BEACON - July 2015

JULY 2015

Vol. 29

No. 7

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 26,880 Readers.

olorado Western C

2015

MES SENIOR GA

FREEE IN S ID

22-28 Augustn Dea dline: Registratio 2015 August 7,

a Tucker A joyous Galen line at finish crosses the s.

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JULY 2015

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

See Kevin draw

By Kevin K. VanGundy

A

s you can see from my drawing in this column, I have virtually no artistic abilities. Art was one of the rare classes in school that I failed. My brain doesn’t seem to work that way. But I do love art.

My children can draw. Some of them are excellent artists. I am enthralled when I watch them create art. Do you remember Bob Ross doing those painting classes on PBS? I would watch those and go, “No way!

How’d he do that?” I mean, the guy was showing you how he did it and I still couldn’t believe it.

I love cartoons

A sample of Kevin’s art

ist ic talen ts.

Long-term care Also in August, our special insert on long-term care will focus on the continuum of care that people go through as they age, from buying medical equipment to retrofitting your home, from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility.

The options available to you or a loved one can be confusing and expensive. The BEACON will help you sort them out.

If your business provides products or services that can help our readers navigate the aging process, please call us right away at 243-8829.

Give me a fresh drawing and a funny line and I’ll be entertained.

I particularly like Gary Larson’s “The Far Side” and Scott Adams’ “Dilbert.” Did you know that Gary is in his mid 60s and Scott is in his late 50s? Seniors are funny!

You’re going to enjoy reading about the artists we’ve interviewed for this Alternative Health & month’s BEACaricature of Kevin Wellness CON Senior

by Dave Schlosser In a recent study of today’s Newspaper. active, affluent and aging adults, a Enjoy. healthy mind and body was cited as Pets on parade! the topic of most interest to them.

August is one of our most popuOur September insert will focus lar issues as we focus on pets and on alternative health and wellness their people. Please send us your pet information from some of our local photos and pet stories (but not your experts. Would you like to contribute pets) as we’d like to publish them in next month’s BEACON. Send them to an article? We have just a few openBeacon@PendantPublishing.com. ings available. ■

Did you know the BEACON has a Facebook page?

Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

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COVER STORY

ARE YOU FEELING BOOMERISH? Steve Greenberg’s comic strip, “Boomerish,” is a modern look at life for baby boomers and those over age 50 as expressed through its lead characters Dylan and Ronette Groover. The Groovers deal with issues such as their changing bodies, coping with aging parents, relating to younger generations, facing economic challenges and reconciling their youthful ideas with maturing realities.

Is this something you’d like to see in the BEACON every month?

Vote “YES” or “NO” on our website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com OR WRITE IN AND LET US KNOW: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

See you in the funny papers

By Jan Weeks

“S

ee you in the funny papers.”

And see them we did. Mary Worth, Brenda Starr, Flash Gordon, The Katzenjammer Kids, Li’l Abner, and a host of other characters peopled the funny papers—the comics.

Some made daily appearances. Some visited only on Sundays. Whenever they showed up, we always anticipated their arrival.

Then there were the political cartoons. Ben Franklin created the first as a woodcut, which showed a serpent separated into bits, each piece representing a colony. The caption was “Join or Die.” Thomas Nast’s art appeared in Harper’s Weekly, and his campaign against Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall in New York became the stuff of legend. He created the donkey and elephant to represent the Democratic and Republican parties, and his rendition of Santa Claus modernized the jolly old elf’s image.

Later, Bill Mauldin touched our hearts and minds with his drawings of soldiers in World War II, and Oliphant always

had an unkind caricature and words to deflate the politically pompous.

NO STRANGER TO NEWSPAPERS Local cartoonist, illustrator and graphic designer Travis Kelly started drawing when he was growing up in Fort Worth, Texas.

“There was the class clown, the class bully, and so forth. I was the class artist,” he said.

Kelly studied painting and drawing at the University of Texas at Austin, then obtained a master’s of fine arts from the University of Arizona. First Place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for his political cartoons in the Four Corners Free Press decorate his workspace.

JULY 2015

“I’ve done every kind of fine art, from oil painting to drawing to cartooning. I’m actually a better cartoonist than an oil painter,” he said, but as he shows his large oils, which stand against the walls of his living room, Zach the Cat twining around his legs, his skill as a fine artist shows.

Mad Magazine influenced his youthful cartoons; later all the follies of our social and political worlds took him into editorial cartooning.

R. Crumb, the famous ’60s cartoonist who specialized in anti-establishment, sometimes erotic, cartoons and who created long-legged, bell-bottomed dudes who kept on truckin’ was an inspiration in the old days. Today, Kelly admires Jen Sorensen, creator of the Slowpoke strip, and Ted Rall.

“They’re about the best multi-panel cartoonists,” he said. “In the world of editorial cartoons, I admire David Fitzsimmons and Mike Keefe. I’m still struggling to imitate their clean, more abstract style of drawing.”

Although he is not syndicated, his cartoons have appeared in Funny Times, Z Magazine, Hustler, Four Corners Free Press and a few others.

He also writes a monthly column for Hustler, skewering hypocrites and other persons who don’t always have the public’s best interests at heart.

History is also a passion of Kelly’s.

His book of cartoons, “Lindbergh Enrages Paris and Other Travesties Travis Kelly, local cartoonist, illustrator and graphic designer. Photo by Ashley Bernal

JULY 2015

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

design school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was then known as Kendall School of Design. He wanted to be an illustrator, but later decided to be, in his words, “a drug-crazed hippie type” instead. After that period of his life passed, he did land surveying work for about 20 years, but was laid off in 2009. He took an early retirement at age 63 and began working in retail sales in 2011.

THE TOWN CARTOONIST Schlosser also worked When Dave Schlosser came with Steve Bribach, a to Grand Junction in 1982, cabinet maker in Tucson, drawing a series of carArizona, to create artistic toon-style maps of insets for cabinet doors, the town wasn’t on which included cowboys on his radar, mainly broncs, lizards and cacti, because he doesn’t coyotes howling and even consider himself a parrot or two. During a cartoonist. Yet the late 1980s, Schlosser when Kevin Vanalso created a series of Gundy (before he promotional posters and became the BEAmonthly calendars for Castle CON’s publisher) Creek, a nightclub in Grand approached him Junction that featured a wide about creating an range of great musicians. illustrated map of Schlosser isn’t drawing Grand Junction, quite as much these days as Schlosser agreed. his time is pretty well taken He ended up creating between his retail job, riding five maps of the town, Dave Schlosser’s his motorcycle, and fulfilling beginning in 1989. self-caricature his spiritual duties as a member “The one I did in 1998 is of a local church. To see more of probably the last one I’ll do,” he once Schlosser’s artwork, visit www.slosh. said, but when VanGundy approached smugmug.com. him again in 2007, this time to draw BOOMERISH: A CARTOON FOR BABY one in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of Grand Junction, he agreed BOOMERS Los Angeles yet again. He also drew one of Moncartoonist Steve trose and Florence, Kentucky and one Greenberg of Orlando, Florida, which happens to began drawing be his favorite.

“I’ve never been to Orlando,” he said, cartoons in kindergarten “but that didn’t stop me from capturand hasn’t put ing it artistically in 1991.”

Transforming a blank piece of paper down his pencils and pens with pens and markers is probably yet. Inspired the most intimidating part of what Schlosser does. With the cartoon map, by Charles Steve Greenerg’s selfSchultz’s he worked from many images and car icature work, his first combined them to make one large cartoons were map. Local businesses paid for being “lame attempts” at recreating Charlie featured in the finished product.

Brown and crew. He also found inspiSchlosser said he doesn’t draw great ration in Mort Walker’s Beetle Bailey; caricatures; however, the likenesses of local residents depicted in the maps Don Martin of Mad Magazine; superhero artists like Curt Swan, Gil Kane and are striking.

Carmine Infantino; gag cartoonists like Schlosser attended a commercial of History,” displays his fondness for history and is available from Amazon and www.traviskelly.com. When he’s not designing websites or illustrating technical manuals or business brochures, you’ll find him on his mountain bike or rafting down the river. For several years he and Zach lived in a solar-powered school bus in the Moab area, living the outdoor life.

Charles Addams and many more.

He doodled on every scrap of paper he could find, until his father told him when he was in high school that he’d never be able to make a living with such “childish” endeavors. Greenberg enrolled in commercial art and limited his cartooning to caricatures of teachers.

“I didn’t really tackle cartooning seriously until community college, when I became enthralled with political cartooning and started doing those myself,” he said.

In college, editorial cartoonists such as Bill Mauldin, Paul Conrad, Don Wright, and Tony Auth inspired him.

“I studied everyone’s compositions, pen lines, caricatures, lettering and especially their approaches to communicating the idea,” Greenberg said. “The pacing of panels in a multi-panel piece, for instance, was something I absorbed over the years and it flowed naturally when I drew my own pieces.”

For decades he has been an editorial cartoonist and now has branched out into a monthly strip called “Boomerish” that pokes gentle fun at the baby boomer generation. “Boomerish” began as a feature for a Los Angeles senior magazine called Life After 50, and he was able to sell it to other publications. After his association with that magazine ended earlier this year, he worked to expand his self-syndication of the feature to several other publications around the country.

Switching between political cartooning and drawing “Boomerish” lets him use different skills and areas of creativity. He also makes part of his living an informational graphics artist, which involves other analytical and drawing skills that expand his artistic range. Life drawing sessions at local centers allow him to create a “pure” form of art, giving him a break from deadline-oriented paid work.

Cartoons have come and gone, yet some remnants of yesteryear remain: Dagwood and Blondie, Beetle Bailey, and Mark Trail still appear. Some are high art, some are little more than scribbles. But we can still say, “See you in the funny papers!” ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher .......................... Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher.................... Susan Capps Editor..........................................Cloie Sandlin Graphic Design....................... Melissa Trottier Graphic Design...................... Katherine Lopez Production.................................. Karen Jones Office Manager........................Sherry Harmon Account Representative............... Sue Bowen Account Representative.............Sidney Jayne Account Representative........... Virginia Carlile Proofreader...................................Jan Weeks Cheerleader............................... Genevra Shal Delivery ..............................Lauren VanGundy Delivery................................. Olivia VanGundy P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: Local artist Dave Schlosser holds some promotional posters he created in the ’80s. His famous cartoon map of Grand Junction is displayed on the wall behind him.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 2015

Etching life’s stories in stone

By Jan Weeks

A

s visitors enter the showroom of Carlson Memorials, Sophie, the shop dog, greets them with a woof and a wag, which is about the only time she strays more than a few feet from Dan Carlson.

His wife Kaye admonishes the black Lab and greets guests with a more traditional handshake and welcoming smile, just as she’s been doing for 38 years.

Dan started the business with his father, Don, in 1976.

Blank grave markers of all kinds are arranged through the rooms, and a conference room wall is filled with granite samples, as well as a large television connected to a computer, ready to display the Carlsons’ craft to potential customers.

“People dismiss how time-consuming it is to create a memorial,” Dan said. “They say, ‘Oh, it’s all done on computer.’”

Yes, computers are a big part of what the Carlsons do, but there are many steps from concept to finished product. Clients consult with Dan and Kaye, sometimes bringing original art or photographs of what they would like on the stone. Sometimes the Carlsons have to go from a meager verbal description. Dan studied fine art in school, so he’s adept at drawing designs to specifications and makes several renderings until the client is satisfied with the art.

Once he has sketched the image,

he scans it into his computer. He may simplify the design without affecting the final image. Once he adds names and dates in the desired font, the final markup is sent to the plotter, a precision cutter that incises the image on a rubber sheet backed with mylar and a peel-off backing. Using a blade whose length is the exact thickness of the rubber, the plotter goes to work. The blade moves back and forth, recreating the design on the rubber.

Often Dan has to add other or more detailed images by drawing them on the rubber.

Then he or one of his employees hand scores the image. When the final product has been cut to specification, the backing is peeled away and the image is stuck to the polished stone surface. Then the stone is rolled to one of two sandblasting rooms, where fine grains put a “frost” on the stone, which means the polished surface is sanded lightly to take the sheen off the marble. The rubber keeps the sand from hitting the parts Dan wants to remain polished.

Then heavier sand is used to cut deeply into the stone to create the images that will remain through weather, erosion, and other stone-destroying events. Finally lithochrome, a staining medium in either light or dark shades, is applied inside the deep cuts to bring out the image.

The rubber is peeled away and the monu-

ment is finished.

“We don’t just deal in cemetery markers,” Kaye said as she flipped through a series of pictures that show Carlson Memorials employees working on the John Photos (above, right) Denver Sanctuary by Katherine Lopez in Aspen. “So far we’ve engraved 10 natural stones with lyrics to Denver’s songs. We’ve also inscribed 34 more with quotes by philosophers, naturalists like John Muir, and even quotes from children.”

She stopped on a slide that showed one employee knee deep in a pond as he etched a partially submerged stone.

Dan chimed in. “Our guys are outdoor types. His fishing waders sure came in handy here.” He added, “We’re in the process of engraving 12 more stones this summer and will do more in the fall.”

They also spruced up the George Crawford tomb that sits on a knoll above the Orchard Mesa cemetery.

“Sandstone spheres that sat on top of the mausoleum had vanished, so we made new ones,” Dan said. “The lettering on the face of the tomb had been completely worn away, so we took a new block of sandstone and sandblasted the background away from the new lettering. Then we used hand tools to square up the letters and background. When it was finished, we made a recess and embedded the new stone where the old lettering used to be. We also moved the bronze statue of Crawford from in front of City Hall and reset it on its base up on the hill.”

When the Carlsons speak about helping people choose their grave markers, compassion shines in their

faces. Many customers preplan their headstones while others come in only after a loss.

“The average time between a death and a stone is about four years,” Kaye said. “When people come to us immediately after a loss, they’re upset and sometimes not really sure what they want. We encourage them to take a little more time before making a choice that will last basically forever.”

They also do not mail sales brochures to the bereaved or anyone else, as do some of their competitors.

