on craft projects. Bring your own materials. Call for details. 970-249-7198
Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way, Montrose. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970986-2550 | lvcribbs@charter.net
Columbine Quilters gather monthly for fellowship and refreshments at 4
Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center.
STAY AWHILE
3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142 Montrose County Historical Society meets at Friendship Hall at Montrose County Fairgrounds. 1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | www.montrosehistory.org Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852 Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. www.mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970-765-0599 | mmaaflyer@gmail. com Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at Montrose Pavilion. Dancers of all ages are welcome. 2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-11 p.m. | $5 | 970-252-7172 Party Bridge Club meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. 1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | 970-874-0923 San Juan Dance Club offers dance lessons at Precedence Dance Academy in Montrose. Singles welcome. Thursdays | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | 970-252-9600 | patdouglas213@ yahoo.com Tuesday Needlers Delta meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center.
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays | 970874-0923 Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org
SUPPORT GROUPS COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care in Montrose. Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988 Dementia Caregivers Support Group in Delta meets in locations throughout Delta County. . 1st & 3rd Wednesday at Grand Mesa Arts Center in Cedaredge | 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Hotchkiss Town Hall | Thursdays at 480 Silver St. in Delta | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724 Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-874-6410 NAMI Family Support Group meets at the PIC Place, 87 Merchant Drive, Montrose. 3rd Wednesday | 5:30-7 p.m. | 970-520-282-9060
Email your Club and Support Group meeting information to
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
NO SNITCHES ALLOWED! TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE PROHIBITION ERA AT PHELANIES YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SPEAKEASY TRY OUR HAND CRAFTED COCKTAILS & CURATED SELECTION OF BEERS AND WINES
We’ll Keep Your Glass Full! Our unique flavored beers are brewed on-site!
password:
Get the password from our website, Facebook page or ask a server at Horsefly. It is also printed on your receipt at Horsefly.
Try our award-winning hamburgers!
970-249-6889
846 E. Main Street | Montrose, CO HorseflyBrewing.com |
54 | CLUBS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
129 SOUTH JUNCTION • MONTROSE, CO • PHELANIES.COM
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Center Activities Silver Sneakers Classic
Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Body Blitz
To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit www.montroserec.com
EDUCATION The American Barn
Robert McHugh traces the development of the American Barn. Call 970-252-4884 to reserve your seat. 1 p.m. | June 20 | Senior Center
Smart Phone Help
Mark Hitchcox offers smart phone help sessions by appointment.
TRIPS & TOURS MRD offers scholarships for adults 55+. Call 970-249-7705 for details Tour: Idarado Mine Reclamation Sites & Silverton Cemetery
Visit several sites on Red Mountain Pass that trace the history and reclamation of the Idarado Mine, then take a stroll through Silverton’s Hillside Cemetery and hear interesting stories of some of the people resting there. Journalist Samantha Tisdel Wright is our tour guide. Meet at the senior center. 7:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. | June 22 & July 6 | $36; bring money for lunch
Tour: Telluride Historical Museum & Walking Tour
Learn about some of Telluride’s most notable citizens at the historical museum, and see where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank on this historical walking tour. Must be able to walk multiple blocks. Meet at the senior center. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | June 9 | $31; bring money for lunch
Hike: Mountain Village (Telluride)
The Coonskin Loop is a 1.3-mile trail on a dirt ski service road with a 170-feet elevation change. Next, take the 2-mile Ridge Trail which drops 1,000 feet from San Sophia to Mountain Village Center, followed by lunch in Mountain Village. 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. | June 16 | $20; bring money for lunch
ACTIVITIES Summer Crafters
Bring a project and supplies to work on. Call Tammy for details: 818-262-3272. 12-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | Free | Senior Center
Saturday Night Dances
Live music by New Vision on June 11 and the Lugnuts on June 25. 7:30-11 p.m. | June 11 & 25 | $10 per person | Senior Center
Jam Session/Sing Along
Takes turns picking and leading a song. Spectators welcome. 3:45-5:45 p.m. | Mondays | Senior Center
