improved version of BenefitsCheckUp.org that connects seniors and people with disabilities with nearly 2,000 benefits programs to help them pay for food, medicine, utilities and other daily expenses. BenefitsCheckUp offers guidance on which programs visitors might be eligible for and how to apply, English and Spanish capabilities, free confidential eligibility checks and online chat, email and NCOA’s network of local benefit enrollment centers—85 agencies in 41 states where individuals can get application support in person. Visit www. benefitscheckup.org
9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Older adults make up 12 percent of the U.S. population but account for 18 percent of all suicide deaths. Now those experiencing mental health crises can reach out for help by calling or texting 9-8-8, which connects them to the local crisis call center nearest them (over 200 total), and a trained counselor assists them. Visit www.988lifeline. org for details. ■
SUPPORT GROUPS Bereavement Book Club by HopeWest heals through discussions about death, grief and mourning from various forms of literature at Delta Library. 3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970874-9630 | www.deltalibraries. org COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care in Montrose. Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988 Dementia Caregivers Support Group in Delta meets in locations throughout Delta County. 1st & 3rd Wednesday at Grand Mesa Arts Center in Cedaredge | 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Hotchkiss Town Hall | Thursdays at 480 Silver St. in Delta | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724 Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. |
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Friends of Montrose Library volunteers sort donated books and run book sales. www.montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656 Golden Circle Seniors greet and serve lunch during the week. 970-252-4888 Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans volunteers to help at its ReStore or construction sites. www.buildinglives.org | 970-252-9303 Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400 Senior CommUnity Meals seeks volunteer delivery drivers to
help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661 Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks volunteers for three hours, one day a week. www.sharingministries.com | 970-240-8385 Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886 Welcome Home Allaince for Veterans volunteers support Montrose County veterans with a variety of projects. 970-765-2210 | www.whafv.org
Question
OF THE
Month
Compiled by Siggie Carpenter
What is your earliest memory? Sharon Bacus – Montrose “One of my first childhood memories was going on vacation with my family to the Oregon coast. We went every June to visit my grandparents. I remember playing with my sister and cousins in the water on the beach.”
Don Clifford – Crawford “I came to the United States from the Philippines when I was 7 years old. I remember the ship smelled like paint. Whenever Dad took us on family days to visit the cruisers, they all smelled like paint. The smell of fresh paint always makes me think of my childhood days when my dad served in the Navy.”
Marjorie Fisher – Delta “I was born in Downey, California, and remember going to Disneyland for the first time when I was 5 years old. My family and I went every year until I moved away for college. I loved taking my children and now my grandchildren there. I still believe it’s the ‘happiest place on earth.’”
Diane Diamant – Montrose “I was around 6 years old when I went to Vacation Bible School. I remember it was the first time I rode on a bus. I also remember having fun, singing songs and the first time I heard the name Jesus. I was given a small Bible that I still have.”
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