Perhaps the most emotional markers were made for the three ranchers who lost their lives in the Salt Creek landslide near Collbran on May 25, 2014. The Carlsons created several monuments, some private, some for public view, to memorialize Clarence “Clancy” Allen and his son Daniel, as well as Wesley Hawkins. Along the highway, three markers sit on a base that is engraved with the story of the slide. Each marker carries the name, life dates and photograph of a man, as well as images of what each loved most. The two older men’s love of the high country and wildlife is reflected, while Daniel’s stone bears the image of antlers, which curve to hold his dates. A stone bench allows visitors to sit and look past the monu-

JULY 2015

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ment to the site of the slide far up the valley.

Another monument, which held special meaning to the Carlsons, was for a 17-year-old boy’s grave. His parents commissioned a stone with two gargoyles, symbols of protection, carved on either side of a sword hilt; swords were a passion for the young man. Dan first sandblasted away the background for the figures, then spent hours using chisels and a die grinder to hand carve the gargoyles and fine-tune their features. The stone has been featured on the covers of trade magazines, Dan said.

Traditional burials are not the only end-of-life choices. Cremation is becoming more popular, and Kaye and Dan have come up with some creative ways to memorialize cremains. One headstone has brass containers fitted into the base, where ashes can be added. The family name and any decorative work are etched into the granite, then names of the deceased can be added below each urn as needed. Another unique marker looks like a bench on which the family name and decorative features can be inscribed. The top raises to hold the urns inside, and the family members’ names can be etched on the front of the stone.

“Cemeteries have different rules for how many cremains can be stored

in one site,” Kaye said. “For instance, Orchard Mesa Cemetery limits the number to four, while Palisade allows up to 10.”

There are many time-honored designs that are already scanned into the computer, but can be modified to fit individual specifications.

“We get a lot of requests for outdoor themes,” Kaye says. “Lots of elk, deer, mountains and forests, and fish.

We even created a memorial with the image of a beloved family cabin.”

Angels, hummingbirds, roses and butterflies are also popular, along with hobbies such as racecars, boats and sports.

Not all of Dan’s work deals with death. He’s carved a block of granite into a modern sink and added carved stone surrounds to bathtubs. Large rocks with “Welcome to the Smiths’” and other slogans, along with address markers, decorate many yards and homes. The Carlsons also created the stone signs for Central Distributing, the Pyramid Building on Patterson Road, and the Redlands Mesa golf course. If it involves rock, they can make it.

Stop by the showroom at 237 South Ave. in Grand Junction, just east of the train station, or give them a call at 242-7264. Visit www. carlsonmemorials.com to see examples of their work. ■

FEATURE STORY

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ASK THE OLD BAG

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ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: Recently you gave advice to a grandmother who found out that her granddaughter was gay.

You told her it should not make any difference in their relationship. I beg to differ with your advice. Maybe I am “old school,” but if I found out my granddaughter was gay it would change my attitude toward her. After all, it is a choice she would be making that would upset her whole family. I cannot warm up to the idea. Signed, Old School Dear Old School: I’m sorry that you cannot warm up to the idea of your granddaughter being gay. What is your alternative? You could disown her. You could make a big stink about it. You could embarrass yourself by acting as if she could help it. You are her grandmother for heaven’s sake!

You are not her shrink or her spiritual advisor. Would you really want to lose the relationship with your granddaughter and perhaps her parents (your children), too? Get over your disdain. Come into this century. My advice stands. Accept the things you cannot change, change the things you can, and have the good sense to know the difference between them. OB Dear Old Bag: Just want to say I thought the letter where the woman had trouble getting out of the bathtub was hilarious. I know it could become serious, but I had a similar experience.

My husband came to my rescue, but we were laughing so hard it took us awhile to get serious about it. It was my last bath! Signed, A.G. Dear AG: Thanks for writing. I often wonder what happens to those aging who do not have a sense of humor.

Aging requires a sense of humor. It is

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vital. If I couldn’t laugh, I would be in a bad mood all the time. OB Dear Old Bag: I think of you as my coach as I read your columns. So, Coach, here’s one for you: Last year I met a man who was 10 years my junior and I am 65. We became friends and really enjoyed each other’s company. My girlfriends kept teasing me about my young boyfriend and I would say we are just friends. Lo and behold the friendship blossomed into love.

Although my kids like him, they think it’s funny and it’s a stage I’m going through. I know this is no stage, as we have become engaged. The kids don’t know yet. Tell me why no one bats an eyelash if a man has a relationship and marries a woman 10 or 20 years younger than he is, but when a woman develops a relationship with a younger man, she is looked upon as “robbing the cradle” or they think the man is after her money. It’s not fair.

Coach me. Signed, J.A. Dear J.A.: This has puzzled me for years. It’s part of the double standard and it isn’t fair. I have discussed this with friends both male and female and the men say things like, “Any man who wants an older woman must have something wrong with him.” The women all said, “If you can get a younger man, take him, and more power to you.” I predict this is changing. Women are tired of the double standard. Women are saying they are tired of men feeling that older women are not attractive.

They are. And they are more comfortable with themselves. They don’t have those mid-life crises as much as men do. They do not feel they have to prove their womanhood. You go, girl!

OB ■

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

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

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JULY 2015

How to prevent and treat kidney stones Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

I

have a friend who served in the Royal Air Force in World War II. On a bombing run over Germany, his co-pilot started to pass a kidney stone. The pain was so bad the poor guy wanted to jump out of the plane. He had to be knocked unconscious.

Kidney stones inflict extreme pain. In the U.S., there are about 1 million cases of kidney stones each year and the number of people with kidney stones has increased inexplicably over the last three decades. Stones occur more frequently in men and the frequency increases with age.

lower abdomen, groin and genitals if the stone moves down a ureter toward the bladder. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, constant need to urinate, and fever.

Taking a painkiller and drinking a lot of water with increased physical activity can help treat kidney stones.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses shock waves to break up the stone. If the stone is large, surgery may be needed. Medication or dietary changes may be prescribed to prevent more stones.

Kidney stones are composed of crystals of substances in urine. Many small stones pass unnoticed from the two kidneys down the ureters leading to the bladder. But if they are too large to pass, you may feel pain.

If you don’t drink enough fluids, your urine can become more concentrated and can lead to stone formation. People exposed to heat are more likely to get kidney stones.

The crystals that make up stones are likely to form when your urine contains a high level of certain substances.

Crystals may also form if your urine becomes too concentrated.

More tips

Kidney stones can be caused by heredity, diet, drugs, climate, infection and other conditions that create an increased concentration of calcium, oxalate and uric acid in the urine.

There are four primary types of stones.

Calcium stones are the most common, as about 80 percent of kidney stones are composed of calcium. Struvite stones usually occur in women and are almost always caused by urinary tract infections. Uric acid stones can develop from a high-protein diet. Cystine stones are caused by a hereditary disorder.

The most common symptom of a kidney stone is severe pain that usually starts in the back or side, just below the ribs. The pain may spread to the

To reduce your chances of getting a stone • Drink about six glasses of water daily.

When it gets hot, drink twice as much.

• Cut down on meat in your diet.

• Reduce your salt intake. Remember most of the salt you eat is in prepared foods.

• Drink decaffeinated beverages because caffeine can dehydrate you.

• Lemons inhibit kidney stones, so try to incorporate them in your food and beverages. ■

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

JULY 2015

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Avoid foodborne illnesses this summer Provided by Mesa County Health Department

S

ummertime picnics, barbecues and parties are fun, but it’s important to follow certain storage, sanitation and cooking tips to avoid getting sick.

Bacteria can grow on food that isn’t kept at the right temperature or that was prepared on unclean surfaces.

Protect your family and friends from foodborne illnesses this summer.

Follow these tips: • Always wash your hands before food preparation, and sanitize surfaces and utensils.

• Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing.

• Use different plates, cutting boards and utensils when handling raw and cooked items. Wash your hands after handling raw food, particularly raw meat or poultry.

• Never leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

• Cook foods to the proper temperature to kill parasites, bacteria and viruses. Use a food thermometer to ensure that fish, shellfish, pork and lamb are cooked to 145 degrees F; hamburger and sausages are cooked to 155 degrees F; and poultry, stuffed meats and casseroles are cooked to 165 degrees F. • Keep hot food hot (above 135 de-

grees F) and cold food cold (below 41 degrees F).

When planning for a barbecue or picnic, keep these questions in mind: • Will I be able to keep my food hot or cold, or be able to throw it away within two hours? If not, bring foods that don’t need to be kept at a certain temperature (crackers, chips, etc.).

• Will the location be sanitary?

Make sure the location is properly cleaned and germ free prior to exposing any food. If it’s not, keep food stored in sealed containers.

• Will I be able to transport foods safely? Maintain hot or cold food temperatures by using insulated coolers.

• Will hand washing be available?

If not, take foods that need to be eaten with utensils or don’t need to be handled.

• Are people going to touch my food?

If so, provide hand sanitizer and a utensil or napkin.

• Planning on potato salad? Cold salads made from cooked ingredients require special care. Cook the ingredients and refrigerate them before assembling the salad.

For more information, call 644-7980 or visit health.mesacounty.us. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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JULY 2015

What is your obesity costing you?

S

ometimes celebrities or otherwise physically fit people will put on a fat suit and document their experience with a video camera, usually to be aired on a daytime talk show.

The overall impression is universal: Being severely overweight is taxing on almost every level, said Center for Integrative Medicine Director Dr. Eleazar Kadile, a Wisconsin doctor who specializes in treating patients with obesity and associated chronic disease.

“Physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually, being obese is an ever-present condition to the experience my clients face every day,” Kadile said. He is also the author of “Stop Dying Fat” (www.kppmd. com). “Obesity is a vicious cycle that usually starts with bad eating habits during childhood. Childhood obesity has quadrupled in recent decades. I don’t think enough of us appreciate how bad established habits are before most obese people reach adulthood.”

Overweight or obese people often eat for comfort when they’re depressed or as a reward when things are going well, “much like an alcoholic,” Kadile said.

Like substance abusers, obese people pay a significant price.

• Bigger is costlier. Many are emotional eaters, and when you eat for emotional satisfaction rather than physical satiation, you eat more, which increases the dollars spent.

Obese people often have to buy clothes specially tailored for their size, which adds cost. The biggest cost, however, is health care due to bad health. Obesity has severely taxed our country’s health care costs.

• What’s your self-esteem worth? Being a large individual often proves challenging in public, as daytime talk shows sometimes attest.

Obesity can keep you from social engagements and make you feel self-conscious while out and about.

This can lead to depression and lack of activity, fueling the vicious cycle of the obese lifestyle.

• Time. What do we really have in life? Money, work, love, relationships and material goods—these are all good and necessary things. But they are all for naught if your health does not permit you to live long enough to enjoy them.

• Opportunities, quality of life and happiness are compromised.

You can be the most qualified professional at work, but obesity can cost you a raise. You may be a funny, intelligent and attractive person, but being too big might keep you from finding love. Simply having 100 or 200 pounds of extra fat is a burden obese people cannot escape throughout their waking existence.

“As a society, we should be more compassionate toward obese individuals. They have it hard enough without our critical judgment,” Kadile says. “If you are obese, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to save on the associated tangible and intangible costs. If you don’t take action today, it can cost you many days from your future that you’d otherwise have.” ■

JULY 2015

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Deli meat: There’s more than meats the eye

By Wendell Fowler

L

eery of today’s delicatessen meats jammed into your sandwiches?

Everywhere I go people are sharing that they’ve discovered their favorite deli meats contain harmful chemicals and preservatives. They refuse to feed it to their families, a message rapidly spreading into the proliferating non-vegetarian community.

Here is some jolting info from Livestrong.com, a website providing articles and tips about heath, food and fitness: • To prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as botulism, meat manufacturers inject deli meats with preservatives that preserve longevity and give the deli meat its familiar color.

• Deli meats such as sausages, bacon, salami and bologna might contain more nitrites than others. Check the label and purchase deli meats that advertise “no nitrites.” (Both “nitrate” and “nitrite” are defined as salts or esters of nitric acid, a strong acid that contains nitrogen and that is used in making fertilizers, explosives, etc.)

• Sodium nitrate is said to cause stomach cancer. It’s so dangerous the USDA tried to ban it back in the ’70s, but it was overridden by the meat industry insisting the chemical was safe. Today, food and agri-

business corporations hold tremendous power over the food industry, leaving trusting consumers vulnerable to unsafe chemicals added to foods, medicines and personal care products.

• BHTB (butylated hydroxytoluene) is known to cause cancer in rats.

It’s also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil and embalming.

• Bromates are known to destroy nutrients and cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea. Categorized as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

• Sulfites are known to cause joint pain and heart palpitations.

What can you do? Make sure to read ingredient labels and don’t buy smoked meats made with sodium nitrite or sneaky MSG. Next time you grab a quarter pound of sliced turkey breast or bologna, ask to see the labels. Reduce eating red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions without asking for details first. Do your best to purchase only from locally sourced meat processors. Spread the word about the dangers of these additives, and eat more fresh produce and plant-based proteins. ■

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Release your inner artist

By Melanie Wiseman

D

o you cringe when friends suggest playing Pictionary? Can your 6-year-old grandson draw better than you? Do you wish you could draw, but aren’t even confident in your images of stick people?

Spend a little time with Don West and he will build your confidence and convince you, “you are already an artist.”

West teaches watercolor sketch journaling and sketching nature workshops at The Artist’s Haven, a locally owned fine arts supply store in Grand Junction.

“Anyone can be an artist,” West said. “We are all endowed with artistic, creative ability. As children we are creative naturally. Over the years, society teaches us to take for granted a world of interesting beauty and cool stuff we pass by everyday.”

When we’re young we create joyfully, without expecting perfection.

“Students tell me the most immediate and prevalent benefit to sketching is being given permission to make mistakes,” he said. “Sketching and watercolor allows for a lot of flexibility and releases you from the need for precision.”

As we grow up, our lives are full of restrictions and boundaries, which can stifle our creativity.