Line Dancing
Learn line dancing steps with formal instruction. 3:30-4:30 p.m. (beginners), 4:305:45 p.m. (improvers) | Mondays | $2 | Senior Center
GAMES Contact the senior center for a schedule! n
To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf
CLASSES Tuesday Needlers
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15
Pinochle
1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15
Dominoes
1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $15
Party Bridge Club
1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | $15
Chess Club
5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | Free
FITNESS Indoor Pickleball
Play this fun sport with an even funnier name. 7:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays
Pilates
Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. 12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays
Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class. 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays
Yoga Fusion
This vinyasa flow style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre elements. 12 p.m. | Tuesdays
POOL FITNESS Monday Movers
Jumpstart your week with a mid to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class. 5:30 p.m. | Mondays
Pool Power
Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas. 9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Body & Health
Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool. 10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Light-n-Lively
Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays
Full Body Cardio
Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises. 9 a.m. | Monday through Friday
Tone those muscles, pump up that heart, and get an overall good workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges. 5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays
Body Bar
Silver Sneakers Splash
Senior Circuit
Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar. 9 a.m. Mondays | 6 a.m. Wednesdays
Healthy Body Strong Bones Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength. 9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers. 8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays
Water Zumba
Enjoy a dance party in the pool, fun for all fitness levels. 5:30 p.m. | Wednesdays n
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | FUN AFTER 50 |
55
Montrose & Delta SummitWest Care celebrates 20th anniversary As a leading not-for-profit home care agency offering medical and non-medical home care services, SummitWest Care focuses on helping people remain comfortable in their homes while they receive the care they need. Since 2002, SummitWest Care has provided quality services and remained focused on developing programs that support community members’ essential needs. For more information, visit www.summitwestcare.com or call 970-263-0202.
Pioneer Town open for the summer in Cedaredge The cobwebs have been dusted off and Pioneer Town is officially open for the summer! Visitors will notice something new around every corner. The museum’s maintenance crew has just completed a new
BEACON BITS
Gardening on the Western Slope Montrose Botanic Gardens presents a full day of gardening workshops from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 11. Learn from local experts on topics ranging from garden design to choosing the right plants for your landscape. Cost is $5 at the gate, or get $5 off your membership with the Montrose Botanic Society. For details, visit www.montrosegardens.org. A list of workshops is below. • 9 a.m.: “Creative Designing with Succulents” presented by Betty Hall, advanced master gardener • 10 a.m.: “Gardening in the 1880s” presented by Sally Johnson, Montrose County Historilean-to shed that will house some newly acquired horse-drawn buggies and wagons. Six free concerts are scheduled throughout the
cal Museum • 11 a.m.: “Native Plants and Other Plant Choices” presented by Kathy See, plant ecologist • 12:30 p.m.: “Lavender - One Plant, Many Uses” presented by Tracy Harrison, A Lavender Emporium • 1:15 p.m.: “Art in the Garden” presented by Montrose Center for the Arts • 2 p.m.: “Sources of Plant Information for the Homeowner” presented by Montrose Botanical Society
• 2:30 p.m.: Stroll through the gardens! summer and the Sunday Farmers Market at Pioneer Town will return on June 19. The museum’s Pioneer Town Talks program will resume
on Thursday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation that focuses on women earning the right to vote. Talks are held every Thursday. More information about Pioneer Town Talks can be found at www. pioneertown.org/events. Admission for talks is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. The museum is located at 388 S. Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. For further details, call 970-856-7554.
Singles Over 65 looking to expand to Montrose Singles Over 65 is looking for an organizer to help expand activities to the Montrose area. This active group of hip, single men and women like to socialize. Check them out at www.meetup.com/ singles-over-65. If you’d like to join, call Cheryn at 775-400-8700.
NOW OPEN UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!