“In our own personal art, we don’t have to be restrictive,” West said. “It’s just a matter of letting it out and letting it be what it is. You have to trust you will get better. You can receive satisfac-

tion if you forget perfectionism. Enjoy creating art simply for pleasure.

We sketch with pens. No erasers.

Imperfection is good.”

Living primarily in a left-brain world, West believes that it’s unfortunate we aren’t taught the significant value in being creative.

“The left side of your brain takes things and automatically makes symbols out of them so we walk by everything without really seeing them,” West said.

“When you open the right side of the brain and stop and smell the roses so to speak, you notice they’re not just a bunch of flowers. They are parts and pieces with various shapes, dimensions and colors.”

West encourages people to release the right side of their brain and to truly appreciate what’s around them.

“Most people are not in touch with

JULY 2015

the right side of their brain, their creative side,” he said. “When you create art, your right brain is tapped.

Otherwise it’s intentionally pushed aside. I hate to say it, but as a society, we could get by if we never had any art. A lot of people look at art as completely useless. But if that were the case, then we’d be people without emotion or sensitivity. We wouldn’t even know what beauty is. Art actually introduces us to that.”

West said the best way to be more appreciative of your surroundings is to put pen to paper and just start sketching. He said drawing leads you to notice things you were never aware of in the past and subconsciously you become a better observer.

“If you pick up a rock and look closely, you will see it’s fairly complex,” West said. “It has angles and organic shapes designed by nature.

When you begin to draw, you start to notice these things. If you let yourself do it and make it a habit, you will notice you are improving. After a while you will miss it when you don’t sketch.”

JULY 2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The benefits to each student artist are as individual as they are.

“They like the process of seeing themselves get better and there are so many avenues you can go with it,” West said.

West likes to share his sketches on his blog, www.idleminutes.com.

His classes provide students with convenient and portable high-quality supplies, including a six-by-eight inch watercolor journal, water brush, sketching pen and a watercolor paint box to create any color you desire.

West begins sketching

A 50-year native of Georgia, West was a design engineer for 25 years in several different industries. In 2009, he and his mother moved to the Glenwood Springs area to be closer to his brother. West relocated to Grand Junction two years ago, and has been working and teaching classes at the Artist’s Haven ever since.

Dabbling in arts since he was a teenager, West began in earnest with watercolor sketch journaling in 2006. He spent a lot of time sketching while stuck in Atlanta traffic. After realizing the simple enjoyment and therapy of sketching, he was hooked.

“Sketching has made me a much better observer of life and has taught me to appreciate the beauty in everything, particularly the mundane,” West said. “To truly know something

is to sketch it, and you usually won’t take it for granted afterwards.”

West began teaching workshops in March 2014.

“I had no idea how well received these classes would be,” West said.

“People with no experience in creating art to professional artists have attended and all have realized the many benefits of sketching.”

Class sizes range from one to 15 people, and a variety of daytime, evening and Saturday options are offered.

“There are no judgments, no criticisms and no rules,” West said.

“It’s all about being positive, having fun and learning about the world around us through sketching. And most importantly you’ll learn about the inner artist in each of us.”

To contact Don West or to learn more about his workshops at The Artist’s Haven, call 456-3862 or register at www.DonWestWorkshops.com.

See more classes at the Artist’s Haven at www.theartistshavenstore. com ■

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16

LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS So temperamental Submitted by Bob Breazeale

I used to work for a guy that seemed to be upset or angry all the time. Anybody who made even the slightest mistake would get ripped up one side and down the other. His normal voice was yelling at the top of his lungs.

One day during our lunch break, I asked one of the guys who had been there for years, “Why is the boss always so angry?”

The guy replied, “I don’t think he’s angry. I just think he’s temperamental: 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental.”

A real chatterbox Submitted by Ralph Bickel

After 40 years of married life, a woman’s husband died. For several months, she sat alone at home. Finally she decided to do something about her

loneliness. She went to a pet store and looked at all kinds of pets—snakes, gerbils, fish, birds, dogs and cats—but nothing seemed to be just right for her until the owner showed her one of the prized parrots.

“Does it talk?” the woman asked.

“Absolutely, a real chatterbox,” the owner said. “He has a friendly disposition and a wide vocabulary. That is why he’s so expensive.”

“Sold.”

The woman bought the parrot and a large cage.

At last, a companion, she thought.

But when she got the bird home, it didn’t say a word. After a week, she went back to the store and complained.

“I can’t get a sound out of that bird,” she told the owner. “I’m worried.”

“Well, you need to buy a mirror,” he said. “The parrot needs a mirror so he can look at himself while he talks.”

So she bought a mirror. Still no words. After a week, she went back to the pet store again.

JULY 2015

“Well, I just don’t believe that,” he said. “It didn’t say anything at all?”

“Well, yes,” the woman said. “As a matter of fact it did. As he lay there taking its last few breaths, it said, ‘Don’t they have any food in that pet store?’”

“The parrot didn’t talk, not even with a mirror,” she said.

Is chocolate good for you?

“Did you buy a ladder?” the owner asked.

A young boy sat on a park bench next to an elderly gentleman. The older guy observed the boy, who was wolfing down chocolates.

“No, I didn’t think it needed a ladder,” she replied.

So she bought a ladder. Another week passed and still no words. She revisited the store and bought a bell, then a swing. The parrot still didn’t talk.

She went into the pet store again. This time, she was really angry. The owner met her at the door and asked, “How’s the parrot? I’ll bet…”

She cut him off.

“It died,” she said.

He was shocked.

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He turned to the boy and said, “Son, eating chocolates in that manner is probably very bad for your health.”

The boy replied, “My grandfather ate chocolate every day and he lived to be 102 years old.”

The older man responded, “Do you mean to tell me excessive eating of chocolate is why your grandfather lived to be 102?”

The boy replied, “No, he minded his own business.”

JULY 2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The grasshopper Submitted by Billy Parker

Do you ever wonder why the sun lightens our hair but darkens our skin?

A grasshopper walks into a bar and notices the bartender is staring at him.

The grasshopper says, “Hey, you’re staring at me.”

Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery?”

The bartender says, “Sorry, but we have a drink named after you.”

Why is it that doctors call what they do “practice?”

The grasshopper says, “No kidding?

You have a drink named Irving?”

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavoring and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why? Submitted by Willy Charles

Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to the pharmacy while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?

Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke?

Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?

Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage?

Why do we buy hamburgers in packages of 10 and buns in packages of 8?

Why is abbreviated such a long word?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal? ■

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

18

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JULY 2015

Picture perfect: 12 tips for better photos

By Melanie Wiseman

A

ll photographers, whether amateur or professional, want to take pictures they’re proud of. A few helpful hints and a lot of practice can get you on your way to taking great photos.

In front of the camera, professional photographer Donna Fullerton says she is an introvert. Behind the camera, she is anything but.

I recently joined Fullerton and 12 other seniors on a photography hike up No Thoroughfare Canyon, sponsored by the Colorado National Monument Association. Our minds were like sponges, hoping to absorb as much of Fullerton’s expertise as possible.

Fullerton has been intrigued by the arts since the age of 3, when she drew on the kitchen wall of her childhood home.

“I wanted to be a cowboy or park ranger, even a botanist, but I became a marine instead,” Fullerton, 51, said.

She later earned degrees in music and art, and has been a multi-faceted artist for more than three decades.

Much of her inspiration comes from various photographic excursions over 12 years to the Western U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Florida, studying archeology, pictographs, petroglyphs, wildflowers and natural landscapes. She was even a Disney World photographer.

Fullerton moved from Florida to Grand Junction in 2010 with her husband Steve, affectionately known as Sherpa.

“When my husband goes with me he carries most of my stuff,” Fullerton said, “and I carry several wildflower books.”

She may call Grand Junction home, but her award-winning photographs keep her on the trail and on the road more than anywhere else.

Although Fullerton shoots primarily in manual mode, basic photo techniques and tips from her and

Donna Fullerton gives Joan Woodward some pointers. Photos by Melanie Wiseman other professionals allow those with automatic point-and-shoot cameras to take great pictures.

1. Learn how to see light. Look specifically for shadows and highlights.

Which direction is the sun or light source coming from? Photographs shot into the light don’t usually bring desired results. Take pictures in the early and later parts of the day when light is softer and creates shadows.

Mid-day light can be harsh and can bleach colors, contrast and depth.

Learn to appreciate overcast days.

Their diffused light can make for increased color saturation in your images. The soft, even light compliments the delicacy of the flowers and there are no shadows or harsh bright spots, making it easier to get a good exposure.

If you are shooting flowers in bright sunlight, try shading the flower with your hat or clear plastic to soften the light.

Capturing backlit flowers late in the day when the sun is close to the horizon is another excellent technique. Flower petals are translucent and backlight makes them appear to glow.

2. Get closer. Move closer to the subject of your photograph. You’ll be

JULY 2015

19

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

more pleased with sharper, clearer pictures than if you zoom or take pictures with a lot of background and end up cropping. Move in tight and fill the frame. Take out any elements that don’t add interest to the picture.

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3. Position is everything in composition. Placing the horizon line or a person in the center of your picture lacks creativity. Use the simple one-third rule. Mentally divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Using this grid for placement of people, objects and landscapes will make your pictures much more interesting and pleasing to the eye.

4. Depth and dimension. Try to recreate the depth and dimension in your landscape photographs that you see in real life. A good way to do this is to put a foreground object within your composition.

5. Angles and point of view. Move around, get down on the ground and try different angles for more interesting images. Don’t be limited by the number of angles you experiment with. The most unusual angle may give you the best photograph. Don’t just take one photograph. Take multiple photos from different angles, both horizontal and vertical.

Try photographing a flower from behind or underneath to capture a point of view that is different from what we see from a standing perspective. Don’t always be obvious.

Make people look, study and use their imagination.

6. Try different settings. Do you want to show the droplets in a waterfall or do you want the softer, blurred look? Even basic automatic cameras have enough settings for you to play with to get different effects.

7. Be aware of the background. As with every photograph, the background can make or break the image.

Try to change your position so that there is nothing distracting behind your flower or subject. Cluttered backgrounds such as busy foliage behind a flower or the unwanted power line in a landscape can ruin what could have been a promising

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sharpening function if nothing else.

8. Watch out for wind. When it

12. Practice. The joy of digital pho-

comes to photographing flowers, wind is your enemy. The easiest way to avoid this is to take pictures early in the morning when there is less chance of wind. A piece of cardboard or the like can create a wind block if necessary. Even when there doesn’t appear to be much wind, flowers always move. You may want to try the sports/kid/pets mode for a faster shutter speed.

9. Frame your photographs. Look for an opening in a rock from which to photograph a landscape through or photograph a person through a window or doorway. This will help make images more interesting to the viewer.

10. Focus. Make sure you are focusing on the most important part of the subject. If photographing a flower with a cluttered background, focus on the flower and the background will blur and be less distracting.

Use a tripod if you have one to get the sharpest pictures. If not, lean against a tree or rock, sit down and put your elbows on your knees or perch your camera on top of your walking stick.

11. Sharpen your pictures. Digital cameras under sharpen photographs.

Whether you are using a free online editing program such as Picasa, or the Sam’s Club computer, use the

tography is taking as many pictures as you want at no additional cost.

Practice makes perfect!

“If you’re looking for a picture to put on your wall, take lots of pictures,” Fullerton said. “If you make enough mistakes enough times, you will eventually learn from those mistakes and take better pictures.”

Thunder Mountain Camera Club Fullerton and about 40 others are members of the Thunder Mountain Camera Club. Cheryl Sweers, 57, is a photography hobbyist and member.

“I enjoy the club because they have outings and classes where you can learn so much,” she said. “They also have competitions and you learn from the judges’ comments even if you don’t win anything.”

For more information, visit www. thundermountaincameraclub.org.

For more information about Fullerton and where her art can be viewed or purchased, visit www.donnafuller ton.com or call 321-297-4658.

For more information about the Colorado National Monument Association Walks and Talks visit www.coloradonma.org or call 970-858-3617, ext. 307. ■

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JULY 2015

Rapid Response helps with recovery from catastrophe

By Jan Weeks

Y

The two work hand in hand to help residents recover from catastrophe, either natural or manmade.

ou open a seldom-used closet and are overwhelmed by the odor of mold which, unknown to you, has been aggravating your COPD or emphysema. When you turn on the swamp cooler in the spring, you suddenly discover that the handyman didn’t drain the water supply line last fall and now your ceiling is falling in because of the leak. Grandpa decides that having a smoke while on oxygen is a good idea and escapes the resulting fire but the living room goes up in flames. Now what?

Paragon Restoration and Building is a partner with Rapid Response, a company that has mitigated mold, water damage and fire losses in Grand Junction homes and businesses for 20 years. Paragon grew out of Rapid Response in 2006 in order to expand the services provided by teaming up on related issues for affected property owners.

According to Shelley Clennin, the two work hand in hand to help residents recover from catastrophe, either natural or manmade. Staff members have been educated to raise awareness on potential health-related issues resulting from pollutants. Several staffers hold multiple certificates and have gained hours of experience in the field, offering complete solutions as opposed to quick fixes.

Besides cleaning up after catastrophes, Rapid Response shampoos carpets and upholstery that might be harboring pollutants, cleans blinds, and sucks dirt and other contaminants out of air ducts. They can even rehab your crawl space or other places where radon gas might be leaking into your home.

Paragon and Rapid Response work to help homeowners navigate the maze of filing insurance claims, and

walk the client through dealings with third-party payer sources and insurance adjusters in order to make sense of construction quotes.

“We provide the bridge of knowledge and professionalism needed to expedite repairs while making sure all parties are treated fairly,” Clennin said.

Teamwork is the watchword for all the partners. Larry LaFrenierre, the head of Rapid Response, has an amazing grasp of chemistry and cleaning techniques, Clennin emphasized. Guy Skufca has spent most of his career in construction trades and used to own a paint and drywall business. As a general contractor, he built and sold new homes. Dan Washington’s early career was in accounting and business administration, and he worked in both banking and for homebuilders, where he learned to juggle business management, financing, production, and finally to follow his passion for construction.

For all your building and cleanup needs, call Paragon or Rapid Response at 241-2180.

Editor’s note: Last month’s article “A paragon of prevention” incorrectly stated that Medicare, Medicaid, Social Services, and other government entities will pay for renovations relating to deteriorating health and/ or handicaps. It should have stated that although Medicare and private pay insurances do not pay for home modification, there are other options.

If people qualify for Colorado State Medicaid, they may want to speak to their DHS case manager to see if the state funding waiver is an option.

They might also want to look into a private entity to secure themselves a long-term care policy with coverage for accessibility home modifications. ■

JULY 2015

HOME & GARDEN 21

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How to make use of rainwater on your landscape Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. Is it legal to have a rain barrel

or cistern to catch rainwater from my roof? I just moved here from New Mexico and everyone had a system to cache rainwater for landscape use.

Unfortunately, the answer is still no.

House Bill 15-1259 would have allowed Coloradans to collect up to two 55-gallon rain barrels of water that drains off their rooftops. The water could then be used for outdoor purposes, such as lawn and garden irrigation. Supporters, including municipal water districts, believe allowing rain barrels would help educate people on how much water they use and will eventually help reduce water consumption. Opponents, including farmers and ranchers, believe that rainwater is covered under the state’s prior appropriations law since it runs off into groundwater and surface water, such as rivers.

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It’s difficult to understand how this simple and effective way to reduce municipal water usage and replenish ground water sources is still illegal in Colorado, yet legal in every other U.S. state. With that being said, many home improvement stores, garden centers and other retailers across Colorado sell rain barrels and there is little to no enforcement of the current law against them.

Q. I’m trying to keep as much

rainwater on my property as possible. Can you tell me more about rain gardens and how they work?

Even though the Grand Valley’s annual rainfall averages between eight to 10 inches, rain gardens are a great way to capture the rain when it does fall. Rain gardens are designed to capture runoff and reduce polluted runoff using natural filtration processes. Colorado State University and Colorado Storm-

water Center have created a Colorado Rain Garden Guide available online at stormwatercenter.colostate.edu. (Click the “Resources” tab and click the link for the Colorado Rain Garden Guide in PDF format under the video and photo.) Here are a few suggestions: • Choose a location that is not directly over utility or irrigation lines and at least 10 feet away from any building.

Plant your rain garden where it will receive full or partial sun year-round and do not place directly over a septic system or leach field.

• Calculate how deep and how large the garden should be by determining how much runoff will occur during most storms.

• Plant selection is crucial for success.

Plants need to be drought tolerant while also being able to withstand occasional standing water. ■

lawn or garden instead of the driveway, keeping the rainwater on your property. In the winter, it directs melting snow onto your garden or lawn instead of turning to ice on your driveway  Permeable pavers are one

of the most environmentally friendly paving solutions around. Consider using this method the next time you replace your sidewalks, driveway or patio area. They are available in three types: grass pavers, which has hollow centers where grass can grow; interlocking concrete, which has voids where rainwater can seep into the ground below; and porous concrete, which allows rainwater to channel through it and conserve the water.

PLANT OF THE MONTH—Desert Four O’Clock (Mirabilis multiflora) This long-lived native perennial deserves a spot in any xeric landscape that can give it plenty of room to spread out. It takes up to 10 feet across and 2 feet high, but earns its place with beautiful deep magenta flowers and dark green foliage from June through the first frost. Mature plants can have thousands of tubular flowers at any given time. They are suited to our high pH soils, need little additional moisture and require little to no fertilizer for healthy plants. Plants started from seed should be planted in spring to allow the root system to fully establish before the cold weather comes in November. The foliage develops quickly and usually blooms profusely the first summer. This groundcover is effective when planted among juniper, rabbitbrush, sage or large ornamental grasses. Smaller plants will be overrun.

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JULY 2015

Waking up with Lady Liberty

By Cappy Hall Rearick

I

t was 4:30 in the morning when our cruise ship pulled into New York Harbor. As wide awake as the city that never sleeps, I wormed my way up to the open deck and found a space on the starboard side. New York City’s skyline seemed to be kicking up her heels with more sass and bling than a chorus line of the Rockettes.

“Take a look at me,” she sang, “I’m the most exciting city in the world.”

As I hung on to the side of the ship, I couldn’t help but wonder how my great-grandfather felt when he first

glimpsed Lady Liberty.

I hoped someone told him the story of how the statue came to be constructed from toe to crown, and how ships transported it piece by piece from France to America. He probably never heard it, but I am certain he wiped tears from his eyes as he stood at the railing and allowed the lady’s glow to shine the light of freedom on him.

What might he have been thinking?

What would he have said to his little brother standing next to him, both of them having recently fled the devastating potato famine in Ireland, and both of them scared out of their Irish britches?

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“Look at ’er ovah dere, lad, the ol’ gurl hursef. That’s our noo mum.

She’s gon’ tek caire of us naiw, she is.

Don’t ye be frettin’.”

Lil’ brother likely whimpered at the mention of their mother, a victim of poverty and neglect, buried a mere month before the boys set sail. Perhaps he moved a wee bit closer to his big brother, the one who was charged with his welfare once they set foot on American soil and the one who would find work however he could in order to feed, clothe and properly school them in their new country.

My guess is they looked across the New York Harbor that day at the torch held high by the lady and were warmed over by her light, just as much as I was that day.

They came here with nothing, having left everything behind in the fallow potato fields of Ireland. In time, their losses would be replaced with fulfilled dreams made each night while they grew into men and good Americans. Like so many immigrants throughout the history of our country, their earnest prayers were answered, their hopes rewarded.

Many of us will never get the chance to look upon the Statue of Liberty at daybreak or any other time of day. Seeing her at least once should be a requirement for every citizen of our great country, but one of the things that makes us great is that we don’t require it of our people.

It comes as no surprise to me that the lady’s power too often gets lost amid the information overload we are

fed and must sift through daily.

But she is patient. She is willing to stand her ground and remain strong for all of us. Lest we forget what she symbolizes, the poet Emma Lazarus summed it up in her work engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

The lady lifted her lamp to a homeless, tempest-tossed Irish boy and his brother and because she did, our country was made stronger. My great-grandfather became a proud citizen and later served his country with honor.

The accomplishments of his descendants would have filled him with awe—a symphony musician, NASA engineer, criminal defense attorney, Episcopal priest, social psychologist, writer, teacher—every one of them good Americans.

Nothing can ever diminish the spark of hope woven into the fiber of our Statue of Liberty and nothing should ever diminish the humanity of those who come to America seeking a better life. ■

JULY 2015

FUN AFTER 50 23

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FUN AFTER 50

play at 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $10.

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

JULY 4 Fourth of July Party Dance and listen to the music of Bill Bartley at 10 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Pulled-pork sandwiches and chips will be provided, but bring a potluck dish to share. Cost is $3.

JULY 4 Fourth of July Fireworks Pay $2 per person to sit in Stocker Stadium (age 5 and under are free) to see the fireworks. Gates open at 8 p.m. and show starts at 9:45 p.m.

JULY 11 & 31 Movies In The Park Watch free family movies at Lincoln Park starting at dusk.

JULY 30 Murder Mystery Join us for murder on the grill. Enjoy a catered dinner at 5:30 p.m. and play acting fun in Stocker Stadium’s Hospitality Suite. Register by July 20. Cost is $29.

HEALTH JULY 9 Sharp As A Tack Learn how to keep your brain sharp as a tack from seniors like you. Seniors will share their favorite past times, games and activities that challenge their mental capacities and keep them alert and actively engaged. Cost is $3. Event is at 11 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center.

JULY 21 Secrets of the Mediterranean diet This knowledge will benefit your body, brain and budget. Receive a complimentary tasting of delicious oils and vinegars, and a take-home sample at this event at 6:30 p.m. at Bella Balsamic, 555 Main St. Cost is $9.

JULY 24 Facts and Tracks: Stress Busters Convert the crippling effects of stress into positive energy to help you effectively manage your life. Then spend the next 30 minutes outside walking on the Riverfront Trail. Class is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Cost is $5.

JULY 31 Friday Hikes: Liberty Cap to Cork Screw – Intermediate 3.5 miles Climb to a sandstone dome on top of the north wall of Ute Canyon and then follow a historic route built by the park’s first ranger, John Otto. This is an intermediate 3.5-mile hike. Meet at the trailhead at 8:30 a.m. Bring your camera, water and lunch. Register by July 29.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unassisted. Class is 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or $50 for a 10-punch pass.

AQUA AEROBICS These aerobic classes are for novice to intermediate individuals.

Class is 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Cost is $4.25 to drop in or $44 for a 12-punch pass.

SPORTS JULY 11 Pickleball Clinic Learn to play the fastest growing sport in America at the Pineridge Courts.

Cost is $10. Beginners (1.0-2.5) play at 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Intermediate (2.5-3.0)

FUN AFTER 50 SOFTBALL Open to men and women 50 and older. Call 255-6688.

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

AUGUST 22-28 Western Colorado Senior Games Over 65 competitive events for athletes age 50 plus as of August 7, 2015. Registration open. Early bird registration is $24.

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 am–4:00 pm Annual membership is $10.

DANCE

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events

MONDAYS Beginning Line Dance Class is at 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $12.

MONDAYS Intermediate Line Dance Class is 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $34 for 10-punch pass or $5 to drop in.

THURSDAYS Senior dances with live music Dance from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

ART FREE PUBLIC EXHIBITS Exhibits are hosted by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture.

City Hall: Featuring local artists Melissa Carlson, Steve Traudt and the Veterans Art Show.

Tiara Rado: Hot Air Balloon exhibit by local artists at The Rock clubhouse Two Rivers Convention Center: Aerospace and History Exhibit featuring local artists.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TRAIL HOST Program is ongoing throughout the year. Get your volunteer application in now and become an ambassador for the Riverfront Trail System. Call 254-3876.

MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

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

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

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

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

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

Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Bible Study Bridge Canasta

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

24

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History, culture and entertainment abound in Shreveport-Bossier Story by Chris Jay Photos by Prime Montgomery

L

ocated in the northwestern corner of the state, Shreveport-Bossier is the third-largest community in Louisiana. Home to a thriving nightlife and entertainment scene, a year-round calendar of festivals and cultural events, a burgeoning culinary scene and opportunities to explore the great outdoors, Shreveport-Bossier is a destination where there’s always something new to experience.

Culturally, Shreveport-Bossier serves as a crossroads where the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana blend with the wide-open spirit of Texas. This unique combination of two great American heritages can be tasted in the food, where Texas-style barbecue often shares a plate with traditional Louisiana favorites like gumbo, po-boys and crawfish étouffée. It can also be heard in the music pouring out of local nightclubs, where jazz and soul share the stage with blues, country, rock and zydeco. Local festivals, which

celebrate everything from crawfish to black history, provide year-round opportunities to become immersed in the fascinating blend of cultures that exist.

Music history enthusiasts will find much to explore. A National Historic Landmark situated in downtown Shreveport, Shreveport Municipal Auditorium was home to the legendary Louisiana Hayride radio broadcast from 1948 to 1960. Elvis Presley made his performance debut onstage at the Louisiana Hayride on October 16, 1954. Today, a statue of Presley stands outside of the auditorium on Elvis Presley Boulevard and visitors from around the world make the trek to tour the building.

Blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter was born and raised in Mooringsport, just outside Shreveport, and his gravesite at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Mooringsport is a frequent destination for blues aficionados. Other well-known musicians from the area include country singer Claude King, guitar

legend James Burton, blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, country superstar Kix Brooks and jazz drummer Brian Blade.

Shreveport-Bossier’s six riverboat casinos and live horseracing track lend 24-hour excitement to the city’s entertainment offerings. Margaritaville Resort Casino, which opened in June of 2013, is the most recent addition to the gaming scene.

Many casinos are centrally located in downtown Shreveport and Bossier City, along the riverfront. Located just south of the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets on the banks of the Red River, Horseshoe Casino and Hotel is home to the Horseshoe Riverdome, one of the hottest live music venues.

Legendary performers like Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, The Beach Boys and Diana Ross have recently brought their world tours to the Riverdome. The casino’s DARE Dayclub features poolside party cabanas, bars and an outdoor stage that frequently hosts performances by popular touring bands and DJs.

Enjoying the great outdoors can take many forms, from a relaxing trip down the Red River aboard the Spirit of the Red River Cruise to zip-lining through a swamp filled with live alligators at Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo. One of Louisiana’s top bird-watching destinations, the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City, features a 6.5mile network of hiking trails, a lake for fishing and an interpretive center offering interactive educational programs for all ages. Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport also offers an outstanding network of trails, including wheelchair-accessible trails. Those who love to hike, bike or jog should make time to enjoy the scenic riverfront biking and jogging paths that wind their way along Clyde Fant Parkway.

Shreveport-Bossier is a great entry point from which to travel along Louisiana’s Boom or Bust Byway, a scenic byway that winds its way through historic rural communities like Oil City, Plain Dealing and Homer. A special audiovisual tour has been created to help visitors appreciate all of the history found along the byway.

Several Shreveport-Bossier eateries are among the best known in Louisiana, including Strawn’s Eat Shop, a mom and pop diner with celebrated

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icebox pies; Herby-K’s, a popular local seafood restaurant; and Bossier City’s Silver Star Smokehouse.

Mardi Gras, known as “the biggest free party on Earth,” is often associated with New Orleans. However, Carnival season is huge in Shreveport-Bossier. A study conducted by Destination Exploration estimated that a combined total of more than 283,120 people attended Shreveport-Bossier’s two largest Mardi Gras parades—the Krewe of Centaur and Krewe of Gemini parades—in 2014.

Despite their enormous popularity, local Mardi Gras celebrations remain family friendly and welcoming to visitors.

As Carnival season draws to a close, a busy calendar of major festivals commences in early spring.

Holiday in Dixie, one of the oldest annual festivals in the U.S., celebrates the arrival of spring with a carnival, live music and more.