Introducing
We Care About Your Recovery WE OFFER: Respite Care Short-Term Skilled Care Long-Term Care Hospice Care Rehab-to-Home Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies Private & Semi-Private Rooms
( Formerly San Juan Living Center)
Ask About Our Respite Care Special! 1043 Ridge Street | Montrose, Co 81401 | ElkRidgeHRC.com 56 | BEACON BITS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Most Insurance Accepted Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial
970-249-9683
Question
RSVP Volunteer Appreciation
If you could vacation with any celebrity, who would it be? Mike Rutherford - Eckert
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Golden Circle Seniors volunteers greet and serve lunch during the week. 970-252-4888 Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans volunteers to help at its ReStore or construction sites. www.buildinglives.org | 970-252-9303 Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400 Senior CommUnity Meals seeks volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties.
www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661 Sharing Ministries Food Bank in Montrose seeks volunteers for three hours, one day a week. www.sharingministries.com | 970240-8385 Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886 Welcome Home Allaince for Veterans volunteers support Montrose County veterans with a variety of projects. 970-765-2210 | www.whafv.org
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Your place to call Anciano Tower is an affordable, older adult community (62+) with several apartments equipped to accommodate those who are mobility impaired. Amenities Include: ■ On-Site Laundry Room ■ Individual Indoor Mailboxes ■ Locked Entry Access System ■ Large Community Room
Free WiFi Elevator Landscaped Grounds Ample Parking On-Site Management & Maintenance ■ Service Coordinator
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Month
Compiled by Siggie Carpenter
Region 10 RSVP celebrated their volunteers with a sweet treat from Shiloh Honey Company. They were thanked for “bee-ing” an integral part of making our community such a great place to live. Pictured is Barbara Hall, a Region 10 RSVP volunteer driver for Senior CommUnity Meals. n
Friends of Montrose Library volunteers sort donated books and run book sales. www.montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656
OF THE
“Since my teen years, I have been a big follower of Mötley Crüe. I would go anywhere with Vince, Tommy Lee and Nikki. You never know what could happen! There would never be a dull moment. Their music is my escape from all the unpleasantness in life...heavy metal music isn’t for everyone, but I relate to the music.”
Jane James - Olathe “I would love to go on a vacation with Bruno Mars—it’s on my bucket list. Bruno is so cute, funny, entertaining and I think we would have a lot of fun. It would be a dream come true. I like his music because it’s upbeat and we could use more happiness!”
Sandy & Dave Dodge - Montrose “We have been followers of Richard Lyman Bushman, a history professor who has written many books about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During these times of spiritual battle, the more clarity and peace we can give one another, the greater our joy will be no matter where we go.”
Julia Reid - Montrose
For more information, please call
970-249-8844
“I would like to vacation with God— to be witness to the beauty, love and miracles existing around and within us, viewing life from the heart and through his eyes.”
or email us at:
ancianotower@rhf.org
Visit our website for an application: www.rhf.org/location/anciano-tower WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | BEACON BITS |
57
FUN & GAMES
Dedicated to Compassionate Care Western Slope Memory Care provides a safe and secure environment while allowing residents with Alzheimer’s or Dementia to live their best life. All Inclusive Pricing! • 24-Hour Professional Care Staff • On-site and Community Activities Program, tailored to individual needs • 3 + 3 Compassionate Cuisine Dining Program
58 | FUN & GAMES | JUNE 2022 |
• • •
Electronic Security and Incontinence Monitoring System Weekly Housekeeping and Individualized Laundry Included Pet Friendly - Small Dogs under 35 pounds
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
970-462-9696
2594 Patterson Road • Grand Junction
FUN & GAMES
CROSSWORD
% 50OFF
QUALIFY FOR UP TO…
PROPERTY TAX Are you… • 65 or older? • Widowed? • Disabled Vet?