Holiday in Dixie concludes with the Ark-La-Tex Ambassadors BBQ Cook-Off, a competitive barbecue event that attracts many of the top barbecue teams in the South.

Shreveport-Bossier is home to the U.S. Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, which is housed at Barksdale Air Force Base. Each May, the might and power of the U.S. Air Force is showcased during the Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow.

Each Memorial Day Weekend, the sounds of zydeco music and the scent of boiling crawfish drift through the air in downtown Shreveport as the Mudbug Madness Festival brings four days of music, food and fun to Festival Plaza. This festival includes outstanding Louisiana cuisine, three stages with live music, activities and more. More than 80,000 pounds of boiled crawfish are consumed by attendees each year.

One of the most anticipated events each June is the Let the Good Times Roll Festival, a celebration of black history and culture that features old-school, gospel, R&B and funk music as well as an outstanding array of food vendors, art booths and more. Other popular June events include the Cross Lake Flotilla, an annual boat festival on Cross Lake enjoyed by hundreds of boaters and land-dwellers on the shore, and the Sunflower Trail and Festival in nearby Gilliam, which offers opportunities to explore the giant fields of sunflowers that bloom along Highway 3049.

As temperatures drop in the fall, Shreveport-Bossier’s entertainment scene stays hot. Every weekend in September is packed with events, ranging from the Pio-

neer Heritage Festival in Greenwood, September 18-19, 2015, to the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival, September 19, 2015. Fall’s most-anticipated event may be the annual Red River Revel Arts Festival, an enormous, eight-day outdoor arts festival featuring hundreds of visual artists and three stages of non-stop live music, October 3-10, 2015.

Fans of craft beer travel from across the U.S. to sample the acclaimed brews created by Great Raft Brewing, Shreveport’s first craft brewery and tasting room. Beer lovers should plan to visit during the third weekend in October, when

Strand Theatre Great Raft Brewing hosts its annual anniversary party on the night before Shreveport-Bossier’s largest craft beer event, BREW, an afternoon-long beer tasting featuring more than 150 beers, live music and food on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

The State Fair of Louisiana, held each October and November on the State Fairgrounds in Shreveport, has received national acclaim for its unusual variety of food vendors and free entertainment, along with all of the delights of a State Fair midway. The 2015 state fair will be held, October 22 through November 8. The Louisiana Film Prize, a weekend-long film festival in downtown Shreveport, will host its third annual festival October 2-5.

One of Shreveport-Bossier’s best-known holiday events is Christmas in Roseland, a holiday lights extravaganza at the Gardens of the American Rose Center, November 27 through December 23.

“Louisiana’s Other Side” is a term used to describe Shreveport-Bossier’s location in the state and its unique combination of culture and Texas cowboy heritage. From the glittering excitement of the casinos to the wonderful array of festivals, the Elvis statue at Muni Auditorium

mouth-watering local cuisine, fantastic shopping and numerous outdoor activities and attractions, Shreveport-Bossier has all of the necessary ingredients for a memorable getaway.

To learn more about all of the great things to see and do in ShreveportBossier, visit www.shreveportbossier.org or call 800-551-8682. A digital copy of the official visitor’s guide to Shreveport-Bossier may be downloaded at www.shreveportbossier.org or a print copy may be requested by phone. ■

26 FINANCE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 2015

Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses—they’re broke anyway.

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t’s human to feel envious when a neighbor drives up in an expensive new car or posts photos online of a two-week European vacation.

But when you let that envy drive your decisions about spending money, you could be headed for financial trouble—the same kind of trouble the seemingly affluent neighbor already may be facing.

“Too many people get caught up in accumulating things and projecting an image of success,” said Brad Berger, author of the book “Stop Trying to Keep Up With the Joneses – They’re Broke Anyway.” “Often they make decisions based on how other people lead their lives and the image those people project. But in many cases, the people you think have money because of the cars they drive, the homes they live in or the vacations they take, may be barely scraping by.”

Berger said such people create an illusion of wealth because they live extravagantly today, but lack any coherent plan for tomorrow. They let someone else’s values determine their financial choices.

“The secret to success is determining what you, not someone else, wants to achieve and then figuring out what it’s going to take to achieve that,” Berger said. “Living in alignment with your values doesn’t automatically bring on the good life, but it becomes the foundation that guides future decisions about what you want to pursue.”

Berger said people’s needs and concerns are too individual for onesize-fits-all financial advice. Instead, he said you should strive to live your ideal life through a financial planning process that: • Aligns your financial choices with your goals and values.

Berger said it’s important to understand what drives your decisions.

“I regularly double check to make

sure any action I am about to take is in alignment with what is important to me,” he said. “In other words, I ask whether my action is in keeping with my values or takes me further away from them.”

• Gets your entire financial house in order. And keep it that way forever. That’s easy to say, but more difficult to do. Part of this means focusing on your values and setting goals based on them. But it also involves planning and figuring out what the best investment strategies would be. And then it’s important to regularly monitor what you’ve done to see if adjustments need to be made.

• Gives you confidence. You want to feel that no matter what happens in the markets, the economy or the world, you will be on track toward your goals. Financial planning isn’t just about investing in the stock market, Berger said.

You also need to manage risks, plan for retirement, develop a comprehensive tax plan and put in place a plan to take care of your family after you are gone.

• Frees up mental and physical space and time. Ideally, your plan will give you the peace of mind to stop focusing so much on money and what it can buy, and instead home in on the things in your life that are more important.

“I have learned that the accumulation of shiny objects does not lead to happiness,” Berger said.

Even when you have set up your financial plan, you aren’t finished.

“Financial planning is not a destination; it’s a journey,” Berger said. “I’m constantly monitoring and tweaking my own plan. As I accomplish goals, I regularly add new ones. I adjust to changes in the market and to estate laws and taxes. The plan evolves as my family needs change.” ■

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Senior Living

f you’re single and 50 plus, a local group wants to extend a warm invitation to you. No need to sit at home alone when the River City Singles are out and about socializing and getting together for a variety of activities.

River City Singles was started by Jim Sanders and Claudia (Gray) McBride in 2002 with just 12 original members. Many original members continue to belong to the group.

RCS’ membership is now 120 and they always welcome new people.

“We weren’t meeting people, so Claudia and I invited people to join us at different restaurants and it has just grown by word of mouth from there,” Sanders said.

Sue Moon, 72, has been a member of River City Singles for three years.

“I had been recently widowed,” Moon said. “They welcomed me with open arms. It’s a wonderful group of people. Purely social, where people enjoy being with people and you can meet others with common interests. There are a wide variety of activities for all kinds of people.”

The most popular activity is the Friday night social gatherings at the Travelodge (formerly Country Inn) on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. Approximately 40 singles gather each Friday in the comfortable Hide Away Lounge at 5 p.m. for a quick update of upcoming events and the passing of sign up sheets, followed by social time where food is available. Many people stay for cards and board games afterward.

“Pinochle is very popular with this group, as well as Hand and Foot,” Moon said.

Others go to the Moose Lodge after the meeting for dinner and dancing.

“All of the social options on Friday nights give us a reason to change clothes and get cleaned up, other

than just to go to a meeting,” Moon said.

Eating is another favorite pastime.

“This group always eats,” Moon said. “We never miss a meal.”

Some members look forward to meeting at different restaurants every Wednesday night for dinner, or the occasional potluck at various homes.

Other members bowl every Sunday afternoon at Orchard Mesa Lanes. Some find pleasure in golfing, biking and hiking together, going on picnics or taking day trips to Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Telluride or Moab. They have even taken multi-day trips together including Wendover, Nevada. The annual dinner dance is something everyone looks forward to.

“We recently took a very interesting tour of West Star Aviation,” Sanders said.

For several years, they have met at the DoubleTree to watch the Academy Awards.

“River City Singles is a place where singles can meet and then plan activities from there,” said Moon. “If you have an idea of something you want to organize, go for it.”

A modest $20 annual membership fee goes to the general fund to help pay for occasional special events.

All 50-plus singles are welcome, however, Sanders pointed out there are two to three women for every man.

“We would like to encourage men to come to our activities,” Sanders said. “We really want to welcome all 50-plus singles to come visit and see what we’re all about.”

For more information, watch for the River City Singles’ calendar of events in the BEACON each month or call Moon at 242-4175 or Elli Clymer at 261-8690. Feel free to attend any Friday night social gathering at the Travelodge at 5 p.m. ■

Assisted Living

By Melanie Wiseman

Denver Theater...Featuring “THE BOOK OF MORMON” at Ellie Caulkins Theater and “MARY POPPINS” at Boulder’s Dinner Theater August 19-21 2015…

Call for information & to reserve your spot as tickets are limited.. First Come… First Serve..

Nursing Home

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28 FAITH MOVES

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JULY 2015

Negativity has no place in life

By Scott Thompson, Appleton Christian Church

N

egativity never does anybody any good. It seems to be expressed most often by the words that come out of our mouths. How many times does one have to hear they can’t do something before they deem themselves a failure?

How many times does one have to receive negative comments about performance or appearance before they develop a damaged self-image?

I had a Christian friend who used to claim he loved James Chapter 3, which talks about the power of the tongue, but continually made negative comments and conversation. If we let negativity control our thoughts and conversations, we give the enemy of our souls a foothold in our lives.

How many times have you tried to witness to someone and their immediate reply is “I am not a good enough person to go to church or be a Christian.” That thought is planted, watered, and nurtured by negativity.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who

hear them.”

A little farther down in the same chapter we are exhorted to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…”

Friends, God wants us to be kind to each other and to those we speak to. Sometimes negativity may not even be in conversation. It might be in our actions or looks of disgust.

Whatever the case, we need to put negativity to death in all areas of our lives. It simply has no room next to the peace and love God asks us to live in.

James 3:10-12 states, “And so does blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring bubble out both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”

All Christians should prayerfully consider their speech and actions.

Earnestly ask God to show you areas of negativity that you can work on.

Remember this is work God needs to do in you and it might take a long time to complete, but be willing to let God do the work. Remember, we are the only Bible some folks will ever read. ■

Remember, we are the only Bible some folks will ever read.

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JULY 2015

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Aging is not what I expected; IT’S BETTER!

By Laverne Bardy

I

had hit a landmark birthday— not with grace, but with a thud.

I’d heard that life began at 40 but could find no uplifting adages defining what to expect at 50.

Although age had never bothered me before there was something ominous about 50. Hallmark sold over-the-hill greeting cards and party stores hung black banners and black balloons with somber maxims. Clearly, 50 symbolized the beginning of the end. All I could think was that the next time I move, I won’t be taking furniture.

In the midst of my depression I received a piece of mail that further fired up my emotions. The letter wished me a happy 50th. Happy 50th? That’s an oxymoron if ever I heard one, and extended a warm invitation to join AARP. As a member of this nationwide club I would have access to many benefits, including discounts, support groups, a monthly magazine, and a pharmacy plan. It would also bring me one step closer to Medicare and my very own Jazzy Scooter.

Shoot me now!

Not only had I turned 50, I now qualified to develop intimate relationships with arthritis, osteoporosis, adult diapers, cataracts, skin tags, loose skin, nose and ear hairs, angiograms, bypass surgery, hearing aids, liver spots, joint replacements, blue hair, glasses, hair and memory loss. Tossing aside the enticement of those fringe benefits, I cut the letter into confetti-sized pieces and mailed it back to AARP with a cover letter declining their offer. I included my belief that timing is everything, and they might draw an even larger membership if they waited to notify people several months after their 50th birthday, when a reasonable period of mourning had passed.

Six months later, having come to terms with my new (old) age, I wrote to AARP again. This time I signed on. I had given a lot of thought to the various ages and stages I’d lived through and decided I preferred the tranquility and wisdom of age to the intensity and uncertainty of youth.

And now, over two decades later, I have rediscovered life. I admit that my new best friend, Arthur Ritis, has total say in selecting the pace of the music I dance to. My breasts have adapted to their move from Yankee to Confederate country, and I’ve learned to walk up steps wearing bifocals without tripping.

When I turned 50 I was awarded a license to do things I never had time for, say things I never had courage to, and experience things I thought were too risky or inappropriate.

Aging has been an adventure. My fun hasn’t stopped; it’s increased.

Days are filled with classes, crafts, antiquing, reading, writing, horseback riding and grandchildren.

Evenings include dining out with friends, skinny-dipping in my pool (Trust me, my nerve to do this and the shape of my body are in no way related), and making love without fear of pregnancy.

Aging has offered me freedom from years of restraints, both real and imagined. The fervor I once exhibited in an effort to persuade others to think and believe as I did has diminished. It is replaced with a smile and confidence in knowing that I don’t need the consensus or the company of others to feel whole.

Cane in hand, I embrace the cherished road I’m traveling. Granted, my pace is a bit slower, but I can be found dillydallying, kicking pebbles, strumming picket fences, picking wild flowers, and teetering on stone walls as I saunter with great expectations through this exhilarating phase of my journey. ■

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eventy percent of caregivers over age 70 are said to die before the person they are caring for.

It’s called caregiver syndrome.

In a report called “Caring for Persons with Dementia,” Dr. Jean Posner, a neuropsychiatrist in Baltimore, Maryland, referred to caregiver syndrome as “a debilitating condition brought on by unrelieved, constant caring for a person with a chronic illness or dementia.”

According to a report from the National Consensus Development Conference on Caregiving, the most common psychological symptoms of caregiver syndrome are depression, anxiety and anger. Much of the material for this article came from a report written by Dr. Andree Leroy, a psychiatrist in Boston.

Peter Vitaliano, a professor of geriatric psychiatry at the University of Washington and an expert on caregiving, said that the chronic stress of caring for someone could lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and a compromised immune system. Many exhausted caregivers today don’t seek help because they don’t realize that they have a recognizable condition.

Vitaliano added that the stress of caring for someone can, in severe cases, cause caregivers to take on the symptoms of the persons they are caring for.

But Vitaliano isn’t sure that giving caregiver syndrome the status of an official diagnosis would be a

good thing. He argues that if caregiver syndrome were listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a text published by the American Psychiatric Association that defines all mental health disorders, it could stigmatize the people who have it.

“Caregiver stress is directly related to the way our society views the elderly and the people who care for them,” Vitaliano said.

Today, caregiving is viewed largely as a burden in this country. If it were viewed as more of a societal expectation and people were willing to offer more support, fewer caregivers would suffer in isolation, he commented.

Others believe that giving caregiver syndrome an official name would be helpful.

Kathryn Anderson, a researcher in families and chronic illness from Florida International University, argues that caregiver stress should be named a syndrome because it would help caregivers seek the help they need. Naming it a syndrome would encourage health professionals to develop better treatment strategies and require health insurers to pay for treatment, she said.

For now, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Center on Caregiving call for every caregiver to be screened for stress and depression. Caregivers who show signs of hostility, anxiety and a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy are urged to talk to their doctors. ■

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JULY 2015

Beware: Jury duty scam

By Teresa Ambord

I

SENIOR SCAMS 31

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just completed yet another round of jury duty, and was told by the court clerk that the socalled jury duty scam is alive and well. The court is getting reports of citizens harassed by calls that claim to be from court employees.

The calls, complete with an appropriate caller ID, seek to alarm the citizen, stating that he or she failed to appear for jury duty and is about to be arrested. The victim is instructed that the only way to avoid certain arrest is to pay thousands of dollars in court fines immediately. Generally the caller specifies that the fine must be paid over the phone, and with a prepaid debit card—the kind you buy at the grocery store for a small fee. The

caller arranges a time to call back to collect the fine, giving the victim a chance to buy the prepaid card. The details of the scam call and payment may vary.

Court officials assure us that legitimate court employees and law enforcement personnel do not contact past or prospective jurors by telephone to request information or to collect money. If you get such a call, contact the police department or sheriff’s office. If you believe your identity has been compromised, also contact your credit card companies, and check your credit status by calling each of the three major credit reporting companies: Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 888-909-8872, and Equifax 800-525-6285. ■

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JULY 2015

How one family reunited after years of estrangement

By Linda Lovendahl

L

ast night when I closed the door after my son left, I smiled all the way to my belly button. I live on the same property as him with his family—his wife and four children.

This evening was just one of many conversations we have shared after years of estrangement. I am so pleased and proud of how hard we have all worked to make this possible for us.

Did you know estrangement is a trait that can be passed through the generations? I didn’t either and I’m glad that after a devastating midlife divorce I chose not to give up on my children. They didn’t want anything to do with me for years after the divorce but once I gained a foothold on a new life, I determined losing a spouse was loss enough. I wasn’t going to let the destructive ripple effect of divorce separate me from the rest of the family.

“Estrangement from a child causes heartache, regret and shame, not to mention the belief that you’ve failed at one of life’s most important tasks,” Erica Manfred wrote in a January 16, 2013 article for Next Avenue. Karl Pillemer, who interviewed more than 1,000 elders for the Legacy Project at Cornell University, said, “Among the saddest people I met in interviews with older Americans were those living in this situation.”

Maybe it’s because baby boomers are entering this age group, but estrangement is more widely recognized. The US Census Bureau substantiates that today there are more older Americans living as singles in Colorado and the nation as a whole than ever before.

I didn’t want to live out my elderly years alone. I vowed I would find a way to rekindle relationships.

Even if I died trying, I would have

the satisfaction that I was doing my part to make it happen. What set me on this path was the realization that no matter how many times after the divorce I tried to create a loving community with other people, when they had something significant happen, they’d return to their family of origin. I wanted to do the same.

My journey taught me about baby steps, the power of patience and how freeing it is to be humble.

Humility opened the door for me to not interpret other people’s actions as personally directed toward me.

There is always some other unknown factor involved. If I want to understand what that is, my part is to listen.

This will sound funny but often my son told me he had to go to the bathroom and would hang up.

After that I made the calls short. I mentally reframed my expectations from a phone call to a spot check. I practiced how to word open-ended questions. My best one was “What does the weather look like for this weekend?”

I would be so nervous to contact my son that I would write out questions and what I thought were interesting comments so that I wouldn’t be caught tongue tied when the dreaded awkward pauses occurred.

I sent my son and his wife small gifts on birthdays. I mailed holiday cards. I emailed short notes that read like headlines so there was no pressure to respond. A typical one would read: “Neighbor Jason’s Saturn was recalled. Hope yours isn’t.”

As you can imagine, I felt foolish because I wasn’t getting any whatsoever, not-in-this-lifetime, over-mydead-body reciprocal responses.

But I knew I couldn’t give up.

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JULY 2015

33

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pen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… right now, right here on Earth.

I joined a divorce recovery group.

With this support, I offered my son the opportunity to ask me any questions he might have always wanted to ask. His wife listened in on the conversation. This is when we found our first common ground: We both admitted the relationship was difficult.

When his first child was born, I asked when it would be a good time to visit for a half hour. My son napped in the other room during the visit but his wife was kind and polite. One thing I know for certain that put her at ease was that I asked permission for everything I did in her presence. I still do this today.

Not only is it good manners, but it gets us all talking to one another. I asked her things like which chair she prefers I use. If there is a magazine lying nearby, I’ll ask if I may read it. If there are toys on the floor, I ask if I may help put them away.

This is when I decided to change tactics from winning over my son to establishing a relationship with his wife and child. I started by sharing recipes with her and brought simple crafts to do with my grandchild. This helped me redirect my hurt feelings no matter how much he slept, isolated himself by using his cell phone or retreated to the bathroom. In time, he said “Hello” without being prompted by me.

This increased to short small chats over objects in our immediate surroundings. One day we connected in the backyard over the condition of the garden hose. This developed in me the art of chitchat. This provided the underlying bridge toward potential communication.

During another visit I prayed about how to show my son my love

in such a way it would override his habitual rejection. He had an unfinished yard and consequently the children didn’t use it. I bought bags of garden bark and formed a small apron of the chips that stretched out from the back steps. I dragged out their garage-stored lawn furniture and set it up. I strung a line of white twinkle lights along the perimeter and plugged it in. The wife and kids giggled when they saw it and ran outside to sit. That night he said I could come back any time to visit. Bingo! That’s how I discovered that acts of service were part of his love language.

We hit a terrible bump in our progress when I accepted a job in the same town as his. There is much research showing that estrangement is due to resentments and hurts never addressed in childhood. This was the case. It took several agonizing months to sort it through. The silver lining was that it forced us to be completely honest. I’m so fortunate today that when either of us overreacts, we apologize immediately to clear the air.

Another tool for keeping my focus was the idea that my life serves as a role model. By my life choices I am showing everyone around me how to handle life’s hardships. With the help of a foundation based on making many mistakes, I learned how to forgive—myself. In that process, I identified my values. As a consequence, I can happily announce to you that today I love my life.

When asked to write this article, I asked my son and daughter-in-law what made it possible for them.

Turns out they wanted their children to know their grandparents.

So all those years when neither of us had the ability to communicate, when I thought I was foolish and working alone in the dark, I was really making strides to achieve goals for us all. ■

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One hot Sunday afternoon my dad, who was not particularly fond of Elvis but was fond of minimizing the nagging of my mother, drove us to Graceland to see if Elvis was anywhere to be seen. The handsome rock ’n’ roller had been honorably discharged from the military and disk jockey Dewey Phillips teased listeners with unconfirmed reports that he was back home in Memphis.

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s there anyone who grew up in Memphis during the ’50s and doesn’t have an Elvis story? I wasn’t a girlfriend (too young) or a co-star (no talent) and he never gave me a car (or anything else for that matter), but he certainly left me with a memory I’ve enjoyed all my life.

In the ’50s, Memphis was a slow-paced southern town perched on the bluff of the Mississippi River. Its major claims to fame included the title of being the world’s largest hardwood lumber market and its boast of brokering more cotton than all other American cities combined. This was long before Memphis became known for FedEx, St. Jude and, of course, Graceland.

My mom was a huge Elvis fan.

The emerging artist made an impression upon her and I remember us jitterbugging in the living room, sliding around the hardwood floor in bobby socks as a lavender plastic transistor radio blasted out the sounds of “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

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Mom looked like she was going to cry and my dad only laughed. “Ah, come on, Dot,” he said.

“That boy ain’t ever gonna be that famous.”

As it turned out, the wide iron gates were open and Elvis was sitting atop his horse on the grassy front lawn of the stately colonial-style mansion, smiling and signing autographs for a gaggle of young women surrounding him.

Dad cautiously drove the blue Chevrolet halfway up the driveway.

“Oh, my goodness, he’s really here,” Mom whispered.

She quickly rummaged through her pocketbook and then thrust a pencil and a postcard into my hands. And then with firm instructions to get his autograph my best friend Peggy Jo and I scrambled from the car and raced up the driveway toward Elvis and his horse, while my parents, younger sister and baby brother watched from inside the un-airconditioned car.

As teenage girls elbowed and pushed their way closer to their idol, Peggy Jo and I wriggled our skinny 10-year-old selves right up to the front of the throng. I was eye to eye with Elvis’ black riding boots, and was much more impressed with his beautiful horse than with Elvis’ ability to sing and wiggle his hips.

Suddenly I heard the panicked voice of my friend.

“Agggh! Help! His horse is stepping on my foot,” she shrieked.

I looked down and sure enough, Elvis’s horse was resting his gigantic hoof on top of Peggy Jo’s white Keds tennis shoe.

I stared in horror as she squealed, “He’s squashing me! Make him stop!”

Suddenly I was filled with defensive anger. I was normally a polite and shy sort of kid but my best friend was in trouble and bold measures were clearly required.

I reached my spindly arms as high

as I could and grabbed Elvis’ pant leg. When that didn’t get his immediate attention I swatted at him as hard as I could. From the car Mom and Dad would have only seen the outer layer of the swirling throng of giggling girls, as we had disappeared into its vortex. They might have noticed when Elvis suddenly jerked his head downward and then slightly pulled back the horse’s reins.

He looked down at me with that famous smile and asked, “What’s the matter, little lady?”

My face turned beet red as the older girls around us snickered and glared.

“My friend,” I croaked.

Then more forcefully, and with the sternest frown I could muster, I said, “Get your horse off my friend’s foot!”

Elvis gently raised the reins and his horse eased back.

“Sorry ’bout that, little lady.”

The crowd parted and Peggy Jo and I sprinted back to the car. Behind us one of the girls called out, “You dummies!”

We spilled into the back seat and breathlessly related our disastrous encounter. As our story unfolded Mom’s eyebrows began to knit and twist as she stared at my empty hands. The only thing my mom was interested in was whether we got his autograph.

“No!” I barked incredulously.

“Why would I want his lousy autograph after what he did to Peggy Jo?” Mom looked like she was going to cry and my dad only laughed and pulled another cigarette out of his Lucky Strike pack.

“Ah, come on, Dot,” he said. “That boy ain’t ever gonna be that famous.” ■

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hether you overhear it in a coffee shop, read it in the newspaper or say it yourself while driving in your car, how many times have you heard complaints about trash along the roadways of beautiful Western Colorado? I often hear comments somewhere along the lines of “Somebody needs to do something.”

Well, sometimes “somebody” means you and me.

After 12 years of driving to our home off G Road in Grand Junction, appalled at the amount of trash at the gateway to our neighborhood, my husband Dan and I felt a call to action. Three years ago, we decided to stop whining and get busy.

With gloves and garbage bags in hand we adopted a half-mile section of G Road as our responsibility to keep litter free. Once committed, it’s surprising how quickly we took pride in our new project. Recycling the glass, aluminum and plastic is rewarding and a perk for the environment.

There will always be those people who carelessly toss their fast food containers or pop cans out the window, or the napkin that innocently escapes a picnic gathering, so I see it as a waste of energy to be frustrated and point fingers. A better use of energy is to be part of the solution.

Educating younger generations about the importance of respecting the environment, putting trash in receptacles and recycling is one of the best ways to work toward a solution. Start by being a good example to your own children and grandchildren.

In the meantime, we can take that a step further. While walking in your neighborhood or a park, be purposeful and take a second to pick up the candy wrapper you

could have easily walked over and toss it in a trashcan. You never know who may witness this act and be inspired to do the same.

“People are always looking for ways to get exercise and spend time outdoors,” my husband Dan said.

“Walking while picking up trash is good exercise, and it only takes about an hour each time.”

If bending down is a problem, an arm extension grabber tool is an easy solution.

As we do our half-mile cleanup every one to three months, we have been greeted with honks and friendly waves, and folks rolling down their windows to say, “Thank you.” Not only does this project give us satisfaction, but it also gives us hope that in some small way, we might be creating a ripple effect.

If everyone who was able stepped up and took ownership of a short piece of roadway, just think of the huge positive impact it would make on our community and for future generations. My challenge to you— to everyone—is to be part of the solution and get some exercise at the same time. ■

A Story About Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it.

So, consequently, Everybody blamed Somebody... when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place!

- Anonymous (of course!)

JULY 2015

MESA COUNTY 37

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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

• Western Slope Coin Club, meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247.

Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit www. gjcoinshow.com.

• Two River Sams, Good Sam RV Club, meets at noon on June 27. For location, call 523-5625.

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

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays at the

Masonic Center. Call 261-1670.

• Happy Feet Rounds offers basic choreographed ballroom dancing at 5 p.m. (beginners) and 6:30 p.m. (intermediate) Sundays at the Masonic Center, and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Mondays (phase 3 and 4 dancers).

Call 243-5858.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church.

Call 245-8817 or 523-5965.

• Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632.

• Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B in Grand Junction. Call 2433598 or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org.

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

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

• Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751.

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

Call 434-0868.

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

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

• Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly at the Egg and I for breakfast on the first Thursday. Call 858-3907 for time and details.

• High Desert Diamonds is a plus-level square dance club that dances from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Masonic Center. Call 241-7457.

• Great Old Broads for the Wilderness meets at 4:30 p.m. July 27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 536 Ouray Ave. Call 255-9900.

• Cribbage Lite meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at City Market Deli, 200 Rood Ave., for a six-game tournament. Call 270-2433.