CALL US TODAY! Kristie Gerber, SRES
970-216-2541
KristieGerber18@gmail.com
Carol Gerber, SRES
Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
ACROSS 1. Jr.’s exam 5. Former Virginia
senator Charles 9. Swan-like aquatic birds 14. Patron saint of sailors 15. Fall birthstone 16. Actor’s parts 17. Republic in N Central America 19. Personal quality of material belonging 20. Nero’s tutor 21. Apple computer 23. Chances ___ 24. Crooner Vic 26. Kazan 28. Slant 30. Monetary unit of Panama 34. Unconscious 37. Eternal 39. Zwei cubed 41. Extra-wide shoe size 42. “Song of the South” song syllables 43. Glowing 48. Attention 49. Get down 50. Forest makeup
52. Florida’s Miami-___ 13. County 18. 54. Aquanaut’s base 22. 57. ___ in Charlie 25. 60. Queue after Q 27. 62. Stage plays 29. 64. Sharp 31. 66. Interpret 68. Oktoberfest vessel 32. 69. Exchange premium 33. 34. 70. Siouan speaker 35. 71. Exhausted 72. Spanish muralist 73. Intellectual faculty 36. 38. 40. DOWN 44. 1. Clothes-pins 45. 2. Swung around 46. 3. Radarange maker 47. 4. Clan emblems 51. 5. Imperial dynasty 53. of Russia 55. 6. ___-Locka, FL 56. 7. Indonesian island 57. 8. Hold responsible 58. 9. Thank you, 59. in Mexico 61. 10. Goddess of dawn in Greek mythology 63. 11. Movie lioness 65. 12. Fortuneteller 67.
Ferrara family French school Goya’s “The Duchess of___” Tools for duels Utah ski resort Standing up Linger Most draftable Antiquing agent Clods Arthur Ashe’s alma mater Dull sound Dirty looks Mary ___ Lincoln Hindmost part Finishes Is unobliged to Eye drops Zigzag Kett and James Fine fiddle Twirler’s stick Play group Play start Plaintiff Driving force Bird feed Father’s Day gift Show
2474 Patterson Rd., #100 Grand Junction, CO 81505
970-234-2037 CarolGerber@kw.com
SUDOKU
Turn to next spread for puzzle answers WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | FUN & GAMES |
59
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS RATES
Always Free Women's Self Defense classes for Ladies 18 and older for groups of 2 to 24. No athleticism required with safety for all. Simple yet effective methods to escape assault. Offered by nationally certified Black Belt with over 35 years of experience. Please call (not text) Bob at 970261-2445 and leave your name and number.
List it. Sell it. Done. Place the items you’re selling in front of the audience that’s buying.
Nelson Rangell Smooth Jazz Concert outside at Azura Cellars in Paonia, CO, Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. Amazing views, Music, and Wine. Tickets at Bluesage.org or 970-5277243
FOR SALE POWER LIFT RECLINER CHAIR WITH STAND-ASSIST SYSTEM Multipositional: sitting to flat bed-like position + assists to a standing position. 4-button wired controller. Like-new bargain at $450 obo. 970210-7339.
HELP WANTED Retired/Need Extra Income? Part-time medical delivery position available. Shift starts at 2:45 a.m. Good driving record and ability to drive a manual transmission. Flexibility and dependability essential. Call for details. 254-2897.
970-243-8829, x102
! y a d o t e b i r Subsc
970-243-8829
or submit online at
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
or submit at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Deadline is the
+$1 per word
EVENTS
MAKE A PORCELAIN DOLL classes, supplies & sales. Make a doll from start to finish! Fun Hobby * Bring a Friend * CERAMIC CLASSES also. Call for class times. 970-778-8075.
To place your classified, call -243-8829 970
30 words or less per ad
Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 | CLASSES
To place your classified, call:
15th of Each Month
HELP WANTED
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley is seeking a part-time Director of Religious Education, DRE. For more information, go to http://www. grandvalleyuu.org/religious-education. html
HOME SERVICES WINDOW CLEANING BY DENALI. I currently work for a busy window cleaning company, looking for extra window cleaning jobs in Grand Junction. Call or text Denali Vezakis at 970-623-6758. KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices. 970-241-4825.