• TOPS Club #458 meets at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Call 314-2885. ■

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Visit our Website: www.BigJ.com

*Seniors 65 years & older

Mesa County Calendar JULY 14 Exploration of Pluto lecture Jeff Dershem will present a free lecture at 6:30 p.m. at the Mesa County Central Library about the exploration of Pluto. He will cover the circumstances that lead to Pluto’s discovery, and the importance of NASA’s New Horizons Spacecraft’s mission. For details, call 683-2429.

JULY 14-18 Mesa County Fair Party with the animals at this year’s Mesa County Fair at the Fairgrounds, 2785 Highway 50. These five days of fun feature animals for sale and show, contests, shows and more. Compete in the hula-hoop contest, ice cream-eating contest, watermelon-eating contest, water balloon toss and more.

There will also be a BMX stunt show, carnival, fireworks and live music. Don’t miss comedian Bill Engvall on Tuesday

“We believe that the hardest phone call you have to make should not be answered by an answering service.

Our family is available to assist you 24 hours a day.�

8F PÄŒFS B GVMM SBOHF PG CVSJBM DSFNBUJPO PQUJPOT UIBU BDDPNPEBUF QFPQMF PG BMM GBJUIT CFMJFGT USBEJUJPOT BOE DVMUVSFT 8F PÄŒFS QSF BSSBOHFE GVOFSBM QMBOT UP IFMQ MFTTFO UIF CVSEFO PO UIF MPWFE POFT MFÄ™ CFIJOE #FDBVTF PVS GBNJMZ JT Ä•WF HFOFSBUJPOT PG NJMJUBSZ WFUFSBOT XF PÄŒFS TQFDJBM EJTDPVOUT UP UIPTF XIP IBWF CFFO IPOPSBCMZ EJTDIBSHFE 762 Horizon Drive

Grand Junction, CO 81501

(970) 609-2233

legacyfuneralhomegj@hotmail.com www.legacyfuneralhomegj.com www.facebook.com/legacyfuneralhomegj

JULY 2015

and the Grand Junction Rockestra on Thursday. Gate admission to the fair is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors. Highlight performances may cost extra. For details and a full schedule, visit www. mesacountyfair.com or call 256-1528.

JULY 14 & 28 Writing Workshops “Show, Don’t Tell: How Do They Do That?� from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. July 14, covers how to turn narrative into scene and keep your reader turning the page.

This interactive session shows you how to create strong settings and characters, write riveting scenes, and create realistic dialogue. In “Writing for Magazines� from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. July 28, you’ll learn to craft strong query letters, write to a publication’s specifications, keep records, and handle rejection. For details or to register, call Jan Weeks at 255-6679 or visit wccc.coloradomesa. edu/cec.

JULY 2015

MESA COUNTY 39

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 17 Arstidir: Icelandic folk concert Intricate songwriting from Icelandic band Arstidir transports you to a world of restless guitars, intimate piano and mountainous string arrangements.

The delicate, acoustic vocals are so powerful that your heart will never break the same again. Arstidir will be accompanied by Brooklyn-based pianoviolin duo Gracie and Rachel, who craft intricate tunes combining classical string elements with fierce vocals augmented by sparse but powerful percussion, finding beauty in stark simplicity. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Colorado Mesa University Recital Hall.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com. Call 319-3329 for details.

JULY 18 & 25 High Desert Opera: “Hansel & Gretel” High Desert Opera will be presenting “Hansel & Gretel” at Colorado Mesa University’s Robinson Theatre. There will be three performances of the show: at 7:30 p.m. July 18 and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on July 25. Tickets are $10-$39 and can be purchased at www.highdesertopera.com, by calling 523-9605 or at Roper Music.

JULY 19 Free crime prevention seminar Pureland Security presents NRA’s Refuse to Be a Victim seminar from 3 p.m.6 p.m. at the Sky Adventures Building, 817 Falcon Way in Grand Junction.

Learn to cultivate a positive selfdefense philosophy and many safety strategy options. This is a non-firearms based course. Space is limited. Registration required. Call 270-3203.

JULY 22 Free estate planning seminar Learn about will and trust estate plans with an emphasis on retirement assets at this free seminar from 4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. at the Law Offices of Brown & Brown, PC, 1250 E. Sherwood Drive.

Registration required. Call 243-8250 or visit www.brownandbrownpc.com

JULY 25 Kahuna Beach Party concert Kahuna Beach Party will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Grande River Vineyards as part of their Hear It Through the Grapevine concert series. Proceeds benefit HomewardBound. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic, but no outside beverages are permitted. Tickets are $15 in advance and are available at HomewardBound, Fisher’s Liquor Barn, Roper Music and Grande River Vineyards.

JULY 29 Robert Earl Keen concert Don’t miss Robert Earl Keen at 7:30 p.m. at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park in Fruita. Los Lonely Boys will be there September 2. Concerts are free, but space is limited, so tickets are required. Tickets are available at all City Markets. No parking fee for cars containing four or more people. Cars with fewer people pay $7. Call 683-4333. ■

Medicare Moment

MEDICARE SCAMS SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY A low estimate of the cost of Medicare fraud is $60 billion per year! Don’t be victimized by Medicare scams! Start by being aware of the types of fraud to watch for.

Recent patterns of fraud have been found in California (unnecessary testing to pad the bills; street gangs in LA attempting to defraud Medicare); Texas (fake billing for home health care); Brooklyn, NY (billing for physical therapy when the services are actually something not covered

by Medicare); and Florida (phony mental health centers). What starts in one region will often move to another part of the country.

In the future, Medicare fraud will be detected faster by better data analysis, but what works is teaching people what fraud looks like and reporting anything suspicious.

To take an active role in preventing fraud, contact Mesa County RSVP SHIP. The counselors are part of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). They can educate you on how to detect Medicare fraud.

Brought to you by the Mesa County RSVP Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP)

Sponsored by the Association of US West Retirees (AUSWR) and Mesa County RSVP

QUESTIONS? Call SHIP! 243-9839

River City Singles

JULY 2015 Activity Schedule

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

Calling all singles over 50!

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

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) meets in the lounge at the Travelodge (formerly the Country Inn), 718 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is the business meeting. Cards and games will follow the meeting.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Sprinkler / Irrigation Repair Mention

The

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Mud, Silt, Leaves Restricting Irrigation Flow Waterjet Those Lines to Restore Flow

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - Dine out at the following locations every week. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

• July 1 - Old Chicago • July 8 - Olive Garden • July 15 - Blue Moon • July 22 - Mi Mexico • July 29 - Texas Roadhouse Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday and card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Saturday, July 4 at noon - Enjoy billiards, games of pool and lunch at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Call Mary at 255-7370.

Saturday, July 4 at 6 p.m. - Fourth of July potluck at Judie’s place in Fruita. RSVP to Judie at 639-2197.

Thursday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. - The Fun Lunch Bunch has lunch at Mesa Lakes Lodge on the Grand Mesa. Meet at Dos Hombres in Clifton at 11 a.m. to carpool.

RSVP to Penny at 712-2588.

Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m. - Restaurant Rove to Il Bistro Italiano, 400 Main St. RSVP to John at 241-3171.

Saturday, July 18 at 8 a.m. - Meet at the Orchard Mesa City Market parking lot to carpool for a daytrip to Ouray. RSVP to Judie at 639-2197.

Wednesday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m - Potluck during the Robert Earl Keen concert at James Robb State Park. RSVP to Kenny at 216-8271.

40 MESA COUNTY

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WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER BRANDON S. BERGUIN D.D.S. AND ASSOCIATES 514 28 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81501

241-3483

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

DENTURES, CROWNS, VENEERS, BRIDGES, FILLINGS, ROOT CANALS, EXTRACTIONS, IMPLANTS • • • • •

ALL FEES QUOTED BEFORE TREATMENT INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED DENTURE REPAIRS & RELINES EMERGENCIES WELCOME NO INTEREST PAYMENT PLANS

Brandon S. Berguin D.D.S. SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Come tour our

5-star manufactured home community.

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

Homes starting in the $40ks. Pet friendly.

Your Summer Patio is Waiting for You!

The right community.

(970) 434-8193 435 32 Rd. Grand Junction Open: Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5:00 www.midlandsvillage.com

JULY 2015

Mesa County Beacon Bits Grand Mesa Chorus awards scholarship to CHS graduate Grand Mesa Chorus of Sweet Adelines International awarded the Darlene Guerrie Memorial Scholarship to Central High School graduate Rachel Davis. Davis will be a freshman vocal education major at Colorado Mesa University this fall. She will showcase her beautiful vocals at a future Grand Mesa Chorus concert. For more information, call 241-1632.

Tiara Rado Ladies’ golf tournament The Tiara Rado Ladies’ invitational golf tournament is looking for entries. The tournament will take place August 21 at Tiara Rado. Entry fee is $67, which includes green fees, coffee and pastry bar, and lunch. Fee due by August 15 (no refunds after this date).

To download an entry form, visit www.golfgrandjunction.net and look for Ladies Invitational Flyer. For more information, call 234-8834 or 2410410 with questions.

Redlands Area Farmers Market With the recent closure of Safeway in the Redlands, community neighbors of Redlands United Methodist Church (particularly seniors) no longer have easy access to neighborhood shopping. To fill this void and to provide support to our local farming community, Redlands UMC, 527 Village Way, will host a farmers market from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening through September 16. For more information, call 245-1478.

Centennial Band schedule • July 2 - Fruita Civic Center, 7 p.m.

Ice-cream social sponsored by Fruita City Council.

• July 11 - Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, 6 p.m.

Entry fee may be required.

• July 16 - Rocket Park, 1827 N. 26th St., 7 p.m.

• July 23 - Spring Valley II Park, 2899 Beechwood St. in Grand Junction, 7 p.m.

Metropolitan Opera and more in HD Experience unique entertainment from the comfort of your local movie theater. See renowned operas and ballets in HD right here in Grand Junction. Showings take place at Regal Cinemas, 648 Market St. in Grand Junction. For more information, visit fathomevents.com.

• July 8 - “La Traviata” opera from the Metropolitan Opera. Show starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $12.50.

• July 14 - “The Impressionists” art film. Show starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults.

• July 15 - “La Fille du Regiment” opera from the Metropolitan Opera.

Show starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $12.50.

Museum activities •July 9 & 30 - Cool Summer Nights: Gallery talk on the Distant Treasures in the Mist exhibit. Free from 5-8 p.m.

• July 9 - Changing Landscapes of Science lecture at 7 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. Topic is “Technology in Modern Policing: The State of the Art.” Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.

• July 16 - Cool Summer Nights: History talk on top of tower. Free from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

• July 16 - Oral History Presentation at noon at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. • July 17 - Behind the Scenes Tour at Museum of the West at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $5.

• July 23 - Cool Summer Nights: Gallery talk about Outlaws and the Wild West. Free from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

• July 24 - King ‘n’ Trio Concert at Cross Orchards Historic Site to celebrate museum’s 50th anniversary!

Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $25 per person and seating is limited. Purchase tickets at www.museumof westernco.com.

Support groups • Mending Hearts Support Group

JULY 2015

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is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Fruita group meets at the Fruita Civic Center. Call 248-8844.

• Caregiver Connections is open to all caregivers and meets from 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Fruita support group is for adults diagnosed with mental illness and their families. The group meets monthly from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Family Health West Nursing Home Conference Room, 228 N. Cherry St. Call 639-2929.

• Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315.

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

• Stroke Support Group meets monthly from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the third Fridays in the Grand Mesa Room of St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 2981929 for details.

• MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café.

Call 298-2351 for details.

Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839.

• Mesa County SOS needs volunteer drivers to give seniors rides to grocery shopping, pharmacy and medical visits once a week. SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746.

• HopeWest seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. Volunteering can be as simple as one hour a month.

Call 623-8816 for details.

• Operation Interdependence in-

vites you to write notes for deployed troops around the world. They are also in need of Slim Jims, beef jerky, gum, snack bars, Chapstick, toothbrushes, etc. Call 523-4217 for dropoff location.

• St. Mary’s Foster Grandparents seeks volunteers to work with children in Mesa County and Delta County schools. Volunteers mentor kids in classrooms under supervision of a certified teacher. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a non-taxable hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, annual wellness exam and other great benefits. Call Tanya at 298-9091.

• Mesa County Libraries are seeking volunteers to fill a variety of needs at several library locations. Apply at mesacountylibraries.org or in person at your nearest library branch. For more information, call 683-0383.

• American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to treatment appointments.

Call 800-227-2345 or visit www. cancer.org. ■

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

The Cottages of Hilltop gives you the independence and freedom to make the most of your retirement INDEPENDENT LIVING Our single-level patio homes offer

privacy and luxury. The open living plans feature two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio and one-car garage.

CAREFREE LIFESTYLE Enjoy the freedom of maintenance-free

living with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance and a customized meal plan at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms.

PEACE OF MIND Each residence includes a 24-hour emergency response system. Plus, we offer a choice of flexible care options and services to meet your changing needs.

(970) 434-2111

TheCottagesGJ.org

Visit today for a tour and free lunch

L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D B Y H I L LT O P - M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E F O R P E O P L E O F A L L A G E S

42 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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FRIENDS & & FAMILY FAMILY FRIENDS CLEARANCE EVENT EVENT CLEARANCE bring bring in in in this this this ad ad ad and and and receive receive receive a a a bring DEALERSHIP DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEE EMPLOYEE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT DISCOUNT DISCOUNT DEALERSHIP on on select select select vehicles! vehicles! vehicles! on Good for 1 purchase per household FF67860

2578 Hwy. 6 & 50 Grand Junction 81501

There’s A New Prosthodontist In Town!

I’m Jake R. Atwood and although I am new to town, I am not new to Prosthodontics.

I served in the United States Air Force where I polished my skills and learned the value of self-sacrifice and service.

As a prosthodontist, I primarily deal with the replacement of missing or worn teeth. Whether it’s just one or all 32 of them, I can help you achieve a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile. And remember, it’s important to get your dentures checked annually!