HOME SERVICES CLUTTER BE GONE GJ Home Organizer. Feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? I can help you declutter and reorganize to live a less stressful, safer life. Room decluttering, Estate sorting/clearing, Elderly moves, Home sale preparation, Yard sale setup. 320-237-0602. THE CLEANING LADY. Spring Cleaning time is here, let’s clean out the clutter! Competitive rates on downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning—weekly, biweekly, monthly or just once. Linda K. 720-841-7505 or 970-263-7364.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200 sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, flooring, etc. Xeriscaped. Shade tree, dog run, shed, large carport. $215k. 970-210-5753
YES! I want to subscribe. name
_________________________________________________________
address city
_______________________________________________________
______________________________
state_________ zip____________
phone number ____________________________________________________ email
_________________________________________________________
credit card
________________________________________________
exp. date ______________________________________ cvc _________
1 year $20.00
2 years $30.00
YES! I want to share with a friend and save.* name
_________________________________________________________
address city
Call 970-243-8829
or mail form (along with check, if applicable) to: PO Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502
60 | CLASSIFIEDS | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
_______________________________________________________
______________________________
state_________ zip____________
_________________________________________________________
1 year $20.00
2 years $30.00
*Discounted rate applies only when ordered in addition to a full-priced subscription
CLASSIFIEDS
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, tiled shower, etc. Wheelchair accessible. Grass Yard. Shade tree, dog run, 2 sheds. $215k. 970-210-5753 Friendship Woods Senior Community: 3bd 2bth 1600sf doublewide home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, etc. Large grassy yard. $225k. 970-2105753
SERVICES
Pat's Hair Salon & Ceramics All Hair Salon Services Available
Great Prices on Perms Senior Discounts
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN DOLL MAKING CLASSES & SUPPLIES
970-778-8075 Hair on Wheels at your door. Barbering, haircuts, color, all your hair needs. Senior Discounts. Call Melodie 970-201-0267. SMITH’S HANDYMAN SERVICES, LLC Locally owned business, providing your home care needs. No job to small, licensed, and insured. 970309-9338
SERVICES COMPUTER LADY, LLC. In-home repair. 20 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. Remote services available. www. CompLady.com or 970-255-1216. SENIOR BEAUTY SPECIAL. First-time clients receive $10 off single service, $15 off cut and color packages. Regan's Regal Beauty, 2500 North Ave., #2, Grand Junction. Call Regan to schedule: 719-425-0543
50,000 BEACON FANS CAN’T BE WRONG!
BEACON Senior News is THE VOICE of Boomers and Seniors in Western Colorado IN PRINT
Monthly Magazine
Serving Mesa, Delta & Montrose Counties
HEALTH & WELLNESS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR DAYS in Montrose and Grand Junction. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com.
WANTED TO BUY USED BOOKS Buy, Sell or Trade. Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 970-2423911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. located in front of Walmart next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**
Resource Directories
Mesa County Edition and Montrose & Delta Counties Edition
AT EVENTS
BANK ON CLASSIFIEDS BEACON Classifieds 970-243-8829, x102
Grand Junction
April 2023 Montrose & Delta
Puzzle Answers
Sept. 15, 2022 & ONLINE
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Featuring award-winning stories, exclusive content, past issues, local events, and more!
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2022 | CLASSIFIEDS |
61
OPINION
Rein in profiteering by drug-industry middlemen By David Balto
T
Discover a higher standard of home care. • Companion & personal care • Specially trained caregivers • No minimum hours
Call for your free in-home assessment.
970-628-1241
brightstarcare.com/grand-junction-montrose ©BrightStar Care Independently Owned and Operated
Personalized investment services, designed to match your financial goals.