Having 4 kids, I know what it’s like to want the best for the ones you love. That’s why it’s not just about teeth. It’s about providing the best care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

So, come on over, get to know us, and leave feeling like one of the family! *Dr. Atwood is the only Prosthodontist in the Western Slope of Colorado.

ATWOOD PROSTHODONTICS Jake R. Atwood DMD, MS

1317 N 3rd Street

241-2430

Grand Junction

JULY 2015

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 The old gray one 5 Book ­classification 9 Take a powder 14 Field of study 15 “Now ___ me down “ 16 One-named singer 17 Behind closed doors 19 Put to the grindstone 20 Whitney Houston’s cousin 22 Attacks 23 Skill of the masters 24 James Arness’ brother 31 Nav. officer 34 Fidelity 35 Be in store for 36 Swedish export 38 Conduct­ance unit 39 Trigo­nometry function 40 Journalist Stewart 42 You can get down here 45 “Solaris” author Stanislaw 46 Francis Ford Coppola’s nephew 48 ___ Kan (pet foods name) 49 Physicist Fermi 54 Martin Sheen’s acting son 58 “Cosmos” creator 60 Honduras neighbor 61 1975 Pulitzer ­critic 62 Bony prefix 63 ___acte 64 School grades 65 The R in CD-ROM 66 Something to do Down 1 Hotel force 2 Legendary golfer’s nickname 3 Transplant the fern 4 Isn’t just given 5 Rosy was one 6 What there oughta be 7 Pro ___ 8 Ogling one 9 Astronaut Wally 10 Native Alabamans 11 File’s ­partner 12 “You ___” (Lionel Richie hit) 13 “The ___ Squad” 18 Not suitable 21 Move one’s tail?

25 Heavy reading?

26 Code of conduct 27 Classic TV’s Morgenstern 28 Colorado ski resort 29 German article 30 It may get tongue-tied 31 Strong ___ ox 32 Surrealist Salvador 33 Opposite of fem.

37 Certain placeholder 41 Gripes 43 Discharged 44 French income 47 Word before spice or star 50 Convened again 51 Marla’s predecessor 52 Cornishmen 53 Mountain range of Arkansas 54 Hungarian city or river 55 Frankenstein flunky 56 Either of three English rivers 57 “I could ___ horse!”

58 Sch. for ministers 59 One-time hoop gp.

JULY 2015

REAL ESTATE 43

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

SOUTH EAST

senior living in a parklike setting Friendly  Affordable  Safe Convenient  Comfortable 435 32 Road #568 • 3BD/2BA, Large Kitchen • Fully Remodeled. Move-in Ready!

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• Motivated Seller! Bring Options!

nellie Bechtel senior apartments 245-1712 • 3032 North 15th Street

Price Reduced! $47,000 RE/MAX 4000 970-241-4000

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE RIO VISTA MOBILE HOME PARK BEAUTIFULLY SHADED lot available in Palisade’s premium 55+ mobile home community. Ideal for a singlewide modular home. Ph: 464-7798 for details.

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REDLANDS

Are you looking to attract senior BUYERS or SELLERS in Mesa County?

398 Caprock Court

• Brand New Home-Dynamic Floor Plan!

• Just Completed - Built by Damien Homes • 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 3 Car • Views of the Colorado National Monument. Builder Specializes in Quality Finishes, Great Detail Work

Heath & Company Realtors/Metro Brokers

© 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. 51268

© 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. 51268

© 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. 51268

ADVERTISE YOUR LISTING HERE! Special promotions for Registered Realtors®

Call 243-8829.

Hal Heath 970-250-9515

BECOME a volunteer at HopeWest!

Whatever your interests and schedule, we'll find the right fit for you.

Volunteer and explore the many opportunities at HopeWest.

Did you know the BEACON has a Facebook page?

Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

For more information contact us at (970) 241-2212 or visit our website HopeWestCO.org.

HopeWestCO.org

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To Place a Classified Ad...

3 EASY STEPS!  Write your ad: ....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

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

For this many months ...................... deadline :

20th of the preceding month

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

 cash

 check

 Send it in:

CLASSES

FOR SALE

Free Meditation Class Introduction to KRIYA Meditation – Ancient teaching from KRIYA traditions. Tuesday nights. 7 p.m., YOGA West, 1025 Main St. Call 523-5685.

BURIAL PLOTS – In Memorial Gardens of the Valley – 3 consecutive plots. $500 each or $1,200 for all three plus transfer fee. OBO. Call Mickie at 260-6637

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

JANITORIAL Experienced supervisor, commercial cleaning. Individuals, teams, husbands and wives, retirees, seniors. Evenings and weekends.

Part-time. Please call 255-0525, M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Junction residents only please.

sales person wanted

 Pay for it:  credit card # ............................................................... name on card ............................................................... exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

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

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

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

JULY 2015

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

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

COMPANION CARE Assisted Companion Care Are you a senior woman feeling lack of companionship and security? This is a comfortable and affordable alternative. Your family will appreciate peace of mind knowing you are safe and happy. Private suite in upper middle class home. Heart healthy meals.

Activities and senior exercise offered.

Transportation for shopping, medical appointments. Your pet is welcome.

Call Sylvia at 596-1408 for more information.

HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.

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

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

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

www.pascosw.com

Home Helper Let me help you in your home.

Experienced in all areas of caregiving. Personal Care, Doctor Appointments, Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning. Mature, Friendly & Dependable. Seeking Private Pay Clients in Montrose Area. Excellent References. Please call Jackie at 433-0321.

HOME CARE Caregiver with 28 years’ experience. Singles or couples – compassionate companionship, meals, light housekeeping, meds, pet care and more. Full or part-time days and overnights. Please call 314-7420.

HOME SERVICES COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEANING BY KayDee the Cleaning Lady. Dependable, Efficient & Insured. Please call for References!

KayDee at 970-623-4722 (cell) or 970-241-1270 (office). PO Box 394, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

JULY 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 45

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

HOUSE CLEANING & MORE! Safe and secure small animal pet sitting. Your home – Grand Junction/ Clifton area. Also housecleaning with current openings on Mondays and Fridays. References available.

Discounts for Seniors. Call Benni at 241-2611.

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter!

Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

RELIABLE ESTATE SALES Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net.

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 30 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-8236.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Grab bars. Walk-in tubs/showers.

Licensed plumber/handyman. Serving Western Colorado since 1989.

Free estimates. Compare and save!

985-1403.

TREE SERVICE Get ready for summer. Tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding.

FREE hauling, boom truck to 85 feet, FREE estimates. Licensed and insured. Chris 260-0222.

SKILLED HANDYMAN SERVICES Fast, reliable handyman services available. No job too big or too small. We are licensed and insured and have over 35 years’ experience.

We are ADA (Special Needs), CAPS (Aging in Place) and NHBA (National Home Builders Association) certified to meet your individual needs. All services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and misc. services. Western Interior Builders, LLC. Call 241-2029 for appointment.

FLOORING – Great Scott’s Hardwood Floors.

Installs, sand and refinish, residential, commercial, sports floor installation and striping. Remote?

No electricity? Not a problem!

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Linkhartquilting@gmail.com.

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46 KUDOS & KVETCH

kudos \ ku·dos  “[Jan] did a great job on the story [about the Blue Knights in June’s BEACON]. Just reading it brings back so many good memories. Thank you!”

- Linda Sines, Grand Villa Assisted Living

(Sines refers to memories of Louise Whitney, a former resident at Grand Villa, whose wish was granted when Blue Knight George Krug took her for the ride of her life in a motorcycle sidecar before she died.)

 “Thank you so much for the article about the Roller Dam’s 100th birthday in the June issue! You did a great job!

We’re already getting good comments about how interesting and informative it is for people in the valley who don’t know much about irrigation or the dam’s history. We appreciate your support and are grateful for the coverage of the birthday party as well.”

- Priscilla Walker, Palisade Historical Society

 “I called requesting a copy of your Transitions in Aging Resource Directory.

I couldn’t believe when Sherry from the BEACON delivered it to me in person.

You have the best customer service of any business in the valley.”

- Aileen K., Grand Junction

 “Thank you so much for this PDF version of the Blue Knights’ story in June’s BEACON. If you or Jan ever wants to go for a motorcycle ride, either on two wheels or three, just let me know. I feel I owe so much for this article.” - George Krug, Grand Junction Cloie: You’re welcome, but if anything, I should thank you for your years of service in law enforcement. I passed on your comment to Jan, who said she might take you up on that motorcycle ride. She said she hasn’t been on a motorcycle in years.

Maybe I’ll sit in the sidecar.

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Is the Americans with Disabilities Act still important?

T

he day the Americans With Disabilities Act passed in 1990, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin delivered a speech from the Senate floor in a way most of his colleagues didn’t understand.

Harkin, the bill’s sponsor, used sign language for the benefit of his brother who was deaf and had taught Harkin this lesson: “People should be judged on the basis of their abilities and not on the basis of their disabilities.”

With the country marking the Act’s 25th anniversary, Brandi Rarus, a former Miss Deaf America, remembers how important it was for people with disabilities to make it known they would no longer allow others to set limits on what they could achieve.

“Those of us with disabilities face many barriers,” said Rarus, co-author with Gail Harris of the book “Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman’s Story of Identity, Love and Adoption.”

“Some of those are unavoidable. I can’t listen to the radio as I drive to work in the morning. Often, because of communication barriers, I have to work twice as hard as a hearing person. Instead of taking me five minutes to make a doctor’s appointment, it takes me 10.”

But Rarus said some barriers are avoidable, which is why the Americans With Disabilities Act has played such an important role in people’s lives for the last 25 years.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities when it comes to employment. The act also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for a disability unless it causes “undue hardship.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor: • Complying isn’t expensive.

The majority of workers with disabilities do not need accommodations, and for those who do, the

cost is usually minimal. In fact, 57 percent of accommodations cost nothing, according to the Job Accommodation Network.

• Lawsuits have not flooded the courts. The majority of ADA employment-related disputes are resolved through informal negotiation or mediation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces the ADA’s employment provisions, investigates the merits of each case and offers alternatives to litigation.

• The ADA is rarely misused.

If an individual files a complaint under the ADA and does not have a condition that meets its definition of disability, the complaint is dismissed. While claims by people with false or minor conditions may get media attention, these complaints are usually dismissed.

Winning the Miss Deaf America crown in 1988 led Rarus to numerous opportunities. She signed the National Anthem at a Chicago Cubs game. She spoke at corporate conferences and traveled the country speaking out for deaf children and building awareness of what it means to be deaf.

Her latest project is “Finding Zoe.” The book Rarus and Harris joined forces to write tells the story of Rarus’ early years as she learned to live with being deaf, but the focal point becomes her effort to adopt Zoe, a deaf infant caught in the foster care system.

Harris, upon collaborating with Rarus on her story, was on a mission to help bring it forth, as everyone is deserving of basic human rights.

“People don’t realize what the deaf have gone through,” Harris said.

For details, visit www.brandirarus.com or www.gailharrisauthor. com. ■

JULY 2015

kvetch \ kfech  “I was very disappointed that your festivals portion didn’t mention Cattleman’s Days in Gunnison. It takes place in July.” -Mary Ann H., Gunnison Cloie: Sorry we forgot, but now we’ll have it on our list for next year. In the mean time, I included it in the calendar in the Mesa County and Delta-Montrose editions.

 “My husband and I usually get a great laugh from your jokes. This month we laughed and laughed and laughed when we saw the ad for the marijuana store called High Q. Our experience has been that marijuana lowers your IQ.” - Kelly F., Grand Junction

 “I’m happy that there were a lot less DUIs issued at this year’s Country Jam. But I am still upset that us local taxpayers are left paying $50,000 towards Townsquare’s security costs.”

- Dean R., Grand Junction

 “Why not send the area’s homeless people in the desert north of Clifton to live with their redneck cousins who are polluting the base of Mt. Garfield with their trailers, shacks and junkyards?”

- Gary A., Grand Junction

 “I’m standing at a urinal in the men’s room taking care of business when a guy talking on a cell phone goes into a stall and takes a seat. An explosive series of sounds shatters the awkward silence. He continues his cell phone conversation without skipping a beat. Really? Come on people, have some common decency.”

- Hap J., Grand Junction

Wanna pitch a fit?

Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

JULY 2015

47

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Senior Homecare by Angels

We are celebrating 50 Years!

50th

1965 - 2015

Help us celebrate - Exhibits, Events and MORE!

Celebrating 50 Years

’aa’ B é Btoirtysof Navajo Baahane n i ske : D eS Th

A Traveling Exhibition from the Anasazi Heritage Center

ts

Nesting with Dinosaurs

EXPLORE

THE

MYSTERIES OF DINOSAUR

FAMILY

Ask Us About Xcel Rebates Commercial & Residential Affordable, Full-Service Plumbing!

LIFE!

Diné Artistry

Dinosaur Journey Museum

550 Jurassic Ct. • Fruita, CO

This special exhibit has been hatched for you by:

Collections from the Museum of the Western Colorado

462 Ute Avenue Grand Junction, CO

With additional support from:

This exhibit was made possible by: Arline & Ronald Stewart

Presents

10th Annual Two Rivers Chautauqua

Rascals

and

FREE ESTIMATES

13500 Special

$

EVAPORATIVE COOLER

Spring START UP & Fall SHUT DOWN • Parts Extras

Rogues King’N Trio Concert

September 18 & 19 Cross Orchards Historic Site

July 24 • 7 pm Admission at the Door Cross Orchards $8/Person • $20/Family Historic Site Online Only Weekend Pass $14/Person • $30/Family $25 per person www.museumofwesternco.org • 970.242.0971 Tickets & info

☞

We offer senior discounts.

970-248-9196

321 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501

www.heatingandcoolinggrandjunction.com

taking care of each other is what community is all about.

We’re proud to serve the friends and families of our community with personal, compassionate care.

Martin Mortuary

Grand Junction

MartinMortuary.com 970-243-1538 M0405_2549_Martin__PNT_Community_10-375x5-2_C.indd 1

3/19/15 8:54 PM