FINANCIAL COACHING
ASSET MANAGEMENT
RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING
GRAND JUNCTION 200 Grand Ave • 2903 Patterson Rd. 2452 Patterson Rd. • 970.245.1600 • bankofcolorado.com
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Bank of Colorado and Bank of Colorado Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
62 | OPINION | JUNE 2022 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
he Federal Trade Commission recently requested public comments on the impact of drug-industry middlemen on drug affordability and access. Better known as pharmacy benefit manners, or PBMs, these are the unknown middlemen that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers and large employers. As part of their role, PBMs negotiate for discounts with drug makers and decide what medicines insurance companies will make available. They also reimburse pharmacies for dispensing drugs to patients. Some PBMs even own insurance companies or pharmacy chains themselves. Just three large PBMs control about 85 percent of the market, giving them enormous control over what medications you can purchase, where you can get them and how much you pay. Middlemen are supposed to act as simple go-betweens and operate on razor-thin margins. But PBMs have figured out how to game the marketplace. From the consumer’s perspective, the problem is that PBMs inflate out-of-pocket costs. With millions of Americans struggling to afford prescription medication, the discounts PBMs extract from drug makers should, in theory, go to patients. Instead, they pocket most of the savings and pass the rest to insurers, with consumers rarely seeing a dime. An insurer can even charge a patient more for a given drug than it paid the PBM—a practice that, bizarrely, remains perfectly legal. As bad as PBMs are for consumers, they’re also squeezing the independent, non-chain pharmacies that are the lifeblood of so many communities, and in some cases driving them out of business. Independent pharmacies take
on the cost of stocking medicine and dispensing it to patients, but have little control over their own earnings, because PBMs determine patient co-pays and decide how much to reimburse pharmacies for insurance-covered medication. The difference between what a PBM bills the insurance plan for a drug and what it charges the pharmacy is called the “spread.” Spreads are growing so fast that PBM profits have nearly doubled in the last 10 years, increasing by more than $10 billion. Often, PBMs reimburse pharmacies below cost, forcing them to take a loss. And of course, PBMs reimburse their own pharmacies at better rates than those outside their networks—an anti-competitive, anti-small-business, anti-consumer practice. Communities are seeing the impact. In the 16 years ending in 2018, 16 percent of independently owned rural pharmacies in the United States closed, according to a study from the Rural Policy Research Institute at the University of Iowa. To repair this situation, we urgently need a study of PBMs that compels them to turn over information about their pricing and reimbursement practices. Previous studies of PBMs have looked at how they affect big payors, like insurance companies, but we need to know more about how these murky, unregulated businesses are affecting American households. As Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan said, the agency has “a real moral imperative” to rein in PBMs. It’s time to stop letting their profiteering trump our health. David Balto is a public interest antitrust attorney and is the former Policy Director of the Federal Trade Commission. This article originally appeared on www.insidesources.com. ■
Celebrate Life at Any Age! Our STELLAR community keeps our residents active and engaged, nurturing heart, soul and mind. Our Stellar Services Include: • Lifestyle360 Program that focuses on intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual health • Short & Long-Term Stays • Respite Care
(970) 242-7356
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
After Hours: 970-261-6756 2825 Patterson Road / Grand Junction, CO
• On-Site Transportation to and from Medical Appointments
Celebrating each life, beautifully and affordably. Dedicated to providing personal, compassionate care and attention
MARTIN
CALLAHAN-EDFAST
MORTUARY & CREMATORY GRAND JUNCTION
MORTUARY & CREMATORY GRAND JUNCTION
970-243-1538
970-243-2450
THANK YOU for helping us open our SECOND LOCATION!
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
June 9th • Thursday • 12 p.m.-2 p.m. 459 Pitkin Avenue Grand Junction
At the Corner of 5th & Pitkin
Free Medicare Evaluations
Appointments available in our office, in your home or by telephone
CALL NOW!
(970) 712-8672 Serving All of Western Colorado!